Finish Big - The Podcast with Mark Dorman from Legacy Business Advisors.: Recent Episodes
Mark Dorman
If you’re an entrepreneur – you know what it means to take personal and financial risks, create jobs that support your community, and devote most of your time to your business. But do you know how to plan for a successful exit from your business? Do you know who should be involved in creating your succession or transition plan – and the steps along the way? Welcome to Finish Big – The Podcast with Mark Dorman from Legacy Business Advisors. The podcast theme is inspired by critically acclaimed business Author Bo Burlingham, author of Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top. In this podcast, you’ll hear success stories of exit plans done right – and pick up practical tips based on years of Legacy Business Advisors’ expertise and knowledge about the largest and most important financial transaction of your life.
In this episode of the Finish Big Podcast, Mark Dorman is joined by Cal B. Parker and Kevin Saad from BizEquity — the world's largest online business valuation platform.
The conversation explores how BizEquity has transformed business valuation from an expensive, time-consuming process into a fast, accessible planning tool for advisors and business owners. Cal and Kevin discuss the importance of proactive planning, understanding business value long before an exit, and how modern technology is reshaping the succession and exit planning industry.
They also dive into the newest BizEquity platform enhancements, including AI-powered tax return extraction, KPI benchmarking, value growth strategies, and tools that help advisors guide business owners towards stronger financial futures.
This episode is packed with insights for entrepreneurs, financial advisors, exit planners, and anyone interested in building, protecting, and maximising business value.
Mark and Cal B. Parker and Kevin Saad: * The founding story and mission behind BizEquity * Why most business owners still don't know their company's true value * The difference between certified valuations and planning valuations * How AI and technology are simplifying valuation processes * The role of advisors in proactive business planning * Understanding value drivers and business performance metrics * Owner dependency and customer concentration risks * KPI benchmarking and growth planning strategies * Preparing businesses years before an eventual exit * The future of business valuation and succession planning
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About the Guests: Cal Parker Cal Parker has spent nearly a decade at BizEquity helping shape the company's growth across multiple areas of the business. He works closely with firms developing business owner planning strategies and helping advisors better serve entrepreneurs and privately held businesses.
Kevin Saad Kevin Saad is the Senior Director of Customer Success at BizEquity, where he leads initiatives focused on helping financial professionals leverage business valuation as a planning and growth tool. He specialises in advisor engagement, business owner strategy, and valuation-driven planning conversations.
In Episode 20 of the Finish Big Podcast, host Mark Dorman welcomes Laura Bonnet, Founding Director of the Center for Family Business at the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University.
Established in 2023, the Center for Family Business was created to connect and equip multi-generational family enterprises to build stronger legacies. Laura brings a powerful blend of strategy, corporate leadership, and advisory experience to the role — having held executive positions at American Greetings and advisory roles at McKinsey & Company, as well as experience with General Motors and Disney.
In this episode, Mark and Laura explore the unique dynamics of family enterprises, the challenges of multi-generational transition, governance, strategy, and the importance of intentional legacy building.
This is a must-listen for family business owners navigating succession, leadership development, and long-term continuity.
Mark and Laura Discuss: * The Birth of the Center for Family Business – Why Case Western launched it in 2023. * Family Business Complexity – Why governance and relationships matter as much as performance. * Multi-Generational Transition – Preparing next-gen leaders early. * Strategic Discipline – Lessons from McKinsey applied to family enterprises. * Corporate vs Family Culture – Key differences in decision-making. * Legacy Thinking – Moving from wealth creation to legacy stewardship. * Emotional Capital – The unseen driver of family business success. * Board Structures & Governance Models – Professionalising the family enterprise. * Education & Community – The role of universities in supporting family firms. * Balancing Growth & Harmony – Keeping business and family aligned.
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- mdorman@succession.plus
About the Guest: Laura Bonnet is the Founding Director of the Center for Family Business at the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University.
Prior to launching the Center in 2023, she served in executive leadership roles at American Greetings and worked at McKinsey & Company advising clients across industries. Her career also includes experience with General Motors and the Walt Disney Company.
Laura combines strategic expertise with a deep understanding of multi-generational enterprise to help family businesses build governance, leadership continuity, and sustainable legacies.
In this episode of the Finish Big Podcast, Host Mark Dorman sits down with longtime friend and exit strategist Robert "Bob" Hothem, founder of Exit with Satisfaction.
After building one of the largest TAB (The Alternative Board) franchises in the world — growing to 68 members and seven boards — Bob strategically exited his own business and launched a new venture focused on helping owners prepare emotionally and strategically for their exit.
Mark and Bob discuss:
- Self-limiting beliefs
- The emotional side of entrepreneurship
- Why most owners wait too long to start exit planning
- The danger of identity being tied to your business
- And why "when the circus leaves town" is the hardest moment for many founders
If you're a business owner anywhere between $1M–$8M in revenue — this conversation is for you.
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About the Guest: Robert "Bob" Houghtem is the founder of Exit with Satisfaction, a boutique advisory firm helping small and mid-sized business owners prepare emotionally and strategically for successful exits.
Before launching Exit with Satisfaction, Bob built one of the largest TAB (The Alternative Board) franchises globally, growing to 68 members and seven peer advisory boards in the Dayton, Ohio region.
With decades of experience working alongside private business owners — beginning during his corporate career with John Deere — Bob focuses on mindset, belief systems, operational value enhancement, and proactive transition planning.
In Episode 18 of the Finish Big Podcast, host Mark Dorman welcomes financial services veteran Rick Scruggs, founder of Financial Designs in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Rick's journey into financial planning was shaped by tragedy. When his father passed away unexpectedly just days before ERISA legislation would have secured a lifelong pension for his mother, Rick experienced firsthand the importance of financial preparedness. That defining moment ignited a lifelong mission: helping business owners protect what they build.
Since founding Financial Designs in 1983, Rick has worked with over 100 private and family business owners and more than 300 legacy families. His approach blends strategic thinking, financial clarity, succession planning, and deep questioning — helping entrepreneurs create abundant futures while ensuring they have time to enjoy them.
This episode explores mortality, mindset, business continuity, leadership responsibility, and why thinking deeply may be the most powerful business tool of all.
Mark and Rick discuss:
- The Christmas Eve Turning Point – Losing his father and discovering the power of life insurance.
- The ERISA Timing Lesson – How six days changed a family's financial future.
- The Chief Mentor Story – Why "Are you coachable?" changed Rick's life.
- 5:00 a.m. Discipline – Discovering the other 5 o'clock.
- Building Financial Designs (1983) – Walking away from a minority partnership to build independently.
- Calling on Owners Early Morning – How 5–7 a.m. meetings built a B2B practice.
- Breaking Down Silos – Installing "windows" between advisors.
- The 10X Question Framework – Revealing the hidden magnitude of a business owner's future.
- 359 Degrees – Identifying the leakage point in financial strategy.
- Thinking as a Leadership Discipline – Why breathing and thinking are equally non-negotiable.
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- mdorman@succession.plus
About the Guest: Rick Scruggs is the founder and president of Financial Designs, established in 1983 in Lynchburg, Virginia.
He specialises in business continuity, succession planning, transition strategy, 401(k) design, executive compensation, and legacy planning for private and family businesses. Rick holds professional designations including Certified 401(k) Professional (C(k)P), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU).
He is also the author of What's Wrong with My Thinking?, a reflective leadership book focused on mindset, clarity, and intentional growth.
Rick currently works with over 100 private business owners and more than 300 legacy families.
In this episode of the Finish Big Podcast, Host Mark Dorman sits down with serial entrepreneur Dee Vaidya.
Born in Bombay and raised in Pune, Dee's journey spans continents, industries, and decades — from rubber and plastics to electronics, Dell manufacturing, geospatial intelligence, and building a $50M+ government contractor before a successful exit.
From starting with just $5,000 and a dream in Mary's family home, to winning a $200M global geospatial intelligence contract for the U.S. government, Dee's story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and long-term thinking.
This is a powerful conversation about immigration, entrepreneurship, family, culture, federal contracting, scaling, and giving back.
Mark and Dee discuss:
- Early Roots & Education – Growing up in India, IIT Bombay, and following his father's entrepreneurial path.
- Family & Partnership – Building businesses with Mary and raising three children through multiple relocations.
- Reinvention – Moving from rubber & plastics into electronics, then into digital mapping and defence work.
- The Dell Years – Building PCs for Michael Dell in the early days of Dell Computer.
- Technographics Growth – From a small acquisition to a $50M+ company and 400+ employees.
- Geospatial Intelligence – Mapping the world for defence, navigation, and national security.
- Advisors & Mentors – The impact of Don Noble and building a world-class advisory team.
- The Exit – Selling Technographics to CACI and navigating a complex data room process.
- Giving Back – Launching the Wayne County Economic Forum to bring world-class speakers to Wooster.
- Life After Exit – Golf, table tennis, community leadership, and staying active.
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- mdorman@succession.plus
About the Guest: Dee Vaidya is a serial entrepreneur who has built, scaled, and sold multiple businesses across manufacturing, electronics, and geospatial intelligence. Born in India and educated at IIT Bombay, the University of Akron, and Purdue University, Dee moved to the U.S. to pursue entrepreneurship and the free-market system.
He is best known for founding and growing Technographics, a geospatial intelligence company that won a $200M global contract and grew to over 400 employees before being sold to CACI. Dee is also the founder of the Wayne County Economic Forum and a recipient of the Wooster Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Award for his contributions to the community.
In this episode of the Finish Big Podcast, host Mark Dorman sits down with Michael Carter — serial entrepreneur, venture investor and founder of BizEquity, and now founder & CEO of Entrepreneurs Management Group (EMG.AI).
Michael has built platforms used by hundreds of thousands of businesses, created large shareholder value, and now aims to democratise entrepreneurship with an AI-driven roadmap and founders' co-pilot.
Mark and Michael discuss: BizEquity origin — why business valuation needed democratising and the early insight that launched BizEquity.
Democratisation — making knowledge faster, cheaper and more accessible for entrepreneurs.
EMG.ai & the Roadmap — the 73-step Entrepreneurs Roadmap and the vision to be a coach/agent for founders.
Digital Agents — what an entrepreneur's agent is, how it's built on LLMs and why every company will want one.
Who EMG serves — solopreneurs, first-time founders and early-stage teams that lack VC networks.
Monetisation & product path — free entry via Ben (the agent), moving to pro/agent subscriptions and community.
Mission Capitalist Club — a non-partisan crew, think-tank for entrepreneurs, and community experiments.
Big picture — entrepreneurship as the new athletic profession: coaching, repeatable playbooks and scaled mentorship via AI.
