Better Business With Barnes podcast: Recent Episodes
Barnes Wendling CPAs
Our Better Business With Barnes Podcast Series is designed to provide timely information related to business owners as well as individuals. We will discuss a variety of topics and cover an abundance of business-related issues.
In episode three of our series featuring women business leaders, we talk with Leslie Dunford of East 66th Street Services, a division of the Cleveland Foundation. Leslie describes how East 66th Street serves as an incubator for emerging community programs. She also has words of wisdom gained from her over 30-year tenure with the Foundation, and gives a peek into what the 110-year old Foundation has in store for the future.
In episode one of our series featuring women business owners, we sit down with Kathi Leiden of National Condut Supply. Kathi shares how, after selling her first business, she identified a gap in the market that resulted in a successful 100% female-owned company.
Kathi also shares advice and tips by addressing the following questions:
- As a woman business owner, are there any obstacles you encountered that you overcame?
- Any advice for other women in business?
- What do you feel sets your company apart from its competitors?
In episode two of our series featuring women business owners, we delve into how Megan Kacvinsky moved from a client service role to CEO at Point to Point. Megan also shares her tips for success by addressing the following questions:
- Can you share insights that might help our listeners who have an interest in similar opportunities?
- What sets Point to Point apart from other firms?
- Are there any words of wisdom you'd like to share with our audience that helped you along the way?
Join us as Barnes Wendling Director Laurie Gatten chats with Stephanie Altenburger, managing partner and part-owner of KSA Global and Rejuvenate Life LLC: also known as Orange Theory Fitness and Restore Hyper Wellness. They discuss how women are taking charge and redefining their roles within the workplace. Stephanie also provides advice and insight for women emerging as leaders.
In this episode, Brett Walburn, president of Dar-Tech, Inc., shares how his company has weathered over 7 decades of economic swings. Founded in 1951, the company is now under the leadership of a third generation. In this podcast, Brett addresses the following questions:
- What has helped your company transition from one level of ownership to another?
- If you were to start all over again, is there something you would do differently?
- Are there any words of wisdom you would like to share that helped you along the way that listeners should strongly consider?
Divorce or the passing of a spouse can be the most significant life-changing events one can face, along with the added financial challenges presented after these events. In this episode, Barnes Wendling Director Mike Pappas and Client Strategist at BNY Mellon Wealth Management Amy Vegh share their investment insights for divorce and widowhood, along with addressing the following questions:
- What are some of the financial hardships one can face after a major life-changing event?
- What steps can be taken to ensure an easier transition where personal finances are involved?
- What options should you consider to increase income?
- What should you look for in a wealth manager?
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought on new financial stressors that are still impacting our world today. In this episode, our Director Mike Pappas talks with Mike Shebak, Senior Managing Director and Head of Institutional Consulting at Clearstead, and Dale Vernon, Principal at Bernstein Global Wealth Management. They discuss building financial security through various investment planning strategies that will last post-pandemic.
Key items discussed:
- How has COVID-19 affected the future of investment planning?
- Should investors expect this stock market to continue?
- What are the implications of inflation on investment portfolios?
- How should clients think about spending relative to their portfolio size?
Listen as Barnes Wendling Director Mike Pappas and Director of Private Wealth Management with The BCJC Group of Baird, Jerry Jarzabek, CFP, CPWA, share their investment insights for college students and young professionals. Both discuss the strategies to start implementing now to secure the ultimate financial future.
Key questions discussed:
What types of accounts should you open?
How much should you invest?
Should investors pay attention to meme stocks?
What are popular investment options for short-term investing?
Join us as Barnes Wendling Director Janine Iacobelli chats with Senior Wealth Strategy Associate, Emily Minnich, CFP, and Senior Vice President of Wealth Management, Damion Crannis, CFP, of UBS Financial Services. They address how women can take charge of their financial freedom through various investment strategies to own their net worth.
Key Questions:
- What are the main reasons why women should own their worth?
- How can you determine your net worth?
- What should you do to prepare when a life-altering situation takes place?
- How do you build a support team for future financial plans?
Are you a millennial, work with millennials, or have family and friends who are millennials? This podcast will benefit you or someone you know!
Tune in as our Manager, and also millennial, Cat Arida, asks Director Mike Pappas pertinent questions every millennial needs to know to prepare for retirement and learn the secret to retire with millions.
Key Questions:
- How much should you save?
- When should you start saving?
- Is it ever too late to start saving?
- Pre Tax or Roth?
In part 1 we discussed the overall COVID-19 impact on fundraising efforts and in part 2 we will discuss the overall impact on fundraising events. Joining us again are Barnes Wendling Non-Profit Director Laurie Gatten, Director of Development and Communications at The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland Melanie Shakarian, and Director of Corporate Relations at The Salvation Army of Greater Cleveland Carol Skoglund. Some topics addressed:
- Virtual fundraisers- Pros and Cons
- Attendee experience with virtual events
- Offering a hybrid experience in the future
- Contingency planning
- Professional and personal takeaways of 2020
Join us as Senior Manager Lena Parks chats with Barnes Wendling Director Laurie Gatten, Director of Development and Communications at The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland Melanie Shakarian, and Director of Corporate Relations at The Salvation Army of Greater Cleveland Carol Skoglund. They address how their fundraising efforts have changed and how their overall strategy changed in 2020.
