In this episode, Leslie Kraatz Adams shares the remarkable journey of scaling and exiting Federal Metals, a third-generation scrap metal business. Starting with deep family roots and evolving industry dynamics, Leslie transformed the company from a local scrapyard into a major regional player in Western Canada. She candidly discusses leadership challenges, navigating family dynamics, preparing for sale, and her pivot into health and wellness entrepreneurship with her new venture, At Work of Heart.

Key Takeaways

• Family dynamics require careful navigation during succession and sale
• Building to sell starts with solid operational foundations and leadership structure
• Industry shifts demand business model agility and innovation
• Emotional resilience is critical for founder wellbeing and decision-making
• Strong relationships and reputation can drive organic exit opportunities
• Certifications and social responsibility increase buyer appea
• Timing the exit strategically is as important as structuring the deal
• Post-exit identity clarity eases the transition into new ventures

Links & Resources

• Leslie Kraatz Adams

  • CWebsite: https://aworkofheart.ca
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliekraatz/

• Subscribe to the Podcast:

  • Find From Angel to Exit on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Be sure to hit “Subscribe” so you never miss an episode.

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  • Sign up for the free newsletter at eckfeldt.com/podcast for episode transcripts, bonus insights, frameworks, and community updates.

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  • LinkedIn: Bruce Eckfeldt

  • Instagram: @bruce_eckfeldt

  • Email:

    • podcast@eckfeldt.com

    • bruce@eckfeldt.com

From washing cars as a teen to selling a business with over $290M in sales, Calvin Johnson’s entrepreneurial journey is nothing short of remarkable. In this episode, Calvin shares how he built and exited Lykki, an office supply and coffee delivery company, and the key lessons he learned around culture, technology, and timing. Founders looking to scale smart and exit well will gain real-world insights into M&A strategy, deal preparation, and post-exit purpose.

Key Takeaways

• Start building your M&A data vault 1–2 years in advance for deal-readiness
• Culture-first hiring and top-tier talent drive long-term operational success
• Combining related services (coffee + supplies) can create a defensible market edge
• Earnouts often underdeliver—opt for cash deals when possible
• A top-notch M&A lawyer is more valuable than a flashy M&A firm
• Understanding your acquirer’s needs can dramatically increase valuation
• Exiting a business doesn’t mean retiring—plan a purpose-driven next chapter
• Post-exit, your identity may shift—prepare emotionally, not just financially

Links & Resources

• Calvin Johnson

  • ClubNeed (Social Giving Platform): clubneed.org
  • ClubNeed Travel (Impact Travel Trips): clubneedtravel.com

• Subscribe to the Podcast:

  • Find From Angel to Exit on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Be sure to hit “Subscribe” so you never miss an episode.

• Newsletter & Exclusive Content:

  • Sign up for the free newsletter at eckfeldt.com/podcast for episode transcripts, bonus insights, frameworks, and community updates.

• Connect with Bruce & the Community:

  • LinkedIn: Bruce Eckfeldt

  • Instagram: @bruce_eckfeldt

  • Email:

    • podcast@eckfeldt.com

    • bruce@eckfeldt.com

In this episode, Bruce Eckfeldt interviews Jordan Youkilis, founding partner of Key Investment Partners, to explore how cannabis investing offers unique challenges and opportunities for founders. Jordan shares his journey from traditional finance to cannabis private equity, highlighting lessons in capital deployment, deal structuring, and scaling businesses in tightly regulated environments.

Key Takeaways

• Profitable, cash-flow-positive cannabis businesses attract more investor interest than high-growth, unprofitable ones
• Capital scarcity in cannabis allows investors to negotiate better terms and lower valuations
• Section 280E taxes heavily penalize cannabis businesses, affecting valuation and deal viability
• Strong due diligence processes and institutional-grade practices enhance investor confidence
• Founders must plan capital raises 12–18 months in advance, especially in tight funding markets
• Misjudging market cycles and over-raising can lead to damaging down rounds
• Understanding investor fund cycles helps founders better tailor pitches and timing
• Warm introductions and strategic networking greatly improve investment access

Links & Resources

• Jordan Youkilis

  • Website: keyinvestmentpartners.com
  • LinkedIn: Jordan Youkilis
  • Podcast: Cannabis Unlocked

• Subscribe to the Podcast:

  • Find From Angel to Exit on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Be sure to hit “Subscribe” so you never miss an episode.

• Newsletter & Exclusive Content:

  • Sign up for the free newsletter at eckfeldt.com/podcast for episode transcripts, bonus insights, frameworks, and community updates.

• Connect with Bruce & the Community:

  • LinkedIn: Bruce Eckfeldt

  • Instagram: @bruce_eckfeldt

  • Email:

    • podcast@eckfeldt.com

    • bruce@eckfeldt.com