Building Success and Learning New Lessons - Mike Saldi - Built to Finish - Episode # 11

Built to Finish

Ever wondered what it takes to build a successful SaaS company, scale it to new heights, and ultimately navigate the complexities of selling?

In this episode, Steven Pivnik interviews Mike Saldi, founder and CEO of SCLogic, and shares insights from his 28-year journey in logistics and facility software. Mike discusses his reasons for selling SCLogic, emphasizing the impact of age and the relentless drive to grow. He stresses the importance of company culture, equity distribution, and open communication. Mike also dives into the role of investment bankers in optimizing the sale process, elaborating on the complexities and the crucial support from advisors. He touches upon his leadership style, challenges faced during the transition, and future growth under new ownership. Mike concludes by reflecting on personal interests and the evolving role he now plays after the acquisition.

Takeaways:

• Cultivate Open Communication: Foster transparency and open communication through regular all-hands meetings and "Ask Me Anything" sessions to enhance trust and morale.
• Prioritize Customer Experience: Interact with customers to understand their needs, identify pain points, and use feedback to guide product improvements and increase retention.
• Strategic Planning for Succession: Plan for long-term goals and leadership transitions to ensure smooth succession and continued company growth.
• Invest in Experienced Advisors: Bring in seasoned professionals (e.g., CFO, head of product) for guidance during complex processes like mergers or scaling operations.
• Clean and Manage the Cap Table: Maintain a clean, organized cap table to simplify due diligence and avoid complications during major financial events.
• Value Your People: Recognize and reward employee contributions, sharing equity or profits to boost loyalty, motivation, and commitment.
• Continuous Learning and Flexibility: Stay open to new methodologies and adapt to changing business environments, engaging with your team and experts to stay informed about best practices.

Quote of the Show:

• "I've always visited customers... You can't understand their problems unless you walk in their shoes." - Mike Saldi

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-saldi-5186053/
• Company Website: https://www.sclogic.com/

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1ghmiiaRwVtQ9kqqqvmVQY
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/built-to-finish/id1781753842
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/665cacbf-79ed-4745-8856-1d8465943c65
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/built-to-finish-5907037
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/oySHZgcQ60s