From Angel To Exit

By Bruce Eckfeldt

From Angel To Exit is a business podcast exploring the entrepreneurial journey of scaling a business from raising your first round of funding to exiting. We cover the trials and tribulations that foun... more

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FAQs about From Angel To Exit:

How many episodes does From Angel To Exit have?

The podcast currently has 39 episodes available.

From Angel To Exit episodes:

January 12, 202638: From Bankrupt to $8M EBITDA: How Tim Murphy Revived Boomer Parks with PE Discipline
Tim Murphy, former CEO of Boomer Parks, shares the story of transforming a bankrupt amusement park group into a profitable, private equity-ready asset. From revamping guest experience to shifting customer focus and optimizing pricing, Tim walks us through how he scaled operations and achieved an $18M swing in EBITDA. This episode is packed with lessons in operational turnaround, pricing strategy, and preparing for a successful exit—all essential insights for founder-CEOs eyeing growth and liquidity.
Key Takeaways:
Define and operationalize core values early—use them to drive hiring, culture, and accountability.
Eliminate discount-heavy pricing models that attract unprofitable customers.
Prioritize guest experience—clean, safe, and immersive environments lead to increased loyalty and revenue.
Use a PE mindset: start with the P&L and build value through strategic EBITDA improvements.
Evaluate each location or asset based on demographics, profitability, and growth potential.
Invest in operational visibility—visit locations, talk to guests, and spot red flags firsthand.
Raise prices confidently—if the experience is there, customers will pay.
Build a business model private equity can scale—reproducibility and clear growth paths increase exit value.
Timestamps
00:00 The Journey Begins: Tim's Entrepreneurial Roots
02:30 Transforming Boomers Parks: Leadership and Strategy
06:38 Core Values and Team Dynamics
10:47 Understanding Customer Experience and Competition
18:48 Pricing Strategies and Value Creation
23:38 Evaluating Business Potential: The Decision-Making Process
29:20 Private Equity Insights: What Owners Should Know
Links & Resources
Tim Murphy
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://timmurphyceo.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmurphyceo/
Subscribe to the Podcast:
Find From Angel to Exit on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Be sure to hit “Subscribe” so you never miss an episode.
Newsletter & Exclusive Content:
Sign up for the free newsletter at eckfeldt.com/podcast for episode transcripts, bonus insights, frameworks, and community updates.
Connect with Bruce & the Community:
LinkedIn: Bruce Eckfeldt
Instagram: @bruce_eckfeldt
Email:
[email protected]
[email protected]
...more
45min
January 07, 202637: Why 75% of Founders Regret Selling—and How to Avoid It with Better Planning
At just 24, Scott Snider sold his landscaping company—but quickly faced an identity crisis. Today, as president of the Exit Planning Institute, he’s on a mission to help founders avoid the same post-exit regret. In this episode, Scott shares his entrepreneurial journey, why most exits fail the owner emotionally, and how the CEPA framework empowers founders to build with the end in mind. Discover why aligning business, personal, and financial planning is the ultimate lever for maximizing exit value—and peace of mind.
Key Takeaways:
Start exit planning early—even if you're years away—to create options and drive valuation.
Align business, personal, and financial goals using the “Three-Legged Stool” method.
Know your wealth gap: how much you need post-exit determines your deal flexibility.
75% of founders regret their exit—often due to a lack of personal purpose planning.
Building buyability also builds a stronger business today—exit strategy is good business strategy.
Today’s founders prefer relationship-driven advisors, not transactional experts.
Gen X and Millennial owners are driving a shift to multiple exits and hybrid deal structures.
SEPA-certified advisors bring a shared framework and mindset that accelerates founder outcomes.
Timestamps:
00:07 – Welcome and Introduction
01:23 – Scott Snider's Personal Story: From Janitor to Business Exit
05:30 – The Importance of Exit Planning for Founders
11:45 – Transforming a Business into a Financial Asset
33:52 – Strategic Planning Insights for Business Growth
56:12 – What’s Next for the Exit Planning Institute

