The Business Transition Sherpa

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In this episode of Veteran On the Move, Joe Crane sits down with Laurie Barkman, the “Business Transition Sherpa,” to discuss the critical intersection of business growth and exit strategy. Drawing from her experience as a $100M CEO who led a Fortune 50 acquisition and her time as an outside hire for a third-generation firm, Laurie shares invaluable lessons on Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition and the “Founder’s Paradox.” She highlights why veterans should consider buying existing businesses and offers a perspective on the emotional toll of losing one’s identity after a major transition—a challenge many veterans face twice. Whether you’re just starting small with a passion-led idea or scaling a massive firm, Laurie’s insights provide the map to ensure your business can eventually thrive without you, allowing you to exit on your own terms with confidence.

Episode Resources:

Business Transition Sherpa

About Our Guest

Laurie Barkman is a nationally recognized growth strategist, speaker, and CEO who helps engineering, architecture, and design services firm owners scale their companies with clarity and confidence. She is the founder of The Business Transition Sherpa®, author of The Business Transition Handbook, and host of the award-winning Succession Stories podcast.

A Certified Exit Planner, M&A Advisor, and former $100M CEO who led a company through a successful acquisition by a Fortune 50, Laurie brings real-world leadership and transition expertise to every engagement. Today, she empowers AEC industry owners in the built environment to build scalable, self-sustaining businesses that grow without depending on them, creating more time, freedom, and lasting value.

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