John Martinka, Dealmaker at Nokomis Advisory Services
- John’s meandering journey from potential accountant to dealmaker
- Lessons from his early career and community involvement
Podcast
Overview
Welcome to another engaging episode of The Brand Called You! In this episode, host Ashutosh Garg sits down with John Martinka, known as the “Escape Artist,” a dealmaker with Nokomis Advisory Services and the author of Exit with Style, Grace and More Money. Together, they delve into the intricacies of buying and selling businesses, lessons from deals gone right (and wrong), and strategies for exiting your business with prosperity and pride.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from the conversation, including important timestamps in question format:
00:01:00– How did John Martinka become “The Escape Artist”?
- John’s meandering journey from potential accountant to dealmaker
- Lessons from his early career and community involvement
- The pivotal moment leading him to the world of business acquisitions
00:02:28– What was a memorable first deal, and what did John learn?
- The story of George: turning around a wavering business
- How proper planning and marketing can transform a company’s destiny
- Implementing strategies to make businesses attractive to buyers
00:04:57– How has working with family influenced the business philosophy at Nokomis Advisory Services?
- The dynamic of working alongside his daughter
- The challenges and growth that come with delegation
- Nurturing the next generation for business sustainability
00:06:04– What does “Exiting with Style, Grace, and More Money” mean?
- Finding the right buyer (not just any buyer)
- Ensuring the legacy, employees, and values are carried forward
- The critical balance between financial reward and personal fulfillment
00:06:48– What mistakes do business owners make when trying to sell?
- The dangers of having the company be too owner-dependent
- Importance of building a team and company goodwill (not just personal brand)
- Overestimating ease or value of a business sale
00:07:48– Why do owners underestimate the business sale process?
- Market flooded with unqualified buyers (“tire kickers”)
- Not all businesses are worth buying—profit and sustainability matter
- The three keys to dealmaking: motivation, relationships, and education
00:10:35– Why is selling a business not like selling a house?
- The danger of the “house sale” analogy
- Confidentiality concerns: employees, clients, and suppliers
- Prepping a business for sale is more complex than curb appeal
00:12:10– Why are people the top value driver in business sales?
- Employees and management as the real asset (even if they’re not on the balance sheet)
- Case examples where people were the deciding factor in successful deals
RESOURCES:
Learn more about John Martinka: Linkedin
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Profile
- John’s meandering journey from potential accountant to dealmaker
- Lessons from his early career and community involvement
- The pivotal moment leading him to the world of business acquisitions
