people | Exit Plan - Part 3

By Alexa Tanen

Michael Hyatt

11 months ago · 3 minute read

  • Author- Speaker- Founder@ Full Focus

Website

Social Media

Education

Michael Hyatt is a well-known author, speaker, and podcaster famous for his best-selling books. He is the founder and CEO of Full Focus, a company that helps high achievers improve their lives with various resources and training.

Michael’s journey in publishing started while he was a student at Baylor University, where he studied philosophy. He began his career at Word Publishing and later co-founded Wolgemuth & Hyatt with Robert Wolgemuth in 1986. This company was acquired by Word Publishing in 1992.

From 1992 to 1998, Michael worked as a literary agent before joining Thomas Nelson, a major Christian book publisher. During this time, he wrote several books about the Y2K problem, including both fiction and non-fiction titles. He rose through the ranks at Thomas Nelson, becoming president and COO in 2004 and CEO in 2005. Under his leadership, the company navigated challenging times, and he emphasized work-life balance. He managed to be home for dinner every night despite his busy schedule.

After realizing that his productivity and leadership system could help others, Michael stepped down from his role at Thomas Nelson and founded Full Focus. His company offers corporate training, strategic planning, daily planners, and leadership books, all based on his unique Full Focus System. This system has helped many people achieve their goals and improve their lives.

Michael has written several best-selling books, including “Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World,” “Living Forward,” “Your Best Year Ever,” “Free to Focus,” and “The Vision Driven Leader.” His podcast, Full Focus, is one of the top 100 business podcasts on iTunes.

In 2017, Michael created the Full Focus Planner, a physical planner designed to help people organize their days, plan their year, and reach their goals. This planner has been a significant tool for many in achieving peace, confidence, and success.

Michael lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife Gail. They have five daughters. He is also an ordained deacon in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Under Michael’s leadership, Full Focus has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies in America and one of the best places to work. In 2021, he stepped down as CEO, passing the leadership to his daughter, Megan Hyatt Miller.

Michael believes that with the right tools and mindset, anyone can achieve their goals and lead a fulfilling life.

Famous Publication

Projects

Achievements

  • Leading Thomas Nelson Publishers as CEO, Hyatt increased the company’s value from $50 million to an impressive $250 million and played a pivotal role in its shift to a private entity.
  • With his current venture, Full Focus, Hyatt assists leaders and teams in reaching peak productivity and maintaining focus. Acknowledged as an Inc. 5000 fastest-growing company and a Best Place to Work, Full Focus is making significant strides.
  • Hyatt boasts the authorship of several books, contributing valuable insights on leadership, productivity, and goal setting.
  • A highly sought-after speaker globally, Hyatt captivates audiences at conferences and events.

By Alexa Tanen

Nate Broughton 

11 months ago · 2 minute read

  • Vice President @Permanent Equity
  • Co-host @ Opt Out Life Podcast

Website

Social Media

Education

Nathaniel Broughton is a seasoned entrepreneur with a knack for building and selling businesses. Nathaniel or Nate, often called, has an eye for companies and business owners who could be an excellent fit for the Permanent Equity family.

Nate’s journey began in college when he stumbled upon a startup that sold tickets online. The venture flourished, reaching an impressive $22 million in sales before acquisition. Undeterred by success, Nate started and sold four more companies, each heavily relying on digital marketing.

In 2014, a pivotal moment occurred when he transitioned into sourcing acquisitions for private equity firms in North America. One day, he was handed a book that resonated deeply with him. The book, gifted by me (Dana Robinson), revealed a community of like-minded individuals who, like Nate, had chosen to opt out of conventional paths.

Opting out for Nate meant leaving behind a lucrative job, but it was about something other than the money. He craved something different—a self-determined destiny. Instead of opting for unconventional paths, he didn’t want to follow the Silicon Valley mold. This decision led him to California, where he launched ventures focused on making entrepreneurship work for him, creating profitable ventures that allowed him the freedom to travel and spend time with family.

The term “Opt Out” caught Nate’s attention, leading him to read the book about a culture of rogue entrepreneurs flying under the radar. These were individuals like Nate and his network, people who didn’t conform to conventional ways of doing business. They faced challenges and ran into occasional money problems but were free to do things their way.

