Decision
Proceed with the ZKW acquisition process while simultaneously preparing an August 1st writer transition as a fallback. Blake Emal takes over Austin, Andrew, Tanya, and David accounts on August 1st. Jacob’s clients held back until the new system is stable.
Context
ZKW is in add-back analysis phase (good signal of intent to close). Add-backs likely push valuation from ~$1M to ~$1.2M. Michael leaning toward selling: no non-compete, clean exit, cash in bank, then spin up something new with Blake. Decision deferred until offer is concrete.
Options considered
- Sell outright: no non-compete, clean exit, cash plus freedom to rebuild
- Hold and consolidate: cut writers, Blake + AI fulfill remaining accounts, margins jump to 80%+
Consequences
Three prerequisites for August 1st transition: (1) unified client doc with voice docs, content pillars, delivery dates, LinkedIn/X cadence, engagement data; (2) Blake Stewart as default account manager; (3) actual founder images from clients (ongoing gap). Ben’s AI tooling role handed off to engineers after website work is done.