When is the right time to sell your business?

In this episode of MATCHplay, Thad Miller sits down with Doug Cole, co-founder of Performance Assessment Network, to talk about building fast, selling at the right moment, and what happens after the deal closes.

Doug helped grow Performance Assessment Network into one of the fastest-growing companies in the region before it was acquired for $75 million in just over five years. But the real story isn't just the number. It's how the decision to sell was made while the business still had momentum, and how he evaluated the right partner to carry it forward.

This conversation breaks down the tension every founder faces. Do you keep building and see how far it can go, or do you take the opportunity in front of you?

If you're building a business, thinking about an exit, or wondering how to time a sale, this episode will give you a real perspective from someone who's been through it.

What You'll Learn:

• How to know when it's the right time to sell your business
• The pros and cons of selling early vs. holding longer
• How to evaluate buyers beyond just price
• What it feels like to sell while the business is still growing
• What changes when you stay on after an acquisition
• How founders should think about timing, risk, and opportunity

About the Guest:

Doug Cole is the co-founder of Performance Assessment Network (PAN), a technology company focused on online hiring and assessment tools. Under his leadership, the company scaled rapidly and was acquired for $75 million. He remained involved following the acquisition, helping guide the company through its next phase of growth.

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