In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Eric Coonrod, founder of E. Coonrod & Co. and author of The Preparation Principle, to break down the real truth behind selling a business. We dive into the hidden friction of M&A, the psychology of founders during exit, and what it actually takes to prepare for a successful transition—before, during, and after the deal.

Key Takeaways

1. Most founders underestimate the time, cost, and emotional toll of selling a business.
2. The best time to prepare for a sale is the day you start the company.
3. Identity loss post-sale is one of the biggest blind spots entrepreneurs face.
4. Deal fatigue and seller’s remorse derail more deals than lack of opportunity.
5. The right team (M&A attorney, tax advisor, wealth manager, accountant) is non-negotiable.

Quotes

• “Deal fatigue is real and it kills more deals than bad offers.” – Eric Coonrod
• “Your business isn’t just your income. It’s your identity.” – Eric Coonrod
• “The best time to prepare for a sale is the day you start the company.” – Eric Coonrod

Connect with Eric Coonrod
📧 eric@ecoonrod.com
🌐 https://ecoonrodco.com

📘 The Preparation Principle on Amazon

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