Mark Osborne welcomes Laurie Barkman, founder of Business Transition Sherpa, a consulting firm specializing in guiding business owners through growth and transition strategies. With a background in B2B growth, Laurie brings firsthand experience as CEO of a third-generation company and has led a significant acquisition, giving her unique insight into both sides of the transition process. She has worked extensively with Gen X owners who approach exit planning differently than baby boomers, seeking more personalized and strategic pathways. Laurie is also the creator of the trademarked "Built to Sell Method," a structured framework that helps business owners increase their company's value and prepare for successful transitions through vision setting, operational efficiency, team integration, and leadership clarity.

In this episode, Laurie shares how business transitions are evolving, why generational differences matter in exit planning, and how her framework empowers owners to take control of their future. She emphasizes the importance of aligning vision with operations, building strong teams, and clarifying leadership roles to ensure businesses are not only ready for sale but also positioned for long-term success.

Quotes:

• "I realized something about B2B… we're selling to people, just like we're selling to people in B2C."

• "The more we can have a business that thrives without us, the more valuable it will be."

• "We've seen those baby boomers die at their desk… and we don't want to be them. We want to enjoy life while we can."

Takeaways:

• Business transitions are becoming more common, especially among Gen X owners who value strategic, personalized exits.

• Laurie's "Built Method" framework provides a repeatable system for increasing business value and preparing for transition.

• Vision setting and operational efficiency are critical to creating a company that is attractive to buyers and resilient for the future.

• Team integration and leadership clarity ensure continuity, reduce risk, and strengthen organizational culture during transitions.

• Owners who plan proactively can achieve smoother exits, higher valuations, and greater satisfaction in their next chapter.

Conclusion:

Laurie Barkman's approach reframes exit planning as a proactive, strategic process rather than a reactive event. By leveraging her "Built Method" framework, business owners can align vision, operations, and leadership to maximize value and prepare for successful transitions. Her insights highlight the importance of generational perspectives, structured planning, and team alignment in creating businesses that are not only ready to sell but also built to thrive.

Links Mentioned:

Website The Business Transition Sherpa: https://btsherpa.com/

Book: The Business Transition Handbook: https://a.co/d/fcKOjb2

Guest Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauriebarkman/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriebarkman/