Summary:

Are you just checking boxes with your taxes? It might be costing you a fortune.

In this episode, Steve Burton dives into the crucial difference between tax preparation and tax planning with Blake Schaper, CPA, MST, CTFA, CEO of BrookHaven Family Office. With extensive experience on teams that handle accounts ranging from NFL team owners to budding entrepreneurs, Blake sheds light on the importance of proactive tax strategies for business owners. They discuss the proactive steps to minimize tax liabilities while enhancing overall business value.

Blake discusses:

• (04:09) The vital difference between tax preparation and proactive tax planning

• (06:40) Why aligning your tax, financial, and estate plans is crucial

• (09:23) The significant benefits of staging your business for sale, much like staging a home

• (16:04) Navigating the landscape of taxes when passing your business down a generation

• And more

Resources:

• Unlock your business’s potential with our free Scale to Sell self-assessment

• Book your free discovery call with us today!

• Mission One Million by Merle Gilley and Steve Burton

Connect with Our Team:

• Website: Scale to Sell

• info@scaletosell.com

• LinkedIn: Scale to Sell

• Facebook: Scale to Sell

• YouTube: Scale to Sell

• Instagram: Scale to Sell

Connect with Steve Burton:

LinkedIn: Steve Burton

Connect with Blake Schaper:

• BrookHaven

• LinkedIn: Blake Schaper

About our Guest:

After graduating from the University of North Georgia, Blake Schaper commissioned into the Georgia Army National Guard and attended the U.S. Army Flight School in Fort Rucker, Alabama. He spent the greater part of two years learning to fly helicopters and airplanes while simultaneously completing courses for his master’s degree in Tax. He also graduated from the U.S. Army’s Airborne School and the Republic of Georgia’s Mountain Warfare School in Sachkhere, just 30 miles from the Russian border. Dedication and commitment to the country drive and focus him in his role at Armis.

Blake enlisted in the military in 2009 and spent the earlier part of his career as a Military Police Officer, during which he was named the Georgia Army National Guard Soldier of the Year (2011) and awarded a Meritorious Service Medal for his accomplishments. He continues to serve as a Platoon Leader and Blackhawk pilot in an Assault Helicopter Battalion.

His master’s degree is in Tax Planning from the University of Cincinnati, and he is currently testing for his designation as a CPA.

Does your P&L sheet capture your company's true value? Adam and Steve Burton beg to differ.

In this episode, they tackle a crucial topic that often eludes business owners: knowing and growing your business value. This episode is packed with straightforward insights to help you understand how to not just measure profitability but also build real, marketable value.

Adam and Steve discuss:

• (04:51) The crucial difference between income and market value

• (08:20) Why updating your business valuation is essential, not optional

• (12:30) The hidden power of intangible assets in business value

• (18:45) How a 'Family Office Model' aids in a streamlined, holistic exit plan

• And more

Discover how you can safeguard and elevate the worth of what might be your biggest asset. If you're ready to grow or considering an exit, tuning in could change your strategy. Start measuring what really matters today!

Resources:

• Unlock your business’s potential with our free Scale to Sell self-assessment

• Book your free discovery call with us today!

• Mission One Million by Merle Gilley and Steve Burton

• Zillow.com

• Realtor.com

Connect with Our Team:

• Website: Scale to Sell

• info@scaletosell.com

• LinkedIn: Scale to Sell

• Facebook: Scale to Sell

• YouTube: Scale to Sell

• Instagram: Scale to Sell

Connect with Adam Burton and Steve Burton:

• LinkedIn: Adam Burton

• LinkedIn: Steve Burton

Summary:

Why wait for the big payday when selling your business?

In this episode, Adam and Steve Burton dive into why harvesting value from your business before exiting is crucial. With engaging insights, they explore strategies for diversifying your assets and ensuring you aren't putting all your eggs in one basket. They emphasize understanding your business's value, planning strategically, and taking proactive steps to protect and grow your net worth.

Adam and Steve discuss:

• (01:33) The importance of not tying up all your net worth in your business

• (06:24) How to take initiative and be strategic in asset diversification

• (08:12) The roles of tax planners and financial advisors in protecting wealth

• (12:30) Ways to de-risk both business and personal finances

• (14:54) Preparing for unexpected changes and ensuring liquidity

• (16:21) Seeking partial sales or equity release as a means to reduce risk

• (20:43) Options for internal sales and financing when passing the business on to family

• And more

Tune in and discover how strategically harvesting value now can create a solid foundation for the future.

