John Martinka is all about relationships, whether he’s helping someone buy or sell a business or teaching new advisors about the industry. He believes no one wants to do business without a foundation of trust and mutual respect, and that marketing yourself is just as important as your technical skills. John’s experience—from concert promotion to years of M&A consulting in the Seattle area—taught him that creating authentic relationships, giving back through organizations like Rotary, and helping clients get ready for their “next great adventure” is what makes the work meaningful.

Key themes included:

1. Importance of relationship-building in business

2. Preparing businesses for successful exit

3. Owner dependency and management delegation

4. Value drivers for maximizing business sale

5. Financial systems and accurate reporting

6. Role of networking versus prospecting

7. Engaging advisors and consultants effectively

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John's Website: https://nokomisadvisory.com/

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Follow Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/

Follow Dana on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danarobinsonofficial/

Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at https://www.danarobinson.com

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If the information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

Saul Cohen, drawing from his own entrepreneurial journey and the experience of watching his father navigate building and exiting a business, now specializes in helping business owners plan for successful exits and avoid common pitfalls. His work focuses on making sure entrepreneurs consciously decide whether they’re building a lifestyle business or an asset to sell, and then guiding them through the next steps—whether that’s careful tax planning, optimizing for risk, or preparing for acquisitions.

Key themes included:

1. Difference: Lifestyle vs. Asset/Legacy businesses

2. Importance of early exit planning

3. Value of execution over ideas

4. Learning from business failures

5. Preparing businesses for acquisition

6. Wealth transfer and acquisition opportunities

7. Emotional aspects of business valuation and exit

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Saul's Email: saul.cohen@theexperteye.co.uk

Saul's Website: https://profitbooster.scoreapp.com/

Saul's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cohensaul/

—

Follow Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/

Follow Dana on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danarobinsonofficial/

Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at https://www.danarobinson.com

—

If the information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

Tim Smith started out as a child actor and singer in New York City, then turned to business. He got the investing bug, started building his own wealth management and advisory firms, and over time became the founder of a boutique financial services platform with around 100 advisors and billions under oversight. Along the journey, he not only helped entrepreneurs prepare for their exit and long-term financial health but also became a real advocate for financial literacy, especially for creatives and the next generation through his “Financial Dad” podcast.

Key themes included:

1. Preparing businesses for a potential exit
2. Understanding business valuation and market multiples
3. Challenges and strategies in succession planning
4. Managing wealth post-business sale
5. Emotional aspects of selling a business
6. Importance of tax and charitable planning
7. Entrepreneurial mindset and risk tolerance

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Tim's Email: tim@aurorapw.com

Tim's Website: https://www.aurorapw.com

Tim's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thefinancialdad

—

Follow Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/

Follow Dana on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danarobinsonofficial/

Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at https://www.danarobinson.com

—

If the information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

M.C. Laubscher is a dynamic entrepreneur, investor, and best-selling author dedicated to empowering business owners through innovative wealth strategies. As the founder of Producers Wealth, he enhances financial well-being across the U.S., while his educational platform, Cashflow Ninja, has influenced over 7 million people globally. Renowned for his acclaimed podcasts and publications, M.C. shares valuable insights on financial independence and legacy-building, earning recognition from Entrepreneur Magazine and membership in elite financial circles like the Forbes Finance Council.

Check out his webpage dedicated to Exit Plan listeners:

www.producerswealth.com/optout

Key themes included:

1. Gambling vs. business strategy

2. Importance of savings systems

3. Cash management and banking instability

4. Life insurance as savings vehicle

5. Strategic borrowing against policies

6. Market cycles and business strategy

7. Diversification and cash flow management

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MC's Email: MC@mclaubscher.com

MC's Website: https://producerswealth.com/

MC's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mclaubscher/

MC's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/producerswealth

MC's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecashflowninja/

MC's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/cashflowninja

—

Follow Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/

Follow Dana on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danarobinsonofficial/

Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at https://www.danarobinson.com

—

If the information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

With over 25 years of experience in electrical engineering, physics, and sales, Mike has tapped into the unique insights of how technology and process can revolutionize sales strategy. As CEO of Patter AI, he continues to champion these revolutionary tech-driven strategies that supercharge strategic sales and has been instrumental in the extraordinary growth of several high profile companies. These methodologies are now detailed further in ‘Sales Sucks’, his newest book, co-authored by friend and colleague Gregg Murphy.

