Today we have a special guest – the dynamic entrepreneur, Josef Brunner. Josef, who founded his first company at 16, has since sold multiple businesses for over $400 million. In this episode, we delve into the emotional rollercoaster of selling a business, emphasizing the essential support mentors can provide. Josef shares wisdom on personal and ethical conduct, the value of work ethics, and how to protect intellectual property during acquisitions.

We’ll explore his stoic philosophy, the importance of transparency and trust in acquisition processes, and the delicate balance of control and delegation in managing a company. Josef also highlights the significance of meaningful legacy over financial gain, his approach to maintaining relationships post-acquisition, and how he prepares his organizations for seamless leadership transitions. Tune in for invaluable insights on dealing with acquisition challenges, the pitfalls of relying too heavily on bankers, and the importance of direct, personal engagement throughout the exit journey.

Whether you're gearing up for an exit or just curious about the highs and lows of entrepreneurial success, this episode is packed with lessons that resonate far beyond the boardroom. Let's dive in!

This is what you get to hear:

• 00:00 Josef Brunner discusses entrepreneurial journey on podcast.
• 09:03 Embrace curiosity; avoid thoughts of failure.
• 15:15 Stable networks indicate success; prioritizing relationships matters.
• 19:32 Institutionalized entrepreneurship and supported former employees' ventures.
• 23:05 Build strong relationships for successful deal-making.
• 26:55 Clearly define goals and build a sustainable organization.
• 34:48 Rumors impact productivity; transparency risks misinterpretation.
• 39:07 Decision based on legacy, gut feel, offers.
• 42:49 Big risks in venture capital yield results.
• 50:25 Regret selling them too early for money.
• 53:52 Be the person you want others to be.
• 01:03:41 Relentless resilience eventually overcomes opposition.
• 01:06:27 Invest in employees who innovate externally.
• 01:11:00 Engage cross-organization for effective leadership succession.

Want to know more about Joseph Brunner:
Josef Brunner's life took a dramatic turn at 15 when his parents' bakery went bankrupt, rendering his family homeless as they lived in the bakery. Faced with these harsh circumstances, Josef made the difficult decision to drop out of school, despite his passion for studying physics and love for numbers. Determined to support his family, he channelled his entrepreneurial spirit into starting a company, which he successfully sold by the time he was 18. With the earnings, he was able to buy a new house for his parents, where they continue to live to this day.

The Big Exit Show is an initiative by Peak and NP-Hard. Want to know more about Peak and the ventures we back? Check out our website. Want to know more about NP-Hard? Have a look at our website.

Feedback for our podcast or want to be featured on our show? Please reach out at podcast@peak.capital.