Resources:

• Know your business’ value with our free valuation!

• Unlock your business’s potential with our free Scale to Sell self-assessment

• Book your free discovery call with us today!

• Mission One Million by Merle Gilley and Steve Burton

Connect with Our Team:

• Website: Scale to Sell

• info@scaletosell.com

• LinkedIn: Scale to Sell

• Facebook: Scale to Sell

• YouTube: Scale to Sell

• Instagram: Scale to Sell

Connect with Adam Burton and Steve Burton:

• LinkedIn: Adam Burton

• LinkedIn: Steve Burton

Summary:

Are you setting goals for 2025 but find yourself wondering why they often fall flat?

In this episode, Adam and Steve Burton discuss setting goals that stick. They're diving into actionable steps to ensure success in both life and business, teaching you how to become a true DOER with their memorable acronym: Dream, Outline, Execute, Review.

Adam and Steve discuss:

• (04:00) Dream: Setting meaningful goals that truly motivate you.

• (07:16 Outline: Crafting a detailed plan to achieve your dreams.

• (09:57) Execute: Taking concrete steps and aligning your schedule with your objectives.

• (14:53) Review: Reflecting on progress and making necessary adjustments.

• And more

These key components are your arsenal for making 2025 a year of transformation. Tune in to learn how aligning your team's vision with company goals can cultivate a purpose-driven culture.

Resources:

• Unlock your business’s potential with our free Scale to Sell self-assessment

• Book your free discovery call with us today!

• Mission One Million by Merle Gilley and Steve Burton

Connect with Our Team:

• Website: Scale to Sell

• info@scaletosell.com

• LinkedIn: Scale to Sell

• Facebook: Scale to Sell

• YouTube: Scale to Sell

• Instagram: Scale to Sell

Connect with Adam Burton and Steve Burton:

• LinkedIn: Adam Burton

• LinkedIn: Steve Burton

Summary:

Are you ready to prepare your business for a successful exit while securing financial freedom and a balanced lifestyle?

In this episode, Steve Burton welcomes Ed de la Rosa to discuss the substantial role a certified exit planner plays in a business's journey, even when exiting isn't immediately on the horizon. Discover how distinct strategies not only enhance a business's value but also equip you for unforeseen prospects. Get ready for insights on maximizing transferable value, embracing life beyond the business, and the crucial role of your expert team. Ed highlights the importance of not just focusing on profit but identifying and de-risking areas that can dramatically increase a business’s valuation.

Ed discusses:

• (02:52) The role of a certified exit planner

• (03:38) Value creation through de-risking and tax planning

• (05:06) Building a team for business growth and personal freedom

• (13:44) The importance of knowing your business's real value and making a regretless choice

• (18:28) Strategies for minimizing tax liabilities and boosting profitability

• And more

Resources:

• Unlock your business’s potential with our free Scale to Sell self-assessment

• Book your free discovery call with us today!

• Mission One Million by Merle Gilley and Steve Burton

Connect with Our Team:

• Website: Scale to Sell

• info@scaletosell.com

• LinkedIn: Scale to Sell

• Facebook: Scale to Sell

• YouTube: Scale to Sell

• Instagram: Scale to Sell

Connect with Adam Burton and Steve Burton:

• LinkedIn: Adam Burton

• LinkedIn: Steve Burton

Connect with Ed de la Rosa:

• Website: Solid Ground Financial

• ed@standonsolidground.com

• LinkedIn: Ed de la Rosa

About our Guest:

Ed de la Rosa founded Solid Ground Financial to help baby boomers make sure they are on a sustainable path during their retirement years. You have worked hard for your money. You know that putting your money on solid ground is critical, especially as our desire to leave a legacy grows with the passing years.

Summary:

How can enhancing employee benefits simultaneously boost business value and reduce costs?

Steve Burton sits down with Glenn Smith, Certified Exit Planning Advisor and Senior Partner of Coastal Region Benefits. Steve and Glenn talk about the untapped potential of supplemental benefits, and how they not only help attract and retain top talent but also play a crucial role in maximizing business value.

Their conversation reveals practical strategies and surprising financial benefits that many entrepreneurs may overlook, all while highlighting the importance of enhanced employee experiences in driving business success. Discover how businesses can boost employee satisfaction, retain top talent, and ultimately increase their business worth — without incurring additional costs.

