Podcasts about certified exit planning advisor

In this episode of Your Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry unpacks essential cybersecurity lessons for retirees, based on insights from expert Darren Mar, Director of Client Solutions at NPC Dataguard, who recently led an informative cybersecurity webinar for clients of Joe's firm, Matthews + Associates.  Learn how to protect your retirement savings, personal data, and peace of mind from online threats with simple, practical steps that safeguard your digital and financial life.   Key Takeaways Cybersecurity is part of retirement security. Your wealth, identity, and digital assets are all connected — protecting them is as important as managing your investments. Most cyberattacks target individuals, not just corporations. Retirees are prime targets because of their savings, steady income, and tendency to trust legitimate-looking communications. Five essential layers of protection. Multi-factor authentication, long passphrases, regular software updates, secure backups, and professional-grade security tools dramatically reduce your risk. Awareness beats fear. You don't need to be a tech expert — just build consistent habits, question unexpected messages, and know what to do if something feels off. Peace of mind is part of your plan. Cybersecurity helps protect not only your money but your confidence and independence in retirement.   Resources Darren Mar, Director of Client Solutions at NPC Dataguard Darren recently led a webinar about Cybersecurity for our Fall 2025 Client Event at Matthews + Associates Cybersecurity & Identity Theft Checklist Request your free copy by emailing us: info@retirementplanningsimplified.ca YRPS Ep #97 Blog: Safeguard your Savings: Outsmart Cybercriminals Targeting Your Money with Scott Wright Previous YRPS episode with related content Matthews + Associates   Thank you for listening! You can get a full breakdown of each episode on our blog: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/blog  Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more simplified retirement planning insights!    Ready to take the next step?  Identify your retirement income style with the RISA questionnaire at  https://account.myrisaprofile.com/invitation-link/88QG1TMQ12   Want a retirement plan that adapts as your life evolves? Discover our True Wealth Roadmap — a step-by-step process to align your finances with your ideal retirement. Learn more here: https://matthewsandassociates.ca/vsl/   About Joe Curry Joseph Curry, also known as Joe, is the host of Your Retirement Planning Simplified, Canada's fastest-growing retirement planning podcast, where he provides accessible, in-depth financial advice. As the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario, Joe and his team are committed to helping people secure both financial stability and purpose in retirement. His mission is to ensure people can sleep soundly knowing they have a solid plan in place, covering both financial and lifestyle aspects of retirement. A Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, he values true wealth as more than money—it's about creating meaningful experiences with loved ones and fostering opportunities for the future.  You can reach out to Joe through: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curryjoe Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/ Website: https://matthewsandassociates.ca/vsl/   About Retirement Planning Simplified Founded in 2022, its mission is to empower people to plan for retirement confidently, focusing not only on finances but also on a meaningful life. RPS wants everyone to have access to simple, reliable tools that reflect their values and priorities, helping them create True Wealth—the freedom to do what they love with those they love. By simplifying retirement planning and aligning it with the retiree's purpose, RPS aims to support building a retirement that feels fulfilling and secure. To know more about RPS you can visit the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/retirement-planning-simplified/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retirement_planning_simplified Podcast/Blog: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/blog Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@retirementplanningsimplified       Disclaimer Opinions expressed are those of Joseph Curry, a registrant of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI), and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. This video is for informational purposes only and not intended to be personalized investment advice. The views expressed are opinions of Joseph Curry and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. Content is prepared for general circulation and information contained does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any investment fund, security or other product or service.

