100 episodes

Exit Plan is a podcast for business owners and those who want to be business owners. I’m always in search of the lesser known stories of entrepreneurship. In the Exit Plan podcast, you’ll hear stories from start up to sale, and hear from the professionals who helped business owners achieve their exit. Hosted by me, author and private equity manager Dana Robinson, along with my co-hosts and guests, you’ll hear real stories, tips, and tools that will help you plan for the exit you want, whether you are still working a day job or already running a business.

From their studio in sunny San Diego, the Opt Out Life welcomes guests who are solopreneurs, entrepreneurs, travelers, and creatives, who are proof that you can choose lifestyle over money . . . But still make money, too.

Each episode of the Opt Out Life podcast combines the incredible entrepreneurial stories of our friends, with an instructional approach to applying the tactics people are using right now to earn passive income and travel the world. Our guests live non-traditional lives, without job titles, and often without jobs at all. They wear t-shirts and have no boss. They spend time doing what they want, traveling and earning substantial income in creative ways.

We invite you to join the ranks of people who live the Opt Out Life.

The Exit Plan Podcast Dana Robinson and Nathaniel Broughton

    • Business
    • 4.8 • 113 Ratings

Exit Plan is a podcast for business owners and those who want to be business owners. I’m always in search of the lesser known stories of entrepreneurship. In the Exit Plan podcast, you’ll hear stories from start up to sale, and hear from the professionals who helped business owners achieve their exit. Hosted by me, author and private equity manager Dana Robinson, along with my co-hosts and guests, you’ll hear real stories, tips, and tools that will help you plan for the exit you want, whether you are still working a day job or already running a business.

From their studio in sunny San Diego, the Opt Out Life welcomes guests who are solopreneurs, entrepreneurs, travelers, and creatives, who are proof that you can choose lifestyle over money . . . But still make money, too.

Each episode of the Opt Out Life podcast combines the incredible entrepreneurial stories of our friends, with an instructional approach to applying the tactics people are using right now to earn passive income and travel the world. Our guests live non-traditional lives, without job titles, and often without jobs at all. They wear t-shirts and have no boss. They spend time doing what they want, traveling and earning substantial income in creative ways.

We invite you to join the ranks of people who live the Opt Out Life.

    Understanding Private Equity (ft. Alan Ezeir)

    Understanding Private Equity (ft. Alan Ezeir)

    Alan Ezeir is a serial entrepreneur with a track record of identifying unique opportunities and transforming industries, evident in his pivot from telecom to the domain registration space. His entrepreneurial journey is marked by a spectrum of investments, from the successful build-up of a 7 million strong domain registry to ventures in cryptocurrency, real estate, and private equity.
    As an independent sponsor, Ezeir harnesses personal connections and market knowledge to acquire and enhance businesses, bringing a hands-on approach to the value creation process. Beloved for his engaging personality and savvy investment strategies, Alan continues to foster meaningful connections, always on the lookout for innovative ways to grow and enjoy the entrepreneurial journey.
    "For the uninitiated, private equity is a term that could mean a lot, but we generally use it as a code word for when someone who puts a deal together, usually referred to as a sponsor, matches the capital needed to acquire that business with some other resources and acquires a business and then does something to professionalize and improve that business."
    Key themes included:
    1. Transition to domain registration industry
    2. Diversification into cryptocurrencies and real estate
    3. Private equity and independent sponsors
    4. Acquiring and improving businesses strategy
    5. Evaluation of business acquisition opportunities
    6. Challenges of independent sponsorship
    7. The importance of enjoying the journey

    Follow Alan's website: www.circlesquarecap.com 
    On LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ezeir/ 

    Follow Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/
    Follow Dana on Instagram: @danarobinsonofficial
    Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at 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!

    • 1 hr
    Managing Your Business (ft. Ryan Sandburg)

    Managing Your Business (ft. Ryan Sandburg)

    Ryan Sandburg is a seasoned entrepreneur with a keen insight into operational efficiency and business growth. His journey from the construction industry to tech company ownership demonstrates his adaptability and willingness to immerse himself in new sectors.
    With his proactive approach to problem-solving and expertise in software implementation, Ryan successfully scaled his company, Presearch Inc., to become a leading provider in background checks for employment. His story is one of leveraging skills learned on the job to carve out a niche in entrepreneurship, embodying the spirit of continuous learning and strategic development.
    "Two years ago, I'd be like, man, if I don't work for a day, I'm kind of screwed. I'm too valuable as an employee. So then it came down to, like, restructuring, getting the employees that I trusted to where I could do that, and that's where I'm now. If, if I needed to take a week off, I wouldn't be sweating at night wondering what they're doing. Like, if. If things are going okay, if I set my email forward on, I don't double check that it's getting handled."
    Key themes included:
    1. Efficiency through shared work processes
    2. Evaluating potential business opportunities
    3. Building contractor relationships for success
    4. Custom software vs. existing solutions
    5. Automation importance for scalability
    6. Employee training and responsibility
    7. Transition from employment to entrepreneurship

    Follow Ryan's website: www.presearchinc.com 
    On LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rpsandberg/ 

    Follow Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/
    Follow Dana on Instagram: @danarobinsonofficial
    Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at 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!

    • 52 min
    Business Culture Matters (ft. Robert Clinkenbeard)

    Business Culture Matters (ft. Robert Clinkenbeard)

    Robert Clinkenbeard's story begins with the invaluable lessons he gained while employed by another firm, which would later become the bedrock of his journey into entrepreneurship.
    Embracing the natural pathway of learning, Robert is candid about the numerous mistakes he made in the initial stages of his business venture. It was a process of trial and error, a hands-on experience that taught him more than any textbook could.
    Together, we'll explore the critical steps a business should take 2 to 3 years prior to a sale, including consulting with CPAs, lawyers, and getting your financials in order. Robert will share personal insights on building a strong seller team and how to position your business attractively for private equity and potential buyers.
    "Making sure you have the right leadership team in place so that you're almost at a point where you're not necessarily involved too much on a day to day basis... Just making sure things are cleaned up in terms of entities and business structures. I think all those things are super important just to start planning ahead of time rather than rushing last minute." 

