Sage Partner - Tom Miller on when is the right time to consider an exit plan

Tom Miller

After a career of over 5 decades in the technology industry Tom Miller currently works directly with the ownership of Net at Work to assist in driving the company’s M&A strategy. His career began as a mainframe sales engineer for Sperry Univac, followed by founding a computer service bureau providing automated computer services to CPA firms, which led to opening an Apple Computer Store primarily selling Great Plains Software systems to SMBs. This led Tom to Great Plains Software in 1987, followed by stints at Microsoft, Sage Software and now Net at Work.

Summary

Technology industry career and M&A strategy with Tom Miller. Tom Miller shares insights from 50+ yrs in tech, from mainframe sales to SMB software sales. Exit strategies for business partnerships. Tom reflects on 30-40 years of partnerships, exit strategies, and fulfillment in the business. Selling a business, finding the right buyer, and ensuring a smooth transition. Find a buyer with aligned values to maintain customer trust and loyalty. Ensure buyer has financial wherewithal and a broad portfolio of products/services to maximize earn-out potential. Customer-first approach and leadership lessons from a former governor. Tom admires Doug Burgum, former boss and current governor of North Dakota, for prioritizing customers and valuing learning through failure. Business success through customer intimacy and partnerships. Tom emphasizes the importance of understanding customers and building relationships.