How important was the company to you and Gary?
It was (financial) security. We always knew that we would have his paycheck. Mine was suspect here and there at different times in our marriage. It was good that we could raise our family from a good base. I don't think it was his passion, but it was solid financially.

 

Were you surprised when he told you he might want to sell?

He was a counselor by education. It was never the proper fit (for him). Both of us agree that there are other things in life than money and other things to explore.

What was the benefit of him attending the workshop?
The Workshop helped him precipitate the process of how to market it and get this thing going. He had talked about this for years. We had met with our financial planner for years and put down timelines and exit strategies for us to get out of our work environments. (Gary) was ready to go. We had some financial earmarks to make. I think the March Group set what needed to be in place so that he could get out.

 

Did Gary still run the company while the company was being marketed?

Yes, the marketing was off his plate so that he could focus on keeping the numbers up and working. He put that in March Group's court to go figure that out and get it sold.

 

How did you and he know what was going on regarding the sale process?
There was great communication regularly. There were constant e-mails, calls, and communication. It was money well spent. You knew that (intermediary) was marketing, working and putting everything together. It wasn't idle at all.

 

How did you feel about Gary selling the company?

I was fearful and had much trepidation with selling. Is it the right time? Is it financially wise? At the time, it was scary. It was horrible to sell something that yields income every year and makes you (financially) safe, and creates a base to have an upper middle class life. But looking at my husband and seeing his joy today and getting a green light from our financial advisor and knowing that it's not about living big but about living smart and giving something back. I'm in a good place compared to a year ago.

 

How has the sale impacted your life?

With the birth of our daughter, who is now 12, I stepped out of my career plan that I had in mind for myself and while I've taken good jobs, they've been part-time. That's been fine. But now I can get going with what I want to do, career-wise.

 

What kind of change have you seen in your husband since you sold?

He's not stressed out! He's planning trips. He's enjoying our daughter, our dog, the boat. He's gleeful! The (financial) weight is gone. Since it sold, we're both much happier, thrilled actually.