​How to Scale A Business Right and Sell Smart

​This is not your average seminar.

​It’s a strategic, high-energy session built for people who are building companies, buying them, or preparing to exit. Whether you’re a founder scaling fast, an acquirer looking for smart deals, or simply curious how capital markets really work—this is where you want to be.

​👤  Featured Keynote: John Decker

​SVP, Head of Business Advisory Services, D.A. Davidson

​John Decker brings over two decades of executive and deal-making experience to the stage. A native of Lincoln, Nebraska, John joined SMITH HAYES in 1996, later serving as CFO of Douglas Theatre Company where he led its growth and sale to Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS). He returned to lead SMITH HAYES as CEO before successfully managing its merger with D.A. Davidson—uniting two ESOP firms and expanding client services nationally. Today, John spearheads D.A. Davidson’s national advisory work, helping founders avoid costly mistakes and unlock life-changing outcomes.

​🔥 Agenda

​3:00 PM – Welcome

​Why exits, IPOs, and smart acquisitions matter more than ever

​3:10 PM – Keynote: John Decker

​“Exit Ready: What Smart Acquirers Want, What Great Founders Miss” 30 minutes of value-building science, real cautionary tales, and sharp insight about equity partners, deal readiness, and capital stack landmines as you grow and prepare to sell.

​3:45 PM – Live Panel: “Inside the Scale Up Pressure Cooker”

​Real-time insights from two regional leaders who are scaling fast:

• ​Joe Cruz, Co-Founder & CEO, Symmetry Sauna

  • ​Joe helped turn a simple idea into one of the most recognized custom sauna brands in the world. From Coeur d’Alene, Symmetry now delivers handcrafted wellness sanctuaries for homes and businesses globally. Joe leads all aspects of growth, design, and customer experience with a strong belief in craftsmanship and modern wellness.

• ​Tim Ledford, Co-Founder & CEO, Safeguard Equipment

  • ​Based in Post Falls, Tim co-founded Safeguard—a maker of lifesaving voltage detection technology used by utility and industrial workers worldwide. Their flagship device, the COMPASS, quickly went from prototype to profitability, and the company now operates in over 58 countries. Under Tim’s leadership, Safeguard is on track to hit $100M in revenue while continuing to save lives in the field.

• ​Steve Starner, President and CEO, Continuous Composites

  • ​Steve leads Continuous Composites, a Coeur d’Alene-based company revolutionizing advanced manufacturing with its patented Continuous Fiber 3D Printing (CF3D®) technology. With over 20 years of experience in aerospace, defense, and industrial tech, Steve joined as Chief Revenue Officer before becoming CEO in 2024. He now drives the company’s global expansion as it scales its breakthrough process—eliminating molds and producing ultra-strong, lightweight composite structures used in high-stakes industries.

​Expect candid stories, smart frameworks, and live coaching with John Decker. Audience Q&A encouraged.

​4:30 PM- Socialize

​💬 Presented by: D.A. Davidson | Dugdale Hayes Investment Group

​Big thank you to both Safeguard Equipment and Symmetry Sauna for their participation.