#13: Unconventional Exits from Jack Media and GDM with Emmie Faust, Female Founders Rise

Welcome to The Exit Plan, a podcast for business owners interested in learning more about selling their business. In this episode, Emmie Faust, a mother of four and a serial entrepreneur, takes us on her journey through various businesses and her experience in the world of entrepreneurship. From her early days in field marketing to venturing into the online gambling industry, Emmie's story is one of determination and innovation. Emmie shares how she founded Jack Media, a successful agency with about ten employees, and the pivotal moment when she decided to sell the business. Emmie also talks about the challenges of selling a business, including the absence of an earn-out and the decision to separate the management of Jack Media and GDM, a programmatic advertising venture that they launched. GDM's rapid growth and eventual acquisition are discussed, highlighting the complexities and opportunities that come with selling a business. Emmie shares her insights into the emotions and practicalities surrounding exits, emphasizing the role of luck and hard work. Emmie discusses her current venture, Female Founders Rise, a community and support network for female entrepreneurs. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of this endeavor, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and collaboration. Join Emmie Faust on her entrepreneurial journey, learn about her unconventional exits from Jack Media and GDM, and discover her commitment to supporting female entrepreneurs through Female Founders Rise.   WHAT YOU WILL LEARN: Emmie's early career on field marketing and transitioning into the online gambling industry The decision to sell Jack Media and the process of an informal merger with another agency. Balancing multiple businesses, including Jack Media and GDM, with her business partner. Emmie's experience of being pregnant during the sale and communicating this to buyers. The creation of GDM as a separate programmatic advertising venture and its rapid growth. Discussing the acquisition of GDM by another network following the sale of Jack Media. Details of the sale price and the various businesses Emmie and her partner had. Emmie's post-sale activities, such as angel investing in female founders and creating Female Founders Rise.   CONNECT WITH EMMIE: Website | emmiefaust.com LinkedIn | Emmie Faust Twitter | @emmiefaust Instagram | @emmiefaust THE EXIT PLAN The Exit Plan is for business owners that are interested in learning more about how to sell their business. Each episode Barnaby Cook interviews someone who has bought or sold a business - either a creative agency, or a production company. The conversation gets under the skin of why they wanted to sell, or were looking to acquire, how the deal was structured, how they agreed upon a valuation and what lessons they learnt along the way.