01: From Founding to Exit: Scaling Mass Communications and Life After

In this episode of From Angel to Exit, host Bruce Eckfeldt sits down with Darren Mass, the founder of Mass Communications, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey from launch to acquisition. Darren shares how his early fascination with engineering led him to build a successful telecom company, the strategies he used to scale, and the key decision points that led to a $40 million exit. He also reflects on life post-sale, the challenges of transitioning from CEO to employee, and his new mission helping entrepreneurs navigate growth and exit planning.

Key Takeaways:

• Scale your company by thinking and acting like the CEO of a $10M+ business from the start.
• Prioritize teamwork and avoid CEO ego—build a strong team that drives success.
• Always be open to discussing an exit, but ensure the timing and valuation align with your goals.
• Identify early warning signs of burnout or stagnation to determine the right time to sell.
• An exit is just the beginning—have a plan for your next move before the deal closes.
• Money alone doesn’t create happiness; purpose and relevance post-exit are crucial.
• Entrepreneurs should define whether they’re running a lifestyle or growth business early on.
• Use LinkedIn strategically—it’s a vital platform for networking, brand-building, and business growth.

Resources & Links

• Darren Mass https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenmass/ https://joinbrandbuilt.com/join563688

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