Empowering Entrepreneurs: Recent Episodes

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Many entrepreneurs mistake task completion for true business growth—discover the biggest lie holding you back.

Entrepreneurs often fall into the trap of feeling productive by crossing tasks off their to-do lists—but is that really growing your business? In this eye-opening episode, Glenn Harper and Julie Smith bust through the biggest lie most entrepreneurs tell themselves.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Key Takeaways Don’t confuse task completion with business building: Many entrepreneurs spend their time on easy tasks instead of strategic growth activities (00:29-01:32). * Prepare for the necessary pivot: Being stuck in routines can make it difficult to adapt when your business needs a change (00:45). * Identify your real product or service: It’s easy to mistake what you sell (e.g., homes) for what you truly provide (e.g., the dream of homeownership) (02:09-03:02). * The path of least resistance isn’t the best route: Doing what’s comfortable often prevents substantial progress (01:37). * Growth requires doing the hard things:* Embrace the challenging tasks if you want your business to thrive (01:47-01:49).

5 Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the biggest lie entrepreneurs tell themselves? - Glenn Harper explains it’s believing they are running a business, when they’re just completing tasks (00:29).
2. Why do entrepreneurs get stuck doing easy tasks? - According to Julie Smith, easy tasks are enjoyable and offer the path of least resistance, making them an easy comfort zone (01:37).
3. How can being task-focused hurt your business? - It can prevent you from pivoting quickly or prioritizing activities that actually drive growth and revenue (01:47).
4. What does it mean to misunderstand your product or service? -Glenn Harper shares that entrepreneurs often think they’re selling a product (like a house) instead of the real value (a dream or lifestyle) (02:09).
5. What can help entrepreneurs shift their mindset? - Focus on doing the hard, strategic things and be prepared to pivot—don’t let comfort tasks hold you back from growth (01:49).

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for successOur clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

Mentioned in this episode:

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Running a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner.At Harper & Company CPAs Plus, we don’t just crunch numbers—we empower entrepreneurs. From proactive tax strategy and accounting to business advisory services, our team helps you keep more of what you earn and scale with confidence.Whether you’re launching, growing, or preparing for exit, Harper & Company is in your corner with expert guidance built for business owners like you.Visit www.harpercpaplus.com to book a complimentary discovery call today - or call us at 614-456-7222.

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

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Discover practical strategies for managing different leadership styles in your business with Glenn Harper and Julie Smith.

Are you struggling to collaborate with a business partner, co-founder, or leadership team member whose style drastically differs from yours? In this episode, Glenn Harper and Julie Smith reveal how they’ve navigated—and leveraged—their drastically different decision-making approaches for long-term entrepreneurial success.

From explosive, quick-action responses to measured, methodical problem-solving, they break down the realities of working with opposites. Listeners will find actionable insights and plenty of practical analogies (including grenades, tanks, and sandboxes!) to guide their own leadership growth.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The pros and cons of assertive vs. methodical decision-making styles 00:33
• Why understanding your partner’s conflict resolution style is key to business success 01:31
• How to pause, communicate, and choose the right approach for each situation 05:26
• Tips for listening actively and separating the problem from the people involved 07:03
• When to escalate—and when to soothe—conflicts for the best business outcomes

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

5 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is it important to understand different leadership styles in entrepreneurship? - Understanding various leadership styles allows business partners and leaders to work together effectively, adapt to different situations, and make better decisions as a team 01:16.
2. What are common challenges when partners have different decision-making styles? - Partners may struggle with disagreements, misunderstand communication, or take conflicting actions, which can cause tension or disrupt progress 00:33.
3. How can entrepreneurs resolve conflicts arising from style differences? - By pausing before reacting, openly communicating intentions, and listening to each other’s perspectives, entrepreneurs can choose the most effective solution for each scenario 05:26.
4. Is one leadership style better than another in business? - No single style is always right; both assertive and nurturing approaches have value, and circumstances dictate which is most effective 01:33.
5. What practical steps can leaders take to improve collaboration with different styles? - Actively listen, separate the problem from the individual, discuss potential resolutions together, and be willing to try both approaches as appropriate 07:03.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

Mentioned in this episode:

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Running a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner.At Harper & Company CPAs Plus, we don’t just crunch numbers—we empower entrepreneurs. From proactive tax strategy and accounting to business advisory services, our team helps you keep more of what you earn and scale with confidence.Whether you’re launching, growing, or preparing for exit, Harper & Company is in your corner with expert guidance built for business owners like you.Visit www.harpercpaplus.com to book a complimentary discovery call today - or call us at 614-456-7222.

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

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Learn what makes entrepreneurial conversations with family, staff, and funders so challenging, and how to address them confidently.

Starting—or growing—a business isn't just about grit and hustle. Sometimes, the toughest part is having difficult conversations with the people who matter most. Glenn Harper and Julie Smith look into what makes these moments so challenging and how to approach them with clarity and confidence.

Key Takeaways:

• Transition Talks Are Critical: Whether it's telling your employer you're leaving, sharing your dream with your spouse, or explaining your vision to friends and family, it's tough to put your entrepreneurial drive into words others understand (Glenn Harper at 00:33).
• Confidence Is Contagious: How you frame your plan—confidently presenting your vision and preparation—shapes how much support you’ll receive from those around you (Julie Smith at 02:29).
• Tough Conversations Never End: Success and failure both require direct discussions, whether it's about reinvesting in the business or facing setbacks with transparency and a plan (Glenn Harper at 04:40, 05:18).

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

FAQ's About How Entrepreneurs Handle Hard Talks With Family and Teams

What are the hardest conversations entrepreneurs face when starting a business?

The hardest conversations entrepreneurs face often involve telling employers, spouses, children, and friends about their decision to leave stable jobs and pursue a new venture, as discussed by Glenn Harper and Julie Smith. These talks are challenging because others may not understand the entrepreneur's mindset or vision, making it difficult to articulate their reasons and address doubts 00:33–01:23.

How should entrepreneurs approach discussing their new venture with family and supporters?

Entrepreneurs should approach discussions with family and supporters by clearly communicating their vision, having a confident plan, and directly addressing potential concerns or objections. Glenn Harper recommends presenting a well-thought-out strategy, explaining the financial plan, and specifying the support needed, which helps make these conversations easier and more productive 02:07–02:21.

Why is confidence important when explaining your entrepreneurial decisions to others?

Confidence is crucial when explaining entrepreneurial decisions because it reassures supporters and helps them believe in the venture. As Julie Smith explains, when entrepreneurs lack confidence, others may also doubt the plan, but a clear, purposeful vision encourages buy-in and support from those around them 02:29–02:45.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

Mentioned in this episode:

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Running a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner.At Harper & Company CPAs Plus, we don’t just crunch numbers—we empower entrepreneurs. From proactive tax strategy and accounting to business advisory services, our team helps you keep more of what you earn and scale with confidence.Whether you’re launching, growing, or preparing for exit, Harper & Company is in your corner with expert guidance built for business owners like you.Visit www.harpercpaplus.com to book a complimentary discovery call today - or call us at 614-456-7222.

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

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The Real Reasons Small Mistakes Kill Businesses Today

Have you ever wondered why so many promising businesses quietly fail—not from catastrophic mistakes, but from tiny, often overlooked missteps?

In this eye-opening episode, Glenn Harper and Julie Smith reveal the small things that slowly erode business success: lack of purpose, scattered focus, and the avalanche of overwhelming opportunities.

Through candid conversation, personal anecdotes, and actionable insights, they dissect why even the most driven entrepreneurs can lose their way without a clear vision and decisive action.

If you're tired of feeling stuck or distracted in your business journey, this episode will challenge your thinking and reignite your determination. Discover how pausing for clarity could be the most powerful tool for business survival. And why sometimes, the things you ignore are the ones killing your dreams.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

3 Key Takeaways:

• Define your purpose early and let it guide every major business decision.
• Don’t let opportunities turn into distractions—capture ideas, but finish your current race first.
• Take intentional time to reflect, focus, and see beyond today’s fires toward long-term success.

FAQ's

What small habits or decisions are causing businesses to fail today?

Glenn Harper and Julie Smith explain that a lack of purpose, unclear decision-making, and constantly chasing new opportunities without direction are small but critical reasons businesses struggle or fail. Entrepreneurs often lack awareness around profit, inventory, and their actual goals, leading to poor daily decisions.

How can entrepreneurs avoid getting distracted by too many opportunities?

Glenn Harper suggests entrepreneurs should clearly define their main goal, make intentional decisions, and set aside new opportunities for later instead of jumping on every idea immediately. Staying focused helps ensure consistent progress toward the primary objective rather than being derailed by distractions.

Why is having a clear purpose so crucial for business success?

According to Glenn Harper and Julie Smith, a clear purpose allows entrepreneurs to answer every other business question and make better decisions. Purpose acts as a guiding star, helping teams prioritize actions and avoid decision paralysis or distraction by less important opportunities.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

Mentioned in this episode:

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Running a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner.At Harper & Company CPAs Plus, we don’t just crunch numbers—we empower entrepreneurs. From proactive tax strategy and accounting to business advisory services, our team helps you keep more of what you earn and scale with confidence.Whether you’re launching, growing, or preparing for exit, Harper & Company is in your corner with expert guidance built for business owners like you.Visit www.harpercpaplus.com to book a complimentary discovery call today - or call us at 614-456-7222.

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

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Success doesn’t have to mean “big.” Shape your business to fit your own vision and happiness, not someone else’s expectations.

Glenn Harper and Julie Smith discuss the age-old question: is bigger always better when it comes to business?

As they talk about the pressures entrepreneurs face to constantly scale and grow, Glenn Harper and Julie Smith explore why some of the best businesses intentionally stay small — focusing on profitability, purpose, and personal satisfaction over sheer size.

Together, they uncover the importance of quiet reflection, defining your own vision for success, and tuning out the noise from social media and peers.

Whether you dream of running a multinational company or a boutique operation, this episode will help you clarify your goals and find fulfillment on your entrepreneurial journey.

Here are 3 key takeaways for any business leader considering their next move:

• Define Your Own Success - Don’t let external noise dictate your goals. Ask yourself what truly makes you happy and fulfilled in your business (03:00). Is it maximizing profits, impacting more clients, or maintaining flexibility and control?
• Intentional Planning is Essential - Growth for growth’s sake isn’t always the answer. Carve out quiet time away from daily tasks (preferably on a mountain, according to Glenn Harper!) to reflect on the future you want and map a path to get there (02:19).
• Scaling Requires Support - If growth is your goal, don’t go at it alone. Building a great team or hiring experienced consultants can make scaling more manageable and successful (01:31; 04:04).

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

FAQ's

Is it better for a business to stay small or try to scale up?

Glenn Harper and Julie Smith discuss that "better" depends on the entrepreneur's vision and goals. Some find more satisfaction and profitability by staying small, while others thrive by scaling up and building large teams 00:33 01:58. Ultimately, choosing the right path means assessing personal happiness and business objectives rather than blindly following growth trends.

How can entrepreneurs decide what size they want their business to be?

Glenn Harper recommends entrepreneurs spend quiet, uninterrupted time away from daily tasks to reflect deeply on what makes them happy and what they truly want their business to be 02:19 02:50. By tuning out outside noise and societal expectations, they can clarify their own definitions of success before committing to growth or staying small.

What steps should business owners take before scaling their company?

Before scaling, Glenn Harper suggests entrepreneurs clarify their vision, assemble the right team, and seek guidance from experienced consultants 01:26 04:04. He emphasizes that attempting to scale alone is very difficult, so learning from others can dramatically improve the process.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

Mentioned in this episode:

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Running a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner.At Harper & Company CPAs Plus, we don’t just crunch numbers—we empower entrepreneurs. From proactive tax strategy and accounting to business advisory services, our team helps you keep more of what you earn and scale with confidence.Whether you’re launching, growing, or preparing for exit, Harper & Company is in your corner with expert guidance built for business owners like you.Visit www.harpercpaplus.com to book a complimentary discovery call today - or call us at 614-456-7222.

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

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Whether you’re feeling burned out or seeking inspiration for sustainable growth, this conversation delivers hard-earned insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, and legacy.

We sit down with Nick Averia, founder of Agency Acquisitions and a seasoned entrepreneur with a global story. From his multicultural upbringing between Vancouver and Chile, to building a career spanning DJing, corporate roles, and ultimately launching and scaling businesses, Nick shares pivotal lessons on buying back your time, building resilient companies, and the true value of systems and team development.

Tune in as Nick reveals why preparing your business for sale is a game-changing strategy—even if you’re not planning to sell—and how harnessing efficiency, AI, and ongoing learning has transformed his journey and those of his clients.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Moments

04:58 Traveling to Chile as a kid

07:11 Sports differences in Chile vs Canada

09:40 Learning English in Chile

12:51 Traveling within the US

16:28 Balancing DJ work with college

20:01 Striving for top grades

24:39 Buying back time early on

26:05 The value of compound learning

30:01 Time management and efficiency tips

33:20 Learning through books and mentors

37:50 AI hype and current limitations

40:11 Shifts in online trust

43:49 Client transformation timeline

47:46 Improving margins and training staff

49:45 Achieving financial independence

52:13 Supporting entrepreneurs and giving back

Here are 3 key takeaways for entrepreneurs:

• Buy Back Your Time: Outsourcing tasks—both at home and work—can free you to focus on higher-value opportunities and personal growth (23:15, 24:33).
• Make Your Business Sale-Ready: Preparing your company as if you’re going to sell it (even if you’re not) forces you to systematize, build leadership, and reduce owner-dependence—unlocking freedom and higher value (45:15-47:10).
• Human+AI is the Future: Leverage AI for efficiency where possible, but don’t sacrifice the human touch—trust and relationships remain at the heart of sustainable business growth (35:16-41:22).

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

Mentioned in this episode:

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Running a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner.At Harper & Company CPAs Plus, we don’t just crunch numbers—we empower entrepreneurs. From proactive tax strategy and accounting to business advisory services, our team helps you keep more of what you earn and scale with confidence.Whether you’re launching, growing, or preparing for exit, Harper & Company is in your corner with expert guidance built for business owners like you.Visit www.harpercpaplus.com to book a complimentary discovery call today - or call us at 614-456-7222.

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

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With experience from Google’s recruiting front lines to playing a pivotal role at Google Ventures, Maximos Lih offers firsthand insights into what it means to build, scale, and reinvent not just companies, but yourself.

Welcome to another episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs, where we talk about the journeys of visionary leaders who dare to break the mold. Glenn Harper and Julie Smith sit down with Maximos Lih, founder and CEO of Emboldened LLC—a dynamic executive coach known for guiding leaders out of their comfort zones and into game-changing growth.

From his early days navigating cultural transitions as an immigrant, to a unique academic journey in cognitive science and the rise and fall of civilizations, Maximos Lih shares how his background shaped a distinctive approach to leadership and innovation.

In this episode, you’ll hear how Maximos Lih turns challenges into entrepreneurial advantages, why understanding the "secret language" of venture and leadership opens doors, and how his vision for human-first growth drives his work today.

Whether you’re at a crossroads or ready to take the leap, this conversation is packed with stories, strategies, and the mindset shifts that empower entrepreneurs to thrive—without settling for mediocrity.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Here are 3 key takeaways for fellow leaders and entrepreneurs:

1. Your background is your superpower. Navigating different cultures and systems teaches adaptability and unique leadership skills (07:47, 17:19).
2. Execution beats ideas, every time. The best product doesn’t guarantee success—the right strategy, culture, and understanding the “secret language” of your industry are often what set winners apart (26:36, 32:04).
3. Human-first leadership matters. AI and technology are tools, but true business transformation happens when you center people, empathy, and shared growth (38:20, 48:42).

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

Mentioned in this episode:

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Running a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner.At Harper & Company CPAs Plus, we don’t just crunch numbers—we empower entrepreneurs. From proactive tax strategy and accounting to business advisory services, our team helps you keep more of what you earn and scale with confidence.Whether you’re launching, growing, or preparing for exit, Harper & Company is in your corner with expert guidance built for business owners like you.Visit www.harpercpaplus.com to book a complimentary discovery call today - or call us at 614-456-7222.

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

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Whether you crave deeper conversations or just need that quick compliance fix, this episode will help you understand how to build a partnership with your CPA that goes the distance.

Welcome to another episode of the Empowering Entrepreneurs Podcast. Glenn Harper and Julie Smith talk about one of the most common questions facing business owners and taxpayers during tax season—why isn't my CPA calling me back?

In this episode, they break down the differences between compliance-focused CPAs and those who act as year-round advisors, highlighting the importance of proactive communication and relationship-building.

They explore practical advice for listeners struggling to connect with their tax professionals, discuss strategies for navigating the busy tax season, and offer tips on getting the most value from your CPA relationship—beyond just filing your returns.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Key takeaways:

1. Know your CPA’s role: If your relationship is focused only on compliance (just getting the return filed), expect limited time for deep conversations during tax season. Building an ongoing advisory relationship means vital conversations happen all year, not just in April.
2. Communicate efficiently: During these busy weeks, keep your questions direct and to the point. Save in-depth discussions for after the filing deadline, or consider filing an extension to create space for them (03:03).
3. Plan for next year: If you felt rushed or frustrated, use this as an opportunity to find a CPA who prioritizes year-round communication and proactive advice (01:51, 03:48).

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

Mentioned in this episode:

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Running a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner.At Harper & Company CPAs Plus, we don’t just crunch numbers—we empower entrepreneurs. From proactive tax strategy and accounting to business advisory services, our team helps you keep more of what you earn and scale with confidence.Whether you’re launching, growing, or preparing for exit, Harper & Company is in your corner with expert guidance built for business owners like you.Visit www.harpercpaplus.com to book a complimentary discovery call today - or call us at 614-456-7222.

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

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Whether you’re dodging your tax returns or dreaming of reviewing them from a beach, this episode will empower you to take control of your numbers.

Welcome to another edition of the Empowering Entrepreneurs Podcast! In this episode, Glenn Harper and Julie Smith talk about the anxiety-inducing world of tax season. They candidly unpack why taxes are so stressful for many entrepreneurs and highlight the vastly different experiences between those who plan ahead with a tax advisor and those who avoid their numbers until the last minute.

They share key insights on transforming tax-time dread into stress-free confidence and explain why knowledge truly is power when it comes to managing your finances.

Here are their top 3 takeaways to transform your tax season stress into confidence:

1. Choose an Advisor, Not Just a Preparer: Working with a tax advisor who collaborates year-round ensures you aren’t left guessing in April. An advisor helps you plan ahead and avoid unwanted surprises.
2. Replace Fear with Curiosity: Taxes don’t have to be terrifying. When you gain knowledge and engage with your tax situation, you shift from anxiety to empowerment. Become a smarter taxpayer by asking questions and seeking to understand your numbers.
3. Plan Ahead for Predictable Results: Proactive planning means no frantic scrambling or dread. Our clients who plan throughout the year often find themselves enjoying spring break stress-free, knowing their results are exactly as anticipated.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

Mentioned in this episode:

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Running a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner.At Harper & Company CPAs Plus, we don’t just crunch numbers—we empower entrepreneurs. From proactive tax strategy and accounting to business advisory services, our team helps you keep more of what you earn and scale with confidence.Whether you’re launching, growing, or preparing for exit, Harper & Company is in your corner with expert guidance built for business owners like you.Visit www.harpercpaplus.com to book a complimentary discovery call today - or call us at 614-456-7222.

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

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Ever wondered what a tax extension actually means for your business? Here’s the scoop.

Welcome to another episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs, where Glenn Harper and Julie Smith talk about one of the most common questions during tax season—what does it really mean to file a tax extension?

You'll learn about the essentials of tax extensions for individuals and businesses alike, clearing up common misconceptions about what an extension covers (hint: it’s not extra time to pay your taxes!).

You'll learn why you might need an extension, the importance of proactive planning, how penalties and interest work, and what you need to know if you live in a state with additional filing requirements.

Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just navigating your first tax filing, Glenn Harper and Julie Smith make complex rules easy to understand and share practical tips to help you stay ahead—while sharing a few lighthearted moments about wardrobe changes and coffee breaks!

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Here are 3 key takeaways for entrepreneurs and individuals navigating tax season:

1. An extension gives you more time to file, not more time to pay. If you owe taxes, the payment is still due by April 15th. Paying late leads to penalties and interest.
2. Extensions also apply to states and local taxes. While a federal extension often covers your state or city, sometimes a separate extension is needed. Check your specific requirements to avoid surprises.
3. Proactive planning makes all the difference. Working with a tax professional throughout the year can help you estimate taxes due and prevent last-minute shocks from missing forms or unexpected income.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

Mentioned in this episode:

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Running a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner.At Harper & Company CPAs Plus, we don’t just crunch numbers—we empower entrepreneurs. From proactive tax strategy and accounting to business advisory services, our team helps you keep more of what you earn and scale with confidence.Whether you’re launching, growing, or preparing for exit, Harper & Company is in your corner with expert guidance built for business owners like you.Visit www.harpercpaplus.com to book a complimentary discovery call today - or call us at 614-456-7222.

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

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Whether you’re contemplating your own leap into entrepreneurship or just looking for relatable advice and inspiration, this episode is full of honest stories, actionable lessons, and a healthy dose of encouragement.

Welcome to another episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs! Today’s show features a conversation with Tyler Davis, founder of DAT Finance, co-host of the Next Gen Strategies Podcast, and a self-proclaimed “entrepreneur extraordinaire.” Glenn Harper and Julie Smith talk about Tyler’s journey from his roots in Sidney, Ohio, to building his own thriving finance firm.

Tyler shares how growing up in a small town, his family’s traditional work ethic, and his own early side hustles lit his entrepreneurial spark. From making and selling fishing lures as a kid to pursuing advanced degrees in accounting, Tyler’s story is one of self-discovery, calculated risks, and embracing the unknown. The conversation covers the tough decision to leave a “safe” corporate job, navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, and the importance of building resilience, discipline, and a supportive network along the way.

You’ll also learn about Tyler’s experience balancing family life with business ambitions, the insights he’s gained working with a wide spectrum of clients, and his perspective on the evolving world of accounting and business strategy.

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Here are our top three takeaways from the episode:

1. Embrace the leap with preparation: Tyler shared how critical it was to plan financially before jumping from a stable corporate job to entrepreneurship. Building that “runway” gave him the freedom to take risks and pursue his vision.
2. Relationship-building is everything: Tyler’s story highlights the importance of connections—whether it’s forming a mastermind friendship, collaborating on a podcast, or helping clients beyond contracts. Positive relationships lead to growth, referrals, and long-term success.
3. Continuous reinvention: From starting with fishing lures as a kid to shifting his business model and even considering a return to teaching someday, Tyler shows that embracing change and keeping your “why” front and center is essential for any entrepreneur.

Tyler is the founder of DAT Financeand co-host of theNextGen Strategies podcast.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

Mentioned in this episode:

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Running a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner.At Harper & Company CPAs Plus, we don’t just crunch numbers—we empower entrepreneurs. From proactive tax strategy and accounting to business advisory services, our team helps you keep more of what you earn and scale with confidence.Whether you’re launching, growing, or preparing for exit, Harper & Company is in your corner with expert guidance built for business owners like you.Visit www.harpercpaplus.com to book a complimentary discovery call today - or call us at 614-456-7222.

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

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Tune in for an episode packed with practical takeaways, inspiring stories, and actionable advice that will resonate with entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.

Welcome to another episode of the Empowering Entrepreneurs Podcast, where hosts Glenn Harper and Julie Smith explore the journeys that shape successful business leaders.

In this episode, we meet Mike Milligan—certified financial planner, author, podcast host, adjunct professor, and passionate baseball coach—whose entrepreneurial path is anything but ordinary.

Growing up in Laurinburg, North Carolina, Mike Milligan’s childhood was shaped by strong family values, resourcefulness, and a firsthand view of survival through innovation.

From selling collard sandwiches alongside his grandmother to avoiding the IRS with cash hidden in coffee cans and labeled “liver” in the freezer, his early life sparkled with lessons in grit and ingenuity. As the first college graduate and millionaire in his family, Mike’s story is a testament to forging your own way, inspired by the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit of those closest to him.

Unpacking his career, Mike Milligan shares candid reflections on his time inside the banking industry, the pitfalls and opportunities of working in financial institutions, and his unwavering commitment to putting clients first—well ahead of Wall Street’s profit motives.

He reveals how he pioneered unique business models within banks, eventually founding 1.oak Financial, and offers wisdom on leveraging connections, trademarks, and word-of-mouth to grow his business.

Listeners will also discover the surprising tax-saving strategies available in places like Puerto Rico, where Mike Milligan now lives and runs his practice, and how geographic arbitrage and creative planning can help entrepreneurs pay zero federal income tax—legally.

But beyond finance, the conversation is filled with heartfelt moments and powerful advice on embracing life's opportunities, never missing a moment, and building a meaningful legacy.

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Here are three key takeaways:

1. Adaptability Breeds Opportunity: Mike’s childhood experiences taught him the value of hard work and creative problem-solving. When his family faced tough times, innovation and grit were the answer, setting the tone for his entrepreneurial journey.
2. Tax Strategy Is a Gamechanger: Mike’s approach to leveraging the Puerto Rico tax code is a masterclass in thinking outside the box. Understanding and utilizing unique tax strategies can radically improve your bottom line—all it takes is planning and a willingness to learn.
3. Never Miss a Moment: At the heart of entrepreneurship is the drive to craft a life with purpose. Mike’s “endgame” is not just about business success, but about living fully and intentionally—embracing every opportunity to create meaningful experiences.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

Mentioned in this episode:

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Running a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner.At Harper & Company CPAs Plus, we don’t just crunch numbers—we empower entrepreneurs. From proactive tax strategy and accounting to business advisory services, our team helps you keep more of what you earn and scale with confidence.Whether you’re launching, growing, or preparing for exit, Harper & Company is in your corner with expert guidance built for business owners like you.Visit www.harpercpaplus.com to book a complimentary discovery call today - or call us at 614-456-7222.

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

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Get ready to be challenged, inspired, and equipped to define your own version of success!

Welcome to another inspiring episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs! Today, hosts Glenn Harper and Julie Smith sit down with Mike Kelly, CFP, CPC, RLP—founder of Kelly Financial Planning, executive coach, and author of "Leaderfluence."

Mike’s journey is a testament to grit, curiosity, and principled leadership. Growing up as the eldest of four in a small South Carolina town, he witnessed firsthand the hustle and resourcefulness of his parents—a janitor father and a mother who was a seamstress and hairdresser. These early experiences shaped his values of discipline, generosity, and the importance of giving back.

Through basketball, Mike earned his way to college and developed vital skills in teamwork and perseverance. His impressive corporate career, spanning roles at Michelin and Macy’s, eventually led him to the realization that true success is defined by purpose, impact, and the freedom to serve others.

After a pivotal moment in his early 30s, Mike shifted his focus from climbing the corporate ladder to aligning his work with his mission and passions.

In this episode, Mike shares how his work as a financial planner and executive coach integrates his love for helping others lead themselves effectively, manage their finances wisely, and find clarity in their lives.

He also opens up about the powerful role of accountability, the transition from corporate America to entrepreneurship, and the importance of giving back to the community.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, seasoned business leader, or simply curious about personal growth, you’ll find wisdom and actionable insights in Mike’s story.

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Here are 3 key takeaways entrepreneurs and leaders won’t want to miss:

1. Define Your Own Success: Mike reminds us that success isn’t one-size-fits-all. He encourages everyone to reflect deeply and define what success means personally, rather than chasing society’s “five Ps”—pleasure, prosperity, power, prestige, and position.
2. Prioritize Personal Growth & Accountability: One of Mike’s favorite quotes is, “Work harder on yourself than your job.” He stresses that humility and seeking honest feedback are critical for transformation, whether you’re a leader or an aspiring entrepreneur.
3. Building Community Makes All the Difference: From family, to mentors and coaches, Mike’s journey shows that surrounding yourself with supportive relationships and accountability partners is essential—especially when making big leaps, like leaving corporate life to pursue your passion.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

Mentioned in this episode:

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Running a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner.At Harper & Company CPAs Plus, we don’t just crunch numbers—we empower entrepreneurs. From proactive tax strategy and accounting to business advisory services, our team helps you keep more of what you earn and scale with confidence.Whether you’re launching, growing, or preparing for exit, Harper & Company is in your corner with expert guidance built for business owners like you.Visit www.harpercpaplus.com to book a complimentary discovery call today - or call us at 614-456-7222.

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

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If you’re looking to scale your business, reinvent your career, or just hear a story that's as heartfelt as it is instructive, you won’t want to miss this candid conversation.

Hosts Glenn Harper and Julie Smith sit down with the dynamic Marc L. Daniels—also known as the Billion Dollar Coach. From his entrepreneurial beginnings in New Jersey to orchestrating multi-million dollar exits and even running an alpaca farm on Martha’s Vineyard, Marc L. Daniels shares a wild ride packed with sharp business insights and personal transformation.

This episode goes into Marc L. Daniels's unexpected pivots: rescuing a Radio Shack dealership from the brink, revolutionizing startups, and leading companies through explosive growth—all while staying grounded with stories of family, resilience, and a healthy dose of humor.

Along the way, he opens up about the life-changing events that shaped his fearless approach, the strategies behind his success, and why having a plan is non-negotiable for any entrepreneur.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Moments

07:34 "Winning Scholarship and Career Path"

11:24 "West Milford's Economic Decline"

19:17 "Visionary Paper Route Deal"

26:54 "First Business Pivot Success"

28:48 "Whiteboard Dashboard for Metrics"

36:52 "Board Management Tech Amid Crisis"

43:48 "Weaknesses and Unpredictable Threats"

46:11 "Finding Profitable Industry Trends"

52:53 AI: Business Tool, Not Trend

55:53 "Meetings Matter for Project Success"

01:00:59 Accountants: Helping is Core Value

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Here are three key takeaways:

1. Embrace the Pivot: Marc’s story is proof that changing directions—whether it’s switching industries or business models—can be your biggest opportunity. He spotted industry trends early and wasn’t afraid to pivot, from computers to consulting to farming, and then back to business again.
2. Strategic Planning Wins: Marc emphasized that “hope is not a strategy and hustle is not a plan.” He encourages every entrepreneur to have a written business plan, regularly meet with their team, and use tools (like AI) to leverage trends. Execution is everything.
3. Know Your Endgame: Marc challenges entrepreneurs to plan their exit early. Whether it’s selling, passing on, or scaling down, having clarity on your business’s future is critical for long-term success.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

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Why do so many entrepreneurs drag out their goals over 52 weeks instead of aiming to achieve them in 12? Is it fear of failure, fear of success, or just a lack of action?

This is a candid, motivating conversation that will help you move from talking about your goals to actually achieving them!

Welcome to another episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs! Today, Glenn Harper and Julie Smith pull back the curtain to talk about the real conversations that happen behind the scenes about goal-setting and timelines.

Glenn Harper and Julie Smith tackle these questions with honest debate, sharing insights on overcoming procrastination, setting actionable steps, and why respecting your own ideas is crucial for growth.

If you’ve ever found yourself pushing off your goals or forgetting about your plans by the end of the year, this episode will give you the tough love and practical tips you need to start taking meaningful steps—no matter how small.

PureTax, LLC

Key takeaways from our conversation:

1. Action beats intention: Without taking consistent steps (even small ones), goals remain nothing but words.
2. Compress your timeline: Don’t default to “someday.” Set shorter, focused periods to accelerate results, learn faster, and make success a habit.
3. Prioritize your vision: Add your goals to your calendar, give them your best energy, and put yourself at the top of your to-do list.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

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Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

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If you’re looking to understand how the OBBBA can empower your business, this episode is packed with clear explanations and actionable insights for entrepreneurs everywhere.

