A successful tech startup and exit; teaching at Indiana University’s prestigious Kelley School of Business; formerly the Chief Marketing Officer at Indianapolis-based startup Powderkeg; and founder and CEO of Dreamfuel.

At first glance, Kevin Bailey is unassuming.  He’s got an easy-going, laid back conversational tone, and when you sit down to talk to him, you realize he’s sincerely interested in you as a person, despite an impressive pedigree. 

But what you don’t see are the scars and hard-fought lessons learned that have impacted Kevin’s outlook on entrepreneurship and life today.

Being acquired is a dream that many tech entrepreneurs work towards.  It’s what’s known as having a successful “exit,” and, rightfully so, it’s a badge of pride for the co-founders who have successfully navigated an acquisition. 

So who would’ve thought that as a 27 year old co-founder looking at multiple offers for his company, Kevin was about to enter one of the most difficult periods in his life?

Kevin shares in raw detail the reality of what happens when you lay it all on the line for your company, working as though burn-out can’t happen to you.  And it’s not the ending you’re expecting - this isn’t a Cinderella story ending that you read about in magazines like Fortune and Inc, or the many business podcasts out there.  This is a story about the highs and lows of running a high-growth company, the lasting effects of making decisions with a scarcity mindset, and what the future looks like when you’re burned out, disillusioned, and are holding on to just a glimmer of hope.