Links & Resources
Scott Snider
Website: earncepa.com
Subscribe to the Podcast:
Find From Angel to Exit on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Be sure to hit “Subscribe” so you never miss an episode.
Newsletter & Exclusive Content:
Sign up for the free newsletter at eckfeldt.com/podcast for episode transcripts, bonus insights, frameworks, and community updates.
Connect with Bruce & the Community:
LinkedIn: Bruce Eckfeldt
Instagram: @bruce_eckfeldt
Email:
[email protected]
[email protected]
...more
44min
December 29, 202536: Outgrown the Broker, Ignored by the Banker? How to Sell in the Lower Middle Market
Karl Sigerist, Managing Director at the Shaughnessy Group, shares insider strategies on how founders can prepare for a high-value exit. With decades of experience on both the buy and sell sides, Karl reveals why 80% of lower middle market deals fail—and how you can avoid becoming a statistic. Learn the must-have foundations for exit readiness, how to think like a buyer, and why building a culture of preparation pays dividends. A must-listen for founders scaling toward a sale or acquisition.
Key Takeaways:
80% of lower middle market exits fail due to poor preparation and unrealistic valuations.
Clean, audited financials are essential for attracting serious buyers.
Valuation is driven by future cash flow, quality of earnings, and industry comparables.
Strategic buyers and micro PE funds require different approaches—know your audience.
Scaling past $1M–$3M in EBITDA significantly boosts your exit multiple.
Succession planning is non-negotiable; your business must be transferable.
Founders should think like buyers—objectivity creates better deal outcomes.
Exit planning should begin 5–10 years in advance, not 6 months before a sale.
Timestamps:
01:00 Guest Introduction: Karl Sigerist
03:00 Karl’s Career Journey
06:00 The Shaughnessy Group’s Focus
09:00 M&A Market Insights
12:00 Advice for Entrepreneurs
15:00 Conclusion & Contact Information
Links & Resources
Karl Sigerist
Website: https://shaughnessy.group
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlsigeristjr/
Subscribe to the Podcast:
Find From Angel to Exit on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Be sure to hit “Subscribe” so you never miss an episode.
Newsletter & Exclusive Content:
Sign up for the free newsletter at eckfeldt.com/podcast for episode transcripts, bonus insights, frameworks, and community updates.
Connect with Bruce & the Community:
LinkedIn: Bruce Eckfeldt
Instagram: @bruce_eckfeldt
Email:
[email protected]
[email protected]
...more
45min
December 22, 202535: Avoiding the Shiny Penny: How to Stay Focused and Maximize Your Business Exit
What happens when you turn down a solid acquisition offer? In this powerful episode, Walter Paulsen shares hard-earned insights from decades of founding, scaling, and selling companies in Silicon Valley. From early lessons in rejecting a high-value exit to building Blackhawk’s explosive gift card growth engine, Walter dives deep into founder psychology, exit strategy readiness, and why focus and humility matter more than hype. If you're scaling toward an exit, this episode is packed with founder-tested insights.

