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You've fought hard for your business. Growth was earned, not given. Maybe you've scaled, maybe you've sold, but who have you become in the process? This isn't another podcast obsessing over multiples and deal structure. We get to the heart of what you're actually going through. Hosted by Kory Mitchell, CEO of Iconic Founders, we sit down with blue-collar business owners who've built something real, businesses like HVAC, landscaping, pest control, construction. These are honest conversations about the challenges, the lessons, and the moments that changed everything. Because the real story isn't just how you got here, it's about the lessons along the way.
About the Host, Kory Mitchell: Kory Mitchell is the host of The Turn and the founder of Iconic Founders Group. He's lived the founder's journey, building a small regional specialty contracting business with his family into a national ($200m)brand and navigating two transactions, including a 9-figure exit. With 25+ years in the specialty contracting industry, Kory learned how personal and high-stakes the decision to sell can be. Now he guides founder-led companies through legacy-preserving transactions and serves as a board member for several large national specialty trades businesses, bringing an operator's perspective to strategic growth.
About Iconic Founders: Iconic Founders Group provides expert guidance for blue-collar industry founders ready to grow and sell their businesses while preserving legacy. We work with founder-led businesses doing $3M–$20M in profit across specialty contracting and trades, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, landscaping, pest control, roofing, concrete, environmental services, tree services, excavation, asphalt paving, restoration, and more. Whether you're seeking liquidity, finding a partner to scale, or protecting the team and culture that made you great, Kory and the Iconic Team serves as a trusted advisor throughout the entire process, from readiness to strategic buyer alignment, all the way to a proud and well-earned close. Learn more at www.iconicfounders.com.
Built Something Great? We Want to Hear Your Story. Whether you're in the thick of scaling, contemplating an exit, or reflecting on lessons learned, we'd love to connect. Visit us at www.iconicfounders.com and subscribe to The Turn wherever you get your podcasts.
| Episode | Date |
|---|---|
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He Helped Build a Billion-Dollar Company That Could Run Without Him
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Oct 06, 2026 |
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He joined as employee 20 and scaled it to $1 billion
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Sep 29, 2026 |
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What does it take for a family member to actually earn the top job?
|
Sep 22, 2026 |
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He Sold His Parents' Paving Company in 30 Days, Then Called to Tell Them
|
Sep 15, 2026 |
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He Sold 40% of His Company but Never Gave Up Control
|
Sep 08, 2026 |
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Stuck at Five Million a Month, He Closed the Deal in a Deer Blind
|
Sep 01, 2026 |
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His Sale Number Was Fixed Before the Deal Ever Started
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Aug 25, 2026 |
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$500k in Profit. His Dad Said Stop. But He Kept Going.
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Aug 18, 2026 |
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The Warehouse Lease Details Most Owners Never Think to Fix Before Selling
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Aug 11, 2026 |
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Fired From the Family Business, Then He Built the Exit on Purpose
|
Aug 04, 2026 |
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$40M to $90M Twice: His Secret Was Making Himself Replaceable
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Jul 28, 2026 |
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They Didn't Buy His Customers. They Bought His Culture.
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Jul 07, 2026 |
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Most Owners Are Terrified to Do This. He Did It Anyway.
|
Jun 23, 2026 |
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They Grew to $40M and Destroyed the Family Doing It
|
Jun 09, 2026 |
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12x EBITDA—and Still Regrets Selling
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May 27, 2026 |
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Didn't Want to Sell. Then Life Changed.
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May 12, 2026 |
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Started Over at $3M, Built to $200M
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Apr 28, 2026 |
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Family Business to $410M Exit
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Apr 14, 2026 |
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15 People to $50M in Profit
|
Mar 31, 2026 |
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Bootstrapped to Over $70M
|
Mar 17, 2026 |
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Measure Value, Not Revenue
|
Mar 05, 2026 |
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Two Exits. Totally Different Outcomes.
|
Feb 17, 2026 |
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The Hardest Part Comes After the Exit
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Feb 03, 2026 |
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Introducing The Turn: Blue Collar to Billions
|
Jan 16, 2026 |