Welcome to another episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs, hosted by Glenn Harper and Julie Smith. They talk about the real impact of the OBBBA—referred to as the "big beautiful bill"—on entrepreneurs and business owners.

With lots of chatter and confusion around what this legislation actually means, Glenn Harper breaks down the concrete benefits: from locking in permanent tax rates, to making long-term business planning easier, to allowing full write-offs for heavy vehicles and essential equipment purchases.

Julie Smith joins in with practical questions, making sure listeners know how these changes could directly affect their buying decisions and tax strategies.

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Top 3 Takeaways:

1. Locked-in Tax Rates: The OBBBA makes the current tax rates permanent, allowing entrepreneurs to plan for the future with more certainty. No more worrying about sudden tax hikes after sunset clauses expire!
2. Permanent Qualified Business Income Deduction: Most flow-through entities can continue to benefit from this deduction. That means more money stays in your pocket and less goes to taxes.
3. Immediate Asset Write-Offs: Need new equipment, vehicles, or even a factory upgrade? Purchase qualifying assets and write off 100%—right away, with no long depreciation schedules.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

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Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

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Learn why talking to your advisor before you act isn’t just smart—it’s essential for entrepreneurial success!

Welcome to another enlightening episode of the Empowering Entrepreneurs Podcast! In this conversation, Glenn Harper and Julie Smith talk about a topic every entrepreneur needs to hear: “What entrepreneurs should be asking their CPA right now.”

If you’ve ever made a big financial move for your business—like selling stock, making a large purchase, or considering a Roth conversion—without looping in your tax advisor, you’re not alone.

Glenn Harper and Julie Smith share their candid insights on why a quick phone call to your CPA can be the difference between an average outcome and an optimal one.

They discuss the importance of tax planning, avoiding knee-jerk decisions, and how even small tweaks can have a big impact on your bottom line.

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Here are 3 key takeaways for entrepreneurs and decision-makers:

1. Don’t Go It Alone: Before making any material financial move, reach out to your CPA or advisory team. A quick call could dramatically improve your results.
2. Proper Planning = Better Outcomes: Acting on impulse might get the job done, but strategic planning can help you minimize taxes and maximize your benefits.
3. It’s Easier to Ask for Permission: Give your CPA a heads up before acting, because sometimes “asking for forgiveness” means missed opportunities that can’t be undone.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

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Glenn Harper and Julie Smith offer strategies for writing down action plans, building momentum with small wins, and making sure those 2026 goals don’t end up as next December’s leftovers.

Welcome back to another episode of "Empowering Entrepreneurs." In this week’s conversation, Glenn Harper and Julie Smith dig into one of the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face at the turn of the year: setting growth goals that actually stick.

As the buzz of New Year’s resolutions fades, Julie Smith shares her insights on why lofty ambitions often get lost by mid to late January, and how breaking big-picture objectives into daily, manageable action steps is key to real progress. If you’re ready to trade reactionary fire-fighting for intentional, rewarding growth, this episode is your blueprint for the year ahead.

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Here are 3 key takeaways for anyone looking to turn resolutions into real results:

1. Break big goals into daily wins: Huge visions need to be broken down into actionable steps you can check off every day. Small, consistent progress is what leads to big outcomes.
2. Write down both your goals and your action plan: As Glenn Harper shares, if you don’t map out your action steps, your goals are just dreams. Make your path clear and hold yourself accountable.
3. Learn to act from growth, not just from pain: Entrepreneurs often react to challenges—but planning and executing for positive growth is far more rewarding than simply avoiding setbacks.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

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Whether you're in the trenches or taking time to reflect on your business journey, this episode is packed with advice and reflections to help you make informed decisions for 2026 and beyond.

Welcome back to another insightful episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs. I'm your host, Glenn Harper, joined by my co-host, Julie Smith.

Today, we're diving into a subject that many entrepreneurs grapple with: Is bigger always better, or is better just better? We'll explore the delicate balance between scaling a business and maintaining quality, how to decide which path aligns with your goals, and the crucial role of intention in growth strategies.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Actionable Advice1. Regular Reflection: Make it a part of your business routine to step back and evaluate where you are and where you want to be. 2. Intentional Planning: As the year comes to a close, use this period for setting clear, deliberate intentions for 2025. 3. Opportunity Cost Evaluation: Consider what you might have to give up in order to achieve your desired growth. Is it worth it?

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

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Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

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Whether it’s lessons learned from product lifecycles, navigating family and personal setbacks, or his passion for giving back to the entrepreneurial community, David Stowers offers wisdom, humor, and a candid look at what it truly takes to grow, scale, and thrive.

On this episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs, hosts Glenn Harper and Julie Smith sit down with David Stowers, principal owner of Smash Success and a business development specialist for FreedomDev Sensible Software. Known for his engaging sales style and entrepreneurial drive, David Stowers shares the twists and turns of his career—from hustling as a teenager and launching infomercial products, to facing financial challenges and reinventing himself multiple times over.

With stories ranging from selling foam airplanes at flea markets to making national television appearances on QVC, David Stowers opens up about the peaks and valleys that shaped his journey. He discusses the importance of mentorship, balancing integrity with ambition, and why authenticity matters in business. Get ready for inspiring insights, entertaining anecdotes, and practical advice that every entrepreneur can relate to.

Moments

00:00 "David Sowers: Growth Enthusiast"

03:16 Entrepreneurial Roots and Aspirations

08:53 "Parenting with Trust and Independence"

09:40 "Lessons from Early Amway Days"

15:14 "Weekend Hustles to Rolling Rulers"

18:49 "Finding Purpose Through Hardship"

21:01 "Entrepreneur's Shift to Network Marketing"

25:14 "Transition, Tech, and Opportunity"

28:21 "From Selling Invisible to Consulting"

31:09 QVC On-Air Training Experience

33:01 "Entrepreneurship: Choose Fun Over Stress"

36:51 "Recreating Success with Ginsu Knives"

41:41 "Need vs. Want in Sales"

44:47 "Marketing Lessons from Rich"

46:12 "Entrepreneurship, Travel, and Family"

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Here are 3 key takeaways for entrepreneurs and business builders:

• Embrace the peaks and valleys: David’s experience with early financial success followed by a tough downturn (and bankruptcy) highlights that our biggest lessons—and eventual successes—often come from the challenging valleys, not the easy peaks.
• Authenticity & Integrity Matter: Whether selling products on QVC or consulting for software firms, David stresses the importance of authentic connection and doing business the right way, even when it means turning away a sale that doesn’t serve the customer.
• Mentorship and data-driven decisions: Surround yourself with people who challenge you and supply you with the right tools (including data!). David credits his partners and mentors with teaching him the importance of operational excellence and making marketing decisions based on real numbers—not just gut instinct.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

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Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

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This episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice for entrepreneurs ready to invest in their well-being and become the best version of themselves.

Welcome to another episode of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast! In this edition, hosts Glenn Harper and Julie Smith sit down with Dr. Will Haas, the founder and CEO of VIVE Wellness. Dr. Haas is no ordinary physician—he brings a unique blend of expertise with both an MD and an MBA, combining deep medical knowledge with sharp business acumen.

With a dynamic background as a competitive athlete and a relentless curiosity for optimizing human health, Dr. Haas has dedicated his career to treating the root causes of illness rather than just addressing symptoms. Growing up watching Olympic heroes and learning the value of hard work from his academic parents, he forged his own path—one that challenges the norms of traditional Western medicine.

In this conversation, Dr. Haas shares his entrepreneurial journey, from personal training and athletic coaching in college to pivoting away from conventional medicine’s “treat the symptom” approach. He explains his bio regenesis method and how he tailors cutting-edge wellness strategies for high-performing entrepreneurs whose drive and energy often come at the expense of their health.

Moments

03:05 Body Fat Increase Warning Signals

07:58 Balancing School, Work, and Athletics

12:40 "Discovering a Passion for Wellness"

16:51 Triathlete Turned Trainer Insights

19:19 Cycling: Clarity and Peace Time

23:01 "Holistic Approach to Helping Others"

26:28 Disenchantment with Conventional Medicine

28:07 "Balancing Success and Well-being"

33:39 "Achieving Pain Relief and Performance"

36:12 "Relentless Curiosity for Optimization"

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Here are 3 KEY TAKEAWAYS for anyone looking to drive both their business and personal wellness:

• Treat the Cause, Not the Symptom: Dr. Haas explains how most issues stem from underlying cellular dysfunctions, emphasizing the importance of advanced testing and a personalized approach.
• Don’t Ignore the Foundation: Entrepreneurs often chase flashy wellness trends (like peptides or high-tech therapies) but overlook basic detox and repair systems. According to Dr. Haas, true health optimization starts here.
• Success Requires Self-Maintenance: One of the biggest traps for high achievers? Sacrificing healthy habits as things grow. Maintaining structure with nutrition, recovery, and mindset is crucial not just for business, but for lifelong energy and fulfillment.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

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Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

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Get ready for a story of grit, giving back, and embracing opportunity, all served up with a side of cheeseburgers and community spirit.

On this episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs, we sit down with Ron Ladner, co-founder of Shaggy’s restaurants and a true embodiment of passion meeting purpose. Raised on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Ron Ladner shares his journey from humble beginnings, growing up in a small, crowded home, to building a thriving restaurant group known for its uplifting culture and commitment to putting both employees and guests first.

Throughout the conversation, Ron Ladner opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped his entrepreneurial path—including his realization that adversity, from economic downturns to hurricanes, can actually fuel opportunity and innovation. From lessons learned in the construction yard and on the sports field, to pioneering successful sales strategies and ultimately returning home to help rebuild his community after Hurricane Katrina, Ron Ladner offers listeners invaluable insights on resilience, leadership, and the importance of creating lasting impact.

Plus, you'll hear how his love for fishing became part of his business, the unique culture he’s built at Shaggy’s, and what truly drives him beyond profits.

Moments

00:00 "Ron: Business Meets Passion"

05:36 "Curiosity Drives Passion for Growth"

07:16 "Working Through School & Summer"

10:45 Switching Majors: Tech to Marketing

15:30 Informative Networking Secrets

20:16 "Life's Unexpected Journeys"

23:32 "Committed to People and Purpose"

25:10 Transforming Restaurant Employee Culture

30:27 Opportunity in Setbacks

34:54 From Cleanup to Business Partnership

37:47 Fishing Boat Intern to Captain

40:53 Holistic Employee Support Solutions

45:20 "Shaggy's Cheeseburger Story"

46:34 "Book Success and Audiobook Deal"

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Here are our top three takeaways from the episode:

• People-First Culture Fuels Growth: Ron’s ethos of surrendering 100% to both his team and his guests has revolutionized what it means to be in the restaurant business. His team’s average tenure is four years, compared to an industry average of just 75 days. That is the true power of valuing your people.
• Turning Catastrophe into Opportunity: Ron’s journey is a masterclass in resilience. After Hurricane Katrina devastated his community, he prioritized rebuilding not just his business, but the heart of his town. Out of challenges, opportunity—and Shaggy’s—was born.
• Legacy Beyond Profit: True entrepreneurial success isn’t just about the bottom line; it’s about lifting others up. Ron’s dedication to mentoring his employees, helping them grow professionally and personally, shows that impact outlasts income.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

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Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

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Whether you’re an entrepreneur navigating chaos, or someone seeking clarity in life and work, this conversation is packed with life lessons about resilience, questioning the status quo, and the importance of looking inward to find your true calling.

Glenn Harper and Julie Smith are joined by the remarkable Udo Erasmus, the visionary founder of Udo’s Choice and a pioneer in holistic health and nutrition. Born amidst the chaos of World War II, Udo’s extraordinary life journey—from a war baby and refugee in Europe to a global advocate for healthy fats and mindful living—will both inspire and challenge your perspective on health, fulfillment, and the entrepreneurial spirit.

In this episode, you’ll discover how Udo Erasmus transformed personal adversity and a relentless curiosity into groundbreaking innovations in nutrition, leading him to question everything from big government to food industry practices.

Udo shares the powerful story behind developing oils “made with health in mind,” discusses the essential connection between inner stillness and outer achievement, and offers deeply practical wisdom on finding peace, purpose, and inspiration—even in a noisy, distracted world.

The Importance of Inner Work for Entrepreneurs

• Advice for entrepreneurs: do the "homework" of self-connection and inner peace
• Peace, inspiration, and purpose as preconditions for sustainable outward achievement
• Reflection on journaling insights and creative breakthroughs from stillness

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Here are our top 3 takeaways from this remarkable conversation:

True Transformation Starts Within: Udo emphasized how peace, purpose, and fulfillment don’t come from external achievements, but from reconnecting with the “magnificence of your own being.” Take time for self-reflection—the answers you need are already inside you.

Question Everything—Especially the Status Quo: Udo’s relentless pursuit of truth led him to challenge the way food (and especially oils) are processed. “Question everything,” his father taught him, a lesson that’s just as relevant for entrepreneurs as it is for scientists.

Business as a Mission, Not Just a Transaction: For Udo, entrepreneurship was never about money. It was about helping people live healthier, more empowered lives. When you root your business in helping others, success follows in unexpected ways.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

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Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

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If you’ve ever thought about putting your kids to work (on the payroll, that is), here are practical tips and some fun stories that might just inspire you to take the plunge. You could end up saving money and setting up your kids for financial success down the road!

Hey there, and welcome back to the "Empowering Entrepreneurs Podcast" with Glenn Harper and Julie Smith! This episode gets into something a lot of business owners have wondered about, but maybe haven’t really dug into—can you actually pay your kids for helping out in your business? And what does that mean for your taxes?

Glenn breaks down all the nitty-gritty IRS details and shares some smart ways to shift income, save on taxes, and teach your kids about money at the same time. Plus, Julie Smith adds her take on the real-life lessons kids get from rolling up their sleeves in the family business.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Key takeaways for business owners:

• Tax-smart payroll: Paying your kids through your LLC or as a sole proprietor can offer major tax advantages, as you may avoid the extra 15% in employment taxes that corporations require.
• It's not just about taxes: Beyond dollars and cents, bringing your kids into your business teaches them real-world financial skills, from how payroll works to the power of compounding through Roth IRAs.
• Documentation and legitimacy matter: The IRS requires any payments to be reasonable for actual work performed—think marketing help, filing, or even social media management. Keep it legitimate!

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

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Get ready to dive into the emotional side of wealth and discover why mastering your EQ around money might be the key to true financial freedom.

Welcome to another inspiring episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs! Today, Glenn Harper and Julie Smith sit down with the dynamic Shannon Ryan—a certified financial planner, author, and advocate for financial literacy, whose deep understanding goes far beyond spreadsheets and investment strategies.

In this conversation, Shannon shares her unique approach to helping clients reconcile their emotional relationship with money, revealing how childhood experiences and family history shape our financial behaviors and beliefs. From her entrepreneurial spirit as a California kid (and top Girl Scout cookie seller), to career-defining moments in the high-stakes world of finance, Shannon opens up about resilience, overcoming fear, and finding meaning in our financial choices.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or someone curious about building a happy relationship with money, this episode will challenge you to see your finances in a whole new light.

Moments

00:00 "Shannon's Transformative Money Insights"

06:10 Money, Emotions, and Strategy

07:59 Entrepreneurial Financial Leader's Journey

13:28 Resilience Born From Childhood Struggles

15:40 Entrepreneurial Struggles and Breakthroughs

18:45 Redefining Success Beyond Money

24:23 "Client Money Concerns Explained"

26:58 "Use Money, Enjoy Life"

28:53 "Reflections on COVID Lessons"

31:59 "Financial Wounds and Scar Tissue"

37:18 "Redefining Money and Impact"

40:25 Investor's Dilemma: Emotion vs Returns

44:11 "Defining Moment: Emotion Over Money"

46:54 "Leadership, Attitude, and Team Morale"

48:52 "Legacy, Growth, and Impact"

51:37 Shannon Ryan's Resource Hub

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Here are 3 key takeaways for anyone looking to rethink their relationship with money:

• Money is More Than Numbers: Success isn’t just about your net worth or the latest statement balance. True fulfillment comes from aligning your financial strategy with what actually matters to you—your values, dreams, and the life you want to live.
• Your Money Story Starts Early: According to Shannon, over 98% of our beliefs about wealth and spending stem from childhood experiences—sometimes not even traumatic, just formative. Understanding your “financial scar tissue” is the first step to rewriting your money story.
• Give Yourself Permission to Enjoy: Many high-achievers struggle to enjoy what they’ve built, holding onto wealth out of fear or old habits. Shannon’s advice? Don’t wait—use your resources to create memories and make an impact now. Money is a tool, not just something to be hoarded for “someday.”

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

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Whether you’re considering a big purchase, making investments, or just want to optimize your finances, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you take control, plan ahead, and maybe even celebrate tax season like you’ve just won the Super Bowl.

Welcome back to the Empowering Entrepreneurs Podcast! Glenn Harper and Julie Smith explore how proactive tax planning for entrepreneurs makes tax time stress-free—starting now!

Instead of letting April 15th become a source of anxiety, they're here to show you how it can just be another day—with the right strategies in place.

Glenn and Julie give you practical tips like maximizing your retirement contributions, mastering tax loss harvesting, leveraging donor-advised funds, and making the most of charitable giving. They also touch on new opportunities provided by recent tax legislation and remind you why staying connected with your advisor year-round is key to avoiding last-minute stress.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Moments

00:00 "Tax Planning for Smart Savings"

05:24 CPA Guidance Starts With Input

06:56 Proactive Tax Planning Tips

09:29 Julie Smith Overview

Here are 3 key takeaways:

• Start NOW: Waiting until April 15th is too late. Early conversations with your CPA or advisor set you up to leverage every tax benefit available and avoid last-minute stress.
• Maximize Your Planning: From retirement plan contributions and tax loss harvesting to charitable donation stacking, there are so many proactive moves you can make before year-end.
• Constant Communication is Key: Keep your advisor in the loop before making big decisions—from buying property to major purchases—so everything is set up for success, not cleanup.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

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Hear inspiration on fostering positivity, building contagious energy, and empowering both yourself and those around you!

Welcome to another uplifting episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs! In today’s conversation, Glenn Harper and Julie Smith talk about the transformative power of gratitude—especially for entrepreneurs.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, our hosts explore how shifting your mindset from “I have to” to “I get to” can completely change your outlook on both business and life.

They share personal stories, practical advice on daily gratitude practices, and a reminder to pause, reflect, and celebrate all that you’ve achieved this year. Plus, there’s a little talk of football, feasting, and embracing those well-deserved moments of rest.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Some key takeaways from our conversation:

• Shift Your Perspective: Swap the “I have to” mindset for “I get to.” Viewing daily tasks as opportunities rather than obligations transforms both your mood and your leadership energy.
• Pause and Reflect: Taking intentional time (even on Thanksgiving!) to rest, veg out, and reflect helps you appreciate how far you’ve come—and what’s to come in the year ahead.
• Contagious Positivity: Positive energy rooted in gratitude is infectious. It improves your day, uplifts your team, and attracts others to you—personally and professionally.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper 

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If you’re curious how podcast interview marketing really works, what drives entrepreneurial success, and why relationships and adaptability matter more than ever, this conversation is a must-listen!

Glenn Harper and Julie Smith sit down with Tom Schwab, the founder and chief evangelist of Interview Valet—a company that’s helping entrepreneurs and thought leaders amplify their message through targeted podcast interviews.

The Entrepreneur’s Mindset: "I know what I want out of life and I'm just saying a job is not going to get me there. I'll work really, really hard, but I want to have more control in my life." - Tom Schwab

In this episode, Tom Schwab shares stories from his diverse journey: growing up in the Midwest, learning lessons in entrepreneurship from his grandfather, caddying at country clubs, and even running nuclear power plants aboard an aircraft carrier after graduating from the Naval Academy. Tom discusses how these experiences shaped his entrepreneurial mindset, how relationships serve as the ultimate currency, and why being psychologically self-employed is vital for team building.

We talk about the origins of Interview Valet, the evolution of marketing through podcasting, and how AI is changing the game—and ask Tom to break down exactly how his company connects clients to their ideal audiences. He also gets personal, highlighting the mentors who’ve impacted his trajectory, the mindset necessary to pivot and grow, and what “retirement” means for a true entrepreneur.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Here are 3 key takeaways:

• Relationships are the ultimate currency: Tom Schwab credits his grandfather’s example for teaching him the lasting value of genuine connections in business and life.
• Entrepreneurship is an evolution, not a revolution: Whether you’re born with the drive or are shaped by your environment, adaptability and curiosity open new doors and opportunities.
• AI is a tool—amplify your brilliance, not your noise: Embrace technology as an amplifier for your message, but remember that effectiveness still comes down to authentic engagement and adding value.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

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Suppose you’re an entrepreneur looking for a reminder that you’re not alone in the ups and downs? This episode offers plenty of relatable moments and practical wisdom to fuel your own journey.

Welcome to another episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs! In today’s show, “The Back Story,” Glenn Harper and Julie Smith pull back the curtain and give you an honest, behind-the-scenes look at their personal entrepreneurial journey. Rather than focusing solely on the stories of their guests, Glenn and Julie open up about how their own partnership has evolved—from Glenn’s solopreneur beginnings to Julie’s transition from corporate America, and their combined efforts to navigate the constant changes of business ownership.

You’ll hear candid conversations about the challenges they’ve faced, the hard decisions and sleepless nights, and how building a company (and a podcast) requires grit, vision, and the ability to say both “yes” and “no” at the right times. They share insights on the importance of impact—how helping clients, empowering others, and surrounding themselves with the right people have driven everything they do.

Moments

00:00 Entrepreneurial Struggles and Dynamics

03:41 "Adapting to Change in Business"

09:01 Impact, Growth, and Collaboration

11:20 "Uncovering Goals Through Conversation"

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Here are 3 key takeaways for anyone on the entrepreneurial journey:

• Embrace Change & Growth: The only constant in business is change. What you’re doing today isn’t necessarily what you’ll be doing tomorrow – and that’s OK! Evolution is part of the journey.
• Impact Over Everything: Whether it’s helping a client save on taxes, supporting a team member, or sharing strategies on a podcast, making an impact is at the core of everything we do.
• Surround Yourself With the Right People: Success flourishes when you build the right team and community. Find people who lift you up and share your values—together, you’ll all achieve more.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

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Why saying NO! feels impossible, and what you can do about it.

Why is it so hard for entrepreneurs to say "no"? As we debated on the latest episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs, it turns out that staying focused is often tougher than finding opportunities!

Entrepreneurs are naturally solution-seekers and optimists, always believing they can solve “just one more problem.” But as hosts Julie Smith and Glenn Harper discussed, knowing when—and why—to say “no” is essential for sustainable growth and maintaining your sanity.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Here are key takeaways from our conversation:

• The Yes Syndrome: Julie opens up about her lifelong struggle with saying yes to every opportunity and the internal questions she faces: “Why can’t I say no?” and “What does another yes actually change?”
• Opportunity Everywhere: Glenn discusses how entrepreneurs are “programmed” to see solutions everywhere—and the challenge of balancing self-belief with actual bandwidth. He compares the entrepreneurial mindset to NFL players trying to play every position—it just isn’t sustainable in the long run!
• Delegation and Teamwork: Both Glenn and Julie explore the idea of leveraging teams and partnerships to avoid overcommitting. Building a support system isn’t just smart—it’s essential if you want to make a real impact without burning out.
• Defining Your ‘Why’: Before jumping into something new, Glenn challenges listeners to ask, “Just because I can, should I?” Are you saying yes for money, ego, the thrill of a challenge, or simply to stay busy? Getting clear on your motivation helps you focus on what truly matters.
• Relaxation Remains Elusive: Julie and Glenn humorously discuss what it means to actually relax—a concept that seems almost mythical for most entrepreneurs. Apparently, some people do sit on boats or drink iced tea all day!
• Solving vs. Scaling: The conversation circles back to the risks of “solopreneur” syndrome versus building teams and systems. It’s about knowing your limits, setting boundaries, and ensuring that you’re not just solving endless problems but making intentional progress.

Entrepreneurship isn’t simply about chasing every opportunity. The real magic comes from knowing when to say no, understanding your ‘why,’ and creating systems that let you make an impact without sacrificing your health or the quality of your work.

Stay empowered.

00:00 Delegation Enables Sustainable Productivity

03:49 "Why Do Anything?"

06:19 "Solving Drives Success"

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

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Are you straddling that line between doing it all yourself and building a team? You’re not alone! Whether you’re mowing lawns solo or dreaming of running a company with employees, you’ll pick up some valuable advice here.

Hey there, and welcome back to the Empowering Entrepreneurs Podcast! On today’s episode, Glenn Harper and Julie Smith are answering the question a lot of business owners face:

Am I a solopreneur?

Am I an entrepreneur?

If you’ve ever wondered what the real difference is—or if you’re just creating a job for yourself instead of building something bigger—this is the episode for you.

Glenn and Julie explain what it really means to go it alone versus growing a team, sharing their takes on what makes each approach appealing (and what the downsides are, too). They get real about the hard work, the risks, and why some people love sticking to their own thing while others are always chasing that next big opportunity.

It’s all about figuring out where you want to go, how to get there, and having a little fun along the way!

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Here are 3 key takeaways:

• Solopreneur vs Entrepreneur: As a solopreneur, you wear every hat—from service delivery to marketing and billing. The upside? Full autonomy. The downside? If you’re out of commission, your business is too.
• Scaling & Selling: Entrepreneurs who build systems and teams are better positioned to scale and eventually sell the business. A company built on personal branding alone is harder to hand off.
• Do Your Homework Before Jumping In: Analyze your costs, understand your pricing, and seek advisors early. Jumping in with both feet is important, but knowing your numbers can save you from expensive lessons.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

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If you’ve ever wondered how much you can (or should) take from your business—or why your bank account doesn’t always feel as full as your profits say it should—this episode is for you!

Glenn Harper and Julie Smith tackle a classic challenge faced by business owners—how do you actually pay yourself as an entrepreneur? Drawing inspiration from a recent lively dinner debate, Glenn and Julie talk about the difference between taking a draw versus running payroll, why cash flow discipline is crucial in those early ramen-noodle days, and the surprising tax realities every entrepreneur needs to understand.

From the myth that business owners can “just take out whatever they want” to the essential 50% savings rule, this episode delivers practical advice on managing your money, setting boundaries, and knowing when—and how much—you should pay yourself.

Additionally, they'll discuss why having a trusted advisor is important and preview upcoming deep dives into business structures and tax strategy.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Object (a.k.a. All That Cash in Your Business Account). It’s tempting to pay yourself whatever’s in the bank, but Glenn reminds us: “The more money you take out… the less money you have for the bad times or to invest back in your company.” Start by leaving enough cash cushion in your business to weather tough times and fund growth.

2. Start Small, Think Big. When your business is getting off the ground, think like you’re back in college—keep expenses lean and take only what you truly need. As Glenn puts it, “Pretend like you’re back in college, eating ramen noodles and you can’t take any money out.” Let your business account grow before ramping up payouts.

3. Draws, Payroll, and the 50% Rule. If you’re a sole proprietor or single-member LLC, you’ll usually take draws (withdrawals) instead of payroll at first. But as your income grows (think $80k+), it might be more tax-efficient to become an S corp and start using payroll.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

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Whether you’re planning your own exit or simply curious about what goes on behind the scenes, this episode is packed with practical advice and relatable stories to help you map out a successful succession plan for your own business.

Welcome back to another episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs! Today, hosts Glenn Harper and Julie Smith talk about a topic that’s top of mind for many business owners: business succession planning. They share lessons drawn from their work with clients, demystifying the often complicated journey of passing a business from one generation to the next.

Glenn and Julie explore key challenges entrepreneurs face when it’s time to step away—whether transitioning the business to family members or loyal employees. They discuss the emotional hurdles of letting go, handling entitlement, and ensuring a smooth transfer that keeps employees and clients happy.

You are going to hear real-world scenarios, from the solopreneur who’s never shared their “secret sauce,” to the well-oiled operation ready for a seamless handoff. Plus, you’ll hear their thoughts on staggered transitions, the importance of open communication, and, above all, keeping family relationships intact through the process.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Here are 3 key takeaways from the episode:

Your Mindset Matters Most Succession isn’t just about logistics; it’s a major emotional journey for owners. Are you truly ready to step away, or are you holding on out of habit or fear? Recognizing where you are in the process helps create a smoother transition.

Communication Is Critical From addressing possible resentment among employees to clearly outlining new roles and expectations, open communication is the bedrock of a successful handover—especially with family involved.

Succession Is a Two-Way Street A healthy transition depends on BOTH the outgoing owner and the incoming leader. Alignment, patience, and lots of honest conversations are necessary to avoid clashes and ensure ongoing success.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

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How could bartending teach you the essentials of sales and connecting with people?

Glenn and Julie sit down with Neil Rogers, owner and VP of Sales and Marketing at Rogers Marketing—a leading promotional marketing firm in New England.

From overcoming self-doubt to thriving as a connector, Neil’s journey is all about embracing process, adapting, and helping others succeed. If you’re ready to grow your business—and yourself—this episode is for you!

Neil is not just a marketing powerhouse; he’s also the bestselling author of “Bar Tips: Everything I Needed to Know in Sales I Learned from Behind the Bar,” and co-founder of Positive Activity, a program dedicated to helping people achieve their goals one step at a time.

In this lively and candid conversation, Neil takes us back to his roots growing up in Melrose, Massachusetts, sharing stories of large family life, early struggles with self-esteem, and how discovering his people skills behind the bar set him on a lifelong journey of sales and entrepreneurship.

Neil opens up about his path to building a business, the importance of positivity and process, why being coachable made all the difference, and how his “make it happen” mindset has led to decades of success—not just in business, but in life.

Here are three key takeaways that resonated with us:

Start Every Day With Positivity: Neil emphasized the importance of beginning each day with a growth mindset. Approaching problems with a solution-oriented, positive attitude leads to more productivity and greater creative thinking.

Be Coachable and Embrace Mentorship: One of Neil’s major turning points was becoming open to feedback and guidance. Being receptive to mentorship allowed him to accelerate both personal and professional growth—an essential mindset shift for any entrepreneur.

Process Drives Progress: Whether behind the bar or running a business, Neil credits consistent processes and paying attention to the little things as the foundation for his long-term success. Show up, engage, refine, and keep moving forward—success is built one step at a time.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Moments

00:00 "Growth-Driven Marketing Insights with Neil Rogers"

06:04 Discovering a Passion for Bartending

06:43 "Rejecting Hospitality Career"

10:03 Lifelong Love for Entertainment

13:56 "Make It Happen Team"

16:48 "We're in the Hospitality Business"

22:29 Creativity Boosts Productivity and Solutions

25:33 "Independent Logo Franchise Owner"

27:13 Creative Roles: Focal, Augmenter, Connector, Expander

30:11 Positive Activity: Info & Insights

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

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Whether you're an entrepreneur juggling business and personal life or simply seeking actionable strategies to bring more ease and joy to your journey, this episode is packed with wisdom, real-life examples, and plenty of "aha!" moments.

We are thrilled to welcome back returning guest Kelli Risse—a dynamic coach, speaker, and now accomplished author. Since her last appearance over two years ago, Kelli has been busy transforming not only her business but also the lives of countless high achievers seeking to redefine their paths to success.

Kelli shares her journey of writing her solo book, "Mindset Mastery: 25 Principles to Outsmart Burnout and Redefine Success," which quickly became an Amazon bestseller. She opens up about the creative process, her strategies for avoiding burnout even while tackling big projects, and the powerful difference between being a high achiever versus a peak performer.

Kelli also gives us a sneak peek into her upcoming book series, touches on the importance of energy management, harmony, and boundaries, and offers practical steps to help entrepreneurs shift from overwhelm to sustainability.

