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Co-founder, Exit Forward

Tom Parker

Tom Parker

Tom Parker is a CPA who bought into Dilate in 2018 and became the structural half of the business, bringing the financial discipline and systems that turned an owner-led agency into one that could run without its founder.

He co-founded Exit Forward in 2026 and leads the deal side: structure, diligence, governance and the operating rhythm that runs inside each business after investment.

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Experience

the track
record.

  • CPA, and bought into Dilate as a partner in 2018
  • Structured the buy-ins that took Dilate from founder-led to operator-led
  • Leads diligence, deal structure and governance at Exit Forward
  • Has acquired and integrated three businesses since 2023

Writing

by tom.

  1. Exit & Succession

    When should a founder start thinking about their exit?

    Earlier than feels reasonable, and for reasons that have nothing to do with wanting to leave. The work that raises the price is the same work that makes the business run without you.
  2. Exit & Succession

    The third option, explained

    Keep grinding or sell up is a false choice. What an equity partnership actually is, who it suits, and the trade-offs nobody puts in the brochure.
  3. Growth & Systems

    Your team is part of the value

    Buyers do not just price your revenue. They price how much of it walks out the door with you, and your leadership layer is most of that calculation.
  4. Deals & Structure

    Majority, minority, and what control actually means

    Control is not one thing. Board seats, reserved matters, drag and tag, and the difference between owning less of your business and having less say in it.

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