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- mdorman@succession.plus
About the Guest: Michael (Mike) Carter is a serial entrepreneur and founder of BizEquity (the world's largest online business valuation platform) and now Entrepreneurs Management Group (EMG.AI). Mike has helped platforms used by c.400,000 businesses, created substantial shareholder value, and now focuses on building tools (roadmaps + AI agents) that democratise entrepreneurship — giving founders an accessible coach, playbook and business brain. He also founded the Mission Capitalist Club, a philanthropic, apolitical entrepreneurs' community in Philadelphia.
In this episode of the Finish Big Podcast, host Mark Dorman sits down with food industry executive and entrepreneur Pat Viancourt, owner and CEO of Herman Pickle Company in Garrettsville, Ohio.
With decades of leadership experience across Seagram, Nestlé Waters, Hospitality Mints, Paragon Foods, and multiple private-equity-backed businesses, Pat shares how he went from corporate CPG and private equity to owning a family-built pickle company with both beloved legacy brands and major national partnerships.
For listeners thinking about buying a business, exiting corporate life, or scaling a niche manufacturing company, this conversation is packed with real-world lessons on leadership, humility, and growth.
Mark and Pat discuss: * From Corporate to Ownership – How Pat moved from big consumer product companies and private equity into owning his own business. * The Entrepreneurial Leap – Why he walked away from a secure executive role to search for a company to buy during COVID. * Finding Herman Pickle Co. – The serendipitous story of revisiting a company he first saw 10 years earlier and turning it into his own. * Checking Your Ego at the Door – What it really means to wear every hat in a small/mid-sized business, from "presidential to janitorial". * Brand & Product Strength – The story behind Don Herman's half-sour and full-sour pickles and why customers say, "That's what a pickle should taste like." * Nathan's & Private Label – How Herman Pickle Co. became the exclusive licensed manufacturer for Nathan's Famous pickles and a major player in private-label refrigerated pickles. * Growth & Automation – Balancing labour challenges, automation, and operational efficiency while expanding distribution across the U.S. * Vision for the Future – How Pat plans to make Herman Pickle Co. "bigger, faster, stronger" without losing its quality, culture, or roots.
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About the Guest: Pat Viancourt is an experienced CEO, food industry executive, and business owner. Over his career, he has led and grown companies in food manufacturing, foodservice distribution, secondary packaging, and custom printing, working with respected private equity groups such as Linsalata Capital Partners, Odyssey Investment Partners, and others.
In 2021, Pat purchased Herman Pickle Company in Garrettsville, Ohio, a family-founded business known for its Don Herman fermented pickles and its role as the exclusive licensed manufacturer of Nathan's Famous refrigerated pickles. Under his leadership, the company has expanded its branded, licensed, private-label, and foodservice business while investing in automation and operational efficiency.
Pat brings together corporate discipline, entrepreneurial courage, and a deep respect for legacy brands—showing how a well-run niche manufacturer can grow, innovate, and still stay true to its roots.
In this episode of the Finish Big Podcast, host Mark Dorman sits down with Chris Cooper, Director of the Ohio Employee Ownership Center (OEOC) at Kent State University.
For over 25 years, Chris has helped business owners across Ohio explore the power of employee ownership — guiding them through successful transitions, building strong ownership cultures, and creating legacies that last.
Mark and Chris discuss: The OEOC Mission – How the Ohio Employee Ownership Center helps business owners transition their companies to employee ownership.
The Human Impact – Real stories of employees who built life-changing wealth through ownership.
ESOP Advantages – Why employee ownership creates win-win outcomes for owners, workers, and communities.
Succession & Legacy – How founders can exit while preserving culture and jobs.
EOT vs ESOP – The differences between Employee Ownership Trusts and ESOPs, and when each fits best.
Collaboration & Support – How the OEOC partners with advisors, foundations, and business owners to make transitions possible.
Success Story – A Cleveland company that became 100% employee-owned, creating over 200 new owners.
The Future – Why Ohio leads the way in employee ownership and what it means for the next generation of business owners.
Connect with Mark Dorman:
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- mdorman@succession.plus
About the Guest:
Chris Cooper is the Director of the Ohio Employee Ownership Center (OEOC) at Kent State University. With over two decades of experience, Chris has worked with hundreds of business owners to explore employee ownership as a succession solution. He leads programs focused on succession planning, ownership culture, and employee-owned startups, and coordinates Ohio's Employee-Owned Network, which includes more than 100 companies.
Chris has spoken at national and international conferences across the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Bermuda, and is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) through the Exit Planning Institute. His work bridges research, education, and real-world impact—helping business owners finish strong while keeping their companies and communities thriving.
In this episode of the Finish Big Podcast, Host Mark Dorman sits down with Professor Kimberly Eddleston of Northeastern University and Cornell University's Smith Family Business Initiative. Professor Edelston is one of the world's leading scholars in family business and entrepreneurship—ranked among the top 2% of scientists by Stanford University and recognized by Family Capital as one of the world's Top 25 Family Enterprise Academics.
Mark and Kim discuss:
The Fredo Effect – What it means, how it appears in real family businesses, and why it's so hard to talk about.
Family Dynamics – How loyalty, guilt, and generational expectations can turn a strength into a weakness.
Research Findings – 33% of families admit to having a "family impediment" member—and why the real number is likely much higher.
Nepotism vs Accountability – What happens when roles aren't clearly defined and bad behavior goes unchecked.
Prevention & Governance – Practical tools to reduce risk: rules of entry, clear job descriptions, and outside boards of advisors.
Culture & Communication – How open dialogue, fairness, and transparency can keep both relationships and revenue healthy.
Connect with Mark Dorman:
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- mdorman@succession.plus
About the Guest:
Professor Kimberly Eddleston is a globally recognized expert in family business, entrepreneurship, and innovation. She serves as a Research Fellow at Cornell University's Smith Family Business Initiative and teaches at Northeastern University in Boston. Her groundbreaking work explores how families can be both a resource and a constraint in their companies.
Kim has authored award-winning papers, delivered workshops around the world, and helped countless families navigate the complex emotions of succession and leadership transition.
In this episode of the Finish Big Podcast, host Mark Dorman sits down with Roger Atkins, President of the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA). Roger shares his remarkable journey—from sweeping floors in his father's Houston machine shop to leading a national organisation of over 1,000 small and medium-sized manufacturers.
Mark and Roger discuss::
- Manufacturing Roots: Growing up in the shop, discovering purpose, and falling in love with the craft.
- Resilience in Business: Navigating oil downturns, 9/11, and economic uncertainty while keeping businesses alive.
- Community Power: Why peer groups and associations like NTMA are lifelines for owners.
- Precision & Innovation: How small shops quietly power rockets, aircraft, and national security.
- Succession & Legacy: Why every business owner needs a plan, and how failing to prepare risks employees, families, and the future.
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About the Guest:
Roger Atkins is the President of NTMA, representing small and medium-sized manufacturers across the U.S. With decades of leadership experience, he is dedicated to helping owners grow, sustain, and transition their businesses with purpose.
In this episode of the Finish Big Podcast, host Mark Dorman welcomes back Corey Rosen, founder of the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO), for Part 2 of their conversation on alternative ownership structures—specifically, the Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).
Following their earlier discussion on Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), Mark and Corey explore how EOTs differ, their origins, and why some business owners may choose them over ESOPs. They cover the practical, cultural, and philosophical factors driving this emerging succession strategy in the U.S.
Mark and Corey discuss:
- EOT Origins & Growth: How the model evolved in the UK (inspired by the John Lewis Partnership) and its rapid adoption overseas.
- Key Differences from ESOPs: Costs, complexity, tax implications, and the flexibility to set custom rules for ownership and profit distribution.
- Ideal Candidates: Why smaller companies (often under 50 employees) and owners committed to long-term independence may benefit most.
- Purpose Trusts: How some companies, like Patagonia, use ownership trusts for social and environmental missions.
- Succession Planning Considerations: When an EOT makes sense versus a management buyout, phantom stock, or other equity models.
- NCEO's Role: Resources, research, and networking opportunities for companies exploring employee ownership.
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- mdorman@succession.plus
About the Guest: Corey Rosen is the founder of the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO). A former Capitol Hill staffer and political science professor, Corey helped draft early ESOP legislation in the 1970s and has since authored numerous books and research papers on employee ownership. Today, he leads NCEO's mission to educate and support businesses considering employee ownership as a sustainable, wealth-building alternative to traditional exits.
In this episode of Finish Big the Podcast, Host Mark Dorman is joined by Corey Rosen, founder of the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) and one of the world's leading experts on employee ownership.
Corey shares his decades-long journey—from drafting the original ESOP legislation on Capitol Hill to helping thousands of business owners implement employee stock ownership plans. He and Mark explore the massive impact ESOPs can have on succession, company culture, employee wealth, and long-term legacy.
Mark and Corey discuss: * From Policy to Practice: How Corey transitioned from political science professor to Capitol Hill staffer, eventually founding the NCEO in 1981. * ESOP Growth & Tax Advantages: The rise of employee ownership, how ESOPs work, and why their tax advantages make them a powerful tool for succession. * Bipartisan Appeal: Why ESOPs remain one of the rare ideas with support across political lines—from Elizabeth Warren to Tommy Tuberville. * Succession Planning Realities: Why ESOPs offer flexible exit options for baby boomer business owners, while preserving legacy and rewarding employees. * Section 1042 & Tax Deferral: A deep dive into how sellers can defer capital gains taxes through reinvestment, and the lesser-known wealth-building benefits of ESOPs. * Who Should Consider an ESOP?: The financial, managerial, and structural conditions that make a company ideal for employee ownership. * Culture and Engagement: Why communication, open-book management, and employee involvement are the key to successful ESOP-driven transformation.
Connect with Mark Dorman:
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- (330)-416-9271
- mdorman@succession.plus
About the Guest: Corey Rosen is the founder of the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO). A former Capitol Hill staffer and political science professor, Corey helped draft early ESOP legislation in the 1970s and has since authored numerous books and research papers on employee ownership. Today, he leads NCEO's mission to educate and support businesses considering employee ownership as a sustainable, wealth-building alternative to traditional exits.
In this episode of the Finish Big Podcast, Host Mark Dorman is joined by Sigi Loya—an entrepreneur with a remarkably diverse background spanning corporate America, real estate finance, healthcare entrepreneurship, and business coaching.
Sigi Loya shares his evolution from a corporate employee benefits expert to founding multiple businesses, including a holistic medical practice and TAB Pittsburgh, a peer-to-peer advisory board franchise. He also discusses launching Affordable Business Valuations with his son to empower business owners with accurate and actionable insights into their company's worth.
Mark and Sigi Loya discuss: * Corporate to Entrepreneurial Shift: Leaving a successful corporate career to build new ventures from the ground up. * Resilience in Business: Overcoming near-failure experiences with grit and the support of peer networks. * The Power of Peer Advisory Boards: How TAB helped CG and others navigate critical decisions through shared wisdom and accountability. * Succession & Legacy Planning: Why making yourself less central to your business increases its value. * Business Valuation Insights: The importance of knowing your business's worth before a sale and how Biz Equity helps demystify this process. * Family Business Collaboration: Working alongside his son to build a valuation business grounded in education and long-term strategy.