Get ready to take your mindset—and your business—to a whole new level!

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Here are three key takeaways you can use immediately:

Ease is the Foundation, Not the Opposite, of Success: Kelli reminds us that building our lives and businesses on a foundation of ease leads to more sustainable results than grinding ourselves into burnout. Productivity isn’t about constant busyness; it’s about aligning work with true priorities.

Shift from High Achiever to Peak Performer: High achievers often operate in a constant state of urgency and exhaustion, while peak performers focus on sustainable energy, alignment, and letting go of perfectionism. Want to make lasting change? It starts with mindset—choose alignment over approval!

Harmony Over Balance: Trying to “balance” work and life perfectly usually leaves us more stressed. Kelli encourages leaders to seek harmony and alignment in all areas: mind, body, and spirit. Set boundaries, say no when needed, and schedule “me time”—your well-being is non-negotiable.

Moments

00:00 "Practical Coaching Principles Book"

04:36 "Coaching Principles and Tips Book"

06:41 "Peak Performance: Sustained Success Differently"

09:36 Rethinking Tomorrow's Plans

15:10 Align Mind, Body, Spirit?

19:05 Energy Over Time Management

19:51 "Boost Well-being for Entrepreneurs"

24:20 Prioritize "Me Time" for Balance

28:56 Evaluating the Value of 6am Calls

31:57 Evaluate Priorities in Decision-Making

35:01 Coaching: Growth, Accountability, Tough Love

38:42 Continuous Growth and Challenges

40:31 Coaching as Therapy Insight

45:19 "Improving Life Beyond Hard Work"

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

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The Power of Natural Light: "They say that now we're living in an age where 95% of our day is spent indoors under artificial light." - John Graham Harper, CEO of Lumaflex

Why Listen?If you’re an entrepreneur feeling the grind, looking for ways to improve your performance—or simply craving an uplifting story about overcoming adversity—this episode is for you. John’s passion is contagious, and his commitment to making a global impact is something every listener can draw inspiration from.

Meet John Graham HarperJohn’s journey is anything but ordinary. Born in India, carrying an Australian passport, and now a global citizen, John has built an impressive resume: founder of a cutting-edge wellness tech brand (Lumaflex), official member of the Forbes Business Council, president of White Collar Fight Night in China, and collaborator with fitness organizations around the world. His true passion? Empowering people to recover, rebuild, and—as he puts it—“exceed the prior limits they have placed on themselves.”

Highlights from the EpisodeFrom Rugby to Red Light:

John’s own journey from competitive sports to recovery after a life-threatening brain tumor sparked his obsession with wellness innovation. After an injury ended his rugby and boxing days, John discovered the power of red light therapy—thanks to a nudge from his wife. The result? A passion that led to the creation of Lumaflex, making red light therapy portable, accessible, and life-changing for millions.

The Entrepreneur’s Edge:

John shares how red light therapy isn’t just about healing sports injuries. It’s about fighting daily inflammation, improving sleep, boosting mental clarity, and energizing your “internal battery”—perfect for busy entrepreneurs tackling stress and long hours.

Lessons on Relationships & Resilience:

From building a business while living out of a suitcase to networking his way across continents, John reveals that his superpower isn’t just positivity, but his knack for connecting people and building strong relationships. It’s a reminder for all of us: Lean into your network and stay resilient. The entrepreneurial journey is a team sport!

No End Game—Just Growth:

When asked about his endgame, John admits he’s always looking for the next challenge. His mission? Making red light therapy a standard of care in wellness—and never settling for “good enough.”

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Moments

00:00 Entrepreneur's Secret to Success

03:55 "Parental Influence: Guru Worship & Travel"

09:35 Rugby Injuries and Boxing Transition

10:32 Boxing-Related Brain Tumor Discovery

15:05 "Light Therapy: Emerging Medical Breakthrough"

17:32 "Embracing Change and Exploration"

21:08 Golf Fitness in Vegas

25:32 Challenges of Starting a Gym

28:55 Red Light Therapy Mogul

30:24 "Alan Derkasher: Innovating Consistent Light Therapy"

33:40 Portable Back Pain Relief Device

37:34 "Trust in Business: A Lost Art?"

41:48 Island Sunlight: A Natural Wonder

43:05 "Light Therapy Powers Cellular Function"

45:48 Optimize Focus and Energy Daily

51:48 Photobiomodulation Advocacy Goals

55:21 "Free Access to Fitness Academy"

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

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Choosing the Right Business Entity - "So you always have to work with your CPA to make sure that you have the right entity type so you can take advantage of the tax code with those different things." - Glenn Harper

Glenn and Julie talk about the practical side of tax savings. Whether you’re a business owner or an individual with a “real job.” Drawing from the latest tax law updates, they break down essential tax hacks: from maximizing your 401 (k) contributions and health savings accounts to making the most of charitable giving.

Business owners, in particular, will hear about unique deductions, the importance of choosing the right business entity, how to leverage income-shifting strategies like hiring your kids, and the ins and outs of the Augusta Rule for home offices.

If you’re looking to keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket this tax season, you’ll want to catch all the actionable tips in this conversation.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Here are 3 key takeaways I found super valuable:

Maximize Pre-tax Benefits

If your employer offers a 401 (k) (especially with matching!) or a health savings account, contribute as much as you can reasonably afford. These strategies let you defer or deduct income, putting more money back in your pocket.

Business Deduction Tests Matter

For business owners, remember that the best deductions are “ordinary, necessary, and reasonable” for your business. Run every potential expense—from pianos to helicopters—through these filters (with your CPA!) to avoid unwanted IRS attention.

Income Shifting & Family Opportunities

Thinking strategically and shifting income to lower tax brackets—including paying your kids or spouse for legitimate work—can provide significant tax savings. Plus, don’t forget the power of the Augusta Rule and proper entity selection to maximize deductions.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

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The Hidden Danger in Letting Invoices Slide - "It's not fair for you to spend all your money to deliver the product or service. And then the customer drags you out for 30 days, 90, 60, 120 a year, and you're not getting money on that." Glenn Harper

Glenn Harper and Julie Smith discuss a topic every business owner dreads but can’t afford to ignore: money leaks.

Have you ever wondered where your hard-earned profits are slipping away? Glenn and Julie break down the sneaky ways businesses lose money—from unnoticed subscriptions and mounting overtime to hidden high interest rates and lax customer payments. With candid stories and actionable advice, they reveal how to spot these financial drains and what steps you can take to plug the holes.

Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode will leave you thinking twice about your financials—and might just save you enough for your next vacation!

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

3 Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs:

• Review Automated Payments & Subscriptions: Those small, recurring charges on your business credit card can snowball over time. Make it a habit to audit subscriptions at least once a year—what you save could fund your next vacation!
• Keep a Close Watch on Labor Costs: Overtime and inaccurate job costing can secretly burn through your payroll budget. Set clear parameters and delegate time-tracking to managers who can monitor labor hours and catch inefficiencies before they escalate.
• Don’t Let Unpaid Invoices Slide: Failing to follow up on Accounts Receivable delays cash flow. Establish firm processes to ensure customers pay on time—those outstanding payments could be the difference between scrambling and scaling.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

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Have you ever wondered how the grit of Midwest farm life translates into game-changing leadership and a bold approach to scaling businesses in today’s evolving world?

We sit down with the dynamic Julie Bonness to explore her remarkable journey from managing a hobby farm in Wisconsin to pioneering global talent solutions in the accounting industry.

Julie shares candid stories about her early experiences, the values instilled by family, navigating career-defining choices, and the seismic shifts she’s witnessed in hiring, scaling, and global workforce management.

This conversation uncovers not just the “how,” but the “why” behind building resilient teams, overcoming generational talent gaps, and the powerful art of connecting people and solutions. If you’re ready to challenge the status quo and discover what it truly takes to lead, scale, and leave a legacy, this episode is a must-listen.

3 Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs:

Talent is Global—Tap into It.

Julie discusses how the digital age has removed geographic barriers, emphasizing that the global talent pool is not only accessible but often essential to scale efficiently. For content creators, this is a powerful reminder: widen your perspective on where to find collaborators, support, and inspiration.

Authenticity and Connection Win Every Time.

Julie’s approach to sales is grounded in genuine problem-solving and helping others—a lesson that translates directly to content creation. Leading with authenticity and viewing your audience as individuals to serve (rather than just an audience to sell to) builds deeper trust and engagement.

Continuous Adaptation Is Essential.

The episode highlights how quickly industries evolve (e.g., the shift to cloud, global teams, and AI in accounting). For content creators, keeping a learner’s mindset and being open to tech shifts or platform changes is crucial to staying relevant and expanding your reach.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Empowering Moments

05:01 Concrete to Cattle: My Childhood

06:53 Group Effort in Shared Responsibilities

12:16 Successful Entrepreneur Supports Family Farm

13:09 Mom Was the Family Glue

17:46 "Choosing Cost-Effective College at Home"

22:45 "Leadership, Transition, and Growth"

23:32 Hiring and Scaling Evolution

27:50 Technology's Impact on Modern Workers

29:54 CPA Exodus: Challenges and Global Shifts

33:48 Addressing Talent Challenges in CPA Firms

36:07 Double Standards in Workplace Security

39:37 "Importance of Client Referrals"

43:04 Trickle-Down Effect in Firms

47:10 Empowering Women through Transitions

49:25 Unison Globus: Workforce & Tax Support

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

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The Power of Personal Branding - "A personal brand opens the doors you didn't even knock on. It goes ahead of you, it generates referrals, opportunities, invitations. It's the currency for influence, isn't it? And that's what accelerates your program." - Rob Brown

We have a truly special guest. Rob Brown is a global authority in the accounting industry and someone whose journey is as inspiring as it is unconventional. Rob went from being a high school math teacher in Yorkshire, England, to becoming a bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and the host of the Accounting Influence podcast. He’s made a name for himself by helping highly skilled professionals master the power of personal branding and visibility in their careers.

We discuss the importance of building your reputation. Why being technically skilled isn’t enough if you want to stand out, and how intentional networking and authenticity can transform your professional journey.

Rob shares his own story, shaped by his working-class background, what drove him to strike out on his own, and how he discovered the knack for bringing out brilliance in others who may not see it in themselves.

You’ll hear us discuss the hesitations so many of us have around self-promotion, what holds back entrepreneurs and accountants alike, and why making yourself visible in a crowded marketplace doesn’t have to mean being cringey or salesy. Rob offers practical insights you can act on. Whether you’re starting out solo or looking to scale your business and make a bigger impact.

So if you’re ready for an honest, inspiring conversation full of British wit, actionable ideas, and a fresh look at what it takes to build your brand from the inside out, you won’t want to miss this episode.

Empowering Moments

00:00 "Mastering Visibility and Branding"

05:31 From Teaching to Business Success

09:57 Embracing Entrepreneurial Uncertainty

12:41 Choosing Teaching in Northern England

16:13 Education System Fails Entrepreneurs

17:11 Education Lacks Practical Life Skills

21:27 "Teachers' Impact and Humility"

25:44 People Over Companies: Trust Matters

26:59 "Crafting Your Personal Brand"

30:10 Now's the Best Time

34:09 Accountants' Challenge: Balancing Promises

39:09 Find Your Unique Strengths

42:43 Network Building Through Online Outreach

46:34 Define Your Desired Legacy

47:56 Crafting Personal Brand Strategy

52:18 Crafting Thought Leadership Content

54:31 Legacy Focused on Family Happiness

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Top 3 Takeaways for Entrepreneurs & Professionals:

• Your Authentic Brand Starts With You: Before building a public persona, define what you truly want people to say about you. Your reputation is shaped by intentional branding, not by accident.
• Network Intentionally, Not Accidentally: Building relationships isn’t just about showing up; it’s about asking better questions, having meaningful conversations, and nurturing trust that leads to real opportunities.
• Showcase, Don’t Shy Away: If you’re great at what you do, it’s not bragging—it’s “ethical bragging.” Don’t be afraid to shine a light on your strengths and success stories; your future clients will thank you for it.

Accounting Influencers Roundtable Podcast

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

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Learn from a real, honest (and pretty funny) conversation about how couples—specifically the “chicks” and “dudes”—spend money, especially when you throw entrepreneurship into the mix.

Glenn breaks down his go-to strategy for keeping household finances in check when your income is anything but steady, while Julie questions whether “bare minimum” budgets really let anyone thrive.

They get into the nitty-gritty of why joint accounts seem to mysteriously drain themselves, how guys tend to drop big bucks on a single item while women make more frequent, smaller purchases, and why splitting your fun money into his-and-hers (or hers-and-hers, or his-and-his!) accounts can be a total game changer. Spoiler alert: you might want to start a vacation fund after this episode.

If you’re sick of fighting about money with your partner or just want some practical, down-to-earth tips to make life as an entrepreneurial couple a little easier, tune in—there’s even some banter about jorts and golf clubs you don’t want to miss. So kick back, relax, and let’s talk about getting more value out of your hard-earned cash!

Empowering Moments

00:00 Household Finances: Spending Issues

05:20 Budgeting: Gender Spending Habits

07:36 "Living Within Means for Enjoyment"

10:09 "Enhancing Life by Smart Spending"

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Here are 3 key takeaways you won’t want to miss:

Define Core vs. Discretionary Spending

Start by setting a clear budget for fixed household expenses, then allocate separate discretionary accounts for each partner. This approach helps keep spending balanced and arguments at bay.

Transparency is Key

Agree together—using a spreadsheet or whatever works for you—on what counts as joint expenses and personal spending. Honest conversations are the foundation for avoiding surprise credit card bills or missing vacation funds.

Preserve the Fun (and the Peace!)

By giving each partner their own “no-questions-asked” discretionary account, you reduce resentment, foster independence, and free up energy to focus on meaningful experiences, not just more “stuff.”

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

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Founder Mindset vs. Entrepreneur Mindset: "If you have that founder mindset that you could make that step from entrepreneur to founder, you are. You are now taking that mindset that you're betting on yourself and you have the ability to do it."- Steve Gelly

We sit down with Steve Gelley—entrepreneur, CEO of Blueprint Ventures, managing partner of multiple ventures, and host of the Next Exit podcast. Steve shares his journey from a rebellious student on Long Island to a business leader known for building, scaling, and successfully exiting companies.

Listen in as Steve opens up about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, including the lessons learned from getting fired and even being kicked out of school, the importance of embracing risk, and the value of building the right team. He offers a candid look at the challenges founders face as they transition from doers to leaders and reveals what it really takes to scale a business in today's market.

Steve’s passion for empowering other entrepreneurs comes through as he discusses his approach to investing in startups, fostering resourcefulness, and building a culture that helps both businesses and people thrive.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or an established founder looking to take your business to the next level, you’ll find plenty of wisdom and actionable insights in this conversation with Steve Gelley.

Key Moments

00:00 Serial Entrepreneur and Growth Strategist

05:40 Unfair School Enrollment Practices

07:49 College Choice with Average GPA

09:42 First Job Lessons at Hardee's

15:23 Momentum's Critical Role in Business

16:33 Learning from Business Mistakes

21:02 "Turning Founders into CEOs"

23:04 "Assessing Risk-Taking in Business"

26:25 "Ensuring Cultural Fit in Hiring"

29:52 Funding and Resource Allocation Model

35:13 Effective Team Building for Entrepreneurs

38:41 Age vs. Experience in Leadership

40:55 Branding's Role in Successful Hiring

45:11 Unmasking Startup Myths

48:27 Team-Building as Superpower

51:02 Elevating Others Through Opportunity

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Here are 3 key takeaways for fellow entrepreneurs:

1. Embrace calculated risk and take decisive action.

Steve stressed that making decisions—fast and fearlessly—is what separates the successful founders from those who stay stuck. "We’d rather you make five wrong decisions than not make any at all!”

2. Build a team that balances your weaknesses.

The magic happens when you stop hiring people just because you “like” them and start hiring for complementary strengths—especially detail-orientation and operational excellence if you’re a high-vision founder.

3. Fractional resources can accelerate growth (without breaking the bank).

You don’t need to hire every expert full-time. Steve’s model leverages fractionalizing high-level talent, which gives startups access to top-tier strategy and execution while maintaining lean operations.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

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How would you approach building generosity and responsibility in a family with new wealth?

We welcome Jim Sheils.

Jim is the co-owner of Southern Impression Homes, founder of 18 Summers, and author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller “The Family Board Meeting.” He’s made it his life’s mission to help entrepreneurs blend their passion for business with a thriving, intentional family life.

Drawing from personal experience—like lending a kidney to his own father and designing a curriculum for his children—Jim offers candid insights into creating lasting connections at home, even while building success at work.

In this episode, Jim shares how his entrepreneurial spirit emerged early, why traditional education left him questioning the system, and how the wisdom of his grandfathers shaped his approach to business and life. He opens up about the challenges of generational wealth, raising grounded and grateful kids, and his practical strategies for maximizing those precious “18 summers” with your children.

If you’re an entrepreneur searching for more than just business success—and want to ensure your family thrives alongside your ventures—this conversation is a must-listen. Tune in for inspiration, actionable advice, and Jim’s timeless reminder: true wealth is measured in moments, not just money.

Empowering Moments

04:33 Purpose of Traditional Schooling?

08:10 Higher Education: Is It Necessary?

11:55 "Personal Development Awakening"

16:06 "Persistence in Challenging Conditions"

17:01 "Early Lessons in Overcoming Rejection"

22:39 College Majors: Choose Wisely

24:34 Balancing Family and Business

28:14 Building Generational Wealth Solutions

32:48 Entrepreneurial Guilt and Family Dynamics

33:48 Entrepreneurship vs. Family: A Dilemma

39:31 Parental Challenges: Entrepreneur's Burden

40:13 "Teens: Support Your Parents?"

46:01 "A Positive Haunting: Real Estate"

47:49 Busy Parent's Life Reflections

51:19 "Expanding Influence While Staying Balanced"

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Here are 3 key takeaways from our conversation with Jim:

• Questioning the Status Quo Can Spark Innovation: Jim was an “entrepreneur against the grain” from a young age, always asking why—and that curiosity eventually led him to build creative businesses and challenge traditional education for his own kids.
• Family Board Meetings Matter: Jim’s “18 Summers” concept is a wake-up call—a reminder that 85% of quality time with our children happens before they turn 18. He shares practical strategies for entrepreneurs to intentionally create rhythms and boundaries, ensuring that family isn’t sidelined by business.
• Wealth is More Than Finances: Jim emphasizes having “the money talk” with your kids by their mid-teens, setting clear values and limits to prevent entitlement and empower responsible future generations. His transparent approach to family wealth and legacy is something every entrepreneur can benefit from.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

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Building a Support Network for Growth: "We finally got to a place where we have a trusted team, and, that's helped so much. And I think that that kind of gave us the, sigh of relief to say, okay. We can do this now. We we have the right people." - Maura Giannobile

We’re beyond excited to bring you the latest updates from our recent episode featuring the wonderful Maura Giannobile—a powerhouse entrepreneur, interior design visionary, and the driving force behind The Everwoods Cabins and soon, Everwoods Interiors.

Here's what you'll learn.

Maura’s Big Leap: From Overwhelm to Growth Not long ago, Maura recalls a time when managing her design business, launching multiple luxury cabins, and juggling family life felt too overwhelming. But with strategic changes—namely, building a team she could trust and learning the art of letting go—Maura and her husband Tony have turned chaos into a thriving, scalable business.

Intertwining Brands for Success Maura didn’t set out to create two businesses that feed each other, but that’s exactly what happened. Guests who loved their stay at The Everwoods Cabins are now seeking her interior design expertise for their own homes, making referrals organic and powerful.

Big News: Everwoods Interiors is Coming! At the end of this month, Maura is rebranding her design firm as Everwoods Interiors, expanding her offerings to include virtual design services for Airbnb hosts nationwide. This new direction aims to answer a major market need—helping hosts make their short-term rentals shine and stand out.

Taking Guest Experience to the Next Level It isn’t just about a beautiful space. The Everwoods Cabins now offer curated guest experiences like personal chefs, in-cabin spa services, and specialty tours. Not only have these upgrades delighted guests, but they have also set Maura’s business apart in a rapidly growing vacation rental market.

What’s Next? Maura has more cabins underway, new property plans for couples’ retreats, and even a potential software venture in the works aimed at helping other hosts better market to their guests. Growth is certainly the theme of Maura’s journey!

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs:

• Scaling means letting go of perfection, but never your vision.
• Building an outstanding team is essential for sanity and success.
• Don’t be afraid to pivot or rebrand to meet the needs of your evolving market.
• Small touches and curated experiences deliver big differentiation for your business.

Want to Learn More or Stay at an Everwoods Cabin? Check out the beautifully designed cabins in Hocking Hills at theeverwoods.com.com—and keep an eye out for the launch of EverwoodsInteriors.com!

Empowering Moments

04:37 Teamwork Builds Brand Success

09:00 Rebranding as Everwoods Interiors

12:25 Blueprint Staging & Installation Guide

14:36 Function Over Fashion in Rentals

16:26 Expert Advice for Vacation Homeowners

20:22 "New Private Cabin Retreat"

25:54 Backup Team Enables Stress-Free Expansion

26:46 Property Sale and 1031 Exchange Pivot

30:39 Unique Services Highlight Property Appeal

35:49 Luxury Vacation Add-Ons Available

37:39 Cabin Rental Software Innovation

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

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Embracing Discomfort for Growth: "in order to live a life you haven't lived, you have to do things you haven't done." - Marc Scheff

This is a fun one. Our guest, Marc Scheff, joins us for a conversation that bridges the worlds of tech, art, and self-transformation.

Marc, who began his journey in computer science, found his calling through a remarkable pivot to coaching and illustration. He'll share with us the life-altering moments that propelled him from a traditional tech job to embracing the highs and lows of a creative life.

Marc's story is a testament to the power of incremental change and the role of mentorship, as he introduces us to the concept of using your superpowers – yes, he even fits leftovers perfectly in Tupperware – for greater impact.

We explore how to straddle the analytical and artistic sides of our brains, the importance of mental health, and how finding your purpose and passion transcends the pursuit of money.

For anyone seeking to make a leap into the world of entrepreneurship, or to invigorate their current endeavors with fresh insight, this episode promises to cultivate that spark within you.

So, whether you're an established entrepreneur or just starting to consider turning your passion into your career, let's discover how embracing your authentic self can open a universe of possibilities.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Key Empowering Takeaways

• Embrace Gradual Shifts: Marc brilliantly highlights the power of taking small, consistent steps towards change. Like adjusting a rocket's trajectory mid-flight, the path to our dreams is often through incremental, strategic shifts.
• Discovery Through Support: Support systems are crucial in our quest for transformation. Whether shifting careers or scaling your business, having mentors like Marc can guide you to a fulfilling path of self-discovery and profound change.
• Balancing Creativity & Analysis: Stereotypes often box us into being 'analytical' or 'creative'. Marc dismantles this myth, showcasing how he helps individuals harness both sides to unlock their full potential and thrive in any endeavor.

Empowering Moments

05:23 High school art passion defied parental expectations.

07:02 Tech industry crashes, artist takes art class.

10:07 Teacher who supported and trusted, remained influential.

13:35 20 years in art and coaching, big changes.

19:38 Facing struggles helped me grow and learn.

20:32 Transitioning to entrepreneurship involves overcoming societal conditioning.

26:22 Book focuses on the myth of brain dominance.

27:08 Studied computer science but valued creative thinking.

32:38 Take small steps for exponential impact over time.

36:12 Discovery sessions for uncovering clients' deeper purpose.

38:32 Encouraging others to pursue their passions and impact.

41:30 Creating community through entrepreneurship advice podcast.

43:30 Access to information fosters entrepreneurial opportunities.

47:52 Explore feelings, not just business strategies.

50:55 Fulfilling purpose by unleashing creativity with clients.

53:33 Make small steps toward your vision.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

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So I think that shaped me in the path of understanding the, like, the obstacles that any entrepreneur can face when they have a business and they are not ready for this bad, times. Let's call it that way, because in Colombia we call it the vacas flacas. So it's like the skinny cows. When the skinny cows come, you have to be prepared for that, and we wear it. - Olga Hurtago

We sit down with the incredible Olga Hurtado, founder and CEO of NeatBooks LLC. We talk to Olga about her inspiring journey from Barranquilla, Colombia, to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the United States. Olga shares her remarkable story of overcoming adversity, from her early life in Colombia, where her parents were entrepreneurs, to the challenges she faced when moving to the U.S., including mastering English and raising her twin daughters.

Discover how Olga's experiences shaped her entrepreneurial spirit and led her to empower Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs in South Florida. Her passion for helping small business owners navigate the American dream is evident as she discusses the importance of resilience, her approach to business, and her innovative methods for creating a thriving company even in challenging times.

Here are three empowering takeaways from our conversation:

• Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Olga's entrepreneurial spirit was forged early on through her family's challenges in Colombia, teaching her the importance of being prepared for both the peaks and valleys in business.
• Pursuing Passion with Purpose: Despite initial setbacks, Olga followed her passion for accounting and finance, leading her to create a successful firm that empowers Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs in South Florida.
• The Power of Education and Adaptation: Overcoming language barriers and embracing continuous learning were pivotal in Olga’s journey, enabling her to connect with a broader clientele and make a significant impact.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Empowering Moments

04:51 "Overcoming Family Crisis Challenges"

06:31 Fractured Skull Recovery Journey

10:56 Balancing Education, Entrepreneurship, and Motherhood

15:17 "Entrepreneurship: A One-Way Journey"

18:07 Struggles with English in Colombia

19:59 Pursuing Independence and Helping Others

23:07 Beyond Accounting: Multifaceted Roles

29:31 Opportunity in America: A Privilege

32:32 Launching a Business with Purpose

33:32 Building Business Growth Through Structure

36:38 Entrepreneurial Decision-Making Struggles

40:52 Entrepreneurship's Endless Journey

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

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Invest in Yourself: Your Business Can Outperform the Market: "Plus, if you're doing it correctly, the returns that people can get in their own business you know, the ten years that we've been in business, I have not seen any return outside of their of their own business that could beat it." - M.C. Laubscher

As a passionate entrepreneur and the founder of Producers Wealth, M.C. Laubsher has dedicated himself to sharing alternative wealth strategies that challenge the conventional norms of financial planning.

We discover M.C.'s fascinating journey from growing up in Cape Town, South Africa, to becoming a key figure in innovative finance strategies. Discover how M.C.'s experiences at boarding school and his exposure to the dramatic changes in South African history sparked his interest in economics and wealth management.

Here's a sneak peek at what you'll learn:

1. M.C.'s Unique Background: From the rugby fields of South Africa to the boardrooms of Pennsylvania, M.C.'s story is a testament to resilience and curiosity. Hear how his upbringing in a military family and a passion for sports shaped his entrepreneurial spirit.
2. Alternative Wealth Strategies: Explore M.C.'s "Get Wealthy For Sure" strategy, which addresses key missteps entrepreneurs often make in financial planning. Learn about the innovative use of life insurance contracts in building a robust financial foundation for your business.
3. The Power of Storytelling: Discover why M.C. considers storytelling his superpower and how it plays a crucial role in educating and inspiring entrepreneurs to think differently about their finances.
4. Building a Legacy: Gain insights into M.C.'s vision of living and leaving a legacy and how he's setting up his business to empower future generations.

Plus, M.C. is offering our listeners a special opportunity to access his best-selling book, Get Wealthy For Sure, for free (just cover shipping). This is your chance to dive deeper into his groundbreaking strategies and transform your financial future.

PureTax, LLC

Don't miss this captivating episode that's packed with wisdom and practical advice. Whether you're just starting your entrepreneurial journey or looking to refine your financial strategy, M.C.s insights are sure to inspire and inform.

P.S. Access M.C.'s exclusive offer and more resources at producerswealth.com/empowering today!

Empowering Moments

00:00 Financial Guru's Journey and Mission

03:16 Chaos Sparks Curiosity and Growth

09:06 "Balancing Sports and Education Passion"

11:22 Foundational Defense in Martial Arts

15:16 Stellenbosch: Historic College Town

21:36 Early U.S. Rugby Career Aspirations

24:03 Multifamily Real Estate Journey's Beginnings

30:11 Bank Liabilities Are Assets

30:53 "Becoming Your Own Bank"

34:11 Opportunity in Problem-solving Alignment

39:38 Invest in Your Own Business

42:25 Diversify Business via Family Bank

45:04 Investing in Team and Tax Strategy

49:55 Living and Leaving a Legacy

53:30 Free Financial Resources Offer

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

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Transitioning from Israel to the US, Dani Beit-Or found an abundance of opportunities. Sometimes, the biggest changes bring the most rewarding experiences. Your environment can shape your journey—find where you thrive.

We bring you an inspiring and wisdom-packed episode featuring the remarkable Dani Beit-Or, a real estate entrepreneur with a wealth of experience and insight to share.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

What’s Inside This Episode?Building Relationships That LastDani Beit-Or brings to light an unexpected perk of the real estate business—forming long-term relationships with clients. These connections often lead to future property purchases, sometimes even without actively soliciting them. Dani emphasizes the value of prioritizing existing clients for investment opportunities over new contacts, reinforcing the importance of nurturing lasting professional relationships.

Mentoring and Giving BackDani shares his current passion for mentoring others in the business world. Drawing from his extensive experience, he finds joy in guiding entrepreneurs and helping them navigate their paths to success. This episode delves into Dani’s journey from an engineer to a mentor and real estate financial planner.

The Real Estate Dream DealsWhen Glenn Harper asks about Dani's dream deals, the discussion shifts to the requests Dani receives from non-clients for deal alerts. Tune in to hear how he handles these inquiries and his perspective on seizing the right opportunities.

From Military Service to Real Estate SuccessDani’s unique background includes graduating early from high school in DC, serving in a special forces unit of the military, and ultimately deciding to leave the service to find new opportunities. His journey continued back in Israel, where he began investing in U.S. real estate from afar. Today, Dani helps investors succeed through Simply Do It Real Estate Investments.

A Journey of Resilience and VisionDani and his wife moved from Israel to California with a few thousand dollars and a dream. They faced challenges but turned every obstacle into an opportunity, illustrating the abundance of chances available in the U.S. compared to their previous circumstances.

Skills, Integrity, and PassionA hallmark of Dani’s approach is his commitment to integrity and keeping his word, even years after property purchases. He discusses the unexpected appreciation he receives from clients for his integrity. This episode will inspire you to understand the profound impact of values in business.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

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We have an engaging conversation with Kyle Morris, the entrepreneurial force behind The Golf Room and The Golf Room Everywhere. His journey from a professional golfer to a mentor and business owner is nothing short of inspiring, and we're thrilled to share some of his insights with you.

From Golf Pro to Entrepreneur Extraordinaire

Kyle Morris has taken the fundamental lessons of golf—patience, practice, and perseverance—and applied them to his thriving business ventures. After spending years on professional golf tours across 20 countries, Kyle realized his passion was not only in playing the sport but in teaching it. This revelation became the catalyst for building The Golf Room, a premier golf instruction facility in Dublin, Ohio.

Building a Business Beyond the Tee

What stands out in Kyle’s journey is his ability to pivot and innovate. His decision to leverage technology led to the creation of The Golf Room Everywhere, an online platform that offers virtual golf lessons globally. By marrying his love for golf with entrepreneurial acumen, Kyle has expanded his reach far beyond the physical confines of his local facility. As he puts it, “Just launch it, and figure it out.”

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Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs:

• Embrace Imperfection: Don’t wait for your idea to be perfect before launching. Take Kyle’s advice—start when you’re 70-80% ready and refine as you go.
• Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Success is often a team effort. Kyle’s experience with mentorship and collaboration underscores the importance of surrounding yourself with trusted advisors.
• Vision and Purpose: Whether on the greens or in the boardroom, having a clear vision and a purpose-driven approach can be the defining factors of success.
• Learning from Failure: Kyle epitomizes the concept of “failing forward.” Each setback is a learning opportunity, driving you closer to your goals.

