#26 - Courtney Gould Miller (Lumen)

Carrie interviews Courtney Gould Miller, who successfully sold her family's marketing agency for a double-digit multiple. Courtney shares insights from her journey, which includes joining her family's business, implementing digital marketing strategies, and ultimately negotiating an impressive exit to private equity.   Courtney also discusses the impact of family business dynamics, the grief of letting go, and her experience transitioning into a leadership role within the acquiring company.   The conversation sheds light on valuing hidden assets, the pitfalls of earnouts, the emotional journey post-sale, and her passion for helping other family businesses thrive through her new podcast, Family Business Secrets.   00:29 Welcome to The Exit Whisperer 00:33 Meet Courtney Gould Miller 00:53 Family Business Beginnings 02:51 Growing Up in the Business 06:12 From Law to Marketing 08:33 Joining the Family Business 11:55 The Decision to Sell 16:14 Negotiating the Exit 24:25 Life After the Sale 26:50 The Emotional Journey of Selling 31:45 Courtney's Legacy and Future Plans 35:12 Closing Thoughts and Podcast Launch