Connect with Mark Dorman:
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- mdorman@succession.plus
About the Guest:
Sigi Loya is a seasoned entrepreneur and TAB Pittsburgh franchise owner. With roots in corporate insurance and employee benefits, he transitioned into real estate finance and healthcare entrepreneurship before finding his true passion in business coaching and valuations. His mission today is helping small business owners scale smartly, plan successful exits, and realise the true value of their life's work.
In this episode of the Finish Big Podcast, host Mark Dorman sits down with Brian Zawada—a seasoned business continuity and operational resilience expert, entrepreneur, author, and now boutique winemaker.
Brian shares his incredible journey from serving as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Air Force to co-founding Evolution Consulting, scaling the business, and navigating a successful private equity-backed exit. Today, he's living a new chapter as the co-founder of Violet Vines, crafting exceptional Oregon wines.
This episode is packed with insights on risk management, leadership, entrepreneurship, and life after business ownership. Brian's story is one of intentional decision-making, continuous learning, and the courage to reinvent yourself.
Mark and Brian discuss: * Military Precision in Business: Lessons from strategic intelligence and risk management. * Bootstrapping to Success: Scaling Evolution Consulting without debt. * Breaking Growth Barriers: How private equity and strategic partnerships fueled expansion. * The Exit Journey: Challenges, lessons, and the importance of cultural fit with investors. * Life After the Exit: Finding passion and purpose in winemaking at Violet Vines. * Family, Freedom & Legacy: Balancing career ambitions with personal priorities.
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Connect with Brian Zawada: * LinkedIn: Brian Zawada * Website: Violet Vines
About the Guest: Brian Zawada is a resilience strategist, business advisor, and winemaker. With nearly 30 years of experience in business continuity and operational resilience, Brian has worked across industries including manufacturing, pharma, biotech, and consumer goods. He is the author of The Business Continuity Operating System and a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Business Continuity Institute. Today, he channels his passion into Violet Vines, a boutique winery in Oregon, alongside his family.
In this episode of the Finish Big Podcast, Host Mark Dorman interviews Renee Russo, a dynamic CEO, coach, exit planner, and speaker from Melbourne, Australia, now based in Vancouver, Canada. Rene shares her journey from corporate accounting at KPMG to becoming a sought-after business coach and exit planner. She dives into how her personal challenges and professional pivots led her to develop an innovative approach to business freedom and growth.
Renee's story highlights resilience, transformation, and the power of leveraging proven processes to turn chaos into clarity. She is passionate about helping business owners align their personal, financial, and business goals to build sustainable success and unlock wealth while maintaining personal freedom.
Mark and Renee discuss:
- Chaos to Clarity: Implement systems to take control of your business.
- Mindset Matters: Shift to a value-focused approach for sustainable growth.
- Lead with Discipline: Build accountable, high-performing leadership teams.
- Plan for Freedom: Exit planning is about creating opportunities, not just endings.
- Life by Design: Align business and personal goals for lasting success.
- Resilience Wins: Turn setbacks into opportunities for growth.
- Peer Power: Leverage peer support for inspiration and professional growth.
Connect with Mark Dorman:
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- mdorman@succession.plus
Connect with Renee Russo: * Website: Rise Up Business Coaching * LinkedIn: Renee Russo
About the Guest:
Renee Russo is the CEO and Founder of Rise Up Business Coaching, a leader in helping business owners align their personal and professional goals to achieve freedom and long-term success. She is a certified EOS Implementer and Exit Planning Advisor who leverages her vast experience to deliver high-impact coaching, workshops, and keynotes.
In this episode of the Finish Big Podcast, Mark Dorman interviews Fred DiSanto, Chairman and CEO of Ancora Investments. Fred shares his inspiring journey from playing college sports to building a $10 billion investment firm. He discusses pivotal career moments, including his transition from institutional sales to founding Ancora, the challenges of scaling the business, and the strategies that have driven its success.
Fred emphasises the importance of strong relationships, assembling top-tier talent, and offering innovative solutions like activism and alternative investments to differentiate in a competitive market. Fred also highlights his commitment to fostering a culture of ownership, sharing equity with nearly 40 employees during a significant liquidity event in 2021. He reflects on his philanthropic efforts, supporting institutions like Saint Ignatius High School and Case Western Reserve University, and his vision for Ancora's future—focusing on growth, client satisfaction, and community impact. This episode is a masterclass in leadership, succession planning, and building a lasting legacy.
Mark and Fred discuss:
- Relationships Matter: Strong client and team relationships fuel growth.
- Stand Out: Differentiation through unique services drives success.
- Shared Ownership Wins: Employee equity fosters loyalty and growth.
- Community Impact: Supporting education and diversity builds a lasting legacy.
- Plan Ahead: Succession planning ensures stability and continued growth.
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Connect with Fred DeSanto ● LinkedIn
About the Guest:
Fred DiSanto is the Chairman and CEO of Ancora Investments, a leading Midwest-based investment firm managing over $10 billion in assets. With decades of experience in finance, Fred has built a reputation for innovation, leadership, and fostering strong client relationships. A graduate of Case Western Reserve University, Fred is passionate about talent development, philanthropy, and driving growth through proprietary strategies like activism and alternative investments. His dedication to community and excellence has made him a respected figure in the financial industry.
In this episode of Finish Big, Mark Dorman engages with Brant Hammer, a finance professor and investment expert, to discuss the pressing economic challenges of inflation and their impact on businesses.
They dive into Biden's economic policies, Trump's potential strategies for growth, and actionable insights for entrepreneurs to build strong succession plans. This conversation is packed with valuable takeaways for business leaders navigating a rapidly evolving economy. Mark and Robert discuss:
- WVU's Student Managed Investment Fund gives students real world investment experience.
- Inflation during Biden's term was fuelled by fiscal deficits and supply chain disruptions.
- Small businesses suffered in a "K-shaped" recovery, widening economic gaps.
- Trump's energy policies could lower oil prices and reduce inflation risks.
- Tariffs can be a strategic tool to negotiate fairer trade agreements.
- Extending the 2017 tax cuts would stabilise markets but must be balanced with spending cuts.
- Pro-energy policies could lower production costs and benefit consumers.
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Connect with Robert: LinkedIn
About Our Guest:
Robert Hammer is a finance professor at WVU and advisor to the Student Managed Investment Fund, where he mentors students managing a $650,000+ portfolio. With extensive experience in banking and academia, Robert also authors Capital Notes, a newsletter focusing on investments and macroeconomics.
What are some of the most common pitfalls family business owners face when planning for "The Four D's," and how can they proactively address them? In this episode of the Finish Big Podcast, Mark Dorman sits down with James Aussem, a distinguished attorney specialising in succession planning, mergers, and acquisitions. Together, they explore the challenges of planning for "The Four D's"—Death, Disability, Departure, and Discord—and share actionable strategies for family businesses to navigate transitions successfully.
James discusses his journey from a tax attorney at Ernst & Ernst to a career dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and family business owners. He provides insights into why closely held family businesses require unique planning approaches, touching on key considerations like ownership requirements, business sustainability, and equity among family members.
Mark and James discuss:
- Death, Disability, Departure, and Discord – The essential planning considerations for business owners.
- The Three W's for Family Businesses:
- What do current owners need?
- What can the business afford?
- What is fair for all stakeholders?
- Mistakes to Avoid in Succession Planning – How miscommunication and lack of planning can lead to failure.
- Baby Boomer Business Transitions – Advice for the wave of retiring entrepreneurs
Connect with Mark Dorman:
- Succession Plus US
- LinkedIn: Mark Dorman
- LinkedIn: Succession Plus
- Facebook: Succession Plus
- (330)-416-9271
- mdorman@succession.plus
Connect with James Aussem:
- LinkedIn: James Aussem
About Our Guest:
James Aussem is a seasoned attorney and shareholder at Cavitch, Farmelo, and Durkin Co., L.P., specialising in succession planning, mergers and acquisitions, and estate management. With over 40 years of experience, he's a trusted advisor to family businesses, simplifying complex legal issues to deliver practical solutions.
A Hall of Fame inductee by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils, Jim is also recognised annually as one of The Best Lawyers in America. Known for his entrepreneurial mindset, Jim is dedicated to helping business owners plan for success and longevity.
Why do some family businesses thrive for generations while others struggle with succession and longevity?
In this episode of the Finish Big Podcast, Mark Dorman hosts Carol Butler, President of the Garing Center for Family and Private Business at the University of Cincinnati, North America's largest university-based family business center. Together, they discuss how the Garing Center supports family-owned businesses with resources that drive growth, resilience, and community.
Carol shares her journey from a Fortune 500 executive to a key player in family business support, emphasizing the center's mission to foster the success and sustainability of private and family-owned businesses through real-world insights, leadership programs, and roundtable discussions.
Mark and Carol discuss:
- The Importance of Community for Family Businesses
- Roundtable Groups and Their Impact
- Educational Programs and Institutes
- Challenges in Family Business Transitions
- Affordable Resources for Small Businesses
Connect with Mark Dorman:
- Succession Plus
- LinkedIn: Mark Dorman
- LinkedIn: Succession Plus
- Facebook: Succession Plus
- (330)-416-9271
- mdorman@succession.plus
Connect with Carol ButlerLinkedIn: Carol Butler
About Our Guest: Carol Butler brings 30 years of corporate leadership experience and a passion for helping family businesses succeed. As President of the Garing Center, Carol is dedicated to providing educational support and resources that ensure the longevity and impact of family-owned businesses in the Cincinnati region and beyond.
Are you a business owner considering an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) or exploring succession strategies?
In this episode of the Finish Big Podcast, Mark Dorman delves into ESOP financing, discussing how bank and seller financing typically work together, and the potential advantages of mezzanine loans. Gain insights into tax implications, the role of ESOP trustees, and how these plans can benefit both the business and the community.
This week's guest, Kelly Finnell, President of Executive Financial Services Inc., offers his expertise on ESOPs. He covers essential topics such as the process, timeline, and personal satisfaction involved in executing a successful business transition.
Tune into this episode for a comprehensive guide to ESOPs and succession planning. Discover how to navigate these complex transactions and ensure your business's legacy thrives. Don't miss out—listen now!
Mark and Kelly discuss:
- Combining bank and seller financing, and the use of mezzanine loans.
- Differences in taxation for current pay interest and warrants in seller debt.
- Ensuring fair market value and commercially reasonable terms in ESOP transactions.
- The typical changes in the business owner's role, salary, and benefits.
- The steps and time required for feasibility analysis and transaction implementation.