Kyle’s story is a testament to how passion, combined with a proactive mindset, can translate into entrepreneurial success. Whether you're a golf enthusiast or an aspiring entrepreneur, his journey offers valuable lessons on perseverance and innovation.

We hope you find Kyle's insights as motivating as we did.

Empowering Moments

00:00 Entrepreneurial Journey Insights Podcast

04:14 Augusta Visit Regret and Resolve

08:04 Entrepreneurial Journey to Golf Success

11:07 Action Over Talk: Just Do It

13:33 Entrepreneurial Teaching Motivates Growth

17:45 Personal Growth: Balance Encouragement and Reality

21:34 Embracing Risk in Entrepreneurship

24:12 "Prioritizing Trust Over Performance"

25:46 Evolving Team and Time Management

29:29 Innate Responsibility Discussion

34:07 Why Opening Florida Facility Fails

35:55 Passionate Commitment in Entrepreneurship

40:21 Team Dynamics: Influence vs. Autonomy

44:14 No Regrets in Life

47:22 Golf Tips and Podcast Info

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

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Have you ever wondered what it takes to make the leap from a conventional career to a fulfilling entrepreneurial journey?

Glenn Harper and Julie Smith sit down with Matt Ruttenberg, co-owner of Business Development of Life Inc. Retirement Services, to unravel his path from Ohio to Hawaii. You'll hear about his transition from the traditional financial services industry to creating meaningful retirement solutions for clients.

Discover how Matt managed to blend his passion for helping others with his entrepreneurial spirit to build a flourishing business. This is an inspiring conversation filled with actionable insights and dynamic twists that could alter the way you think about your entrepreneurial journey.

The end might just stop you in your tracks.

Top Empowering Takeaways

Entrepreneurial Journey: Matt's entrepreneurial journey shows the importance of discovering what truly interests you and pivoting when necessary. He shifted from traditional financial services to providing more specialized retirement plan services.

Mentorship and Family Influence: Matt's background in a finance-savvy family and mentorship from his father played a significant role in molding his career path. His father's work ethic and approach influenced Matt's decision to become an entrepreneur.

Adaptability and Patience: Matt emphasizes the importance of patience and adaptability. Entrepreneurs need to be prepared to take a long journey, understanding that initial steps might lead to unexpected but valuable opportunities.

Collaboration and Team Building: To scale and excel in business, especially in providing specialized services like 401(k) plans, building a knowledgeable and strong team is essential. Matt moved from working independently to partnering with a team to leverage their collective expertise.

Client-Centered Approach: The focus on understanding the client's specific needs, whether for tax saving or providing value to employees, is essential in the retirement plan services business. Tailoring plans to meet these specific needs makes a big difference.

Geographical Flexibility: Matt transitioned from different locations like Ohio, Florida, and eventually Hawaii, showing that geographical flexibility can play a role in pursuing entrepreneurial dreams and exploring new opportunities.

Real Estate Investment: Matt's real estate ventures with his brother and cousin during college highlight the potential of real estate as a secondary business avenue for entrepreneurs.

Importance of Networking: Matt's involvement in financial media networks and conferences underscores the importance of networking in fostering professional growth and staying updated with industry trends.

Family Support: Having a supportive spouse who understands and encourages the entrepreneurial journey can significantly impact an entrepreneur's success. Matt credits his wife's support as pivotal in his journey.

Continuous Learning and Evolution: The concept of continuous improvement and evolution in career and business decisions is vital. Matt's path shows the need to keep learning, adapting, and re-strategizing to find the most fulfilling and successful role.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Empowering Moments

05:36 Entrepreneurs: Nature or Nurture?

08:50 Early Golf Passion Fades

12:24 Real Estate Journey and Discovery

14:59 Independent Financial Journey in Florida

19:13 Journey of Career Pivots

20:36 "Finance Media Network and 401k Service"

24:32 Challenges in 401(k) Advisory Industry

27:31 Entrepreneurs Benefit from Financial Advice

32:17 Embrace Change with Professional Guidance

32:53 Invest in Professional Advice

36:57 Business Expansion from Three Owners

40:15 "Connecting Through 1-on-1 Conversations"

43:45 Building Generational Wealth Mindset

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

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The Hidden Struggle of Stay-at-Home Moms: "I was giving all of myself to my children, but there was nothing left for me. And my very creative, active brain had no outlet. Right? I had no intellectual stimulation outside of my children, and I suffered, I think, because of that and I think a lot of women, you know, do too." - Ashley Jordan

Julie Smith and Glenn Harper are joined by the insightful and relatable Ashley Jordan. An attorney, public speaker, journalist, and author of "Unhappy Achiever," Ashley shares her journey from a small rural town in Marengo, Illinois, to becoming a full-time writer and advocate for women's empowerment.

Ashley’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and relentless pursuit of passion. Raised in a working-class family and inspired by strong female role models like Gloria Steinem, she initially followed a conventional path by attending law school, despite knowing it wasn't her true calling. Her experience as an assistant district attorney revealed the emotional toll it took, prompting her to pivot towards her real passion—storytelling.

Ashley discusses her superpower: the ability to connect and inspire through her authentic voice and storytelling. You'll hear about her journey, her book "Unhappy Achiever," and her dedication to mentoring women and aspiring writers. Ashley also opens up about the challenges of balancing creative pursuits with family life, the loneliness she faced, and how writing became her sanctuary.

This is a candid and heartfelt conversation that underscores the importance of pursuing a career that feeds your soul and the incredible impact of sharing your story. Whether you're a working mom, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply looking for inspiration, Ashley Jordan’s journey will resonate and empower you to follow your own path.

Empowering Moments

04:51 Passion for empowering women through advocacy.

07:38 Passion for justice began in early school.

10:33 Making family proud dictated educational choices.

14:14 Chose law due to outside influences, unhappy.

18:15 Innate gift in writing; developed legal skills.

21:45 Brenda Quoddy inspired through dedication and passion.

25:01 Motherhood led to isolation, sparking creative blogging.

29:52 Fitting writing into daily life, inspired by mother.

32:44 Pursuing a career eased her profound loneliness.

38:36 Loneliness overcome by supportive circle of friends.

40:36 Mentoring women to inspire, share, and support.

44:32 Show up for your passion and yourself.

50:12 Empowering others to pursue fulfilling career paths.

51:46 Honoring strong family legacy through uncertain paths.

54:54 Storytelling to inspire and serve women purposefully.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Empowering Takeaways

Embrace Your Superpowers: Ashley Jordan underscores the importance of recognizing and leveraging your unique skills, such as storytelling and authenticity, to inspire and create impact.

Pursue Passion Over Expectations: Ashley's journey reveals the importance of pursuing careers and endeavors that nourish your soul, even if it means going against external expectations or traditional paths.

The Role of Mentors: Having strong mentors like Brenda Quoddy can be pivotal in shaping your career and inspiring you to follow your passions, even in challenging fields.

Balancing Family and Career: Successfully balancing family responsibilities with personal goals is possible through dedication, time management, and supportive relationships.

Importance of Authenticity: Sharing genuine and personal stories can be both empowering for the storyteller and inspiring for the audience, creating a ripple effect of empowerment.

Leveraging Adversity for Growth: Ashley's journey through law school and challenging jobs taught her valuable skills and brought clarity on what she truly wanted to pursue.

Writing as a Meditative Practice: Dedicating time to creative pursuits like writing can provide emotional and intellectual fulfillment, serving as a crucial outlet, especially during lonely or challenging times.

Support Networks: No large community is necessary; a small network of wise, supportive individuals can provide crucial mentorship and encouragement, helping you reach your true potential.

Continual Self-Reinvention: Ashley exemplifies that it's never too late to pivot career paths and that finding joy in what you do, even if it means starting anew, is essential for long-term fulfillment.

Small Steps Lead to Big Achievements: The significance of taking small, consistent steps towards your goals is highlighted by Ashley's ability to fit writing into her busy life, illustrating that persistence and time management can lead to success.

Ashley Jordan, J.D., is an author and speaker. Ashley has written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian, The Huffington Post, Woman’s Day, Teen Vogue, and more. A former attorney, she lives in Milwaukee with her three children.

www.MsAshJordan.com

www.unhappyachiever.com

Instagram: @msashjordan

Twitter: @msashjordan

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

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The Path to Success: "You just have to be open to all different kinds of experiences and choices that you make, because you don't know how those puzzle pieces come together in the end to paint you a really beautiful picture."

Julie Smith and Glenn Harper welcome the multifaceted entrepreneur Kerim Kfuri. From his family's immigrant background to navigating and excelling in various fields, Kfuri shares his extraordinary story of adaptability, cultural exchange, and relentless pursuit of success.

Kerim, cohost of the "Supply and Demand Show" on YouTube, founder of Global Crosswalk, and president of the Atlas Network, recounts his versatile career—from early entrepreneurial ventures like selling blueberries and custom shirts to pioneering dot-com initiatives and shifting into regulatory roles at Warner Brothers Records and the SEC.

With a background rich in finance, marketing, and international business, Kfuri reveals how he's continued to evolve alongside industry changes and chased his entrepreneurial passion, even picking up multiple languages along the way.

Throughout this conversation, Kfuri discusses the importance of human interactions, balancing differences in partnerships, and staying open to unplanned opportunities.

With heartfelt reflections on his family's influence, educational pursuits, and unique career paths, Kfuri offers profound insights into the entrepreneurial spirit and the constant drive to make a meaningful impact.

Empowering Moments

03:35 Entered supply chain via finance and experiences.

07:57 Adapting involves learning language, exchanging cultures.

09:52 Family business shaped by immigrant experience and work.

13:08 Created misterproducer.com: music industry B2B platform.

17:13 Ambition to leave a lasting impact.

20:40 Entrepreneurial leaders must self-motivate and self-regulate.

23:31 Casual encounters deepen human connections in society.

27:51 Loved science, realized medicine wasn't right fit.

31:49 "Industry shifted, aiming for audience-driven monetization."

32:38 IPO flop led to career in business law.

36:39 Supply chain management: supplier selection to delivery.

40:25 Global supply chain lacks regulatory best practices.

44:28 End game: Make impactful contributions towards goals.

46:25 Atlasnetwork.com, kareemkafuri.com, supplychainupsanddowns.com.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Empowering Takeaways

Adapting and Language Learning: Embrace the necessity of adapting and learning new languages when moving to a new country. This effort not only facilitates communication but also fosters cultural exchange and personal growth.

Cultural and Family Influence: Your family's work ethic and cultural background play a significant role in shaping your entrepreneurial mindset. Kerim’s immigrant background and family support were foundational to his development.

Early Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurial spirit can start young. Kerim's experiences selling blueberries and custom shirts as a child laid the groundwork for his future business ventures.

Market Adaptation: Entrepreneurship often requires pivoting. The obsolescence of Kerim's dotcom venture due to market changes exemplified his ability to transition and adapt, eventually leading him into finance and business law.

Value of Interpersonal Interactions: Everyday human interactions, even those as mundane as conversations in a supermarket, can provide valuable insights and opportunities. We should remain open to unexpected sources of inspiration.

Continuous Learning: Lifelong learning and re-skilling are crucial for navigating career shifts and market changes. Kerim’s journey from a dot-com entrepreneur to a supply chain expert underscores the importance of continuous education.

Facing Academic Challenges: Leverage diverse academic and professional experiences—even failures. Kerim's withdrawal from an archaeology class and pivoting career paths serve as reminders to be flexible and resilient.

Work-Life Balance Support: Having a supportive partner and work-life balance is essential for sustaining entrepreneurial ventures. Kerim’s wife played a crucial role in encouraging him to pursue his passions.

Importance of Effective Communication: In entrepreneurship, effective communication is a vital skill that can be a superpower, enabling better negotiations, relationships, and operational clarity.

Defining Success and Impact: Focus on making a meaningful impact rather than achieving a definitive endgame. Kerim's drive to make a lasting difference in various arenas is a powerful motivator for ongoing engagement and success.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

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Entrepreneur Isolation: "There's what people think it (entrepreneurship) looks like, and then there's the brutal reality of what it really is."

We talk about the stark realities of entrepreneurship, addressing the often overlooked yet omnipresent challenges faced by solo business trailblazers.

Key Takeaways

• The Reality Behind the Glamour: While social media often paints a perfect picture of entrepreneurship, the truth is far from it. Entrepreneurs frequently navigate a lonely and isolated journey before achieving success.
• Navigating Peaks and Valleys: The entrepreneurial path is filled with highs and lows. It's crucial to find those trusted individuals who support you through both the triumphant peaks and the challenging valleys.
• Building a Support System: Though ultimately the burden lies on the entrepreneur's shoulders, having a few trusted allies can make a significant difference. A support network offers not just emotional encouragement but can potentially provide shortcuts and insights that make the journey smoother.

Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences. We'd love to hear how you navigate the highs and lows of your entrepreneurial journey!

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

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What are some essential steps for leaders to take when developing a strong company culture and ensuring effective team dynamics?

We're thrilled to bring you the latest episode of "Empowering Entrepreneurs," where we hear about the inspiring journey of Scott Fleszar, a seasoned leader in the B2B Vertical SaaS sector and a senior adviser for SafeSend.

Choosing the Right Path:

Scott shares his decision-making process for attending Eastern Michigan University, influenced by proximity, affordability, and a strong encouragement from his family.

Global Experience:

Hear about Scott's international assignment in Switzerland with Thomson Reuters and how his family adapted to the new cultural environment. Discover the impacts of this experience on both his career and his family, including his daughter's success in securing a job in investment banking.

Corporate to Start-Up Dynamics:

Scott contrasts his experiences in large corporations versus small companies, emphasizing how he leveraged the structures and strategies from his time at Thomson Reuters to drive growth at SafeSend.

Real-World Job Insights:

Reflecting on his formative job experiences and the importance of practical, real-world jobs over fancy internships, Scott discusses the value of developing people skills and resilience.

Growth Strategies for Businesses:

Scott shares actionable strategies for business growth, including:

• Investing in potential and mentorship

• Establishing guardrails for controlled risk-taking

• Creating a culture of psychological safety

• Encouraging continuous improvement

Seeking Purpose-Driven Work:

Scott expresses his desire to transition towards more purpose-driven work, aiming to make a societal impact beyond the tech and accounting realms. He is currently involved with a charitable organization providing meals to those in need.

Empowering Moments

05:57 Grandmother's influence outweighed parents' roles in life.

09:42 Selling flowers at Detroit's Eastern Market.

11:44 Teens need real jobs for valuable experience.

17:12 College degree or trades; multiple career paths.

19:48 MBA pivoted career, leading to diverse roles.

21:13 Mega Corp offers more opportunities than small businesses.

25:06 Kids thrived through international move and challenges.

30:22 Networking led to SafeSend opportunity, joined Q4 2019.

31:49 Led company growth; CEO; pivotal career achievement.

36:03 Platform improves tax return process for accounting firms.

39:23 Invest in and mentor potential leaders for growth.

44:16 Building cohesive, ego-less teams through coaching.

47:05 Desires purpose-driven work beyond accounting profession.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

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Is scaling up always the best option? Or is refining and improving your existing operations the way forward?

Do you wanna be bigger and better?

Do you wanna be better and better?

How do you wanna spend your time in the new year and really create your intentions around your business?"

Key Takeaways:

Opportunity Cost

Understand the sacrifices entailed in the pursuit of business growth. Time, family, personal interests—all could be impacted.

Control vs. Delegation

Giving up control can be daunting, but smart delegation is crucial for scalability.

Intentional Planning

Regularly pausing to reflect and plan with intention can help you navigate the path between staying small and growing bigger.

It's all about the the delicate balance between getting bigger and being better, and finding out how to make intentional choices that align with your business goals.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

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The Regrets of a Busy Parent: "I don't even remember giving my son a bath his 1st year of his life." — Leslie Alvarez

Glenn Harper and Julie Smith sit down with the remarkable Leslie Alvarez, a powerhouse mompreneur and the president and founder of Community Association Consulting Experts Inc.

Glenn and Julie talk with Leslie Alvarez, the president and founder of Community Association Consulting Experts Inc., about her journey of juggling the demanding roles of motherhood and entrepreneurship.

Leslie shares candid advice on:

• The Art of Prioritization: Learn why saying "no" is essential and how valuing personal time can help you become your best self.
• Overcoming Setbacks: Discover how Leslie faced challenges head-on, recognized the need for self-care, and the importance of cherishing family moments.
• Managing High Performing Anxiety: Leslie discusses her experience with anxiety and offers valuable insights into slowing down and appreciating life's special moments.

Empowering Takeaways

Insight into how she manages her dual roles as a mother and an entrepreneur, stressing the need to prioritize and manage time effectively.

The importance of setting boundaries and learning to say no to unnecessary commitments to focus on what truly matters.

Hiring team members with strong customer service skills and surrounding herself with a supportive team to balance her task-oriented nature.

Empowering Moments

05:48 Childhood bookworm, rebuilt Barbie world, future property manager.

08:04 Returned to school as an adult at 38.

12:38 Proving myself in high-level role with diploma.

14:39 Entrepreneurs' journey: degrees not always necessary.

16:56 Studied intensely in big chunks, completed efficiently.

22:26 Turning point: From pregnant and jobless to author.

24:27 Learned to make tamales, supported family during break.

33:10 Enforcing rules with legal experience and support.

38:57 Learning to say no and prioritize self-care.

40:49 Struggle to prioritize and cherish family moments.

44:24 Overcoming imposter syndrome in Mexican neighborhood.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

PureTax, LLC

Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

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Setting Intentions: "If you can break it down into 30 day, 60 day, 90 day increments with those intentions of what you're going to do to achieve the said goal, it becomes really attainable."

As we approach the end of the year, it's the perfect time for us, as entrepreneurs, to take a moment and reflect on our journey. We talk about setting meaningful intentions for the new year.

Key Takeaways

• Set Clear Intentions Over Broad Goals: Rather than just having vague goals, define clear intentions and actionable steps to achieve them. It's not about saying "I will work out"; it's about planning when and how you will fit those workouts into your daily routine.
• Break Down Your Goals: Avoid feeling overwhelmed by breaking down your goals into smaller, manageable increments. Whether it's a 30-day, 60-day, or 90-day plan, having short-term milestones makes long-term objectives more attainable.
• Accountability is Crucial: Find someone to share your goals with and ask them to hold you accountable. This could be a partner, a colleague, or a friend. Accountability partners help keep you committed and motivated.

As we step into the new year, let's take these insights and set ourselves up for a year of success, growth, and meaningful accomplishments.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

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Have you ever faced a major career transition? How did you manage the challenges that came with it?

Glenn and Julie welcome Doug Motley, an accomplished real estate developer and the principal of Jackalingo Asset Management. Doug's journey from the banking sector to real estate development is nothing short of inspirational.

Growing up in Delaware, Doug has always been surrounded by a close-knit community, which played a role in shaping his career and entrepreneurial spirit.

Doug shares his appreciation for the changing seasons and how they reflect the ebb and flow of energy in local communities—transforming winter doldrums into the bustling vibrancy of summer.

He discusses his transition from a large banking institution to a smaller, more intimate real estate firm, where he taught himself financial modeling and rapidly rose to the position of CFO.

Throughout the episode, Doug emphasizes the importance of agility, persistence, and community-oriented projects. From launching JLAM in 2011 to his upcoming innovative retail center project, Doug demonstrates his commitment to creating spaces that benefit both investors and local residents.

The conversation touches on his unique ability to blend analytical skills with creative problem-solving, making complex real estate concepts accessible and engaging.

Empowering Moments

00:00 Delaware: Tight-knit community with easy accessibility.

05:54 Shift in work culture prompted career reevaluation.

09:01 Chose between expensive colleges; opted for scholarship.

11:10 Ignored Cornell summer program for beach summer.

13:44 Option for summer internship led to job opportunities.

19:41 Dewey Beach evolved into a year-round destination.

22:00 Each season here offers unique experiences.

24:16 Transitioned to small company, learned real estate development.

29:56 Determined not to waste potential observed in others.

32:11 Unbelievable timing, challenging, but educational finance experience.

36:38 Business partners decide to scale by delegating tasks.

40:33 Past ventures caused significant mental distraction and anxiety.

42:56 Exciting walkable retail center with restaurants, parks.

48:35 Improving everything I touch for community pride.

49:25 You always strive to improve, endlessly.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Empowering Takeaways

Seasonal Energy Dynamics: - Doug Motley appreciates how different seasons bring distinct energy levels and activities, impacting both individual motivation and business operations.

Career Transition & Adaptation: - Doug's shift from a rigid corporate banking environment to a more casual, entrepreneurial real estate setting highlights the ability to adapt to different professional cultures and thrive.

Community-Centric Real Estate: - Doug emphasizes developing real estate projects that benefit the community, focusing on integrating transportation links and enriching undersupplied commercial areas.

Self-Taught Expertise: - Faced with a lack of immediate supervision, Doug self-taught financial modeling and planning, proving the importance of self-initiative in skill acquisition and career advancement.

Persistence Against Failure: - Doug’s approach to viewing failure as iterative learning rather than a dead end underscores the significance of persistence and adaptive learning in entrepreneurship.

Mentorship & Support: - Doug credits much of his success to mentors and champions who saw potential in him, highlighting the value of support networks in entrepreneurial journeys.

Long-Term Community Impact: - Doug's end game focuses on leaving lasting positive impacts on communities and projects, prioritizing sustainable and beneficial development over immediate financial gains.

Balanced Perspective on Success and Failure: - Doug’s reflections reveal a balanced view of success and failure, marked by continuous learning, adaptation, and a proactive approach to seizing opportunities and overcoming challenges.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

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How important is it for entrepreneurs to embrace unpredictability, and what role does seeking help play in personal and business growth?

Glenn Harper and Julie Smith sit down with Blake Oliver, the mastermind behind Earmark CPE and host of The Accounting Podcast, to dive into his unique entrepreneurial journey.

From his unconventional childhood steeped in music to navigating the challenges of serial entrepreneurship, Blake shares how his ADHD and initial career in music shaped his path in the business world.

With insights on overcoming impostor syndrome, the importance of building a strong team, and focusing on creating value beyond financial gain, Blake's story is filled with lessons on persistence, adaptability, and visionary thinking.

We explore the intricacies of transforming ideas into successful ventures, the impact of financial stability on creativity, and Blake's ambitious vision for revolutionizing the continuing education market.

Empowering Moments

00:00 Introducing Blake Oliver, host of The Accounting Podcast.

05:06 Dad: Architect, urban planner, SimCity enthusiast.

07:06 Mom: homemaker, dietitian; Dad: business, complaints, influence.

11:28 Work service jobs; they change your perspective.

14:51 I chose math over pursuing music career.

17:11 Chose accounting for solid income, ROI credible.

20:29 Freelanced bookkeeping to pay for school expenses.

21:55 Early adopter bookkeeper gained business through certification.

25:20 Recruited as first product marketer at FlowCast.

28:28 Moved to Phoenix, drove around looking houses.

33:41 Learned SaaS metrics, realized value in subscription software.

37:45 Belief in product fueled by positive reviews.

41:24 Satisfaction follows purpose, not pursuit of fame.

44:28 Focus daily on practice, not immediate results.

46:22 ADHD: A superpower and a challenge.

49:22 Raising seed round for Earmark; pitching vision.

51:56 Practicing Bach's difficult E-flat major cello suite.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Empowering Takeaways

Unicorn Potential in Market Shares

• Blake Oliver emphasizes that capturing even just a small fraction of a market—such as a tenth of a percent—can lead to developing a unicorn business.

Serial Entrepreneurship Driven by ADHD

• Glenn Harper and Blake Oliver discuss how the inherent qualities of ADHD, such as the constant pursuit of new ideas, often fuel a serial entrepreneur's journey.

Impostor Syndrome and Initial Business Lessons

• Blake Oliver shared his experience of impostor syndrome in his first business, eventually selling it to avoid failure, and learning from the chaos to make his subsequent ventures smoother.

Importance of a Strong Team and Process

• Glenn Harper and Julie Smith highlight the necessity of surrounding oneself with smarter individuals and having solid processes to bolster entrepreneurial success.

Customer Feedback as Validation

• Blake Oliver believes in the power of customer feedback to validate the quality of a product, as evidenced by over 500 positive app reviews for his niche app.

Financial Stability and Creative Freedom

• A stable financial background provides entrepreneurs with the freedom to focus on innovation and creativity, reducing stress and enhancing productivity.

Persistent Learning and Adaptation

• Blake Oliver uses his own experiences to illustrate that continuous improvement and persistence are key to overcoming initial failures and achieving success.

Personal Passion and Business Balance

• Blake Oliver balances his entrepreneurial duties with personal passions like playing the cello, underscoring the importance of not letting business consume personal life.

Systemized Business Operations for Quality

• Due to personal organizational challenges, Blake Oliver developed strong business systems to ensure high-quality work, which benefitted his firm and client satisfaction.

Parallel Journeys: Entrepreneurship and Podcasting

• The principles that drive successful entrepreneurship, such as focus on value and quality, are equally applicable to creating impactful and sustainable podcasts.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

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Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

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We have the pleasure of hosting Kristin Taylor, Vice President of Legacy Retirement Group and co-host of "Winning Retirement Radio". Kristin joins us to discuss her multifaceted journey as a business leader, mother, wife, and part-time teacher to her youngest son.

Kristin shares the importance of people in her life—her children, faith, husband, and clients—emphasizing how supporting her team is pivotal to achieving both business success and personal fulfillment. She opens up about discovering her purpose through gratitude, and finding joy in daily routines by embracing a higher purpose.

Together with Empowering Entrepreneurs' co-host Julie Smith (no Glenn this week), they explore the ever-changing nature of work-life balance and the unique challenges faced by entrepreneurs, particularly women. Kristin highlights the critical importance of defining personal success and resisting societal pressures. Through personal anecdotes, they shed light on overcoming diverse life hurdles—from professional setbacks to deeply personal losses.

Kristin discusses her philosophy on focus, innovation, and making tough decisions in business, all the while staying true to her values and evolving through various life stages. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or someone striving for balance in life, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration to empower you on your journey.

Empowering Moments

03:54 Life reveals true allies amid ups and downs.

07:37 Inconspicuous farmer inspired college innovation interest.

11:03 Everyone's challenges differ; be transparent about difficulties.

15:39 Success supports passion project through team effort.

17:58 Instilling gratitude in everyday family life.

22:29 Has the vision of success evolved over time?

23:35 Long-time worker, values son's future success.

26:40 Parent realizes values are reflected in children.

30:42 Embrace uniqueness; see challenges as strengths.

38:20 Focused strategy transformed Legacy Retirement over years.

39:47 Theme: Take it to the next level, uncertain plans.

42:45 Kristen encourages sharing personal aspects on podcast.

48:59 Confidence in tough business decisions is superpower.

49:33 Success includes learning from failures too.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

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What strategies can entrepreneurs implement to support their nervous system amidst their busy schedules?

We welcome back Dr. Indigo (Indie) Vasquez!

We're thrilled to continue our conversation with the remarkable Dr. Indigo Vasquez in this highly anticipated Part 2 of our series. Dr. Vasquez, a board-certified Doctor of Natural Medicine and best-selling author of "Optimize Your Gut," brings her wealth of knowledge on gut health and holistic healing to our discussion.

In this episode, we explore the vital interplay between entrepreneurship and self-care. Dr. Vasquez shares profound insights on why maintaining personal health is crucial for business success, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries, prioritizing proper nutrition, rest, and exercise, and confronting the often overlooked issue of self-worth among entrepreneurs. We'll also dive into practical strategies for stress management, healthier habits, and overcoming the fear of failure.

We discuss everything from the simplicity of nutritional foundations to the unintended consequences of modern convenience foods, and the need for clear boundary-setting in a world driven by technology. Dr. Vasquez provides actionable advice for balancing professional passion with personal well-being, ensuring that entrepreneurs can thrive both in their business and their health.

Learn about her latest book, "Optimize Your Gut," her tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and her journey from personal trainer to a sought-after naturopathic doctor.

Follow Dr. Indie on IG

Empowering Moments

00:00 Doctor Indigo Vasquez: Root-cause health-focused natural medicine practitioner.

05:16 Becoming an expert entrepreneur requires specialization.

09:12 Learning is uncomfortable but can be rewarding.

12:40 Who promotes your profession's importance and necessity?

13:45 Educates through social media on healthier choices.

19:24 Eating habits are taught, not genetically inherited.

22:39 Healthy eating choices during date nights discussed.

26:17 Professionals must consistently perform despite challenges.

27:38 Mineral balancing boosts energy, strategic self-care vital.

30:25 Why avoid self-care despite acknowledging its importance?

34:41 Setting boundaries improved health and business respect.

37:52 Women multitask, need relaxation, overcome guilt rationally.

41:27 Starting a business isn't just for elites.

44:31 Successful CEOs prioritize self-care, discipline, efficient routines.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Empowering Takeaways

Treat Your Body Like a Business: Just as entrepreneurs invest time and resources into their businesses, they should also prioritize self-care and health. This includes proper nutrition, exercise, and adequate rest to optimize personal performance and productivity.

Root Cause vs. Symptom Treatment: Dr. Vasquez emphasizes diagnosing the root causes of health issues as opposed to merely treating symptoms, drawing a parallel to identifying and addressing underlying issues in business for sustainable success

Importance of Personal Boundaries: Setting personal boundaries, such as limiting work communication outside office hours, is pivotal for maintaining both personal and professional well-being. It allows for better energy management and effectiveness in serving clients.

Balance Between Passion and Self-Care: Entrepreneurs often put their clients and businesses first due to passion and commitment. However, this should not come at the expense of their health. Long-term success is more achievable when personal self-care isn't neglected.

Stress and the Nervous System: The conversation highlights the need for balancing stress on the nervous system. Dr. Vasquez discusses various self-care routines, such as breathwork, hydration, and proper nutrition, to support nervous system health.

Fear of Failure: Overcoming the fear of failure is crucial for entrepreneurs. Good self-care practices can help reduce anxiety and improve one's ability to face challenges head-on, leading to greater achievements.

Sustainable Habit Changes: Dr. Vasquez introduces the "big three" habit changes: implementing breath work, improving hydration with quality salts, and reducing digital exposure, along with eliminating processed foods to foster sustainable health benefits.

Power of Small Changes: Small, consistent lifestyle changes can lead to significant health improvements and influence community-wide behavioral shifts. Entrepreneurs can apply the same philosophy to their business strategies.

Empowerment and Advocacy: Dr. Vasquez advocates for clients to take responsibility for their health and become proactive in their decisions. This self-empowerment translates to the business world by encouraging entrepreneurs to trust their instincts and be resilient in the face of obstacles.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

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What strategies can be employed to effectively identify potential key employees?

We discuss the crucial process of identifying talent, setting guardrails, and effectively communicating your vision to elevate your business.

Invest in the Right Person

• Finding an employee who matches your dedication is challenging but possible. When you do find them, invest in their development. Recognize that your strengths may be their weaknesses and vice versa. This can create a balanced and cohesive team.

Set Clear Expectations

• Ensure you're not overwhelming the new talent with unrealistic expectations. Provide clear guidelines, and let them do their thing while you support their growth. Regularly reevaluate their progress and guide them effectively.

Communicate Your Vision

• As an entrepreneur, your vision is unique and valuable. Don’t keep it locked in your head. Share it openly with your team. Effective communication ensures everyone is aligned and working towards the same goals, leading to collective success.

