What really happens when you sell your company—but stay on as CEO?

That’s the exact question Kenny Ratton, founder and CEO of Radiant RFID, wrestled with when he sold his business to private equity. On a recent episode of The Ownership Advantage, Kenny shared what life looks like after an acquisition—the good, the hard, and the lessons every entrepreneur should hear before considering a sale.

From Startup Chaos to Industry Leader

Kenny launched Radiant RFID in 2004 with a simple mission: track attendees at trade shows. But like many successful entrepreneurs, he had to pivot—again and again. Over nearly 20 years, the company evolved into a leader in asset management, tracking everything from laptops at Texas State University to containers in aerospace and automotive supply chains.

That adaptability saved the company during tough moments—like when COVID hit. Radiant reimagined its tech to support social distancing, keeping revenue alive when customers were pulling back.

But behind the scenes, Kenny was burning out. He was wearing every hat, covering payroll out of his own pocket, and fighting constant fires. Eventually, he hit a breaking point: “I’d like to get some equity out of the business and live less chaotic—with a little more cash in the bank.”

The Private Equity Transition: Relief, Not Regret

In 2021, Kenny sold to private equity. While he gave up some autonomy, what he gained was priceless: relief.

No more sweating payroll. No more sleepless nights over banking rules. Instead, he could focus on strategy, sales, and building the business.

His advice? The buyer you choose matters more than you think. Selling can feel invasive—new owners will ask tough questions and scrutinize costs—but the right acquirer brings discipline, capital, and stability. Kenny credits the private equity partnership with helping Radiant scale faster and healthier than ever.

Hard-Earned Lessons for Entrepreneurs Considering an Exit

Kenny’s story is a reality check for any founder dreaming of selling: it’s not an ending, it’s a new beginning. Here are his biggest lessons:

• Discipline beats drama. “Had we been more disciplined earlier, we might not have needed to sell.” Financial clarity and accountability aren’t optional—they’re survival skills.

• Don’t go it alone. Surround yourself with sharp legal and financial advisors. A deal that looks amazing on the surface can hide costly traps.

• Choose culture fit over quick cash. The right partner makes the transition smoother and sets the business up for long-term success.

• Learn to love reporting. Moving from being the solo decision-maker to presenting to a board builds new muscles in analysis, accountability, and sustainable growth.

The AI Advantage

One of Kenny’s favorite takeaways? Make innovation a daily habit. At Radiant, every single role has a goal tied to AI adoption. From meeting summaries to analytics, AI isn’t just a tech feature—it’s a mindset shift that frees the team for higher-level thinking.

His advice: Know what AI can do for you—but also what it can’t. Both matter.

Final Word

If you’re considering selling your business—or just curious about what life looks like afterward—take Kenny Ratton’s story to heart:

• Build discipline now.

• Choose your partners wisely.

• Stay curious, keep learning, and use tools like AI to sharpen your edge.

With the right preparation and perspective, selling your business doesn’t have to be the end of the story—it can be the start of your company’s next chapter of growth.