Mary Marshall We’ve all seen mission, vision, and values statements on lobby walls, in marketing material, or on websites. They’re usually well-crafted and are meant to convey the best intentions of the owners or the employees (hopefully both) so others understand what the company is all about. … Read more
Congratulations, founder! You made it! The final chapter in your leadership journey has finally arrived. You have graduated from the school of hard knocks, clawed your way to the top, maybe even broken the glass ceiling, and the day is finally—finally—here. After countless meetings with … Read more
Sent: October 18, 11:29pm From: Jodi, Founder & CEO To: Jen Subject: Margaritaville! Jen, I’m so glad you talked me into taking this trip! I’m so excited! Just imagine—three weeks in sunny Mexico. I don’t think I’ve ever taken a vacation for this long. Of … Read more
CEO Notes Journal Entry December 13 It’s finally going to happen!!! I spoke to the broker today, and he confirmed the buyer is very interested and that we’re in the ballpark of our asking price and the terms of the deal are all good. Boy, … Read more
MINUTES OF PHOENIX RISERS’ BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING NOVEMBER 18th 9:01: Discussion of sale begins. Strategic plan has been successful; revenue growth, gross margin, and profit margin all aligned and on track based on feedback from Shuster & Schuckster Investment House. 9:16: CFO discusses the … Read more
Sent: September 1 From: Dean Chompers, CEO To: Rick Dogood, Premium Investors Subject: Offer Letter Rick, I have some serious concerns about the offer and the deal points. In section 3, it discusses the payout packages for Larry and Joe, both of whom have been … Read more
Sent: November 2, 4:23 p.m. From: Stan, CEO, Stan the Man Movers To: Exec. Team Partners Subject: Valuation & Offer Guys, The valuation came back today from Princeling Partners, and it looks exactly like what we’ve been hunting for $25M plus shares in the new … Read more
Sent: December 12, 2:10 p.m. From: Savannah, CEO To: James, Partner, Private Equity Investments of North America Subject: Dinner? Holiday cocktail? Hi James, We met at a recent WPO conference. I hope you remember me. I am the founder and CEO of Pouty & Pretty … Read more
Sent: June 22, 2:00 p.m. From: Jane, Director of Marketing To: Bob, Director of Business Development Subject: Craig’s Role Bob, Have you seen Craig this week at all? I thought he was coming to the quarterly marketing meeting, but he was a no-show. Does he … Read more
Strategies that don’t start with the end goal in mind will usually miss the exit ramp every time. Founders of small to midsize companies rarely think about the day they will sell or be forced out of the business. Unless, of course, they run a … Read more