158 episodes

Succession Stories is an award-winning podcast guiding entrepreneurs from transition to transaction hosted by Laurie Barkman, The Business Transition Sherpa®.

Succession Stories explores the entrepreneurial stages of a business from growth to maturity focusing on value creation, exit planning, succession, and M&A for owner-led companies.

If you are an entrepreneur looking for inspiration to create a more valuable business, or an owner who wants to figure out the best way to transition or sell their closely held company, this podcast is for you.

Hosted by Laurie Barkman, Amazon best-selling author of "The Business Transition Handbook: How to Avoid Transition Pitfalls and Create Valuable Exit Options."

Learn more about Laurie's strategic business transition planning and M&A advisory services by visiting: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com

Succession Stories Laurie Barkman

    • Business
    • 5.0 • 55 Ratings

Succession Stories is an award-winning podcast guiding entrepreneurs from transition to transaction hosted by Laurie Barkman, The Business Transition Sherpa®.

Succession Stories explores the entrepreneurial stages of a business from growth to maturity focusing on value creation, exit planning, succession, and M&A for owner-led companies.

If you are an entrepreneur looking for inspiration to create a more valuable business, or an owner who wants to figure out the best way to transition or sell their closely held company, this podcast is for you.

Hosted by Laurie Barkman, Amazon best-selling author of "The Business Transition Handbook: How to Avoid Transition Pitfalls and Create Valuable Exit Options."

Learn more about Laurie's strategic business transition planning and M&A advisory services by visiting: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com

    Creating A Profitable Niche Business to Sell, David Spray

    Creating A Profitable Niche Business to Sell, David Spray

    Host Laurie Barkman, The Business Transition Sherpa, talks with David Spray, Founder and President of Export Advisors, which serves the owners of privately-held, U.S. exporting companies. Over the past 20 years, the firm has created more than $400 million in wealth for hundreds of entrepreneurs and their families from the IC-DISC tax savings program. 
    They discuss value building and how David built a niche podcasting business with infinite ROI, and sold it within two years to his partner.
    Listen in to learn more about:
    Finding your niche and owning it Building a specialized business with recurring revenue  Making your business highly transferable to a buyer Enjoy this Succession Stories episode about how to create a profitable niche business to sell with David Spray.
    Find David Spray Here: 
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/dspray/

    https://www.ic-discshow.com/
     
    ❤️ Show us the love on Rate This Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories
    _______________________________________
    Show links:
    Endgame Entrepreneurship Masterclass:
    https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/course/  
     
    Download free eBook of “The Business Transition Handbook” by Laurie Barkman:
    https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/the-business-transition-handbook/ 
     
    Connect Via Email:
    successionstoriespodcast@gmail.com
     
    Leave Voice Message on Speakpipe:
    https://www.speakpipe.com/LaurieBarkman
     
    ❤️ Show us the love on Rate This Podcast:
    https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories
    ________________________________________
    Laurie Barkman guides entrepreneurs to create life changing succession stories. Dramatically increase enterprise value and build with your exit in mind. 
    Find clarity on the often overwhelming process of transition planning. Visit https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com for an assessment of value and to schedule a strategy call.

    • 28 min
    Building Your Business With Exit Strategy In Mind, Mike Malatesta

    Building Your Business With Exit Strategy In Mind, Mike Malatesta

    Host Laurie Barkman, The Business Transition Sherpa, talks with Mike Malatesta, CEO of LJP Waste Solutions. Over the past 30 years, Mike's experienced the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. He built and sold two waste recycling companies that grossed more than $500M. He’s also an author, podcaster, and advisor to business owners.
    Mike talks about the unexpected death of one of his business partners due to a workplace accident. Dealing with the loss was challenging and accelerated their interest in a potential exit.
    You’ll want to hear why Mike believes entrepreneurs should not sell their business without the help of advisors and the mistake that cost him $4 Million. 
    For a successful exit, reflect on where you are now, what you want, and what the first step is to move towards that goal.
    Listen in to learn more about:
    Why entrepreneurs should not sell their business on their own What triggered a $4M reduction in purchase price from the strategic buyer Why due diligence when selling your business can be overwhelming Selling a business, negotiation mistakes, and lessons learned Avoiding negotiation pitfalls when selling your business   
    Show links:
    Join the Endgame Entrepreneurship Masterclass:
    https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/course/  
     
    Download free digital copy of Laurie's book, “The Business Transition Handbook” or grab your copy on Amazon:
    https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/the-business-transition-handbook/ 
     
    Join Our Facebook Group:
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/businesstransitionsherpa
     
    ❤️ Show us the love on Rate This Podcast:
    https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories
    ________________________________________
    Laurie Barkman guides entrepreneurs to create life changing succession stories. Dramatically increase enterprise value and build with your exit in mind. 
    Find clarity on the often overwhelming process of transition planning. Visit https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com to schedule a conversation and get started.

