Jerome Myers interviews Mark Hartmann, exited founder and M&A advisor, on what it really takes to sell a business on strong terms and avoid the common post-exit traps.

They cover seller’s remorse, identity after exit, de-risking a company for buyers, why earnouts can go sideways, and how founders should build a deal team that protects the outcome.

Topics covered:
• Selling Ethicare Advisors to a private equity-backed buyer
• Deal readiness and due diligence preparation
• De-risking customers, vendors, employees, and owner dependency
• Earnouts, reps & warranties, escrow, and transition terms
• Building a personal plan for life after the sale

Links:
Mark Hartmann: hartmannrhodes.com
Book: The Sweat Equity Payday

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Daniel Rudyak built a healthcare company the hard way.

No venture capital. No safety net. And for a long stretch, not even the freedom to buy “two tacos” without doing the mental math.

In this episode, Jerome Myers talks with Daniel, founder of ReadyRx, about what it takes to go from private equity boardrooms to the chaos of building: 120-hour weeks, 18 months pre-revenue, and the constant pressure of carrying a mission that’s deeply personal.

ReadyRx has grown to 10,000+ monthly customers and a reported $70M valuation, but this conversation isn’t about hype. It’s about the truth founders rarely say out loud:

the climb is hard, the summit is brief, and the “money” doesn’t give you what you think it will.

If you’re chasing an exit, thinking about raising capital, or worried about what happens after the deal closes, press play.

In this episode:

Why ReadyRx exists (and the healthcare failures that sparked it)

The real difference between investing in businesses and building one

Why they refused venture money and what control is worth

The hidden skill founders need after liquidity: allocation, not adrenaline

Why most people don’t break on the way up, they break on the way down

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Most founders believe the exit will finally deliver freedom.

But what if that belief is the lie?

In this episode, Jerome Myers and Josselyne Herman-Saccio explore what founders discover too late about selling their business. Why achievement doesn’t automatically produce fulfillment. Why the exit doesn’t erase identity pressure. And why designing your “next” requires more than a successful transaction.

If you think the deal will solve everything, listen first.

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Kerry Harris has exited two companies.

But what makes her story powerful isn’t the deal.

It’s what happened after.

In this episode, we unpack five hard lessons founders ignore about selling their business:

* Why deals fall apart

* How control structures shape exit outcomes

* The emotional cost of acquisition

* The identity vacuum after closing

* And why success can feel strangely empty

This is an honest conversation about what the exit does to founders behind the scenes.

If you think you’re ready to sell, listen first.

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Andrew Hulbert built Pareto from scratch, scaled it to about £50M in revenue, and exited for around $100M, retiring at 37. But the most interesting part of his story is what happened next.

In this episode, Andrew explains how he avoided the post-exit crash many founders experience by preparing himself personally, not just preparing the business. We talk about working with a business psychologist, the “Exit Island” concept, how he decompressed after closing, and why the things that looked like success (cars, status, noise) were far less fulfilling than reconnecting with his wife, kids, friends, and health.

This is a practical, honest conversation for founders who are approaching an exit and wondering: Who am I without the business, and what comes next?

We cover: preparing for exit mentally, clean exits vs earn-outs, identity after exit, relationship repair, health during the sale process, significance and meaning, and what Andrew would do differently if he built it again.

Guest: Andrew Hulbert

Host: Jerome Myers

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What happens after the deal closes is the question too few founders ask. In this conversation on Your N.E.X.T., Jerome Myers sits down again with Dr. Michelle Fritsch to explore why even highly successful founders feel lost, disconnected, or unprepared after exiting their businesses.

Together, they unpack the often-ignored realities of post-exit life—identity loss, health decline, strained relationships, and the myth that money alone creates fulfillment. The conversation also introduces the thinking behind the Exit Ready Summit, a boardroom-style experience designed to help founders prepare not just financially, but personally, relationally, and purposefully for life beyond the business.