Nate’s network comprised those who had escaped to the beaches of Central America, others making a living from one-person garage businesses, or running small agencies with a tight-knit staff. Some had even sold ventures, achieving various levels of success. Together, they formed a community that shared a familiar mindset—an unconventional approach to entrepreneurship.

With his unique journey and Opt-Out philosophy, Nathaniel Broughton continues to seek out and connect with individuals and businesses that align with the spirit of Permanent Equity. He was also a Co-host of Opt-Out Life Podcast. 

Projects 

By Alexa Tanen

Paul Donovan

11 months ago · 2 minute read

  • Entrepreneur- Mortgage Broker

Website

Social Media

Education

Paul Donovan is a dedicated professional who took a bold step in 2019. Paul worked in corporate banks back then and noticed they were overcharging clients due to “margin compression.” 

Banks increased their rates to cover various fixed expenses, and the burden fell on clients like Paul’s. Without hesitation, Paul decided to make a difference. He obtained his broker’s license to eliminate unnecessary overhead, access wholesale rates, and pass the savings on to his clients.

In 2019, Paul founded HFC Lending, going on a remarkable journey. His commitment and expertise quickly earned him a spot in the top 1% of all loan officers nationwide in 2020 and 2021. Paul’s vision is centered on transparency and client-centric services.

At HFC Lending, Paul collaborates with over 100 investors, enabling him to secure the best rates on various loan programs, including: 

  • 30-year mortgage
  • 20-year mortgage
  • 15-year mortgage
  • 10-year mortgage
  • 1yr ARMS, 3yr ARMS, 5yr ARMS, 
  • Conventional, Jumbo, Home Equity Lines, VA, and Commercial. 

Whatever your situation – Full Documents, No Documents, Non-Owner Occupied (Investor), or Multi-Family – Paul ensures tailored solutions to meet your needs. Avoiding the everyday challenges of loan qualification, Paul’s approach is refreshingly different. 

Paul brings great news – getting a low-rate mortgage is easy and stress-free. He reviews customers’ unique situations and guides them through securing a low-rate mortgage without the hassle. 

Experience 

By Alexa Tanen

Scott Sporrer

11 months ago · 2 minute read

  • CFO @ Exit Consulting Group

Website

Social Media 

Education

  • Scott earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of San Diego. (1989 – 1993)
  • He is a licensed CPA and CEPA

Scott Sporrer is the Chief Financial Officer at Exit Consulting Group, Inc. (ECG), where he uses his extensive experience to guide clients through the various stages of their business lifecycle. With two decades of advisory experience, Scott takes pride in helping business owners stabilize, grow, and ultimately achieve their personal and professional dreams.

Scott’s career began in San Diego with Ernst & Young (EY), where he served clients in the assurance and consulting sectors. He primarily focused on technology-based, publicly traded multinational companies. His skills were further developed during a two-year stint in Santiago, Chile, as part of an international compliance team training regional personnel on quality standards for public companies.

Scott’s expertise grew through various operational and financial roles. He worked with venture-backed companies, provided M&A advisory services with RA Capital Advisors, managed growth as CFO at Phoenix Footwear Group, and served as President of U.S. Operations for Siliken, a Spanish solar developer and module manufacturer.

After ten years in private industry, Scott returned to his passion for client advisory, focusing on growth and exit planning. Over his career, he has managed over $500 million in client transactions. His collaboration with ECG’s executive team made his transition to full-time CFO at ECG a natural choice, enabling him to offer top-tier services to business owners.

Scott believes in building strong management teams and allows business owners to concentrate on strategy and growth. His approach has successfully created effective management teams, giving owners the time and confidence to focus on their business goals.

On a personal note, Scott’s greatest achievement is his marriage of over 20 years. He and his wife cherish spending time with their teenage twins and guiding them to explore the world and develop into valuable members of society. Scott enjoys outdoor activities such as trekking, snowboarding, surfing, and fly fishing, which help him balance physical exertion and solitude.

Projects

Achievements

  • During his two-year international compliance role in Santiago, Chile, Scott Sporrer developed and implemented quality standards for public companies globally.
  • As CFO at Phoenix Footwear Group, he successfully managed the growth of a publicly traded footwear and apparel manufacturer.
  • He facilitated over $500 million in client transactions, which shows his expertise in M&A advisory and exit planning services.

