The Power of Entrepreneurial Spirit with Heather Valeri

The Power of Entrepreneurial Spirit with Heather Valeri

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Welcome back to The Daily Mastermind, George Wright III here with your daily dose of inspiration, motivation, and education. I’m joined today by a fantastic guest—Heather Valeri. We’re going to have an awesome conversation. Heather, how are you?

Hi, how are you, George?

I’m good. I’m excited to dive into this topic because it’s one that’s become increasingly relevant. For those who may not be familiar with your background, let me offer a quick introduction. Heather is the founder and CEO of Meridian Business Advisors, an award-winning business brokerage firm. She holds elite certifications earned by fewer than 10% of brokers globally—and in a male-dominated industry, fewer than 10% are women. Heather is a trailblazer, specializing not only in helping entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses, but also in high-return exits. Her mission is to transform one million lives through business ownership. Heather, I’d love to hear more about your journey. How did you get started in this space?

I have 20 years of experience in entrepreneurship. In my corporate days and as an entrepreneur, I advised Fortune 500 firms and worked with global enterprises like Lowe’s and Novant. But I’ve really enjoyed launching hundreds of startups and helping thousands of business owners unlock value and scale for high-return exits. Business is just in my DNA—I come from a long line of entrepreneurs.

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Family Roots in Business

We talked about that earlier. You really do have business in your blood—literally. From your family to your own companies, it’s been a lifelong theme.

Yes. My great-grandfather owned one of the first Cadillac dealerships in the 1920s. It amazes me to think how bold he had to be at a time when people still rode horses. That move was foundational and incredibly inspiring.

That’s true grassroots entrepreneurship. When you say “it’s in your DNA,” that’s not just a phrase—it’s legacy. Did you always feel that business was your path growing up, or was there a moment when something clicked and sparked your passion?

I always had the fire. I was obsessed with Maddie from Moonlighting—I’m probably dating myself—and I started my first business at 12. I delivered newsletters for a property management company and had a few other hustles. I’ve always been entrepreneurial.

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Entering the Business Brokerage World

You didn’t exactly choose an easy field to thrive in—being a female business broker in a male-dominated space is no small feat. What drew you specifically to this niche?

I had worked in mergers and acquisitions through my consulting firm and had a chance meeting with someone I met through Scouts. A year and a half later, he asked what I did for a living and eventually spent that same amount of time recruiting me to join the largest global business brokerage. By 2012, I was ready for something new. The economy was shifting, I was bored, and this felt like getting back to my roots—bringing big corporate results to small business owners. That re-energized me.

That makes perfect sense. I’ve seen that pattern with a lot of high-performing professionals. Once you reach a certain mastery, corporate work can feel repetitive. But when you work directly with founders, startups, and even with exit planning, you get that spark again. Would you say you’re more motivated by solving problems or by spotting growth opportunities?

Definitely solving problems and transforming businesses. I’m a creative thinker, but I’m also deeply analytical. I love the challenge.

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How Heather Works with Businesses

You work with a broad spectrum of entrepreneurs—from startups to scaling enterprises. I’d love to know, what kind of businesses do you find benefit the most from having a strategist come in and guide them? There are so many consultants out there, and frankly, it can be hard to separate the real experts from the noise. What’s your approach when someone first comes to you?

I love working with aspiring entrepreneurs—veterans, professionals who’ve aged out of corporate, and stay-at-home parents who want to re-enter the workforce through business ownership. Business is like health—you don’t wait until something’s broken to see a doctor. You need someone to help you at every stage. I save clients time and money, especially at the beginning.

For example, I helped an Air Force vet who wanted to open a studio. I coached him through early steps, secured him three months’ free rent and a free buildout, and supported his marketing. Timing and preparation made all the difference.

That’s powerful. And I love what you said: most people start in the wrong place. They jump into websites or locations before they even have a strategy or understand their business. That’s why I talk so much about mentoring and coaching. But even more, strategist is the right word—because unlike many coaches, you’ve actually done it. So when businesses come to you, where do they usually struggle the most? Is it leadership, systems, or something deeper?

Mindset.

I love that answer.

There are doers and there are dreamers. I can usually tell within 30 minutes of a call which type someone is. I had a firefighter with limited funds and a CFO with a huge net worth both interested in buying businesses. The one who closed the deal? The firefighter.

Because of mindset. He believed in himself and was willing to act.

Exactly. The CFO had all the credentials, but lacked the belief. I even tried helping her shift it, but she wasn’t ready. I told her, when you are, call me.

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Strategy Begins with Mindset

That’s so true. I’ve found the same in my work. Younger entrepreneurs often do well because they don’t have years of baggage or “I already know this” thinking. They just go for it. But most people want to build something beyond their current capabilities. They don’t yet have the mindset to become the version of themselves that their dream business requires. How do you help someone bridge that gap?

