Artwork

Content provided by Andy. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Andy or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.
Player FM - Podcast App
Go offline with the Player FM app!

Alternative Exit #029 | The Exit That Gives Back: Mike Brady on Selling Without Selling Out

40:48
 
Share
 

Manage episode 493656340 series 3621108
Content provided by Andy. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Andy or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.

What happens when a strategy consultant turns social entrepreneur and then becomes a champion for employee ownership? In this episode, I sit down with Mike Brady, co-founder of 40 Million Owners, to explore his fascinating journey from PWC strategy work to pioneering open hiring at Greyston Bakery, and now to scaling employee ownership across America's lower middle market. Mike shares how his experience creating inclusive cultures taught him that providing access to jobs isn't enough—we need to create pathways to wealth building and true ownership.

We dive deep into the practical challenges facing the "silver tsunami" of retiring business owners and why employee ownership offers solutions that go far beyond traditional succession planning. From the capital structures needed to make deals competitive, to the cultural shifts required for successful ownership transitions, Mike unpacks the real work happening on the ground. This conversation is packed with insights for anyone curious about how employee ownership can scale beyond aligned sellers to become a mainstream business solution.

Key Takeaways:

  • Why workforce development alone isn't enough—quality jobs with wealth-building opportunities are essential for systemic change
  • How the "silver tsunami" creates dual challenges: business succession and labor shortages that employee ownership uniquely addresses
  • The competitive advantage of employee ownership in attracting talent as labor markets tighten
  • Why successful EO transitions require both adequate capital and strong operators, not just aligned sellers
  • How existing ESOPs can become powerful acquirers, creating an ecosystem for scaling employee ownership
  • The importance of transparency and "loving action" in building authentic ownership cultures
  • Why market-based solutions are crucial for employee ownership to compete with private equity and search funds
  • How the lower middle market ($3-50M enterprise value) represents the biggest opportunity for employee ownership growth

About Mike Brady:

Mike Brady is co-founder of 40 Million Owners, an organization dedicated to scaling employee ownership across America's lower middle market. Previously, he served as CEO of Greyston Bakery, where he pioneered award-winning open hiring practices and delivered a TED talk on inclusive employment. Mike began his career in strategy at PwC, had a tech exit with Fast, and currently serves as an operating partner at Southeast Acquisition Capital. He's recognized as a leader in impact entrepreneurship and workforce development innovation.

Connect with Mike Brady:

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/mikebrady40million/
40 Million Owners: https://40millionowners.com/

Connect with Andy Farquharson:

LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/andyfarquharson/
Instagram - https://instagram.com/andyfarq
Website - https://abettermonday.me/
Email - [email protected]

  continue reading

29 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 493656340 series 3621108
Content provided by Andy. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Andy or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.

What happens when a strategy consultant turns social entrepreneur and then becomes a champion for employee ownership? In this episode, I sit down with Mike Brady, co-founder of 40 Million Owners, to explore his fascinating journey from PWC strategy work to pioneering open hiring at Greyston Bakery, and now to scaling employee ownership across America's lower middle market. Mike shares how his experience creating inclusive cultures taught him that providing access to jobs isn't enough—we need to create pathways to wealth building and true ownership.

We dive deep into the practical challenges facing the "silver tsunami" of retiring business owners and why employee ownership offers solutions that go far beyond traditional succession planning. From the capital structures needed to make deals competitive, to the cultural shifts required for successful ownership transitions, Mike unpacks the real work happening on the ground. This conversation is packed with insights for anyone curious about how employee ownership can scale beyond aligned sellers to become a mainstream business solution.

Key Takeaways:

  • Why workforce development alone isn't enough—quality jobs with wealth-building opportunities are essential for systemic change
  • How the "silver tsunami" creates dual challenges: business succession and labor shortages that employee ownership uniquely addresses
  • The competitive advantage of employee ownership in attracting talent as labor markets tighten
  • Why successful EO transitions require both adequate capital and strong operators, not just aligned sellers
  • How existing ESOPs can become powerful acquirers, creating an ecosystem for scaling employee ownership
  • The importance of transparency and "loving action" in building authentic ownership cultures
  • Why market-based solutions are crucial for employee ownership to compete with private equity and search funds
  • How the lower middle market ($3-50M enterprise value) represents the biggest opportunity for employee ownership growth

About Mike Brady:

Mike Brady is co-founder of 40 Million Owners, an organization dedicated to scaling employee ownership across America's lower middle market. Previously, he served as CEO of Greyston Bakery, where he pioneered award-winning open hiring practices and delivered a TED talk on inclusive employment. Mike began his career in strategy at PwC, had a tech exit with Fast, and currently serves as an operating partner at Southeast Acquisition Capital. He's recognized as a leader in impact entrepreneurship and workforce development innovation.

Connect with Mike Brady:

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/mikebrady40million/
40 Million Owners: https://40millionowners.com/

Connect with Andy Farquharson:

LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/andyfarquharson/
Instagram - https://instagram.com/andyfarq
Website - https://abettermonday.me/
Email - [email protected]

  continue reading

29 episodes

All episodes

×
 
Loading …

Welcome to Player FM!

Player FM is scanning the web for high-quality podcasts for you to enjoy right now. It's the best podcast app and works on Android, iPhone, and the web. Signup to sync subscriptions across devices.

 

Quick Reference Guide

Copyright 2025 | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | | Copyright
Listen to this show while you explore
Play