In an earlier broadcast (see archives for February 25th) our guest emphasized the importance of planning and preparing long before the time that you decide to sell your business. Our guests on Thursday, April 22nd will tell a story that attests to the wisdom of that advice.
When Ray Pagano, Founder, VideoAlarm, decided that it was time to sell the family-business that he launched in 1976, he put a number of steps in motion to ensure that it would be a successful sale. He also made sure that his loyal employees who had helped him grow the business benefited from the sale.
One of the first steps Ray took was to turn to Gary Anderson, Chair of Vistage International. Gary had served as Ray’s trusted advisor through the Vistage, the worlds foremost CEO leadership organization. With Gary’s guidance, Ray’s passion for doing the right thing, and with the help of other trusted advisors, Ray sold his business in 2009 to a Fortune 100 company (who says there are no deals being done).
You will hear all the highlights at 1:00pm tomorrow, and we guarantee you that Gary and Ray will share insights that you can use the minute the show ends. We look forward to sharing this hour with you.
Our Guests
Gary Anderson’s earlier career includes senior-level positions with IBM, Honeywell, Coopers & Lybrand and Fulton Federal Savings & Loan. I founded and managed (for 17 years) Anderson & Watson, an executive search firm.
He currently serves as Chair for three Vistage groups—two Chief Executive groups and one Key Executive group. Gary has the designation of Vistage “Master Chair”—marking a record of distinction in service to Vistage members.
Members of my groups are leaders in a wide array of industries, including engineering, consulting, banking, insurance, law, accounting, construction, building materials, fencing, printing, process automation, restaurants, psychology, landscape design, bus and car dealerships, software, HVAC, office furniture, surveillance camera manufacturing and warehousing.
Gary Anderson, Vistage International, Telephone: 404-520-0069
Ray Pagano was raised in New York City and received a BS degree from Eastern Kentucky University. In 1974 he settled in Atlanta with his family and after a failed partnership started his own business in 1976 manufacturing an outdoor surveillance camera housing which he had patented.
During the next 33 years, Videolarm Inc. grew under his leadership with manufacturing facilities in the US and China. Since no member of his family had an interest in Videolarm, Ray began planning to sell the company. After 7 years of carefully executing his exit strategy, he successfully sold the business in 2009. He has already started to write the next chapter of his entrepreneurial life as he builds a new business that incorporates his love for boating (listen to our show to learn more about Ray’s next venture).
Ray Pagano, Founder, Videoalarm, Inc.
