Grow or Go Podcast

Back in 2002 John Zak and his partners took the leap into starting North Star Surgical as a regional medical device distribution company. Over time the team reinvested and grew the capabilities by adding new product lines, sales reps, eventually broadening their footprint.

After 20 years in the business, thoughts started to form about getting out of the business and transitioning into life 2.0. With the help of Dan Arcand, an Advisor of Sunbelt Business Advisors and True North M&A, John and his partners went to market, bringing in numerous buyers. Even with no intention in selling, the higher valuation in the company and interest from buyers made the decision much easier.

Gregg Saunders is one of those Entrepreneurs that can't sit still. Over the course of multiple decades, Gregg has started, grown, and sold a handful of companies. A couple of years ago, Sunbelt Business Advisors and True North M&A helped Gregg and his partners exit Student Experience, which was a business that helped students get into the healthcare field to learn, grow, and build careers.

Now, Gregg helps business owners implement EOS and transform their companies to new levels. What are the key things that amplify certain companies compared to others? What do you need to address within your business?

For Brittany and Eric Onken, business ownership has been nothing short of an adventure. Starting and scaling right out of college cutting lawns, they quickly grew and established themselves as a trusted player in the industry. Not so soon after they sold off their contracts and transitioned into tree care; completely starting fresh and tackling a new and bigger beast.

Brittany shares all about the trials, the tribulations, the successes, and most importantly what exiting her business was like. What does she wish every busy owner knew ahead of a sale? How can she now help you exit your business successfully? What does it really take to set your business up for success?

Connect with Brittany.

It takes guts and a whole lot of sacrifice to build a business right out of college. But for those who have the grit and determination, like Burhan Ali, anything is possible.

Apex Home Care, now Amivie, is a staple in the Minneapolis community that helps individuals stay independent and comfortable in their own space. The business went through some major changes that resulted in exceptional growth, but getting there wasn't easy.

Hear Burhan's story about why him and his sister took the leap of faith to bet on themselves, and how it set them up to pursue their dreams.

Check out Burhan's new business! ⁠Sabah Coffee

What's it like leaving a safe, salaried job to start your own business? Not everyone understands the risks it takes, but sometimes the cards you are shown just make sense, and taking that risk is the answer.

Christian Olson took the leap once he realized there was a real need for better student transportation services. No solution is that easy, however. Mix in Covid, uncertainty, complete demand decline, and just trying to keep the lights on.

Christian explains his whole story about how Transportation Delivery Inc. came to life, grew, and eventually sold. Now Christian helps business owners mitigate their operating expenses, allowing more money to transfer to the bottom line.

Christian's Blog

This one is for all of you automotive gurus, the grease monkeys, the ones that want to work on cars all day long. Craig Carlson joins us as a founder, an owner, and now seller of the successful Carlson's Collision & Glass.

Just like any business owner, Craig started at the bottom. Borrowing as much money as the banks would allow him to start his own shop. His journey of blood, sweat, and tears is what has now allowed him to retire and live out his other dreams.

As a business owner, most of your net worth is tied up in your business. So, how do you match your retirement vision with your business exit? The key takeaway: Do your homework and plan early to match your goals for the next chapter with the plan you establish for your business exit.

Bernstein has been in business for 60 years in wealth management services. One of their main focuses is working with entrepreneurs and multi-generational families, and advising business owners for retirement isa key aspect of their services.

The political landscape that your business lives in has a huge effect on how you choose to operate your life’s work. So, where do things stand today, and what does the future look like?

We welcome Tim Sanders to the podcast this week. Tim is the mayor of the city of Blaine, having served in office since 2021. Previously, Tim was a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives for 8 years from 2009-2017.