The Exit Excellence for Industry Leaders Webinar Series is designed to give owners and executives of industrial and manufacturing businesses practical, real-world insight into building value and preparing for a successful exit. Each session breaks down complex M&A, valuation, and succession topics into clear, actionable guidance, helping leaders make smarter decisions long before a transaction is on the table. Whether you plan to sell in the near term or simply want to run a more resilient, valuable business, this series provides the perspective, tools, and clarity needed to prepare on your terms.
What You’ll Learn in This Session
Understand why buyers heavily discount businesses that are overly dependent on the owner. This session explores how to recruit and develop key managers, delegate critical functions, document tribal knowledge, and create organizational structures that demonstrate depth and continuity. Attendees will learn how to transition from operator to CEO and prove the business can thrive without daily owner involvement.
This event is part of a comprehensive year-long series.
When registering, you also have the option to select previous sessions to gain access to their recordings. Simply indicate the sessions you’d like included as part of your registration.
o Attend entire series ($195)
o March 25, 2026: Manufacturing Business Valuation Fundamentals ($30)
o April 22, 2026: Preparing Your Manufacturing Business for Sale ($30)
o May 20, 2026: Building a Sellable Management Team ($30)
o June 24, 2026: Manufacturing Buyer Types Explained ($30)
o July 22, 2026: The Manufacturing M&A Deal Process ($30)
o August 26, 2026: Tax-Efficient Exit Strategies for Manufacturers ($30)
o September 23, 2026: Quality of Earnings for Manufacturing Exits ($30)
o October 21, 2026: Maximizing EBITDA Before a Sale ($30)
o November 18, 2026: Negotiating Manufacturing Deal Terms ($30)
o December 16, 2026: Life After Selling Your Manufacturing Business ($30)
Agenda
10:00 to 10:10am = Welcome and Introductions
10:10 to 10:20am = Panelist # 1 Presentation
10:20 to 10:30am = Panelist # 2 Presentation
10:30 to 10:55am = Interactive Q&A Session
10:55 to 11:00am = ReCap and Closing Remarks
Speakers
Ron Hesse
Host and Panel Chair, GlobalAutoIndustry.com
Ronald Hesse founded HCI Group Ltd., parent of GlobalAutoIndustry.com, in 1996. He is President and CEO of the Company and leads several Programs, including the Global M&A Program, which matches Buyers and Sellers of automotive and manufacturing related companies worldwide. Previously, he was director of the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency’s Chicago office, where he led an automotive acquisition initiative supporting more than 100 companies in setting up their European operations. He spent 11 years in executive sales and marketing roles in the computer industry and co-founded several high-tech ventures, including Ocean Communications Inc., a venture-backed business television production company with programs aired on CNBC, CNN International, and major U.S. networks. Hesse holds a master’s from Thunderbird School of Global Management and a bachelor’s from Ferris State University. He speaks Dutch, English, and German.
Jess Bailey
Founder and Managing Attorney, Bailey Law Firm
Jess Bailey is the Founder and Managing Attorney of Bailey Law Firm, where she advises business owners and executives on exit readiness and M&A representation. She works with closely held companies across industries, helping founders strengthen the foundations buyers scrutinize in diligence—governance, contract risk, compliance hygiene, IP/confidentiality protections, and deal-ready documentation—and then leads the legal side of the transaction from LOI through closing. Her approach is practical and business-first, supporting a range of outcomes including private equity, strategic buyers, third-party sales, and management buyouts, whether an exit is near-term or years away.
Tim Van Mieghem
Founding Partner, The ProAction Group
Tim Van Mieghem is a Founding Partner of The ProAction Group, a Chicago-based operational consulting firm established in 1995. He works closely with private equity firms, family-owned businesses, and portfolio companies to unlock latent value through operational excellence. With deep expertise in manufacturing, distribution, sourcing, logistics, and inventory management, Tim translates complex operational challenges into practical, high-impact solutions. A former consultant with Arthur Andersen, he also serves as an operating partner and board member to multiple manufacturing businesses. Tim is the author of Implementing Supply Chain Partnerships and Shocking Profit, and a recognized thought leader in value creation.
Chris Arndt
Former CFO, Autotrader, Senior Finance Executive and Strategic Advisor, Independent Strategic Advisor
Chris Arndt is a senior finance executive and strategic advisor with more than 20 years of experience leading mergers and acquisitions, financial transformation, and value creation. He has driven acquisitions, integrations, and exits at companies including Autotrader, Extremity Health Care, ChoicePoint, Scientific Atlanta, and Hart Energy, partnering closely with CEOs, Boards, and private equity sponsors to align strategy, capture synergies, and build enterprise value. Across media, SaaS, data, healthcare, and technology, Chris is known for combining financial discipline with strategic vision to help businesses scale and position for successful exits.