10 Comments

Frankly I consider it a huge win selling SM to those guys. You went from Employee 1 to CEO and then helped the company get bought out. It didn't go out of business, and that's a big deal these days. As a CEO I think you are going to look at it and say that you have 1 of 3 goals:

1) Grow the company bigger

2) Stay comfortable and keep getting x amount of profit.

3) Sell the company (hopefully for as much money as possible)

If it was me I would have wanted to sell SM and pivot to something else personally. Fwiw I've heard that it's extremely hard for founders to sell a company at a profit, but I hope all you guys have done very well on this deal as you deserve to.

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Appreciate that Will!

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Jul 3Liked by Russell Pollari

Kudos Mr. Pollari - to recognize you are happier now than a year and a half ago is A MASSIVE WIN AT LIFE! Am a HUGE believer that no one, on their deathbed looks back and says “wow I wish I spent more time at work” - from where I sit - it looks and feels like you’ve got your priorities straight. ❤️❤️❤️

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Thank you Meegan!❤️❤️❤️

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Jul 9Liked by Russell Pollari

Hi Russell. It's alway been good to exchange views with you before and during your time as SM CEO. I don't believe you should call the story "failure" because every person has their own unique story. I remember doing my part-distance/part in person modular MBA and wondering how one of my group colleagues could achieve the pass with Distinction grade during the 3 year stint when he was a father of 2 young kids and had additional twins during the course, was an air traffic controller as his "day" job in a very busy airport, and was doing counselling for people considering suicide for 6 hours per week. I think failure for one person can be success for another.

Doors open and door close. We just don't know at the time if a "good" door is opening. I hope you will eventually see your SM time as a useful and beneficial part of your life journey. All the best.

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Thanks for the kind words and the perspective, Edward!

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Jul 3Liked by Russell Pollari

That was an honest post, Russell! Glad to know you are happier now. Looking forward to read more on this blog!

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Thanks Sowmya!!

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Proud of you, Russell! I've always been a huge fan of you and of SM. I was sad about your initial decision but you writing about your happiness and you being an attentive father is worth so much more. Still eagerly reading your posts too :-)

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Thanks, Kevin! Appreciate you and all your support throughout the years!

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