Connect with Mark Dorman:
Succession Plus US
LinkedIn: Mark Dorman
LinkedIn: Succession Plus
Facebook: Succession Plus
(330)-416-9271
mdorman@succession.plus
Connect with Kelly Finnell:
LinkedIn: Kelly Finnell
About our guest:
Kelly Finnell is a leading ESOP consultant and president of Executive Financial Services Inc. Based in Memphis, Tennessee, Kelly specializes in ownership succession planning and has authored "The ESOP Coach." With extensive expertise in ESOP transactions, Kelly guides businesses through financing, taxation, and trustee responsibilities.
Are you a business owner looking to maximize the value of your enterprise and grow your client base? This episode of the Finish Big podcast offers actionable insights and practical advice to help you achieve your business goals. This week's guest, John D. Hanson, an award-winning author and expert in customer service, shares his journey from zero LinkedIn contacts to over 30,000. John discusses optimizing client relationships, leveraging LinkedIn for networking, and the power of video content. Learn about his strategies for maintaining client engagement and his approach to customer discovery, providing a roadmap to enhance your business success. Tune into the Finish Big podcast to hear John D. Hanson's expert tips on growing your business, engaging your customers, and maximizing your company's value. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from a seasoned professional. Mark and John discuss:
- The importance of clients knowing all the services and solutions a business offers.
- Strategies to leverage existing clients and their networks for easier sales.
- The impact of optimizing LinkedIn profiles and consistent engagement for business growth.
- The effectiveness of video content in building trust and engaging potential clients.
- The five dimensions of customer experience from John's book, Fifth Dimensional Customer Experience.
Connect with Mark Dorman:
- Succession Plus US
- LinkedIn: Mark Dorman
- LinkedIn: Succession Plus
- Facebook: Succession Plus
- (330)-416-9271
- mdorman@succession.plus
Connect with John D Hanson.
About our guest:
John D. Hanson is an award-winning author and customer experience expert. With three acclaimed books, including Wow Your Customers and Fifth Dimensional Customer Experience, he helps businesses enhance their customer engagement. A dynamic speaker and LinkedIn strategist, John shares actionable insights for business growth and client retention.
In the realm of exit plans, things don’t always go as planned. Sometimes they happen smoothly the first time, other times they face delays. But that’s the thing: there’s no one right way. Each exit is its own journey, with its own ups and downs.
Join Mark Doman as he sits down with Craig Sturgill, COO, and Co-founder of Excel, a company at the forefront of the InsureTech space. Craig, a U.S. Army veteran and successful entrepreneur, shares his journey from starting an insurance agency at 18 to co-founding Excel. Follow along to learn about the challenges and strategic pivots he made, including an unsuccessful exit attempt, recalibration for growth, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people in order to execute a successful exit.
Mark and Craig discuss:
- Craig’s journey from door-knocking insurance sales to co-founding an InsureTech company
- How his business model shifted toward digital customer acquisition
- Insights into the InsureTech space and Excel’s innovative lead-generation strategies
- Valuable lessons learned from an attempted business exit and how diversification and a strong leadership team can make all the difference
- And more
Resources:
- Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top by Bo Burlingham
- Medigap.com
- BurialInsurance.com
Connect with Mark Dorman:
- Succession Plus US
- LinkedIn: Mark Dorman
- LinkedIn: Succession Plus
- Facebook: Succession Plus
- (330)-416-9271
- mdorman@succession.plus
Connect with Craig Sturgill:
- LinkedIn: Craig Sturgill
- CraigSturgill.com
- Excel.com
About Our Guest:
At the age of 18, Craig Sturgill founded his first business. He built his Medicare-focused insurance agency, however, he was unable to find lead-generating vendors that met his standards for quality and high performance so in 2013 he partnered with 2 like-minded individuals to found Excel which he now acts as COO. He has since started multiple other businesses such as TruRidge, LLC and Stealth Ventures, LLC.
Many believe that SBA loans are only for startups or fraught with bureaucratic red tape.
However, this week’s guest, Tara Murphy debunks these myths, demonstrating the power of SBA lending in aiding successful business exits and transitions.
Join Mark Doman and Tara Murphy, SBA Business Development Officer and Vice President of Huntington National Bank as they delve into SBA lending. They unveil how they work, changes that have happened to the process, and how they can be a powerful tool in your exit planning strategy. Whether you’re contemplating selling your business or simply curious about the options available for a future transition, this episode is packed with insights and practical guidance to help you lead your business down the right path even after you leave.
Mark and Tara discuss:
- What SBA lending is and how it works
- How business owners can leverage SBA loans for exit planning
- The impact of careful succession planning on the value and saleability of a business
- Common myths about SBA lending and how to utilize it effectively
- And more
Resources:
- Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top by Bo Burlingham
- What’s the Value of Your Business? With Michael Carter
Connect with Mark Dorman:
- Succession Plus US
- LinkedIn: Mark Dorman
- LinkedIn: Succession Plus
- Facebook: Succession Plus
- (330)-416-9271
- mdorman@succession.plus
Connect with Tara Murphy:
- LinkedIn: Tara Murphy
- Huntington National Bank: Tara Murphy
About Our Guest:
Tara Murphy is the SBA Business Development Officer and VP at Huntington National Bank with over 20 years in the finance industry. She possesses a strong focus on M&A financing and small business succession planning. Additionally, Tara brings years of experience in business expansion, commercial real estate, and debt consolidation to her role. She boasts a proven track record of success and harbors a deep passion for small businesses.
Are you ready to secure your legacy and ensure your business thrives beyond your exit?
In this enlightening episode, Mark Dorman is joined by Jim Erben, president of Erben Associates and a sought-after exit and succession planning specialist. Together, they delve into the crucial, yet often daunting, process of planning for business exit and succession. Tune in for invaluable strategies and actionable insights on how to prepare for a smooth transition.
Jim discusses:
- Why business valuation is a crucial starting point in planning your exit
- The importance of aligning your business exit strategy with your personal wealth and estate planning
- Keys to a successful executive retention plan
- Contingency planning in case something unexpected happens to the business owner
- What makes Erben Associates different from other firms
- And more
Resources:
- Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top by Bo Burlingham
- BizEquity
Connect with Mark Dorman:
- Succession Plus US
- LinkedIn: Mark Dorman
- LinkedIn: Succession Plus
- Facebook: Succession Plus
- (330)-416-9271
- mdorman@succession.plus
Connect with Jim Erben:
- 512-402-0250
- LinkedIn: Jim Erben
- Erben Associates
About Our Guest:
Jim Erben is a highly sought-after exit and succession specialist, keynote speaker, and President at Erben Associates. Under his leadership, Erben Associates earned a spot multiple years running on the INC. 5000 list for one of the fastest-growing companies in the country and is a highly sought-after exit and succession planning firm. As an international speaker, Jim shares his 30+ years of experience with thousands of business leaders annually. He is well-known for his straightforward approach to succession or exit planning, business continuity, and executive retention.
A distinguished advisor to clients and organizations, Jim is one of 500 senior American business leaders representing the private sector in Business Executives for National Security, an invitation-only think tank to help our national security become more efficient and effective. Jim’s proprietary process helps business owners navigate the complexities of succession and exit planning to help create an everlasting legacy.
Many entrepreneurs start their exit journey with a partial sale to de-risk from a substantial portion of their wealth being tied up in the business. Doing so sets them up for an eventual full exit.
In this episode, Mark Dorman speaks with Jim Doyle, who founded and sold Jim Doyle and Associates (now JDA.Media). Jim shares his experience of navigating ESOPs (employee stock ownership plans) and eventually selling his business to a strategic buyer.
Jim discusses:
- The process of making his business “sellable”
- How the ESOP helped his employees develop an ownership mindset, enhancing the company culture
- Leveraging consultants, mastermind groups, and new executive leadership in the firm
- The emotional side of exiting a business (and how he dealt with it)
- Why you should always be thinking about “What’s next?”
- And more
Resources:
- Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top by Bo Burlingham
- Selling with a Servant Heart: Ten Lessons on the Path to Joy and Increased Income by Jim Doyle
- Trapped in the Family Business, Second Edition: A Practical Guide to Uncovering and Managing This Hidden Dilemma by Dr. Michael Klein
Connect with Mark Dorman:
- Succession Plus US
- LinkedIn: Mark Dorman
- LinkedIn: Succession Plus
- Facebook: Succession Plus
- (330)-416-9271
- mdorman@succession.plus
Connect with Jim Doyle:
- LinkedIn: Jim Doyle
- JDA.Media
About Our Guest:
Jim Doyle loves sales, and he loves salespeople. He’s been selling and leading salespeople for almost fifty years. In 1991, he founded Jim Doyle and Associates, which is now the leading training and revenue development company in the Television and digital advertising business. During his 30 years with JDA, Jim presented workshops on sales and marketing to audiences all over the United States. Jim stepped away from the day-to-day leadership of what is now called JDA.media in 2020. But he’s quick to say he is a long way from being retired. He is still frequently speaking to salespeople and leaders about the principles in his new book, Selling with a Servant Heart.
Are you ready to transform the way you run your business?
Today on the Finish Big Podcast, Mark Doman introduces Joni Fedders, President of Aileron, and explores the unique nonprofit organization based in Dayton, Ohio. Together they explore how Aileron helps business owners and their teams embrace professional management to elevate their lives and organizations. Follow along to hear Joni’s passion for professional management, and how it empowers businesses and their owners to articulate a vision, align their organization towards it, and successfully navigate ownership transitions.
Joni discusses:
- The importance of having an exit plan and how it affects the future success of your business
- Aileron’s DOC System of professional management and its impact on business success
- The challenges of creating a thriving business and navigating transitions
- How Aileron supports business owners in different ways to achieve long-term success
- Aileron’s mission and involvement in the community
- And more
Resources:
- Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top by Bo Burlingham
- Run Your Business, Don’t Let It Run You by Clay Mathile
Connect with Mark Dorman:
- Succession Plus US
- LinkedIn: Mark Dorman
- LinkedIn: Succession Plus
- Facebook: Succession Plus
- (330)-416-9271
- mdorman@succession.plus
Connect with Joni Fedders:
- Aileron.org
- LinkedIn Joni Fedders
- (937) 669-6507
About Our Guest:
Joni Fedders is the President of Aileron, a nonprofit organization that helps business owners and their teams embrace professional management to elevate their people and organization. Joni directs strategic vision, culture, and operations, inspiring both the team and the community to elevate private businesses.
Recipient of the “Forty Under Forty” award, Joni holds a business bachelor’s from Miami University and an MBA from Xavier University. With her husband Jim, she values family time, her dogs, and enjoys skiing, tubing, running, fishing, sports, and vacations with their three children.
Have you ever wondered what it takes to scale a family business into a multi-location, multi-million dollar empire?
In the latest installment of the Finish Big Podcast, Mark Dorman talks with Ron Nagy, a successful second-generation business owner, about his journey of transforming a single-location body shop into a multi-location thriving enterprise, the challenges faced along the way, and the strategic decisions that led to their successful growth and eventual sale.