What does it take to keep a family business thriving for generations? In this episode of Unstoppable Mindset, I talk with Jan Southern, a seasoned business advisor who helps family-owned companies build long-term success through structure, trust, and clarity. We explore why so many family firms lose their way by the third generation—and what can be done right now to change that story. Jan shares how documenting processes, empowering people, and aligning goals can turn complexity into confidence. We unpack her “Three Ps” framework—People, Process, and Product—and discuss how strong leadership, accountability, and smart AI adoption keep growth steady and sustainable. If you've ever wondered what separates businesses that fade from those that flourish, this conversation will show you how to turn structure into freedom and process into legacy. Highlights: 00:10 – Why unexpected stories reveal how real businesses grow. 01:39 – How early life in Liberal, Kansas shaped a strong work ethic. 07:51 – What a 10,000 sq ft HQ build-out teaches about operations. 09:35 – How a trading floor was rebuilt in 36 hours and why speed matters. 11:21 – Why acquisitions fail without tribal knowledge and culture continuity. 13:19 – What Ferguson Alliance does for mid-market family businesses. 14:08 – Why many family firms don't make it to the third generation. 17:33 – How the 3 Ps—people, process, product—create durable growth. 20:49 – Why empowerment and clear decision rights prevent costly delays. 33:02 – The step-by-step process mapping approach that builds buy-in. 36:41 – Who should sponsor change and how to align managers. 49:36 – Why process docs and succession planning start on day one. 56:21 – Realistic timelines: six weeks to ninety days and beyond. 58:19 – How referrals expand projects across departments. About the Guest: With over 40 years of experience in the realm of business optimization and cost-effective strategies, Jan is a seasoned professional dedicated to revolutionizing company efficiency. From collaborating with large corporations encompassing over 1,000 employees to small 2-person offices, Jan's expertise lies in meticulously analyzing financials, processes, policies and procedures to drive enhanced performance. Since joining Ferguson Alliance in 2024, Jan has become a Certified Exit Planning Advisor and is currently in the process of certification in Artificial Intelligence Consulting and Implementation, adding to her ability to quickly provide businesses with an assessment and tools that will enhance their prosperity in today's competitive landscape. Jan's forte lies in crafting solutions that align with each client's vision, bolstering their bottom line and staffing dynamics. Adept in setting policies that align with company objectives, Jan is renowned for transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and longevity. With a knack for unraveling inefficiencies and analyzing net income, Jan is a go-to expert for family-owned businesses looking to extend their legacy into future generations. Ways to connect with Jan: Email address : Jan@Ferguson-Alliance.com Phone: 713 851 2229 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jansouthern cepa Website: https://ferguson alliance.com About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset . Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Transcription Notes: Michael Hingson ** 00:00 Access Cast and accessiBe Initiative presents Unstoppable Mindset. The podcast where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. Hi, I'm Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe and the author of the number one New York Times bestselling book, Thunder dog, the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust. Thanks for joining me on my podcast as we explore our own blinding fears of inclusion unacceptance and our resistance to change. We will discover the idea that no matter the situation, or the people we encounter, our own fears, and prejudices often are our strongest barriers to moving forward. The unstoppable mindset podcast is sponsored by accessiBe, that's a c c e s s i capital B e. Visit www.accessibe.com to learn how you can make your website accessible for persons with disabilities. And to help make the internet fully inclusive by the year 2025. Glad you dropped by we're happy to meet you and to have you here with us.   Michael Hingson ** 01:20 Well, hi everyone. I want to welcome you to unstoppable mindset where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. But the neat thing about it is we don't usually deal with inclusion or diversity. We deal with everything, but that because people come on this podcast to tell their own stories, and that's what we get to do today with Jan southern not necessarily anything profound about inclusion or diversity, but certainly the unexpected. And I'm sure we're going to figure out how that happens and what's unexpected about whatever I got to tell you. Before we started, we were just sitting here telling a few puns back and forth. Oh, well, we could always do that, Jan, well, welcome to unstoppable mindset. We're glad you're here. Thank you so much. Glad to be here. Any puns before we start?   Jan Southern ** 02:09 No, I think we've had enough of those. I think we did it   Michael Hingson ** 02:11 in, huh? Yes. Well, cool. Well, I want to thank you for being here. Jan has been very actively involved in a lot of things dealing with business and helping people and companies of all sizes, companies of all sizes. I don't know about people of all sizes, but companies of all sizes in terms of becoming more effective and being well, I'll just use the term resilient, but we'll get into that. But right now, let's talk about the early Jan. Tell us about Jan growing up and all that sort of stuff that's always fun to start with.   Jan Southern ** 02:50 Yes, I grew up in Liberal Kansas, which is a small town just north of the Oklahoma border and a little bit east of New Mexico kind of down in that little Four Corners area. And I grew up in the time when we could leave our house in the morning on the weekends and come home just before dusk at night, and our parents didn't panic, you know. So it was a good it was a good time growing up. I i lived right across the street from the junior high and high school, so I had a hugely long walk to work, I mean,   Michael Hingson ** 03:28 to school,   Jan Southern ** 03:30 yeah, and so, you know, was a, was a cheerleader in high school, and went to college, then at Oklahoma State, and graduated from there, and here I am in the work world. I've been working since I was about 20 years old, and I'd hate to tell you how many years that's been.   Michael Hingson ** 03:51 You can if you want. I won't tell   03:55 nobody will know.   Michael Hingson ** 03:57 Good point. Well, I know it's been a long time I read your bio, so I know, but that's okay. Well, so when you What did you major in in college psychology? Ah, okay. And did you find a bachelor's degree or just bachelor's   Jan Southern ** 04:16 I did not. I got an Mrs. Degree and had two wonderful children and grew up, they've grown up and to become very fine young men with kids of their own. So I have four grandchildren and one great grandchild, so   Michael Hingson ** 04:33 Wowie Zowie, yeah, that's pretty cool. So when you left college after graduating, what did you do?   Jan Southern ** 04:40 I first went to work in a bank. My ex husband was in pharmacy school at Oklahoma, State University of Oklahoma, and so I went to work in a bank. I was the working wife while he went to pharmacy school. And went to work in a bank, and years later, became a bank consultant. So we we lived in Norman, Oklahoma until he was out of school and and as I began having children during our marriage, I went to work for a pediatrician, which was very convenient when you're trying to take care of kids when they're young.   Michael Hingson ** 05:23 Yeah, and what did you What did you do for a pediatrician?   Jan Southern ** 05:27 I was, I was her receptionist, and typed medical charts, so I learned a lot about medicine. Was very she was head of of pediatrics at a local hospital, and also taught at the university. And so I got a great education and health and well being of kids. It was, it was a great job.   Michael Hingson ** 05:51 My my sister in law had her first child while still in high school, and ended up having to go to work. She went to work for Kaiser Permanente as a medical transcriber, but she really worked her way up. She went to college, got a nursing degree, and so on, and she became a nurse. And eventually, when she Well, she didn't retire, but her last job on the medical side was she managed seven wards, and also had been very involved in the critical care unit. Was a nurse in the CCU for a number of years. Then she was tasked. She went to the profit making side of Kaiser, as it were, and she was tasked with bringing paperless charts into Kaiser. She was the nurse involved in the team that did that. So she came a long way from being a medical transcriber.   Jan Southern ** 06:51 Well, she came a long way from being a single mom in high school. That's a great story of success.   Michael Hingson ** 06:56 Well, and she wasn't totally a single mom. She she and the guy did marry, but eventually they they did divorce because he wasn't as committed as he should be to one person, if it were,   Speaker 1 ** 07:10 that's a familiar story. And he also drank and eventually died of cirrhosis of the liver. Oh, that's too bad. Yeah, that's always sad, but, you know, but, but she coped, and her her kids cope. So it works out okay. So you went to work for a pediatrician, and then what did you do?   Jan Southern ** 07:31 Well, after my husband, after he graduated, was transferred to Dallas, and I went to work for a company gardener, Denver company at the time, they've been since purchased by another company. And was because of my experience in banking prior to the pediatrician, I went to work in their corporate cash management division, and I really enjoyed that I was in their corporate cash management for their worldwide division, and was there for about four years, and really enjoyed it. One of my most exciting things was they were moving their headquarters from Quincy, Illinois down to Dallas. And so I had been hired. But since they were not yet in Dallas, I worked with a gentleman who was in charge of putting together their corporate offices. And so we made all the arrangements. As far as we had a got a 10,000 square foot blank space when we started. And our job was to get every desk, every chair, every pen and pencil. And so when somebody moved from Quincy, Illinois, they moved in and they had their desk all set up. Their cuticles were cubicles were ready to go and and they were they could hit the ground running day one, so that,   Michael Hingson ** 09:02 so you, you clearly really got into dealing with organization, I would would say, then, wouldn't, didn't you?   Jan Southern ** 09:11 Yes, yes, that was my, probably my first exposure to to the corporate world and learning exactly how things could be more efficient, more cost effective. And I really enjoyed working for that company.   Michael Hingson ** 09:30 I remember, after September 11, we worked to provide the technology that we were selling, but we provided technology to Wall Street firms so they could recover their data and get set up again to be able to open the stock exchange and all the trading floors on the 17th of September. So the next Monday. And it was amazing, one of the companies was, I think it was Morgan Stanley. Finally and they had to go find new office space, because their office space in the World Trade Center was, needless to say, gone. They found a building in Jersey City that had a floor, they said, about the size of a football field, and from Friday night to Sunday afternoon, they said it took about 36 hours. They brought in computers, including IBM, taking computers from some of their own people, and just bringing them into to Morgan Stanley and other things, including some of the technology that we provided. And within 36 hours, they had completely reconstructed a trading floor. That's amazing. It was, it was absolutely amazing to see that. And you know, for everyone, it was pretty crazy, but Wall Street opened on the 17th and and continued to survive.   Jan Southern ** 10:57 That's a great story.   Michael Hingson ** 10:59 So what did you do? So you did this, this work with the 10,000 square foot space and other things like that. And then what?   Jan Southern ** 11:08 Well, once, once everyone moved into the space in Dallas. Then I began my work in their in their corporate cash management area. And from there, my next job was working in a bank when my my husband, then was transferred back to Tulsa, Oklahoma, and I went back to work in banking. And from that bank, I was there about three to four years, and I was hired then by John Floyd as a as a consultant for banks and credit unions, and I was with that company for 42 years. My gosh, I know that's unusual these days, but I really enjoyed what I did. We did re engineering work and cost effectiveness and banks and credit unions for those 42 years. And so that was where I really cut my teeth on process improvement and continuous improvement, and still in that industry. But their company was bought by a an equity firm. And of course, when that happens, they like to make changes and and bring in their own folks. So those of us who had been there since day one were no longer there.   Michael Hingson ** 12:26 When did that happen?   Jan Southern ** 12:27 That was in 2022   Michael Hingson ** 12:32 so it's interesting that companies do that they always want to bring in their own people. And at least from my perspective, it seems to me that they forget that they lose all the tribal knowledge that people who have been working there have that made the company successful   Jan Southern ** 12:51 Absolutely. So I guess they're still doing well, and they've done well for themselves afterwards, and but, you know, they do, they lose all the knowledge, they lose all of the continuity with the clients. And it's sad that they do that, but that's very, very common.   Michael Hingson ** 13:13 Yeah, I know I worked for a company that was bought by Xerox, and all the company wanted was our technology. All Xerox wanted was the technology. And they lost all of the knowledge that all the people with sales experience and other kinds of experiences brought, because they terminated all of us when the company was fully in the Xerox realm of influence.   Jan Southern ** 13:39 So you know what I went through? Yeah.   Michael Hingson ** 13:42 Well, what did you do after you left that company? After you left John Floyd,   Jan Southern ** 13:47 I left John Floyd, I was under a I was under a non compete, so I kind of knocked around for a couple of years. I was of age where I could have retired, but I wasn't ready to. So then I found Ferguson Alliance, and I'm now a business advisor for family owned businesses, and so I've been with Ferguson just over a year, and doing the same type of work that I did before. In addition to that, I have become a certified Exit Planning advisor, so that I can do that type of work as well. So that's that's my story in a nutshell. As far as employment,   Michael Hingson ** 14:26 what is Ferguson Alliance?   Jan Southern ** 14:29 Ferguson Alliance, we are business advisors for family owned businesses. And the perception is that a family owned business is going to be a small business, but there are over 500,000 family owned businesses in the United States. Our market is the middle market, from maybe 50 employees up to 1000 20 million in revenues, up to, you know, the sky's the limit, and so we do. Do a lot of work as far as whatever can help a family owned business become more prosperous and survive into future generations. It's a sad statistic that most family owned businesses don't survive into the third generation.   Michael Hingson ** 15:16 Why is that?   Jan Southern ** 15:19 I think because they the first the first generation works themselves, their fingers to the bone to get their their business off the ground, and they get successful, and their offspring often enjoy, if you will, the fruits of the labors of their parents and so many of them, once they've gone to college, they don't have an interest in joining the firm, and so they go on and succeed on their own. And then their children, of course, follow the same course from from their work. And so that's really, I think, the primary reason, and also the the founders of the businesses have a tendency to let that happen, I think. And so our coaching programs try to avoid that and help them to bring in the second and third generations so that they can, you know, they can carry on a legacy of their parents or the founders.   Michael Hingson ** 16:28 So what do you do, and what kinds of initiatives do you take to extend the longevity of a family owned business then,   Jan Southern ** 16:39 well, the first thing is that that Rob, who's our founder of our family owned business, does a lot of executive coaching and helps the helps the people who are within the business, be it the founder or being at their second or third generations, and he'll help with coaching them as to how to, hey, get past the family dynamics. Everybody has their own business dynamics. And then you add on top of that, the family dynamics, in addition to just the normal everyday succession of a business. And so we help them to go through those types of challenges, if you will. They're not always a challenge, but sometimes, if there are challenges, Rob's coaching will take them through that and help them to develop a succession plan that also includes a document that says that that governance plan as to how their family business will be governed, in addition to just a simple succession plan, and my role in a lot of that is to make sure that their business is ready to prosper too. You know that their their assessment of as far as whether they're profitable, whether they are their processes are in place, etc, but one of the primary things that we do is to help them make certain that that if they don't want to survive into future generations, that we help them to prepare to either pass it along to a family member or pass it along to someone who's a non family member, right?   Michael Hingson ** 18:34 So I've heard you mentioned the 3p that are involved in extending longevity. Tell me about that. What are the three P's?   Jan Southern ** 18:41 Well, the first p is your people. You know, if you don't take care of your people, be they family members or non family members, then you're not going to be very successful. So making certain that you have a system in place, have a culture in place that takes care of your people. To us, is very key. Once you make sure that your people are in a culture of continuous improvement and have good, solid foundation. In that regard, you need to make sure that your processes are good. That's the second P that that you have to have your processes all documented, that you've authorized your people to make decisions that they don't always have to go to somebody else. If you're a person in the company and you recognize that something's broken, then you need to have empowerment so that your people can make decisions and not always have to get permission from someone else to make certain that those processes continuously are approved improved. That's how to you. Could have became so successful is they installed a product. They called it, I say, a product. They installed a culture. They called it kaizen. And so Kaizen was simply just continuous improvement, where, if you were doing a process and you ask yourself, why did I do it this way? Isn't there a better way? Then, you know, you're empowered to find a better way and to make sure that that that you can make that decision, as long as it fits in with the culture of the company. Then the third P is product. You know, you've got to have a product that people want. I know that you've seen a lot of companies fail because they're pushing a product that nobody wants. And so you make certain that your products are good, your products are good, high quality, and that you can deliver them in the way that you promise. And so those are really the 3p I'd like to go back to process and just kind of one of the things, as you know, we had some horrendous flooding here in Texas recently, and one of the things that happened during that, and not that it was a cause of it, but just one of the things that exacerbated the situation, is someone called to say, Please, we need help. There's flooding going on. It was one of their first responders had recognized that there was a tragic situation unfolding, and when he called into their system to give alerts, someone says, Well, I'm going to have to get approval from my supervisor, with the approval didn't come in time. So what's behind that? We don't know, but that's just a critical point as to why you should empower your people to make decisions when, when it's necessary.   Michael Hingson ** 21:56 I'm sure, in its own way, there was some of that with all the big fires out here in California back in January, although part of the problem with those is that aircraft couldn't fly for 36 hours because the winds were so heavy that there was just no way that the aircraft could fly. But you got to wonder along the way, since they are talking about the fact that the electric companies Southern California, Edison had a fair amount to do with probably a lot a number of the fires igniting and so on, one can only wonder what might have happened if somebody had made different decisions to better prepare and do things like coating the wires so that if they touch, they wouldn't spark and so on that they didn't do. And, you know, I don't know, but one can only wonder.   Jan Southern ** 22:53 It's hard to know, you know, and in our situation, would it have made any difference had that person been able to make a decision on her own? Yeah, I was moving so rapidly, it might not have made any any difference at all, but you just have to wonder, like you said,   Michael Hingson ** 23:10 yeah, there's no way to, at this point, really know and understand, but nevertheless, it is hopefully something that people learn about for the future, I heard that they're now starting to coat wires, and so hopefully that will prevent a lot, prevent a lot of the sparking and so on. I'd always thought about they ought to put everything underground, but coating wire. If they can do that and do it effectively, would probably work as well. And that's, I would think, a lot cheaper than trying to put the whole power grid underground.   Jan Southern ** 23:51 I would think so we did when I was with my prior company. We did a project where they were burying, they were putting everything underground, and Burlington Vermont, and it was incredible what it takes to do that. I mean, you just, we on the outside, just don't realize, you know, there's a room that's like 10 by six underground that carries all of their equipment and things necessary to do that. And I never realized how, how costly and how difficult it was to bury everything. We just have the impression that, well, they just bury this stuff underground, and that's all. That's all it takes. But it's a huge, huge undertaking in order to do that   Michael Hingson ** 24:36 well. And it's not just the equipment, it's all the wires, and that's hundreds and of miles and 1000s of miles of cable that has to be buried underground, and that gets to be a real challenge.   Jan Southern ** 24:47 Oh, exactly, exactly. So another story about cables. We were working in West Texas one time on a project, and we're watching them stretch the. Wiring. They were doing some internet provisioning for West Texas, which was woefully short on in that regard, and they were stringing the wire using helicopters. It was fascinating, and the only reason we saw that is it was along the roadways when we were traveling from West Texas, back into San Antonio, where flights were coming in and out of so that was interesting to watch.   Michael Hingson ** 25:28 Yeah, yeah. People get pretty creative. Well, you know, thinking back a little bit, John Floyd must have been doing something right to keep you around for 42 years.   Jan Southern ** 25:40 Yes, they did. They were a fabulous country company and still going strong. I think he opened in 1981 it's called advantage. Now, it's not John Floyd, but Right, that was a family owned business. That's where I got to cut my teeth on the dynamics of a family owned business and how they should work and how and his niece is one of the people that's still with the company. Whether, now that they're owned by someone else, whether she'll be able to remain as they go into different elements, is, is another question. But yeah, they were, they were great.   Michael Hingson ** 26:20 How many companies, going back to the things we were talking about earlier, how many companies when they're when they buy out another company, or they're bought out by another company, how many of those companies generally do succeed and continue to grow? Do you have any statistics, or do more tend not to than do? Or   Jan Southern ** 26:40 I think that more tend to survive. They tend to survive, though, with a different culture, I guess you would say they they don't retain the culture that they had before. I don't have any firm statistics on that, because we don't really deal with that that much, but I don't they tend to survive with it, with a the culture of the newer company, if they fold them in, yeah.   Michael Hingson ** 27:15 Well, and the reality is to be fair, evolution always takes place. So the John Floyd and say, 2022 wasn't the same as the John Floyd company in 1981   Jan Southern ** 27:31 not at all. No, exactly, not at all.   Michael Hingson ** 27:34 So it did evolve, and it did grow. And so hopefully, when that company was absorbed elsewhere and with other companies, they they do something to continue to be successful, and I but I think that's good. I know that with Xerox, when it bought Kurzweil, who I worked for, they were also growing a lot and so on. The only thing is that their stock started to drop. I think that there were a number of things. They became less visionary, I think is probably the best way to put it, and they had more competition from other companies developing and providing copiers and other things like that. But they just became less visionary. And so the result was that they didn't grow as much as probably they should have.   Jan Southern ** 28:28 I think that happens a lot. Sometimes, if you don't have a culture of continuous improvement and continuous innovation, which maybe they didn't, I'm not that familiar with how they move forward, then you get left behind. You know, I'm I'm in the process right now, becoming certified in artificial intelligent in my old age. And the point that's made, not by the company necessarily that I'm studying with, but by many others, is there's going to be two different kinds of companies in the future. There's going to be those who have adopted AI and those who used to be in business. And I think that's probably fair.   Michael Hingson ** 29:13 I think it is. And I also we talked with a person on this podcast about a year ago, or not quite a year ago, but, but he said, AI will not replace anyone's jobs. People will replace people's jobs with AI, but they shouldn't. They shouldn't eliminate anyone from the workforce. And we ended up having this discussion about autonomous vehicles. And the example that he gave is, right now we have companies that are shippers, and they drive product across the country, and what will happen to the drivers when the driving process becomes autonomous and you have self driving vehicles, driving. Across country. And his point was, what they should do, what people should consider doing is not eliminating the drivers, but while the machine is doing the driving, find and give additional or other tasks to the drivers to do so they can continue to be contributors and become more efficient and help the company become more efficient, because now you've got people to do other things than what they were used to doing, but there are other things that AI won't be able to do. And I thought that was pretty fascinating,   Jan Southern ** 30:34 exactly. Well, my my nephew is a long haul truck driver. He owns a company, and you know, nothing the AI will never be able to observe everything that's going on around the trucking and and you know, there's also the some of the things that that driver can do is those observations, plus they're Going to need people who are going to program those trucks as they are making their way across the country, and so I'm totally in agreement with what your friend said, or your you know, your guests had to say that many other things,   Michael Hingson ** 31:15 yeah, and it isn't necessarily even relating to driving, but there are certainly other things that they could be doing to continue to be efficient and effective, and no matter how good the autonomous driving capabilities are, it only takes that one time when for whatever reason, the intelligence can't do it, that it's good To have a driver available to to to to help. And I do believe that we're going to see the time when autonomous vehicles will be able to do a great job, and they will be able to observe most of all that stuff that goes on around them. But there's going to be that one time and that that happens. I mean, even with drivers in a vehicle, there's that one time when maybe something happens and a driver can't continue. So what happens? Well, the vehicle crashes, or there's another person to take over. That's why we have at least two pilots and airplanes and so on. So right, exactly aspects of it,   Jan Southern ** 32:21 I think so I can remember when I was in grade school, they showed us a film as to what someone's vision of the country was, and part of that was autonomous driving, you know. And so it was, it was interesting that we're living in a time where we're beginning to see that, yeah,   Michael Hingson ** 32:41 we're on the cusp, and it's going to come. It's not going to happen overnight, but it will happen, and we're going to find that vehicles will be able to drive themselves. But there's still much more to it than that, and we shouldn't be in too big of a hurry, although some so called profit making. People may decide that's not true, to their eventual chagrin, but we shouldn't be too quick to replace people with technology totally   Jan Southern ** 33:14 Exactly. We have cars in I think it's Domino's Pizza. I'm not sure which pizza company, but they have autonomous cars driving, and they're cooking the pizza in the back oven of the car while, you know, while it's driving to your location, yeah, but there's somebody in the car who gets out of the car and brings the pizza to my door.   Michael Hingson ** 33:41 There's been some discussion about having drones fly the pizza to you. Well, you know, we'll see,   Jan Southern ** 33:50 right? We'll see how that goes. Yeah,   Michael Hingson ** 33:53 I haven't heard that. That one is really, pardon the pun, flown well yet. But, you know, we'll see. So when you start a process, improvement process program, what are some of the first steps that you initiate to bring that about? Well, the first   Jan Southern ** 34:11 thing that we do, once we've got agreement with their leadership, then we have a meeting with the people who will be involved, who will be impacted, and we tell them all about what's happening, what's going to happen, and make certain that they're in full understanding. And you know, the first thing that you ever hear when you're saying that you're going to be doing a re engineering or process improvement is they think, Oh, you're just going to come in and tell me to reduce my staff, and that's the way I'm going to be more successful. We don't look at it that way at all. We look at it in that you need to be right. Have your staff being the right size, and so in in many cases, in my past. I we've added staff. We've told them, you're under staffed, but the first thing we do is hold that meeting, make certain that they're all in agreement with what's going to happen, explain to them how it's going to happen, and then the next step is that once management has decided who our counterparts will be within the company. Who's going to be working with us to introduce us to their staff members is we sit down with their staff members and we ask them questions. You know, what do you do? How do you do it? What do you Did someone bring it to you. Are you second in line or next in line for some task? And then once you finish with it, what happens to it? Do you give someone else? Is a report produced? Etc. And so once we've answered all of those questions, we do a little a mapping of the process. And once you map that process, then you take it back to the people who actually perform the process, and you ask them, Did I get this right? I heard you say, this? Is this a true depiction of what's happening? And so we make sure that they don't do four steps. And they told us steps number one and three, so that then, once we've mapped that out, that gives us an idea of two of how can things be combined? Can they be combined? Should you be doing what you're doing here? Is there a more efficient or cost effective way of doing it? And we make our recommendations based on that for each process that we're reviewing. Sometimes there's one or two good processes in an area that we're looking at. Sometimes there are hundreds. And so that's that's the basic process. And then once they've said yes, that is correct, then we make our recommendations. We take it back to their management, and hopefully they will include the people who actually are performing the actions. And we make our recommendations to make changes if, if, if it's correct, maybe they don't need to make any changes. Maybe everything is is very, very perfect the way it is. But in most cases, they brought us in because it's not and they've recognized it's not. So then once they've said, yes, we want to do this, then we help them to implement.   Michael Hingson ** 37:44 Who usually starts this process, that is, who brings you in?   Jan Southern ** 37:48 Generally, it is going to be, depending upon the size of the company, but in most cases, it's going to be the CEO. Sometimes it's the Chief Operating Officer. Sometimes in a very large company, it may be a department manager, you know, someone who has the authority to bring us in. But generally, I would say that probably 90% of our projects, it's at the C   Michael Hingson ** 38:19 level office. So then, based on everything that you're you're discussing, probably that also means that there has to be some time taken to convince management below the CEO or CEO or a department head. You've got to convince the rest of management that this is going to be a good thing and that you have their best interest at heart.   Jan Southern ** 38:43 That is correct, and that's primarily the reason that we have for our initial meeting. We ask whoever is the contract signer to attend that meeting and be a part of the discussion to help to ward off any objections, and then to really bring these people along if they are objecting. And for that very reason, even though they may still be objecting, we involve them in the implementation, so an implementation of a of a recommendation has to improve, has to include the validation. So we don't do the work, but we sit alongside the people who are doing the implementation and guide them through the process, and then it's really up to them to report back. Is it working as intended? If it's not, what needs to be changed, what might improve, what we thought would be a good recommendation, and we work with them to make certain that everything works for them. Right? And by the end of that, if they've been the tester, they've been the one who's approved steps along the way, we generally find that they're on board because they're the it's now. They're now the owners of the process. And when they have ownership on something that they've implemented. It's amazing how much more resilient they they think that the process becomes, and now it's their process and not ours.   Michael Hingson ** 40:32 Do you find most often that when you're working with a number of people in a company that most of them realize that there need to be some changes, or something needs to be improved to make the whole company work better. Or do you find sometimes there's just great resistance, and people say no, there's just no way anything is bad.   Jan Southern ** 40:53 Here we find that 90% of the time, and I'm just pulling that percentage out of the air, I would say they know, they know it needs to be changed. And the ones typically, not always, but typically, the ones where you find the greatest resistance are the ones who know it's broken, but they just don't want to change. You know, there are some people who don't want to change no matter what, or they feel threatened that. They feel like that a new and improved process might take their place. You know, might replace them. And that's typically not the case. It's typically not the case at all, that they're not replaced by it. Their process is improved, and they find that they can be much more productive. But the the ones who are like I call them the great resistors, usually don't survive the process either. They are. They generally let themselves go,   Michael Hingson ** 42:01 if you will, more ego than working for the company.   Jan Southern ** 42:05 Yes, exactly, you know, it's kind of like my mom, you know, and it they own the process as it was. We used to laugh and call this person Louise, you know, Louise has said, Well, we've always done it that way. You know, that's probably the best reason 20 years in not to continue to do it same way.   Michael Hingson ** 42:34 We talked earlier about John Floyd and evolution. And that makes perfect sense. Exactly what's one of the most important things that you have to do to prepare to become involved in preparing for a process, improvement project? I think   Jan Southern ** 42:52 the most important thing there's two very important things. One is to understand their culture, to know how their culture is today, so that you know kind of which direction you need to take them, if they're not in a continuous improvement environment, then you need to lead them in that direction if they're already there and they just don't understand what needs to be done. There's two different scenarios, but the first thing you need to do is understand the culture. The second thing that you need to do, other than the culture, is understand their their business. You need to know what they do. Of course, you can't know from the outside how they do it, but you need to know that, for instance, if it's an we're working with a company that cleans oil tanks and removes toxins and foul lines from oil and gas industry. And so if you don't understand at all what they do, it's hard to help them through the processes that they need to go through. And so just learning, in general, what their technology, what their business is about. If you walk in there and haven't done that, you're just blowing smoke. In my mind, you know, I do a lot of research on the technologies that they use, or their company in general. I look at their website, I you know, look at their LinkedIn, their social media and so. And then we request information from them in advance of doing a project, so that we know what their org structure looks like. And I think those things are critical before you walk in the door to really understand their business in general.   Michael Hingson ** 44:53 Yeah, and that, by doing that, you also tend to. To gain a lot of credibility, because you come in and demonstrate that you do understand what they're doing, and people respond well to that, I would think   Jan Southern ** 45:10 they do. You know, one of our most interesting projects in my past was the electric company that I mentioned. There was an electric company in Burlington, Vermont that did their own electric generation. We've never looked at anything like that. We're a bank consultant, and so we learned all about how they generated energy with wood chips and the, you know, the different things. And, you know, there were many days that I was out watching the wood chips fall out of a train and into their buckets, where they then transferred them to a yard where they moved the stuff around all the time. So, you know, it was, it's very interesting what you learn along the way. But I had done my homework, and I knew kind of what they did and not how they did it in individual aspects of their own processes, but I understood their industry. And so it was, you do walk in with some credibility, otherwise they're looking at you like, well, what does this person know about my job?   Michael Hingson ** 46:20 And at the same time, have you ever been involved in a situation where you did learn about the company you you went in with some knowledge, you started working with the company, and you made a suggestion about changing a process or doing something that no one had thought of, and it just clicked, and everybody loved it when they thought about it,   Jan Southern ** 46:42 yes, yes, exactly. And probably that electric company was one of those such things. You know, when they hired us, they they told us. We said, We don't know anything about your business. And they said, Good, we don't want you to come in with any preconceived ideas. And so some of the recommendations we made to them. They were, it's kind of like an aha moment. You know, they look at you like, Oh my gosh. I've never thought of that, you know, the same I would say in in banking and in family businesses, you know, they just, they've never thought about doing things in a certain way.   Michael Hingson ** 47:20 Can you tell us a story about one of those times?   Jan Southern ** 47:24 Yes, I would say that if you're, if you're talking about, let's talk about something in the banking industry, where they are. I was working in a bank, and you, you go in, and this was in the days before we had all of the ways to store things electronically. And so they were having a difficult time in keeping all of their documents and in place and knowing when to, you know, put them in a destruction pile and when not to. And so I would say that they had an aha moment when I said, Okay, let's do this. Let's get a bunch of the little colored dots, and you have big dots and small dots. And I said, everything that you put away for 1990 for instance, then you put on a purple dot. And then for January, you have 12 different colors of the little dots that you put in the middle of them. And you can use those things to determine that everything that has a purple dot and little yellow.in the middle of that one, you know that that needs to be destructed. I think in that case, it was seven years, seven years from now, you know that you need to pull that one off the shelf and put it into the pile to be destructed. And they said, we've never thought of anything. It was like I had told him that, you know, the world was going to be struck, to be gone, to begin tomorrow. Yeah, it was so simple to me, but it was something that they had never, ever thought of, and it solved. They had something like five warehouses of stuff, most of which needed to have been destroyed years before, yeah,   Michael Hingson ** 49:21 but still they weren't sure what, and so you gave them a mechanism to do that,   Jan Southern ** 49:27 right? Of course, that's all gone out the window today. You don't have to do all that manual stuff anymore. You're just, you know, I'd say another example of that was people who were when we began the system of digitizing the files, especially loan files in a bank. And this would hold true today as well, in that once you start on a project to digitize the files, there's a tendency to take the old. Files first and digitize those. Well, when you do that, before you get to the end of it, if you have a large project, you don't need those files anymore. So you know, our recommendation is start with your latest. You know, anything that needs to be archived, start with the newest, because by the time that you finish your project, some of those old files you won't even need to digitize, just shred them. Yeah, you know, it's, it's just little simple things like that that can make all the difference.   Michael Hingson ** 50:32 When should a family business start documenting processes? I think I know that's what I thought you'd say,   Jan Southern ** 50:40 yes, yes, that is something that is near and dear to my heart. Is that I would even recommend that you maybe do it before you open your doors, if potential is there, so that the day you open your business, you need to start with your documenting your processes, and you need to start on your succession planning. You know, those are the days that once you really start working, you're not going to have time. You know, you're going to be busy working every day. You're you're going to be busy servicing your customers, and that always gets pushed to the back when you start to document something, and so that's the time do it when you first open your doors.   Michael Hingson ** 51:29 So when we talk about processes, maybe it's a fair question to ask, maybe not. But what are we really talking about when we talk about processes and documenting processes? What are the processes?   Jan Southern ** 51:41 Well, the processes are the things that you do every day. Let's take as an example, just when you set up your your files within your SharePoint, or within your computer, if you don't use SharePoint, your Google files, how you set those up, a process could also be during your accounting, what's the process that you go through to get a invoice approved? You know, when the invoice comes in from the vendor, what do you do with it? You know, who has to approve it? Are there dollar amounts that you have to have approvals for? Or can some people just take in a smaller invoice and pay it without any any approvals? We like to see there be a process where it's approved before you get the invoice from the customer, where it's been approved at the time of the order. And that way it can be processed more more quickly on the backside, to just make sure that it says what the purchase order if you use purchase orders or see what your agreement was. So it's the it's the workflow. There's something that triggers an action, and then, once gets triggered, then what takes place? What's next, what's the next steps? And you just go through each one of the things that has to happen for that invoice to get paid, and the check or wire transfer, or or whatever you use as a payment methodology for it to go out the door. And so, you know what you what you do is you start, there's something that triggers it, and then there's a goal for the end, and then you fill in in the center,   Michael Hingson ** 53:38 and it's, it's, it's a fascinating I hate to use the word process to to listen to all of this, but it makes perfect sense that you should be documenting right from the outset about everything that you do, because it also means that you're establishing a plan so that everyone knows exactly what the expectations are and exactly what it is that needs to be done every step of the way,   Jan Southern ** 54:07 right and and one of the primary reasons for that is we can't anticipate life. You know, maybe our favorite person, Louise, is the only one who's ever done, let's say, you know, payroll processing, or something of that sort. And if something happens and Louise isn't able to come in tomorrow, who's going to do it? You know, without a map, a road map, as to the steps that need to be taken, how's that going to take place? And so that's that's really the critical importance. And when you're writing those processes and procedures, you need to make them so that anybody can walk in off the street, if necessary, and do what Louise was doing and have it done. Properly.   Michael Hingson ** 55:00 Of course, as we know, Louise is just a big complainer anyway. That's right, you said, yeah. Well, once you've made recommendations, and let's say they're put in place, then what do you do to continue supporting a business?   Jan Southern ** 55:20 We check in with them periodically, whatever is appropriate for them and and for the procedures that are there, we make sure that it's working for them, that they're being as prosperous as they want to be, and that our recommendations are working for them. Hopefully they'll allow us to come back in and and most do, and make sure that what we recommended is right and in is working for them, and if so, we make little tweaks with their approvals. And maybe new technology has come in, maybe they've installed a new system. And so then we help them to incorporate our prior recommendations into whatever new they have. And so we try to support them on an ongoing basis, if they're willing to do that, which we have many clients. I think Rob has clients he's been with for ever, since he opened his doors 15 years ago. So   Michael Hingson ** 56:19 of course, the other side of that is, I would assume sometimes you work with companies, you've helped them deal with processes and so on, and then you come back in and you know about technology that that they don't know. And I would assume then that you suggest that, and hopefully they see the value of listening to your wisdom.   Jan Southern ** 56:41 Absolutely, we find that a lot. We also if they've discovered a technology on their own, but need help with recommendations, as far as implementation, we can help them through that as well, and that's one of the reasons I'm taking this class in AI to be able to help our customers move into a realm where it's much more easily implemented if, if they already have the steps that we've put into place, you can feed that into an AI model, and it can make adjustments to what they're doing or make suggestions.   Michael Hingson ** 57:19 Is there any kind of a rule of thumb to to answer this question, how long does it take for a project to to be completed?   Jan Southern ** 57:26 You know, it takes, in all fairness, regardless of the size of the company, I would say that they need to allow six weeks minimum. That's for a small company with a small project, it can take as long as a year or two years, depending upon the number of departments and the number of people that you have to talk to about their processes. But to let's just take an example of a one, one single department in a company is looking at doing one of these processes, then they need to allow at least six weeks to for discovery, for mapping, for their people to become accustomed to the new processes and to make sure that the implementation has been tested and is working and and they're satisfied with everything that that is taking place. Six weeks is a very, very minimum, probably 90 days is a more fair assessment as to how long they should allow for everything to take place.   Michael Hingson ** 58:39 Do you find that, if you are successful with, say, a larger company, when you go in and work with one department and you're able to demonstrate success improvements, or whatever it is that that you define as being successful, that then other departments want to use your services as well?   Jan Southern ** 59:00 Yes, yes, we do. That's a very good point. Is that once you've helped them to help themselves, if you will, once you've helped them through that process, then they recognize the value of that, and we'll move on to another division or another department to do the same thing.   Michael Hingson ** 59:21 Word of mouth counts for a lot,   Jan Southern ** 59:24 doesn't it? Though, I'd say 90% of our business at Ferguson and company comes through referrals. They refer either through a center of influence or a current client who's been very satisfied with the work that we've done for them, and they tell their friends and networking people that you know. Here's somebody that you should use if you're considering this type of a project.   Michael Hingson ** 59:48 Well, if people want to reach out to you and maybe explore using your services in Ferguson services, how do they do that?   Jan Southern ** 59:55 They contact they can. If they want to contact me directly, it's Jan. J, a n, at Ferguson dash alliance.com and that's F, E, R, G, U, S, O, N, Dash alliance.com and they can go to our website, which is the same, which is Ferguson dash alliance.com One thing that's very, very good about our our website is, there's a page that's called resources, and there's a lot of free advice, if you will. There's a lot of materials there that are available to family owned businesses, specifically, but any business could probably benefit from that. And so those are free for you to be able to access and look at, and there's a lot of blog information, free eBook out there, and so that's the best way to reach Ferguson Alliance.   Michael Hingson ** 1:00:52 Well, cool. Well, I hope people will take all of this to heart. You certainly offered a lot of interesting and I would say, very relevant ideas and thoughts about dealing with processes and the importance of having processes. For several years at a company, my wife was in charge of document control and and not only doc control, but also keeping things secure. Of course, having the sense of humor that I have, I pointed out nobody else around the company knew how to read Braille, so what they should really do is put all the documents in Braille, then they'd be protected, but nobody. I was very disappointed. Good idea   Speaker 2 ** 1:01:36 that is good idea that'll keep them safe from everybody. Yeah.   Michael Hingson ** 1:01:39 Well, I want to thank you for being here, and I want to thank to thank all of you for listening today. We've been doing this an hour. How much fun. It is fun. Well, I appreciate it, and love to hear from all of you about today's episode. Please feel free to reach out to me. You can email me at Michael H i@accessibe.com or go to our podcast page. Michael hingson, M, I, C, H, A, E, L, H, I N, G, s, O, n.com/podcast, but wherever you're listening, please give us a five star rating. We value your thoughts and your opinions, and I hope that you'll tell other people about the podcasts as well. This has been an interesting one, and we try to make them all kind of fun and interesting, so please tell others about it. And if anyone out there listening knows of anyone who ought to be a guest, Jan, including you, then please feel free to introduce us to anyone who you think ought to be a guest on unstoppable mindset. Because I believe everyone has a story to tell, and I want to get as many people to have the opportunity to tell their stories as we can. So I hope that you'll all do that and give us reviews and and stick with us. But Jan, again, I want to thank you for being here. This has been a lot of fun.   Jan Southern ** 1:02:51 It has been a lot of fun, and I certainly thank you for inviting me.   Michael Hingson ** 1:03:00 You have been listening to the Unstoppable Mindset podcast. Thanks for dropping by. I hope that you'll join us again next week, and in future weeks for upcoming episodes. To subscribe to our podcast and to learn about upcoming episodes, please visit www dot Michael hingson.com slash podcast. Michael Hingson is spelled m i c h a e l h i n g s o n. While you're on the site., please use the form there to recommend people who we ought to interview in upcoming editions of the show. And also, we ask you and urge you to invite your friends to join us in the future. If you know of any one or any organization needing a speaker for an event, please email me at speaker at Michael hingson.com. I appreciate it very much. To learn more about the concept of blinded by fear, please visit www dot Michael hingson.com forward slash blinded by fear and while you're there, feel free to pick up a copy of my free eBook entitled blinded by fear. The unstoppable mindset podcast is provided by access cast an initiative of accessiBe and is sponsored by accessiBe. Please visit www.accessibe.com . AccessiBe is spelled a c c e s s i b e. There you can learn all about how you can make your website inclusive for all persons with disabilities and how you can help make the internet fully inclusive by 2025. Thanks again for Listening. Please come back and visit us again next week.