Key Takeaways:
• Don't confuse vision with hubris—listen to advisors and avoid "sucking your own exhaust."
• Early exits aren’t failures; sometimes the smaller win is the smarter one.
• Hire A-players and protect company culture, even under growth pressure.
• Start planning for your exit as early as Series A—especially with outside investors.
• Avoid the “shiny penny” trap—double down on what works, don't dilute your focus.
• Understand your buyer—design your company to be bought, not just admired.
• Know the difference between PE-targeted companies and VC-backed startups.
• Post-exit depression is real—have a purpose beyond just financial success.
Timestamps:
00:08 – Introduction to Walter Paulson
02:04 – Walter's background in Silicon Valley
05:08 – Key lessons from early business experiences
10:15 – The importance of knowing when to exit
15:30 – Common mistakes founders make
20:45 – Post-exit challenges and finding purpose
25:00 – Closing remarks and contact information
Links & Resources
Walter Paulsen
[email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/in/walterpaulsen/
Subscribe to the Podcast:
Find From Angel to Exit on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Be sure to hit “Subscribe” so you never miss an episode.
Newsletter & Exclusive Content:
Sign up for the free newsletter at eckfeldt.com/podcast for episode transcripts, bonus insights, frameworks, and community updates.
Connect with Bruce & the Community:
LinkedIn: Bruce Eckfeldt
Instagram: @bruce_eckfeldt
Email:
[email protected]
[email protected]
...more
43min
December 15, 202534: Earnouts, Exit Fatigue, and Valuation Games: A Founder’s Guide to Surviving M&A
What do startup founders often regret most at exit? Overvaluing too early, choosing the wrong investor, and skipping key legal protections. In this episode, Mital Makadia, Partner at Grellas Shah, shares legal and strategic insights from two decades of advising startups through funding and M&A. She breaks down common founder mistakes, why strategic investors can be dangerous, and how to protect yourself with better term sheets and earnout clauses. Founders looking to scale, raise capital wisely, or plan a successful exit will find actionable legal and financial guidance grounded in real-world experience.

Key Takeaways:
Early term sheet negotiations are where founders have the most leverage—maximize it.

Avoid taking high valuations early unless you're certain you can grow into them.

Strategic investors can block future funding rounds—vet motivations carefully.

Earnouts should be considered “gravy,” not guaranteed—negotiate control and budget.

Build in single-trigger acceleration and “good reason” resignation clauses.

Keep buyer relationships warm long before you plan to sell.

Founders often walk away quickly post-exit—plan earnout terms accordingly.

Don’t show desperation—buyers will use it to their advantage.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
03:00 Mital's Professional Background
09:00 Challenges in the Startup Space
15:00 Funding Rounds and Valuations
21:00 Strategic Buyers and Exits
27:00 Legal and Financial Considerations
33:00 Impact of the Pandemic on Exits
39:00 Conclusion and Contact Information
Links & Resources
Mital Makadia
Website: www.grellas.com
Subscribe to the Podcast:
Find From Angel to Exit on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Be sure to hit “Subscribe” so you never miss an episode.
Newsletter & Exclusive Content:
Sign up for the free newsletter at eckfeldt.com/podcast for episode transcripts, bonus insights, frameworks, and community updates.
Connect with Bruce & the Community:
LinkedIn: Bruce Eckfeldt
Instagram: @bruce_eckfeldt
Email:
[email protected]
[email protected]
...more
43min
December 08, 202533: Inside a Founder’s Exit Journey: Structuring for Scale, Earning Trust, and Choosing the Right Buyer
Frustrated by outdated agency models, Wesley Portegies founded MedComms Experts and scaled it to a 90-person firm across the US and Europe. In this episode, Wesley reveals how he prepped for exit without ever planning one—building solid systems, exploring investor conversations early, and ultimately finding a strategic partner aligned with his vision. A masterclass in founder succession, agency growth, and exit readiness, this episode is a must-listen for founders serious about scaling and strategic exits.

Key Takeaways:
Founders should start investor conversations early—even without plans to sell.
Run your business like it’s for sale, regardless of your current exit timeline.
Early systems and contracts (employment, client, GDPR) are critical for smooth exits.
Fit with investors is more important than valuation—trust and aligned vision matter.
Strategic frameworks (like TreeHack) support scale by aligning teams and communication.
A failed exit can still provide huge value—Wesley used it as a learning & prep tool.
Transparency builds trust: share “the good, the bad, and the ugly” during diligence.
Inorganic growth requires partners with experience, not just capital.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:26 – Meet Wesley Portegies, Exited Founder
02:03 – Wesley’s Entrepreneurial Beginnings
07:58 – Growth Journey and Key Insights
14:16 – Realizing the Business’s Sellable Potential
19:03 – Preparing for Investment and Growth
41:27 – Final Thoughts and Advice
Links & Resources
Wesley Porteiges
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleyportegies/

