EPISODE · Feb 12, 2026 · 39 MIN
175: Before You Talk to Buyers: Why Most Business Exits Fail Before They Start (Exit Series · Part 1 of 3)
from Grow With Purpose · host Joey Brannon
Most business exits fail before due diligence ever begins. In this episode of Grow With Purpose, Joey Brannon sits down with Senior Business Advisor Cameron Earhart to discuss why clarity—not urgency—determines whether an exit actually works. Before owners ever talk to buyers or private equity, they must understand their motivations, risks inside the business, and how buyer expectations shape valuation.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:･ Why most business exits fail before owners ever go to market･ How owner dependency and unresolved risk impact valuation･ Why exit planning strengthens the business—even if you never sellLEADERSHIP GUIDE:• Episode 175 — Before You Talk to Buyers (Exit Series · Part 1 of 3)RESOURCES & LINKS:･ John Warrillow - Built to Sell･ Michael E. Gerber - The E-Myth Revisited･ Axis Outsourced AccountingHELP US IMPROVE THE SHOW: 📞 Have a question for the show? Email us at [email protected] WITH AXIOM:･ Website･ LinkedIn･ Instagram･ Facebook･ YouTubeABOUT AXIOM STRATEGIC:Axiom Strategic helps business owners and leaders build mission-driven businesses by aligning culture, leadership, operations, sales, and financials.
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What this episode covers
In Episode 175 of Grow With Purpose, Joey Brannon sits down with Senior Business Advisor Cameron Earhart for Part 1 of a three-part series on business exits. With private equity firms and buyers reaching out more aggressively than ever, many business owners feel pressure to move quickly when conversations start. But most exits don’t fail in due diligence—they fail long before that stage, because owners haven’t clarified their intent, options, or readiness. This episode focuses on what must happen before you talk to buyers. Joey and Cameron unpack why so many deals fall apart early, the hidden risks buyers underwrite, and the importance of slowing down to understand motivations, exit paths, and valuation drivers. They explore why “I want to sell my business” often means something deeper—and how aligning the exit strategy with the owner’s real goals can dramatically improve outcomes. Whether you’re actively considering a sale or simply want to build a stronger, more valuable business, this conversation reframes exit planning as good business strategy—not just a future transaction.
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175: Before You Talk to Buyers: Why Most Business Exits Fail Before They Start (Exit Series · Part 1 of 3)
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