Join us for a Partner Summit Special episode of The Exit Is Now podcast as Scott Snider welcomes Shina Culberson, President of Quist Valuation. With more than 40 years of experience, Quist specializes exclusively in business valuation and serves as a trusted partner to CEPAs nationwide. In this conversation, Shina explains why valuation is purpose-driven, outlines the different approaches used across the Value Acceleration Methodology, and walks through the process of delivering a certified valuation. She also explores the role of AI in valuation and why judgment, experience, and relationships remain irreplaceable. Whether you are an advisor guiding clients or an owner beginning your exit journey, this episode will deepen your understanding of valuation's critical role.Want to learn more? Go to: https://linktr.ee/theexitplanninginstituteConnect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-snider-epi/============================================SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-is-now-plan-accordingly-with-scott-snider/id1663050204Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iXzdvQN1ApWPOk3rVytFR============================================CONNECT WITH SCOTT ON SOCIAL MEDIA   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Eh7TfhJHKRa5uc5R0uRgAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Exit-Planning-Institute-608403729259835Website: https://exit-planning-institute.org#ExitPlanningInstitute #ScottSnider #Podcast============================================About Scott:Scott Snider is the President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) and the Operating Partner of Snider Premier Growth, a small family investment company.  At EPI, Scott is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization along with overseeing the company's operations and chapter development. Since joining EPI, Scott has expanded the organization regionally, nationally, and globally, providing a transformational educational experience to advisors from all specialties across the globe.Scott Snider is a nationally recognized industry leader, growth specialist, and lifetime entrepreneur.  Two of Snider's biggest talents: market penetration and rapid growth strategies. As the operational and strategic leader of EPI, Snider thrives on helping advisors learn how to educate clients, achieve market distinction, and deliver real results.

When it comes to CPP timing, the math often says "wait until 70" - but life isn't lived in a spreadsheet. In this episode, Joe Curry explores why taking your Canada Pension Plan early—sometimes even at 60—can be a smart, meaningful choice for your lifestyle, legacy, and peace of mind. Key Takeaways from this Podcast CPP timing isn't just about math — it's about meaning. The "optimal" financial choice may not be the one that helps you live your best retirement. Taking CPP early can increase flexibility. Early benefits can fund experiences, family gifts, or charitable giving when you're healthiest and most active. Zero-earning years can reduce your benefit. If you retire before 65 but delay CPP, those years may count against you in the CPP calculation. Not everyone needs longevity insurance. If you have pensions, rental income, or sufficient savings, delaying CPP might not be worth the trade-off. Behavioral comfort matters. If you're hesitant to draw from investments, that monthly CPP cheque might help you enjoy your retirement more freely. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast Episode 157: How to Delay CPP to Age 70 Without Sacrificing Retirement Income Episode 106: Understanding Your Retirement Income Personality for Success, with Wade Pfau Matthews & Associates Retirement Planning Process   Thank you for listening! You can get a full breakdown of each episode on our blog: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/blog  Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more simplified retirement planning insights!    Ready to take the next step?  Identify your retirement income style with the RISA questionnaire at  https://account.myrisaprofile.com/invitation-link/88QG1TMQ12   Want a retirement plan that adapts as your life evolves? Discover our True Wealth Roadmap — a step-by-step process to align your finances with your ideal retirement. Learn more here: https://matthewsandassociates.ca/vsl/    About Joe Curry Joseph Curry, also known as Joe, is the host of Your Retirement Planning Simplified, Canada's fastest-growing retirement planning podcast, where he provides accessible, in-depth financial advice. As the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario, he is committed to helping people secure both financial stability and purpose in retirement. His mission is to ensure people can sleep soundly knowing they have a solid plan in place, covering both financial and lifestyle aspects of retirement. A Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, he values true wealth as more than money—it's about creating meaningful experiences with loved ones and fostering opportunities for the future.  You can reach out to Joe through: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curryjoe Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/ Website: https://matthewsandassociates.ca/vsl/    About Retirement Planning Simplified Founded in 2022, its mission is to empower people to plan for retirement confidently, focusing not only on finances but also on a meaningful life. RPS wants everyone to have access to simple, reliable tools that reflect their values and priorities, helping them create True Wealth—the freedom to do what they love with those they love. By simplifying retirement planning and aligning it with the retiree's purpose, RPS aims to support building a retirement that feels fulfilling and secure. To know more about RPS you can visit the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/retirement-planning-simplified/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retirement_planning_simplified Podcast/Blog: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/blog Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@retirementplanningsimplified       Disclaimer Opinions expressed are those of Joseph Curry, a registrant of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI), and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. This video is for informational purposes only and not intended to be personalized investment advice. The views expressed are opinions of Joseph Curry and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. Content is prepared for general circulation and information contained does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any investment fund, security or other product or service.  