Subscribe to the Podcast:
Find From Angel to Exit on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Be sure to hit “Subscribe” so you never miss an episode.
Newsletter & Exclusive Content:
Sign up for the free newsletter at eckfeldt.com/podcast for episode transcripts, bonus insights, frameworks, and community updates.
Connect with Bruce & the Community:
LinkedIn: Bruce Eckfeldt
Instagram: @bruce_eckfeldt
Email:
[email protected]
[email protected]
...more
47min
December 01, 202532: How Founder Complacency Kills Value—and What Scott Allison Did Differently
What do you do when you hit “enough”—but your business still has room to grow? In this episode, Scott Allison, co-founder of Allison Marketing, shares how he scaled a boutique PR firm into a global agency with 52 offices and $100M in revenue. He dives into the challenges of founder complacency, the nuances of strategic M&A, and how he architected a smooth, 11-year earn-out. From exit readiness to post-acquisition purpose, this is a masterclass in growing and exiting with intention.
Key Takeaways:
“Growth is a decision”—you must consciously commit and act to scale.
Founder complacency is a major threat to long-term business value.
Timing specialist hires correctly is crucial for sustainable growth.
Strategic M&A can be a major growth engine—if you plan early and stay methodical.
A thoughtful, multi-year exit plan leads to better terms and less regret.
Emotional detachment from deals is key—don’t fall in love with the transaction.
Identity and purpose after exit require just as much planning as the deal itself.
Smooth leadership transitions take time; gradual step-downs work best.
Timestamps:
00:16 – Introduction to the episode and sponsor message
01:24 – Meet Scott Allison, co-founder of Allison Marketing
02:03 – Scott's early career and unexpected path to entrepreneurship
04:52 – Building a company from scratch and facing early challenges
06:07 – The growth of Allison Marketing to a global presence
08:07 – Key lessons learned in leadership and scaling a business
11:24 – The role of acquisitions in business growth
13:24 – Transitioning from CEO to a new chapter
15:28 – Advice for entrepreneurs considering selling their business
18:24 – Scott's future plans and passion projects
Links & Resources
Scott Allison
Website: https://www.allisonworldwide.com/
Email: [email protected]
Subscribe to the Podcast:
Find From Angel to Exit on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Be sure to hit “Subscribe” so you never miss an episode.
Newsletter & Exclusive Content:
Sign up for the free newsletter at eckfeldt.com/podcast for episode transcripts, bonus insights, frameworks, and community updates.
Connect with Bruce & the Community:
LinkedIn: Bruce Eckfeldt
Instagram: @bruce_eckfeldt
Email:
[email protected]
[email protected]
...more
43min
November 24, 202531: How to Avoid Deal Disasters: Why Founder-CEOs Need a Dedicated M&A Lawyer Before Selling
In this episode, deal lawyer Chad Williams, Partner at Lamb McErlane, shares insider strategies for founder-CEOs preparing to exit. From why every founder needs a dedicated M&A lawyer to how to handle LOIs, earnouts, and non-competes, Chad walks through the full deal lifecycle. Learn what to do a year before selling, how to protect yourself post-sale, and how to avoid common legal traps that erode value. This conversation is packed with actionable legal insights for founders navigating the complex world of business exits.
Key Takeaways
Engage a deal-specific lawyer early—ideally 12+ months before selling.
Build a diligence-ready data room well in advance of marketing the company.
Always know your walkaway point—emotionally and financially—before starting negotiations.
Earnouts are risky; structure clear terms or avoid them entirely.
Get clarity on whether the deal will be structured as an asset or equity sale.
Use rep and warranty insurance to minimize post-close liability.
Align internal deal team and external advisors around clear objectives and must-haves.
Plan early for what comes after the exit—professionally and personally.
Links & Resources
Chad Williams
Website: www.lambmcerlane.com
LinkedIn: Chad Williams on LinkedIn
Subscribe to the Podcast:
Find From Angel to Exit on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Be sure to hit “Subscribe” so you never miss an episode.
Newsletter & Exclusive Content:
Sign up for the free newsletter at eckfeldt.com/podcast for episode transcripts, bonus insights, frameworks, and community updates.
Connect with Bruce & the Community:
LinkedIn: Bruce Eckfeldt
Instagram: @bruce_eckfeldt
Email:
[email protected]
[email protected]
...more
44min
November 10, 202530: From Broke to Multi-Exit Founder: How Solving Real Problems Built Two 7-Figure Companies
From hustling for baseball cards as a kid to exiting multiple businesses, Travis Luther shares his extraordinary journey of entrepreneurship, reinvention, and impact. In this episode, Travis opens up about building and selling Queen Anne Pillow and Trial Line, the emotional complexities of life post-exit, and his new mission with Moso Pillow. Packed with raw insights, hard-won lessons, and founder-to-founder wisdom, this is a must-listen for any entrepreneur aiming to scale with purpose and exit with clarity.

