E282: How to Build a Sellable Business: Profit-First Marketing & Exit Strategy with Andy Seeley

How2Exit: Buy, Don't Build - M&A of Small Businesses

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/8WBIPpmXVVY
About the Guest:
Andy is the CEO and co-founder of Creatively Disruptive—a “revenue growth agency” that helps small businesses scale sustainably. His background is as varied as it is inspiring: from rugby coach to pizza delivery driver to sales manager at CarMax, to eventually buying and selling his own businesses. Today, he helps over 110 small businesses reach profitability through consulting, marketing, and strategic advisory. With clients ranging from gymnastics gyms to local banks and contractors, Andy’s team becomes the trusted growth partner business owners call when they're staring at the ceiling at 3am.
Summary:
In this episode of How2Exit, host Ronald Skelton sits down with Andy Seeley, CEO and co-founder of Creatively Disruptive—a marketing firm built with the heart of a small business owner in mind. From his humble beginnings delivering pizza and coaching rugby, Andy takes us on a journey through his first business acquisition, the painful lessons of the Great Recession, and the creation of a marketing agency dedicated to not just ads, but sustained profit and legacy-minded growth.
This conversation isn’t just about marketing—it’s a playbook for anyone looking to grow a business that can be sold, scaled, or succeeded. Whether you’re looking for marketing advice, trying to build a business that isn’t just a glorified job, or prepping for an eventual exit, Andy brings real-world wisdom, tactical insight, and a lot of heart.
Key Takeaways:
Build your business like you’re going to sell it—even if you don’t. Creating a business with an exit mindset forces smarter systems, better financial tracking, and a more independent team.
Know your numbers. Track your metrics. Too many small business owners fly blind. Understanding lead cost, client lifetime value, and profitability changes everything.
Profit beats revenue—every time. “Revenue is vanity, profit is sanity.” Andy’s agency prioritizes actual business growth over hollow vanity metrics.
Most businesses aren’t failing—the owner’s systems are. Drawing from the “dog whisperer” analogy, Andy says it’s not the marketing or the platform—it’s usually the operator. And changing behavior is key.
Hire an agency that thinks like a partner, not a vendor. Look for agencies that consult on financials, profitability, and goals—not just ads.
AI is a business owner’s multiplier—but you still need a BS meter. AI can do wonders, but it takes wisdom to know when it’s wrong and when it’s working.
Build a team. Business is a team sport. Success doesn’t come from solopreneurship—it comes from surrounding yourself with mentors, consultants, and staff who elevate your game.
Don’t hand over your business systems. Own them. Even if you hire experts, Andy stresses that business owners must know enough to make smart decisions. Never fully abdicate responsibility.
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Contact Andy on
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyseeley/
Website: http://www.creativelydisruptive.com/
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