Wondering if your retirement portfolio is really performing well? In this episode of Your Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry explains why comparing your portfolio to indexes like the TSX or S&P 500 can be misleading. Learn how to evaluate investment performance based on your personal goals, asset mix, and income needs — not on market headlines. Key Takeaways from this Episode Stop Comparing to the TSX. Your retirement portfolio is designed for stability and income, not for competing with stock indexes built for accumulation. Diversification Is the Real Benchmark. A well-structured retirement portfolio should include Canadian, U.S., international, and fixed-income holdings — each with its own purpose. Asset Allocation Should Reflect You. Your mix of stocks and bonds should align with your risk tolerance, income needs, and guaranteed income sources like CPP, OAS, or pensions. Evidence Beats Guesswork. Research like the SPIVA scorecard consistently shows that active managers rarely beat the market after fees — supporting an evidence-based approach. Stay Focused on Purpose, Not Performance Chasing. Evaluate your portfolio by asking whether it's helping you meet your income goals and maintain peace of mind, not whether it's "winning" against the market. Resources Mentioned in this Episode SPIVA® Canada Scorecard (S&P Global) Previous Episode of YRPS: The Bond Tent Strategy Thank you for listening! You can get a full breakdown of each episode on our blog: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/blog Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more simplified retirement planning insights! Ready to take the next step? Identify your retirement income style with the RISA questionnaire at https://account.myrisaprofile.com/invitation-link/88QG1TMQ12 Want a retirement plan that adapts as your life evolves? Discover our True Wealth Roadmap — a step-by-step process to align your finances with your ideal retirement. Learn more at https://matthewsandassociates.ca/our-process/ ABOUT JOE CURRY Joseph Curry, also known as Joe, is the host of Your Retirement Planning Simplified, Canada's fastest-growing retirement planning podcast, where he provides accessible, in-depth financial advice. As the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario, he is committed to helping people secure both financial stability and purpose in retirement. His mission is to ensure people can sleep soundly knowing they have a solid plan in place, covering both financial and lifestyle aspects of retirement. A Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, he values true wealth as more than money—it's about creating meaningful experiences with loved ones and fostering opportunities for the future. You can reach out to Joe through: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curryjoe Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/ https://matthewsandassociates.ca/ https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/ ABOUT RETIREMENT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED Founded in 2022, its mission is to empower people to plan for retirement confidently, focusing not only on finances but also on a meaningful life. RPS wants everyone to have access to simple, reliable tools that reflect their values and priorities, helping them create True Wealth—the freedom to do what they love with those they love. By simplifying retirement planning and aligning it with the retiree's purpose, RPS aims to support building a retirement that feels fulfilling and secure. To know more about RPS you can visit the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/retirement-planning-simplified/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retirement_planning_simplified Podcast/Blog: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/blog Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@retirementplanningsimplified DISCLAIMER Opinions expressed are those of Joseph Curry, a registrant of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI), and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. This video is for informational purposes only and not intended to be personalized investment advice. The views expressed are opinions of Joseph Curry and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. Content is prepared for general circulation and information contained does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any investment fund, security or other product or service.

Join us for a Flip the Script episode of The Exit Is Now podcast as Drew English, EPI's Director of Membership, interviews Scott Snider about the future of membership and the meaning of member entanglement. Together they unpack why EPI is investing in a new membership strategy, how entanglement differs from engagement, and what tools are helping CEPAs implement value acceleration more effectively. Scott also shares the long-term vision for CEPA growth, the role of the Beyond CEPA Path, and why building deeper relationships is critical for the profession's future. It's an honest look at culture, retention, and the power of community.Want to learn more? Go to: https://linktr.ee/theexitplanninginstituteConnect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-snider-epi/============================================SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-is-now-plan-accordingly-with-scott-snider/id1663050204Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iXzdvQN1ApWPOk3rVytFR============================================CONNECT WITH SCOTT ON SOCIAL MEDIA   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Eh7TfhJHKRa5uc5R0uRgAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Exit-Planning-Institute-608403729259835Website: https://exit-planning-institute.org#ExitPlanningInstitute #ScottSnider #Podcast============================================About Scott:Scott Snider is the President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) and the Operating Partner of Snider Premier Growth, a small family investment company.  At EPI, Scott is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization along with overseeing the company's operations and chapter development. Since joining EPI, Scott has expanded the organization regionally, nationally, and globally, providing a transformational educational experience to advisors from all specialties across the globe.Scott Snider is a nationally recognized industry leader, growth specialist, and lifetime entrepreneur.  Two of Snider's biggest talents: market penetration and rapid growth strategies. As the operational and strategic leader of EPI, Snider thrives on helping advisors learn how to educate clients, achieve market distinction, and deliver real results.

In this episode of Your Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe breaks down the five and a half guaranteed retirement income sources every Canadian should understand—from CPP and OAS to pensions and annuities. Learn how to build a dependable retirement income floor so you can retire with confidence and weather any market conditions.     Key Takeaways from this Episode Defined Benefit Pensions – A disappearing but powerful guaranteed income source, backed by employers or plan sponsors. Know your plan's funding health and inflation protection. Canada Pension Plan (CPP) – One of the most reliable lifetime income streams. Delaying CPP can act as “longevity insurance,” boosting payments by 8.4% per year after age 65. Old Age Security (OAS) – Government-funded and guaranteed, but subject to clawbacks for higher-income retirees — making tax-efficient withdrawal strategies critical. Annuities – Think of these as “do-it-yourself pensions.” You exchange a lump sum for guaranteed lifetime income, ideal for those who value simplicity and peace of mind. Guaranteed Minimum Withdrawal Benefits (GMWBs) – Hybrid investment-insurance products that can provide guaranteed income while keeping you invested, though often with complexity and higher fees. Bonus (“Half”) Sources: GIS for lower-income retirees and rental income, which may feel stable, but lacks a true guarantee.     Ready to take the next step?  Identify your retirement income style with the RISA questionnaire at  https://account.myrisaprofile.com/invitation-link/88QG1TMQ12     Want a retirement plan that adapts as your life evolves? Discover our True Wealth Roadmap — a step-by-step process to align your finances with your ideal retirement. Learn more at https://matthewsandassociates.ca/our-process/  Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more simplified retirement planning insights! ABOUT JOE  CURRY Joseph Curry, also known as Joe, is the host of Your Retirement Planning Simplified, Canada's fastest-growing retirement planning podcast, where he provides accessible, in-depth financial advice. As the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario, he is committed to helping people secure both financial stability and purpose in retirement. His mission is to ensure people can sleep soundly knowing they have a solid plan in place, covering both financial and lifestyle aspects of retirement. A Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, he values true wealth as more than money—it's about creating meaningful experiences with loved ones and fostering opportunities for the future.  You can reach out to Joe through: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curryjoe Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/   https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/                https://matthewsandassociates.ca/      ABOUT RETIREMENT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED Founded in 2022, its mission is to empower people to plan for retirement confidently, focusing not only on finances but also on a meaningful life. RPS wants everyone to have access to simple, reliable tools that reflect their values and priorities, helping them create True Wealth—the freedom to do what they love with those they love. By simplifying retirement planning and aligning it with the retiree's purpose, RPS aims to support building a retirement that feels fulfilling and secure. To know more about RPS you can visit the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/retirement-planning-simplified/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retirement_planning_simplified Podcast/Blog: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/blog Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@retirementplanningsimplified         DISCLAIMER Opinions expressed are those of Joseph Curry, a registrant of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI), and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. This video is for informational purposes only and not intended to be personalized investment advice. The views expressed are opinions of Joseph Curry and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. Content is prepared for general circulation and information contained does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any investment fund, security or other product or service.  

This week marks an exciting transition for "The Maximize Business Value Podcast!" We're thrilled to announce that seasoned business owner Dave Casey is introducing a new host to the Maximize Business Value Podcast - Meet Amy Morin!Learn more about Amy on LinkedIn and at masterypartners.com. Tune in weekly to hear more from Mastery Partners and to receive relevant key content on your journey to maximizing your business value!     #maximizebusinessvalue #masterypartners #MBVPodcastHosts #businesssuccess #AmyMorin #DaveCaseyGET THE BOOKS: Don't forget to check out Maximizing Business Value by Tom Bronson for actionable strategies on your business journey.Learn More about Dave CaseyDave Casey is a seasoned business owner with deep expertise in all aspects of organizational behavior and a passion for helping entrepreneurs reap the full rewards of building their companies. He understands that a truly valuable business isn't just profitable—it's secure, scalable, and transferable. In addition to his work with Mastery Partners, Dave actively gives back to the entrepreneurial community through leadership roles with organizations like Business Navigators, Biz Owners Ed, and Liberty Ministry. Whether advising on strategic growth or mentoring the next generation of business leaders, Dave brings clarity, integrity, and decades of real-world experience to every interaction. His mission goes beyond exit planning—he's committed to helping owners build lasting legacies.Learn More about Amy Morin: Amy Morin is Amy Morin is an accomplished entrepreneur and Business Growth Coach who brings exceptional value to your network. She has an impressive background as a Certified EOS Implementer®, Outgrow Sales Advisor, and Certified Exit Planning Advisor®. What makes Amy truly remarkable is her real-world success. She co-founded and scaled a company from zero to $40 million in revenue across multiple states before executing a successful exit. Later, she purchased a struggling Montana fly-fishing resort, implemented effective systems and accountability measures, and transformed it into a profitable enterprise that she also successfully exited. Mastery Partners Elevating Businesses to Achieve The Business Owner's Dream Exit The unfortunate reality is that for every business that comes on the market (for whatever reason), only 17% of them achieve a successful exit. You read that right. 83% of attempted business transitions never reach the closing table. Mastery Partners is on a mission to change that. We ELEVATE businesses to achieve maximum value and reach that dream exit. Our objectives are simple - understand where the business is today, identify opportunities for dramatic improvement, and offer solutions to enhance the business, making it more marketable and valuable. And that all starts with understanding the business owner's definition of his or her dream exit. Mastery has developed a 4-Step Process to help business owners achieve their dreams. STEP 1: Transition Readiness Assessment STEP 2: Roadmap for Value Acceleration STEP 3: Relentless Execution STEP 4: Decision: Now that desired results are achieved, the business is ready for the next step in the journey! CONNECT WITH MASTERY PARTNERS TO LEARN MORELinkedInWebsite© 2025 Mastery Partners, LLC.

  Most retirees view mandatory RIF withdrawals as a tax trap—but what if they're actually a strategic advantage?  In this episode, Joe Curry explains how smart RIF planning can reduce lifetime taxes, protect OAS and government benefits, and even help grow wealth. Learn how to use income smoothing, tax brackets, and the three-bucket strategy to master retirement income planning. Key Takeaways ·       RIF withdrawals aren't a punishment—they're part of a tax-deferred system designed for the decumulation phase of retirement. ·       Starting RRSP withdrawals early can smooth out income and prevent OAS clawbacks later in life. ·       The pension tax credit offers up to $2,000 in RIF withdrawals tax-free after age 65. ·       Using the three-bucket strategy—pre-tax, tax-free, and taxable—helps optimize annual withdrawals and minimize taxes. ·       Annual reviews are essential to adapt your withdrawal strategy as tax rules, income, and benefits change. —------------------------------------------------------------ Ready to take the next step?  Identify your retirement income style with the RISA questionnaire at  https://account.myrisaprofile.com/invitation-link/88QG1TMQ12  Want a retirement plan that adapts as your life evolves? Discover our True Wealth Roadmap — a step-by-step process to align your finances with your ideal retirement. Learn more at https://matthewsandassociates.ca/our-process/   Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more simplified retirement planning insights! —------------------------------------------------------------   ABOUT JOE  CURRY Joseph Curry, also known as Joe, is the host of Your Retirement Planning Simplified, Canada's fastest-growing retirement planning podcast, where he provides accessible, in-depth financial advice. As the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario, he is committed to helping people secure both financial stability and purpose in retirement. His mission is to ensure people can sleep soundly knowing they have a solid plan in place, covering both financial and lifestyle aspects of retirement. A Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, he values true wealth as more than money—it's about creating meaningful experiences with loved ones and fostering opportunities for the future.  You can reach out to Joe through: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curryjoe Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/ https://matthewsandassociates.ca/  https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/  ABOUT RETIREMENT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED Founded in 2022, its mission is to empower people to plan for retirement confidently, focusing not only on finances but also on a meaningful life. RPS wants everyone to have access to simple, reliable tools that reflect their values and priorities, helping them create True Wealth—the freedom to do what they love with those they love. By simplifying retirement planning and aligning it with the retiree's purpose, RPS aims to support building a retirement that feels fulfilling and secure. To know more about RPS you can visit the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/retirement-planning-simplified/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retirement_planning_simplified Podcast/Blog: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/blog Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@retirementplanningsimplified     —------------------------------------------------------------- Disclaimer: Opinions expressed are those of Joseph Curry, a registrant of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI), and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. This video is for informational purposes only and not intended to be personalized investment advice. The views expressed are opinions of Joseph Curry and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. Content is prepared for general circulation and information contained does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any investment fund, security or other product or service.

What if you could add a million dollars to your business without selling a single extra unit or finding new clients?  In this episode of Business and Exit Planning Simplified, Joe talks about the profit gap, the silent drain that lowers your business value. He  explains what the profit gap is, how to measure it, and simple steps you can take to close it. You'll learn why buyers care about profit more than revenue, how higher margins increase both your income today and your future sale price, and why cleaning up your finances makes your company more attractive. Whether you're planning to exit in 1 year or 10 years, closing the profit gap is one of the fastest ways to increase business value and secure your retirement. Here's what you're in for: 00:00 Identifying the profit gap 02:57 How to close the profit gap 06:36 Why normalizing financials matters 10:21 Strategies to increase profitability 14:27 Final thoughts and next steps —------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT JOE  CURRY Joe Curry is the host of Business and Exit Planning Simplified and the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario. A Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Joe is passionate about helping business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and find purpose beyond their business. His mission is to ensure clients retire with confidence—financially secure and personally fulfilled.   You can reach out to Joe through: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curryjoe Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/               https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/                https://matthewsandassociates.ca/    ABOUT BUSINESS AND EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED The Business and Exit Planning Simplified podcast offers clear, actionable guidance to help business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and achieve financial freedom. Hosted by Joe Curry, a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, each episode delivers expert insights, real-life case studies, and practical strategies tailored for service-based entrepreneurs approaching retirement. The podcast empowers listeners to transition with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.  —------------------------------------------------------------- Disclaimer: Opinions expressed are those of Joseph Curry, a registrant of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI), and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. This video is for informational purposes only and not intended to be personalized investment advice. The views expressed are opinions of Joseph Curry and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. Content is prepared for general circulation and information contained does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any investment fund, security or other product or service.

