Exit driven growth
An Ambitious Business Owner Ready to Scale
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Mark was a seasoned entrepreneur in the luxury property market. While his company had built a solid reputation and a loyal client base, it lacked the scalability and systems necessary to achieve his ultimate goal—a £10 million exit. He found himself too involved in the daily running of the business, unable to step back and focus on growth. The financial management of the company was also inefficient, with little focus on profit planning, and his brand, while established, wasn’t fully maximised to attract new, high-value clients.
Applying the Pentagon of Profit™
Mark’s clear objective was to sell his business for £10 million within five years. To achieve this, we established several key goals:
Maximise business value through improved systems and financial management.
Build a strong, self-sustaining team to allow him to step back and reduce his involvement.
Create a strategic marketing and branding plan to elevate the business in the competitive luxury property market.
Increase revenue through both new client acquisition and expanding service offerings.
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1. YOU: Defining Mark’s Personal Objectives
The first step was helping Mark get crystal clear on his personal and business goals. We identified that his ideal destination was to exit the business with £10 million, allowing him to focus on setting up a sports foundation for children. Having this clear objective meant that every business decision moving forward was tied directly to that end goal.
2. TEAM: Creating a Strong, Accountable Organisation
Mark had been too involved in the day-to-day running of his business, which limited his ability to focus on growth. We restructured his team to operate independently, hiring a dedicated marketing manager, project manager, and highly skilled sales professionals. We also implemented Propel’s Five Forces of Responsibility to ensure that everyone in the team had clear accountability and performance targets.
3. SYSTEMS: Streamlining Operations for Efficiency
To scale the business effectively, Mark needed systems that would streamline operations and make his team more productive. We conducted a full audit of his internal processes and introduced:
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Automation tools for client management and sales tracking.
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Financial management systems that improved reporting and cash flow management.
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Project management software that made it easier for his team to manage properties and client relations efficiently.
These changes meant that Mark’s business could now handle growth without additional strain or the need for constant supervision, freeing him to focus on high-level strategy.
4. FINANCIALS: Implementing the Profit First Model
Mark’s previous financial management focused primarily on revenue, leaving little attention to actual profitability. We introduced him to Profit First by Mike Michalowicz, a revolutionary cash management system that prioritises profit. Together, we set up five bank accounts to control cash flow:
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Income account
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Profit account
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Owner’s compensation account
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Tax account
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Operating expenditure account
This system enabled Mark to extract profit first before paying expenses, which helped him build cash reserves and control spending. It also gave him peace of mind, knowing that tax and operating costs were always covered, allowing him to focus on growth.
5. GROWTH: Expanding the Business and Maximising Value
With the team and systems in place, we turned our attention to growth. We developed a comprehensive marketing strategy that included:
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A full brand refresh to better reflect the luxury property market.
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Website enhancements to improve user experience and lead conversion.
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Targeted digital marketing using social media and paid advertising to attract high-value clients.
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Implementing a client referral system that rewarded current clients for introducing new business.
The result was a significant increase in new client acquisition and expansion into international markets, making Mark’s business much more attractive to potential buyers.
Final results
A £10.8 Million Exit and a New Chapter
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By following the Pentagon of Profit™ framework, Mark successfully transformed his business, eventually selling it for £10.8 million—exceeding his original target. He has since achieved his dream of establishing a foundation to help underprivileged children access sports opportunities. Mark’s journey proves that with the right strategy, you can not only achieve a lucrative exit but also set up the next chapter of your life on your terms.
Propel books
Unlock the secrets of business success
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The Pentagon of Profit book offers an in-depth guide to Propel’s proven business growth framework. Through clear strategies and actionable insights, this book equips entrepreneurs and leaders with the tools to create lasting success and financial freedom.
Case studies
Louise’s Lifestyle Business Transformation
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Louise had been running her creative agency for over a decade, specialising in film and TV production. Despite her deep passion for the industry, her business wasn’t giving her the freedom she craved. She was involved in every aspect of the company, from client management to project execution. Her pricing structure was outdated, and she often gave away services for free, undervaluing her years of experience. Marketing was almost non-existent, and her brand lacked the consistency to stand out in a crowded market.