Understand that trust and delegation come with risks. Sometimes it may result in setbacks, but it often leads to significant high points and growth.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

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How does Dr. Vasquez’s approach blend entrepreneurial mindset with effective health management?

We are thrilled to sit down with the remarkable Dr. Indigo Vasquez. Dr. Vasquez (or Dr. Indie, as she likes to be called) is a board-certified doctor of natural medicine with a wealth of expertise in hormone health, sports performance, and gut healing.

She shares her lifelong commitment to patient care, emphasizing the importance of partnership and communication in the healing journey. We explore fundamental health habits like fresh air, sunlight, and movement, and how self-worth often becomes a barrier to adopting these practices. Indie sheds light on the self-discovery and empowerment aspects of healing, moving beyond mere scientific advice.

We talk about how to transition from unhealthy to healthy food choices, gut-brain reconditioning, and how products are chemically designed to make us crave more. Dr. Indie also talks about her entrepreneurial journey, inspired by her military family's resilience and her father's business endeavors.

We discuss her challenges and motivations in choosing naturopathy over traditional medicine, her impressive educational background, and her efforts in building a successful integrative health practice. Julie even shares her personal success story under Dr. Indie's care.

Learn about her latest book, "Optimize Your Gut," her tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and her journey from personal trainer to a sought-after naturopathic doctor.

Follow Dr. Indie on IG

Empowering Moments

03:49 Entrepreneurial mindset inspired by dad and career.

08:44 Initially challenging to convince others of ancient medicine.

11:47 Transitioned from trainer to holistic health consultant.

15:29 Doctor Indie's explanations and education are invaluable.

19:39 Unique skills and personalized care ensure success.

23:00 People wait for crisis before seeking help.

25:37 Healing gut promotes clear mind-body communication.

26:46 Doritos are designed to suppress fullness signals.

30:23 Multitasking with accuracy is my superpower.

Empowering Takeaways

Dr. Indigo Vasquez highlights the importance of ongoing partnership and communication in the healing process. This consistent, personal approach is essential for effective patient care.

Emphasizing foundational health practices like getting fresh air, sunlight, and regular movement. These simple practices are vital, yet often hindered by low self-worth.

Healing is about more than following medical advice; it involves a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, guiding individuals to take control of their health.

Many people only seek medical help during a crisis. Dr. Vasquez advocates for prioritizing personal health before issues become severe, highlighting a preventive approach.

The transition from unhealthy to healthy eating habits typically takes around 6 weeks of commitment, leading to a lasting change in taste preferences and improved overall health.

Improving gut health significantly affects brain function and food responses, showcasing the deep connection between the gut and brain in overall wellness.

Foods like Doritos are designed to bypass the body's natural discomfort signals, making them harder to resist. Understanding this can help individuals make healthier choices.

Dr. Vasquez’s path includes extensive education and a focus on root cause medicine, moving beyond symptom treatment to more holistic healing methods.

Recognizing the vital role of diet and well-being in an entrepreneur’s success, Dr. Vasquez encourages business professionals to prioritize their health for greater business efficiency.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

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How do personal and professional commitments impact an entrepreneur's ability to plan for the following year?

It's time to talk about the importance of forward planning to make the most out of the upcoming year.

Carve Out Time for Strategic Planning

Major organizations set aside dedicated time for strategic meetings and retreats. As entrepreneurs, we too need to step back from day-to-day operations to focus on the big picture. Schedule these sessions now, earmark them on your calendar, and hold yourself accountable.

Define Clear, Measurable Goals

It’s not enough to just aim for growth; you need specific, attainable targets. Break down larger goals into actionable items—like acquiring a set number of new clients or implementing a new software. This helps your team understand their role in achieving the company’s success.

Communicate and Get Buy-In From Your Team

Your team should be in sync with your plans and goals. By providing clear, understandable objectives and the "why" behind them, you ensure everyone is working towards a common goal. This collaborative approach can transform your business by getting everyone pulling in the same direction.

An entrepreneur's success is heavily dependent on clear, well-communicated goals and team buy-in. Planning now, rather than waiting until January, sets a strong foundation for the upcoming year.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

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The Power of Listening to Your Gut: "I've always kept asking, like, what brings me joy? What do I like? And I've been willing to have the courage to pivot and do that."

Welcome to another inspiring episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs! Today, your Glenn Harper and Julie Smith sit down with Amber De La Garza, a remarkable productivity specialist, coach, and host of the Small Business Straight Talk podcast.

Amber shares her incredible journey—from quitting her job after starting a family and buying a new home, to building a thriving business by leveraging a loan off her whole life insurance.

Amber spotlights the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the importance of setting goals, and the art of making tough decisions by trusting her gut.

We explore her unique coaching approach, tailored to understanding individual personalities and motivations, and hear about her insights gained from personality tests like the Enneagram.

Empowering Moments

00:00 Amber De La Garza: Productivity Specialist and Coach

05:38 Early work experience influences parenting of son.

07:59 Selling real estate was challenging due to age.

09:25 Coaching sales executives, then resigned after son's birth.

14:46 Unexpectedly offered consultant role after quitting career.

17:08 Entrepreneur's knowledge and courage in real estate.

19:24 Entrepreneurs thrive in chaos, dig deep.

24:17 Acknowledging faith, growth, and vision in business.

29:14 Focused on coaching real estate agents, balanced motherhood.

33:34 Mentors and peers provide vital business support.

37:30 Emphasize simple business model to maximize value.

42:21 Understanding clients and adaptability are key.

44:46 Encouragement for entrepreneurs to embrace discomfort for confidence.

Empowering Takeaways

From quitting her job to buying a home and taking a loan against her life insurance, Amber embraced high risks to pursue her dreams.

Amber's story emphasizes the importance of supportive relationships, particularly with her husband, who made significant sacrifices by working on the road to enable her business growth and later quit his job to be there for her when she needed it most.

Amber underscores that it's essential to have a roadmap to keep you focused and driven.

Prioritizing their marriage and leaning on faith was critical to Amber and her husband's resilience and ultimate success, showing that personal support networks can be as vital as professional ones.

Amber leverages personality tests like the Enneagram to tailor her coaching approach, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual client motivations and personalities to produce effective results.

Viewing challenges as opportunities for growth can enhance resilience and lead to personal and professional development.

Amber’s business strategy involves managing a lean team that takes care of most aspects of her business except for the direct interactions she values most.

Aligned Business and Values. It is crucial for entrepreneurs to align their business models with what they truly value and enjoy.

PureTax, LLC

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2024 Glenn Harper

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What are the benefits of having "No! People" - individuals who challenge ideas, provide constructive criticism, and ultimately contribute to more refined and well-thought-out decisions - in your entrepreneurial team?

Living Fast Forward - Building a Team that Challenges You

Living Fast Forward Takeaways

• Surround Yourself with Challengers: Build a team that isn't afraid to question and push back on your ideas.
• Create Safe Spaces: Foster an environment where employees feel safe to provide honest feedback without fear of repercussions.
• Focus on Execution: Avoid the trap of the "shiny object syndrome" by focusing on completing current projects before starting new ones.
• Consult Advisors: Make it a habit to consult your CPA and legal advisors early in the decision-making process to ensure sound strategies.
• Embrace Discomfort: Growth often comes from uncomfortable situations—get comfortable being uncomfortable.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Copyright 2024 Glenn Harper

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How do mentors contribute to an entrepreneur's journey, and what qualities should one look for in a mentor?

Glenn Harper and Julie Smith welcome Aaron Marcum, who shares his incredible story filled with challenges, growth, and invaluable lessons. From his early days as a top sales rep to founding a successful home care agency and Home Care PULSE, Aaron's journey is one of resilience and creativity.

You will learn more about the parallels between cycling and entrepreneurship, exploring how this passion has helped him improve business systems, delegate effectively, and achieve mental clarity. Plus, the vital pillars of building a successful company culture, fostering autonomy, high-quality connections, and competence among team members.

Empowering Takeaways

Drafting in Business: Just like in cycling, find mentors who will guide you through the journey and share the load.

Creativity as a Superpower: Harness your creativity to empower others and drive innovation within your business.

Company Culture Essentials: Focus on autonomy, relatedness, and competence to build a motivated, resilient team.

Work-Life Balance: Maintaining physical and mental health is crucial for sustained entrepreneurial success.

Never-Ending Journey: As Aaron’s end game reveals, entrepreneurship is about constant reinvention and achieving the four freedoms of time, relationships, money, and purpose.

Empowering Moments

08:21 Delivered two newspaper routes for a couple years.

12:34 Entrepreneurship, accounting, psychology: an unusual path.

15:49 Researched Martin Seligman, positive psychology program at UPenn.

19:40 Encouraging entrepreneurship, empowering team members to prosper.

22:33 Building high-quality connection and rapport for retention.

26:32 Overcame burnout through cycling, changed lifestyle.

28:28 Entrepreneurs need balance beyond work for success.

31:44 Cycling meditation sharpens focus, generates new ideas.

36:43 Founder shares sacrifices and emotional challenges faced.

38:10 Focus on yourself, not others' opinions or achievements.

41:31 Creativity is my superpower; I empower others.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Copyright 2024 Glenn Harper

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How do you balance entrepreneurial responsibilities with personal life, especially during the summer months when kids are back in school?

Living Fast Forward, An Entrepreneur's Journey

We're starting something a little different with this episode. We're exploring what's it like living in 'fast forward' mode—not just in business, but in real life.

As the summer winds down and kids head back to school, we'll discuss how this annual transition impacts entrepreneurs, particularly those juggling the demanding roles of parenthood and business ownership. We share personal anecdotes, tips on maintaining routines, and strategies for balancing work, family, and personal growth.

Living Fast Forward Takeaways

Balancing Personal and Professional Life - Entrepreneurs often struggle to balance their personal responsibilities with professional ones. Especially for parents, managing the diverse demands can be overwhelming but is crucial for sanity.

Importance of Routine and Schedule - Routine and schedules can provide a sense of stability and organization, especially during the school year. Entrepreneurs can leverage this structure for better productivity.

The Challenge of Summer for Working Parents - The summer months can present significant challenges for working parents. Without the structure of school, managing children’s schedules and maintaining work productivity can become difficult.

Teaching Kids by Example - Immersing children in a parent's entrepreneurial world can be educational. It can inspire them and provide early lessons in business and work ethic.

Effective Time Management - For entrepreneurs, effective time management is critical. Utilizing every available moment productively, even waiting times during kids' activities, can help in managing a busy schedule.

Gender Differences in Parenting Roles - Traditional gender roles can influence the division of responsibilities between men and women in entrepreneurial families.

Kids’ Extracurricular Activities - Engaging children in sports and other extracurricular activities can foster discipline, confidence, and reduce idle time that might lead to trouble.

Seasonal Adjustments in Work-Life Balance - Different seasons (like the school year vs. summer) require different approaches to managing work and personal life. Flexibility and adaptability are essential traits for entrepreneurs.

Self-Care and Stress Management - Entrepreneurs need to prioritize their health and well-being by slotting time for exercise, hobbies, or downtime to manage stress effectively.

Utilization of Education Savings Plans - Entrepreneurs should leverage education savings plans like 529 and Coverdale accounts to maximize tax benefits and support their children’s educational expenses.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Copyright 2024 Glenn Harper

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The Impact of Discipline on Personal Success**: "The discipline and kind of the consistency around my morning routine and my daily routines has stuck and I think contributed to a lot of the success that I've had as a, father and a husband and an entrepreneur." — Troy Lavinia

Julie Smith and Glenn Harper sit down with Troy Lavinia, the visionary founder of Daily SOS and Mosaic Research Management.

Troy shares his remarkable journey from the corporate hustle to successful entrepreneurship, emphasizing the critical role of understanding one's subconscious mind and spirituality.

Discover how a blend of business strategies, yoga, meditation, and visualization led Troy to unimaginable success, including the sale of his company for $50 million. Along the way, he realized the limitations of traditional business education and decided to help others tap into their inner potential through his 42-day program.

Learn how his personal evolution has not only transformed his own life but also aims to bring peace, balance, and fulfillment to entrepreneurs everywhere. Stay tuned for a conversation that promises to enlighten and empower your entrepreneurial journey.

Empowering Moments

05:32 Broad business degree, little relevance to career.

08:14 Team sports teach resilience, discipline, and perseverance.

11:48 Gradual awareness, consistent acknowledgment, and productive approach.

15:44 Struggling in employment, yearning to be entrepreneur.

18:11 Struggles with work and personal life balance.

20:33 Success linked to spirituality and subconscious mind.

26:25 Intuition led to focus on spirituality and manifestation.

29:03 Writing a book isn't a sustainable business.

31:07 Teaching spirituality, inner success, and entrepreneurship daily.

34:37 Prioritizing spirituality leads to sustained success and happiness.

Empowering Takeaways

Troy Lavinia stresses that addressing subconscious beliefs and spiritual aspects is crucial for long-term entrepreneurial success, beyond simply focusing on strategies and tactics.

Troy shares his transformation from a corporate employee to an entrepreneur, driven by the realization that he needed to work on his unconscious mind and spirituality.

By blending business strategy, yoga, meditation, and spirituality, Troy illustrates how visualization and manifestation can boost success in entrepreneurship.

To extend his knowledge and methods beyond his book, Troy created a community and a 42-day program to help others tap into their spirituality and subconscious mind, starting outreach through LinkedIn.

In his mid-twenties, Troy developed discipline and consistency which positively impacted his roles as a father, husband, and entrepreneur, highlighting the importance of these traits.

Troy critiques traditional business education for not emphasizing spirituality and subconscious mind work, which he finds fundamental to achieving true success and fulfillment.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Copyright 2024 Glenn Harper

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How important is quick decision-making and confronting uncomfortable situations for personal and professional growth?

From her beginnings in athletics at the University of Washington to earning a Ph.D. in adult learning and leadership development, Dr. Carrie Graham's journey is both inspiring and instructive. She opens up about her transition from a shy individual to an assertive professional in elite athletics, and how those experiences shaped her ability to make quick decisions and confront challenges head-on.

Dr. Graham delves into the disconnect between company missions and practices, stressing the importance of validated research in training programs. She also shares her personal and professional growth, the empowering realization of not needing external validation, and her pivot to entrepreneurship amid the COVID pandemic.

Plus, hear practical advice for small business owners looking to improve their training programs and employee onboarding.

The Disconnect Between Mission Statements and Reality: "It's a business who, in their mission statement, they say that they value their employees, and they talk about how great their employees are to their business the success of their business. But when you look inside of that business, the employees don't feel that way." — Dr. Carrie Graham

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Empowering Moments

05:44 University professor and Division 1 athletics experience.

07:15 Education, athletics, family, teaching, motivation, PhD pursuit

13:05 Enduring adversity shapes the strength to endure.

17:48 Black woman asserts autonomy in professional decisions.

25:19 Learned from many, put it together yourself.

29:26 Business claims to value employees, but doesn't.

33:30 Businesses lack knowledge of effective training practices.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2024 Glenn Harper

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"Shaping an Industry and Advocating for Change": "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build and shape one of the largest industries in the country. And it has far-reaching aspects beyond just the plant and, you know, rescheduling the plant, de-scheduling the plant, but there's a social equity component tied to it."

Today’s episode is going to be a blast because we’ve got the amazing Naomi Granger with us. Naomi is a total rockstar in the world of cannabis accounting and taxation. She’s the brains behind the National Association of Cannabis Accounting and Tax Professionals and Green Leaf CFO, and she’s super passionate about helping tax pros navigate the tricky waters of the cannabis industry.

We’re diving deep into Naomi’s story—from growing up in the wild casino world of Las Vegas to crushing it as a top accountant. She’ll share her transition from the corporate grind to becoming a go-to expert in cannabis tax codes. Plus, she'll give us the lowdown on her game-changing training program, "Calculating Cannabis," and why mentorship and self-growth are key to making it big in your career.

Naomi’s got some fascinating insights into the future of accounting, her push for social equity in the cannabis world, and how she wants to leave a legacy of financial literacy and successful businesses.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Empowering Moments

00:00 Introducing Naomi Granger, a powerhouse in cannabis accounting.

06:30 First job at Deloitte, dream come true.

08:05 Internships, graduation, long career in public accounting.

15:25 Initial struggle led to a successful breakthrough.

23:32 Moved to Las Vegas, saw cannabis industry growing.

30:31 Deciding to teach and share industry secrets.

33:08 Program "Calculating Cannabis" trains professionals in industry.

37:42 Confidence and self-reflection crucial for success.

41:25 Advocacy for cannabis industry and social equity.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2024 Glenn Harper

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We sit down with an inspiring guest, Steve Gavatorta. Steve, a certified behavior analyst, emotional intelligence coach, and author, shares his incredible journey from a hard-working childhood in Burgottstown, Pennsylvania, to becoming a successful entrepreneur.

Steve dives into his early entrepreneurial ventures, academic struggles, and the pivotal role of mentors in shaping his career. He emphasizes the importance of understanding behavioral styles and emotional intelligence in building effective teams and achieving business success.

Glenn, Julie, and Steve explore essential tools like DISC assessments and the significance of structured processes for sustainable growth. Steve also reveals his passion for training and development, leading him to leave a flourishing corporate career for empowerment and consulting.

We discover Steve's insights on rational decision-making, his new book "Thrive in the Face of Adversity."

PureTax, LLC

Empowering Moments

06:45 Parental reluctance, varied jobs, and entrepreneurial aptitude.

10:25 Struggling with studies, but improved through writing.

14:14 Experienced professional with 21 years in CPG.

18:55 Spent $800 on DISC survey, led to business opportunity.

21:46 Overcoming challenges through action and commitment.

23:36 Passion for teaching skills for success.

26:04 Helping smaller companies with structure and skills.

29:57 Embracing chaos at work improves personal life.

34:26 Improve leadership by understanding self and team.

36:10 Inquiring about the effectiveness of the Enneagram personality test.

43:44 Assessing team dynamics for better performance.

47:02 Adding business structure and vision for entrepreneurs.

49:43 Understanding limbic and rational thinking, advocating control.

51:33 Book compiles responses to 6 questions.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

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Copyright 2024 Glenn Harper

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Welcome back to Empowering Entrepreneurs! In today's episode, hosts Glenn Harper and Julie Smith are joined by the dynamic Jim Buffington. They get into Jim's remarkable journey from his humble beginnings at a Texas agricultural land grant school to becoming a significant force in the world of public accounting and technology.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

They talk with him about his transition from public accounting to leading a dotcom and eventually integrating technology into tax and accounting, making compliance more efficient and enabling richer client conversations. Throughout the episode, Jim emphasizes the importance of experimenting, embracing failure, and prioritizing customer empathy.

The Real Reason New Businesses Fail: "And we know that about half of those, new businesses are gonna fail in the 1st 5 years oftentimes because they're not paying payroll taxes or sales taxes or things that need to be done."— Jim Buffington

Empowering Takeaways

1. Transition from Public Accounting to Technology: - Jim's journey from public accounting to founding a dotcom and incorporating technology into tax and accounting illustrates the dynamic career paths available within and outside traditional accounting roles.

2. Importance of Communicating Value: - The need for tax professionals to improve communication with clients about the value they provide, transcending beyond compliance work to emphasize planning and advisory services.

3. Embracing Trial and Error: - The significance of experimenting and learning from failures, encouraging entrepreneurs and accountants alike to be bold, share ideas freely, and continually practice new offerings.

4. Adoption of Automation for Efficiency: - Highlighting the role of automation in accounting to handle compliance work, enabling deeper, more valuable client engagements and advisory services.

5. Client Engagement and Empathy: - Emphasizing the importance of client empathy, understanding their unique business needs, goals, and challenges, and engaging them in the planning process for more tailored advice.

Empowering Moments

00:00 Introducing Jim Buffington, advisory service leader at Intuit.

07:53 Public accounting days unleashed entrepreneurial spirit, helping entrepreneurs.

12:21 Worked with farmers and ranchers, then oil.

17:13 Accountants become emotionally invested in clients' success.

22:07 Improve compliance through client-driven workflow changes.

24:10 Entrepreneurs struggle with planning, need accountant's guidance.

31:06 Supporting unique needs and strengths of businesses.

34:20 Value client needs, diverse skills, problem-solving expertise.

36:00 Communicate client benefits, focus on delivering ROI.

39:44 Business success hinges on essential financial tasks.

43:55 My superpower is deep customer empathy.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

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Copyright 2024 Glenn Harper

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We welcome Alysson Bourque—a multi-faceted entrepreneur who wears many hats as an author, publicist, attorney, and teacher.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Alysson, co-owner of Expound Publicity, a PR firm launched during the pandemic, has successfully helped over 500 authors market their books. Her firm provides comprehensive services, from publicity and customized campaigns to virtual book tours and awards submissions.

Growing up in a small town in Louisiana, Alysson was inspired by her entrepreneurial parents who owned a pharmacy. Her journey took her from considering a career in pharmacy to becoming a lawyer, and eventually finding her true calling in storytelling. Her firsthand experience with government workings during Hurricane Katrina and her passion for writing both played pivotal roles in her professional evolution.

A dedicated mom, Alysson involves her children in her literary pursuits to instill resilience and the value of hard work. Her book series, Alley Cat, aims to make reading fun for kids, with interactive author visits, engaging promotional materials, and a vision to become a household name in children's literature.

Empowering Takeaways

1. Pandemic-Fueled Entrepreneurship: - Alysson Bourque and her partner started Expound Publicity, a PR firm for authors, during the pandemic.

2. Diverse Services for Authors: - Expound Publicity offers comprehensive support including customized marketing campaigns, outreach to media and bookstores, award submissions, and even virtual book tours, providing a one-stop shop for authors' publicity needs.

3. Empowering the Next Generation: - Bourque shares her approach to parenting by supporting her daughter's entrepreneurial ambitions and her son's dream of becoming a professional golfer, emphasizing the importance of following one's passions.

4. Navigating the Publishing Landscape: - Alysson has experience in various publishing routes including self-publishing, hybrid publishing, and traditional publishing. Her persistence through rejections ultimately led to securing a traditional publisher for her series.

5. Balancing Personal and Professional Life: - Bourque skillfully merges her family and professional life, from taking her family on business-related trips to involving her children in her writing process, teaching them resilience and hard work along the way.

Empowering Moments

05:30 Parents started in pharmacy, business grew.

12:52 Striving for uniqueness against the mainstream.

16:48 Discovering talent for writing through unexpected inspiration.

18:05 Handwritten story written in an hour.

23:00 Chose writing over law, pursued traditional publishing.

26:10 Author juggles book tour with family schedules.

27:32 Author facilitates book marketing and virtual visits.

32:39 Children pursuing careers that make them happy.

35:46 Creative repetition brings fresh excitement every time.

39:05 My superpower is being empathetic and self-evaluative.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

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Copyright 2024 Glenn Harper

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In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Gina Cotner, a remarkable entrepreneur and the founder of Athena Executive Services. Originally setting out to leave corporate America behind, Gina ventured into the world of business ownership with a Martini Lounge, a dream that quickly taught her the importance of selecting the right business partners and the necessity of financial advisement.

After stepping back from the lounge project, Gina navigated through the economic turmoil of the real estate bubble burst, pivoting her career towards business and life coaching, and eventually founding Athena Executive Services. This company brilliantly pairs virtual executive assistants with executives needing robust support, allowing leaders like Gina to focus on strategic growth - demonstrating her superpower of raising leaders and developing people.

Empowering Moments

00:00 Gina Cotner: Founder of Athena Executive Services.

06:02 Sports provided belonging, friendships, and love.

07:33 Teenage girl leaves elite private school, thrives.

12:31 Woman follows boyfriend to Boston, experiences change.

15:28 Seeking advice led to career-enhancing opportunity.

17:45 Balancing emotion and facts in business decisions.

21:47 Uncertainty about future with good guy.

25:43 Decided to be a business coach, struggled financially.

30:00 Financial struggle, family tension, and declining mental health.

33:04 Business declines, father's health deteriorates, employee leaves.

34:39 Managing calendar and high-stakes projects from home.

40:47 Belief and support drive entrepreneurial success.

42:58 Overcoming obstacles, belief in yourself, finding inspiration.

45:17 Challenges of leaving corporate America to pursue entrepreneurship.

48:40 Gradually delegated tasks to relieve workload stress.

52:02 Planning for future, passing on skills, mentoring.

Top Takeaways

Learning from Failure: Gina’s ability to pivot from an unsuccessful business venture to becoming a successful business and life coach illustrates the importance of resilience and adaptability in entrepreneurship.

Delegation as a Growth Strategy: Delegating can lead to building a strong leadership team that manages day-to-day operations effectively, allowing the entrepreneur to focus on strategic growth.

Identifying and Leveraging Your Superpower:Entrepreneurs should identify their own strengths (or superpowers) and leverage them to enhance their business and empower their teams.

The Impact of Supportive Relationships: Support from significant others can be crucial for entrepreneurs. Their belief and backing can be a powerful motivator and provide emotional stability through the ups and downs of business ownership.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Copyright 2024 Glenn Harper

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

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This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

In this episode, we chat with franchising guru Jon Ostenson and dive deep into the thriving world of non-food franchising.

Jon shares his extraordinary journey from finance whiz to franchise expert, emphasizing the power of a franchise system’s support and success rates eclipsing independent startups.

With insights on strategic investment choices, financing savvy, and the mastery of assembling 'A' teams, Jon illuminates pathways to profitable entrepreneurship.

For everyone dreaming of business ownership, this episode offers a blueprint for success directly from a mastermind in franchising. If you're ready to level up your entrepreneurial game, Jon's wisdom is your launching pad.

Exploring Alternative Investments in Real Estate: "90% of our clients end up purchasing something that was never on their radar. So it is so much fun when the slight bulb moments have. And I've had doctors buy installation businesses." — Jon Ostenson

Top Takeaways

1. Leverage Your Corporate Experience: Utilize the skills and work ethic developed in the corporate world as they are valuable assets when transitioning to entrepreneurship or franchise ownership.

2. The Power of Franchising: Franchises provide a systematic approach to business ownership with the support of a proven business model, substantially increasing the chances of success.

3. Diverse Opportunities in Franchising: Franchising isn't just about food; there are vast opportunities in non-food industries, and these can sometimes offer quicker returns on investment and higher margins.

4. Success Rates and Pitfalls: While franchisees boast a high success rate, common reasons for failure include not adhering to the system, overly entrepreneurial spirits causing disruptions, and resistance to coaching.

5. Value of Mastermind Groups: Engaging with peer groups for support and shared learning can significantly enhance an entrepreneur's journey and lead to better decision-making.

6. The Significance of Mentorship: Having mentors and seeking professional advice is crucial in navigating the complexities of the franchising world and avoiding common pitfalls.

7. The Role of Strategic Partnerships: Success in consultancy and franchising can be amplified through strategic partnerships, leveraging networks instead of relying solely on a large team.

8. Financing Franchise Investments: Understanding the various financing options, such as SBA loans and ROBS programs, is critical for entrepreneurs looking to purchase a franchise.

9. Importance of Team Building: Investing in top talent and building a strong team right from the start can benefit the business immensely, driving growth and ensuring operational excellence.

10. Long-Term Planning and Balance: Entrepreneurs should have a clear endgame in mind, focusing not only on building successful businesses but also on maintaining a good work-life balance and preparing for eventual transition to roles in mentorship or charitable endeavors.

Memorable Moments

07:38 Finance student keeps options open, gains experience.

14:54 Observation about family and business, entrepreneurial success.

20:03 Existing businesses pose inherent risks, rethink paradigms.

23:24 Franchisees can succeed with the right support.

24:50 Private equity invests in franchising for growth.

29:46 The value of franchise vs. entrepreneurship.

33:29 Exploring opportunities for active or silent involvement.

36:19 Many clients buy multiple units and territories.

41:36 Transitioning to part-time work, focusing on family.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2024 Glenn Harper

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From her childhood leadership to claiming the title of Miss Kentucky, and now a successful business consultant, Maria Maldonado Smith's journey is a testament to dreaming big and taking risks.

She shares invaluable insights on creating impactful vision boards, the power of mentorship for future visionaries, and the courage it takes to pivot from a secure corporate path to entrepreneurship.

If you want to unleash your true potential and be inspired to create your own definition of success, she embodies what it means to connect, empower, and lead with integrity.

Top Takeaways

Certainly, here are 10 takeaway concepts from the episode featuring Maria Maldonado Smith on "Empowering Entrepreneurs":

1. Vision to Reality:

Maria Maldonado Smith emphasizes the importance of a vision board in translating abstract goals into tangible objectives. Entrepreneurs can benefit from visualizing their aspirations and tracking their progress.

1. Holistic Leadership:

Leadership is a journey of understanding others' motivations and fostering individual growth. Maria's approach to leadership development underscores the value of empathy and connection in building effective teams.

1. The Entrepreneurial Leap:

Transitioning from a corporate job to starting one's own business is a calculated risk that requires planning and conviction. Maria's story provides insights into the importance of preparation and belief in one's entrepreneurial vision.

1. Building Support Systems:

Achieving a balance between entrepreneurship and family obligations is crucial. The support from a partner or network can be the backbone of success for entrepreneurial endeavors.

1. Superpower Skills:

Maria's ability to connect with, motivate, and help people identify core values is her superpower. Entrepreneurs should identify and leverage their unique skills to create value and differentiation in their businesses.

1. Personal Revelations:

Personal epiphanies often lead to monumental career shifts. Recognizing and acting upon these moments can set the foundation for a fulfilling entrepreneurial journey.

1. Start Young, Think Big:

Early experiences in leadership and organization, such as running an environmental club, can plant the seeds for a future in entrepreneurship. Instilling ambition and leadership skills in youth is instrumental in cultivating the next generation of visionaries.

1. Vulnerability Builds Trust:

Creating authentic connections in corporate environments involves a level of vulnerability. Entrepreneurs should embrace transparency to foster trust and openness in professional relationships.

1. From Personal Passions to Professional Pursuits:

Maria’s transition from the world of pageantry to entrepreneurship highlights how personal passions can inform and transform one’s professional path.

1. Growth and Strategy:

Entrepreneurs should be strategic about scaling their business, focusing on building strong relationships, and maintaining a balance between personal and professional spheres. Maria’s intent to expand her business while emphasizing the importance of community epitomizes this strategy.

Memorable Moments

05:32 Fascination with politics and shift from music.

08:57 Switched to corporate setting, gained skills, connections.

11:33 Struggling with work-life balance and leadership.

15:35 Coaching and mentoring for personal and team success.

17:54 Feeling compelled to leave corporate life.

20:08 Company development started in 2019, actively engaging.

25:31 Miss Kentucky, a conversation sparked entrepreneurial thoughts.

29:18 Entrepreneurship is challenging but rewarding with support.

32:57 Balancing motherhood, marriage, and entrepreneurship with purpose.

36:33 Openness and vulnerability foster trust in relationships.

37:27 Build respectful, supportive environment through open communication.

43:29 Work towards goals, form positive habits. Tools needed.

44:53 Contact her online at mmsconsultingfirm.com. Email maria@mmsconsultingfirm.com.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

PureTax, LLC

Copyright 2024 Glenn Harper

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This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

We "dive" into the world of fishing and entrepreneurship with our special guest, Sena Wheeler, the passionate force behind the family-run business that provides top-quality Copper River salmon to seafood aficionados.

Sena not only shares the lore behind the highly sought-after Copper River salmon, known for its rich omega threes, lush red color, and exceptional taste, but she also peels back the curtain on the logistics and timing that make this fish a seasonal spectacle. As these prized salmon make their challenging journey back for spawning, we discuss the bustling activity during the premium weeks of freshness in May alongside the strategic approach of offering high-quality frozen fish to sustain demand throughout the year.