Are you sure your business is set up to fund the retirement you want and leave the legacy you've worked so hard to build? In this episode of  Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry and Lindsay talk with Bob Gauvreau, a successful entrepreneur who built an eight-figure professional services firm.  You'll hear practical advice on tax strategies, maximizing your business value, and how to prepare your business for sale. He also explains the benefits of family trusts, how to handle family business succession, and why early planning is the key to a smooth transition. Here's what you're in for: 00:00 – Introduction & Welcome 00:45 – Bob Gauvreau's Entrepreneurial Journey 02:01 – Building an Eight-Figure Firm 03:38 – Retirement Planning for Business Owners 06:13 – Structuring a Business for Sale 09:51 – Family Trusts & Tax Planning 13:41 – Increasing Business Value Before Sale 18:26 – Family Business Succession Strategies 27:45 – Conclusion & How to Connect —------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT BOB GAUVREAU Bob Gauvreau is an entrepreneur, CPA, and founder of Gauvreau, an award-winning advisory firm dedicated to helping business owners thrive. Since 2008, he has redefined the traditional accounting model—offering tax strategy, compliance, legal services, bookkeeping, coaching, and financial planning—to empower entrepreneurs to use their finances as a true growth engine. Author of The Wealthy Entrepreneur and host of The Wealthy Entrepreneur Podcast, Bob is committed to reducing stress, increasing clarity, and helping business leaders build profitable, purposeful businesses they can be proud of. You can reach out to Bob through: LinkedIn: https://www.https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-gauvreau Website: https://www.GauvreauCPA.ca (Company)                  https://www.robertgauvreau.com (Personal)                —------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT JOE  CURRY Joe Curry is the host of Business and Exit Planning Simplified and the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario. A Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Joe is passionate about helping business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and find purpose beyond their business. His mission is to ensure clients retire with confidence—financially secure and personally fulfilled. You can reach out to Joe through: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curryjoe Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/               https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/               https://matthewsandassociates.ca/    ABOUT BUSINESS AND EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED The Business and Exit Planning Simplified podcast offers clear, actionable guidance to help business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and achieve financial freedom. Hosted by Joe Curry, a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, each episode delivers expert insights, real-life case studies, and practical strategies tailored for service-based entrepreneurs approaching retirement. The podcast empowers listeners to transition with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.  —------------------------------------------------------------- Disclaimer: Opinions expressed are those of Joseph Curry, a registrant of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI), and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. This video is for informational purposes only and not intended to be personalized investment advice. The views expressed are opinions of Joseph Curry and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. Content is prepared for general circulation and information contained does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any investment fund, security or other product or service.  

In this episode, Joe Curry starts with a tough question: Could your business be worth far less than you expect? Most business owners believe boosting sales and profits is the only way to grow business value. But that's only one piece of the puzzle. What You'll Learn: What the value gap really is and why it matters Why increasing revenue and profit isn't enough How factors like owner dependence, recurring revenue, and customer concentration affect your business value Joe shares practical tips on how to make your business less risky, more scalable, and ultimately more valuable even if you're not planning to sell anytime soon. Here's what you're in for: 00:00 Is Your Business Worth Less Than You Think? 01:20 Understanding the Value Gap 03:02 Key Drivers of Business Value 07:17 Practical Example Marketing Agency 09:21 Why Focusing on Value Matters 10:39 Conclusion and Key Takeaways —------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT JOE  CURRY Joe Curry is the host of Business and Exit Planning Simplified and the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario. A Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Joe is passionate about helping business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and find purpose beyond their business. His mission is to ensure clients retire with confidence—financially secure and personally fulfilled. You can reach out to Joe through: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curryjoe Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/               https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/               https://matthewsandassociates.ca/    ABOUT BUSINESS AND EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED The Business and Exit Planning Simplified podcast offers clear, actionable guidance to help business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and achieve financial freedom. Hosted by Joe Curry, a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, each episode delivers expert insights, real-life case studies, and practical strategies tailored for service-based entrepreneurs approaching retirement. The podcast empowers listeners to transition with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.  —------------------------------------------------------------- Disclaimer: Opinions expressed are those of Joseph Curry, a registrant of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI), and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. This video is for informational purposes only and not intended to be personalized investment advice. The views expressed are opinions of Joseph Curry and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. Content is prepared for general circulation and information contained does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any investment fund, security or other product or service.

Join us for an exclusive episode of The Exit Is Now podcast as Scott Snider welcomes Neil McPeak into the studio for an honest and impactful conversation. From Olympic rowing to co-owning a multi-advisor firm with his father, Neil shares how discipline, team dynamics, and one major client loss reshaped their entire business model. He opens up about transitioning from general advising to pre-sale business owner specialization, and how reframing their approach with referral partners has led to deeper relationships and more meaningful work. Scott and Neil also reflect on shared lessons from their landscaping days and how that grit carries forward into legacy-building conversations with the next generation.Want to learn more? Go to: https://linktr.ee/theexitplanninginstituteConnect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-snider-epi/============================================SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-is-now-plan-accordingly-with-scott-snider/id1663050204Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iXzdvQN1ApWPOk3rVytFR============================================CONNECT WITH SCOTT ON SOCIAL MEDIA   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Eh7TfhJHKRa5uc5R0uRgAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Exit-Planning-Institute-608403729259835Website: https://exit-planning-institute.org#ExitPlanningInstitute #ScottSnider #Podcast============================================About Scott:Scott Snider is the President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) and the Operating Partner of Snider Premier Growth, a small family investment company.  At EPI, Scott is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization along with overseeing the company's operations and chapter development. Since joining EPI, Scott has expanded the organization regionally, nationally, and globally, providing a transformational educational experience to advisors from all specialties across the globe.Scott Snider is a nationally recognized industry leader, growth specialist, and lifetime entrepreneur.  Two of Snider's biggest talents: market penetration and rapid growth strategies. As the operational and strategic leader of EPI, Snider thrives on helping advisors learn how to educate clients, achieve market distinction, and deliver real results.

How Should You Pay Yourself as a Business Owner? Salary, Dividends, or an IPP? In this episode, Joe chats with Braden Warwick from PWL Capital about how business owners can pay themselves in the smartest way. They break down the pros and cons of taking a salary, dividends, or using an Individual Pension Plan (IPP), a lesser-known but powerful option. Braden shares what he's learned from co-authoring a paper with Ben Felix, and they talk through real-life examples. You'll learn how taxes play into each option, what “notional accounts” are (in simple terms), and how a flexible income plan could help you get the most from your money,both now and in retirement. Here's what you're in for: 00:00 – Welcome and intro 00:24 – Meet Braden and his role at PWL 01:57 – What the research says about business owner pay 04:03 – Tax pros and cons of each method 08:46 – What are notional accounts, anyway? 13:02 – How IPPs work and who they're good for 17:35 – Using a flexible salary strategy 25:49 – Final thoughts and where to learn more —------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT BRADEN WARWICK Braden Warwick is a PhD Research Engineer who loves turning complex research into practical, high-performing software. With a background in optimization, Monte Carlo and statistical analysis, and stochastic modeling, he's passionate about solving tough problems and making data-driven tools that work in the real world. Braden has hands-on experience with GPU-accelerated simulations, parallel processing, and modern Python and JavaScript frameworks, bringing innovative ideas from theory to production. You can reach out to Braden through: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/braden-warwick-a40b48a3 Website: https://www.bradenwarwick.ca (Personal)              —------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT JOE  CURRY Joe Curry is the host of Business and Exit Planning Simplified and the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario. A Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Joe is passionate about helping business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and find purpose beyond their business. His mission is to ensure clients retire with confidence—financially secure and personally fulfilled. You can reach out to Joe through: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curryjoe Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/              https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/               https://matthewsandassociates.ca/    ABOUT BUSINESS AND EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED The Business and Exit Planning Simplified podcast offers clear, actionable guidance to help business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and achieve financial freedom. Hosted by Joe Curry, a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, each episode delivers expert insights, real-life case studies, and practical strategies tailored for service-based entrepreneurs approaching retirement. The podcast empowers listeners to transition with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.  —------------------------------------------------------------- Disclaimer: Opinions expressed are those of Joseph Curry, a registrant of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI), and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. This video is for informational purposes only and not intended to be personalized investment advice. The views expressed are opinions of Joseph Curry and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. Content is prepared for general circulation and information contained does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any investment fund, security or other product or service.  

How to Calculate Your Wealth Gap and Retire on Your Terms If you sold your business tomorrow, would it fund your retirement? In this episode of Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry breaks down how to calculate your “wealth gap”, the difference between what you need for financial independence and what you already have saved outside your business and home. You'll learn why this number is the foundation for both retirement and exit planning, how to use the 4% rule for back-of-the-napkin math, and what business owners can do today to close that gap and retire with confidence. Here's what you're in for: 00:00 The Big Question About Retirement 01:50 Calculating Your Wealth Gap 02:07 Retirement Lifestyle Goals 02:52 Income from Investments: The 4% Rule 03:33 Considering Taxes in Your Wealth Gap 03:57 Assets and the Wealth Gap 04:45 Closing the Wealth Gap with Your Business 05:12 Financial Independence vs. Retirement 05:31 Reverse Engineering Your Business Sale 06:56 Example Walkthrough 08:13 The Importance of Early Exit Planning 09:50 Conclusion: Bridging Business and Retirement        —------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT JOE  CURRY Joe Curry is the host of Business and Exit Planning Simplified and the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario. A Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Joe is passionate about helping business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and find purpose beyond their business. His mission is to ensure clients retire with confidence—financially secure and personally fulfilled. You can reach out to Joe through: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curryjoe Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/   https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/                https://matthewsandassociates.ca/  ABOUT BUSINESS AND EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED The Business and Exit Planning Simplified podcast offers clear, actionable guidance to help business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and achieve financial freedom. Hosted by Joe Curry, a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, each episode delivers expert insights, real-life case studies, and practical strategies tailored for service-based entrepreneurs approaching retirement. The podcast empowers listeners to transition with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose. —------------------------------------------------------------- Disclaimer: Opinions expressed are those of Joseph Curry, a registrant of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI), and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. This video is for informational purposes only and not intended to be personalized investment advice. The views expressed are opinions of Joseph Curry and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. Content is prepared for general circulation and information contained does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any investment fund, security or other product or service.  

Join us for a compelling episode of the Exit Is Now podcast as Scott Snider sits down with M&A advisor and author Scott Bushkie for a candid conversation on what it really takes to sell a business. Scott shares insights from 25 years in the trenches—from his early days as the “gas station king” to building a boutique investment bank serving the underserved lower middle market. They explore how the M&A profession has evolved, what owners should expect during a sale, and the emotional weight of letting go. Scott also dives into his book Finish Strong, which helps business owners navigate value, timing, and life after the sale.Want to learn more? Go to: https://linktr.ee/theexitplanninginstituteConnect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-snider-epi/============================================SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-is-now-plan-accordingly-with-scott-snider/id1663050204Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iXzdvQN1ApWPOk3rVytFR============================================CONNECT WITH SCOTT ON SOCIAL MEDIA   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Eh7TfhJHKRa5uc5R0uRgAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Exit-Planning-Institute-608403729259835Website: https://exit-planning-institute.org#ExitPlanningInstitute #ScottSnider #Podcast============================================About Scott:Scott Snider is the President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) and the Operating Partner of Snider Premier Growth, a small family investment company.  At EPI, Scott is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization along with overseeing the company's operations and chapter development. Since joining EPI, Scott has expanded the organization regionally, nationally, and globally, providing a transformational educational experience to advisors from all specialties across the globe.Scott Snider is a nationally recognized industry leader, growth specialist, and lifetime entrepreneur.  Two of Snider's biggest talents: market penetration and rapid growth strategies. As the operational and strategic leader of EPI, Snider thrives on helping advisors learn how to educate clients, achieve market distinction, and deliver real results.

How Should Business Owners Pay Themselves? Salary vs. Dividends In this episode of Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry sits down with financial expert Aravind Sithamparapillai to talk about how business owners should structure their compensation. They break down the pros and cons of salary versus dividends, how CPP (Canada Pension Plan) fits into retirement planning, and what business owners need to know about tax integration. You'll also hear about: When paying into CPP can actually help you in retirement How RRSPs compare to CPP as retirement tools How to avoid OAS clawbacks What to consider when clearing out notional accounts Whether you're a small business owner or incorporated professional, this episode helps you make informed decisions about your compensation and long-term financial goals. Here's what you're in for: 00:00 – Intro 00:07 – Common business owner compensation strategies 01:09 – How tax integration works 03:28 – When to choose dividends vs. salary 07:01 – Is CPP a cost or a future benefit? 09:25 – Understanding employee vs. employer CPP contributions 20:42 – RRSPs vs. CPP for retirement planning 27:29 – How taxes and government benefits affect your strategy 30:24 – Wrap-up and where to learn more —------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT ARAVIND SITHAMPARAPILLAI  Aravind Sithamparapillai is a motivated and collaborative professional who brings a competitive edge, a team-first mindset, and a strong belief in the value of authentic relationships. He's driven not just to succeed, but to support those around him and create a positive, lasting impact. Known for his dedication and integrity, Aravind approaches every challenge with energy, empathy, and a commitment to excellence. You can reach out to Aravind through: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sithamparapillai https://calendly.com/aravind-sithamparapillai-ironwoodcanada/30min —------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT JOE  CURRY Joe Curry is the host of Business and Exit Planning Simplified and the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario. A Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Joe is passionate about helping business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and find purpose beyond their business. His mission is to ensure clients retire with confidence—financially secure and personally fulfilled. You can reach out to Joe through: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curryjoe Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/                https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/                https://matthewsandassociates.ca/    ABOUT BUSINESS AND EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED The Business and Exit Planning Simplified podcast offers clear, actionable guidance to help business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and achieve financial freedom. Hosted by Joe Curry, a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, each episode delivers expert insights, real-life case studies, and practical strategies tailored for service-based entrepreneurs approaching retirement. The podcast empowers listeners to transition with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.  —------------------------------------------------------------- Disclaimer: Opinions expressed are those of Joseph Curry, a registrant of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI), and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. This video is for informational purposes only and not intended to be personalized investment advice. The views expressed are opinions of Joseph Curry and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. Content is prepared for general circulation and information contained does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any investment fund, security or other product or service.  

Want a quick estimate of how much your business is worth? With our free valuation calculator, answer a few questions about your business, and you'll get an immediate estimate of the value of your business. You might be surprised by how much you can get for it: https://flippa.com/exit -- In this episode of The Exit: Linda Hamilton, a Certified Exit Planning Advisor and longtime CPA, shares practical strategies for business owners preparing for a future exit, emphasizing the importance of readiness, clean financials, and documented systems. Key Takeaways: Exit Planning is About Optionality, Not Just Selling Many business owners avoid thinking about exits too early, but Linda argues that preparing early builds resilience and optionality, not just a path to sell. The Cost of Not Preparing Citing a 30% valuation gap between male and female founders, Linda underscores how lack of preparation—especially around clean books, contracts, and succession—can significantly impact sale outcomes. Readiness vs. Attractiveness Linda encourages using assessments to evaluate both how attractive your business is to a buyer and how ready you are to exit. She shares a story of a founder nearly derailing a deal by not securing key employee agreements. Key Indicators of Exit-Readiness - Critical elements include: Clean, audited financials Signed client/vendor contracts Repeatable and documented systems Cash flow visibility and control over AR/AP Transferability & Systemology As a certified systemologist, Linda highlights the importance of mapping your customer journey and operational systems to ensure the business can run without you—critical for buyer confidence and deal value. Building a Support Team Successful exits rely on coordinated advisors: CPAs, attorneys, brokers, and wealth advisors. A SIPA-certified exit planner often acts as the “quarterback” to align everyone's efforts with the owner's goals. Timing & Purpose Timing an exit is personal. Many owners regret selling too soon because they lack a post-exit purpose. Linda encourages planning for life after the sale as part of the overall exit strategy. Empowering Female Founders Linda advocates for financial fluency and readiness assessments to help women negotiate from a position of strength. Confidence comes from awareness—knowing your numbers, your risks, and your value. Final Advice: Linda wishes she had done her own business readiness assessments earlier in her career, highlighting how early preparation can influence smarter long-term decisions. -- Linda Hamilton is a CPA and CEPA, (Certified Exit Planning Advisor) who is passionate about helping women business owners achieve financial fluency to grow, profit & scale. Linda founded Grow Profit Scale™, a coaching and mastermind program designed to empower women entrepreneurs with financial fluency, profit amplification, and scalable business strategies. In addition to Grow Profit Scale, Linda is also the founder of Linda A. Hamilton CPA LLC, where Linda and her team provide accounting, tax, and strategic financial planning services. With over 35 years as a CPA, CGMA, CEPA, and SYSTEMologist®, she has helped countless business owners develop strong financial systems, improve profitability, and plan for successful exits. Linda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindahamiltoncpa/ Websites: https://www.growprofitscale.com/ - https://www.lahcpas.com/ -- The Exit—Presented By Flippa: A 30-minute podcast featuring expert entrepreneurs who have been there and done it. The Exit talks to operators who have bought and sold a business. You'll learn how they did it, why they did it, and get exposure to the world of exits, a world occupied by a small few, but accessible to many. To listen to the podcast or get daily listing updates, click on flippa.com/the-exit-podcast/

In this quick but powerful episode of  Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry explains what every small business owner needs to know before selling a business, especially if retirement is getting close. Joe breaks down two important terms you always hear: EBITDA — used for bigger companies with management teams. SDE (Seller's Discretionary Earnings) — used for most owner-operated businesses under $5 million in revenue. You'll learn what buyers really look for, how to tell which number fits your business, and why it matters so much for your selling price. Joe also shares the 8 big things that can increase your multiple — like having a good team, clear financial records, steady growth, happy customers, and not being too dependent on you as the owner. What You'll Learn: ✔️ What EBITDA and SDE mean (00:01) ✔️ Which one fits your business (01:20) ✔️ 8 ways to boost your value before you sell (02:27) —------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT JOE  CURRY Joe Curry is the host of Business and Exit Planning Simplified and the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario. A Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Joe is passionate about helping business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and find purpose beyond their business. His mission is to ensure clients retire with confidence—financially secure and personally fulfilled. You can reach out to Joe through: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curryjoe Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/   https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/                https://matthewsandassociates.ca/    ABOUT BUSINESS AND EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED The Business and Exit Planning Simplified podcast offers clear, actionable guidance to help business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and achieve financial freedom. Hosted by Joe Curry, a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, each episode delivers expert insights, real-life case studies, and practical strategies tailored for service-based entrepreneurs approaching retirement. The podcast empowers listeners to transition with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.  —------------------------------------------------------------- Disclaimer: Opinions expressed are those of Joseph Curry, a registrant of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI), and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. This video is for informational purposes only and not intended to be personalized investment advice. The views expressed are opinions of Joseph Curry and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. Content is prepared for general circulation and information contained does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any investment fund, security or other product or service.  