    Follow Robert
    On LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-clinkenbeard/ 

    Follow Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/
    Follow Dana on Instagram: @danarobinsonofficial
    Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at 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!

    • 45 min
    Career Building (ft. Jena Dunay)

    Career Building (ft. Jena Dunay)

    Jena Dunay believes in the power of ownership in one’s career, advocating for job seekers to approach their work as valuable contributors. Her expertise lies in coaching individuals, especially senior-level job changers, to hone their storytelling and confidence for career success.
    With a robust experience in various roles leading up to becoming a chief learning officer, she transitioned back into entrepreneurship to achieve work-life balance and create impactful businesses. Jena's journey illustrates her dedication to personal growth and her drive to empower others in their professional endeavors through her platform, recruittheemployer.com.
    Here, we chat about building your career through networking, shifting your mentality, presenting yourself well in interviews, and reevaluating success. 
    "You need to not look at yourself as just a cog in a wheel. You need to look above that cog in a wheel and actually understand how you contribute to the overall picture and then show that you can create value for an organization in that way and know that you're an asset to an organization, not just someone who gets paid."
     
    Topics discussed in this episode:
    1. Adopting an ownership career mentality
    2. Importance of building professional relationships
    3. Nurturing curiosity and generosity in networking
    4. Confidence and clarity in job interviews
    5. Strategies for effective career transitions
    6. Creating scalable, sellable business models
    7. Learning from corporate to entrepreneurial success
     

    Follow Jena at: www.recruittheemployer.com
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenadunay/ 

    Find Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/
    Follow Dana on Instagram: @danarobinsonofficial
    Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at danarobinson.com

    If the information in these conversations and interviews has 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!

    • 48 min
    John Ovrom - The Exit Plan

    John Ovrom - The Exit Plan

    John Ovrom is the embodiment of entrepreneurial spirit, channeling his vigor into a successful construction business built alongside his family. With the experience of growth, acquisition, and the rewarding challenge of diversification under his belt, he transitioned from owner to consultant, guiding others through the intricate dance of business exit strategies.
    His firm, Exit Consulting, manifests John's expertise and empathetic approach to mentoring business owners grappling with the emotional and logistical complexities of selling their life's work. Stitching together a narrative of transformation and new beginnings, John's journey underscores the value of professional guidance and the art of gracefully stepping away to embrace change.
    I chat with him about figuring out your exit plan, when to implement it, and what to expect afterward.
     "What is the definition of an exit? Is an exit the last check you receive from the payoff? Is it the last day you worked after staying on for a year or two or three for your earn out? Is it that day? Because then you still give it. Is it the day you close?"
    Topics discussed in this episode:
    Letting go of control for sale 2. Embracing change for business readiness
    3. Emotional aspects of business exit
    4. Challenges in price increases
    5. Importance of management systems
    6. Setting goals for exit strategy
    7. Value of exit planning consulting

    Follow John at
    www.exitconsultinggroup.com
    Email at jovrom@exitconsultinggroup.com
    LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnovrom/

    Follow Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/
    Follow Dana on Instagram: @danarobinsonofficial
    Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at 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!

    • 1 hr 3 min
    Building Relationships in Business (ft. Eric Johnson)

    Building Relationships in Business (ft. Eric Johnson)

    Eric Johnson, a seasoned entrepreneur with a knack for building relationships, shifted from the hospitality industry to real estate, diving into sales' human side. As the CEO of various software platforms and a principal at Modus Coaching and Consulting, he dedicates his expertise to guiding entrepreneurs toward success through genuine connections and trust.
    His own venture into network marketing led to the creation of Teamsy, a ground-breaking platform devised to bridge the technology gap in the network marketing industry. Through years of diverse experience, Eric has honed a philosophy that champions the power of relationships in driving business growth, ensuring that each interaction is anchored in authenticity and service.
    I chat with him about networking and building successful relationships in the business world.
     
     "Just connect with people as a human being. And through those connections, people respond to just a human connection, like, how is your Christmas? How are things going with your kids? Just talking to people? What happens is as you create conversations and you're just a normal person, having conversations gives you a chance to get to know people, gives you lots of opportunities to help people, connect them to people, you know, refer things to them, give them your opinion on, you know, that's going to create opportunities to talk about real estate in a natural way."
     
    Topics discussed in this episode:
    1. Importance of relationship selling
    2. Value of customer referrals
    3. Opportunities in real estate
    4. Building business systems
    5. Networking and personal connections
    6. Entrepreneurship via employment skills
    7. Trust and quality relationships

    Follow Eric at
    LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericphafflejohnson/

    Follow Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/
    Follow Dana on Instagram: @danarobinsonofficial
    Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at 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!

    • 1 hr 10 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
113 Ratings

113 Ratings

Dj Yogi in Atlanta ,

Love this podcast

The God rant threw me off.

slayindc ,

Great Podcast But Most Guest are Privileged

I love the host and I find the information valuable. However I must admit that listening to only a few episodes the interviewees were somewhat privileged. The pro basketball player came from a family of entrepreneurs and had a leg up. One guy left a job making $300,000 and his wife didn’t work. I liked the story about the cop. It’s great motivation for opting out but it’s not like these guests were making Walmart wages drowning in student loan debt or having to hit up food banks.

Stephanie Mc. ,

Love these guys

I love these guys and this podcast and what they're doing. Great interviews with great guests.

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