The Growth + Exit
Podcast
Expert Advice for Middle Market Business Owners on Growing, De-Risking, and Exiting Their Business
Latest Episodes
In this episode of Growth + Exit, Susan Kearney hosts Kyle Marinkovich, Founder and CEO of Northern Diversified Solutions, to discuss his transition from corporate executive to entrepreneur. Kyle shares how he raised capital and built investor trust, the lessons he learned from scaling in a new industry, and the personal habits that keep him grounded as a leader.
In this episode of Growth + Exit, Heather Bennett talks with Whitney Opperman, General Manager of Opperman & Son, Inc., about family business succession and leadership growth. Whitney discusses navigating generational transitions, applying core values to business decisions, and adapting to new industry regulations and technologies.
In this episode of Growth + Exit, Heather Bennett hosts Kelly Schrad, Founder and Chairman of DataVizion, to discuss leadership evolution and sustainable growth. Kelly explains how he transitioned from operator to chairman, why hiring for culture builds stronger teams, and how reflection fuels long-term growth.
In this episode of Growth + Exit, Susan Kearney sits down with Anand Basu, Managing Partner of QRKY, to discuss his leadership evolution and company acquisition. Anand talks about how transparency drives successful exits, why empowering employees leads to lasting culture, and how personal discipline and reflection fuel professional growth.
Welcome to the Growth + Exit Podcast, where business owners, CEOs, and industry experts share the inside story of how they’ve grown, strengthened, and successfully exited their companies.
Hosted by Newport Managing Directors Heather Bennett and Susan Kearney, each episode offers candid conversations and practical insights tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of mid-market, privately held businesses.
New episodes drop twice a month.
Meet Your Hosts
Heather Bennett
Managing Director, Newport LLC
Corporate leader turned growth strategist, Heather brings 20+ years of experience managing $100MM brands, advising CEOs and entrepreneurs, and helping businesses scale through innovation, marketing, and executive development.
Susan Kearney
Managing Director, Newport LLC
A serial entrepreneur, growth expert, and digital innovator, Susan has founded, built, and sold several businesses; partnered successfully with both VC and PE investors; and participated in both buy and sell-side transactions. She leverages this expertise to help business owners scale and exit their companies successfully.
