The best way to understand the path to business ownership is to hear from the people who have walked it. These five stories, each told on The Do Diligence Podcast or on film, show how different the route to the CEO seat can look.
Justin moved from Mars and Stryker to become Sleeping Giant’s first CEO-in-Residence and then CEO of SignComp. On Episode 18, he talks about crafting personal outreach, weighing fit against risk and his first 100 days. His search is also the subject of The Chase, a documentary directed by Justice Bomer.
Sleeping Giant’s first co-CEOs moved from corporate careers into leading Portland Products and Pro Stamp through the CEO-in-Residence Program. On Episode 21, they reflect on moving from diligence into day-to-day leadership.
A former CHRO, Kelly made the leap into business ownership in the human capital space. She and Mitch Brownell describe life inside a search on Episode 14.
Mitch left a corporate leadership career at Stryker, developed a focused thesis and ran an 18-month search that led him to PECO. Episode 22 covers his search and his first 90 days.
Brad took the Sleeping Giant Capital Acquire course and ran a 19-month search of his own. He reviewed roughly 85 businesses, went deeper on about 15 and made five offers before acquiring Richfield Trailer Supply. Episode 23 tells the story.
Each of these leaders chose ownership, and each took a different route to it. For leaders considering that choice today, the route starts with the Acquire Program.
Ready to take the first step? Every Sleeping Giant Capital CEO-in-Residence begins in the Acquire Program. Apply to the Acquire Program, or take the self-assessment first.