Steve and Glenn discuss:

• (04:08) The impact of employee retention on business value

• (06:31) The significance of intangible assets and the impact on business valuation

• (09:01) Addressing common challenges in employee retention and the role of benefit packages

• (12:48) Strategies for redirecting existing funds to optimize benefits

• (19:40) How a comprehensive benefits audit can reveal and fill gaps in your offerings

• And more

Tune in and explore the tangible advantages of employee benefits in shaping your business future. Remember, knowing the value is crucial for those looking to scale and eventually sell their business. Keep scaling!

Resources:

• Unlock your business’s potential with our free Scale to Sell self-assessment

• Book your free discovery call with us today!

• Mission One Million by Merle Gilley and Steve Burton

Connect with Our Team:

• Website: Scale to Sell

• info@scaletosell.com

• LinkedIn: Scale to Sell

• Facebook: Scale to Sell

• YouTube: Scale to Sell

• Instagram: Scale to Sell

Connect with Adam Burton and Steve Burton:

• LinkedIn: Adam Burton

• LinkedIn: Steve Burton

Connect with Glenn Smith:

• Website: Coastal Region Benefits

• LinkedIn: Glenn Smith

• Glenn@coastalregionbenefits.com

About our Guest:

Glenn Smith is an experienced Enhanced Benefits Specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the insurance and benefits industry. He is skilled in Employee Benefits, Sales, Cafeteria Plans, Flexible Spending Accounts, Term Life Insurance, and Whole Life Insurance. Glenn is a strong sales professional with over 20 years of experience.

Summary:

Why do so many businesses fail to sell?

In this episode, Adam and Steve Burton unpack the surprising reasons behind why most businesses don't successfully sell. They dive into the emotional and financial traps that keep entrepreneurs from securing the sale they envision. Adam and Steve emphasize the importance of understanding market value, preparing for personal changes, ensuring business transferability, and the need for a robust support network. Tune in as they demystify business value and provide clear guidance on ensuring a profitable exit strategy.

Adam and Steve discuss:

• (01:30) Unrealistic expectations around business valuation

• (05:15) Emotional readiness for exit and its importance

• (08:39) Transferability and the role of systems

• (18:16) The significance of intangible assets in value creation

• (24:24) The critical role of a well-rounded expert team

• And more

Resources:

• Unlock your business’s potential with our free Scale to Sell self-assessment

• Book your free discovery call with us today!

Connect with Our Team:

• Website: Scale to Sell

• info@scaletosell.com

• LinkedIn: Scale to Sell

• Facebook: Scale to Sell

• YouTube: Scale to Sell

• Instagram: Scale to Sell

Connect with Adam Burton and Steve Burton:

• LinkedIn: Adam Burton

• LinkedIn: Steve Burton

Summary:

Ever wondered how to get your team to take ownership like you do? Making them feel invested might be simpler than you think.

Today on Scale to Sell, Adam Burton and Steve Burton explore seven practical ways to help employees adopt a business owner mindset. The conversation zeroes in on tips to drive initiative, responsibility, and caring as much about the success of your business as you do. Whether you're managing a small startup or a large enterprise, cultivating this sort of culture can transform your team and improve outcomes.

Adam and Steve discuss:

• (03:17) How clarifying the 'why' behind your company can boost motivation and transparency

• (06:27) Tips for granting autonomy and encouraging creativity in your team

• (10:10) How aligning rewards with performance supports a stronger owner mentality

• (13:28) Why owning outcomes helps employees think strategically

• (17:34) Investing in your team's growth to cultivate leadership and responsibility

• (21:02) Highlighting successes to reinforce a proactive, ownership-driven culture

• (24:06) Encouraging innovation and calculated risk-taking with intrapreneurship initiatives

• And more

Tune in to discover how these strategic shifts can enhance the mindset and productivity within your company. Until next time, Keep Scaling!

Resources:

• Unlock your business’s potential with our free Scale to Sell self-assessment

• Book your free discovery call with us today!

• Mission One Million by Merle Gilley and Steve Burton

• Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara

Connect with Our Team:

• Website: Scale to Sell

• info@scaletosell.com

• LinkedIn: Scale to Sell

• Facebook: Scale to Sell

• YouTube: Scale to Sell

• Instagram: Scale to Sell

Connect with Adam Burton and Steve Burton:

• LinkedIn: Adam Burton

• LinkedIn: Steve Burton