Tim Murphy, former CEO of Boomer Parks, shares the story of transforming a bankrupt amusement park group into a profitable, private equity-ready asset. From revamping guest experience to shifting customer focus and optimizing pricing, Tim walks us through how he scaled operations and achieved an $18M swing in EBITDA. This episode is packed with lessons in operational turnaround, pricing strategy, and preparing for a successful exit—all essential insights for founder-CEOs eyeing growth and liquidity.

Key Takeaways:

• Define and operationalize core values early—use them to drive hiring, culture, and accountability.
• Eliminate discount-heavy pricing models that attract unprofitable customers.
• Prioritize guest experience—clean, safe, and immersive environments lead to increased loyalty and revenue.
• Use a PE mindset: start with the P&L and build value through strategic EBITDA improvements.
• Evaluate each location or asset based on demographics, profitability, and growth potential.
• Invest in operational visibility—visit locations, talk to guests, and spot red flags firsthand.
• Raise prices confidently—if the experience is there, customers will pay.
• Build a business model private equity can scale—reproducibility and clear growth paths increase exit value.

Timestamps

• 00:00 The Journey Begins: Tim's Entrepreneurial Roots
• 02:30 Transforming Boomers Parks: Leadership and Strategy
• 06:38 Core Values and Team Dynamics
• 10:47 Understanding Customer Experience and Competition
• 18:48 Pricing Strategies and Value Creation
• 23:38 Evaluating Business Potential: The Decision-Making Process
• 29:20 Private Equity Insights: What Owners Should Know

Links & Resources

• Tim Murphy
  • Email: tim@timothypmurphy.com
  • Website: https://timmurphyceo.com
  • https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmurphyceo/

• Subscribe to the Podcast:

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• Newsletter & Exclusive Content:

  • Sign up for the free newsletter at eckfeldt.com/podcast for episode transcripts, bonus insights, frameworks, and community updates.

• Connect with Bruce & the Community:

  • LinkedIn: Bruce Eckfeldt

  • Instagram: @bruce_eckfeldt

  • Email:

    • podcast@eckfeldt.com

    • bruce@eckfeldt.com

At just 24, Scott Snider sold his landscaping company—but quickly faced an identity crisis. Today, as president of the Exit Planning Institute, he’s on a mission to help founders avoid the same post-exit regret. In this episode, Scott shares his entrepreneurial journey, why most exits fail the owner emotionally, and how the CEPA framework empowers founders to build with the end in mind. Discover why aligning business, personal, and financial planning is the ultimate lever for maximizing exit value—and peace of mind.

Key Takeaways:

• Start exit planning early—even if you're years away—to create options and drive valuation.
• Align business, personal, and financial goals using the “Three-Legged Stool” method.
• Know your wealth gap: how much you need post-exit determines your deal flexibility.
• 75% of founders regret their exit—often due to a lack of personal purpose planning.
• Building buyability also builds a stronger business today—exit strategy is good business strategy.
• Today’s founders prefer relationship-driven advisors, not transactional experts.
• Gen X and Millennial owners are driving a shift to multiple exits and hybrid deal structures.
• SEPA-certified advisors bring a shared framework and mindset that accelerates founder outcomes.

Timestamps:

00:07 – Welcome and Introduction

01:23 – Scott Snider's Personal Story: From Janitor to Business Exit

05:30 – The Importance of Exit Planning for Founders

11:45 – Transforming a Business into a Financial Asset

33:52 – Strategic Planning Insights for Business Growth

56:12 – What’s Next for the Exit Planning Institute

Links & Resources

• Scott Snider

  • Website: earncepa.com

• Subscribe to the Podcast:

  • Find From Angel to Exit on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Be sure to hit “Subscribe” so you never miss an episode.

• Newsletter & Exclusive Content:

  • Sign up for the free newsletter at eckfeldt.com/podcast for episode transcripts, bonus insights, frameworks, and community updates.

• Connect with Bruce & the Community:

  • LinkedIn: Bruce Eckfeldt

  • Instagram: @bruce_eckfeldt

  • Email:

    • podcast@eckfeldt.com

    • bruce@eckfeldt.com

Karl Sigerist, Managing Director at the Shaughnessy Group, shares insider strategies on how founders can prepare for a high-value exit. With decades of experience on both the buy and sell sides, Karl reveals why 80% of lower middle market deals fail—and how you can avoid becoming a statistic. Learn the must-have foundations for exit readiness, how to think like a buyer, and why building a culture of preparation pays dividends. A must-listen for founders scaling toward a sale or acquisition.

Key Takeaways:

• 80% of lower middle market exits fail due to poor preparation and unrealistic valuations.
• Clean, audited financials are essential for attracting serious buyers.
• Valuation is driven by future cash flow, quality of earnings, and industry comparables.
• Strategic buyers and micro PE funds require different approaches—know your audience.
• Scaling past $1M–$3M in EBITDA significantly boosts your exit multiple.
• Succession planning is non-negotiable; your business must be transferable.
• Founders should think like buyers—objectivity creates better deal outcomes.
• Exit planning should begin 5–10 years in advance, not 6 months before a sale.

Timestamps:

• 01:00 Guest Introduction: Karl Sigerist
• 03:00 Karl’s Career Journey
• 06:00 The Shaughnessy Group’s Focus
• 09:00 M&A Market Insights
• 12:00 Advice for Entrepreneurs
• 15:00 Conclusion & Contact Information

Links & Resources

• Karl Sigerist

  • Website: https://shaughnessy.group

  • https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlsigeristjr/

• Subscribe to the Podcast:

  • Find From Angel to Exit on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Be sure to hit “Subscribe” so you never miss an episode.

• Newsletter & Exclusive Content:

  • Sign up for the free newsletter at eckfeldt.com/podcast for episode transcripts, bonus insights, frameworks, and community updates.

• Connect with Bruce & the Community:

  • LinkedIn: Bruce Eckfeldt

  • Instagram: @bruce_eckfeldt

  • Email:

    • podcast@eckfeldt.com

    • bruce@eckfeldt.com