By Alexa Tanen

Robert Kowalski

11 months ago · 3 minute read

  • Logician and Computer Scientist

Website

Education

Robert Anthony Kowalski was born in 1941 and is a notable expert in the crossroads of logic and computer science. Throughout his career, he’s focused on connecting the dots between how humans think and how computers process information. His journey has taken him from the United States, where he started his academic journey, to the United Kingdom, where he conducted impactful research.

Kowalski is a trailblazer in logic programming, a way of using logic for computer processes. His innovative work on Prolog, a versatile logic programming language, set the stage for applications in artificial intelligence, knowledge representation, and problem-solving.

He worked as a research fellow at the University of Edinburgh from 1970 to 1975. Since 1975, he has been part of the Department of Computing at Imperial College London. In 1982, he was promoted to chair in Computational Logic and became an Emeritus Professor in 1999.

Robert advises young people to balance personal goals and social obligations. He shares that reconciling these can be challenging yet rewarding. His personal goals revolve around logic in human affairs, while social obligations led him to teach computing. He emphasizes working hard to be a responsible citizen without compromising personal beliefs, a recommendation he extends to others.

Kowalski highlights the importance of creating AI systems that people can understand and relate to. His research explores how logic can mimic human thinking, guiding the development of more intuitive and explainable AI systems.

His achievements have earned him Fellow status in esteemed organizations like the American Association for Artificial Intelligence and the European Co-ordinating Committee for Artificial Intelligence. He’s received awards such as the IJCAI Award for Research Excellence and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Award for Eminent Scientists.

Robert Kowalski goes beyond academic realms. As an accomplished author, he has written influential books that make complex ideas accessible to a broader audience. His writings delve into the philosophical implications of his work.

Kowalski’s legacy lives on through his groundbreaking work in logic programming, automated theorem proving, and human-centered AI. As an active researcher, he continues to inspire new generations of computer scientists, urging them to explore the connections between reasoning, computation, and human thought.

Famous Publication

Projects 

Achievements

  • Fellowship from American Association for Artificial Intelligence (1991):
  • Fellowship from European Co-ordinating Committee for Artificial Intelligence (1999):
  • Membership from the Association for Computing Machinery (2001):
  • IJCAI Award for Research Excellence (2011)
  • Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Award for Eminent Scientists (2012-2014):
  • Inaugural CodeX Prize (2021):
  • Developed Prolog, a foundational logic programming language
  • Emphasized human-centered AI and interpretability in logic systems:
  • Authored influential textbooks like “Logic Programming” and “Logic for Problem Solving”
  • Served on editorial boards of prestigious journals in AI and logic
  • Supervised PhD students who became distinguished researchers themselves

By Alexa Tanen

Amber McKee 

11 months ago · 2 minute read

  • Entrepreneur – Business Developer and Marketer

Website

Social Media

Amber McKee is an entrepreneur and the go-to expert for all things Home Service Marketing. She has a remarkable 8-year stint as the marketing powerhouse at Goettl Air Conditioning and Plumbing, coupled with a total of 15 years in the marketing realm. Amber is a seasoned professional who knows the ins and outs of helping businesses thrive through strategic and intelligent marketing tailored to their unique goals.

As a certified project manager and master strategist, Amber aims to turn dreams into reality for business owners. She is armed with killer marketing plans. When Amber isn’t busy helping her clients, you can find her at home in Austin, TX. There, she takes care of three amazing kids and enjoys special moments with her spouse, who happens to be her best friend.

Amber is the founder of Amber Marketing Group, and she’s not just a marketer; she’s a revenue driver with a proven track record of managing home service brands, adding tens of millions of dollars to companies’ bottom lines. Her ability to contribute significantly has been pivotal in fueling hyper-growth for the organizations she’s been a part of.

Having navigated the landscapes of both B2B and B2C arenas, Amber thrives on challenges and has successfully led marketing efforts for multiple midsize companies. What fuels her passion for marketing is witnessing tangible results – increased revenues and attracting new customers. 

Being creative and leading teams are integral aspects of her role, but what sets her apart is her commitment to making others successful. Amber is not just a marketer; she’s a coach, mentor, and growth facilitator, ensuring that everyone under her wing reaches their full potential. In her own words, challenges drive her, and her dedication lies in achieving success and paving the way for others to flourish.