In true entrepreneurial spirit, Sena delves into how her background in fish science and nutrition led her down the captivating path of fishing alongside her husband, Rich. They've coupled their expertise in quality control and commitment to maintaining standards to grow a business that not only sells fish but also honors the generational art of fish handling taught by Sena's Norwegian ancestry.

We talk about peaks, valleys, and the pivotal role of internet access in scaling their online business. With a clear vision for maintaining manageable growth, Sena remains grounded in efficiency and quality even as she dreams of the future, whether it involves scaling back or taking full advantage of ecotourism opportunities.

Be sure to visit Sena Sea for the true taste of the Copper River and subscribe for insider updates.

Personal Storytelling in Business: "A big part of what I do is I write these, email newsletters, and they're very very personal, very story based, and it's really about our journey and about us." — Sena Wheeler

Top Takeaways

1. Quality Through Adversity: The harsh environment of the Copper River requires salmon to develop high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, making them a premium product due to their fat content and taste.

2. Anticipation Builds Demand: The seasonality of the Copper River salmon creates excitement and demand, illustrating the value of offering a "first of the season" product in a business model.

3. The Fresh vs. Frozen Debate: Sena's business highlights that properly frozen fish can maintain quality akin to fresh fish, which becomes an important selling point during off-seasons.

4. Scaling the Business Wisely: Sena Wheeler advocates for controlled business growth, preferring efficiency to unchecked expansion, illustrating the need for balance in business development.

5. Family Involvement & Legacy: Sena imbues her passion for the business into the next generation, with her children actively involved in the business and highlighting the intergenerational aspect of entrepreneurship.

6. Seasonal rhythms in Business: Acknowledging the peaks and valleys of a seasonal business allows for strategic planning and personal time, as exemplified by Sena using slower periods for family activities.

7. Logistics as a Superpower: Sena Wheeler sees logistics, particularly efficient shipping, and portion control, as critical to the success of her business, emphasizing the importance of operational mastery for entrepreneurs.

8. Educational Background Pivot: Sena's shift from a focus on nutrition to a master's degree in fish science and eventually starting her own business showcases the adaptability required of entrepreneurs.

9. Technology as a Business Enabler: Despite initial hurdles with internet access, the importance of technology proved vital in reaching a bigger market and scaling the business effectively.

10. Environmental Responsibility: The technique of longlining taught through Norwegian ancestry and the emphasis on proper care in processing fish not only ensures product quality but also stresses sustainable fishing practices for entrepreneurs mindful of their environmental impact.

Memorable Moments

00:00 Entrepreneur links Alaska fisheries and health benefits.

05:22 Master's program acceptance due to fishing experience.

07:15 Fishing boat in Alaska, trips to Seattle.

10:07 Night shift, deck rotation, repetitive motions, full share.

15:36 Son-in-law joined family business, now fishes in Alaska.

16:41 Practical experience merges with geeked-out science.

20:39 Balancing family, online course, and poor internet.

24:07 Company considered buying plant.

26:16 Dock operation involves catching, cutting, and freezing.

35:11 Scaling business without adding extensive resources. Growth plans?

36:34 Transition from farmers' markets to online sales.

47:21 Logistics are my superpower.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2024 Glenn Harper

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In this episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs, Glenn Harper and Julie Smith discuss the birth of PureTax, LLC, a company that emerged from the need to serve clients who required simple tax returns.

They share their journey of identifying a market need, finding the right talent, and leveraging their experience to create systems and processes that propel their new venture forward.

Identifying Ideal Clients: "And I think it really came down to being able to see the need for it and almost feeling bad that you couldn't service them, feeling bad for saying no, but at the same time being so proud that we were able to really identify the ideal client at Harper and Company because I think businesses struggle with that as well." — Julie Smith

Top Takeaways

1. Recognizing Opportunity: The podcast highlights the importance of recognizing opportunities in the entrepreneurial journey. It encourages entrepreneurs to seize opportunities and tackle new ventures rather than shying away from them.

2. Creating Solutions: Entrepreneurs are presented with the idea of identifying problems and creating solutions, such as the case of establishing PureTax to meet the specific needs of clients who require simple tax returns.

3. Talent Acquisition: The podcast discusses the challenges entrepreneurs face in building a team and the significance of finding individuals who share the same vision, mission, and core values as the company.

4. Embracing Change: It emphasizes the notion that change is constant in the entrepreneurial world and that successful entrepreneurs are those who adapt, pivot, and learn from every situation, whether it leads to success or failure.

5. Process Implementation: Entrepreneurial success hinges on the implementation of effective systems and processes. The ability to refine and replicate these systems from previous ventures can expedite the launch and success of new initiatives.

6. Client-Centric Approach: Entrepreneurs are encouraged to prioritize creating tailored solutions for their clients, as demonstrated by the establishment of PureTax, which aims to provide accessible and transparent tax services with year-round support.

7. Learning from Peaks and Valleys: The podcast emphasizes the importance of learning from both successes and setbacks, embracing the highs and lows of the entrepreneurial journey, and leveraging these experiences for growth.

8. Ready, Fire, Aim: Taking calculated risks and making decisions promptly is highlighted as a crucial aspect of entrepreneurship. The podcast advocates for entrepreneurs to pursue their ideas and innovations, acknowledging that setbacks are a natural part of the process.

9. Building on Experience: The importance of leveraging previous business experiences to provide a foundation for new ventures is emphasized. The podcast illustrates how knowledge gained from past endeavors can be instrumental in successful new business launches.

10. Transparent Branding: The importance of transparent and inclusive branding is underscored, particularly in establishing a clear and approachable identity for newer ventures, as seen in the naming and positioning of PureTax to signify its simplicity and accessibility.

PureTax, LLC

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2024 Glenn Harper

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Welcome back to Empowering Entrepreneurs. In this episode, Julie and Glenn have a truly motivating episode as they're joined by Dan Gomer, an individual whose entrepreneurial journey is as inspiring as it is educational.

Dan, a former middle school teacher, took a leap of faith from the classroom to the competitive arena of real estate. He shares the trials and triumphs of his transition, his passion for selling the American dream of home ownership, and the hard lessons learned from his initial foray into property flipping that didn't go as planned. Despite facing significant setbacks and even burnout, Dan's resilience saw him pivot to traditional real estate and ultimately find a balance between production and his true passion: coaching and teaching.

Julie and Glenn dive deep into Dan's background, from his days doing manual labor that sparked his creativity, to his efforts to improve father-son relationships with an innovative playground project in Colorado. Dan also touches upon the importance of mentorship, the power of being coachable, and the refreshingly candid perspective that came from losing it all and starting anew.

We explore how Dan's formative years influenced his drive to mentor others, his return to the realm of education in a non-traditional capacity, and how writing has become a therapeutic outlet for him, resulting in four published books, which he generously offers to our listeners.

Prepare to be empowered as Dan candidly discusses the need to cherish the journey, simplify the process, and enjoy the moment, all while making the world a better place.

Top Takeaways

1. Career Transition: Dan's move from being a middle school teacher to becoming a successful real estate investor and coach can inspire listeners to consider career changes that align more closely with their passions and skill sets.

2. Valuing Education: Dan's story emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, whether through formal education at institutions like the University of North Colorado or through practical experiences and self-directed learning.

3. The Power of Mentorship: Dan acknowledges he lacked a direct mentor but benefited greatly from those who provided tools and insights, underscoring mentorship's impact on personal and professional development.

4. Coaching and Therapy: The podcast highlights the value of having a coach or therapist to help navigate challenges, indicating that even successful entrepreneurs can benefit from professional guidance.

5. Commitment to Personal Growth: Dan's experience shows the importance of being teachable and hungry for success, which can be crucial traits for anyone looking to grow and succeed in entrepreneurship.

6. The Journey is as Important as the Destination: Dan's reflection on cherishing the journey and not just the end goals serves as a reminder to entrepreneurs to appreciate their growth and achievements along the way.

7. Learning from Failures: Dan's openness about his financial losses in real estate investing teaches that setbacks can be pivotal learning opportunities that contribute to eventual success.

8. Building a Sustainable Business: The episode discusses transitioning from a sole focus on making money to creating a more balanced and sustainable business that aligns with one's values and allows for family time.

9. Writing as Reflection: Dan's use of writing for personal development can encourage listeners to explore reflective practices like journaling to align beliefs with actions and to process experiences.

10. Making a Difference Through Teaching: Highlighting his lasting interest in education, Dan shows that entrepreneurial skills can have a profound impact when applied to teaching and mentoring, potentially leading to broader societal changes.

Memorable Moments

00:00 UNC education led to construction work experience.

05:08 From real estate to education with confidence.

07:16 Committed to improving education and retaining talented educators.

12:46 Married 20 years, now focused on real estate.

16:26 Entrepreneurship requires perseverance, risk, and commitment.

20:06 Transitioned to team-building, less individual production.

23:28 Did anyone mentor you? Balloon guy's impact.

26:22 Seeking mentorship, coaching, and therapy for support.

29:10 Seeking people open to change and growth.

31:55 Simplify and enjoy the journey, learn from struggle.

35:20 Mindset is key for business success. Personal growth.

38:19 Reflecting on preaching and living up to standards.

42:48 Create a playground coaching program to promote generational change.

44:33 Enjoy the journey, not just reaching mountain top.

Learn more about Dan Gomer on his website.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2024 Glenn Harper

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Welcome to another insightful episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs, with an incredible conversation with Matt Remuzzi from CapForge.

Matt shared his inspiring journey from writing business plans to revolutionizing bookkeeping, proving that with persistence, innovation, and a customer-first approach, success is not just a possibility, it's inevitable.

His entrepreneurial spirit, rooted in a legacy of business ownership and fueled by an aversion to the constraints of corporate culture, has led to the triumphant rise of CapForge.

Matt's advice? Focus on relationships, listen to your clients, and always be coachable. Remember, it's not just about the numbers; it’s about creating value and understanding the story behind them.

Entrepreneurial Principles: "I mean, it wasn't that I was against working with other people. And, obviously, you hit a ceiling pretty quick as a one man business. But I didn't wanna have to enforce stupid rules or, You know, do things that I didn't feel like, made a lot of sense." - Matt Remuzzi

Top Takeaways

1. The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Matt Remuzzi's journey highlights the quintessential entrepreneurial drive, beginning from his college days and influenced by his grandfather's business endeavors. Aspiring entrepreneurs are encouraged to draw from his persistence and determination to succeed.

2. Pivoting and Persistence: Remuzzi's story teaches the importance of adaptability and persistence. Entrepreneurs should be prepared to pivot their business model when necessary and understand that success often requires steadfastness through challenges.

3. Innovative Business Practices: Matt's approach to bookkeeping—separating teams for new clients and ongoing clients—illustrates the value of innovative structures within a business to effectively manage workloads and improve client service.

4. Building Relationships: Successful entrepreneurship, as evidenced by CapForge's philosophy, hinges on strong customer relationships and a value offering that extends beyond standard services.

5. Recruitment and Culture: Focus on hiring individuals with exceptional customer service abilities and personalities that fit the company culture to build a committed and efficient team. Remuzzi believes a respectful work environment and employee appreciation are key to retention.

Workplace Environment Philosophy: "I wouldn't wanna work anywhere that I wouldn't wanna work. Right? So I wanted to Treat people fairly and value them and and appreciate them and set clear expectations of what I wanted them to do."— Matt Remuzzi

1. Continual Learning: Entrepreneurs like Remuzzi who did not have a mentor emphasize the necessity of continual learning and growth. Mistakes and lessons learned are powerful tools for improving business acumen and operations.

2. Holistic Service Offering: Remuzzi regrets not integrating tax services into his business earlier. A comprehensive suite of services can provide added value to clients and enhance business growth.

3. Employee Empowerment: Considering future transitions such as employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) reflects a commitment to employee empowerment and long-term business sustainability, worthy of consideration for growing businesses.

4. Client Selection: The importance of working with clients who are open and coachable is highlighted, pointing to the necessity of selective client acquisition strategies aimed at long-term engagement and mutual growth.

5. Challenges of Scaling: Entrepreneurs must navigate the complexities of scaling a business, including managing employee workloads and transitioning from daily operations to focusing on strategic growth and even planning an exit strategy.

Memorable Moments

00:00 Entrepreneur Matt Ramuzzi offers accounting expertise.

04:27 Entrepreneurship in family, but discouraged by father.

06:57 Reluctant to enforce rules, focused on team.

11:04 Struggled with different jobs, then became consultant.

14:42 Pivoted from writing plans to developing software.

19:19 Morphed into psychiatrist role, built rapport, successful.

20:13 My experience suits the role and expertise.

23:14 Valuing people, setting clear expectations, hiring selectively.

26:19 Bookkeeping split into new client and ongoing team.

32:00 Regret for neglecting tax, impacting business success.

35:09 Delegating is my superpower for success.

37:33 Promoted co-CEOs and considering future transitions.

39:56 Entrepreneurial journey brings options for future ventures.

Matt Remuzzi grew up in a thriving neighborhood peppered with professionals from the movie and film industry near San Fernando Valley and LA proper. The community was small yet affluent, fostering an upper-middle-class lifestyle that provided Matt with a solid foundation and a good education.

He later channeled his academic pursuits toward higher learning at the University of California San Diego, where he completed his undergraduate studies. His thirst for knowledge and a drive to innovate propelled him to San Diego State University, where he earned his MBA with a keen focus on entrepreneurship, a pathway that aligned with his ambitions and aspirations for the future.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2024 Glenn Harper

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Hey there, entrepreneurs! Today, we've got a special guest on the show – Eugene Gershman, the big boss at GIS Development and GIS Residential Construction. We're diving into his story, from growing up in Moscow to making moves in the US real estate scene. Get ready to hear about his hands-on approach, his plans for the future, and how his family has shaped his hustle.

Tech Startup Dreams: "I've wanted to create some new efficient and computerized, trading and investing platform, and it all sounded great. Yeah. I was thinking like this like a tech startup, here in Seattle."

— Eugene Gershman (EG)

Key Takeaways

1. Family Influence: Eugene's upbringing in an entrepreneurial environment and his father's successful business in Russia significantly influenced his career path and approach to entrepreneurship.

2. Adaptability: Eugene's experience of moving to the US, learning English, and assimilating to American culture reflects the importance of adaptability in navigating challenges and pursuing entrepreneurial opportunities in new environments.

3. Confidence and Resilience: Overcoming skepticism and stereotypes in the real estate industry, Eugene learned to project confidence and dress professionally to earn respect, highlighting the importance of resilience and self-assuredness in entrepreneurship.

4. Hands-On Leadership: Eugene's hands-on approach to project management and decision-making emphasizes the importance of understanding Excel models and actively engaging in the operational aspects of the business.

5. Embracing Challenges: As an entrepreneur, Eugene embraces challenges, viewing them as opportunities for growth, problem-solving, and innovation, exemplifying the mindset necessary for navigating business obstacles.

6. Learning through Experience: Eugene's journey of learning about technology and computers through trial and error reflects the value of experiential learning and embracing curiosity in entrepreneurship.

7. Strategic Partnerships: The focus on strengthening partnerships with property owners and enhancing fundraising capabilities underscores the significance of strategic alliances and financial acumen in real estate development.

8. Entrepreneurial Vision: Eugene sees himself as an artist and visionary, emphasizing the importance of passion, creativity, and a team that enjoys challenges in driving entrepreneurial endeavors.

9. Persistence and Patience: The challenges faced in Budapest, including obtaining building permits and navigating local politics, demonstrate the need for persistence and patience when overcoming obstacles in international business ventures.

10. Succession Planning: The consideration of future exit strategies and the potential evolution of a project-dependent business into an ongoing, saleable enterprise highlights the importance of long-term planning and succession in family businesses.

Memorable Moments

03:30 Learning English, adapting to American culture.

09:17 Struggled with English and ended up with economics as a major.

11:21 Evening student launches tech startup, Hungary construction branch.

14:46 Navigating between English and Russian for staff.

20:02 Evaluated property, planned project, partnership, development, architect hired.

25:10 Learned about computers naturally through curiosity and experimentation.

26:18 Entrepreneurs need a fearless, adaptable mindset.

32:06 Family business impact on entrepreneurial tendencies discussed.

34:26 Navigating journey, seizing opportunities, considering future options.

37:09 Real estate development appeals to various investors.

42:44 GIS companies focusing on property development and marketing.

Eugene Gershman (EG) is an innovative entrepreneur and business leader. During his MBA studies, he developed a vision for a new type of broker-dealer and investing platform. However, a surprising opportunity arose when his father introduced him to a project in Budapest, Hungary. Despite his original plans, Eugene seized the chance to set up a branch of his family's construction office in Budapest, embarking on an unexpected and exciting new chapter in his professional journey.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2024 Glenn Harper

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Welcome to another episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs, where we feature dynamic individuals who are revolutionizing their industries. In today's episode, hosts Glenn Harper and Julie Smith sit down with Liz Branch, the innovative COO of Accountingfly and GoingConcern.

Liz shares her insights on changing the landscape of the accounting profession and the vital role of communication and teamwork in entrepreneurship. From her experience in building successful remote teams to her passion for helping clients find the right talent, Liz's story is one of empowerment and inspiration.

Join us as we dive into Liz's journey, her unique problem-solving approach, and her vision for the future of remote work. It's an episode packed with valuable advice and captivating stories that's not to be missed!

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2024 Glenn Harper

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In our latest episode, we had the privilege of interviewing Phil Whitman, a renowned CPA and certified exit planning adviser. Phil has incredible insights and experience in helping CPAs improve leadership and client experience. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation:

1️⃣ Short-term pain for long-term gain: Phil shares the importance of making investments and decisions that may result in short-term financial sacrifices but are necessary for future success. It's about looking beyond immediate gains and focusing on the bigger picture.

2️⃣ Entrepreneurial opportunities for CPA firms: Phil believes that CPA firms are on the verge of becoming multidisciplinary consulting organizations. With the right planning and strategies, CPA firms can expand their services and create tremendous value for their clients. It's an exciting time for the accounting profession!

3️⃣ The value of a trusted adviser: Phil highlights the life-changing impact a knowledgeable adviser can have on entrepreneurs. Whether it's saving on taxes or improving operational efficiency, having an adviser who brings value and provides insights can be a game-changer. It's time we see advisers not as expenses, but as valuable investments.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

https://empoweringtheentrepreneur.com/

Copyright 2024 Glenn Harper

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In this episode, we are honored to have Terry Kim, the founder of NexGenT Academy and a serial entrepreneur, sharing his journey from the military to breaking into the IT industry without a college degree.

Terry's commitment to empowering the next generation of IT professionals is truly inspiring. We'll delve into his entrepreneurial endeavors, his passion for holistic healing and sleep optimization, and how he's forging new paths in the tech field.

This episode offers an unmissable opportunity to gain valuable entrepreneurial wisdom and take a glimpse into the future of IT education.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2024 Glenn Harper

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Welcome to another episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs, where we dive into the world of entrepreneurship and offer valuable insights to help you succeed. In this episode, Glenn Harper and Julie Smith reflect on the past year and provide invaluable advice to arm you with the motivation and preparation needed for the upcoming year.

They discuss the importance of setting intentional goals, evaluating your journey as an entrepreneur, and the power of building relationships and finding mentors. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the significance of learning from both the peaks and valleys of the entrepreneurial journey, and the necessity of assembling a trusted team of advisors.

Join us as we explore the key takeaways from successful entrepreneurs and gain wisdom to propel us into 2024.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2024 Glenn Harper

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We are thrilled to announce that our latest episode of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast features the incredible Chase Birky, an inspiring entrepreneur who has overcome numerous obstacles on his journey to success.

Here are three key takeaways from Chase's story that can empower and guide aspiring entrepreneurs like you:

1️⃣ Selling the Vision: Chase emphasizes the importance of selling a compelling vision to early investors, even before your product or service is fully developed. Entrepreneurs often have to sell ahead of what they currently have in place. So, learn how to effectively communicate your vision, inspire others, and secure the support needed to bring your dreams to life.

2️⃣ Balancing Business and Relationships: Chase shares his personal journey of finding a balance between building a successful business and maintaining healthy relationships. He highlights the importance of prioritizing the well-being of your loved ones, especially for those with young families. Discover strategies to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship while nurturing meaningful connections outside of work.

3️⃣ Trust and Leadership: Trust is the foundation of any thriving organization. Chase emphasizes the significance of trust in building a strong team and delegating responsibilities. As businesses mature, it becomes crucial to establish systems and processes that cultivate trust and allow everyone to contribute their best. Learn how to foster a culture of trust within your organization and leverage the power of a united team.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2024 Glenn Harper

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We have the privilege of hearing from a remarkable guest, Miguel Leal, who is known as the "godfather of Mexican cheese." Miguel has not only conquered the cheese world but has also found success in real estate and the food industry. He has ventured into organic farming, aiming to educate and support farmers in capitalizing on the growing demand for organic food. But that's not all - Miguel has even developed his own breed of dogs for hunting, search and rescue, and guarding. We are honored to have him join us on the show today.

During our conversation, Miguel shares his inspiring journey, from humble beginnings in the cheese industry to building a thriving business that could function without his full involvement. We discuss the importance of support, concentration, and seizing opportunities while also being cautious about spending recklessly and getting into debt. We also delve into the decision-making process of exiting a business venture and exploring other opportunities as entrepreneurs.

Not only does Miguel share his personal experiences, but we also explore the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, including language barriers and knowing when to move on from one venture to the next. We also touch upon the speaker's own involvement with the University of Wisconsin, where they are working on consistency in cheese and breeding dogs, as well as organic farming. With so many exciting endeavors, we can't help but wonder how many more projects the speaker has in the pipeline.

His book, The House That Cheese Built.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2024 Glenn Harper

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Jonathan Beskin is the Founder and CEO of SinglesSwag, a subscription service designed to empower single women. In less than five years, Jonathan's startup has accumulated $60 million in revenue. He has been featured twice in the Inc. 5000 list.

Jonathan Beskin began his career in banking, but quickly realized that it wasn't his true passion. Despite always wanting to be an entrepreneur, Jonathan struggled with self-doubt and anxiety. His entrepreneurial journey started while he was a business school student at FAU, where he enrolled in an executive program designed for working professionals.

During this program, Jonathan studied real-life case studies of businesses with recurring revenue models, such as Netflix and Birchbox. Inspired by these discussions, he made the decision to focus on starting his own recurring revenue model business instead of solely advancing his career. Jonathan chose to keep his current job and devoted his efforts to building his own business in this field.

Jonathan shares his experiences, challenges, and successes as an entrepreneur, providing valuable insights for aspiring business leaders. Here are three key takeaways from this inspiring episode:

🔑 1. Embracing Anxiety as Fuel: Jonathan discusses how he channels his baseline level of anxiety into his business. By thinking about various aspects, such as competitors, customers, and industry trends, he stays ahead in the game and drives positive change.

🔑 2. The Power of Discipline: Jonathan's marathon running background has taught him the importance of discipline, which he believes is crucial for entrepreneurial success. He shares how sacrifices and a strong work ethic have helped him maintain focus and build a thriving business.

🔑 3. Delegating and Prioritizing: As his business grew, Jonathan realized the need to delegate tasks and prioritize higher-level strategic decisions. He reflects on the challenges of letting go, trusting others, and becoming a better leader.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2024 Glenn Harper

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We have an exciting episode lined up for you, featuring Robert Glazer, a seasoned entrepreneur who has been fully remote for over a decade. In this episode, Robert shares his insights and experiences on remote work, leadership, and finding your authentic management style.

Here are some key takeaways from the episode:

🌍 Remote Work: Robert discusses how his company was built around remote work long before COVID, highlighting the importance of building systems and culture for remote teams. He also touches on the challenges of having a fully remote team versus incorporating remote employees into in-person meetings.

💡 The Entrepreneurial Mindset: Robert explores the distinction between "intrepreneurs" and entrepreneurs. He emphasizes the need to understand your risk tolerance and willingness to adapt to uncertainty in order to find your authentic path as an entrepreneur.

📈 Leadership and Personal Values: Robert delves into the significance of aligning your personal core values with your leadership style, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and gaining experience before diving into leadership development.

💪 Overcoming Challenges: Robert shares his experiences with overcoming challenges and making tough decisions as an entrepreneur, highlighting the importance of perseverance and learning from the difficult times in order to grow.

🌟 The Journey: Lastly, Robert discusses the importance of being interested in the people and the journey rather than solely focusing on company success. He also reflects on the evolving nature of identity as an entrepreneur and the need to continually challenge and redefine ourselves.

Robert Glazer is a prominent figure in the world of affiliate and partner marketing. As the founder of Acceleration Partners, he has built a successful agency that specializes in helping brands establish and manage large-scale digitized partnerships. Unlike traditional models where partners are paid per click or impression, Glazer's innovative approach ensures partners are compensated in real-time for the leads or sales they generate. With a team of nearly 325 professionals spread across multiple countries, Acceleration Partners has become the leading firm in this field, overseeing some of the largest affiliate programs globally.

Sign up for his weekly Friday Forward newsletter.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2024 Glenn Harper

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Welcome back to another episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs! In this episode, we have the privilege of hearing from Mike Begg, a seasoned entrepreneur who has navigated the ups and downs of the business world with great success.

Here are 3 key takeaways from our conversation with Mike:

1️⃣ Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth: Mike's story is a testament to the power of resilience and adaptability. When faced with setbacks, he not only found solutions but also identified new business opportunities. As leaders, we should embrace challenges, seek out solutions, and remain open to evolving our businesses.

2️⃣ Focus on your strengths and leverage them: Mike realized that his success came from his ability to sell, market, and advertise products on the Amazon platform. This self-awareness prompted him to transition into the agency and marketing world, helping companies navigate the Amazon platform. Identifying your strengths and finding ways to leverage them can be a game-changer for your business.

3️⃣ Find your ideal clients: Mike discovered the importance of working with clients who are engaged in the growth process and have a clear vision. He found that smaller companies aiming to reach eight-figure revenues, rather than multi-billion dollar companies, were a better fit for his agency. Understanding your ideal client profile can help you focus your efforts and drive better results.

Mike shares his strategies, lessons learned, and the breakthroughs that led to the growth and evolution of his business. Get ready to be inspired and empowered to overcome obstacles and drive your entrepreneurial dreams forward. Let's dive in!

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2024 Glenn Harper

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On this episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs, we have a special guest, Mike Jesowshek, who shares his unique journey of becoming an accountant.

Starting out in the online marketing industry, Mike took a different approach to building his accounting firm. With no prior experience of working in an accounting firm, he had to learn how to run one on his own. Mike started a cloud-based accounting firm, which was not very common at the time, and he emphasizes the freedom and control that comes with building your own business.

However, he also acknowledges the challenges and tough times that entrepreneurs face.

One of the struggles Mike faced was hiring employees who could replicate his own work style. However, he soon realized that he needed individuals who could bring fresh ideas and different approaches to the table.

With this mindset shift, Mike found that different styles and approaches actually brought positive results and allowed his business to grow. Mike also talks about the initial struggle of selling every opportunity to make money in order to support himself. He highlights the importance of transitioning away from this approach to have room to breathe and grow.

Check out his podcast.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2024 Glenn Harper

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WSJ Best Selling Author of Wonderhell. Motivator. Instigator. Provocateur. As she says, "I get people unstuck."

Laura Gassner Otting spent two decades working in executive search, where she discovered an important truth - people only move for two reasons: love or money. Whether it's the love of someone or the potential for financial gain, these are the driving forces behind relocation. And it was no different for Laura when she made a life-changing decision based on both love and money. Lured by an opportunity and with her partner having a job, Laura made a bold move towards a new chapter in her life.

In this episode, Laura dives deep into her journey as an entrepreneur, sharing valuable lessons and insights that every business owner should hear. Here are three key takeaways to get you inspired:

1️⃣ Envision Your Ideal Life: Laura reminds us of the importance of envisioning the lifestyle we want and creating a business that supports it. By determining the cost of our desired lifestyle, we can reevaluate our business size and prioritize our goals accordingly.

2️⃣ Building a Purpose-Driven Culture: Laura's "St. Martin manifesto" emphasizes the need for clear guidelines and values that dictate company culture. By incentivizing the right behavior and nurturing a supportive community, entrepreneurs can create a happier and more productive work environment.

3️⃣ Leveraging Strategic Thinking: As entrepreneurs, we must identify the highest and best use of our time. Delegating tasks and empowering our team to suggest solutions allows us to focus on strategic thinking and growth, ultimately driving long-term success.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2024 Glenn Harper

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In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting the remarkable Jackie Meyer, a visionary tax strategist and the founder of a highly successful tax advisory firm. Jackie's journey from a traditional approach to a trailblazing entrepreneur will inspire and motivate you to create the business of your dreams.

We dive into Jackie's transformative experiences. From seeking guidance from a business coach to developing unique packages for high-net-worth entrepreneurs, Jackie set out on a path that quadrupled her firm's revenue and allowed her to focus on clients who align with her vision.

But it doesn't stop there. Jackie shares her strategies for reducing work hours and embracing a flexible lifestyle, all while creating an entirely virtual and paperless business long before the COVID-19 pandemic. She also reveals how a life-changing event compelled her to prioritize family and the importance of building a business that supports personal values.

Throughout this episode, you'll discover Jackie's philosophy on the power of trust and empowerment, not only in her own business but also in the entrepreneurial community at large. She encourages listeners to lean on the vast resources available and seek support from fellow entrepreneurs. Jackie's insights will leave you inspired to make proactive decisions and take action, rather than waiting for circumstances to force your hand.

So, grab your headphones and prepare for an insightful conversation with Jackie Meyer as we explore her journey of transforming her business, overcoming challenges, and leaving a lasting impact on the accounting industry.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2023 Glenn Harper

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Megan Sumrell, founder of The Pink Bee, joins hosts Glenn Harper and Julie Smith to discuss her time management framework and how it empowers entrepreneurs.

Megan shares her nine core components of time management, with a particular focus on setting boundaries. By clearly communicating and establishing boundaries, entrepreneurs can manage their time more effectively and set expectations for others.

Megan provides three options for people to ask questions and sets specific core hours for response, reducing anxiety and providing clarity for new customers. The importance of maintaining a separation between personal and work time is also emphasized.

Megan's expertise in time management and annual planning comes from her participation in high-level masterminds with successful entrepreneurs. She emphasizes the need for entrepreneurs to determine how many hours they want to work and how much money they want to earn. By challenging their team to increase revenue and profit margins without working more hours, entrepreneurs can prioritize time freedom and financial freedom over simply building a multi-million dollar business. Megan emphasizes the importance of aligning revenue goals with personal values and long-term life plans.

Learn how to effectively manage your time, set boundaries, and achieve both personal and professional success.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2023 Glenn Harper

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Have you ever lost everything? Our latest episode of the podcast features a story of risk, loss, and eventual transformation. Chad Brown formed a real estate firm with a partner and several investors before the 2008 economic crisis hit, causing them to lose every single investment. This led to not only a deep depression but financial struggles that affected his personal finances as well.

Chad's story highlights the importance of self-discovery and feedback to identify blind spots and ignored issues within ourselves. Excuses weaken character, but taking responsibility is emphasized in the self-discovery process. By using this methodology, Chad transformed a financial planner’s life from complaining about his team's lack of dedication to becoming more attentively focused on his employees.

Chad primarily works with small and medium-sized business founders, helping them navigate, manage, and lead their businesses effectively. He believes it's important to have people in our lives that give honest feedback, even when it feels uncomfortable.

If you want to learn more about the speaker's methods and insights, we suggest starting with Naked Leadership Podcast hosted by Chad, Adrian, and Dan. In Episode Episode 145, This Is How We Do Confrontation, you'll see how Chad and his team process and work through tough situations.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2023 Glenn Harper

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On this episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs, we have the pleasure of hosting Nikki Rausch, the Sales Maven. Nikki shares her journey from not initially aspiring to be an entrepreneur due to witnessing financial struggles in her family's tool store, to unintentionally embarking on her entrepreneurial path. She found her calling in teaching people how to sell and started her own business after not landing a sales job.

Nikki talks about her realization that something was missing in her life while working in the tech industry and attending trade shows. This led her to leave her job, interview in a different industry, and discover a passion for networking with passionate entrepreneurs. Recognized for her sales skills, Nikki was encouraged to pursue it as a business.

One of Nikki's biggest fears as an entrepreneur was feeling like she had nothing unique to say. She overcame this fear by giving talks at various events to refine her message and found that discussing buying signals resonated with the audience. She wrote a book on the topic and focuses on doubling down on topics that resonate with people.

The hardest part for entrepreneurs, according to Nikki, is feeling like they have to do everything themselves. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's weaknesses, empowering others, and giving up control. While it can be a risk, relinquishing control often leads to positive experiences and growth.

Nikki's business was successful but required a significant amount of her time. However, a mentor challenged her belief that she had to work harder to achieve more success. This led her to pare down her offers and create a group coaching program called the sales management society. By putting the content behind a paid wall, Nikki freed up more time in her business and saw an increase in her income.

Throughout her journey, Nikki recognized the importance of mentors. From her grandfather to mentors in high school and her sales career, they have all played a significant role in her success. She also highlights the value of investing in support, such as hiring an online business manager and an assistant to manage overwhelming email volume.

With her expertise in sales, presentation skills, and background in neurolinguistic programming (NLP), Nikki has built a successful business. She shares how her style resonated with audiences early on, leading to growth and recognition.

Join us on this episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs as we dive deep into Nikki Rausch's inspiring journey and learn valuable insights on selling, empowering others, and the importance of mentors in entrepreneurship.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2023 Glenn Harper

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On this episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs, Glenn and Julie are joined by special guest Alan "Blake" Blakeborough, co-founder of Tax Titans. Tax Titans is a company that specializes in helping small businesses and individuals with tax filings, and it is staffed by veterans or spouses of veterans.

During the episode, Blake discusses the lack of networking opportunities for solo practitioners and small firms in the accounting industry, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and camaraderie. Drawing from their military experience, Blake compares the sense of teamwork and support in the military to the need for entrepreneurs to persevere and rely on others to achieve their goals.

Blake reflects on his upbringing, including their father's entrepreneurial journey and the lessons they learned about adaptability and handling setbacks. They also touch on the importance of finding like-minded individuals who share the same vision when assembling a team.

Additionally, Blake shares his motivation for creating Tax Titans, which stemmed from a need for a platform that allows accountants to connect and work together without the fear of losing clients. They discuss the company's focus on providing a succession plan for solo practitioners and developing a secure platform for accountants to collaborate.

Throughout the episode, Glenn and Julie delve into various topics with Blake, including his military background, his experience with Drake Software, and the impact of his work with military spouses and veterans. Blake shares his perspective on the value of not quitting and the importance of creating opportunities for underemployed and underappreciated individuals.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2023 Glenn Harper

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On this episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs, Glenn and Julie invite special guest Michael Hsu to share his journey as a successful entrepreneur. Michael emphasizes the importance of learning from successful individuals who have already navigated similar paths and the value of networking and building connections.

Michael reflects on his initial foray into accounting, which was initially driven by his mother's persuasion, only to realize it wasn't the right path for him. However, he persevered, starting his first business as a CFO company.

The discussion delves into Michael's transition from a sole entrepreneur to building a business that involves employing others and establishing systems and processes. He emphasizes the importance of expanding one's network and being known by others, highlighting the crucial role networking plays in an entrepreneur's success.

Throughout the episode, Michael shares personal anecdotes and stories that influenced his mindset, such as his dream of building a school for children who dislike traditional education. He believes education is a powerful tool to escape poverty and aims to create a school that helps people upscale themselves and change their mindset.

The conversation also touches upon the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of support communities, and the need for encouragement for aspiring entrepreneurs.

He shares his philosophy, encapsulated by a bracelet with the phrase "remember you will die," which serves as a daily reminder to live life to the fullest and pursue one's goals.

Michael's journey exemplifies the resilience and determination required to succeed as an entrepreneur.

Measure X Hack

DeepSky

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2023 Glenn Harper

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Zack Geist is our guest. He is the founder and owner of Student Loan Tutor, the US's largest student loan advisory company.

Zach shares his journey to entrepreneurship and how books inspired him to achieve success. He stresses the importance of finding one's sufficiency number and how serving others is personal sufficiency.

Zach discusses his experiences with networking marketing, selling something they didn't have, and overcoming rejection. He also talks about his dedication to serving clients, their spiritual ambitions, and their aversion to underpaying people.

Listeners will gain insight into navigating the financial matrix, playing an infinite game, and balancing personal financial goals with being generous.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2023 Glenn Harper

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We get an inspiring glimpse into the world of entrepreneurship with Pamela Katz, the founder of Your CBD Haven.

Pamela shares her journey of starting her own business and educating people about the benefits of CBD. With her passion for helping people and her background in advertising and marketing, she has managed to create a comfortable haven for her customers while inspiring older folks to pursue their dreams and start their own businesses. She emphasizes the importance of branding, marketing, and building relationships with people to succeed in any business.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to start their own business or seeking inspiration to pursue their passions.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2023 Glenn Harper

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Entrepreneurship is a challenging but rewarding journey and for those looking to embark on this path, having a support system and a clear sense of purpose is crucial. With a focus on the importance of finding one's passion and purpose, guest Marc Scheff from Marc Scheff Coaching shares his journey from the tech industry to coaching and art, and emphasizes the importance of finding one's passion and purpose in life.

This podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking to embark on the challenging and rewarding journey of entrepreneurship.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2023 Glenn Harper

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Janel Sykora, founder of Thought Leader Creative, shares her inspiring journey towards entrepreneurship and valuable insights for those looking to take the leap.

She emphasizes the importance of starting a side hustle before quitting a day job and understanding one's niche and customer to add value and succeed as an entrepreneur. As someone who loves helping CPA firms achieve their goals, Sykora believes that passion and problem-solving should be the driving forces behind entrepreneurship, not just making money.

With a virtual assistant, a good writer, and a business advisor, scaling a business efficiently is possible. Plus, the conversation briefly touches on the topic of closet organization, adding a touch of relatable humor.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2023 Glenn Harper

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The accounting industry can be a lonely and overwhelming place for many professionals. The high level of responsibility can lead to a feeling of isolation and an inability to focus on growth and expansion. However, one solution to this problem is recognizing the need for a strong operations person in the accounting firm, as Glenn Harper did after seeing the success of clients who had one.

Harper, who runs the EmpowerCPA business alongside his partner Julie Smith, realized that a common factor among his most successful clients was the presence of a strong operations person, whether it was a COO or a practice manager. He recognized that he, as an accountant, was not skilled in operations and needed someone who was process-driven and organized to help the company grow.

"The Julie" was born.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2023 Glenn Harper

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Listeners will gain valuable insight into the challenges faced by small law firms and learn how to effectively manage a team while balancing a successful career and household responsibilities as a working mom.

Guest Elle Smith, Director of Operations and Client Experience at a law firm, shares her experiences in leadership positions and emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence and listening. The episode also delves into the significance of healthy conflict and tension for growth and highlights the role of an operations manager in bridging the gap between the firm owner and the employees.

Entrepreneurs looking to overcome the challenges of entrepreneurship will find this podcast episode both insightful and empowering.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2023 Glenn Harper

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Genevieve Piturro shares her inspiring journey from corporate America to founding the nonprofit organization, Pajama Program. She believes in the power of human connection and finding one's purpose, and her superpower is connecting heart to heart. Piturro shares insights on balancing emotional journeys with business, teaches the importance of face-to-face communication, and helps individuals and businesses find their purpose.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking for inspiration, guidance, and practical advice on pursuing their goals and making a difference in the world.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2023 Glenn Harper

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Entrepreneur Dani Beit-Or shares his journey from starting a small business in high school to pursuing his passion for real estate investing in the United States. He discusses his superpower of open communication, listening, and containing difficult situations, and how he uses it to help his clients simplify the real estate investment process.

Dani emphasizes the importance of having good advisors and CPAs for entrepreneurs and offers his expertise and approachability to listeners looking for guidance in their business ventures.

Hear how Dani's persistence and passion have led to his success in real estate investing and helping others achieve their goals.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2023 Glenn Harper

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We just had a really cool conversation with Dr. Christopher Loo on Financial Freedom for Physicians Podcast.

It's the funniest thing ever when you're talking about entrepreneurs and physicians in particular. It's hard for physicians not to want to do everything perfectly and stay outside their own lane. If they do what they're supposed to do and hire a team around them, they're probably going to be very successful a lot quicker than if they tried to do everything at once.

A couple of important areas we cover with Dr. Loo is when setting prices for services, it is important to reverse engineer and understand what the market will bear. Julie advises entrepreneurs and business owners to look at their value from an emotionless standpoint and not devalue themselves.

You also need to understand the difference between being a business owner and a doer. Glenn emphasizes that entrepreneurs should know what they don't know and strive for perfection.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2023 Glenn Harper

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Glenn Harper and Julie Smith have an inspiring discussion with successful CPA and entrepreneur Phil Yeager about his incredible journey.

Phil shares his struggles and successes in his journey, and what it took to turn his vision into a successful business. He also provides invaluable lessons he has learned along the way, from pivoting to teaching classes online to finding the right employees.

Hear inspiring advice from Phil on how entrepreneurs can overcome the valleys and reach the peaks.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2023 Glenn Harper

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Kelli Risse is a mindset coach, stress management coach, and speaker who has a master's degree in dance education was an elementary educator for 15 years and started a direct sales health and wellness business before beginning her own coaching business.

Kelli created a weekly porch dance routine during the 2020 pandemic to bring joy to her community and left teaching to pursue a career in direct sales and eventually start her own business. Kelli believes that the current generation needs to be taught how to use stress in a positive way and to be resilient. Overcoming her fear of what other people would think of her by surrounding herself with like-minded people and mentors, Kelli found it difficult to adjust to working alone and had to find ways to stay motivated and productive.

Kelli also believes that marketing is more important than selling and that there is no endgame for entrepreneurs. Her superpower is asking the right questions to help people make the changes they want in their lives, which she does by helping her clients get rid of limiting beliefs and inner conflicts. Kelli offers a one-day deep dive breakthrough and a complimentary 30-minute strategy session to help people with their goals.

It is an inspiring conversation, and we are so glad we had the opportunity to speak with Kelli.

www.riseupandlivewellness.com

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2023 Glenn Harper

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We had a couple of interesting things happen over the past week. A few articles came out and they just kind of corroborated some things that we hear our new clients say when they come into our advisory office.

One of them is that 70% of entrepreneurs and small business owners do not have an accountant.

Most entrepreneurs handle "the books" themselves. But what it comes down to is that even if you can type in data, are you putting it in the right spot? Is it going to generate a report that's going to tell you something that's relevant?

If you're just entering data into a program and then you just enter that in your tax return, of course, that is a function that needs to be done. But if you're not interpreting that, if you're not looking at things and trying to find out what our margin really is, say, are you really profitable in this division? What are you really making a profit at? Why are these expenses higher or lower? Are you the right entity type? What's your tax situation?

This happens if you're just literally throwing data against the wall and then doing a tax return. And as an entrepreneur and you don't even know if it's in the right category, how can you possibly assess how your business is doing?

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2023 Glenn Harper

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It's a new year, and a new beginning for all of us as entrepreneurs. Here's our opportunity to start the year in the right direction.

In this episode, we talk about the importance of planning and goal setting, the benefits of engaging with and seeking advice from trusted advisors, and how to create and implement a personal and business manifesto. We dive into the unique challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship and empower aspiring entrepreneurs to take action and bring their vision to life. We hope you will walk away with the knowledge and motivation to make the most of your entrepreneurial pursuits in 2023 and beyond!

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2023 Glenn Harper

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As we enter into season 2 of our podcast, we enjoy getting feedback from you, our listeners, that you are getting value from our great guests sharing their stories on their "how," their "why," and their "would, could or should haves."

It's been a great experience for us to sit across the table or sit on a Zoom call with them and really watch people have "aha moments." Because as entrepreneurs, we don't necessarily have time to sit back and reflect or have awareness of where we were and where we are.

We've really made our guests take a moment, reflect, and be able to have those "Wow, I really did that" moments.

And we know this is probably the only time that our guests don't have their phones on and working when they're doing the podcast with us. So they literally do have to focus and reflect.

Thanks for a great season 1 in 2022, and we look forward to bringing you more insights on Empowering Entrepreneurs during season 2 in 2023.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2023 Glenn Harper

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From medical supply sales, to now interior design, Maura's entrepreneurial journey is one to learn from.

As Maura notes, "Know that there's a whole world out there of other things you can do. You just have to be committed to that and to learning those businesses."

We welcome Maura Ginnobile, the owner of The Home + Haven Co and Everwoods Cabins Rentals.

Her start in medical supply sales (which she hated but loved the money), led her to her entrepreneurial career in interior design. And what a start - right before the COVID shutdown.

She is now to a point, being a serial entrepreneur with her husband, adding staff. She talks about how she is approaching this, all the while keeping her brand strong. And how growing the team can be difficult.

She is now delegating her work to accommodate what is important to her, her family, and her life. But when you gain the time, how do you NOT fill it with more business craziness?

Brand building is a major part of both businesses. She goes into detail on how she has been true to her branding, all the while growing her businesses.

Her superpower? Disarming personality, and great listener. These are two key traits that make a great interior designer.

https://www.thehomeandhavenco.com/

https://www.theeverwoods.com/

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2023 Glenn Harper

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Today’s business landscape for entrepreneurs is complex and changing. Navigating and maneuvering it is critical.

Having a mentor provides an opportunity for guidance and advice that will allow you to take on entrepreneurial opportunities that you otherwise may not have.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2022 Glenn Harper

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We welcome Michael Flinner and Jack Tucker, co-owners of Seamless Logistics.

And we start with their genesis story, how they came together to create Seamless Logistics. The lightbulb of a business idea happens anywhere, so pay attention and act on it.

What is a 3PL? A 3PL (third-party logistics) provider offers outsourced logistics services, which encompass anything that involves the management of one or more facets of procurement and fulfillment activities. In business, 3PL has a broad meaning that applies to any service contract that involves storing or shipping items.

So, you call them to get something shipped!

Other topics we cover, and you can learn from...

How important was it for them to continue to bootstrap in the early stages?

When did they start to see it being profitable?

How did they get their wives to "buy in" into this venture?

How long did it take to quit "the day job"?

What did it mean to build a team, and what has it done for them? We love the quote "Culture Eats Strategy."

When did you start to build the business, rather than do business?

Did you have a specific mentor or group of mentors?

What are you good at, your superpower?

What advice would you give to your younger selves?

What are some of the benefits of your partnership with each other? And the key thing that makes it work?

What is the end game?

Find out more about them, and Seamless Logistics at www.shipseamless.com/

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Copyright 2022 Glenn Harper

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A big thanks to Ernie Villany from Boulder Valley CPAs for spending time with us on this episode. Little known fact - he appeared on Late Night with David Letterman not once, but twice! Ernie talks about his big move from NY to Colorado. It was a big chance, and he had lots of chances for it not to work - but he talks about HOW he made it work. Did you always want to be an entrepreneur? - According to Ernie, it was hard to avoid, as it was always a family thing. What would he say makes him successful in what he does? Advising his clients is key to his firm, but his days working for the IRS has been priceless. You can't do it all yourself (although that is what got him to where he is today). Ernie talks about when he finally recognized he couldn't do it all himself One of the most important parts of recognizing you can't do it all by yourself is when you surround yourself with people "that are smarter than you." What was your biggest fear when making that transition to being an entrepreneur? So what is Ernie's superpower? Nope, not being the go-to CPA for David Letterman, as most would think - it's just being honest with his clients. We all have an end game - or will have one - what is Ernie's? Don't miss hearing from Brittany from his firm, on our https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7d1bdad6-0f30-4849-af86-315497000a18 (Working Moms podcast episode). And https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTu99Wusa9c&feature=youtu.be (here is Ernie) on Late Night with David Letterman. Running a business doesn’t have to run your life. Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business. Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. https://www.harpercpaplus.com/ (Schedule a consultation with us today.) Download our free guide - https://view.flodesk.com/pages/614bbf42bc3eea86ee42ebbe (Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account). Copyright 2022 Glenn Harper

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In a recent https://www.barna.com/research/challenges-working-moms/ (Barna survey), working mothers shared that they are feeling overwhelmed, navigating workplace shifts, and desiring time to prioritize self-care. So we thought we talk to a group of working moms (and their kids!). We talk with... Nicole Thousand, from Thousand CPA https://player.captivate.fm/episode/00488963-2f10-4365-b40d-45e41ffc76fa (Janel Sykora), from Thought Leader Creative https://player.captivate.fm/episode/00488963-2f10-4365-b40d-45e41ffc76fa (Rebekah Scott), from Rebekah Scott Designs Brittany Casarez, from Boulder Valley CPAs and our own Julie Smith

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life. Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business. Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. https://www.harpercpaplus.com/ (Schedule a consultation with us today.) Download our free guide - https://view.flodesk.com/pages/614bbf42bc3eea86ee42ebbe (Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account). Copyright 2022 Glenn Harper

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Growing a business? It takes more than just a founder to make it happen. Learn how to build an internal and external team that will keep the business going strong. When you start out as an entrepreneur, you probably are going to need mostly an external team. And the external team would be the people that you've hired to navigate the spaces that you just have no idea about. And that would be legal, your business advisory, and accounting. You've got to have insurance people, you've got to have banking relationships. These are things that you may think as an entrepreneur, you can't afford to pay for that and you can do yourself. I assure you. The sooner you engage those individuals to help you, the quicker you'll reach your successful point. How about the internal team? It's based on a need, not necessarily a want. So what do you need? What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses and can you bring in someone to take you to the next level? Should it be exactly who you are? And they should think exactly like you, a clone? That's what everybody I think thinks, right? If you could just have a clone of yourself, this would be great. But if you get someone with a little bit different mindset who can see things in a little bit of a different light, has a little bit of a different experience, is able to bring a little bit something different to the table, you start to grow in scale. And also you're able to have two different conversations and see things a little bit differently as you go through hiring even more teammates. https://player.captivate.fm/episode/25764152-4093-453a-9080-a89b94756cc5 (Here's a link to the episode) we mention featuring Janel Sykora - CMO | Entrepreneur | StoryBrand Certified Guide. Running a business doesn’t have to run your life. Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business. Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. https://www.harpercpaplus.com/ (Schedule a consultation with us today.) Download our free guide - https://view.flodesk.com/pages/614bbf42bc3eea86ee42ebbe (Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account). Copyright 2022 Glenn Harper

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How can structure equal freedom? Dave Lukas is our guest, and he dives into this and more. You'll find with a lot of successful entrepreneurs and even those that you see and look up to as top entrepreneurs and visionaries and founders. Structure equals freedom. And a lot of people don't understand that. They hear that and like, what do you mean structure equals freedom? The more discipline and structure you have in your regiment, the more you can get done, and the more productive you can be. So I'm highly structured and how I do things.But there is a second part to structure equalling freedom... It's one thing to be structured, but it's another thing that you hit the ground running and know what you're going to do. So the other side of it is planning. So every Sunday I sit down and I actually am old school. So I actually sit down for half an hour and I write out by the day for the week coming what I'm going to do and what I need to do. So my top things that I need to get accomplished every day.How does he put this in play when he coaches leaders? I sat down with about a $100 Million business a couple of weeks ago with their leadership team. And we went through how they run their business and their day. And it was just all over the place. There's no plan. There wasn't any structure for how they even do their meetings or any of the type of stuff. And by the time we were done with a day session, you know, they had things dialed in and set.When it comes to planning and structure, what can entrepreneurs do to help themselves? One of the most important things that an entrepreneur can do for themselves is to learn to play the long game. And so you have to take the step back and you have to be able to sit there and say, okay, what do I actually need to do? Three months ahead? A year ahead, right? And how do I start putting things in place to get that in process today?

We all experience the "highs" and the "lows" of being an entrepreneur. But where is the sweet spot? As entrepreneurs, we spend a lot more time in a series of peaks and valleys. But we spend a lot more time in the valleys than we do the peaks. But the valleys are where the gold is. The peaks are sweet, they're so nice. But that's where you really get better and you learn is in the valleys. And so, you know, advice to anybody out there, embrace those valleys that you go through and everything. Because that's where I learn these things. That's where I learn to be better discipline.

Dave dives into what he calls DCP It stands for discipline, consistency and persistence. But what does it really mean, right? Discipline is doing the things that you know, you need to do even when you don't want to do them consistently. Consistency is doing that day in and day out without fail. And then persistence is no matter, no matter what, even if you're disciplined and consistent, you're going to hit these walls, you're going to hit these insurmountable things that don't seem like you'll ever be able to pass them. And if you're not willing to persist through that and persevere through it, that's we're going to stay, that's we're going to plateau.

https://www.misfitentrepreneur.com/podcast.html (Misfit Entrepreneur Podcast) Dave M. Lukas is a serial entrepreneur, best-selling author, investor, and Founder of the Misfit Entrepreneur Podcast. His companies have been ranked on the Entrepreneur 365 and INC 5000 List 7 times. He has been featured on radio, TV, and many top trade publications and web such as Forbes, INC, Yahoo! Finance, BTN, BTE, and others. Dave is also the author of the amazon best-seller “The Ten Year Career, The Fast Track to Retiring Young, Wealthy and Fulfilled.” The book is a culmination of 5 years of dedicated research into the mindset and habits of high performers, and gives the reader the missing links and path to greater success and fulfillment. He is also the founder and host of the https://www.misfitentrepreneur.com/podcast.html (Misfit...

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Will Hill Consults was started from a passion for seeing firms and firm leaders make positive change come to life. Will has spent over 20 years working with firms to operate more efficiently, and in ways that drive value to their customers. This experience combined with a passion for truly seeing change take place led Will to launch Will Hill Consults in 2022. As Will explains in this episode, the coaching and consulting services from Will Hill Consults are separated into 2 categories: What they can do for your firm, and what they can do with your firm. So for any firm I'm able to help with working through their processes and being kind of technology independent in that regard, but really saying what do we need to do to fix that process? A lot of it around things that touch both the staff and the clients.Here is what Will sees in his clients... They have hearts of teachers and they actually care about their clients and the welfare of their clients. And that's why I enjoy working with them and knowing that if I can help them, they're going to truly turn that into the benefit of their customer. When we talk to entrepreneurs who go from corporate to being on their own, there's a little piece of you that misses a little bit of that collaborative culture that sometimes corporate breeds. I had already been used to very much remote interactions now that were still the team that I worked with in the office and some other peers that were there. But I've been quite used to forming and building relationships when you're not sitting right next to each other for quite a while. And so that that to me was not as big of a step.Do you feel like when you decided to ultimately make the jump and go full entrepreneur, do you have any thoughts like, "Oh man, I wish I'd have done it earlier"? I would say, if you are married and you're going to pull this trigger, the spouse has to be in agreement that the time is right enough that it's time to go and do it. And you've got to jump before it's no longer a great choice and you've just got to feel comfortable with the downside. As Glenn states about making the jump into entrepreneurship... It seems like this holds true. That if you wait until you can afford to buy a house. Wait to afford you can have kids. Wait to afford to be an entrepreneur, wait to do everything. You can spend a lot of time waiting and a lot of inaction. And again, the best, worst case scenario. Everything's going to work out. It always does. It may not be what you wanted, but it's going to work out and you will be fine.Glenn continues... What's the worst that can happen? The longer you wait, the less confident, perhaps the less fire you'll have, the more doubt will show up. And those things are not conducive to a healthy entrepreneur relationship with yourself. I mean, you have to be mentally in a place where you have the eye of the tiger and you're ready to roll.

There's a huge difference between "owner-operator" and "owner-investor" as an entrepreneur. Will explains the steps he sees that get you from operator to investor in your business. As an entrepreneur starting out, we tend to say yes to almost everything. But Will has some great advice on that challenge. So I need to say yes to things after we're deep into conversation. But I need to consistently represent where my strong core value is that I'm bringing to my target customers and not try to guess at to what their needs are and shift how I portray my value. I want to come in consistently and let them interpret how that extends out to their needs. Because if I try to guess how my skill extends to their needs and I get way over to the side, I'm going to swing and miss. And later, when they say, well, that's not really our need, our needs over here, I'm going, well, I can do that too. At that point, I don't sound like an expert. Now I sound desperate. So you've got to be consistent in that messaging, even though you're going to say yes to a lot of stuff,...

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She's a driving force for promoting and helping individuals identify and achieve their physical fitness, nutrition and bodybuilding goals. Her social media platforms have been growing and influencing countless followers. We welcome Lexie Maitland as our guest. You're a fitness fanatic, which is kind of exciting. How did you get involved with that? I've always been athletic. Growing up, it's kind of been like my identity. Everybody has always known me to be a very active, sports-driven individual. So I was a competitive gymnast starting when I was seven. And then throughout high school I was I joined the cheer team. But on top of that, I also started running with my mom and we did a couple of half marathons together. My dad basically one day was like, Lexi, you need to try something else out. So he got me a personal trainer at the local gym, and so I started with that. He started teaching me the proper way to actually weight lift, I just grew to really love it and started doing my own research and kind of went towards that route where I was doing more weight lifting rather than just cardio and it was just really something I enjoyed.When you're coaching these girls or, you know, people from all walks of life, how do you get these people to get out of their own way? Because essentially you are coaching them to get out of their own way. How do you help change their mindset and help shift some of those mental blocks that people have in regards to that? All of my coaching is done virtually. How do I make it personable? So I always send video responses back to my clients so they kind of see me on their computer screen talking to them. So they get that personal aspect. I also think like as a coach. I have to make sure I'm extremely upfront and direct right off the bat before somebody wants to sign up with me. Not only what my expectations are as a coach, but also telling them what to expect.Is there anybody else, or were your parents the driving force that kind of gave you the confidence to say, I can do this? I joined an entrepreneurial group in high school and they held pitch competitions a couple of times per year, and I, on a whim, just decided to enter one. And so when I did the pitch competitions, it really pushed me outside of my comfort zone. I had to like publicly speak in front of all of these like high-level entrepreneurs in St Louis. And that really gave me the confidence to actually like fulfill public speaking.

As Glenn notes, what is really key for our entrepreneurs is you have to get uncomfortable to then get comfortable to achieve anything. If you sit in your safe space, it's just never going to happen. You have to get uncomfortable. Lexie Maitland LIFESTYLE & COMPETITION PREP COACH SUIT STYLIST YOUTUBER https://instagram.com/lexiemait (@lexiemait on Instagram) https://linktr.ee/lexiemait (Lexie's Website) Running a business doesn’t have to run your life. Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business. Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. https://www.harpercpaplus.com/ (Schedule a consultation with us today.) Download our free guide - https://view.flodesk.com/pages/614bbf42bc3eea86ee42ebbe (Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account). Copyright 2022 Glenn Harper

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Contract Diagnostics is a nationwide consulting company, not a law firm, and the ONLY company that specializes 100% in physician contract review. Jon's team of contract review specialists has served many thousands of physicians in all specialties across all 50 states. Contract Diagnostics was formed in 2011 and has been Jon’s passion ever since. He is dedicated to the education of physicians in the non-clinical (business) aspect of medicine. Had you been an entrepreneur before? Growing up as a kid? Oh, funny enough. So I started a stereo company Car Stereos when I was 17, not because I wanted to have a big company and make a lot of money. There were certain brands of stereo equipment that we wanted in Brookings, and there was one, one small stereo company, and they didn't have the good brands and we didn't feel like they gave the customer a good deal. And so my friend and I started a company at 17 just so we could get our brands, and it did well. It's still going successfully under separate ownership.How did Contract Diagnostics start? I was looking at this market, you know, 12 years ago or so, there really wasn't like there wasn't like a national brand. And I had lots of friends who were physicians who could kind of give me guidance. I said, Well, who'd you use for this service? And, you know, they didn't know they should, or they called some local attorney who didn't understand physicians and physician contracts. But how do you sell a service or product to someone who doesn't even know they need it? Now we have a new product that I feel hundreds of thousands of physicians need. And now we're back in the process of telling them, you know, teaching them that they do absolutely need this product. And I mentioned to my team all the time that I feel like we're trying to sell an iPhone in 1984, you know, and you should try it. You need this in your pocket. It's going to revolutionize the way you live. And people would say, What are you talking about? There's no way I need this thing, you know? So it's it's fun and challenging at the same time.So what does your team do to help physicians? So we've got great attorneys that work here, but we don't operate like a law firm, so we don't give legal advice. We're consultants if you will. So we understand the way that a physician should understand risk in a contract so we can go through it with him or her and really kind of explain it in plain English.

And what Jon sees as the "secret" to success... It's still one of those things that, you know, you find something that you really enjoy. You put your heart soul into it and and you work it till you're blue in the face. And you don't give up and you provide good products and then and things happen.

In an unusual growth pattern, Jon hires his first employee for his "side gig" before he even left his corporate job. Why? The business was strong and my time was was kind of capped. And I realized that it has to get bigger than just me.

Do you have any regrets or son of a moments that you wish you could do it over again, that you would have changed to get you where you are quicker? Maybe the one thing that I would change was, is the the way that you that you prioritize initiatives. I think still 32 ideas on ways that we can make the company better. But I think I would have maybe started prioritizing that list maybe a little bit different years ago.

What's been key to Jon's growth is relationships. They have been the key to where he is today. No matter if it's been in his business and corporate, in and around that area, it seems like he's really been able to solidify, grow all the relationships that he has to in order to get to where he is today. My team ensures physicians and their families get the best possible employment compensation through information, consulting, and coaching on their employment contracts. https://contractdiagnostics.com/ (Jon's Website) https://www.facebook.com/physiciancontractreviews/ (Jon's...

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As she notes on LI, Kristen Deese is ..."Systems Genius, Business Coach, CBC and Co-Author of When Your Business Partner is Your Spouse, I am the brains behind the Braun of our plumbing, HVAC and remediation company. I’ve been in the trades, running the behind-the-scenes functions, serving all our businesses as the CFO, for nearly 20 years." She continues - "What really gets me FIRED UP is coaching and training other business owners in our industry how to make more profit. There are plenty of people out there to help these businesses generate higher sales – that’s not what I do – I teach them how to make more money." As a business coach, she goes beyond the typical CPA numbers and looks at business' growth areas. You celebrate the wins and then you also mourn the losses when you're going over that information with those business centers. But it is also really exciting to be able to see growth in the business and in the leadership capabilities of owners when you've spent the time with them to teach them how to read their numbers and how to look at their reports and how to use that information to make good business decisions.She goes into detail about the work she does with her clients... We definitely talk to the business owners a lot about the difference between strategic tasks and tactical tasks. The tactical tasks are the minute things that have to be done all the time, every day. The strategic tasks are is that higher-level thinking? Let's look at this from the big picture. Let's step back and see what does the future look like and where did we where have been and how do we get to where we want to go?In her opinion, this is the best way for entrepreneurs to grow... There are a lot of times that they don't realize that they're being the bottleneck in their company until you pull them back a little bit. Sometimes you have to pull them back by the collar, pull them back a little bit and be like, "Get out of the way. Let your business run. Look at it from the strategic level. Make the decision from that level and just get out of the way."How did she decide business coaching was for her? I don't necessarily like being in the day to day, you know, solving problems and putting out fires and all of those things. But I do really enjoy working with business owners and showing them how to get out of that spot. And so after working with our own business coach for quite some time and kind of seeing that transformation in us, I was like, "Man, it would be really cool to be able to do this with other business owners."