Join us for an exclusive episode of The Exit Is Now podcast as Joe Slatter, founder of Better Practice, takes the host chair in a special Flip the Script edition. Joe and Scott Snider explore the evolution of EPI's culture from a tight-knit team of friends to a scalable organization of 50+ employees. Scott opens up about his transformation as a leader, the challenges of maintaining soul while scaling excellence, and the tools that helped shape EPI's foundation. They discuss the intentional frameworks behind the company's growth, how cross-functional collaboration fuels value, and what legacy means as EPI enters its next chapter.Want to learn more? Go to: https://linktr.ee/theexitplanninginstituteConnect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-snider-epi/============================================SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-is-now-plan-accordingly-with-scott-snider/id1663050204Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iXzdvQN1ApWPOk3rVytFR============================================CONNECT WITH SCOTT ON SOCIAL MEDIA   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Eh7TfhJHKRa5uc5R0uRgAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Exit-Planning-Institute-608403729259835Website: https://exit-planning-institute.org#ExitPlanningInstitute #ScottSnider #Podcast============================================About Scott:Scott Snider is the President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) and the Operating Partner of Snider Premier Growth, a small family investment company.  At EPI, Scott is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization along with overseeing the company's operations and chapter development. Since joining EPI, Scott has expanded the organization regionally, nationally, and globally, providing a transformational educational experience to advisors from all specialties across the globe.Scott Snider is a nationally recognized industry leader, growth specialist, and lifetime entrepreneur.  Two of Snider's biggest talents: market penetration and rapid growth strategies. As the operational and strategic leader of EPI, Snider thrives on helping advisors learn how to educate clients, achieve market distinction, and deliver real results.

Are you a business owner approaching retirement or just starting to think about a future sale? In this episode of Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe sits down with Matt Holmes, partner at Homes Riseleys CPA, to uncover the biggest mistakes business owners make when it comes to succession planning and selling their business and how to avoid them. He explains new tax rules for 2024 and how they can affect business sales, including updates to the capital gains exemption, AMT, and anti-avoidance legislation.  Matt brings decades of tax and structuring experience to this conversation covering everything from tax-saving strategies to real-life horror stories of owners who waited too long to plan.  Here's what you're in for: 00:00 Common Mistakes in Business Value Creation 04:26 Importance of Planning for Unexpected Sales 07:28 Successful Business Transitions 11:07 Structuring and Tax Advisory for Business Owners 20:34 Nuances of Selling to Family vs. Third Parties 25:30 New Rules and Legislation for 2024 32:48 Conclusion   ABOUT MATT HOLMES Matt Holmes is a seasoned tax advisor with over 25 years of experience helping small to medium-sized business owners achieve their goals through tailored business, tax, and accounting strategies. A Chartered Accountant and graduate of Ryerson University, Matt specializes in corporate reorganizations, estate planning, and succession strategies for owner-managed businesses across industries like healthcare, real estate, and tech. His expertise lies in tax minimization and wealth maximization, particularly during business transitions, sales, and generational transfers. You can reach out to Matt through: LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-holmes-15294b14 Website: https://www.holmescpa.ca (Company)   ABOUT JOE  CURRY Joe Curry is the host of Business and Exit Planning Simplified and the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario. A Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Joe is passionate about helping business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and find purpose beyond their business. His mission is to ensure clients retire with confidence—financially secure and personally fulfilled. You can reach out to Joe through: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curryjoe Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/   https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/                https://matthewsandassociates.ca/    ABOUT BUSINESS AND EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED The Business and Exit Planning Simplified podcast offers clear, actionable guidance to help business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and achieve financial freedom. Hosted by Joe Curry, a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, each episode delivers expert insights, real-life case studies, and practical strategies tailored for service-based entrepreneurs approaching retirement. The podcast empowers listeners to transition with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose. —------------------------------------------------------------- Disclaimer: Opinions expressed are those of Joseph Curry, a registrant of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI), and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. This video is for informational purposes only and not intended to be personalized investment advice. The views expressed are opinions of Joseph Curry and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. Content is prepared for general circulation and information contained does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any investment fund, security or other product or service.  

Shownotes Thinking about selling your business? In this pilot episode, Joe Curry explains why many Canadian business owners struggle to sell—and how understanding the four main types of buyers can help you plan a smoother, more successful exit. Joe breaks down the key differences between individual buyers, strategic buyers, financial buyers, and internal buyers (like family or employees). Each type of buyer comes with their own goals, expectations, and ways of doing deals.  Whether you're planning to retire soon or just thinking ahead, this episode will help you understand who your ideal buyer might be and how to prepare your business to sell for the best possible price. Here's what you're in for: 00:49 – Why many businesses don't sell 01:07 – The 4 types of business buyers 01:57 – Individual buyers: pros & cons 04:21 – Strategic buyers: pros & cons 07:32 – Financial buyers: pros & cons 10:04 – Internal buyers: pros & cons 13:11 – Why it's important to know your buyer 14:16 – Wrap-up and next steps —------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT JOE  CURRY Joe Curry is the host of Business and Exit Planning Simplified and the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario. A Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Joe is passionate about helping business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and find purpose beyond their business. His mission is to ensure clients retire with confidence—financially secure and personally fulfilled. You can reach out to Joe through: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curryjoe Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/               https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/               https://matthewsandassociates.ca/    ABOUT BUSINESS AND EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED The Business and Exit Planning Simplified podcast offers clear, actionable guidance to help business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and achieve financial freedom. Hosted by Joe Curry, a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, each episode delivers expert insights, real-life case studies, and practical strategies tailored for service-based entrepreneurs approaching retirement. The podcast empowers listeners to transition with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose. —------------------------------------------------------------- Disclaimer: Opinions expressed are those of Joseph Curry, a registrant of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI), and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. This video is for informational purposes only and not intended to be personalized investment advice. The views expressed are opinions of Joseph Curry and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. Content is prepared for general circulation and information contained does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any investment fund, security or other product or service.  

Join us for an exclusive episode of The Exit Is Now podcast as we flip the script with 2025 Exit Planner of the Year, Joe Seetoo. Joe steps into the host chair to interview Scott Snider in a personal, behind-the-scenes conversation that covers everything from business growth and family dynamics to mental health and financial clarity. Scott opens up about building EPI alongside his father, finding balance through elite goalkeeper training, and what's next for the profession including a powerful new platform connecting advisors and business owners.Want to learn more? Go to: https://linktr.ee/theexitplanninginstituteConnect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-snider-epi/============================================SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-is-now-plan-accordingly-with-scott-snider/id1663050204Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iXzdvQN1ApWPOk3rVytFR============================================CONNECT WITH SCOTT ON SOCIAL MEDIA   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Eh7TfhJHKRa5uc5R0uRgAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Exit-Planning-Institute-608403729259835Website: https://exit-planning-institute.org#ExitPlanningInstitute #ScottSnider #Podcast============================================About Scott:Scott Snider is the President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) and the Operating Partner of Snider Premier Growth, a small family investment company.  At EPI, Scott is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization along with overseeing the company's operations and chapter development. Since joining EPI, Scott has expanded the organization regionally, nationally, and globally, providing a transformational educational experience to advisors from all specialties across the globe.Scott Snider is a nationally recognized industry leader, growth specialist, and lifetime entrepreneur.  Two of Snider's biggest talents: market penetration and rapid growth strategies. As the operational and strategic leader of EPI, Snider thrives on helping advisors learn how to educate clients, achieve market distinction, and deliver real results.

In this episode of The Runway Decade Podcast, Bill and Pete Bush dive into the vital subject of exit planning for business owners, particularly those in their fifties. Pete shares insights from earning his Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) designation and outlines how business owners can start planning for a successful exit—years in advance. They walk through the three-legged stool of readiness, the impact of intangible capital, the structure of a successful exit team, and the value acceleration methodology that helps business owners be always ready, not just at retirement. Whether you're just starting or thinking about selling in a few years, this episode provides a roadmap to begin preparing now. Chapters: 00:20 – Introduction to Exit PlanningBill and Pete catch up and introduce the topic: exit planning for business owners, especially during their runway decade. 00:45 – CEPA Designation and ExperiencePete explains his journey to becoming a Certified Exit Planning Advisor and how it's deepened his ability to help business owners prepare for transition. 03:03 – The Three-Legged Stool of ReadinessThey break down the three aspects of readiness: Business readiness Personal readiness (often overlooked) Financial readiness 05:29 – The Risk of Staying Too LongPete discusses how lack of personal planning can derail transitions and why some owners resist exiting due to uncertainty about the next chapter of life. 06:50 – Staying On as a Transition StrategyThey explore when it makes sense for an owner to stay on post-sale to de-risk the transition for a buyer. 07:35 – Understanding Intangible CapitalPete details the four types of intangible capital that can drive 75–80% of a business's value: Human Capital Structural Capital Customer Capital Social (Cultural) Capital 12:31 – Building Your Exit Planning TeamPete outlines the key players in an exit planning team: Attorney CPA/Tax specialist M&A advisor Value growth expert Insurance specialist Financial advisor/SEPA He emphasizes the importance of collaboration among them. 16:00 – Diversifying Outside the BusinessThey discuss why it's crucial for business owners to build wealth outside the business to reduce personal concentration risk. 18:23 – Exit Planning = Business PlanningPete explains how treating the business as an investment and preparing for transferability is just good business sense. 19:34 – When Should Exit Planning Start?Answer: Now. Pete introduces the Value Acceleration Methodology: Discover Prepare Decide And references the Nick Saban motto: “If you stay ready, you don't have to get ready.” 21:46 – How to Find a CEPA & What They OfferResources for finding a Certified Exit Planning Advisor, including: Exit Planning Institute Value gap analysis, profit gap, and wealth gap assessments Process-oriented planning and scorecards 24:55 – Final Thoughts & Contact InfoBusiness owners can contact Pete Bush at pbush@horizonfg.com for free resources, checklists, or a discussion about their exit goals. Website: HorizonFG.com Key Takeaways: Start exit planning early—not when you're ready to sell. Understand the three-legged stool: business, personal, and financial readiness. Intangible capital drives most of your company's value. A cohesive planning team is essential. Treat your business like an investment and plan for transferability. Exit planning is good business planning. Sound Bites: “The three-legged stool of readiness.” “What do you want to do with your time?” “Get in touch with a CEPA for guidance.” “Exit planning is now, not later.”   Contact Info: Pete Bush:  pbush@horizonfg.com Bill Bush: bbush@horizonfg.com www.horizonfg.com www.runwaydecdade.com  

Want a quick estimate of how much your business is worth? With our free valuation calculator, answer a few questions about your business, and you'll get an immediate estimate of the value of your business. You might be surprised by how much you can get for it: https://flippa.com/exit -- In this episode of The Exit: What really happens when a founder decides it's time to sell? In this powerful and practical episode, Steve McGarry sits down with Anthony Citrolo, CPA, serial entrepreneur, and managing partner at the NYBB Group, to unpack what really goes into preparing a business for sale. But this isn't your average M&A conversation. Anthony takes us behind the curtain to reveal the emotional, psychological, and strategic decisions founders face as they approach a life-changing exit. Here's what you'll learn: - Why the real exit plan starts the day you launch the business - The #1 mistake founders make when valuing their business - How to prepare your business (and yourself) before a buyer ever knocks - The danger of “key man” risk - and how to build a business that runs without you - What buyers really want: cash flow, scalability, and low concentration - Why 75% of sellers are unhappy post-exit - and how to avoid that fate - How to spot and address hidden risks that could kill your valuation “Most founders don't realize they're living vicariously through their business until it's too late.” Anthony Citrolo With 20+ years in the trenches helping family-owned and founder-led businesses exit, Anthony shares war stories (like Frank, the manufacturer with 98% of revenue tied to 7 customers), practical frameworks, and wisdom earned through decades of hands-on deals. If you're a founder, even if you're years from selling, this episode will change how you think about growth, leadership, and legacy. Listen now to learn how to not just sell your business—but exit on your terms. -- Anthony J. Citrolo is a Managing Partner and Founder of The NYBB Group, LLC, the Exit Strategy Lab and NYBB Commercial Real Estate. Anthony's clients include privately held companies and family-owned businesses. These are typically companies with revenue of $5M to $100M. Anthony represents HVAC, industrial service, finance, manufacturing, distribution, transportation, healthcare and all service companies. He helps these owners develop a clear and cohesive exit strategy, works to know and improve valuation and actively represents them in a sale or acquisition in a Merger and Acquisition transaction as their advisor and intermediary. Anthony is a CPA and a CEPA (Certified Exit Planning Advisor) and develops comprehensive strategies for owners and families. He also has completed the CEPA course and is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor. In addition, Anthony is a Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor AND Certified Exit Map Coach. Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonycitrolo/ Website: https://thenybbgroup.com/ -- The Exit—Presented By Flippa: A 30-minute podcast featuring expert entrepreneurs who have been there and done it. The Exit talks to operators who have bought and sold a business. You'll learn how they did it, why they did it, and get exposure to the world of exits, a world occupied by a small few, but accessible to many. To listen to the podcast or get daily listing updates, click on flippa.com/the-exit-podcast/

Join us for an exclusive episode of the Exit is Now podcast, broadcasting from the highly anticipated Exit Planning Summit. Scott Snider welcomes Renee Russo, Ken Sanginario, and representatives from ELLA to the show. Renee, recently named Thought Leader of the Year, shares how she's leveraged the LinkedIn platform to elevate her voice and drive impact. Ken reflects on two decades of exit planning—what's changed, what's stayed the same, and where the profession is headed. And the team from ELLA, the sponsor of the Summit Podcast series, talks about their role in supporting advisors and their unforgettable sunset cruise experience.Want to learn more? Go to: https://linktr.ee/theexitplanninginstituteConnect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-snider-epi/============================================SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-is-now-plan-accordingly-with-scott-snider/id1663050204Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iXzdvQN1ApWPOk3rVytFR============================================CONNECT WITH SCOTT ON SOCIAL MEDIA   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Eh7TfhJHKRa5uc5R0uRgAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Exit-Planning-Institute-608403729259835Website: https://exit-planning-institute.org#ExitPlanningInstitute #ScottSnider #Podcast============================================About Scott:Scott Snider is the President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) and the Operating Partner of Snider Premier Growth, a small family investment company.  At EPI, Scott is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization along with overseeing the company's operations and chapter development. Since joining EPI, Scott has expanded the organization regionally, nationally, and globally, providing a transformational educational experience to advisors from all specialties across the globe.Scott Snider is a nationally recognized industry leader, growth specialist, and lifetime entrepreneur.  Two of Snider's biggest talents: market penetration and rapid growth strategies. As the operational and strategic leader of EPI, Snider thrives on helping advisors learn how to educate clients, achieve market distinction, and deliver real results.