Ron discusses:
- How Nagy’s Auto Collision came to be and how it evolved over time
- The challenges faced during the business’s expansion phase
- Market shifts and exit planning
- Post-exit ventures
- And more!
Resources:
- Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top by Bo Burlingham
- Nagy’s Collision Centers/Caliber Collision
- Pro Touch
- No Man’s Land by Doug Tatum
Connect with Mark Dorman:
- Succession Plus US
- LinkedIn: Mark Dorman
- LinkedIn: Succession Plus
- Facebook: Succession Plus
- (330)-416-9271
- mdorman@succession.plus
Connect with Ron Nagy:
- LinkedIn: Ron Nagy
- X (Twitter): Ron Nagy
About Our Guest:
Ron Nagy is a second-generation business owner. Ron served as the President of Nagy’s Collision Center before selling the business to Caliber Collision in 2019. Ron grew up in Doylestown, Ohio. He graduated from Chippewa High School in the Automotive Management Institute and has since won numerous chamber awards and industry awards. He has sat on many nonprofit boards and an industry advisory board. Ron is an active member in his church and in his spare time, helps his wife at their horse farm.
Are you a business owner standing at the crossroads of change, wondering what to do next?
You’re not alone.
In this episode, Mark Dorman and founding member of the Legacy Advisors Network, Joe Scheid tackle the often-overlooked but critical issue that business owners face: the complex challenge of financial planning during pivotal transitions. Together they unravel the emotional and technical layers of financial decisions, drawing on Joe’s involvement with the Legacy Advisors Network and the Exit Planning Institute. By exploring the capabilities of the Capitalize software and discussing the emotional journey of business owners, you will gain valuable insights and actionable strategies for preparing for business transitions.
Joe Scheid discusses:
- His journey to the private and family business owner marketplace
- The Exit Planning Institute (EPI)
- Challenges of financial planning during business transitions
- How the Capitaliz software aids financial planning
- And more
Resources:
- Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top by Bo Burlingham
- Capitaliz – Exit Planning Tool
Connect with Mark Dorman:
- LinkedIn: Mark Dorman
- Succession Plus
- Call: (330)-416-9271
- Email Mark: mdorman@succession.plus
- LinkedIn: Succession Plus
- Facebook: Succession Plus
Connect with Joe Scheid:
- LinkedIn: Joe Scheid
- Facebook: Joe Scheid
- StrategicFC.com
- LegacyAdvisorsAZ.com
About our Guest:
Joe Scheid, AIF®, CEPA®, CFBS®, CLTC® has transformed the lives of clients for nearly 28 years. With a unique and down-to-earth approach to financial planning, he empowers individuals and families to make sound decisions. Joe excels in guiding small and mid-sized business owners towards measurable and attainable financial objectives. Recognized for his capabilities as a financial advisor and small business resource, he prioritizes principles of character, integrity, excellence, and service.
Joe Scheid is a registered representative of and offers securities, investment advisory and financial planning services through MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC (www.sipc.org) 17550 N. Perimeter Dr. Suite 450, Scottsdale AZ 85255. (480) 538-2900. CRN201911-221364
With a rapidly evolving marketplace and the persistent talent shortages in the accounting industry, the need for expert guidance in succession planning has never been more critical
In this insightful episode, Mark Dorman speaks with Rich Craig, Managing Partner at 415 Group. Together, they discuss the intricacies of growing an accounting firm and the broader challenges that the industry faces. Rich imparts his wisdom on the vital topic of succession planning for business owners, underlining the significance of strategic foresight and the support of trusted professionals. By exploring the 415 Group’s approach to fostering advisory boards and their dedication to consistent client collaboration, you will learn how to navigate the complex exit process confidently and strategically.
Rich discusses:
- The history, growth, and expansion of the 415 Group
- Challenges and solutions to the talent shortage in the accounting industry
- Succession planning
- Collaboration with other firms
- And more
Resources:
- Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top by Bo Burlingham
Connect with Mark Dorman:
- LinkedIn: Mark Dorman
- Succession Plus
- Call: (330)-416-9271
- Email Mark: mdorman@succession.plus
- LinkedIn: Succession Plus
- Facebook: Succession Plus
Connect with Rich Craig:
- LinkedIn: Rich Craig
- 415Group.com
About our Guest:
As managing partner at 415 Group, Rich Craig manages a portfolio of client accounts, while also being responsible for the day-to-day operations of the firm. For over 30 years, he’s brought a wealth of accounting and consulting expertise to the firm with a focus on business valuation, forensic accounting, merger and acquisition assistance, as well as corporate tax and structured growth planning.
Having served as an expert witness in hundreds of court cases, Rich has a deep understanding of business valuation, forensic accounting, and economic damages as they relate to the law. Beyond litigation, Rich shares his expertise as a nationally requested speaker at many legal CLE and accounting CPE educational events.
Rich brings a unique background to 415 Group’s clients, allowing them to go beyond tax planning and compliance to entrepreneurial growth and success. He has previously used his skillset to work in the National Tax Department in Washington D.C. at Ernst & Young and on the Accountant Advisory Council for Intuit, Inc., based in Mountain View, California.
As a leader in the firm, he has a keen eye for matching clients with the right team to best serve their needs. He values collaboration, knowing that a team with a diverse skill set is a stronger advocate for clients than just one individual. That culture is embraced by both clients and staff and has helped the firm grow from 15 to over 100 associates during his time at the firm.
Have you ever wondered what it takes to run and operate a successful business?
How about doing it over multiple generations spanning nearly a century?
In the latest installment of the Finish Big Podcast, Mark Dorman sits down with Chuck Ellis, recently retired president and CEO of the renowned Pearl Valley Cheese Company in Ohio. Listen as they delve into the rich history, challenges, and expansions of the cheese industry, offering valuable insights into the evolving landscape of family businesses and the cheese production process.
Guest discusses:
- The Swiss immigrant influence on the cheese industry in Ohio
- The journey of Pearl Valley Cheese from the early nineteen hundreds to the present day
- The impact of regulatory pressures and expansions on the business
- Cheese pricing, milk markets, and margins in the industry
- Family dynamics in business
- And more
Resources:
- Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top by Bo Burlingham
Connect with Mark Dorman:
- LinkedIn: Mark Dorman
- Succession Plus
- Call: (330)-416-9271
- Email Mark: mdorman@succession.plus
- LinkedIn: Succession Plus
- Facebook: Succession Plus
Connect with Chuck Ellis:
- LinkedIn: Chuck Ellis
- PearlValleyCheese.com
- Facebook: Pearl Valley Cheese
About our Guest:
Chuck is the recently retired president and CEO of the Pearl Valley Cheese Company. A company that for nearly 100 years has been making an assortment of cheeses in Fresno, Ohio.
Do you need help with developing sales functions in your business?
Well, don’t go anywhere because you’ve come to the right place!
This week, guest Melanie French, a fractional VP of Sales, joins Mark Dorman to discuss the importance of developing and improving sales functions in mid-size companies. Melanie shares her journey from a Sales Contributor to a VP of Sales, highlighting the challenges and growth strategies she implemented. The conversation delves into key topics such as the significance of sales strategy, process, CRM utilization, sales team management, and the impact of structured sales management on business value.
Melanie French discusses:
- Her journey to becoming a fractional VP of Sales
- The importance of studying metrics for both results and activities
- Utilizing CRMs and structured sales processes
- Emphasizing the need for a structured hiring process and a hiring manager who knows what to look for in prospective salespeople
- Tracking KPIs and cultivating a culture of accountability
- And more!
Resources:
- Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top by Bo Burlingham
Connect with Mark Dorman:
- LinkedIn: Mark Dorman
- Legacy Business Advisors
- Call: (330) 350-5410
- Email Mark: mdorman@dla-team.com
- LinkedIn: Legacy Business Advisors
- Facebook: Legacy Business Advisors
Connect with Melanie French:
- LinkedIn: Melanie French
- FrenchSalesSolutions.com
About our Guest:
Melanie French founded French Sales Solutions in 2020, following a decade-long journey within a company that underwent remarkable growth, from $50M to $230M. She ascended within the company, securing multiple promotions until reaching the position of Vice President of Sales. In this role, she managed over 75 sales and service professionals across 5 teams, showcasing her expertise in business development, scaling sales processes, people management (including hiring, firing, and accountability), and refining operational sales and business practices.
Drawing from her extensive experience in Sandler sales training, both as an individual contributor and in leadership positions, Melanie now leverages her skills to enhance sales performance through consulting and fractional VP of Sales engagements.
If you’re a business owner wrestling with the idea of passing the torch or expanding your family’s business footprint, take heart—you’re in good company.
In the latest edition of the Finish Big Podcast Mark Dorman talks with Mike Catan, the former CEO who propelled Pat Catan’s and Darice Incorporated from a humble family craft store to an impressive empire with 35 retail outlets and a comprehensive wholesale distribution network. Through Mike’s narrative, this episode explores the tactical execution of professional governance and the indispensable contributions of external advisors, equipping listeners with practical advice on future-proofing their business, promoting enduring success, and providing strategies for a successful exit.
Mike Catan discusses:
- The early days and expansion of Pat Catan’s
- Strategic decisions that led to the establishment of Darice Incorporated
- Balancing family relationships while driving business expansion
- The importance of professional management and strategic decision-making and having a strong governance structure in place
- Having a well-defined exit strategy and preparedness for long-term planning
- And more
Resources:
- Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top by Bo Burlingham
Connect with Mark Dorman:
- LinkedIn: Mark Dorman
- Succession.plus/us/
- Call: (330) 350-5410
- Email Mark: mdorman@succession.plus
- LinkedIn: Succession Plus US
- Facebook: Succession Plus US
Connect with Mike Catan:
- LinkedIn: Mike Catan
About our Guest:
Mike Catan is the former CEO of Pat Catan’s and Darice Incorporated. Mike has been passionate about supporting not only his community but achievement centers for children for many years with a particular affinity for camp cheerful. Mike’s interests outside of business include his restaurant Square 22 in Strongsville, as well as multiple commercial and residential development projects under the umbrella of the Cameron Alley Group.
Do you understand the true value of your company?
In today’s enlightening conversation, Mark Dorman talks with Chief Valuation Officer at BizEquity, Scott Gabehart to shed light on the complexities of business valuation. With Scott’s extensive experience and insight, this episode demystifies the valuation process and illustrates how BizEquity’s innovative platform is making accurate valuations accessible to businesses of all sizes. By jumping into the nuances of key performance indicators, the influence of interest rates on mergers and acquisitions, and the evolving landscape of the market, this podcast brings forth tools that may help you navigate the financial intricacies of business effectively.
