If They Knew What I Know

Matt welcomes Mike Lisovetsky, Co-Founder at Miro Advisory to discuss the realities of buying, building, and exiting businesses. Mike shares insights as a serial entrepreneur, having started companies from a young age and successfully navigating multiple exits. They discuss some of the ah-ha moments Mike has had as a founder and his role as a problem solver because dealing with problems is integral to the job. They also talk about the truth behind growing a business and building to exit versus being in a position where an exit is inevitable. They discuss the nuances of transitions during exits, from knowledge transfer and SOPs to the emotional impact of selling a company. Mike talks about the challenges around transferring founder logic and judgment, sharing that even with documentation, much of the business’s unique value often resides in the founder’s head. They discuss trends in entrepreneurship through acquisition, the upcoming silver tsunami of retiring business owners, and the critical importance of finding the right buyer-seller alignment. They also offer advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and those looking to build or sell, and what your next steps should be to maximize value and profit.To find out more about Mike and connect with him, email him at:   📍 mike {at} mirroradvisory.com.Key Topics Discussed:The Reality of Being a FounderChallenges with Knowledge Transfer in ExitsOwner-Business Fit in AcquisitionsEmotional Impact of Selling a BusinessEvolution in Business Sale MarketplacesPreparing for Acquisition or Sale

In this episode, Matt sits down with Cole Snell, a serial entrepreneur with over two decades of experience building and exiting ventures across food, insurance, blockchain, and private credit. Now on a mission to revolutionize SMB loans with an AI-driven, blockchain-enabled credit engine, Cole shares his take on leadership, company culture, and the power of self-awareness.From learning hard lessons about trusting his team and planning for his own exit, to discovering the impact of setting the right example—from the boardroom to the bar—Cole shares the pivotal moments and stories that shaped his approach to building businesses meant to outlast him.Key Topics Discussed:Building Companies with an Exit in MindImplementing Superpower CultureFounder Self-Awareness and SuccessionLearning from Past Exits and Board DynamicsLeadership Lessons from the Food IndustryHarnessing AI and Expanding Founder Bandwidth

Welcome to the debut episode of If They Knew What I Know, where we dive deep into the untold stories and invaluable lessons of experienced business leaders. In this episode, Matt sits down with fellow entrepreneur Erin Gregor to unravel the transformative journey from building his first business with his father, to navigating failures, and finally creating a thriving second venture focused on leadership, knowledge transfer, and business continuity. Listeners will hear firsthand how personal challenges—including a health scare during the pandemic—sparked the insight that true business resilience comes from capturing the unique, often undocumented knowledge held by leaders.They discuss why traditional SOPs and systems fall short, and how his innovative approach—what Matt calls "the genius handoff"—helps owners prepare their organizations for succession, sale, or simply stepping back, all without missing a beat. They also talk about practical examples, hard-won lessons, and the realities and misconceptions of entrepreneurship, leadership succession, and building businesses that endure. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast player for new episodes!And to learn more about COtingency, visit: www.COtingency.comKey Topics Discussed:Top Six Topics DiscussedThe Inspiration and Lessons from Past Businesses:The Critical Shift from Growth to Exit Planning:What Typical SOPs Miss in Succession and Knowledge Transfer:Misconceptions Business Owners Hold About Replacements and Documentation:How Leaders and Buyers Use Structured Knowledge Extraction:The Importance of Timing, Scale, and Proactive Preparation: