Episode 10: Second Chances - What We'd Do Differently

In this vulnerable behind-the-scenes episode, Legacy Advisors co-founders Kris Jones and Ed Button Jr. turn the microphone on themselves, sharing the costly mistakes, missed opportunities, and hard-learned lessons from their own business exits.

What You'll Learn:

• The emotional preparation required for selling your business
• Why running a formal M&A process is non-negotiable (and what it cost Kris when he didn't)
• How legal structure decisions can leave millions on the table
• The evolution of buyer expectations and market sophistication
• Strategic timing considerations in today's shifting market
• Critical preparation steps for founders planning exits

Key Topics Covered:

• Kris's exit story: Pepper Jam to GSI Commerce to eBay
• Ed's early acquisition lessons and emotional decision-making costs
• The importance of financial strategy and clean reporting
• How to maintain leverage throughout the M&A process
• Industry timing and seasonal considerations
• Building the right advisory team before you need them

This episode offers rare transparency from advisors who've been on both sides of M&A transactions, providing actionable insights whether you're planning an exit in 12 months or 10 years.

Resources Mentioned:

• Free M&A Checklist: legacyadvisors.io
• The Entrepreneur's Exit Playbook by Kris Jones

Next Episode Preview: Episode 11 features an in-depth discussion about writing The Entrepreneur's Exit Playbook, including personal challenges, tactical insights, and lessons learned that you won't hear anywhere else.

Connect with Legacy Advisors at legacyadvisors.io for expert M&A guidance and preparation resources.

The Hidden Cost of Building a Business: What Every Founder Loses (But Nobody Talks About)

In this eye-opening conversation, Bastian Grimm, founder of Peak Ace, reveals the uncomfortable truth about entrepreneurship that most business gurus won't tell you. While we celebrate the hustle, the long hours, and the relentless dedication required to build and scale a business, Bastian exposes what founders actually lose in the process - and why most entrepreneurs are completely unprepared for these sacrifices.

What You'll Discover:

• The real investment founders make beyond money and time
• Why giving everything to your business always comes with a hidden price
• The psychological and personal costs of entrepreneurship that no one talks about
• How to mentally prepare for the sacrifices that successful founders inevitably face
• Bastian's candid insights from years of building and scaling Peak Ace

Whether you're considering starting your own business, currently in the thick of building one, or wondering why the entrepreneurial journey feels harder than expected, this conversation will give you the honest perspective you need. Bastian doesn't sugarcoat the reality - he tells it like it is.

About Bastian Grimm: Bastian Grimm is the founder of Peak Ace, a leading digital marketing agency. Known for his direct approach and deep industry expertise, Bastian has built his company into a recognized force in the digital marketing space while learning firsthand about the true costs of entrepreneurship.

Perfect for: Founders, aspiring entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone who wants the unvarnished truth about what it really takes to build a successful business.

This episode contains mature themes about sacrifice, loss, and the psychological challenges of entrepreneurship.

"What is my business actually worth?" It’s the question every founder asks, but most get the answer wrong. This episode of the Legacy Advisors Podcast provides a masterclass on the art and science of business valuation, moving beyond myths to give you a market-proven framework.

Hosts Kris Jones and Ed Button unpack what truly drives a company's worth. They discuss the key variables that influence value, from consistent profitability and revenue durability to the scalability of your leadership team. Learn the critical differences between strategic and financial buyers , understand when to use EBITDA versus revenue multiples , and get actionable advice on how to increase your company's valuation starting today.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• The three main things every buyer looks for when assessing value.
• Why basing your valuation on emotion or hearsay is a dangerous trap.
• Strategic vs. Financial Buyers: How their different goals impact the price they’re willing to pay.
• Actionable steps to increase your valuation multiple and build a more valuable business.
• Debunking the myth that waiting until your business is "bigger" always results in a better offer.

Whether you're planning an exit in two years or ten, the insights in this episode will prepare you to secure the best possible outcome. For more resources and personalized advisory, visit us at legacyadvisors.io.