By Alexa Tanen

Amish Shah

11 months ago · 2 minute read

  • Seasonal Entrepreneur

Website

Social Media 

Amish Shah’s journey began in his early twenties during the dot-com boom. He became a successful tech entrepreneur, building and selling multi-million dollar companies while enjoying a lavish lifestyle of late nights and global parties. He was the Founder and CEO of Azaga Inc. His diverse resume includes:

  • CEO/Founder of Deep Origins
  • Founder of Bitzio (Acquired)
  • Founder of Magic Bullet System ($12M Launch)
  • Founder of Digispace (2x Inc 500 Winner)

Amish is renowned for taking several companies from inception to successful sales. What sets his story apart is that many of these businesses started as small side hustles, later growing to generate substantial cash flow.

His journey into online marketing began due to exposure to the internet during a corporate stint at AOL. Starting with modest earnings of $30/day, Amish’s curiosity and hard work propelled him to earn $100/day and then $300/day online, all while still employed. Eventually, his side businesses surpassed his regular income, prompting him to venture independently.

However, just before turning 30, his choices started affecting his health. 

Standing in the shower surrounded by wealth one evening, Amish realized his health was in serious trouble. Overweight, bloated, and facing various health issues, he felt lost. A wake-up call came with a dire diagnosis, including fatty liver, pre-diabetes, and other severe conditions.

This marked a turning point, pushing the Amish into a heal-or-die situation. He tried various approaches, from medication to yoga, but it was the ancient healing science of Ayurveda that transformed his life. This natural approach identified the root of his health problems and provided solutions, restoring his sense of self and purpose.

Amish dedicated his life to a mission: helping others discover the ancient wisdom that saved him. From businesses to films, he committed to uplifting humanity through a blend of ancient wisdom and technology.

Amidst his endeavors, he founded “THE NATURAL LAW,” a film and global movement dedicated to bringing Ayurvedic natural healing back to modern life. Additionally, he initiated “PROJECT: YOURSELF,” an online marketplace featuring wearables, crystals, and other conscious curations from artisans committed to preserving ancient wisdom.

His vision is where ancient wisdom and modern science work together to solve challenges. He wants ancient wisdom integrated seamlessly into healthcare, education, technology, and public policy. Amish envisions everyone having easy access to healing, self-empowerment, and human connection. Above all, he dreams of a harmonious bond between humanity and nature, where the two are united. He has shared his wisdom about his journey on the Opt Out Podcast. 

By Alexa Tanen

Darren Hardy

11 months ago · 2 minute read

  • CEO Advisor/Author

Website 

Industry

  • Self-Improvement

Social Media

Through his book “The Compound Effect,” Darren Hardy introduced me to the power of small daily actions. Hardy focuses on consistent habits, showing how these incremental efforts yield significant long-term results.

Hardy’s career as a publisher and speaker showcases his dedication to empowering individuals to reach their full potential. I admire Hardy’s emphasis on taking responsibility for one’s life, advocating that our choices shape our destiny. His ability to distill complex concepts into practical advice makes his teachings accessible and applicable daily.

Darren Hardy isn’t just a well-known figure in personal growth and success; he’s a powerful force. He is a source of inspiration for those with big dreams and aspirations. For more than 25 years, Hardy has played various roles, making a significant impact in the following areas:

Bestselling Author: Through books like “The Compound Effect” and “Living Your Best Year Ever,” Hardy has become a motivational guide for aspiring entrepreneurs and change-makers globally.

High-Performance Advisor: He mentors CEOs, high achievers, and anyone eager to overcome limitations and find their full potential.  He has contributed to the success stories of many individuals and organizations.

Media Titan: He leads three successful television networks focused on success and serves as the founding publisher of SUCCESS magazine. Hardy has brought inspiring content to millions worldwide. He inspires people to find their passion and purpose in life. 

But Hardy’s journey isn’t a fairy tale. A single father raised him after his mother left when he was just 18 months old, and he faced adversity head-on. This challenging beginning gave him resilience and a deep understanding of overcoming obstacles to achieve greatness.

“Greatness is not born, it’s developed.” – Darren Hardy

Famous Publications

  • The Compound Effect
  • Living Your Best Year Ever
  • The Entrepreneurial Roller Coaster
  • Success Habits of Super Achievers
  • Key to Success

Achievements

By Alexa Tanen

Dean Bokhari

11 months ago · 2 minute read

  • Motivational Speaker – Author – Entrepreneur

Website

Social Media

Dean Bokhari is a remarkable individual known for his transformative journey from a shy person to a professional speaker. He went from being unhealthy to achieving a fit mind and body and from working for Big Tobacco to dedicating himself to meaningful work. As a best-selling author, speaker, and performance coach, Dean has become a prominent figure in the world of personal and professional development.

