"You can always make more money. You cannot always make more time." - Steve Kaplan, Founder of Peachtree BlindsWhat if the key to your business empire was a past-due $4,000 phone bill? For Steve Kaplan that's exactly how it started. He turned a failing business into a thriving enterprise before making the life-changing decision to sell it all - not for more money, but for more time. In this episode, host John Marsh sits down with Steve for an unfiltered conversation about the entire entrepreneurial journey. This is the story of building a business that became the center of your universe, only to make the difficult choice to walk away. Steve takes us from the gritty reality of raising a company from the ashes of a failed one—starting with just a phone number—to the profoundly mixed emotions of handing over the keys. It’s a raw look at the true cost of entrepreneurship and the personal journey of trading a business you raised like a child for a life you can finally live.You’ll learn:🔹The incredible story of how a $4,000 phone bill became the foundation of a successful company.🔹Why the decision to sell was driven by wanting more time, not more money, and how to know when it's the right moment to exit.🔹The crucial importance of finding a key employee who thinks like an owner to ensure a smooth transition and sale.🔹Practical advice on preparing your financials and the most common reason deals fall apart during due diligence.🔹How to navigate the emotional journey of transitioning from owner to employee and preparing for life after the business.Whether you're starting out, scaling up, or planning your own exit, this episode offers invaluable, real-world insights into building a business on your terms and designing a life you love after the sale.Connect With JohnLinkedIn -   / marshcreek  Connect With SteveLinkedIn -   / steve-kaplan-1538ab1b8  🔸Get a Complimentary Business Valuation:https://bit.ly/4kClcJh📌 Subscribe To The PowerExit™ Insights Newsletter:https://bit.ly/4kebXPy🌐 More resources➝ https://www.mcreek.com/About John Marsh:John is a seasoned executive with 17 years of experience leading finance, accounting, and operations teams. He played a key role in scaling and selling a medical device company for $161M, led M&A integration and due diligence, and began his career at Ernst & Young. John holds a BBA from the University of Georgia and an MBA from Kennesaw State. He lives in Sandy Springs with his wife and two daughters. John also writes a weekly newsletter about M&A, sharing insights to help business owners exit successfully and without regret.#BusinessExit #FounderStory #Entrepreneurship #MergersAndAcquisitions #SellYourBusiness #ExitStrategy #SmallBusiness #BusinessOwner #SuccessionPlanning #M&A #BusinessSale #PowerExit #LifeAfterExit #BusinessGrowth

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