Why 80% of Businesses Fail to Sell | Exit Planning Tips with Adam Koos

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew sit down with Adam Koos, founder of Elevate and Exit and Libertas Wealth Management. With a unique background in both psychology and finance, Adam helps business owners prepare for the biggest decision of their lives—selling their company.  From the emotional side of letting go of a business to the hard numbers that make or break a deal, Adam shares why most owners wait too long to plan an exit—and how that mistake leaves millions on the table. He dives into consultative selling, minimizing key-person risk, and how to structure businesses for a smoother, more profitable transition.  If you’re buying, selling, or just starting to think about succession planning, this conversation will give you practical takeaways and a new lens for approaching the exit process.  In this episode, we discuss:  Why 80% of businesses never sell—and what owners can do differently  The role of psychology in exit planning (and why it matters as much as finance)  Top mistakes owners make before going to market (and easy fixes to de-risk)  How to prepare years in advance for the best valuation and smoothest deal  Legacy, taxes, and life after the sale—what every seller should consider  Consultative selling and building rapport with owners as a buyer  Connect with Adam Koos  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamkoos  Exit Planning Firm: https://elevateandexit.com  Financial Advisory Firm: https://libertaswealth.com    The M&A Launchpad Conference  Join us on October 25, 2025 in Chicago for the M&A Launchpad Conference — a one-day event designed for acquirers, operators, investors, and advisors. Learn from headliners, connect with dealmakers, and walk away with practical insights to accelerate your M&A journey.  Get $150 off your ticket with code LAUNCH at: https://malaunchpad.com    Additional Resources  Watch more interviews on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@equitylaunchpad  Connect with hosts Casey Minshew & Feras Moussa: mailto:[email protected]  Learn more about investing, scaling, or selling a business: https://equity-launchpad.com  About The M&A Launchpad: The M&A Launchpad provides insights into acquiring, investing in, and selling profitable businesses in the lower to middle market. Whether you are a business owner, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur, we will provide you with the knowledge, guidance, and capital to navigate the world of mergers and acquisitions. The M&A Launchpad presents a series of weekly podcast episodes and hosts an annual M&A Launchpad Conference tailored to the M&A community. Connect with M&A Launchpad: 🎧 Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mW6i4ooujqC7eOPWmguU7 🎧 Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/m-a-launchpad/id1740382586 🎟️ Attend Upcoming M&A Launchpad Conference: http://malaunchpad.com/