    • 37 min
    Successfully Exiting A Family Business After Turning It Around, JV Crum III

    Successfully Exiting A Family Business After Turning It Around, JV Crum III

    Succession Stories host Laurie Barkman, The Business Transition SherpaⓇ, sits down with JV Crum III, founder of the Conscious Millionaire Institute and Conscious World Foundation Inc.–a global non-profit that trains youth to become conscious leaders.
    What happens when you’re asked to join the family business but then discover there are BIG financial challenges? JV shares his experience how he helped turn around a family trucking company and became a millionaire by age 25. He overcame conflicts with his father, improved business performance, and sold to a larger family-owned trucking line, resulting in a transaction that took only three months to close.
    In this insightful episode, they dive into the complexities of family businesses, founder-led enterprises, and the unique challenges faced by hired executives. 
    Listen in to learn more about:
    Understanding the importance of aligning personal purpose with business goals to achieve fulfillment and success.
    Recognizing the impact of family dynamics in business and learning strategies to navigate them effectively.
    Gaining insights into the process of selling a business, including finding the right buyer and negotiating a successful deal.
    Embracing a mindset shift towards prioritizing internal growth and mindset development as the key drivers of business success.
    Discovering the three essential areas of focus for business growth: mindset, strategy, and execution.
    Things often happen at the right moment when you least expect it. 
    Enjoy this Succession Stories episode about successfully exiting a family business after turning it around with JV Crum III.
     
    Find JV Crum III Here:
    https://consciousmillionaire.com/

    https://www.facebook.com/jvcrum/
     
    ❤️ Show us the love on Rate This Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories
    _______________________________________
    SIGN-UP FOR NEW MASTERCLASS
    TO MAXIMIZE VALUE AND EXIT ON YOUR TERMS:
    "Endgame Entrepreneurship: Build With The Exit In Mind"
    https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/course/
    _______________________________________
    Unlock deeper insights into entrepreneurship and scalability by engaging with us through various social media platforms:
    My Links:
    🌐 Website: https://TheBusinessTransitionSherpa.com
    ⏰️ Meet With Laurie: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/connect/
    📘 Book: "The Business Transition Handbook: How to Avoid Succession Pitfalls and Create Valuable Exit Options"
    🎙 Podcast: https://podfollow.com/succession-stories
    🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessTransitionSherpa
    😎 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauriebarkman/
    ✖️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaurieBarkman
    😺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businesstransitionsherpa
    _______________________________________
    📘 THE BUSINESS TRANSITION HANDBOOK:
    Get a free PDF copy of "The Business Transition Handbook" by author Laurie Barkman: 
    https://thebusinesstransitionhandbook.com
     
     
     
     

    • 39 min
    Success Secrets For Family Businesses Navigating Growth Crossroads, Meghan Lynch

    Success Secrets For Family Businesses Navigating Growth Crossroads, Meghan Lynch

    Succession Stories host Laurie Barkman, The Business Transition SherpaⓇ, is joined by Meghan Lynch, the driving force behind Six-Point Creative, a marketing services firm dedicated to empowering family-owned and closely-held businesses. Meghan's mission is to help family businesses compete against industry giants.
    Listen in as they explore:
    The challenges that family businesses face in balancing sustainability and growth Strategies for family businesses to achieve 2X growth while maintaining control over relationships, messaging, and future direction 3 essential steps for family-held businesses to achieve their goals in the coming year and beyond Enjoy this Succession Stories episode about how family businesses navigate growth crossroads with Meghan Lynch.
     
    Find Meghan Here: https://sixpointcreative.com/

     
    ❤️ Show us the love on Rate This Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories
    _______________________________________
    SIGN-UP FOR OUR NEW MASTERCLASS
    TO MAXIMIZE VALUE AND EXIT ON YOUR TERMS:
    "Endgame Entrepreneurship: Build With The Exit In Mind"
    https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/course/
    _______________________________________
    Embark on a journey of understanding and practical application as we navigate the realms of building a scalable business, unveiling the potential for growth and empowerment. Unlock deeper insights into the transformative realm of entrepreneurship and scalability by engaging with us through various social media platforms:
    My Links:
    🌐 Website: https://TheBusinessTransitionSherpa.com
    ⏰️ Meet With Laurie: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/connect/
    📘 Book: "The Business Transition Handbook: How to Avoid Succession Pitfalls and Create Valuable Exit Options"
    🎙 Podcast: https://podfollow.com/succession-stories
    🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessTransitionSherpa
    😎 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauriebarkman/
    ✖️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaurieBarkman
    😺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businesstransitionsherpa
    _______________________________________
    📘 THE BUSINESS TRANSITION HANDBOOK:
    Get a free digital copy of "The Business Transition Handbook" by author Laurie Barkman: 
    https://thebusinesstransitionhandbook.com
     
     
     