[00:00 – 07:00] | The Question Founders Avoid

Most founders ask when to exit, not who they’ll be afterExits are transformational portals, not just transactions

Identity loss is the biggest blind spot in exit planning

[07:01 – 14:00] | Why Health Is the First Domino

Burnout is often a biological warning, not a mindset failure

Chronic stress erodes decision-making long before exits occur

Founders often sacrifice sleep, recovery, and relationships to “push through”

[14:01 – 21:00] | The Myth That Money Fixes Everything

Financial readiness does not replace identity or purposeWealth without structure can magnify loneliness and confusion

Time and talent atrophy without intentional direction

[21:01 – 28:00] | The Identity Vacuum After the Exit

Many founders experience cognitive fog and loss of relevance

Structure disappears overnight, leaving emotional free-fall

Divorce and relationship breakdowns often spike post-exit

[28:01 – 35:00] | Why Purpose Cannot Be an Afterthought

Exiting from a business is not the same as exiting to something meaningful

Lack of purpose leads to isolation, depression, and disengagement

Relationships that once defined daily life often disappear post-exit

[35:01 – 42:00] | Who the Exit Ready Summit Is—and Is Not—For

Designed for founders who want clarity, not just liquidity

Not for those unwilling to be vulnerable or self-reflective

Small, boardroom setting enables real conversations

Key Quotes

“Relevance is one of the first things founders quietly grieve after they exit.” - Dr. Michelle Fritsch

Burnout is not a mindset problem. It’s often a biological warning sign.” - Dr. Michelle Fritsch

Connect with Dr. Fritsch!Website: properlyourwellness.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michellefritsch

Join industry leaders shaping the future and secure your spot at the Exit Planning Summit today!

https://exitplanningsummit.com/speakers

Exit Ready! A Private Boardroom Experience for Business Owners Preparing to Exit Without Regret! 👉 https://exitreadysummit.com/

Ready for your next chapter?Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment

Leave a Review + Help Others Achieve a Great Legacy

If you found this episode valuable, leave us a review and share it with someone who wants to expand their business growth.

Your Next is more than a podcast—it’s a community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and ages, united by a shared passion for personal growth and achieving excellence. 

🎧 Explore our previous episodes or learn more about our mission at https://exittoexcellence.com. Your next chapter starts here!

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What happens when success finds you before you think you’re ready for it? In this episode of Your N.E.X.T., Jennifer K. Hill shares her unexpected exit journey and the deeper transformation that followed. From building and selling a company she never intended to create, to redefining identity, purpose, and alignment after the sale, Jennifer unpacks why true fulfillment doesn’t come from brute force or hustle. 

This conversation explores connection over control, purpose over performance, and why having the right tools, mentors, and inner clarity can change everything about what comes next.

[00:00 – 07:30] The Unexpected Exit

Jennifer never planned to build or sell a company, yet received an unsolicited acquisition offerReputation, relationships, and alignment created opportunity without pursuit

Exit success came from service, not strategy alone

[07:31 – 15:45] Failure, Alignment, and Starting Again

Jennifer’s first business failed despite prior corporate success

Leaving misaligned environments created space for clarity and growth

Alignment means understanding values, motivations, and purpose

[15:46 – 25:10] Purpose, Connection, and the Golden Triangle

Purpose is deeply personal and uniquely defined by each individual

Connection to self enables meaningful connection to others

Clarity allows opportunities to come to you rather than being chased

[25:11 – 34:40] Mentorship, Humility, and the Tool Belt

Jennifer credits long-term mentors for her personal evolution

Early resistance to coaching nearly limited her growthTools matter more than talent when navigating leadership and life

[34:41 – 44:20] Life After the Exit

Jennifer transitioned out earlier than expected due to unforeseen leadership changes

Identity separation from the company felt seamless, not painfulLetting go created space for new, creative, and spiritual opportunities

[44:21 – 52:30] Living Beyond Fear, Time, and Limitation

Perspective determines whether experiences feel hard or effortless

Fear becomes a teacher when examined instead of avoided

Removing judgment opens a deeper connection and understanding

Key Quotes 

“Success didn’t come from chasing the exit. It came from alignment.” – Jennifer K. Hill

“Purpose isn’t out there. It’s already inside you, waiting to be remembered.” – Jennifer K. Hill

Connect with Jennifer!Website:https://jenniferkhill.com/

Website: https://jenhilltribe.com/

Website: https://ctct.me/metabizics/meaningful-morning-mantras/

Join industry leaders shaping the future and secure your spot at the Exit Planning Summit today!

https://exitplanningsummit.com/speakers

Exit Ready! A Private Boardroom Experience for Business Owners Preparing to Exit Without Regret! 👉 https://exitreadysummit.com/

Ready for your next chapter?Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment

Leave a Review + Help Others Achieve a Great Legacy

If you found this episode valuable, leave us a review and share it with someone who wants to expand their business growth.