Scott discusses:
- The critical role of business valuation for entrepreneurs and business owners
- Understanding key performance indicators (KPIs) in valuation reports
- Changing dynamics of buyer and seller power in negotiating deals
- Advantages of Small Business Administration (SBA)
- And more
Resources:
- Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top by Bo Burlingham
- Bizequity.com
- The Business Valuation Book
- Professional Practices in Business Valuation
Connect with Mark Dorman:
- LinkedIn: Mark Dorman
- Succession.plus/us/
- Call: (330) 350-5410
- Email Mark: mdorman@succession.plus
- LinkedIn: Succession Plus US
- Facebook: Succession Plus US
Connect with Scott Gabehart:
- LinkedIn: Scott Gabehart
About Scott Gabehart:
Scott is a Certified Business Appraiser and current Chief Valuation Officer for BizEquity. He has overseen the development of the patented valuation algorithm and related valuation report while ensuring that our industry and market data are current and relevant. For the past 20 years, he has been interacting with small business owners actively engaged in buying and selling companies of all types and sizes while teaching graduate level private firm valuation and authoring books including “The Business Valuation Book”.
What do you need to make the most of your succession plan? What strategies and information could exit planners provide?
Join Mark Dorman and his guest Steve Hopkins, Owner of Charter BTA, in exploring the critical nature of devising contingency plans for business owners. Together they touch on the advantages of having a CEPA credential and the contributions of the Exit Planning Institute.
Mark and Steve discuss:
- His background in business exit transition planning
- What the Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) designation is and why is Steve pursuing it
- How Steve’s personal background and career path have been influenced by entrepreneurship
- Why succession planning is important for both older and younger business owners
- And more!
Resources:
- Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top by Bo Burlingham
Connect with Mark Dorman:
- LinkedIn: Mark Dorman
- Succession.plus/us/
- Call: (330) 350-5410
- Email Mark: mdorman@succession.plus
- LinkedIn: Succession Plus US
- Facebook: Succession Plus US
Connect with Guest:
- LinkedIn: Steve Hopkins
- Charter BTA
About our Guest:
Steve Hopkins understands risk. The riskiest period in the life of any closely-held business is when it transitions to a next generation; whether to family, insiders, or a third party sale, the value of a life’s work becomes vulnerable. Steve’s professional focus is guiding business owners through the perils of transitioning ownership and management; maintaining and enhancing business value in the process.
His career path started with Marsh USA in the world of large scale risk management and continued as a commercial Property & Casualty agent, managing and insuring risks for Oregon commercial enterprises. Understanding legal and tangible risks expanded to include personal and financial risks, which led to business succession and personal estate planning. In the late ’90s he leveraged his experience of 13 years with his Finance/Law degree and joined a Portland planning firm adding a general securities license to his complete complement of insurance licenses. Today he is an independent contractor affiliated with a short list of commercial Property & Casualty agencies who serve mostly closely-held businesses in the Pacific Northwest.
Are you working in a family business? Do your values align with the company values and trajectory?
Mark Dorman speaks with Mike Swiatkowski, VP of Corporate Development at Gordon River Partners, about his journey through his family business. From starting at the company, to promoting growth after his father passed, to leaving the family business behind, Mike shares his emotional journey through the business and the role his personal values played in making his decisions.
Mike discusses:
- The beginnings of his family’s company
- His first position within the company once he joined
- Why he opted to work for a different company after graduating from college
- The main struggles he faced when joining the company and developing it for the future
- Why he eventually chose to leave the company
- And more
Resources:
- Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top by Bo Burlingham
Connect with Mark Dorman:
- LinkedIn: Mark Dorman
- Succession.plus/us/
- Call: (330) 350-5410
- Email Mark: mdorman@succession.plus
- LinkedIn: Succession Plus US
- Facebook: Succession Plus US
Connect with Mike Swiatkowski:
- LinkedIn: Mike Swiatkowski
- Gordon River Partners
About our Guest:
Mike Swiatkowski has over 20 years of food & beverage industry experience. Throughout his career, Mike has been successful in building strong internal leadership teams, streamlining operations and implementing best-in-class quality control systems. Early in his career, he assumed a leadership role at a national snack company, Hickory Harvest Foods, where his strategic initiatives resulted in consistently generating new business annually.
Private equity firms have evolved since they first started growing in the eighties. What role do they currently play in M&A procedures and business planning?
Listen in as Mark Dorman and his guest Paul Carleton, founder and managing partner of Carleton McKenna, share stories from Paul’s initial steps in the field. Explore how investment banking has evolved and become more specialized, and reflect on the burgeoning world of private equity. Paul highlights the critical role of storytelling in drumming upmarket competition and sheds light on how investment bankers play a key part in getting businesses ready for sale.
Mark and Paul discuss:
- The evolution of the investment banking industry
- How does an investment banking firm establish its value and create competition in the marketplace
- What approach does Carleton McKenna take when working with clients
- Why is continuous learning important for both clients and advisors
- And more
Resources:
- Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top by Bo Burlingham
Connect with Mark Dorman:
- LinkedIn: Mark Dorman
- Succession.plus/us/
- Call: (330) 350-5410
- Email Mark: mdorman@succession.plus
- LinkedIn: Succession Plus US
- Facebook: Succession Plus US
Connect with Guest:
- LinkedIn: Paul Carleton
- Carleton McKenna
About our Guest:
Paul H. Carleton is Managing Partner of Carleton McKenna & Co., LLC, which was founded in 2001 to provide strategic and financial consulting services to corporations with a focus on healthcare, technology, and consumer products.
From 1978 to 1988, Paul held various titles at McDonald & Company and achieved the position of Managing Director in charge of the Investment Banking Group of the firm. In 1988 he formed the Carleton Group which in 1993 was transitioned to Carleton, McCreary, Holmes & Co. He held the position of Senior Managing Director at CMH, a position he maintained through the firm’s acquisition by KeyCorp in 1996.
Are you ready to exit your business? Maybe you are financially, but what about emotionally?
Join Mark Dorman and his guest Jerome Myers, host of the Dreamcatchers Podcast, in discussing how he transitioned from engineering to real estate and coaching. Jerome dives into the challenges that founders often face after exiting their businesses, stressing the need for emotional preparation during this phase and how to navigate the complexities that arise.
Jerome explores:
- Where founders face challenges and emotions during the post-exit phase
- The “Eight Exits” of a founder
- The importance of addressing the emotional and identity-related aspects of exiting a business
- How can we normalize feelings of dissatisfaction and the desire for more fulfillment
- Defining the “founder’s exit paradox” and
- What resources are available to assist in navigating the exit transition
- And more!
Resources:
- Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top by Bo Burlingham
Connect with Mark Dorman:
- LinkedIn: Mark Dorman
- Succession.plus/us/
- Call: (330) 350-5410
- Email Mark: mdorman@succession.plus
- LinkedIn: Succession Plus US
- Facebook: Succession Plus US
Connect with Jerome Myers:
- LinkedIn: Jerome Myers
- JeromeMyers.co
- Dreamcatchers Podcast
About our Guest:
An award-winning engineer turned business strategist, Jerome uses his rich experience and innate understanding of human emotions to ensure that your journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship is a fulfilling one.
At the helm of a division of a multibillion-dollar Fortune 550 company, Jerome created a thriving $20M operation with 175 dedicated team members. Now, he employs that expertise to advise leaders across diverse industries, from real estate to healthcare, guiding them to double their revenue, harmony in their work-life integration, and ramp up their charitable contributions.
Ever wondered how a family business navigates leadership transitions?
In this episode, Mark Dorman speaks with Tanya DiSalvo, CEO of Criterion Tool, on the history of Criterion Tool, a family business focused on precision manufacturing started by her grandfather, and her own unexpected journey into the manufacturing industry. She shares how the business transitioned from her father to her, why it took several years, and the evolution the business has achieved since it was first established.
Tanya discusses:
- What precision manufacturing is and what her company produces
- How her family business started
- Why she chose to join the family business after initially heading in a different direction
- The growth of women within the manufacturing industry
- And more
Resources:
- Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top by Bo Burlingham
Connect with Mark Dorman:
- LinkedIn: Mark Dorman
- Succession.plus/us/
- Call: (330) 350-5410
- Email Mark: mdorman@succession.plus
- LinkedIn: Succession Plus US
- Facebook: Succession Plus US
Connect with Guest:
- LinkedIn: Tanya DiSalvo
- Criterion Tool
About our Guest:
Tanya DiSalvo has been a CEO and Owner at Criterion Tool for over 25 years, as well as working as a Performance Coach at Full Focus since 2020. As an experienced leader in the manufacturing sector, Tanya was a 2014 STEP Aware Honoree for being among the outstanding women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and production.
Are you planning your business exit for yourself or your potential buyers? That small shift in perspective could increase your chances of a successful exit. In this episode, Mark Dorman speaks with Dr. Craig West, founder and executive chairman of Succession Plus, on his nine-step exit plan and how he helps business owners achieve their …
One of the key strategies to exit planning is selling a business. But how can business owners ensure they get the best return while their business has the best value? In this episode, Mark Dorman is joined by Diane Thomas, President and designated broker at Premier Sales, Inc., in discussing the importance of strategic planning …
Preparing to exit your business starts with understanding where your business’s value currently sits and how that value will impact your exit. How could market shifts impact that valuation? In this episode, Mark Dorman speaks with Robert Brant Hammer, a finance professor at West Virginia University, on the current economic environment, focusing on interest rates, …
When you want to exit your business, you want to know you’re doing it right. Learning from someone who not only exited their own business successfully but also developed a strategy easily replicated for other business owners is a great step to exiting successfully. In this episode, Mark Dorman speaks with Scott Snider, President of …
When looking to exit a business, selling it can be a great option for some entrepreneurs. But how can you ensure your business is sellable? Is there an emotional aspect to selling your business? In this episode, Mark Dorman speaks with Scott Duke, founder of OpnRoad, on his experience in building many businesses and selling …
When you think about exiting a business, you are planning for more than passing on a title and money. You need to consider the physical assets and your own personal goals as well. In this episode, Mark Dorman is joined by David Shealy, managing principal of HW&Co., Mansfield OH, in discussing the challenges and importance …
Business owners are experts at running businesses. They aren’t experts at selling them and they most definitely aren’t experts at sourcing people who would want to buy the business.
In this episode, Mark Dorman interviews Craig Kohrs, one of the founding partners of Velocity Capital Partners. Craig shares his experience of selling his previous business, and how he and his business partner Ryan Mifsud are now involved in a mission-driven venture called “We are the Ripple”. He shares the importance of having a great team, trusting them to run the business, and giving them the tools to be successful. He also gives some advice for business owners who are looking to exit or grow their businesses.