I start with an assessment. I look at their action orientation, coachability, and motivation. I want to work with people who have a do-or-die mentality. I’ve turned down multimillionaire clients because they didn’t respect the grit it takes to build from the ground up. I want clients who understand sacrifice—because that’s what business ownership demands.

That’s such a valuable insight. And for everyone reading, I want to call out what Heather just said: you have to be willing to turn down clients that don’t align with your mission. That’s how you stay focused. Also, you said something incredibly important—your process begins with an assessment. Most “experts” start with a strategy and try to fix things without understanding where the business actually is.

Exactly. The assessment allows me to tailor everything—strategy, marketing, even which buyers to target if it’s an exit situation. One size doesn’t fit all.

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It All Starts with the Inner Game

This reminds me of a conversation I had backstage at an event in Asia with Harv Eker. We were speaking to thousands, and I asked him why, if people were learning the same business strategies, only a few succeeded. He told me, “It’s always the inner game.” Strategy alone won’t create success. You have to align your mindset first. That’s why I’m so aligned with your assessment-first approach. But here’s the question: can mindset be developed? Or is it something you either have or don’t?

You can teach skills. You can build confidence. I’ve helped people grow into that. But you can’t teach core beliefs. If someone doesn’t genuinely value grit or perseverance, they’ll crash eventually. You can only fake it for so long.

I couldn’t agree more. Confidence, for example, is a skill that can be developed. And when you’re guided by someone with real-world expertise, your confidence naturally grows. That’s why mentorship and strategic consulting are so powerful.

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Exit Strategy and Legacy Planning

Let’s talk about the other side of business ownership—exiting. A lot of people eventually want to sell their business or position it for acquisition. But I know that for many, it’s not just a transaction—it’s an emotional shift. Where do you start when someone comes to you and says, “I want to sell my business”?

I always start with an assessment. I want to know why they want to sell. Is it financial? Personal? Are there legal issues? Health challenges? About 30% of clients come to me because of personal health or caring for a loved one. That affects their timeline and what kind of buyer will be the right fit.

That makes so much sense. You mentioned earlier that you take a holistic approach, and I want to go deeper on that. When you say holistic, what exactly does that mean in your process?

When someone says, “I want to sell,” I give them a full checklist to prepare for the sale. That includes business readiness and personal readiness. Are their books clean? Are they mentally ready? Have they thought about life after the sale?

For example, I had a logistics business owner who had been in the game for 25 years. We were a week away from closing and he suddenly didn’t want to sign the non-compete. He was lost, unsure what he’d do next. We had to restructure the deal with the lawyer and buyer to give him flexibility, like allowing him to work in logistics sales elsewhere. That could’ve killed the deal.

That story highlights why what you do is so valuable. You’re not just executing a transaction—you’re helping them build a life plan. And you’re helping them uncover the truth behind their goals. A lot of people think selling is the finish line, but it’s really just a turning point.

Exactly. That’s why I start with mindset and motivation. If someone’s not ready, it’s better to know that upfront.

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Finding the Right Buyer

You also mentioned something I really liked: identifying the best buyer. Because not all buyers are equal. What are you looking for when you match a business with a buyer?

The assessment helps me determine the deal structure and the ideal buyer. I work mostly with private sales, but I’ve handled partner buyouts, employee transfers, and some private equity transactions.

Most people think, “I’ll sell to private equity and become a millionaire.” But they don’t realize how grueling that process is—or that their legacy will likely be lost within 18–24 months. Private equity groups are not buying your culture. They’re buying to flip.

That’s an important distinction. A lot of founders don’t want their business chopped up or commercialized. They want their legacy, their people, and their values preserved.

That’s why I prioritize cultural fit. I’ve told clients, “This buyer isn’t right. Let’s pause and revisit our options.” One time we walked away from a private equity deal and had a new buyer within 30 days. My job is to advocate for the business owner and make sure their values are honored.

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Launching the Legacy Builders Podcast

All of this ties perfectly into your upcoming podcast, Legacy Builders. What inspired you to start it?

It came from personal experience. My family had many business owners, but they didn’t protect their legacy. That left me starting over—and I’m proud of what I’ve built, but it didn’t have to be that hard.

I want families to have freedom. I want entrepreneurs to be financially independent, not burdened by chaos. Because when people are stressed financially, they make poor choices. Legacy Builders is about helping people structure their businesses the right way—from the beginning—so they can spend more time with their families and build something lasting.

That resonates so deeply. People start businesses for freedom but often create a prison. Your mission—to transform a million lives through business ownership—really means something. But only if the business is built with the right structure and mindset.

Exactly. And that’s why I’m writing a blog called The Success Trap. It’s about how people chase entrepreneurship expecting freedom, but without delegation and structure, they trap themselves in a stressful job. About half of the business owners I meet don’t know how to delegate. That’s the real bottleneck.

