The Business Exit Conversation

He Built a $2.5M Firm… Then Sold It | What Adam Shay Learned Too Late About Exits

In this episode of The Business Exit Conversation, Andrea Michaels sits down with CPA and entrepreneur Adam Shay, who built and sold his accounting firm after 13 years. They dive deep into what actually makes a business valuable, how to remove yourself as the bottleneck, and the emotional reality most founders don’t expect after selling. If you’re building a business with the goal of freedom—not just income—this is a must-watch. __ If you're thinking about selling your business someday, this is where the real conversations happen. Join our private group for insights, strategies, and access to a network of owners focused on building enterprise value and optionality. Instagram: instagram.com/thebusinessexitconversation Facebook: facebook.com/groups/867091866057257 __ Listen to The Business Exit Conversation podcast (New episodes every Tuesday!) Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0rBhYJAv1dvMsegz4w6Glc?si=d00d1f12e80a43ab Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-business-exit-conversation/id1893567584

She Sold Her Business for More Than Asking Price!

What happens after selling a successful business? In this episode of The Business Exit Conversation, Andrea Michaels sits down with marketing agency founder and entrepreneur Leanna DeBellevue to talk about building a thriving business, selling it for over asking price, and navigating the emotional reality of life after the exit. Leanna shares how burnout led her to consider selling, the systems and team structure that made her company attractive to buyers, and what it’s really like starting over after years of success. This is an honest conversation about freedom, identity, and creating a business that gives you options. If you’re an entrepreneur thinking about growth, scaling, or one day selling your company, this episode is packed with valuable insights. #BusinessExit #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth __ If you're thinking about selling your business someday, this is where the real conversations happen. Join our private group for insights, strategies, and access to a network of owners focused on building enterprise value and optionality. Instagram: instagram.com/thebusinessexitconversation Facebook: facebook.com/groups/867091866057257

Finding the Exit, Before the Exit Finds YOU!

What happens after building a successful business and then selling it? In this episode of The Business Exit Conversation, Andrea Michaels sits down with Sally Bergesen, founder of Oiselle, to discuss the real side of business exits. Sally shares how she built a beloved women’s running brand, the emotional reality of stepping away, what she learned from selling the company, and what founders need to know before planning their own exit. This honest conversation covers burnout, timing, identity, valuation, health, and why the best exits are designed — not rushed. Whether you're years away from selling or already thinking about your next chapter, this episode is full of practical insights every founder should hear. __ If you're thinking about selling your business someday, this is where the real conversations happen. Join our private group for insights, strategies, and access to a network of owners focused on building enterprise value and optionality. Instagram: instagram.com/thebusinessexitconversation Facebook: facebook.com/groups/867091866057257

Leading Through Crisis, Letting Go with Intention: A Family Business Exit Story

In this very first episode of The Business Exit Conversation, Andrea Michaels sits down with Michelle Jones, a guest who didn’t just advise from the sidelines — she lived it. From stepping into the CEO role of her family business, to navigating leadership during COVID, to ultimately helping her parents sell the company, Michelle shares the real story behind what it takes to lead and let go. This conversation dives deep into both the emotional and strategic realities of exiting a business. This isn’t just about valuation or deal terms. It’s about identity, family dynamics, leadership pressure, and what life actually looks like after the sale. If you're a business owner, founder, or advisor, this episode will give you a perspective most people don’t talk about — but absolutely should.