    • 34 min
    Discovering The Hidden Secrets Behind A $37 Million Exit, Max Lewis

    Discovering The Hidden Secrets Behind A $37 Million Exit, Max Lewis

    Welcome back to the Succession Stories podcast. If you haven't already, be sure to subscribe, and if you enjoy the show, please leave us a review! Go to RateThisPodcast.com/successionstories. 
    Host Laurie Barkman welcomes Max Lewis, entrepreneur and author of “Who Is Max Lewis?” Max shares what led to the eventual sale of his company for $37 million. 
    From selling mangos as a child to amassing millions by exchanging propane tanks, Max beat the odds and became one of America's ultra-high net-worth individuals by 36 years old. Through persistence, hard work, and a willingness to learn from mistakes, he tactfully planned for nothing less than success.
    It’s also about a family in business that fell apart as a family business. For 18 months, Max was literally locked out of his business by his brother.
    Max’s story is about forgiveness, resilience, and the power of faith. There are lots of pivotal moments in our lives. Which ones will stand out to transform your entrepreneurial journey? 
    His message is that extraordinary success is within your reach—when you're willing to put in the work. 
    Enjoy this Succession Stories episode about discovering the secrets behind a $37 million exit with Max Lewis.
    Find Max Lewis Here: https://whoismaxlewis.com/

    ❤️ Show us the love on Rate This Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories
    _______________________________________
    SIGN-UP FOR NEW MASTERCLASS
    TO MAXIMIZE VALUE AND EXIT ON YOUR TERMS:
    "Endgame Entrepreneurship: Build With The Exit In Mind"
    https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/course/
    _______________________________________
    Embark on a journey of understanding and practical application as we navigate the realms of building a scalable business, unveiling the potential for growth and empowerment. Unlock deeper insights into the transformative realm of entrepreneurship and scalability by engaging with us through various social media platforms:
    My Links:
    🌐 Website: https://TheBusinessTransitionSherpa.com
    ⏰️ Meet With Laurie: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/connect/
    📘 Book: "The Business Transition Handbook: How to Avoid Succession Pitfalls and Create Valuable Exit Options"
    🎙 Podcast: https://podfollow.com/succession-stories
    🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessTransitionSherpa
    😎 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauriebarkman/
    ✖️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaurieBarkman
    😺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businesstransitionsherpa
    _______________________________________
    📘 THE BUSINESS TRANSITION HANDBOOK:
    Get a free PDF copy of "The Business Transition Handbook" by author Laurie Barkman: 
    https://thebusinesstransitionhandbook.com
     
     
     
     

    • 37 min
    Why Your Company Needs a Board, Ralph Ward

    Why Your Company Needs a Board, Ralph Ward

    Ralph Ward is the editor of the Corporate Board Magazine and an expert in corporate governance. He’s the author of six books on corporate governance and board issues. I asked him to join me on the show to talk about best practices for private company boards.
    It’s about governance and strategic guidance. Boards aren’t just for large public companies. Even newer, privately held firms can benefit from having a board. Boards also get involved in CEO succession planning. We address challenges faced by family businesses and how boards can help navigate these complexities.
    Enjoy this Succession Stories episode about why your company might need a board with Ralph Ward.
    Corporate governance and board formation in private companies. Board formation in private companies often delayed until crisis strikes Private companies can bring in outside directors with experience in succession planning to help founders navigate family dynamics and ensure a smooth transition. Advisory boards can help with succession planning and governance in family businesses. Advisory boards can provide outside perspectives and help with growth stage challenges in companies. Tips and tools for dealing with drama in the boardroom and improving corporate governance. Advisory boards can provide valuable networking opportunities for companies, connecting them with important people in their industry. Find Ralph Here: 

    www.corporateboard.com
    www.boardroominsider.com
    ❤️ Show us the love on Rate This Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories
    _______________________________________
    SIGN-UP FOR NEW MASTERCLASS
    TO MAXIMIZE VALUE AND EXIT ON YOUR TERMS:
    "Endgame Entrepreneurship: Build With The Exit In Mind"
    https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/course/
    _______________________________________
    Engage with us on our social media platforms:
    My Links:
    🌐 Website: https://TheBusinessTransitionSherpa.com
    ⏰️ Meet With Laurie: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/connect/
    📘 Book: "The Business Transition Handbook: How to Avoid Succession Pitfalls and Create Valuable Exit Options"
    🎙 Podcast: https://podfollow.com/succession-stories
    🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessTransitionSherpa
    😎 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauriebarkman/
    ✖️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaurieBarkman
    😺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businesstransitionsherpa
    _______________________________________
    📘 THE BUSINESS TRANSITION HANDBOOK:
    Get a free PDF copy of "The Business Transition Handbook" by author Laurie Barkman: 
    https://thebusinesstransitionhandbook.com
     
     
     

    • 27 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
55 Ratings

55 Ratings

Chandler Hutchison ,

Great Guests!

Amazing host, and amazing variety of guests!

Jane Hanson ,

Succession Stories

Laurie was t terrific to work with. Asked succinct questions that really applied to her audience … a synergy that truly worked. She’s smart, invested in sharing the knowledge of her guests, and a terrific host. I was delighted to be a part her podcast. Thanks for the opportunity

FamBizCoach ,

Great practical advice for business owners

Laurie is an outstanding professional who brings a great deal of experience and expertise to the succession conversation. Listening to her and participating in her podcast gave me great confidence in her ability to add tremendous value to so many business owners, who are preparing for one of the biggest transactions of their life. Laurie would be an outstanding member of your succession team!

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