Jim Bates of Jackim Woods shares how tennis, two recessions, and a series of happy accidents led him to co-found the Exit Planning Institute and build a boutique M&A firm.

Emily Stubbs of Visibility CFO shares how two failed partnerships and buying a cleaning company shaped her firm’s mission: helping founders under $40M sell with confidence.

Tina Dao, founder of Liberated Leaders, shares lessons from Navy service, Fitbit, Walmart, and a seven-year reinvention to help privately owned businesses scale, compete, and exit on their terms.

Brad Barmore of Kin Restaurant Group shares how he built three Sonoma County restaurants on $120K, survived wildfires, evacuations, and a pandemic — and why taking care of staff first is the most profitable decision he ever made.

Patrick Rogers of Elkridge Advisors shares how he built a unique M&A model — getting into deals at 5% down, doubling exit multiples, and creating 1,000 deca millionaires.

Krystle Holguin of Colonial Country Club shares how she went from a 15-year-old HR clerk to directing people strategy at a PGA Tour club undergoing a $120M renovation.

Sean Dee shares how launching Levi.com, placing Levi's first Super Bowl spot, and finding OUTRIGGER's brand soul in an HR manual shaped his approach to commercial leadership.

Danny Owen shares how he went from house person to Hotel of the Year GM over 17 years at the same property, why he hires formerly incarcerated workers, and the prison night that changed everything.

Ross Joel of Exit Clarity shares 30 years building BroadcastMed, four failed sale attempts, a closing-day collapse, and the platform he built so others don't repeat his mistakes.