From Garage Builds to Strategic Exits: Dean Van Zyl’s Founder Playbook

​Get ready for a tactical fireside conversation with Dean Van Zyl — serial entrepreneur, global operator, and founder-whisperer — as he shares what it really takes to turn early traction into disciplined, multi-channel growth.

​Dean has built and scaled ventures across 3 countries in industries ranging from branding and logistics to industrial supply, manufacturing, retail development, and adhesives (yes, adhesives). His obsession? Systems that work — from pricing and operations to go-to-market and distributor networks — all geared toward driving margin, not just vanity metrics.

​In this session, Dean will unpack:

​​• How to build a growth engine when you’ve outgrown hustle, but aren’t ready for a full sales team

​​• The few levers that actually shift your valuation — and how to know if you’re pulling the right ones

​​• What founders miss when setting up GTM and pricing strategies (and how to fix it)

​​• When to switch from founder-led sales to scalable systems — and what has to be true before you do

​​• How to prep for strategic exits, roll-ups, or capital — while still running a healthy business

​Dean’s mentor style is no-nonsense but founder-first. He’s known for asking the tough questions, provoking uncomfortable (and transformative) clarity, and helping founders think like operators — not just visionaries.

​Whether you’re refining your economics, rethinking your GTM, or wondering why your growth feels chaotic — this is the session for you.

​Come learn how Dean Van Zyl turns traction into true scale.