Powder Coater Podcast

Ep 80: Knowing When It’s Time to Exit

In this final episode of The Succession Episodes, Kim takes on one of the most personal questions in business ownership: How do you know when it’s actually time to sell?

From aging and burnout to health changes and shifting priorities, this episode explores the emotional side of exiting a business—and why situational awareness matters long before circumstances make the decision for you.

Kim also gives a brief look ahead at her upcoming series with Jim Kunkle, where they’ll explore six broader gaps shaping the future of the powder coating industry and ask a bigger question: Who inherits the industry next?

Ep 79: Do Due Diligence Before Selling Your Powder Coating Shop

Knowing what buyers look at is one thing. Then comes the part most business owners have never experienced: due diligence. In Episode 79, we get into what happens once a seller starts digging into the buyer, what strengths can the seller push back on and what the finishing industry needs to understand about actually getting a deal across the finish line.

Ep 78: What Buyers Look At..And What They Ignore

You think they're buying your equipment and years in business, aka sweat equity. They're not. Here's what actually moves the number. Today we dig deep into the real metrics and reasoning buyers use and it not what you may think.

Watch on YOUTUBE https://youtu.be/rJ1lZe0-Qus

You’re selling your life’s work. They’re buying a spreadsheet.

That may be one of the hardest parts of selling a business to accept.

In Episode 77 of The Powder Coater Podcast, we continue The Succession Episodes by talking about who is actually on the other side of the table—and why that changes everything.

A strategic buyer may want your customers and capacity.

Private equity and searchers want cash flow and systems.

An employee may want the business they already know how to run.

And family succession can become a problem fast if the company was never built to transfer.

We also get into the first moves owners should make years before they plan to sell:

clean financials, believable add-backs, confidentiality, knowing your real earnings, and building the right deal team.

Because the people in your corner—and the person across the table—can both change the number.

THE SUCCESSION EPISODES — EPISODE 76

Someone may buy your shop someday. But who buys it can completely change what they think it's worth, what they care about during due diligence, how the deal gets structured, and what you should be doing now to prepare.

In Episode 76, Kim and Sandee look at powder coating businesses through the eyes of the buyer. Because a competitor, an individual entrepreneur, a search fund, private equity group, employee, or family member aren't buying the same thing—even when they're looking at the exact same shop.

Add your job shop to the Powder Coating Near Me directory https://www.powdercoatingnearme.com/add-listing/ https://www.powdercoatingnearme.com/tips-for-managing-your-listing/

The Succession Episodes: The Exit Is Just The Beginning- Part 1

In this multi-part series of The Powder Coater Podcast, Kim sits down with another former shop owner to talk candidly about what happens when the business you built becomes something you may eventually need to sell.

Both women have now gone through the process of exiting their powder coating businesses, giving them a rare perspective on succession, valuation, buyer expectations, due diligence, owner dependency, and the emotional side of handing over the keys.

Today they focus on an overview of their personal stories vs the realities owners often do not confront until a buyer starts looking closely. Later how to turn those lessons into practical action, with steps shop owners can take now to build stronger systems, cleaner financials, better leadership, and a business that can operate without them.

Whether you plan to sell in three years, ten years, or never, the bigger question is the same: are you building a business that owns your time, or an asset that can stand on its own?

Featured Links 

• MPW in the News shared pdf
• https://www.coatingsworld.com/contents/view_breaking-news/2024-06-28/global-green-building-alliance-launches-guide-to-net-zero/
• https://www.civilbeat.org/2024/06/hawaii-settles-climate-change-lawsuit-filed-by-youth-plaintiffs/
• https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HW57ckS2YMBa1LHKtBUTF8ucBtzr5iIhU562l_8Z_a8/edit
• https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/article/osha-toxic-metal-powder-coating-houston-19549627.php
• https://grist.org/regulation/the-supreme-court-overturns-chevron-doctrine-gutting-federal-environmental-protections/

Special guest Valeri Lennon from Benco covers the latest developments surrounding the Epa Ruling & Methylene Chloride Lawsuit

https://grist.org/regulation/the-supreme-court-overturns-chevron-doctrine-gutting-federal-environmental-protections/

In this episode of the Powder Coat Podcast, host Kim Scott interviews leadership consultant Nikhil Raval about generational dynamics in the workplace. They explore the unique perspectives and challenges posed by Gen Z, emphasizing the need for a balanced management style and a learning culture. Nikhil highlights the importance of understanding the context in which each generation grew up, particularly Gen Z's experiences with technology, mental well-being, and instant feedback. The discussion also covers strategies for engaging and retaining younger employees, such as reverse mentoring and virtual reality technologies, and underscores the need for empathy and understanding across generations.

Featured Links

We know many things are made or manufactured in America but what does the meaning of "Made in America" really mean? ​Find out how one equipment supplier has found new meaning in the phrase "Made in America" and how he intends to seek new markets & branding with "The Sticker" everyone is so familiar with. We delve into the process, who regulates it and some history of the these 3 words which have been woven into our American culture. Get ready to level up your powder coater game!