Join us for an exclusive episode of the Exit is Now podcast, broadcasting from the highly anticipated Exit Planning Summit. Scott Snider is joined by Carrie Kerpen and Chris Snider to celebrate a major milestone and the power of representation. Carrie discusses the impact of the Women in Exit Planning Symposium, the Summit author showcase, and the growing presence of women in the industry. Chris reflects on ten years of the Exit Planning Summit—how far it's come, what's changed, and why this anniversary marks a turning point for the community.Want to learn more? Go to: https://linktr.ee/theexitplanninginstituteConnect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-snider-epi/============================================SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-is-now-plan-accordingly-with-scott-snider/id1663050204Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iXzdvQN1ApWPOk3rVytFR============================================CONNECT WITH SCOTT ON SOCIAL MEDIA   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Eh7TfhJHKRa5uc5R0uRgAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Exit-Planning-Institute-608403729259835Website: https://exit-planning-institute.org#ExitPlanningInstitute #ScottSnider #Podcast============================================About Scott:Scott Snider is the President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) and the Operating Partner of Snider Premier Growth, a small family investment company.  At EPI, Scott is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization along with overseeing the company's operations and chapter development. Since joining EPI, Scott has expanded the organization regionally, nationally, and globally, providing a transformational educational experience to advisors from all specialties across the globe.Scott Snider is a nationally recognized industry leader, growth specialist, and lifetime entrepreneur.  Two of Snider's biggest talents: market penetration and rapid growth strategies. As the operational and strategic leader of EPI, Snider thrives on helping advisors learn how to educate clients, achieve market distinction, and deliver real results.

Join us for an exclusive episode of the Exit is Now podcast, broadcasting from the highly anticipated Exit Planning Summit. Scott Snider sits down with Joe Seetoo, Rick Krebs, and Rich Jackim for a special look at what success means from multiple perspectives. Joe shares what it's like to be recognized as an industry leader and talks about his new magazine tailored for business owners. Rick dives into his chapter-focused work and how he's creating unique experiences for people. And Rich—one of the original founders of EPI—reflects on the early days of the movement and what's shaped its evolution.Want to learn more? Go to: https://linktr.ee/theexitplanninginstituteConnect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-snider-epi/============================================SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-is-now-plan-accordingly-with-scott-snider/id1663050204Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iXzdvQN1ApWPOk3rVytFR============================================CONNECT WITH SCOTT ON SOCIAL MEDIA   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Eh7TfhJHKRa5uc5R0uRgAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Exit-Planning-Institute-608403729259835Website: https://exit-planning-institute.org#ExitPlanningInstitute #ScottSnider #Podcast============================================About Scott:Scott Snider is the President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) and the Operating Partner of Snider Premier Growth, a small family investment company.  At EPI, Scott is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization along with overseeing the company's operations and chapter development. Since joining EPI, Scott has expanded the organization regionally, nationally, and globally, providing a transformational educational experience to advisors from all specialties across the globe.Scott Snider is a nationally recognized industry leader, growth specialist, and lifetime entrepreneur.  Two of Snider's biggest talents: market penetration and rapid growth strategies. As the operational and strategic leader of EPI, Snider thrives on helping advisors learn how to educate clients, achieve market distinction, and deliver real results.

In this episode of "The Exit is Now" podcast, host Scott Snider sits down with Kris Snyder to go back to the early days of Vox Mobile. While many know him today through Ninety, they discuss how carving out Vox from another company led to lasting growth, what it was like to build through a recession, and key lessons from his first venture-backed business.Want to learn more? Go to: https://linktr.ee/theexitplanninginstituteConnect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-snider-epi/============================================SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-is-now-plan-accordingly-with-scott-snider/id1663050204Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iXzdvQN1ApWPOk3rVytFR============================================CONNECT WITH SCOTT ON SOCIAL MEDIA   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Eh7TfhJHKRa5uc5R0uRgAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Exit-Planning-Institute-608403729259835Website: https://exit-planning-institute.org#ExitPlanningInstitute #ScottSnider #Podcast============================================About Scott:Scott Snider is the President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) and the Operating Partner of Snider Premier Growth, a small family investment company.  At EPI, Scott is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization along with overseeing the company's operations and chapter development. Since joining EPI, Scott has expanded the organization regionally, nationally, and globally, providing a transformational educational experience to advisors from all specialties across the globe.Scott Snider is a nationally recognized industry leader, growth specialist, and lifetime entrepreneur.  Two of Snider's biggest talents: market penetration and rapid growth strategies. As the operational and strategic leader of EPI, Snider thrives on helping advisors learn how to educate clients, achieve market distinction, and deliver real results.

In this episode of "The Exit Is Now" podcast, host Scott Snider sits down with Exit Planner of the Year, Amy Wirtz, to discuss the upcoming Exit Planning Summit at the Sunseeker Resort in Charlotte Harbor, Florida. Their discussion focuses on the latest industry trends and statistics that are shaping the world of exit planning. As the Summit approaches, it serves as a gathering point for professionals to exchange insights and dive into emerging topics that are critical for business owners and advisors alike. Join us for a preview of what's to come and an in-depth look at the trends you'll see discussed at the Exit Planning Summit.Want to learn more? Go to: https://linktr.ee/theexitplanninginstituteConnect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-snider-epi/============================================SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-is-now-plan-accordingly-with-scott-snider/id1663050204Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iXzdvQN1ApWPOk3rVytFR============================================CONNECT WITH SCOTT ON SOCIAL MEDIA   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Eh7TfhJHKRa5uc5R0uRgAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Exit-Planning-Institute-608403729259835Website: https://exit-planning-institute.org#ExitPlanningInstitute #ScottSnider #Podcast============================================About Scott:Scott Snider is the President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) and the Operating Partner of Snider Premier Growth, a small family investment company.  At EPI, Scott is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization along with overseeing the company's operations and chapter development. Since joining EPI, Scott has expanded the organization regionally, nationally, and globally, providing a transformational educational experience to advisors from all specialties across the globe.Scott Snider is a nationally recognized industry leader, growth specialist, and lifetime entrepreneur.  Two of Snider's biggest talents: market penetration and rapid growth strategies. As the operational and strategic leader of EPI, Snider thrives on helping advisors learn how to educate clients, achieve market distinction, and deliver real results.

In this episoide of "The Exit is Now" podcast, host Scott Snider sits down with KC McKenna, President of St. Edwards High School, to talk culture, next generation leadership, and how McKenna is a business owner in his own sense. Together, they deep dive into what makes a culture and how fostering that culture can create a workplace employees want to be in.Want to learn more? Go to: https://linktr.ee/theexitplanninginstituteConnect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-snider-epi/============================================SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-is-now-plan-accordingly-with-scott-snider/id1663050204Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iXzdvQN1ApWPOk3rVytFR============================================CONNECT WITH SCOTT ON SOCIAL MEDIA   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Eh7TfhJHKRa5uc5R0uRgAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Exit-Planning-Institute-608403729259835Website: https://exit-planning-institute.org#ExitPlanningInstitute #ScottSnider #Podcast============================================About Scott:Scott Snider is the President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) and the Operating Partner of Snider Premier Growth, a small family investment company.  At EPI, Scott is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization along with overseeing the company's operations and chapter development. Since joining EPI, Scott has expanded the organization regionally, nationally, and globally, providing a transformational educational experience to advisors from all specialties across the globe.Scott Snider is a nationally recognized industry leader, growth specialist, and lifetime entrepreneur.  Two of Snider's biggest talents: market penetration and rapid growth strategies. As the operational and strategic leader of EPI, Snider thrives on helping advisors learn how to educate clients, achieve market distinction, and deliver real results.

Chas Woodhull Shares Wealth Management Insights Gallagher-pool.com About the Guest(s): Chas Woodhull is an accomplished financial advisor with a deep-rooted passion for entrepreneurship and investing. He began his journey at the tender age of eight and has since built a substantial career in wealth management. Currently serving as a Private Wealth Advisor at Gallagher Pool Wealth Management, Chas holds titles such as Accredited Investment Fiduciary and Certified Exit Planning Advisor. At only 29, he manages over $70 million in assets and is considered one of the most successful young money managers in the U.S. His career trajectory includes experiences at Northwestern Mutual and Gallagher Pool, where his strategic expertise in helping clients grow, preserve, and transfer wealth has been instrumental. Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of the Chris Voss Show, we explore the journey of Chas Woodhull, a dynamic young entrepreneur and financial expert, who started his investment career at the age of eight by purchasing Microsoft stock with his Kentucky Derby winnings. Host Chris Voss invites Chas to share his experiences growing up in an entrepreneurial family, his passion for investing, and his current role as a Private Wealth Advisor at Gallagher Pool Wealth Management. This episode is filled with insights into Chas's approach to financial planning and wealth management. Listeners will delve into Chas's unique perspective on investment strategies, highlighting how Gallagher Pool Wealth Management distinguishes itself by adopting principles of the world's greatest investors. Chas emphasizes the importance of maintaining a concentrated portfolio of quality companies with strong balance sheets, rather than adhering to conventional diversified investments. Throughout the conversation, Chas offers valuable advice on financial literacy, the significance of starting early with investments, and cultivating a mindset geared toward constant personal and professional growth. Key Takeaways: Chas Woodhull began investing at age eight, inspired by his entrepreneurial family and a passion for financial literacy. Gallagher Pool Wealth Management emphasizes a focused investment strategy aligned with top investors rather than broad diversification commonly pushed by large financial institutions. Starting early and being consistent is crucial in building wealth, with a significant impact from time invested in the market. Chas's firm prioritizes working with clients who are coachable and willing to learn, regardless of their initial investment size. Personal health and fitness are key components of Chas's success, reflecting his dedication to being the best version of himself. Notable Quotes: "If you don't have a plan, you plan to fail." - Chris Voss "The best time to get ahold of your finances and to start investing was five, ten years ago, or yesterday. The second best time is today." - Chas Woodhull "I believe that the way most big companies tell people to invest is for two reasons: it's easily saleable, and they know they're not gonna get sued." - Chas Woodhull "Life's too short not to work with good people." - Chas Woodhull "I've always been competitive. I've always wanted to be really great at whatever I do." - Chas Woodhull

Chuck McDonald is the Founder of Cresscila, a company dedicated to assisting small business owners in creating value through education, optimization, and strategic vision. After a distinguished 20-year career in wealth management, during which he held key roles in marketing, sales, client optimization, compliance, and staffing, Chuck established Cresscila in 2024 to pursue a new chapter inspired by the successes and lessons from his clients. As a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, he leverages his extensive experience to empower entrepreneurs to transform blind spots into opportunities, ultimately enhancing profitability and lifestyle. Chuck's mission is to equip business owners with the knowledge and tools necessary to achieve success beyond their expectations. In this episode… Letting go of a business is never just a transaction, it's a transition. Yet too many owners only start thinking about an exit when it's already on the horizon, missing crucial steps that could make or break their financial future. What's the biggest blind spot owners have when preparing to exit? According to Chuck McDonald, a seasoned exit planning advisor and former wealth manager, most owners don't realize that exiting a business is as much a personal journey as it is a financial one. He highlights the importance of aligning business operations, personal goals, and financial readiness years in advance. Without that alignment, owners risk regret, missed value, or even a failed sale. Chuck explains that many founders are deeply intertwined with their businesses, making it hard to delegate or detach when the time comes. By starting early, removing risk, and building a self-sufficient team, owners not only increase valuation but also create the freedom to transition on their own terms. In this episode of the Financial Clarity podcast, Hannah Smolinski sits down with Chuck McDonald, Founder of Cresscila, to discuss what most business owners miss when planning their exit. Chuck breaks down the true meaning of exit planning, the emotional roadblocks owners face, and how to prepare your business to be buyer-ready. He also shares how to protect your personal legacy while maximizing value.

In this episode of The Exit is Now podcast, host Scott Snider sits down with Greg Merrill and Andrew Shantz to discuss deepening relationships with owners and cultivating the next generation of leaders within a company. Together, they explore how fostering trust, developing leadership, and aligning business priorities can create a foundation for sustainable success and growth.Want to learn more? Go to: https://linktr.ee/theexitplanninginstituteConnect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-snider-epi/============================================SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-is-now-plan-accordingly-with-scott-snider/id1663050204Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iXzdvQN1ApWPOk3rVytFR============================================CONNECT WITH SCOTT ON SOCIAL MEDIA   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Eh7TfhJHKRa5uc5R0uRgAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Exit-Planning-Institute-608403729259835Website: https://exit-planning-institute.org#ExitPlanningInstitute #ScottSnider #Podcast============================================About Scott:Scott Snider is the President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) and the Operating Partner of Snider Premier Growth, a small family investment company.  At EPI, Scott is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization along with overseeing the company's operations and chapter development. Since joining EPI, Scott has expanded the organization regionally, nationally, and globally, providing a transformational educational experience to advisors from all specialties across the globe.Scott Snider is a nationally recognized industry leader, growth specialist, and lifetime entrepreneur.  Two of Snider's biggest talents: market penetration and rapid growth strategies. As the operational and strategic leader of EPI, Snider thrives on helping advisors learn how to educate clients, achieve market distinction, and deliver real results.

In this special episode of the Exit Is Now podcast, Sean Hutchinson, flips the script by interviewing Scott Snider. Together, they talk about Scott's first ever Summit back when it was called the International Exit Planning Institute Conference. They also dive into EPI Culture and why the Exit Planning Institute changed during the pandemic.Want to learn more? Go to: https://linktr.ee/theexitplanninginstituteConnect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-snider-epi/============================================SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-is-now-plan-accordingly-with-scott-snider/id1663050204Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iXzdvQN1ApWPOk3rVytFR============================================CONNECT WITH SCOTT ON SOCIAL MEDIA   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Eh7TfhJHKRa5uc5R0uRgAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Exit-Planning-Institute-608403729259835Website: https://exit-planning-institute.org#ExitPlanningInstitute #ScottSnider #Podcast============================================About Scott:Scott Snider is the President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) and the Operating Partner of Snider Premier Growth, a small family investment company.  At EPI, Scott is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization along with overseeing the company's operations and chapter development. Since joining EPI, Scott has expanded the organization regionally, nationally, and globally, providing a transformational educational experience to advisors from all specialties across the globe.Scott Snider is a nationally recognized industry leader, growth specialist, and lifetime entrepreneur.  Two of Snider's biggest talents: market penetration and rapid growth strategies. As the operational and strategic leader of EPI, Snider thrives on helping advisors learn how to educate clients, achieve market distinction, and deliver real results.