A sampling of the questions addressed:
- Overall how has COVID-19 affected your fundraising efforts?
- What were you forced to change?
- How did you adjust and alter your overall fundraising plan?
- Did you have to change any fundraising platforms in 2020?
Join us as Director Mike Pappas and Manager Stephen Cox host a Q & A on the PPP Loan Second Draw. They will address a variety of updates and key elements that will benefit you and your business. This podcast episode was also recorded as a live roundtable.
A sampling of the questions addressed:
- Who is eligible?
- How much of a loan can I get under the second draw?
- Documentation requirements
- What can I spend the money on?
- How long do I have to spend the loan proceeds?
Join us as Tax Director Larry Friedman discusses a variety of tax changes, updates, and planning tips for 2021. He will address the following:
- Income Taxes
- The Unknown of 2021
- Student Loans
- Tax and Estate and Gift Planning
- PPP Loan
Director Mike Pappas discusses transitioning your business to the next generation. He provides valuable tips and shares his experiences with his clients on this transition. He will address the following:
- Tips to getting the next-gen involved in the business from the start
- Appropriate dialogue to have with your children
- Letting go of the business and allow the next-gen to evolve
In this Part 2 series we will further discuss if this is the right time to sell your business.
Key items discussed:
- Basics of Business Worth and Valuation Principles
- Tips to Prepare for Sale
- Estate Planning
- Effects of Presidential Election
- Final Suggestions
Join this episode as we chat with Floyd Trouten, director of our transactional services and Steve Piatak, a director in our Business Valuation services group as they discuss a variety of topics related to buying or selling your business during the COVID-19 Era. They will discuss the following:
- Is this the right time?
- How to prepare your business?
- How to accurately put a value on your business?
- How has the due diligence changed?
- And more
We will address even more in a Part 2 coming soon.
In this episode Director Mike Pappas discusses how important it is to have an Exit Plan before you are ready to actually exit your business. He will discuss the importance, the key players to have involved, and the difference between succession and exit planning. Tune in for this 15 minute episode.
We currently live in a new reality. One industry that has drastically been affected is the wedding industry. In a year that is supposed to be their happiest, bride and grooms are now forced to alter their original plans or completely cancel/postpone their wedding. Our Director Floyd Trouten has two daughters currently planning a wedding. In this episode he discusses the Ohio rules, gives suggestions, and addresses his experiences.
*Note some regulations have changed since the recording of this episode.
This episode dives into the COVID-19 impact on the construction industry. Our construction industry expert, Michael Essenmacher discusses the impact, the future, new protocols, and provides some advice based on his expertise.
Some of the topics addressed include:
- Impact on the number of Ohio construction jobs
- Employment/Wages
- New protocols for construction sites
- Construction vs. other industries
- The Construction Industry and PPP loan
- The future of Construction
Episode 1: COVID-19 Podcast: Beyond all the Noise, Key Tax Updates to Focus On
There are a lot of questions regarding the many tax updates and changes that have developed due to COVID-19. With the continuous changes, comes some confusion. In this episode our tax directors, Larry Friedman and Floyd Trouten will address the key areas to focus on while providing some valuable insights and guidance. Tune in for an informative episode.
Topics Discussed:
- Payment and Filing Extension
- The CARES Act
- The SECURE Act
- IRA Distribution
Episode 3: Restart Ohio: Start Smart & SafeFeaturing VP of Finance and HR Karen Melton of Kaufman Container
In our third episode, we will focus on the reopening of Ohio and the affect COVID-19 has had on Ohio businesses. Jeff Neuman, president and director of Barnes Wendling CPAs and Janine Iacobelli, also a director at Barnes Wendling CPAs will moderate this session.
From budget cuts to layoffs, Ohio businesses have been drastically impacted. With many businesses starting to reopen and begin to move back to some normalcy there is still much that is up in the air with the economy, the status of the virus, and mandatory protocols. Governor DeWine announced we will be reopening in phases starting on May 4th. As we ease into reopening, everyone has mixed feelings from relief to concern. Those who may have struggled the most through this pandemic and stay at home order are business owners. We have been advising a lot of our clients through this trying time and offering guidance with the business relief loans.
In this episode we have the pleasure of speaking with Karen Melton, the VP of Finance and Human Resources at Kaufman Container, a privately-held, family owned business providing quality and innovative packaging components and services. Kaufman Container has been in business for 110 years and they pride themselves in being your “One Stop Shop” for all your packaging needs.
Karen will share their strategy, challenges, and future plan with us.
Click here to to view Kaufman Container's re-opening plan.
Episode 2: PPP Loan: I Have Received My Loan, Now What?
Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic and release of the federal release programs, we have been working with our clients and guiding them through their loan questions. We have compiled some frequently asked questions and will share them in this podcast episode. Join Michael Pappas, director of our audit and assurance department as he discusses these questions and provides his answers and insights.
In addition to the podcast, you can download our Payment Protection Program FAQ here.