Shawn Freeman, founder of a successful managed service provider (MSP), joins Bruce Eckfeldt to share his journey from launching a tech side hustle to scaling a $5M business and executing a 1.4x revenue exit. He reflects on key inflection points in leadership, recurring revenue strategy, and the emotional and operational complexities of being acquired. Shawn’s insights are essential for founder-CEOs preparing for strategic exits.
Key Takeaways
- Recurring revenue is essential for building valuation and predictable growth.
- Exit readiness includes tax planning and proper corporate structure from day one.
- Leadership means getting out of your own way and empowering others.
- Always assume key employees may leave—design systems that don’t rely on them.
- Company culture must be intentional, with clear values and psychological safety.
- Be cautious of acquirers unwilling to adapt or integrate new ideas.
- Involve your leadership team early in potential exit conversations.
- A premium service model requires aligned pricing and long-term thinking.
Links & Resources
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Shawn Freeman
https://leaderstechacademy.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnfreeman-/
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Subscribe to the Podcast:
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Find From Angel to Exit on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Be sure to hit “Subscribe” so you never miss an episode.
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Newsletter & Exclusive Content:
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Sign up for the free newsletter at eckfeldt.com/podcast for episode transcripts, bonus insights, frameworks, and community updates.
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Connect with Bruce & the Community:
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LinkedIn: Bruce Eckfeldt
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Instagram: @bruce_eckfeldt
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Email:
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