Craig dives into:
- How he started his own family business
- The story behind how his team acquired and built TMG Performance Products
- How he ran his business before planning his exit
- Why you should hire exit planning experts to help make your exit successful
- The goal of “We are the Ripple” to provide funding and create clean water access for schools and communities in Africa
- And more
Resources:
- Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top by Bo Burlingham
- We Are The Ripple
- What’s the Value of Your Business? with Michael Carter, Founder and CEO of BizEquity (Ep. 16)
Connect with Craig Kohrs:
- LinkedIn: Craig Kohrs
- Velocity Capital Partners
Connect with Mark Dorman:
- LinkedIn: Mark Dorman
- Legacy Business Advisors
- Call: (330) 350-5410
- Email Mark: mdorman@dla-team.com
- LinkedIn: Legacy Business Advisors
- Facebook: Legacy Business Advisors
About our Guest:
Craig is a Founding Partner of Velocity Capital Partners. In his most recent role as Co-President of The Mifsud Group, Craig was focused on the execution of its long-term growth plan through the identification of potential acquisitions, both as new businesses and add-on opportunities for our existing portfolio, as well as supporting the leadership of our current holdings to execute on their strategic plans. Craig was also Chief Executive Officer of TMG Performance Products, charged with the successful growth and daily operation of the business, leading his management team in the development and execution of the consumer and eCommerce business strategies, as well as identifying acquisitions of brands and product lines to support that growth strategy. Prior to his role with TMG Performance Products, Craig worked at The Mifsud Group as Vice President of Business Development, driving the acquisition of CORSA Performance, now TMG Performance Products. Before joining The Mifsud Group, Craig led the North American Cookware product line for Calphalon Cookware, a premium consumer brand, part of Newell Brands.
His professional memberships have included the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association; Housewares Association; Association for Corporate Growth and WIRE-Net (now Manufacturing Works). Craig is a graduate of The University of Dayton with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and he earned his Masters of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater in 2004.
It can be nerve-racking to leave a company you built, sell it off and start something new, but the experiences you gained from past careers can help you along your entrepreneurial journey. In this episode, Mark Dorman speaks with Edmond Walters, Founder and CEO of VillanovaTech, LLC, about his journey as an entrepreneur. From building … Continue reading Revolutionizing Financial Modeling for Business Owners with Edmond Walters, CEO of VillanovaTech & Founder of E-Money (Ep. 19) →
Ever wonder how an entrepreneur can lead a company to growth, dodge the curveballs of a pandemic, and still find time to venture into boat manufacturing? In this episode, Mark Dorman interviews Nate Sublett, the innovative President and Owner of Benchmark Craftsmen, diving into the complexities of successful business transitions and creative reinvention. Drawing from … Continue reading More Than Just A Carpenter – Building A Great Family Business with Nate Sublett, President/Owner of Benchmark Craftsmen, Inc. (Ep. 18) →
Reading about exit planning can only take you so far. How has your business grown in the past few years? How will your exit impact future growth? What should you look for in an advisor? Learning from someone who has experienced exit planning firsthand can grant new insight into opportunities in the future. In this … Continue reading From Leading a Company to Mentoring Others with Brian Gale (Ep. 17) →
No matter how successful a business owner is, almost all stumble on the question of the value of their business. How do you determine that number? And how can you increase that number? In this episode, Mark Dorman speaks with Michael Carter, CEO of BizEquity, on his experience and growth as an entrepreneur and business … Continue reading What’s the Value of Your Business? with Michael Carter, Founder and CEO of BizEquity (Ep. 16) →
No financial advisor understands every strategy and tool to build a perfect business plan. With the niche area of ESOP, even fewer know to use it effectively. That’s why learning from someone who knows is the best option. In this episode, Mark Dorman speaks with Kelly O. Finnell, J.D., CLU, AIF®, CEO and President of … Continue reading Leveraging ESOPs in Exit Planning with Kelly O. Finnell, CEO of Executive Financial Services (Ep. 15) →
How much could you problem-solve with your own information? How much more could be solved with the knowledge of multiple business owners? In this episode, Mark Dorman is joined by Bob Hothem, CEO of TAB Miami Valley, on how his company works with business owners to create guidance and accountability through personalized coaching plans and … Continue reading Empowering Business Owners for Success with Bob Hothem, President of The Alternative Board – Miami Valley, Ohio (Ep. 14) →
When exiting your business, you want the value that you put in. How can you ensure your exit plan considers the future of that business and your wants either through succession planning or the sale of the company? In this episode, Mark Dorman is joined by J. Douglas Drushal, partner at Critchfield, Critchfield & Johnston, … Continue reading How to Structure the Exit From Your Business From a Legal Perspective with J. Douglas Drushal, Esq, Critchfield, Critchfield & Johnston (Ep. 13) →
Business owners can be seen as knowing everything about finance because their businesses succeed. But that isn’t often the case.
In this episode, Mark Dorman speaks with H. Adam Holt, founder and CEO of Asset-Map about simplifying financial explanations and discussions with business owners. Adam shares how helping business owners understand complex financial planning will increase the number of clients taking their first step toward their financial future.
Adam discusses:
- Why he started Asset-Map
- How visual and auditory learners can benefit from alternative financial explanations
- What the next generation of Asset-Map users will need
- Examples of Asset-Map utilization for business owners
- How Asset-Map changes the way you relate with money
- And more
Resources:
- Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top by Bo Burlingham
Connect with Adam Holt:
- LinkedIn: Adam Holt
- Asset-Map
- Rethink Podcast
Connect with Mark Dorman:
- LinkedIn: Mark Dorman
- Legacy Business Advisors
- Call: (330) 350-5410
- Email Mark: mdorman@dla-team.com
- LinkedIn: Legacy Business Advisors
- Facebook: Legacy Business Advisors
About our Guest:
Adam Holt has always considered himself both a student and a teacher – driven to explore, understand and communicate the complexities in the finance, business, legal and tax environments. He takes great pleasure in breaking down the complex into manageable distinctions for his clients and colleagues. The evolution of Financial Planning as a profession has required not only a specific understanding of the nuances of markets (including commoditized products such as investments and insurance), but also the point in our life journey, environment and business will drive future opportunities and challenges. As such an advisor, Adam has aligned himself with other forward-looking professionals and continually seek those that value a consultative approach premised on communicating thoughtful and intelligent analysis.
80% of businesses fail to transfer successfully due to a lack of planning. How can a small shift in perspective increase your chances of success?
In this episode, Mark Dorman speaks with Chuck Richards, CEO of ValuCompass. He unpacks how their research tool analyzes your business, helps you treat it as an asset and connects your personal objectives and your business plan to achieve greater success in transferring your business.
Chuck explores:
- The two main reasons why businesses fail
- Examples of businesses that might not be transferable
- How thinking of the business as an asset increases its success rate
- Why your personal goals should be the driving force behind what you do with your business
- How ValuCompass helps private businesses communicate what makes them valuable and worthy of investment
- The four key tools to turning a business into an effective asset
- Case Studies of before and after successes
- And more
Resources:
- Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top by Bo Burlingham
- Your Journey through “No Man’s Land” with Doug Tatum, Chairman & CEO of Newport, LLC –Ep. 6
Connect with Chuck Richards:
- LinkedIn: Chuck Richards
- Core Value Research
- ValuCompass
Connect with Mark Dorman:
- LinkedIn: Mark Dorman
- Legacy Business Advisors
- Call: (330) 350-5410
- Email Mark: mdorman@dla-team.com
- LinkedIn: Legacy Business Advisors
- Facebook: Legacy Business Advisors
About our Guest:
Chuck Richards’ mission is to help business owners and CEOs build profitable and transferable businesses that in turn create wealth for the owners and their families, build vibrant communities, and help economies thrive. Chuck carries on his mission in Vermont and abroad – his vision and CoreValue Research have touched the lives of business owners across the globe from Canada to Europe to Australia and Africa.
Taking the step to build your passion into a business takes more than just money. You need an entrepreneurial spirit for what you are building.
In this episode, Mark Dorman is joined by Jerry Schill, CEO of Schill Grounds Management, to talk about his journey as an entrepreneur. Jerry shares his experience in building a business, how the business has grown, and what he looks forward to for the future of Schill Grounds Management.
Jerry discusses:
- Why he started a landscaping business and how that business changed over the years
- The importance of arranging your affairs well in advance of your exit
- What it means to scale a landscaping business
- What to consider when looking at a merger and acquisition
- The partnership options his organization provides to exiting owners
- And more
Resources:
- Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top by Bo Burlingham
Connect with Jerry Schill:
- LinkedIn: Jerry Schill
- Schill Grounds Management
- Call: (440) 327-3030
- Twitter: Jerry Schill
Connect with Mark Dorman:
- LinkedIn: Mark Dorman
- Legacy Business Advisors
- Call: (330) 350-5410
- Email Mark: mdorman@dla-team.com
- LinkedIn: Legacy Business Advisors
- Facebook: Legacy Business Advisors
About our Guest:
Jerry Schill has received numerous accolades for his leadership in the Northeast Ohio business community and the commercial landscaping and snow management industry, including the National Leadership Award from SNOW Magazine and Lawn and Landscape Magazine. He is an active member of the Legislative Committee for the Accredited Snow Contractors Association (ASCA) and the Snow and Ice Committee for the Ohio Landscapers Association (OLA).
Many advisors know about the game of golf, whether they play to let off some steam or to connect with clients on a more personal level. Behind every green course is a business like any other.
In this episode, Mark Dorman speaks with Rodney Davis, from River Greens Golf Course, on his experience as a golf course owner, all the planning that goes behind the scenes and his journey to building an exit plan before he planned his retirement.
Rodney discusses:
- How he became the owner of River Greens Golf Course in Avon Park
- When and why he started building his exit plan
- The business planning behind golf courses
- The importance of building an exit plan sooner rather than later
- And more
Resources:
- Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top by Bo Burlingham
Connect with Mark Dorman:
- LinkedIn: Mark Dorman
- Legacy Business Advisors
- Call: (330) 350-5410
- Email Mark: mdorman@dla-team.com
- LinkedIn: Legacy Business Advisors
- Facebook: Legacy Business Advisors
Connect with Rodney Davis:
- LinkedIn: Rodney Davis
- River Greens Golf Course
Employee stock opportunity plans aren’t just for employees as the name suggests. Business owners can benefit from ESOPs just as much.
In this episode, Mark Dorman is joined by Kevin Vonderau, Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer of Westfield Bank, and Dan Bender, Senior Vice President at Westfield Bank, in discussing the role of ESOPs in business planning both for business owners looking to exit their business and their employee’s retirement plans.
