Using Strategic Acquisitions To Prepare for an Exit in Tech Services

Описание: Arlin Sorensen is the VP of Ecosystem Evangelism for IT Nation at ConnectWise, a software company that develops IT management tools and community platforms for managed service providers (MSPs) and IT solution businesses. In his role, he facilitates ecosystem engagement and thought leadership across the IT Nation community while advising business leaders through consulting and peer groups. With over three decades of experience as an IT leader and entrepreneur, Arlin founded and grew Heartland Technology Solutions and HTG Peer Groups (now IT Nation Evolve), a global community fostering leadership and collaboration among MSP owners, which was acquired by ConnectWise.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
• [0:00] Introduction
• [3:16] How Arlin Sorensen entered the IT industry through farming and an interest in computers
• [6:21] Arlin’s key factors in selecting companies to acquire: strong financial and sales leadership
• [11:09] Lessons Arlin learned from mistakes in acquisition communication and change management
• [14:45] Balancing visionary ideas while managing team expectations
• [20:11] How to build employee loyalty through transparency and shared strategic planning
• [25:54] What led to the sale of Heartland Technology Solutions?
• [30:07] The importance of planning for life post-exit and maintaining relationships

In this episode…
As business owners scale their companies, they often encounter bottlenecks in leadership, decision-making, and growth. How can entrepreneurs navigate these hurdles while ensuring sustainable growth?

According to seasoned tech entrepreneur Arlin Sorensen, the key lies in creating a solid foundation, making informed decisions, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Having a strong support system, especially during acquisitions, can guide critical decisions and help avoid costly mistakes. Arlin also recommends maintaining transparency and inclusivity with employees to build loyalty and trust. These steps can transform a company’s trajectory and make leadership more manageable over the long term.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Heather Bennett sits down with Arlin Sorensen, VP of Ecosystem Evangelism for IT Nation at ConnectWise, to discuss effective growth strategies for businesses. Arlin shares his experience on building loyal teams, handling acquisitions, and the importance of life planning post-exit.

Resources mentioned in this episode:
• Susan Kearney on LinkedIn -   / susanpkearney  
• Heather Bennett on LinkedIn -   / heather-h-bennett  
• Newport LLC - https://newportllc.com/
• Arlin Sorensen on LinkedIn -   / asorensen  
• ConnectWise - https://www.connectwise.com/
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• “The Future Workforce: What Leaders Need To Know About Hiring and Training” with Matt Vuckov on Growth + Exit - https://newportllc.com/podcast/the-fu...
• “The North Stars To Building a Successful Cybersecurity Technology Company” with Philip de Souza on Growth + Exit - https://newportllc.com/podcast/the-no...

Sponsor for this episode...
This episode is brought to you by Newport LLC, a national business advisory firm.

Newport is a team of over 50 seasoned C-suite executives who have founded, built, bought, and sold businesses. We help CEOs of privately held companies achieve exceptional value quickly and with less risk.

We use our proprietary Value Acceleration Program — a set of research-based tools and methodologies — to help growth-stage businesses build and sustain value.

To work with us, visit https://newportllc.com/.

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