Exit-Ed: Stories From Grind to Sale

Kelly Parker turned a side hustle in corporate gifting into a fully bootstrapped business that caught the attention of Urban Stems, a venture-backed floral and gifting company. In this episode, Kelly shares how a simple coffee meeting years before the deal planted the seed for her acquisition, why she chose equity over cash at exit, and what it really feels like to go from being your own boss to joining a corporate team. Now running Launch, Grow, Exit, Kelly advises female founders on how to build businesses that are set up to sell. She gets real about the personal factors that shape exit decisions; the power founders often underestimate in negotiations, and why timing and relationships matter more than most people think.

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What is Exit-Ed: Stories From Grind to Sale?

Exit-Ed: Stories from Grind to Sale

Join us on Exit-Ed, the podcast where successful founders share the untold stories behind building, scaling, and selling their companies. In each dynamic episode, we go beyond the headlines to explore the challenges, strategies, and pivotal moments that shaped the journeys of entrepreneurs from each corner of the globe.

From the long nights spent grinding to the high-stakes negotiations that led to rewarding exits, our guests provide practical insights, hard-won lessons, and inspiration for anyone on the path to success. Whether you're an entrepreneur preparing for a sale, an investor looking to understand founder dynamics, or a business leader seeking new growth strategies, this podcast is for you.

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