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Trends in Business Brokerage and Creative Growth Strategies

Let’s talk about where things are heading. What do you see on the horizon for business brokerage, acquisitions, and entrepreneurship overall?

It’s still a great time for business investment and acquisition. There’s a lot of movement right now in the automotive and service industries, especially in luxury services. I always recommend people consider buying a business instead of starting one from scratch—the path to cash flow is so much faster.

Also, many businesses can grow through acquisition. If a company is short on employees or wants to expand geographically, they should look at buying another business. That’s often the fastest way to double your footprint, your team, and your revenue.

I love that. I think a lot of people assume growth has to be organic. But acquisition can be a powerful path to scale, especially in a fragmented market. What do you say to those who think, “I’d love to acquire—but I don’t have the money”?

There are creative ways to finance acquisitions, especially for the right buyer. For example, franchise resales are a great low-entry option. The survival rate of franchise businesses after ten years is 96%, compared to a 50% failure rate for independent startups.

Sometimes I advise clients to buy struggling businesses—especially restaurants. You can save dramatically on the buildout and infrastructure costs. During COVID, 60% of restaurants failed. Many owners just needed to exit quickly, and buyers were able to step in and rebuild with far less overhead.

That’s gold. And it reinforces something we said earlier—you don’t know what you don’t know. A lot of aspiring entrepreneurs never even consider acquisition because they assume it’s out of reach. But with the right advisor, the doors open.

Exactly. Most people just need someone to help them navigate the options.

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The Five Questions Every Business Owner Must Ask

You’ve worked with startups, scale-ups, and owners planning their exit. Before we wrap, I’d love for you to share your five key questions—those foundational prompts you give clients who are thinking about selling. Can you walk us through them?

Absolutely. If you're failing or thinking of selling, ask yourself these five questions:

1. Do I want to grow organically or scale through acquisition?
2. Is my business dependent on me, or could it operate without me?
3. Have I diversified my revenue streams, or am I riding one wave?
4. Is my financial documentation clean, clear, and defensible?
5. What would make a buyer excited to invest in my business?

These are phenomenal. I want to highlight that these questions aren’t just for selling—they’re powerful for any founder at any stage. If you’re launching a business and can answer these five questions now, you’ll build something far more valuable and scalable.

Exactly. That’s why I present them in both startup and exit conversations. They help you build with the end in mind—and they position you for real freedom and impact.

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How to Connect with Heather

If someone wants to connect with you or learn more about how you can help, what’s the best way to reach out?

They can find me on LinkedIn or visit my website, Meridian Business Brokers. If they message me on LinkedIn, I’ll share my free guide, Five Tips to Selling Your Business. And of course, I’m excited to launch the Legacy Builders podcast soon.

We’ll link to that in the show notes. And for those of you reading, Heather was also recently featured in Valiant CEO Magazine, which is a great profile on her work and mission.

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Final Thoughts and Call to Action

To everyone reading this, I want to leave you with two key reminders. First, share this episode or article with someone who needs it—whether they’re growing a business, looking to exit, or just thinking of taking the leap. And second, remember what I say every single day: It’s never too late to create the life and the business you were meant to live.

Take action. Surround yourself with experts. Get clarity. And go after the legacy you want to leave behind.

This has been The Daily Mastermind. I’ll talk to you again soon.

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About Heather Valeri:

Heather Valeri is the Founder and CEO of Meridian Business Advisors and an award-winning business broker with elite certifications held by fewer than 10% of brokers worldwide. As one of the first female brokers in the industry, she’s a trailblazer for inclusivity and representation. Heather helps entrepreneurs grow, scale, and sell their businesses, and guides investors in building strong portfolios. Her mission is to empower underdogs and transform 1 million lives through business ownership. With a book and podcast on the way, she's expanding her impact and championing wealth through entrepreneurship

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Guest Resources:

Valiant CEO Interview:https://valiantceo.com/heather-valeri-of-meridian-empowering-the-underdog-and-redefining-business-brokerage/ 

Website: https://meridianbusinessbrokers.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meridianbizadvisors/?hl=en

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About George Wright III:

George Wright is a Proven, Successful Entrepreneur- and he knows how to inspire entrepreneurs, companies, and individuals to achieve Massive Results. With more than 20 years of Executive Management experience and 25 years of Direct Marketing and Sales experience, George is responsible for starting and building several successful multimillion-dollar companies. He started at a very young age to network and build his experience and knowledge of what it takes to become a driven and well-known entrepreneur. George built a multi-million-dollar seminar business, promoting some of the biggest stars and brands in the world. He has accelerated the success and cash flow in each of his ventures through his network of resources and results driven strategies. George is now dedicated to teaching and sharing his Prosperity Principles and Strategies to every Driven and Passionate Entrepreneur he meets. His mission is to Empower Entrepreneurs Globally to create Massive Change and LIVE their Ultimate Destiny.

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