0-Figure Post-Exit Entrepreneur Greg Alexander Talks Everything On How To Go From Startup To Exit The Right Way

Jeffrey Feldberg
5 min readJun 4, 2024

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In the constantly evolving landscape of professional services, standing out and achieving exceptional growth requires more than just expertise; it demands innovation, a supportive community, and a robust growth strategy. Enter Greg Alexander and Collective54, a mastermind community dedicated exclusively to professional service firms looking to scale, grow, and eventually exit. This unique platform offers a blend of mentorship, proprietary content, benchmarking data, and software — all designed to meet the specific needs of boutique professional service firms. The host of The Deep Wealth Podcast and nine-figure post-exit entrepreneur Jeffrey Feldberg does a deep dive with Greg on everything you need to know but probably don’t from growing to exiting.

The Genesis of a Game-Changer

Greg Alexander’s journey from an employee to a serial entrepreneur and then to a mastermind community founder is nothing short of inspirational. Starting with his time at EMC, a young technology company, Greg climbed the ranks before venturing into entrepreneurship with his management consulting company, SBI. After selling SBI in 2017, Greg embarked on his latest venture, Collective54, drawing from his rich background in professional service firms and his passion for helping entrepreneurs grow, scale, and exit their businesses successfully.

Greg’s story is a testament to the power of transformational growth and strategic foresight. Starting his career in the corporate world, Greg quickly realized the limitations imposed by traditional career paths. “I really did honestly and truly believe in my soul that I was done and I was gonna retire,” Greg reflects. However, a rejection from his desired corporate ascension became the catalyst for his entrepreneurial journey, leading him to found SBI, a management consulting company, and eventually Collective54.

The Distinctive Approach of Collective54

Collective54 stands apart by focusing solely on the unique challenges faced by professional service firms. From tackling the founder’s bottleneck and succession planning to addressing industry-specific problems, Collective54 offers a comprehensive support system. Greg Alexander’s insights into entrepreneurship versus ownership, and the transitioning roles within the business lifecycle, provide valuable perspectives for service firm owners at different stages of their journey.

Collective54 stands as the first mastermind community dedicated exclusively to professional service firms looking to thrive, not just survive. Greg outlined the unique value proposition of Collective54, emphasizing the tailored approach to growth, scaling, and exit strategies for its members. “We’re the support system for the brave entrepreneur who has some secret sauce and goes to market with it,” Greg explains, highlighting the bespoke nature of the support Collective54 offers through different stages of an entrepreneur’s journey — growth, scale, and exit.

Navigating Through Market Disruptions with AI and Mentorship

In today’s fast-paced business environment, artificial intelligence (AI) and mentorship are critical tools for any entrepreneur. Greg Alexander emphasizes the power of AI in leveling the playing field for boutique firms against larger competitors. By adopting AI and embracing mentorship within communities like Collective54, businesses can innovate faster, creating opportunities that were previously unthinkable.

A significant portion of the conversation was dedicated to discussing the seismic shifts brought about by artificial intelligence (AI) in the professional services sector. Greg passionately argues for the adoption of AI, suggesting that we are at the precipice of a transformation akin to the advent of the internet. “The boutique services firms are beating the big guys every day,” he claims, pointing out that AI enables smaller firms to compete on speed and innovation, fundamentally changing the competitive landscape.

The Collective54 Advantage: Growth, Scale, and Exit

With its unique positioning, Collective54 caters to professional service firms at various growth stages. The community is structured around three main tiers — growth, scale, and exit — each offering tailored support, strategies, and insights relevant to the firm’s specific needs. Greg’s experience underscores the importance of understanding one’s business lifecycle stage to seek and receive the most effective advice and support.

Greg also shared personal reflections and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. He advocates for taking risks sooner and embracing the entrepreneurial path with vigor. Reflecting on his corporate tenure, Greg wishes he had plunged into entrepreneurship earlier, emphasizing the value of learning through doing and the importance of pursuing one’s passions relentlessly.

Perhaps the most profound insights from Greg centered around the notion of fulfillment beyond financial success. Despite achieving significant financial milestones through his business ventures, Greg found true satisfaction in giving back to the entrepreneurial community. “There’s something unbelievably rewarding about measuring your own success through the success of others,” he remarks, underscoring the ethos that has guided his post-exit life and contributions to Collective54.

A Call to Action: Embrace Change and Join the Community

Greg Alexander urges professional service firms not to be left behind in the AI revolution and to proactively engage in communities that foster growth and learning. As the landscape evolves, being part of a focused group like Collective54 can offer invaluable resources, connections, and strategies tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities within the professional services arena.

In conclusion, for professional service firms aiming for growth, scalability, and a successful exit, tapping into the power of community, mentorship, and modern technology is indispensable. Platforms like Collective54, under Greg Alexander’s leadership, provide a roadmap to achieving these goals, ensuring business owners not only succeed but thrive in today’s competitive marketplace.

Entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey can draw inspiration and practical advice from Greg’s experiences. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to navigate the complexities of an exit strategy, the insights shared in this podcast episode are invaluable. Collective54 emerges not just as a community but as a beacon for those looking to thrive in the challenging but rewarding world of professional services.

“To be a rich guy who is using his resources to help other people, reach their own definition of success, what gets better than that?” — Greg Alexander.

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https://www.jeffreyfeldberg.com/from-start-up-to-exit-the-right-way-greg-alexander/?feed_id=434&_unique_id=665f4b797ecc1

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Jeffrey Feldberg

Helping you capture the best deal on your exit through the Deep Wealth 9-step roadmap. Leverage the same strategies I created for my 9-figure liquidity event.