Key themes included:

1. Entrepreneurial Lessons

2. Sales Process Development

3. Mixed Sales Methods

4. Patter AI Platform

5. Scaling with Technology

6. Sales Team Training

7. Financial Best Practices

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Mike's Email: mike@patter.io

Mike's Website: www.salessucksbook.com

Mike's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikelatch/

—

Follow Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/

Follow Dana on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danarobinsonofficial/

Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at https://www.danarobinson.com

—

If the information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

Liz Steblay has been a wise mentor to thousands of self-employed professionals, helping them realize their dreams of becoming solo entrepreneurs. With decades of experience building her own solopreneur career, including founding a national talent agency that made the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. twice, Liz has distilled the formula for solopreneur success down to six essential keys.

As the bestselling author of Succeeding as a Solopreneur, published in partnership with Inc. Magazine in March, Liz explains how these keys are crucial for overcoming FUD—fear, uncertainty, and doubt—and paving the way for long-term success.

Key themes included:

1. Retainer Pricing and Client Trust

2. Building Wealth Through Tax Reduction

3. Solopreneurship to Entrepreneurship Transition

4. Networking and Business Development

5. Financial Management for Solopreneurs

6. Overcoming Fear and Uncertainty

7. Effective Pricing Strategies

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Liz's Website: www.sixkeys.info

Liz's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/independentconsulting/

—

Follow Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/

Follow Dana on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danarobinsonofficial/

Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at https://www.danarobinson.com

—

If the information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

Justin Goodbread is a renowned entrepreneur, author, and business coach with over 30 years of experience in scaling and exiting successful businesses. Beginning his entrepreneurial journey at just 15, Justin learned early the transformative power of business ownership and financial independence. His impressive track record includes selling his last business for over $10 million within just 49 months, marking him as a top-tier expert in the business community.

Justin's expertise is particularly valuable for seasoned business owners, especially those in service industries with annual revenues exceeding $500,000. He excels in helping these entrepreneurs break through growth barriers and prepare for lucrative exits. His strategic guidance focuses on enhancing business value and making companies appealing to potential buyers. Justin addresses critical issues like feeling trapped in one's business and navigating transitions, offering actionable solutions for accelerated growth and successful exits.

Key themes included:

1. Business Transaction Trends

2. Exit Strategy Planning

3. Hiring Challenges

4. Documentation and Systems

5. Business Value Improvement

6. Entrepreneurial Transition

7. Coaching and Mentorship

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Justin's Website: https://www.justingoodbread.com/

Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justingoodbread/

Justin's X: https://x.com/justingoodbread

Justin's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@justingoodbread

Justin's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justingoodbread/

Justin's Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/justingoodbread

—

Follow Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/

Follow Dana on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danarobinsonofficial/

Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at https://www.danarobinson.com

—

If the information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

With over 21 years of experience as a CEO, Adam Coffey has led three major companies under private equity sponsors, mastering turnarounds and acquisitions. He's an author of bestselling books, like The Exit Strategy Playbook, and brings his wealth of experience to his consulting practice, guiding numerous entrepreneurs towards successful exits. Beyond his professional achievements, Adam cherishes personal growth and work-life balance, offering invaluable advice on building strong company cultures and meaningful connections.

"My worst payday ever in the world of private Equity was a 2x multiple of invested capital. However, my best payday ever was 11 times multiple of invested capital."

Key themes included:

1. Private Equity Practices: Buying and selling companies.

2. Business Integration: Aggregating smaller companies.

3. Entrepreneurial Growth: Buy-and-build model.

4. M&A Strategy: Multiple arbitrage and due diligence.

5. Private Equity Dynamics: Investment periods and paydays.

6. Continuous Learning: Personal and professional development.

7. Company Culture: Attracting and retaining talent.

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Adam's Website: http://www.ceoadvisoryguru.com/

Adam's LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/adamecoffey/

—

Follow Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/

Follow Dana on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danarobinsonofficial/

Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at https://www.danarobinson.com

—

If the information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!