By: Joshua Finley
As the largest wave of entrepreneurial transitions in history—dubbed the Silver Tsunami—unfolds, business owners are facing a critical juncture. With countless baby boomer entrepreneurs preparing to sell their businesses, the challenges of successfully navigating these exits are becoming increasingly apparent. Studies indicate that only 20% of businesses listed for sale actually succeed in finding buyers, and for those who do sell, 75% experience regret within a year. This regret often stems not from financial shortcomings but from unaddressed emotional and psychological struggles.
Jerome Myers, founder of Exit to Excellence, is leading the charge in reshaping how founders approach this pivotal moment. Recognized as a prominent figure in the field, Myers has created innovative frameworks designed to help business leaders navigate the complexities of exiting their companies while supporting the creation of meaningful legacies. With extensive experience in business development, Myers has contributed to the growth of various divisions within major companies, developed a diverse real estate portfolio, and authoring a book Your N.E.X.T.: A Guide to Finding Fulfillment After Your Exit. His background offers valuable insights into entrepreneurship, particularly in areas often overlooked by others.
Through Exit to Excellence, Myers introduces tools like the N.E.X.T. framework—Nourish, Evaluate, Explore, and Transcend—and the 8 Exits of a Founder framework. These innovative methodologies address not only the logistical aspects of a business exit but also the profound emotional and psychological challenges founders face, known as the Founder’s Exit Paradox.
Photo Courtesy: Exit to Excellence
The Founder’s Exit Paradox, a term Myers coined, describes the silent struggles founders endure during and after the sale of their businesses. For many, their companies are more than financial assets; they represent years of passion, identity, and community. The transition from business ownership to life beyond the company often leaves founders grappling with uncertainty, self-doubt, and a sense of irrelevance. Without the right preparation and support, this paradox can overshadow even the most financially successful exits.
“For many founders, selling their business feels like the ultimate achievement—but beneath the surface, they’re struggling,” Myers explains. “They feel isolated, uncertain, and even regretful. That’s the silent suffering of the Founder’s Exit Paradox.”
To counteract these challenges, Exit to Excellence offers a holistic approach that merges financial strategy with personal fulfillment and legacy-building. Programs like the N.E.X.T. Intensive and the NEO Navigator ensure that clients transition with clarity and confidence, aligning their post-exit lives with their personal values and long-term goals.
The 8 Exits of a Founder framework is central to Myers’ methodology. This comprehensive roadmap identifies the critical transitions every founder faces during their entrepreneurial journey:
- Leaving Corporate America: Taking the initial leap into entrepreneurship.
- CEO 1.0: Building and scaling the business.
- Product Manager: Refining offerings and driving growth.
- CEO 2.0: Creating systems to help reduce day-to-day involvement.
- Board Chair: Transitioning to a strategic oversight role.
- Liquidity Event: Structuring and executing the financial transaction.
- Your N.E.X.T.: Redefining purpose and crafting a meaningful post-exit life.
- Journey to Legacy Building: Aligning wealth, passions, and long-term impact.
“Every founder’s journey is a series of exits,” Myers emphasizes. “Our framework helps founders navigate each transition with clarity and confidence, ensuring they don’t just survive the process—they thrive.”
Photo Courtesy: Exit to Excellence
The Silver Tsunami amplifies the urgency for founders to adopt a comprehensive exit strategy. With a record number of businesses entering the market, competition for buyers is fierce. Beyond financial preparation, founders must anticipate the emotional challenges that follow a sale and proactively plan their next chapter.
“Most exit plans focus on the deal, but the real work begins after the paperwork is signed,” Myers asserts. “That’s where founders face their greatest challenges—who they are and what they’ll do next.”
Myers’ approach to legacy-building sets Exit to Excellence apart. Unlike traditional advisors who conclude their involvement at the close of a deal, Exit to Excellence provides ongoing support. Their programs are designed to help founders craft legacies that extend beyond financial success, ensuring their post-exit lives are meaningful and impactful.
“Your exit isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of your legacy,” Myers notes. “At Exit to Excellence, we help founders align their financial success with their values to create a lasting impact.”
Recognized as a thought leader in the field, Myers frequently speaks at prestigious organizations such as EO, YPO, and Vistage. His insights are regularly shared on global stages and leading podcasts, further solidifying his reputation as a trusted authority on entrepreneurial exits.
Photo Courtesy: Exit to Excellence
The importance of addressing the emotional and psychological dimensions of exits cannot be overstated. Founders who fail to prepare for life after their businesses often experience identity crises and regret. By tackling these challenges head-on, Exit to Excellence ensures that founders not only achieve financial success but also find fulfillment in their next chapter.
For entrepreneurs ready to embark on their own exit journeys, Myers offers this guidance: “Reflect on your goals and values. Think about what legacy you want to leave behind. And importantly, prepare not just for the transaction but for the transformation that follows.”
To learn more about Exit to Excellence and how Jerome Myers is transforming the entrepreneurial exit experience, visit Exittoexcellence.com. Connect with Jerome Myers on LinkedIn at LinkedIn.com/in/jeromemyers.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice, nor does it replace professional financial advice, investment advice, or any other type of advice. You should seek the advice of a qualified financial advisor or other professional before making any financial decisions.
Published By: Aize Perez
