083 | The Hidden Traps in Selling Your Business and How to Avoid Them with John Martinka

What if selling your business could be simple, profitable, and even… graceful? 

In this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with John Martinka, seasoned exit planning advisor and author of “Exit with Style and Grace and More Money.” Together, they break down what it really takes to prepare your business for a sale that leaves you in control and with more cash in your pocket. Whether your years away from exiting or just starting to consider the possibility, this episode will change the way you think about the value hidden inside your business. 

Patrick and John unpack the most common pitfalls entrepreneurs make when it’s time to sell, like blending personal expenses, relying too heavily on key employees, or simply being too essential to the day-to-day. You'll walk away with a clearer picture of how to make your business more attractive, more scalable, and ultimately more sellable. If your goal is to grow your wealth, protect what you’ve built, and exit on your terms, this episode is a must-listen. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Why owner dependency kills business value and how to fix it 

• The critical importance of clean, accurate financials 

• How to build a team that increases value and attracts buyers 

• What “growth potential” really means to investors and PE firms 

• How smart incentives and retention bonuses can protect your exit 

• Why systems, processes, and IP matter more than you think 

• How to avoid costly working capital mistakes at closing 

Learn More About John:  Get John’s book: Exit with Style and Grace and More Money 

Official Website 

Resources:   

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Credits:    

Sponsored by Vital Wealth    

Music by Cephas    

Art work by Two Tone Creative 

Audio, video, research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien