Scaling, Exiting, and Paying it Forward: John Wadsworth’s M&A Playbook

In this episode, seasoned business owner and advisor John Wadsworth shares how he built, scaled, and exited his company through an ESOP, turning lessons from a decades-long entrepreneurial journey into a mission to help others do the same. Joined by hosts Sam Foreman and Jacob Wayman, John offers powerful advice on leadership, transition planning, risk tolerance, and building a business that’s built to last—even after the founder steps away.

Special thanks to an anonymous listener for asking, “How do you know if an ESOP is the right fit for your business?” John walks through his own experience with clarity and candor.

Learn more about John's business, Strategic Value Partners, here: https://strategicvaluepartnersks.com/