 In this episode of Women on Wealth, host Julina Ogilvie welcomes Michelle Fuller, a Certified Exit Planning Advisor, to discuss the key strategies business owners need to build, scale, and secure their financial future. They explore how to align personal, business, and financial goals, the importance of value growth advisors, and why smart planning isn't just about exiting—it's about maximizing long-term success. Whether you're looking to grow your business, increase its value, or plan for the future, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you take control of your financial journey. Show Highlights:Advanced planning for business owners (3:55)The role of a value growth advisor (7:55)Business valuation and owner perception (14:13)The Value Acceleration Methodology (19:40)Finding the right advisors (30:23)Connect with Julina Ogilvie:WebsiteYouTubeLinkedInEmail- jogilvie@principlewealthpartners.comThe information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. The statements and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the author. PWP cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any statements or data. For current PWP information, please visit the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov by searching with PWP's CRD #290180

This week Christian Muntean- a Master Coach, Certified Exit Planning Advisor and author of the book Train to Lead, joins Patty and Jessica to discuss how individuals and organizations can foster effective leadership at all levels. They dive into how to grow as a leader, especially if it doesn't come naturally… Find out more about Christian and Train to Lead here.Do you have an ongoing work issue you need guidance solving? Or maybe you want to know how Patty and Jess would have dealt with a past problem. Share your stories and questions with our producers here.TruthWorks is hosted by Jessica Neal and Patty McCord. This episode was produced by Megan Hayward, and edited by Ali Sirois. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert. TruthWorks is an editaudio production.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of "The Exit Is Now" podcast, host Scott Snider sits down with current Exit Planner of the Year, Amy Wirtz, to discuss her journey as an exit planner and a family business consultant. They talk about Amy's history with Scott and EPI as well as dive deep into how and why she became a CEPA through wanting to teach the methodology and more.Want to learn more? Go to: https://linktr.ee/theexitplanninginstituteConnect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-snider-epi/============================================SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-is-now-plan-accordingly-with-scott-snider/id1663050204Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iXzdvQN1ApWPOk3rVytFR============================================CONNECT WITH SCOTT ON SOCIAL MEDIA   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Eh7TfhJHKRa5uc5R0uRgAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Exit-Planning-Institute-608403729259835Website: https://exit-planning-institute.org#ExitPlanningInstitute #ScottSnider #Podcast============================================About Scott:Scott Snider is the President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) and the Operating Partner of Snider Premier Growth, a small family investment company.  At EPI, Scott is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization along with overseeing the company's operations and chapter development. Since joining EPI, Scott has expanded the organization regionally, nationally, and globally, providing a transformational educational experience to advisors from all specialties across the globe.Scott Snider is a nationally recognized industry leader, growth specialist, and lifetime entrepreneur.  Two of Snider's biggest talents: market penetration and rapid growth strategies. As the operational and strategic leader of EPI, Snider thrives on helping advisors learn how to educate clients, achieve market distinction, and deliver real results.

Are the three legs of your stool aligned? In this episode, Scott Couchenour, founder of Serving Strong, joins Scott Snider in the Exit is Now studio to discuss the importance behind prioritizing personal planning in addition to financial and business planning. Want to learn more? Go to: https://linktr.ee/theexitplanninginstituteConnect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-snider-epi/============================================SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-is-now-plan-accordingly-with-scott-snider/id1663050204Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iXzdvQN1ApWPOk3rVytFR============================================CONNECT WITH SCOTT ON SOCIAL MEDIA   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Eh7TfhJHKRa5uc5R0uRgAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Exit-Planning-Institute-608403729259835Website: https://exit-planning-institute.org#ExitPlanningInstitute #ScottSnider #Podcast============================================About Scott:Scott Snider is the President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) and the Operating Partner of Snider Premier Growth, a small family investment company.  At EPI, Scott is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization along with overseeing the company's operations and chapter development. Since joining EPI, Scott has expanded the organization regionally, nationally, and globally, providing a transformational educational experience to advisors from all specialties across the globe.Scott Snider is a nationally recognized industry leader, growth specialist, and lifetime entrepreneur.  Two of Snider's biggest talents: market penetration and rapid growth strategies. As the operational and strategic leader of EPI, Snider thrives on helping advisors learn how to educate clients, achieve market distinction, and deliver real results.

DISCLAIMER: The information in this presentation is provided as education only, with the understanding that neither the presenter nor ENNIS Legacy Partners or GRF CPAs & Advisors is engaged to render legal, accounting, or other professional services. If you require legal advice or other expert assistance, you should seek the services of a competent professional. Neither the presenter nor ENNIS Legacy Partners or GRF CPAs & Advisors shall have any legal liability or responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused, or alleged to be caused, directly or indirectly, by the information contained in this presentation.============================================“We want you to help you build a business that is sellable and exit successfully on your own terms and conditions.” - Pat Ennis============================================

According to the 2024 National State of Owner Readiness, the fourth most trusted advisor is actually a spouse. In this episode, Scott Snider dives deep into this topic with Josh Fuller, CEO of Fuller's Collision Group, and Michelle Fuller, CIMA®, CETF®, CEPA®  at Growth Accelerated who navigate this dynamic on a daily basis. Tune in to find out if it's possible for your spouse to be your most trusted advisor. Want to learn more? Go to: https://linktr.ee/theexitplanninginstituteConnect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-snider-epi/============================================SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-is-now-plan-accordingly-with-scott-snider/id1663050204Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iXzdvQN1ApWPOk3rVytFR============================================CONNECT WITH SCOTT ON SOCIAL MEDIA   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Eh7TfhJHKRa5uc5R0uRgAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Exit-Planning-Institute-608403729259835Website: https://exit-planning-institute.org#ExitPlanningInstitute #ScottSnider #Podcast============================================About Scott:Scott Snider is the President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) and the Operating Partner of Snider Premier Growth, a small family investment company.  At EPI, Scott is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization along with overseeing the company's operations and chapter development. Since joining EPI, Scott has expanded the organization regionally, nationally, and globally, providing a transformational educational experience to advisors from all specialties across the globe.Scott Snider is a nationally recognized industry leader, growth specialist, and lifetime entrepreneur.  Two of Snider's biggest talents: market penetration and rapid growth strategies. As the operational and strategic leader of EPI, Snider thrives on helping advisors learn how to educate clients, achieve market distinction, and deliver real results.

DISCLAIMER: The information in this presentation is provided as education only, with the understanding that neither the presenter nor ENNIS Legacy Partners or GRF CPAs & Advisors is engaged to render legal, accounting, or other professional services. If you require legal advice or other expert assistance, you should seek the services of a competent professional. Neither the presenter nor ENNIS Legacy Partners or GRF CPAs & Advisors shall have any legal liability or responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused, or alleged to be caused, directly or indirectly, by the information contained in this presentation.============================================“We want you to help you build a business that is sellable and exit successfully on your own terms and conditions.” - Pat Ennis============================================

In this special episode of the Exit Is Now podcast, the 2024 Exit Planner of the Year, Amy Wirtz, flips the script by interviewing Scott Snider. Together, they explore the journey of managing growth through the lens of the Value Acceleration Methodology. Scott shares his experience of growing a business—first by scaling systems, then by developing the team—and what it has been like navigating these changes as a business owner. They dive deep into his ownership journey, focusing on how to foster entrepreneurship within a company, even when employees aren't directly immersed in the entrepreneurial process.Want to learn more? Go to: https://linktr.ee/theexitplanninginstituteConnect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-snider-epi/============================================SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-is-now-plan-accordingly-with-scott-snider/id1663050204Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iXzdvQN1ApWPOk3rVytFR============================================CONNECT WITH SCOTT ON SOCIAL MEDIA   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Eh7TfhJHKRa5uc5R0uRgAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Exit-Planning-Institute-608403729259835Website: https://exit-planning-institute.org#ExitPlanningInstitute #ScottSnider #Podcast============================================About Scott:Scott Snider is the President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) and the Operating Partner of Snider Premier Growth, a small family investment company.  At EPI, Scott is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization along with overseeing the company's operations and chapter development. Since joining EPI, Scott has expanded the organization regionally, nationally, and globally, providing a transformational educational experience to advisors from all specialties across the globe.Scott Snider is a nationally recognized industry leader, growth specialist, and lifetime entrepreneur.  Two of Snider's biggest talents: market penetration and rapid growth strategies. As the operational and strategic leader of EPI, Snider thrives on helping advisors learn how to educate clients, achieve market distinction, and deliver real results.

In this special episode of the "Exit Is Now" podcast, Scott reviews some of his favorite moments from the Exit Is Now Podcast and teases some of our upcoming guests for our 2025 season.Want to learn more? Go to: https://linktr.ee/theexitplanninginstituteConnect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-snider-epi/============================================SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-is-now-plan-accordingly-with-scott-snider/id1663050204Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iXzdvQN1ApWPOk3rVytFR============================================CONNECT WITH SCOTT ON SOCIAL MEDIA   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Eh7TfhJHKRa5uc5R0uRgAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Exit-Planning-Institute-608403729259835Website: https://exit-planning-institute.org#ExitPlanningInstitute #ScottSnider #Podcast============================================About Scott:Scott Snider is the President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) and the Operating Partner of Snider Premier Growth, a small family investment company.  At EPI, Scott is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization along with overseeing the company's operations and chapter development. Since joining EPI, Scott has expanded the organization regionally, nationally, and globally, providing a transformational educational experience to advisors from all specialties across the globe.Scott Snider is a nationally recognized industry leader, growth specialist, and lifetime entrepreneur.  Two of Snider's biggest talents: market penetration and rapid growth strategies. As the operational and strategic leader of EPI, Snider thrives on helping advisors learn how to educate clients, achieve market distinction, and deliver real results.

DISCLAIMER: The information in this presentation is provided as education only, with the understanding that neither the presenter nor ENNIS Legacy Partners or GRF CPAs & Advisors is engaged to render legal, accounting, or other professional services. If you require legal advice or other expert assistance, you should seek the services of a competent professional. Neither the presenter nor ENNIS Legacy Partners or GRF CPAs & Advisors shall have any legal liability or responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused, or alleged to be caused, directly or indirectly, by the information contained in this presentation.============================================“We want you to help you build a business that is sellable and exit successfully on your own terms and conditions.” - Pat Ennis============================================

DISCLAIMER: The information in this presentation is provided as education only, with the understanding that neither the presenter nor ENNIS Legacy Partners or GRF CPAs & Advisors is engaged to render legal, accounting, or other professional services. If you require legal advice or other expert assistance, you should seek the services of a competent professional. Neither the presenter nor ENNIS Legacy Partners or GRF CPAs & Advisors shall have any legal liability or responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused, or alleged to be caused, directly or indirectly, by the information contained in this presentation.============================================“We want you to help you build a business that is sellable and exit successfully on your own terms and conditions.” - Pat Ennis============================================

DISCLAIMER: The information in this presentation is provided as education only, with the understanding that neither the presenter nor ENNIS Legacy Partners or GRF CPAs & Advisors is engaged to render legal, accounting, or other professional services. If you require legal advice or other expert assistance, you should seek the services of a competent professional. Neither the presenter nor ENNIS Legacy Partners or GRF CPAs & Advisors shall have any legal liability or responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused, or alleged to be caused, directly or indirectly, by the information contained in this presentation.============================================“We want you to help you build a business that is sellable and exit successfully on your own terms and conditions.” - Pat Ennis============================================

DISCLAIMER: The information in this presentation is provided as education only, with the understanding that neither the presenter nor ENNIS Legacy Partners or GRF CPAs & Advisors is engaged to render legal, accounting, or other professional services. If you require legal advice or other expert assistance, you should seek the services of a competent professional. Neither the presenter nor ENNIS Legacy Partners or GRF CPAs & Advisors shall have any legal liability or responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused, or alleged to be caused, directly or indirectly, by the information contained in this presentation.============================================“We want you to help you build a business that is sellable and exit successfully on your own terms and conditions.” - Pat Ennis============================================

In today's rapidly evolving financial landscape, negotiating retirement has become more crucial than ever. Whether you're planning for your own future or helping employees secure theirs, understanding the intricacies of retirement planning is essential.    Join your host, Cindy Watson, as she explores strategies and insights on "Negotiating Retirement For Yourself and For Employees," with Courtenay Shipley, shedding light on how to navigate this critical aspect of financial well-being with expert guidance.   Courtenay Shipley, the founder and Chief Planologist of Retirement Planology. With a wealth of experience in corporate-sponsored retirement plans, Courtenay has conducted over 10,000 educational meetings and holds prestigious designations such as Accredited Investment Fiduciary™, Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist, Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor, and Certified Exit Planning Advisor. As the president of the Retirement Advisor Council and a recipient of numerous accolades including Top Women Advisor, NAPA Young Gun, and FT Top 401 Advisor, Courtenay brings unparalleled expertise to our discussion today.   In this episode, you'll discover:   Why does retirement planning matter? What are some of the key components that should be considered when creating retirement plans? What is being offered out on the market today? The significance of retirement plans being culturally competent. What are the benefits and why do we need them? What are some of the biggest pain points that we're seeing out today? And many more!   Learn more about Courtenay Shipley:   Website: www.retirementplanology.com Social links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cshipley https://www.linkedin.com/company/retirement-planology-inc   If you're looking to up-level your negotiation skills, I have everything from online to group to my signature one-on-one mastermind & VIP experiences available to help you better leverage your innate power to get more of what you want and deserve in life.   Check out our website at www.artofFeminineNegotiation.com if that sounds interesting to you. Get Cindy's book here: Amazon   https://www.amazon.com/Art-Feminine-Negotiation-Boardroom-Bedroom-ebook/dp/B0B8KPCYZP?inf_contact_key=94d07c699eea186d2adfbddfef6fb9e2&inf_contact_key=013613337189d4d12be8d2bca3c26821680f8914173f9191b1c0223e68310bb1 EBook   https://www.amazon.com/Art-Feminine-Negotiation-Boardroom-Bedroom-ebook/dp/B0B8KPCYZP?inf_contact_key=94d07c699eea186d2adfbddfef6fb9e2&inf_contact_key=013613337189d4d12be8d2bca3c26821680f8914173f9191b1c0223e68310bb1 Barnes and Noble   https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-art-of-feminine-negotiation-cindy-watson/1141499614?ean=9781631959776 CONNECT WITH CINDY: Website: www.womenonpurpose.ca Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/womenonpurposecommunity/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenonpurposecoaching/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/thecindywatson Show: https://www.womenonpurpose.ca/media/podcast-2/ (X) Twitter:  https://twitter.com/womenonpurpose1 YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@hersuasion Email:  cindy@womenonpurpose.ca  

Family or business first? Have you ever wondered? There's no right or wrong answer for that. It depends on what people believe or how they've been taught to believe. While some people implement the family-first business, others believe in the business-first family. Both may seem right from different perspectives, but there's more to it than just being right or wrong. In this week's episode, we've had the pleasure of having a conversation with another industry expert, specializing in family business advocacy. Rob Ferguson is the founder and president of Ferguson Alliance, a family business strategic advisory service. Having led middle-market family-owned businesses for more than ten years, he uses his qualifications as a Certified Exit Planning Advisor and NACD Board Leadership Fellowship to help CEOs and boards navigate generational changes. His goal is to modify the statistics so that family companies last longer. He believes that with the correct foundation in place, family businesses may build an infinite legacy. He joined us today to talk about the essential question for any family business: family needs or business priorities first. Starting the conversation, Rob defines the two terms' family first business' and 'business first family' along with how they help business owners build their long-term strategy. If you choose the family-first business, then you are choosing a family member, whether they are qualified or not, and if you choose the business-first family, you put the right people in the right position. We then talk about the importance of deciding how a family member joins the business and what requirements they need to fulfill. It makes them understand that they have to earn it if they want to join the business. Rob also explains the procedure for firing a family member, especially if they are a shareholder. In the next phase of the conversation, Rob kindly shares some crucial details on the essential elements of a succession plan, structuring a succession plan, and the transition of business ownership. Furthermore, Rob explains the advantage of tying family values into a business culture and how it helps to continue the legacy. We also hear Rob explain how he educates people from younger generations who become business owners.   EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [04.43] Family first business or business first family. [08.30] How does the performance of a family member affect the non-family members in a business? [09.28] The mentality shift. [13.20] The importance of setting requirements.  [17.46] Finding the prime zone.  [22.23] Firing a family member.  [24.11] Structuring a succession plan.  [25.40] Essential elements of a succession plan.  [28.10] The transition of business ownership. [34.15] Integrating family values into the business culture.  [37.01] Handling biases as a mediator.  [44.15] Educating young people who become business owners.  [47.11] Out of the shadow.  [51.33] Generational differences.    TIPS & TOOLS TO IMPLEMENT TODAY Asking yourself 'Are you a family-first business or business-first family' is important as a business owner.  Set requirements that must be fulfilled to earn a position at your organization, especially for family members.  Find the prime zone in your business.  Keep the business ownership in your blood family. Build a succession plan that will choose the best replacement as the next business owner.  Listen for intense. Not how it's being said, but what is being said.   Are people problems eroding your company's profits? Discover proven strategies to lead, strategize, and sell effectively, ensuring your projects stay profitable. Elevate your construction business by purchasing Construction Genius: Effective, Hands-On, Practical, Simple, No-BS Leadership, Strategy, Sales, and Marketing Advice for Construction Companies today and turn your people problems into profit!: https://www.amazon.com/Construction-Genius-Effective-Hands-Leadership/dp/B0BHTRDY1T/ Is an executive or leader in your company struggling? Reach out to Eric to discuss how his transformative executive approach can help. Schedule a 10 minute call with Eric today to learn more: 10minuteswitheric.youcanbook.me   RESOURCES   Connect with Rob Ferguson LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/robertaferguson/  Website - ferguson-alliance.com/