Key Takeaways:
Solving a real, painful market problem is more important than building a passion project.
Choose business partners with complementary skills—not just shared interests.
Know your exact cost of goods sold to price effectively and grow profitably.
Valet Ads taught Travis about high-margin, scalable ideas hidden in plain sight.
Queen Anne Pillow scaled fast with SEO and customer education during COVID.
Selling too soon without testing the full market may leave money on the table.
Life post-exit can bring emotional uncertainty if you haven’t planned what’s next.
Travis’s new venture, Moso Pillow, aligns impact, purpose, and entrepreneurship.
Links & Resources
Travis Luther
https://www.travisluther.com
@travisscottluther
Subscribe to the Podcast:
Find From Angel to Exit on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Be sure to hit “Subscribe” so you never miss an episode.
Newsletter & Exclusive Content:
Sign up for the free newsletter at eckfeldt.com/podcast for episode transcripts, bonus insights, frameworks, and community updates.
Connect with Bruce & the Community:
LinkedIn: Bruce Eckfeldt
Instagram: @bruce_eckfeldt
Email:
[email protected]
[email protected]
...more
45min
November 03, 202529: Founder Fatigue, Deal Drama & the Power of Values in a Successful Business Exit with Gregg Lederman
In this raw and powerful episode, Gregg Lederman shares how he scaled his values-driven SaaS company, Brand Integrity, from consulting to licensing—and ultimately sold it to a global buyer. He reveals the emotional toll, deal setbacks, and ethical challenges he faced, and how staying true to his core values helped him through. Gregg now leads “A Great Life Now,” helping leaders find purpose and self-awareness. This episode is a must-listen for founders navigating growth, burnout, and business exits.

Key Takeaways:
A values-based culture helped Brand Integrity stand out in a crowded market.
Hiring people better than yourself is critical to scaling a founder-led business.
M&A processes often lack integrity—be prepared emotionally and ethically.
Not raising capital allowed control but limited speed—tradeoffs matter.
Founders should define personal values before engaging in an exit.
“Retrading” in M&A is real—expect late-stage changes in deal terms.
Staying aligned with company culture should outweigh the highest valuation.
Therapy and self-awareness can be survival tools during exit stress.
Links & Resources
Gregg Lederman
[email protected]
gregglederman.com
[email protected]

Subscribe to the Podcast:
Find From Angel to Exit on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Be sure to hit “Subscribe” so you never miss an episode.
Newsletter & Exclusive Content:
Sign up for the free newsletter at eckfeldt.com/podcast for episode transcripts, bonus insights, frameworks, and community updates.
Connect with Bruce & the Community:
LinkedIn: Bruce Eckfeldt
Instagram: @bruce_eckfeldt
Email:
[email protected]
[email protected]
...more
47min

FAQs about From Angel To Exit:

How many episodes does From Angel To Exit have?

The podcast currently has 39 episodes available.