RT @bdsummerfield: Been a blur of customer visits lately. Exhausting? Yes. Worth it? Every time. You don’t build trust over Zoom. You buil….

RT @bdsummerfield: Most of your problems aren’t out there. They’re in your head. Not your job. Not your team. Not the economy. It’s the v….

“Make your plans dark as night, but when you strike, strike like a thunderbolt.” - Sun Tzu.

Been a blur of customer visits lately. Exhausting? Yes. Worth it? Every time. You don’t build trust over Zoom. You build it by showing up. Walking the floor. Solving problems shoulder to shoulder. Want to be more than a vendor? Be there. #manufacturing #leadership

RT @bdsummerfield: Recently had deal fall through. Solid small manufacturing business—gone. Not for lack of interest, but because seller an….

7/7 Happening far too often in U.S. manufacturing. A preventable loss—if sellers plan early and stay grounded, and buyers protect their downside. Nobody wins in a shut-down. #Manufacturing #MergersAndAcquisitions #ExitPlanning #BusinessTransition #USManufacturing.

6/ What’s next?. - Business shuts down.- Real estate gets sold.- Equipment auctioned.- Seller walks with a lump sum (and tax bill).- Team has to find new jobs.- Legacy disappears.

5/ For buyers:. - Be careful with these types of deals.- A first-time buyer could easily get wrecked in the first 6–12 months.- Strategics won’t touch it at that price.- Too small for PE. We structured it right. They didn’t see it that way.

4/ For sellers:. - Prepare early -- always be building to sell.- Document your systems and IP.- Strengthen customer stickiness.- Be realistic about asset value.- Don’t expect a premium if you’re not willing to support the transition.

3/ We proposed a fair structure:. - De-risked deal terms.- Real upside over time.- Plan to retain some team, integrate ops, grow the brand.But seller wanted heavy cash up front and a clean break.

2/ Here’s what killed the deal:. - Disorganized IP and tribal knowledge.- No customer contracts or transition commitments.- Old, fully depreciated equipment.- Real estate not included.- Seller wanted a big cash payout—and to walk away immediately.

1/ The business had a lot going for it:.✔️ Niche capabilities.✔️ Loyal customers.✔️ Solid operating history. But under the hood? It was risky, and the seller didn’t see it that way.

Recently had deal fall through. Solid small manufacturing business—gone. Not for lack of interest, but because seller and us couldn’t align. Here’s what happened—and what every seller and every buyer should learn from it 🧵.

Leadership isn’t about you. It’s about serving them well enough that they grow, thrive, and build something that lasts — on the shop floor and far beyond. 👉 Where do you need to pivot this week?. #LeadershipCommunity #PivotPoints.

A lot of failure and struggle goes into success.

Faith perspective: every person you lead is made in the image of God. Unique gifts. Unique needs. If you miss that, you miss the point of leadership. #FaithAtWork.

RT @bdsummerfield: Dig the well before you’re thirsty.

Dig the well before you’re thirsty.

Want to lead people better? Start here:.• Make them feel special, and mean it. • Give them hope for tomorrow. • Provide clear direction. • Speak to their needs first. • Encourage them when they’re low. • Help them win, and they’ll run through walls for you. #PeopleFirst.

Values and ethics should align. That’s where vision comes to life.