Kevin and Dan discuss:
- What ESOP stands for and how it fits within business planning
- How ESOPs work for employees versus business owners
- What a leveraged ESOP is and the bank’s role in those types of ESOPs
- Top five industries that benefit from including ESOPs
- And more
Resources:
- Westfield Bank
- ESOP Resources
- Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top by Bo Burlingham
Connect with Kevin Vonderau:
- LinkedIn: Kevin Vonderau
Connect with Dan Bender:
- LinkedIn: Dan Bender
Connect with Mark Dorman:
- LinkedIn: Mark Dorman
- Legacy Business Advisors
- Call: (330) 350-5410
- Email Mark: mdorman@dla-team.com
- LinkedIn: Legacy Business Advisors
- Facebook: Legacy Business Advisors
About our Guests:
Kevin Vonderau has been meeting the banking needs of clients in Northeast Ohio for over 25 years. During that time, he has gained a broad understanding of the services and products that they offer to solve their client’s financial needs. This deep knowledge and experience allows Kevin to not only create solutions for his customers but also gives him the expertise to help them avoid or overcome obstacles. At Westfield, they know that in business, it’s all about networking. Kevin look for ways to help his customers build their contact base. Through various events, many of which they host here on the Westfield campus, and his network of trusted colleagues, he is able to connect his customers with experts outside of the banking industry who can help them grow their businesses and plan for their future.
Dan Bender is an experienced Commercial Relationship Manager with Business Banking and Middle-Market experience in the Greater Cleveland area. His expertise includes establishing credit facilities for working capital, capital expenditures, business acquisitions, and real estate purchases and refinancing. He also maintains commercial relationships for non-borrowing customers who require treasury management services.
Joining the family business can be an easy way to start a career. But is it the career you want? And how can you explore new opportunities within the singular business?
In this episode, Mark Dorman speaks with Dr. Michael Klein, President of MK Insights and author of Trapped in the Family Business, on how multigenerational businesses trap family members with the expectation of joining the family business.
Dr. Michael unpacks:
- How do family members become trapped in the family business
- What influence family members have on the next generation’s career path
- Why previous generations need to take a step back from controlling the business
- What current businesses are doing to provide future generations an opportunity for personal growth within and outside of the business
- And more
Resources:
- Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top by Bo Burlingham
- Trapped in the Family Business by Michael A Klein, PsyD
Connect with Mark Dorman:
- LinkedIn: Mark Dorman
- Legacy Business Advisors
- Call: (330) 350-5410
- Email Mark: mdorman@dla-team.com
- LinkedIn: Legacy Business Advisors
- Facebook: Legacy Business Advisors
Connect with Dr. Michael Klein:
- LinkedIn: Dr. Michael Klein
- Dr. Michael Klein’s Website
About our Guest:
Dr. Michael Klein has been a workplace consultant and advisor to individuals and organizations for over 20 years. He has worked with privately and publicly held businesses in industries including pharmaceuticals, insurance, entertainment, banking, construction, logistics, education, forestry, retail, publishing, hospitality, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Michael has held positions in Organizational Development, Human Resources, and served as a Director of Advisor Training & Development at MassMutual Financial Group. Dr. Klein published “Trapped in the Family Business,” to assist individual family members in understanding, managing and taking control of their professional and personal lives when other family members are involved. He also has created and managed development processes for executives, sales leaders and other professionals.
While growing, businesses reach a point where they are too big to be small but too small to be big. This place is called No Man’s Land.
In this episode, Mark Dorman speaks with Doug Tatum, Chairman of Newport LLC and the author of No Man’s Land: Where Growing Companies Fail. Doug explains how the book came to be from his personal experiences leading a firm and how it helps small business owners looking to grow their businesses.
Doug discusses:
- What is No Man’s Land and how he discovered it
- Why entrepreneurs are scared to take the step and leave their inner circle
- The four M’s to navigate No Man’s Land
- How entrepreneurs can expand their business without losing control
- And more
Resources:
- No Man’s Land: Where Growing Companies Fail by Doug Tatum
- Newport, LLC
Connect with Mark Dorman:
- LinkedIn: Mark Dorman
- Legacy Business Advisors
- Call: (330) 350-5410
- Email Mark: mdorman@dla-team.com
- LinkedIn: Legacy Business Advisors
- Facebook: Legacy Business Advisors
Connect with Doug Tatum:
- LinkedIn: Doug Tatum
- Contact Doug: Newport, LLC
- Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship
About our Guest:
Doug is Chairman of Newport LLC, a national partnership of CEOs and senior executives who advise emerging middle market companies and assist private equity firms to invest in and grow portfolio companies. He is also a member of the Teaching Faculty at the Jim Moran School of Entrepreneurship at Florida State and also Advisory Board Chairman for the Business Dynamics Research Consortium at the University of Wisconsin – Extension. Previously, Doug was Chairman and CEO of Tatum LLC, which grew into a highly respected national professional services firm with 30 offices and over 1000 professionals and employees. Doug is the author of No Man’s Land: Where Growing Companies Fail, a leading text about growth companies that has been translated into several languages and has won four National Best Business book awards. His insights about the economy and business have been cited in hundreds of media outlets including Inc. Magazine, The Financial Times, and The New York Times online.
You should run a business as if it’s going to last forever, but you could sell it tomorrow if you had to.
In this episode, Mark Dorman is joined once more by Bo Burlingham, contributing writer for Forbes and the renowned author of Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies On Top, diving into the different stages of exit planning and the strategies behind building a successful exit strategy.
Bo discusses:
- How the idea of an exit planning book came to be and why Bo wanted to write it
- The four stages of exit planning in detail
- Why all four stages are essential no matter where you want to end your time in the company
- How exit planning impacts those around you
- And more
Resources:
- Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top by Bo Burlingham
- Bo Burlingham – Forbes
- Bo Burlingham’s Books – Amazon
Connect with Bo Burlingham:
- LinkedIn: Bo Burlingham
Connect with Mark Dorman:
- LinkedIn: Mark Dorman
- Legacy Business Advisors
- Call: (330) 350-5410
- Email Mark: mdorman@dla-team.com
- LinkedIn: Legacy Business Advisors
- Facebook: Legacy Business Advisors
About our Guest:
Bo Burlingham is an editor-at-large of Inc. magazine and the author of five books, the most recent being Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top (Portfolio/Penguin, 2014). A previous book, Small Giants: Companies That Choose To Be Great Instead of Big (Portfolio/Penguin, 2006), was one of five finalists for the 2006 Financial Times/Goldman Sachs Business Book of the Year award.
A former Fulbright Scholar and a Woodrow Wilson Fellow, Burlingham graduated from Princeton University in 1967 with a B.A. in public and international affairs. Bo and his wife, Lisa, have been married for 44 years and live in Oakland, California, and Sancerre, France. They have two children and four grandchildren.
The journey towards a successful exit plan is long, with many roads to navigate. Learning from several experiences of others can grant us a push in the right direction.
In this episode, Mark Dorman interviews Bo Burlingham, contributing writer for Forbes and the renowned author of Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies On Top, on his journey from starting his career as a freelance journalist with limited financial knowledge to a profound author who has interviewed thousands of business owners on their exit strategies.
Bo discusses:
- His career timeline and how he became a writer and journalist
- What the term Small Giant means for businesses
- The success story of Zingerman’s Deli and how the idea of Small Giants started
- The goal behind transforming his journalistic writings into books
- How the book Finish Big came to be and what it means for business owners
- And more
Resources:
- Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top by Bo Burlingham
- Bo Burlingham – Forbes
- Bo Burlingham’s Books – Amazon
Connect with Bo Burlingham:
- LinkedIn: Bo Burlingham
Connect with Mark Dorman:
- LinkedIn: Mark Dorman
- Legacy Business Advisors
- Call: (330) 350-5410
- Email Mark: mdorman@dla-team.com
- LinkedIn: Legacy Business Advisors
- Facebook: Legacy Business Advisors
About our Guest:
Bo Burlingham is an editor-at-large of Inc. magazine and the author of five books, the most recent being Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top (Portfolio/Penguin, 2014). A previous book, Small Giants: Companies That Choose To Be Great Instead of Big (Portfolio/Penguin, 2006), was one of five finalists for the 2006 Financial Times/Goldman Sachs Business Book of the Year award.
A former Fulbright Scholar and a Woodrow Wilson Fellow, Burlingham graduated from Princeton University in 1967 with a B.A. in public and international affairs. Bo and his wife, Lisa, have been married for 44 years and live in Oakland, California, and Sancerre, France. They have two children and four grandchildren.
Most entrepreneurs spend years of time and money building their businesses. What would happen to those businesses after they leave?
In this episode, Mark Dorman dives into the process at Legacy Business Advisors. He explains how he started this business inspired by Bo Burlingham’s book, Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies. Additionally, Mark shares Bo’s comments on how the process at Legacy Business Advisors is the “best in class.”
Mark discusses:
- The history of Legacy Business Advisors and the team that makes the exit planning process smooth for clients
- The five steps in building a successful exit plan with Legacy Business Advisors
- Why it is critical to evaluate or analyze the present state of your business
- The ideal time to start exit planning
- The reason why they maintain communication with their clients after creating an exit plan
- And more
Resources:
- Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top by Bo Burlingham
- Legacy Business Advisors – Process
Connect with Mark Dorman:
- LinkedIn: Mark Dorman
- Legacy Business Advisors
- Call: (330) 350-5410
- Email Mark: mdorman@dla-team.com
- LinkedIn: Legacy Business Advisors
- Facebook: Legacy Business Advisors
There are over 20 million business owners in America. Over 10 million of these business owners will retire in the next few years. The Graying of America or The Silver Tsunami will affect our businesses soon. What type of exit planning strategies should the business owners be preparing today?
In this episode, Mark Dorman shares some of the pitfalls business owners must avoid when creating an exit strategy and vital elements to turning their business into a future income stream during retirement.
Mark discusses:
- The four stages of the Exit Phase
- The elements of a “Good Exit”
- Seven key factors determining the type of exit you’ll have
- How to ensure your exit doesn’t destroy your business
- And more
Resources:
- Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top by Bo Burlingham
- No Man’s Land by Doug Tatum
Connect with Mark Dorman:
- LinkedIn: Mark Dorman
- Legacy Business Advisors
- Call: (330) 350-5410
- Email Mark: mdorman@dla-team.com
- LinkedIn: Legacy Business Advisors
- Facebook: Legacy Business Advisors
Entrepreneurs spend a lot of time and money building their businesses to success. But when it comes time to transition out, having a plan in place that allows them to do it successfully, while rewarding the ones that helped them along the way and monetizing their life’s work, can take time and effort.
The goal of Finish Big – The Podcast is to offer guidance as you plan for a successful exit from your business.
In this inaugural episode, Mark Dorman introduces key ideas on exit planning, succession planning and transitioning out of businesses based on personal experiences and the book Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top by Bo Burlingham.
Mark discusses:
- How the book, Finish Big, impacted his career
- The essence of exit planning and how it fits within retirement planning
- The number one recommendation he makes to friends and family regarding finances
- What success looks like to him personally and professionally
- And more
Resources:
- Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top by Bo Burlingham
Connect with Mark Dorman:
- LinkedIn: Mark Dorman
- Legacy Business Advisors
- Call: (330) 350-5410
- Email Mark: mdorman@dla-team.com
- LinkedIn: Legacy Business Advisors
- Facebook: Legacy Business Advisors