Your Next is more than a podcast—it’s a community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and ages, united by a shared passion for personal growth and achieving excellence. 

🎧 Explore our previous episodes or learn more about our mission at https://exittoexcellence.com. Your next chapter starts here!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens after the deal closes is the question too few founders ask. In this conversation on Your N.E.X.T., Jerome Myers sits down again with Dr. Michelle Fritsch to explore why even highly successful founders feel lost, disconnected, or unprepared after exiting their businesses.

Together, they unpack the often-ignored realities of post-exit life—identity loss, health decline, strained relationships, and the myth that money alone creates fulfillment. The conversation also introduces the thinking behind the Exit Ready Summit, a boardroom-style experience designed to help founders prepare not just financially, but personally, relationally, and purposefully for life beyond the business.

[00:00 – 07:00] | The Question Founders Avoid

Most founders ask when to exit, not who they’ll be afterExits are transformational portals, not just transactions

Identity loss is the biggest blind spot in exit planning

[07:01 – 14:00] | Why Health Is the First Domino

Burnout is often a biological warning, not a mindset failure

Chronic stress erodes decision-making long before exits occur

Founders often sacrifice sleep, recovery, and relationships to “push through”

[14:01 – 21:00] | The Myth That Money Fixes Everything

Financial readiness does not replace identity or purposeWealth without structure can magnify loneliness and confusion

Time and talent atrophy without intentional direction

[21:01 – 28:00] | The Identity Vacuum After the Exit

Many founders experience cognitive fog and loss of relevance

Structure disappears overnight, leaving emotional free-fall

Divorce and relationship breakdowns often spike post-exit

[28:01 – 35:00] | Why Purpose Cannot Be an Afterthought

Exiting from a business is not the same as exiting to something meaningful

Lack of purpose leads to isolation, depression, and disengagement

Relationships that once defined daily life often disappear post-exit

[35:01 – 42:00] | Who the Exit Ready Summit Is—and Is Not—For

Designed for founders who want clarity, not just liquidity

Not for those unwilling to be vulnerable or self-reflective

Small, boardroom setting enables real conversations

Key Quotes

“Relevance is one of the first things founders quietly grieve after they exit.” - Dr. Michelle Fritsch

Burnout is not a mindset problem. It’s often a biological warning sign.” - Dr. Michelle Fritsch

Connect with Dr. Fritsch!Website: properlyourwellness.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michellefritsch

Join industry leaders shaping the future and secure your spot at the Exit Planning Summit today!

https://exitplanningsummit.com/speakers

Exit Ready! A Private Boardroom Experience for Business Owners Preparing to Exit Without Regret! 👉 https://exitreadysummit.com/

Ready for your next chapter?Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment

Leave a Review + Help Others Achieve a Great Legacy

If you found this episode valuable, leave us a review and share it with someone who wants to expand their business growth.

Your Next is more than a podcast—it’s a community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and ages, united by a shared passion for personal growth and achieving excellence. 

🎧 Explore our previous episodes or learn more about our mission at https://exittoexcellence.com. Your next chapter starts here!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most founders believe the value of their business lies entirely inside their operating company. In this episode, Jason Bush joins Jerome Myers to challenge that assumption and expose one of the most overlooked exit-planning risks: real estate misalignment. Drawing from Jason’s two exits, his background in engineering, business advisory, and commercial real estate, and his work at Linville Team Partners, this conversation unpacks how poorly structured leases, ownership entities, and rent strategies can quietly destroy enterprise value. 

You’ll hear real-world horror stories, surprising valuation math, and a powerful framework for turning real estate from a liability into a strategic wealth-building lever before an exit ever hits the market.

