135 - Eric Dutton - Post Sale

We welcome Eric Dutton back to the podcast. Eric is the founder, ex-owner, and ex-president of Dutton Plumbing, a large, wildly successful plumbing company. Eric is well known for his humor, but also for being a great leader and a very smart businessman. Eric's been on our podcast before. We learned about the creation and growth of Dutton Plumbing (episode 1), Five Business Rules (episode 39), Leadership in a Difficult Time (what Eric was doing with his company during COVID – episode 57). In this episode we catch up with Eric and find out what's happened with his company in the intervening 4 years. One big turning point: Eric sold his company and after managing the transition for more than a year, retired. Eric talks about the aspects of selling that aren't discussed a lot: the personal, emotional, and non-financial aspects: what it feels like, what you do after, what personal adjustments are needed. Eric also discusses his "Ericisms", his amazing retirement party, the grit required to be successful, his use of a Tony Robbins coach, losing his local fame, becoming anonymous, the value of excitement, and advice for business owners who need to plan for their exit. Eric Dutton is an incredibly smart guy, and a very savvy businessman. Don't miss this!