Few founders exemplify resilience like Mike Fata, co-founder of Manitoba Harvest. Growing up in a single-parent, low-income household, Fata dropped out of school in the tenth grade, struggled with health issues, and found himself weighing 300 pounds by age 18.
A life-changing commitment to health led him to discover hemp as a nutritional powerhouse, sparking his path to founding Manitoba Harvest and building it into one of North America’s leading hemp food companies.
In his interview on Built to Sell Radio, Mike dives into the journey that saw him go from a construction worker to the sale of Manitoba Harvest to Tilray for $419 million.
You'll discover how to:
Navigate the complexities of partnership dynamics and equity distribution.
Fund business growth creatively, including leveraging vertical integration and cash cycle manipulation.
Build a quality-driven brand without relying on costly ads or celebrity endorsements.
Approach investor relationships with eyes wide open to terms like liquidation preferences and voting rights.
Time a sale for maximum value, especially in the consumer-packaged goods industry.
Explore how grit, strategic growth, and an unyielding commitment to quality took Fata from humble beginnings to one of the largest hemp industry exits. Listen to Mike’s full story on Built to Sell Radio, and gain insight into building your brand for long-term success.
Want to learn how to make your business irresistible to buyers? CLICK HERE to schedule a meeting with me today.
Video: From High School Dropout to $419M Exit: Mike Fata’s Journey with Manitoba Harvest
Mark Hartmann is a three-time Inc 500|5000 CEO with a rich sales, operations, and leadership background in the insurance, financial services, and healthcare sectors. With extensive experience growing and selling his own businesses, Mark leverages his expertise to help owners grow and sell businesses valued at $1M —$25M. He’s earned a Master of Business Administration from Eastern University, a master of science degree in organizational change management from St. Elizabeth University, and a graduate certificate in executive coaching from Columbia University. Mark’s professional certifications include Certified Mergers and Acquisitions Professional (CM&AP), Certified Business Intermediary (CBI), Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), and Certified Value Builder (CVB).