[00:00 – 07:00] From Engineering to Exit Clarity

Jason shares his early career as a civil engineer and his first successful business exit

Why one exit worked and another failed despite strong income

The difference between owning a “job” and building a sellable enterprise

[07:01 – 15:00] Why Exits Fail Even When the Business Looks Strong

Most exits fail due to lack of clarity, not lack of revenue

Why a liquidity event rarely changes how people think about life

The danger of exiting without a clear “what’s next”

[15:01 – 24:00] Brokerage vs Advisory: A Critical Distinction

The difference between business brokerage and real estate brokerage

Why advisory work starts long before any transaction

How advisors miss value when real estate is treated as an afterthought

[24:01 – 33:00] The Real Estate Horror Story Every Founder Should Hear

A real example where a multimillion-dollar business became unsellable

How month-to-month leases can destroy buyer confidence

Why M&A advisors often overlook real estate risk until it’s too late

[33:01 – 42:00] OpCo, PropCo, and the Valuation Blind Spot

Why operating companies and real estate must be separate entities

How under-market rent inflates EBITDA but reduces real exit value

The hidden cap-rate advantage of moving value into real estate

[42:01 – 52:00] Turning Real Estate into Optionality, Not Risk

How paying market rent can increase total enterprise value

Why real estate is often more valuable than the business itself

The power of optionality when exits are structured correctly

Key Quotes:

“Real estate is often valued at a higher multiple than the business, yet it’s treated like an afterthought.” - Jason Bush

 “Most founders don’t realize they have two businesses to exit: the operating company and the real estate.” - Jason Bush

Connect with Jason!Website https://www.ltpcommercial.com/brokers/jason-bush/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-bush-value-advisor/

Join industry leaders shaping the future and secure your spot at the Exit Planning Summit today!

https://exitplanningsummit.com/speakers

Ready for your next chapter?Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment

Leave a Review + Help Others Achieve a Great Legacy

If you found this episode valuable, leave us a review and share it with someone who wants to expand their business growth.

Your Next is more than a podcast—it’s a community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and ages, united by a shared passion for personal growth and achieving excellence. 

🎧 Explore our previous episodes or learn more about our mission at https://exittoexcellence.com. Your next chapter starts here!

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Many founders believe the exit is the finish line, but what happens after the deal closes often reveals a deeper challenge. In this solo episode, Jerome Myers explores why so many exited founders unknowingly rebuild the very businesses and lifestyles they were desperate to escape. He introduces the concept of the “ghost business” and explains how unprocessed identity loss, fear, and unresolved trauma quietly pull founders back into familiar patterns of overwork and self-imposed prisons. 

Through powerful metaphors, real-world observations, and reflective questions, Jerome reframes the exit as a starting line rather than an ending. He offers a path toward clarity, freedom, and intentional post-exit living.

[00:00 – 03:15] The Ghost Business That Follows Every Founder

Many founders rebuild businesses not from purpose, but from discomfort with stillness

The post-exit “next thing” often exists to avoid more profound identity questions

Fulfillment is mistaken for activity, leading to busy work instead of meaningful work

[03:16 – 06:45] When Identity Is Tied to Output

Founders often define their worth by productivity and problem solving

Silence after exit can feel like irrelevance rather than freedom

Losing daily validation creates anxiety and self-doubt

[06:46 – 09:40] Free Time Can Become a Prison

Most founders have never truly experienced rest

If time is not intentionally allocated, it becomes overwhelming

Avoiding what matters most is often disguised as dedication to work

[09:41 – 12:55] Trauma, Motivation, and the Ghost of the Past

Unprocessed exits function like unresolved trauma

Motivation driven by fear replaces inspiration driven by purpose

Founders recreate old patterns even when circumstances have changed

[12:56 – 15:40] The Signs You Never Really Exited

New ventures feel emotionally and operationally familiar

The same stress loops and overcommitment reappear

A liquidity event without inner change is just a relocation of the prison

[15:41 – 20:00] Exiting To Something, Not Just From Something

True post-exit success requires a clear North Star

Freedom without direction creates drift, not peace

The exit is the starting line for identity rebirth, not the end

Key Quotes“Motivation runs when fear is chasing you. Inspiration runs because you chose the destination.” - Jerome Myers“Most founders don’t rebuild businesses because they need money. They rebuild them because they don’t know who they are without one.” - Jerome Myers

Join industry leaders shaping the future and secure your spot at the Exit Planning Summit today!

https://exitplanningsummit.com/speakers

Ready for your next chapter?Start Your Assessment Now 👉 https://theexitparadox.com/assessment

Leave a Review + Help Others Achieve a Great Legacy

If you found this episode valuable, leave us a review and share it with someone who wants to expand their business growth.

Your Next is more than a podcast—it’s a community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and ages, united by a shared passion for personal growth and achieving excellence. 

🎧 Explore our previous episodes or learn more about our mission at https://exittoexcellence.com. Your next chapter starts here!

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