Dean is not just a podcast host but the driving force behind the widely acclaimed “Dean Bokhari’s Meaningful Show.” With over 200 audiobooks to his credit as a narrator, he has become an award-winning presenter and entrepreneur. Dean’s personal and professional development expertise has earned him a reputation as one of the top trainers in the field.

Reflecting on his journey, Dean shares that he used to be many things until he decided not to be anymore. Over the past decade, he has transformed his life from misery to meaning. His pivotal moment came when he started delving into the wisdom found in 732 self-improvement books and applied those insights to design a fulfilling life.

In 2014, Dean made it his mission to share the valuable lessons he learned from his extensive reading to help others improve their lives and achieve their goals. His dedication to inspiring, empowering, entertaining, and educating people worldwide has become his life’s purpose.

Dean’s mission is clear: to inspire and empower individuals to enhance their lives and achieve their goals. Approximately half a million people read or listen to his work every month. He invites you to join this community of like-minded individuals and benefit from his weekly broadcasts.

When you become part of Dean’s community, you gain free access to his Personal Development Library, filled with eBooks, life guides, and audio training on essential life skills such as goal-setting, finding flow at work, getting motivated, and developing discipline to master every area of your life.

Famous Publications

  • The Daily Gratitude Journal for Men: 90 Days of Mindfulness and Reflection

Achievements

  • Best-selling author and speaker Dean Bokhari has impacted over 500,000 lives through his podcast, “Dean Bokhari’s Meaningful Show.”
  • Overcoming shyness, Dean narrated 200+ audiobooks, earning awards and becoming a successful entrepreneur.
  • Dean’s mission to inspire and empower is fueled by a decade of self-improvement, reading 732 books, and sharing insights through his Personal Development Library.

By Alexa Tanen

Gabe Galvez 

11 months ago · 2 minute read

  • Seasoned Entrepreneur

Gabe Galvez is a seasoned entrepreneur who discovered his passion for business at the young age of 10. Over the years, he has founded 12 companies, successfully selling three. Currently, Gabe holds the position of CEO at CapTarget, serves as the Managing Partner at Verde Holdings, works as a Partner at Lambeau Financial, and sits on the board of both Merger Labs and Fluid MSP.

Gabe’s expertise lies in mergers and acquisitions, business development, and strategic planning within private equity and startups. Renowned for his ability to translate grand visions into tangible, real-world results, Gabe has become a force to be reckoned with in the business world.

In his entrepreneurial journey, Gabe emphasizes creating value for businesses. He shares valuable insights on how entrepreneurs can shape their destinies by focusing on strengths, viewing failure as a learning opportunity, and embracing persistence. Gabe’s advice is rooted in practicality, encouraging fellow entrepreneurs to identify and leverage their strengths to provide outstanding value to customers.

Beyond his professional achievements, Gabe is known for his unconventional approach to life. He enjoys tattoos and guns and has a calm attitude that separates him. Despite his early business experiences starting in a pawn shop, Gabe has risen to prominence in industries traditionally dominated by blue-blooded East Coasters.

One of the unique aspects of Gabe’s life is his commitment to the “Opt Out” philosophy, where he has crafted a life that allows him to work on his terms. With an exit at 23, Gabe owns his own business and runs several successful consulting side gigs that have stood the test. He views his entire life as a side gig, using diversification to secure his income and plan for the future.

Gabe has an unconventional approach to personal finance. He treats his personal life as a business, producing monthly reports on time and money, and uses the data to make informed decisions that align with his goals. Gabe’s success isn’t just about business; it’s about creating a life that allows him to come to work with his dog, travel when he wants, and collaborate with people he genuinely likes.

Gabe Galvez’s resume speaks for itself – from the Founder/CEO of CapTarget to the Founder/CMO of MergerLabs (acquired), a CPA/CFA consultant, and even an owner of a Title Loan Fund. His journey, peppered with unique experiences, reflects intelligence, intentionality, and success on his terms. 

Opt Out Gig Out The King's Flyswatter

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