Very few entrepreneurs like to look at their own numbers. They want to grow their business the way they know how. And looking at numbers isn't very sexy. But Kristen looks at it differently... I think that your numbers hold you accountable, and if you don't look at them, then who is holding you accountable? So I think that it has to do with the desire to not look at them. I've got a saying that "if you don't pay attention to your numbers, they're going to get your attention." And probably in a way that you don't appreciate. You want to look at the numbers when it's a good month and you want to look at the numbers when it's a bad month.

And her thoughts on mentors... I had a mentor in my I had a job when I was in college and it was at a hair salon actually, of all places. The manager took me under her wing and taught me a whole lot about the back end of running a business. We were looking at individual stylist sales and creating commission reports and looking at expenses and how much does it cost when the shampoo person does two pumps versus one pump, when they're doing a shampoo, like all of those sorts of things. I'm learning about risk and I'm learning about fraud and I'm learning about all of these big business, very corporate accounting ideas on the side.

What would you tell your younger self if you had the chance? Entrepreneurs want to say yes to everything, right? Like every opportunity that...

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Our guest is Kyle Morris, a serial entrepreneur, and owner of The Golf Room and The Golf Room Everywhere. He played professional golf for what would have been about 8 to 9 years and then played 40 weeks a year and 20 countries, traveling with his kids and wife. But things had to change. We were traveling the first six months of my first born Adler's life. He was sleeping in hotel rooms. He was born on June 9th. We left on June 23rd, and he didn't sleep in his own bed until the middle of November. And then that next year she goes, "That's not happening anymore." So then we moved home back to Ohio from Scottsdale, where I'm originally from, still playing, and then started teaching and kind of felt God moving me into a different direction.How did The Golf Room come about? One of my good buddies had, like, a man cave in his basement. So I said, Hey, I need to build a man cave like you. He says, Hey, I've got this little place like this little room that you could practice out of. I started hitting balls and he says if you want, we should get people in here. You could teach some lessons on the side. We could also get people to rent this bay hit balls and practice. And then it continued to grow into more ideas.As Glenn puts it... When you see an entrepreneur and, you know, they get the bug and obviously the commitment to be an athlete of playing golf and what it takes the mental grind to do that probably gave you, I guess, the confidence in your own abilities to go out and be an entrepreneur because you're like, Well, I'm not going to fail at this. I'm going to just do something different. I'm going to nail it.

And Kyle continues on with his perspective of his entrepreneur journey... I think that the world, which is why the entrepreneurs are listening to this podcast, why they are entrepreneurs, is there are people who talk about doing things and then there are people who actually do things. The world is filled with people who talk, but very few people actually do.

When did you realize you have to convert this to building a business. When did that lightbulb go off for you? When did you realize that? So there gets to a point where you just go, okay, I've got to do more. That's why I keep doing these expansions and buying businesses because I have to as an entrepreneur, which I think most of us all are, I have to see what the ceiling is. And if I don't see what the ceiling is, I don't even know if I can live with myself. So it's like I'd rather fail and see what the ceiling is than not try and just be like I could very well just chill out and say, hey, like life is good.

And Kyle's thoughts on how entrepreneurs and professional athletes are very similar. I think that all great entrepreneurs and all great athletes are circled and encompassed with a body of basically a halo of optimism. If Tom Brady is down by three points, right, and he's got 15 seconds left, everybody in the stadium knows that Tom's winning. He knows it too. And if he doesn't, fans look at each other and think that's weird. There's always something that the entrepreneur can hold on to and say, hey, like, it'll be fine.

How important is delegating? I think that's a really hard thing for like entrepreneurs to wrap their brain around saying, hey, like, I know if I did this, maybe I could do it better, but like my hours are actually better spent doing something else, and then let them do this. They'll get it to 80% to completion. I'll put the all tie the bow on it, you know, cross the t's, dot the I's, alter something, and then away we go.

And how about the work-life balance as an entrepreneur? I think that's the hardest part of an entrepreneur, is just trying to make sure that when you're there, you're there and you're being very mindful and present. I think that's probably something that I'm always working on in my character to just say, hey, like I'm with my kids, be with your kids. And like when you're with your wife, like be with your...

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Adam Tarnow is our guest. He is the founder of Adam Tarnow & Company, a leadership development firm located in Dallas, TX. They develop customized training to equip professionals with the soft skills they need to become excellent leaders. What does Adam do for his clients? Curation is a word that I'm starting to really grow comfortable with. When I first thought about what I wanted to do as a consulting firm focused on leadership development, I was thinking that I would develop my own custom content or come up with my own custom content, and I do that. But then I realized there's really nothing new under the sun, right? A lot of what I do is I'm standing on the shoulders of other great authors or thinkers and the ideas that they've shared with the world. And I'm just kind of organizing all of that. So I really do think curation is a very accurate way to describe what I do. And when I present this content to my clients, the only customized piece that I get to add to it or where I get to put my fingerprint on it, is really deciding how to organize the content.So Adam went to school, became a CPA, then you got out of that and you became a minister. How did you fall into leadership development? The only metaphor I can find out there that seems to really describe it well, is it my career has turned into a Seinfeld episode, where you just had all of these plot lines that seem to make no sense. And then at the very end, it's like, oh, that, okay, now that all make sense how that came together.So being a CPA has taught me is how to think. It taught me about corporate America, it taught me about large organizations, certainly taught me how to be organized and thoughtful. What ministry taught me was people just we're all the same. We all have the same issues. We have the same thoughts, feelings, emotions. It taught me how people think and react. It taught me a lot.When you are growing as fast as Adam's business is, there's time to say yes to all opportunities, but then there's the time when you have to make the hard choices to say no. In 2021, the training started to pick back up and I was able to now start to say no to some of those other things that I said yes to. But I was so grateful for the learnings that happened in there. I mean, obviously, as an entrepreneur, I need to know how to market. So I was really grateful that I said yes to some of that. Podcasting is a big part of my business model as well as for my own personal brand. So I was grateful to say yes to those things because I learned a ton as I went through that. So so yeah, I mean, saying yes is very, very helpful oftentimes. But then there comes a time where you do have to focus.

Do you think when you go into these companies and you provide the training, though, is there some sense of team in that regard? I do feel like I'm a part of their team now and they do view me as that trusted advisor. There is a high because when they do well, I feel like, okay, I got to contribute to that and that was a lot of fun.

What does Adam consider his superpower to be? I think I just I'm a teacher. I mean, I think that really is it. I just love to teach. I love to learn. I love to systematize that information and I love to share it with others. I can remember all the way back to eighth grade in my math class and the teacher letting me get up there and teach that exercise and that lesson, like going over it with the class. And I loved it.

What advice would you give to people that have that "skill of leadership," but haven't been able to capitalize on it or have the awareness of that skill? My teacher side of me is going to have a bias towards just go study it. And so that to me is always such a great way to do it. This is really no excuse to not be a continuous learner anymore. I mean, between master classes and YouTube and LinkedIn classes and training that your company provides and books that are out there, as well as audiobooks and podcasts. I think for some,...

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We welcome Glenn Dunlap, who is the Co-Founder & CEO of Peerview Data, a SaaS firm that specializes in benchmarking and comparative analytics solutions for CPA firms. And like most entrepreneurs, Glenn runs several companies. Prior to launching Peerview Data, Dunlap was a Co-Founder and Managing Director of Milestone Advisors, an accounting and advisory firm, where he provided business strategy, corporate finance, and part-time CFO services to emerging market companies. In 2006, Dunlap also launched Big League Tours, a tour operations business that provides unique, high-end tours to all of the Major League Baseball stadiums. In 2016, the company became an Official Partner of Major League Baseball and now hosts 40+ baseball tours annually. Dunlap started the business out of a passion for the sport, the enjoyment of traveling to baseball venues, and the desire to see all 30 stadiums with his dad & son (which he has completed!). So what is Glenn's Peerview Data philosophy when he sees something else has to work better, we have to do a better job? "This may not work, but..." So I went to some of my former clients and said, you know, hey, this may not work, but...and they went, "Yeah, let's do it."Everybody wants to know how they're doing versus their competition. That's what Peerview Data provides. Data can help an entrepreneur to take a moment and reflect. Benchmarks aren't the "end all be all." But what can you learn from them, and what data, to compare and learn. How did he choose the entrepreneur path at Ball State University? We're out on the loading dock one day and this guy says, "What are you what are you studying?" And I go, "I don't know. I haven't declared yet." And he goes, "You need to be an entrepreneurship major." Like, I don't even know how to spell it! "What are you talking about?" And he said, "Yeah, my wife's involved in this thing. Go over there right now and declare that as your major." So I went over there and looked at it and I was like, "Well, this sounds kind of interesting". And then I signed up for the class. I bought the book, I read it cover to cover the first night. I'd never done that with a school textbook ever, and was I like, "Wow, this is it. This was what I wanted to do."Working for the big CPA firms, how and why did you decide to strike out on your own? What was going through my mind was, if I can sell it for you knuckleheads, I'm going to go sell it for myself. So I literally kind of walked out of that room a little bit bigger and went back to my office and I started calling clients and said, "Hey, if I leave here, would you follow me?" And they followed me.But he didn't do this alone. Throughout the process, as he went through, his mid-thirties, he had multiple mentors to guide him, to give him confidence. Most entrepreneurs have some kind of superpower that basically sets them apart from their competition. What does Glenn consider his to be? It's a willingness to ask that stupid question. It served me well when I was working with clients in a consultative situation. Look, maybe I don't understand this. Help me understand this. And I don't know your business as well as you, but can you tell me this or can that that I'm having trouble lining that up. Help me make sense of that.

So what is Glenn's endgame? I love what I do. You know, I'd be happy doing this the rest of my life. So it's kind of one of those things when you get asked the question about the endgame, it's kind of like, does it have to have the end? I don't want to stop.

Glenn has spent his entire professional career working in and with entrepreneurial, high-growth companies. As a seasoned business advisor and small business executive, Glenn has consulted daily with entrepreneurs on strategic and business planning, building financial projections, determining the appropriate capital structure and raising capital. https://www.peerviewdata.com/ (Glenn 's Website) Running a business doesn’t have to run...

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Bill is one of those guys you can say is on top of his game. Entrepreneurs seek him out to be behind the scenes to solve problems, act as a sounding board, mediate disputes, and address issues in front of the c-suite. He utilizes his strong marketing background, to facilitate growth, sales, and marketing strategy and incorporate measures to ensure revenue generation, cost reduction, and risk mitigation for his clients. As he states... I help business owners, successful business owners, scale their business, bring in the right players, mostly around marketing a lot of businesses that are trying to scale. They have a hard time finding the right marketing partners to help that without hiring full-time staff. And that's not always the best solution.How were you able to cultivate all your key relationships over your career? How did you figure out the key to that success? A lot of it starts with people like Glenn and networking with Glenn. Networking with other people in our group, mastermind groups being open, being at conferences, just being open to have these conversations with people and learn and not shut down. You really open up your experiences when you talk to people in other industries.What was that "a-ha moment" you had to become an entrepreneur? I hired a supplier once and we worked very closely together to build a loyalty program for Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy. And I liked his life. I liked what I saw. He was out signing deals. He was traveling all around. He was doing some entertaining. He was capturing business and enjoying that life. And I thought I'm never going to have that in the corporate world.And what's great about being an entrepreneur is that you can do it your own way! Everything I do in life, I run more in a corporate manner. But I like the freedom of the entrepreneur, so I'm kind of a hybrid.When you come from the corporate world and transition into an entrepreneur, it's natural to keep that life in the rearview mirror, for a time. But as Bill says, that crutch goes away. I think the corporate background probably is a hindrance because it's a crutch. I always think, Oh, I can always go back. I don't anymore. I've been out so long. But for the first seven, eight, nine years I kept thinking, "Man, it'd be nice to have a paycheck every week. Man, it'd be nice just to talk to people at the water cooler and not work as hard as I'm out here working." I'm probably not employable because I would drive people insane with "Let's get something done now."How important is self-awareness of who you are and what you are doing? You have to have a continual analysis of yourself and where you're going. Because once someone goes on the entrepreneurial journey, they don't really know where they're going to end up. But if you're too focused on where you're going to end up, it could end badly. And some of my business does not end up where I wanted them to go. But because I had a bigger awareness of myself, I knew where I wanted to take myself. So where I'm at today is perfect.What would you advise fellow entrepreneurs that are struggling, perhaps or trying to get to the next level? Rely on your network and ask a lot of questions. When I look back, there were quite a few times I'd ask and listen to the answers that they give you. Be around people that have already been in your shoes that can give you that advice.I'm a trusted advisor and servant leader that works behind the scenes to focus the entrepreneur's time, energy and productivity to the 20% effort that gets 80% of the identified company goals. After 15+ years of experience in Fortune 500 companies, 12 of which were in executive marketing roles, I struck out buying businesses and executing rebranding, turnaround, and growth strategies. During my corporate career, I was a key influencer in revenue growth at retail and financial services companies, including GE Money, Victoria’s Secret, Old Navy, Pep Boys, Gap, Banana Republic, Alliance Data Systems,

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Shawn Parikh is the Founder-Chairman of Entigrity Offshore Staffing. A Chartered Accountant by qualification, he has over 15 years of experience of being a problem solver for small to mid-size firms and over time he has given consultation to thousands of CPAs, accountants and tax pros. What does he feel is his role is in the entrepreneurs' journey? What I've realized is accountants are big enablers in the journey of entrepreneurs. I am a big, big believer in small businesses and entrepreneurship. And accountants play a very big role there. And I'm happy that in some small way I'm helping that community, although I'm not an accountant myself. But I consider myself fortunate that I have been an accountant where I have enabled those entrepreneurs who have been either starting the business or wanted to grow the business.What are the challenges in being an entrepreneur with businesses in two countries? I think it's tough to leave sometimes family back and travel for months together. I used to stay in the US. I stayed there for about 5 to 6 years. But, you know, leaving family behind and traveling without them is the tough part personally.When did it become evident you had the entrepreneurial spirit? So my journey is a little reverse. So it's not coming from corporates and Big Four and getting into public accounting. It was first public accounting and then I thought that I would, I imagine myself building a corporate going forward. So that let me get the big exposure of how large teams are managed. So being in entrepreneurship was never something from the very beginning.How quickly were you able to figure out that it wasn't about you? It was about your team and what you were able to build and aspire around you. About two years. I went to a housewarming party for one of our team members. And I saw the happiness on the face of the parents of that child. And I realized that in some small way we are trying to contribute to the social upliftment of people around us. So that's where I realized that this is not this journey, is now not just economic prosperity. It's about making a larger impact we are making.What impact did your mentor have on you? He had a tremendous amount of impact on my life. My professional learnings and the way I approach and the way I deal with people. Let me tell you, I never had the vision of building this kind of company. You know, my thinking was small. My exposure was small. I would have not built this company unless I would have gotten that exposure that I had.After losing 50% of his savings after one of his early businesses didn't work out, you couldn't look at it as a "failure." You had to come back stronger, right? Was there a choice? I think a lot of things have happened to me because of destiny. I mean, I went to another country, started all over again. All of this is took some good decisions, got some great people by my side. I met some great people in the U.S. who supported me through all of this. So people often ask would you like to live life the same way that has come to you? Well, I always think that it has to I made a lot of mistakes, but if I wouldn't have made that, this wouldn't have come through. But I was not the guy who took that pressure that much. I live in a joint family in India. So the culture is a little different there and I would have been easily tagged as a failure.

As we like to ask all of our guests, "If I just knew that, that would have been key, what would that have been?" So I thought initially when we started working with and started Entegrity, I needed to have to visit every accounting firm and close them. So I used to travel a lot, go to all conferences for year. But then I met Michael Dell, another CPA. He proposed that I let him sell for me for x% commission. I said why not? It was a big mindset shift. So if I would have known that three or four years back, probably we would have been probably 2x what we are right now.

Just another example of getting...

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In 2003, Rebekah Scott used her curtains to make handbags for holiday presents. That's a humble beginning. Now, their team of 20 seamstresses hand sews bags and accessories for people across the nation! Every stitch and cut is done right here in the upper Midwest by mostly work-from-home women. They exist to help women realize their creativity and to feel more self-confident in their ability to tackle all of their roles. They know women gain confidence and positivity when they create, and can then love themselves and others better. https://harper-cpa-plus.captivate.fm/wegotthis (Encourager Academy) Rebekah Scott https://shoprsd.vip/ (Rebekah's Website) https://www.facebook.com/ShopRSD (Rebekah's Facebook page) https://instagram.com/shoprsd (@shoprsd on Instagram) https://youtu.be/BLEcsLQgPfE (Rebekah on YouTube) Running a business doesn’t have to run your life. Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business. Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. https://www.harpercpaplus.com/ (Schedule a consultation with us today.) Download our free guide - https://view.flodesk.com/pages/614bbf42bc3eea86ee42ebbe (Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account). Copyright 2022 Glenn Harper Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): http://uppbeat.io/t/tatami/into-the-sunshine License code: NWWDFO0WV5WE4VAZ

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What a great story behind the changes that have occurred over the last few years at https://www.wsheltoncpa.com/ (Shelton & Associates!) We have transitioned from a full-service accounting firm where we have historically considered ourselves as a tax factory, and we now specialize in being advisors and relationships with our clients and working with them to just establish their best practices, build a long-lasting and mutually beneficial relationship where they can reach their financial goals through our expertise, to our advice and through our building with them over time.Wayne knew he had to change his business model for the company. But he didn't have the right person in place to do that - until Ryan. He was able to take his background in Law Enforcement to drive the company. We wanted to empower our staff. And so that was a big part of it. They take ownership of their situation. They take ownership of their clients. They get excited. Like, I get to do the bigger work, the bigger stuff, and I'm also getting to see the results as well. The clients love it more because they're doing it's not just Wayne, it's not just Ryan that they can talk to get their answers from.Wayne talks about how the culture changed in just a short amount of time with the proper leadership and direction. My office was a train wreck. We had people going 18 different directions. But we've changed all that and we've got a totally different culture, and it pretty much turned over the whole staff in a three year period.What is it that you actually do that makes you money? The planning advisory. When we bring somebody on board, they have a situation in their business possibly various disasters going on. And a lot of this impacts their tactical situations. So we come in and we apply that advisory service.What is your dream now? What what do you see happening now that you look forward? We've also really branched out into a couple of areas like this business leadership we are doing. We actually look at that as a separate advisory product as well. And we're going up to Minnesota, Wisconsin to teach a firm for two days. They've engaged us to teach for two days on-site at their annual meeting. We're going there to try to get them to put in place a foundation set so they can grow in a similar fashion. And grow better for learning from our mistakes along the way.Wayne is a Paducah, Kentucky native and has practiced public accounting for 42 years. Wayne is the founder of Shelton & Associates, CPA, PLLC. Wayne specializes in auditing, tax planning and preparation and business consulting. He has also consulted on over 40 forensic cases.

He received BS in Accounting from Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas in 1974 and his CPA certificate in 1976. Wayne received the Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE) designation in 1997 from the Medical Group Management Association. He also received the CFF (Certified in Financial Forensics) credential from the AICPA, the CFA (Certified in Financial Forensics) and the CVA (Certified in Financial Forensics) credentials.

When he is not working in the office, he can be found hunting, playing golf, tending to his farm and spending time with his family. Ryan is from Ann Arbor, Michigan and moved to Paducah, Kentucky in 2006. He partnered with Wayne at Shelton & Associates, CPA, PLLC in 2018. Ryan specializes in high level customized Business Advisory, including leadership, business best practices, and Forensic Accounting.

He graduated from Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas in 2006 where he obtained his BS in Criminal Justice. Ryan spent just shy of 12 years serving his community as a Paducah Police Officer. He spent over 10 years on the SWAT Team and was the Team Leader. Ryan leads the Forensic Accounting division of Shelton & Associates, CPA, PLLC, and works closely with clients providing consultation to help them improve and achieve their financial goals.

Ryan spends his free time with...

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Our guest is Don Ross from Ross Wealth Advisors. As Don explains, they believe everyone should be able to live the retirement they’ve always wanted. Their team of professionals can help their clients create a well-thought-out strategy, using a variety of investments and insurance products and services, to help them address their financial needs and concerns. But how did he get here, offering the sage advice he gives his clients? OJT - on-the-job training. Thirty-three years. That's the unique thing of what we do. We are an independent fiduciary. So it's our job to build you the best plan. We work with a lot of singles, widows, widowers, everybody situation's unique.Don talk about how he has always had an entrepreneurial spirit. Just jump in and do it. I was about 12 years old, and I started cutting the neighbor's yard. And then I did the following neighbor the next neighbor down. I had a trailer behind my bike, going down the street to the neighborhood.Being an entrepreneur means you have to believe in yourself, your product or service, and make your clients a top priority. When I watched Shark Tank, I see some people up there plugging stuff like, Are you kidding me? But if you believe in it, it doesn't matter. And that's all that matters, whether they go bankrupt or they make millions of dollars. That's the beauty of being an entrepreneur because you did it.Don's take on the importance of how he grows his business. I know I could step back from day to day, but my clients know they can call or text me. That's important to me, you know. Doing paperwork? I mean, I'll screw it up. I don't go into the database. I never touch that. So I just like being with people.Entrepreneurs love the opportunity to grow their businesses. But many don't think about how to say it's time to move on. That's why I have a succession plan in place, which I think every small business owner should have. So you don't leave your clients hanging.A lot of business owners are scared to talk to their competitors. But are entrepreneur competitors really in competition? Two of my best friends, one of them is a fairly big car dealer here in town, a Ford guy, and another friend of mine, the Chevy Guy, both behemoths and what they do, their best friends. They share ideas. They're not competitors. You'd think that, but they're really not. But the mindset of most people is, Oh yeah, they're competitors.Don Ross, RFC®, founder and president of Ross Wealth Advisors, has over 30 years of experience in the financial planning industry. Don is a Registered Financial Consultant who has been advising individuals and families within Central Ohio since 1987. Don’s experience with securities, income planning, tax strategies, and retirement investment planning, allows him to deliver truly valuable advice and service to his clients.

Don was raised in Upper Arlington, OH, and has a long history of service to his community and country; including twenty-plus years as a pilot in the Ohio National Guard. Don earned his BS in Finance from Franklin University. In Don’s free time he and his wife Joni enjoy playing pickleball in the summer, platform tennis in the winter, traveling and visiting with their three children Judith, Ryan, and Lance. https://rosswealthadvisors.com/ (Don's Website) https://www.facebook.com/RossWealthAdvisors/ (Don's Facebook page) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-VgCSmo7ilHBIOKFnc12IQ (Don on YouTube) Running a business doesn’t have to run your life. Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business. Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. https://www.harpercpaplus.com/ (Schedule a consultation with us today.)...

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Our guest hasn't always been the CEO of multiple companies with students from all over the world and properties in various states. Back in 2015, Paul was working a corporate job… the long hours, the commute… and was tired of it. He wanted out. And real estate investing became his escape plan. And in just over a year’s time, he quit that corporate job and hasn’t looked back since! I wanted to do things that were interesting and learn what it takes to make those interesting decisions. I wanted to make things that are interesting. And I found that growing and building businesses are really interesting and really complicated.Why real estate? I could get really low-interest rates at the time. Six percent or less. And that, I feel like, was a very measured and careful approach and not at all throwing caution to the wind. But I was not afraid to make mistakes. My mistake was not trying for 15 years.Paul talks about his unique experience finding and working with his mentor. ...here's what you got to do first. You have to go by the book The Richest Man in Babylon. I want you to get a physical copy. I want you to read it, highlight it and write a three-page handwritten essay. And then I want you to mail it to my P.O. box. And after you do that, I'll talk to you. So it was his way of testing people if they're serious and if they're coachable and teachable. So I did it, and over the next two years, I probably wrote like six seven eight handwritten, three-page essays on different books that he sent me.What advantages has Paul seen in working with a CPA that also offers business strategy? You need that business strategist. It's really handy when they're an accountant and or an attorney as well, so they can give you advice on those aspects of any business that you're in because you have to solve for both of those.How does Paul see businesses being able to survive over the years? I knew very early on from being in business for other people that the reality of the world in the business world, is adapt or die. You have to adjust.Are there any other relationships that have really been imperative to your success throughout your journey? I did not go into real estate or entrepreneurship for relationships. But I realized that, oh, that's why you go into business in the first place. It's about relationships, it's about service, about creating value to other people. And you're going to need other people in the industry or any other other professionals that you're working with.Paul helps busy professionals design a real estate investment strategy that fits their needs. Whether that's taking control of investments, reducing taxes, accelerating debt paydown, or leveling up in their investing game.

He's guided numerous beginners through the process of doing their first real estate deal. He works with investors from California to New Zealand. The best part of his life is helping others build extra sources of income so they can lead a life of their design. As a full-time real estate investor, he no longer depends on a day job. He shows busy professionals how they can follow a simple plan to build wealth with real estate.

If you're looking to get started with real estate investing or an investor who is looking for support, feel free to join his free Facebook group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/myfreedomfoundry (Paul's Facebook group) https://myfreedomfoundry.com/ (Paul's Website) Running a business doesn’t have to run your life. Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business. Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. https://www.harpercpaplus.com/ (Schedule a consultation with us today.) Download our free guide...

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Brett Johnson is the founder and owner of Circle270Media Podcast Consultants. He consults with businesses on developing, launching, and optimizing podcasts into their marketing strategy. Realizing that radio was on the downturn and that podcasts were always being included in marketing strategy meetings, he pivoted careers. As a 35-year radio veteran, he leverages his years of content creation, marketing skills, and sales to provide customized consulting. As a result, his clients now focus on the 'why' they are podcasting, not on the 'how' to create a podcast. Brett talks about how his career transition happened from radio to podcast consultant... All these advertisers were asking me about podcasting. I started doing homework. I started going to what I called "night school" and just plowing through bunches of podcasts, reading all about this stuff. And became pretty good at understanding what to do with podcasting pretty quickly. Over about six or seven months of every night reading about and listening to podcasts. So I started working with clients doing this on the side outside of the station. And then there came a point, very quickly, where doing this as a side hustle interfered with my regular work.Accountability is scary to a lot of people. Once you speak it, it becomes real. And you have to have action. Who are those centers that are your influencers? Who are those mentors? I try to make it a variety of people. I went to my old sales manager. He was the one that hired me initially at the radio station. I trust his advice and I am very lucky to have him there for me. I also try to make that circle of people different as well, too. That (circle) would hold me accountable and people I could go to.Making podcasting easier for the client is the key, right? There are a lot of details to it. And I think that's what does stop a lot of podcasters from either doing it and or not doing it very well. Because it's detail-oriented. As with any content-generating opportunity, it just takes time. My goal is to make it fun. Let's create that episode. But what else are you going to do with it? What else do you want to do with it?Did you have it all figured out when you started? I had no clue what I was doing. I had people around me, though, helping me figure this and giving me the confidence to do it. It took me about two or three years to really know that, "Yeah, Brett, you know what you're doing."Find out more about what Brett does by scheduling a time with him, or more on his website. And don't miss his podcast Note To Future Me. Running a business doesn’t have to run your life. Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business. Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. https://www.harpercpaplus.com/ (Schedule a consultation with us today.) Download our free guide - https://view.flodesk.com/pages/614bbf42bc3eea86ee42ebbe (Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account).

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Janel Sykora is on a mission to help accounting firms grow profitably. She works with a lot of accounting firms. She builds sales funnels and helps them tell their brand story. She teaches firms how to create and implement marketing and sales strategies that drive profitable growth without adding resources. Business leaders can choose to grow or be comfortable, but not both. Comfort leads to falling behind, and growth requires change. Janel works with accounting firms that have a vision for growth and are willing to embrace change to achieve it. So you're basically helping your clients evolve? 100 percent. For a while, I worked for a large software company. What we were selling wasn't necessarily solving the biggest problems those accounting firms had. So, I found myself talking to these firms about, where is your pain? Where are your bottlenecks? I realized this is a profession in a middle of a massive transition right now.How long were you in that stage before you said, "Wait a minute, I've got to branch out and talk to people because I just need to get different perspectives?" I never hesitate to get second opinions. Not only with businesses that I've owned and been involved with, but really my entire professional journey. But I'm also a doer, so I'll get an idea, and then I run with it. If I fall down and scrape my knee, I get back up and I'm going to look at people around me and say, "OK, what did I do? Help me figure out what I did wrong or what I did right?"Have you been able to have a mentor throughout this entire process? Or maybe during that pivoting time? I've had a lot of mentors throughout my career. I had a mentor throughout that particular pivotal time who was just a fantastic person. He was very high up at another software company that was very successful and kind of took me under his wing. He was brutally honest and just was there for me. He provided a completely "no judgment zone" and really did help me. But part of it was I had to get over myself and get out of my own way,What is your superpower? I believe my superpower is being able to take a company's vision and be able to translate that into their brand story and the message that attracts the clients that they want. I want to be the part that helps communicate the brand story of these firms who are ready and willing to make that shift.You will want to find out more about Janel https://www.janelsykora.com/ (on her website). Want to learn more about working with Janel? Fill out the quick form on her website, and she'll be in touch! Running a business doesn’t have to run your life. Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business. Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. https://www.harpercpaplus.com/ (Schedule a consultation with us today.) Download our free guide - https://view.flodesk.com/pages/614bbf42bc3eea86ee42ebbe (Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account).

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We welcome Stephen E. Palmer, Columbus criminal defense attorney, and owner and partner at Yavitch & Palmer Co., L.P.A. Graduating from college in 1992 with a degree in history with a liberal arts background, he soon found that the job openings were slim to none. He then decided to apply to law school. After graduation, he soon started learning from small law practices. That propelled his journey to starting his own defense attorney practice with his partner Eric Yavitch. How Steve differentiates himself from other defense attorneys... I've always been able to objectively evaluate truth, and then I can reiterate that. I can do that with confidence. once it's in my head, that it's true in my soul, that it's true, then I can explain it to anybody.The importance of mentors in Steve's career... My mentor always said it. And this is probably not only true in law, but probably everything. If you're a good trial lawyer, everything else will tend to fall into place. And the depth of that is really, really sort of incredible.Why having a strong network around you helps you build your business... My dad actually used to say this. You need, as a professional, you need a good accountant. You need a good doctor, you need a good lawyer, you need a good barber, you need a good suit guy. You need a good banker. You need all these things. And it's not because you need them. It's because it's you need to round out your network.You can learn more about Steve's practice https://www.ohiolegaldefense.com/ (on his website). Running a business doesn’t have to run your life. Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business. Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. https://www.harpercpaplus.com/ (Schedule a consultation with us today.) Download our free guide - https://view.flodesk.com/pages/614bbf42bc3eea86ee42ebbe (Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account)

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As a fellow business owner, our team works with clients who want to be self-employed and be an entrepreneur. And there's a decision that has to be made at some point. Am I doing business doing the work? Or do I want to build a business? For most clients, that transition is that "aha" moment. What does that mean? We help them navigate that path. That "aha" moment is when they realize they could build something that's not just them, it involves a whole team. It's a little intimidating. And when it's intimidating, entrepreneurs get scared of success. We want to be able to tell them it's OK to be successful. Everybody else is doing it. Why can't you? Our role is to help that business owner to make that transition. From doing business to building a business. And achieving the greatness they didn't even know they had. I'm Glenn Harper. My co-host Julie Smith and I are producing this podcast because we believe that entrepreneurs are stuck in their own quantum of solace. They need to hear from other fellow entrepreneurs that it's possible to exceed their expectations, grow their business, and be the best they can be. We don’t just care about numbers. We care about helping you tap into greatness on your entrepreneurial journey. You deserve a partner who has helped hundreds of businesses go from paying the bills to building the business and lifestyle of their dreams. Contact us by visiting our https://www.harpercpaplus.com/ (website).