033- Why Business Owners Need a Tax Planner (Not Just a Preparer) with Blake Schaper
Release Date: 02/20/2025
043-Unlocking the Current Value and Dream Value of Your Business with Jason Early
Scale to Sell
Most business owners don’t realize their business could be worth far more, or far less, than they think. What’s worse? They don’t discover this until it’s too late. In this episode, Steve Burton sits down with Jason Early, founder of RISR, to reveal how business owners can stop guessing and start knowing their business value today and in the future. Steve and Jason discuss: Why your business is likely 80% of your net worth—and still not tracked The real difference between your “current value” and “dream value” The hidden risks quietly dragging down your business’s...
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Ep 042 - How Benchmarking Your Company’s 401(K) Could Optimize Performance – with Mike Tarr
Scale to Sell
What if your company’s 401(k) is quietly draining your employees’ retirement savings, and putting your business at compliance risk? In this episode, Steve Burton sits down with Michael Tarr, Director of 401(k) Maneuver and MEP & PEP Plan Services at Royal Fund Management. Together, they break down why so many company retirement plans underperform and what business owners can do about it. Steve and Michael discuss: Why most 401(k) plans fail employees: lack of guidance, high fees, and poor management The hidden cost of target-date funds and why active management matters What...
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041-Exit Lessons for Business Owners
Scale to Sell
You may feel ready to exit, but is your business truly prepared? In this episode of Scale to Sell, hosts Adam and Steve Burton unpack powerful insights from two exit planning conferences. From valuations to AI to family handoffs, they break down what most owners miss—and how to fix it. Whether you’re five years out or thinking about it now, this episode could reshape your strategy. Steve and Adam discuss: The importance of building an exit-ready business that can run without you (05:00) Why business owners need a realistic valuation and how to use it to plan...
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040- Making Your Business More Profitable by Adding Recurring Revenue
Scale to Sell
What makes recurring revenue the darling of the business world today? In episode 40 of the Scale to Sell podcast, Adam and Steve Burton explore the power of incorporating a recurring revenue model into your business. This episode highlights why recurring revenue businesses, like HVAC and lawn services, are highly valued by private equity firms and competitors alike. Discover how building predictable and stable revenue can ensure long-term business success. These conversations tackle the common hesitations business owners may have and illustrate why you might be more suited for a...
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039-How to Make More Money While Working Less in Your Business
Scale to Sell
Ever wondered how to make more money while spending less time in the business? In this episode, father-son duo Adam and Steve Burton take on the challenge many business owners face: balancing work and life while increasing profitability. Listen in as they uncover the secret to working smarter, not harder. Adam and Steve walk us through: (04:20) The common pitfalls business owners face and how to escape the daily grind (14:45) The necessity of focusing on high-leverage work to boost revenue and growth Strategies for delegating tasks and leveraging technology (24:35) ...
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038-Workplace Financial Education - How to Help Your Teams Win with Money
Scale to Sell
What if boosting your team's financial know-how could also boost your business's success? That's the crux of today's episode, as we explore the power of workplace financial education. Join Steve Burton and guest James Blanton, a specialist in financial education and the brain behind "PemLife," as they uncover why a financially savvy workforce is critical. Learn about the "Personal Economic Model," an engaging tool for educating employees about money management—its colleges are already embracing. Discover how financial literacy can reduce stress and turnover, creating a more stable and...
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037- What’s Next? Life After Selling Your Business (Even If You Aren’t Yet Ready to Exit)
Scale to Sell
Summary: What’s your plan for life after selling your business? Even if you’re not ready to exit, giving this some thought could save you a lot of trouble down the road. Episode 37 of the Scale to Sell podcast with Adam and Steve Burton unpacks what comes after selling a business and why planning for it is crucial. With 70% of business owners feeling unsatisfied a year after selling, it’s vital to prepare not just financially, but personally too. They discuss avoiding the dreaded post-sale unfulfillment and offer insights into creating a fulfilling new chapter of your life. Adam and...
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036- 4 Considerations BEFORE You Do an Internal Transfer of Your Business
Scale to Sell
What does it take to pass down your business to the next generation successfully? Join Adam and Steve Burton on this episode of Scale to Sell as they break down the tricky process of internal business transfers. Whether it's grooming your child to take over the family business or handing it off to a key employee, there's a lot more to consider than you might think. Adam and Steve Burton discuss: (01:45) Finding a qualified and genuinely interested successor (05:32) Ensuring your successor truly desires the role and is prepared for the responsibilities (10:48)...
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035 - Growth by Acquisition with Jeff Snell
Scale to Sell
Summary: What does it take to successfully grow your business through acquisition in a landscape bustling with opportunity? In this episode, Steve Burton and M&A expert Jeff Snell discuss growth through acquisition – one of the swiftest routes to scaling your business. With millions of baby boomers ready to pass on their businesses, now is a prime time for owner-operators to capitalize on this trend. Jeff, a seasoned professional with over two decades in mergers and acquisitions, shares his extensive experience, offering insights into acquiring businesses right, including...
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034 - Top Takeaways for Business Owners from Year 1 of the Podcast
Scale to Sell
Celebrating One Year of Scale to Sell: Key Takeaways for Business Owners (Ep. 34) Summary: What are you missing out on? In this special anniversary episode, Adam and Steve Burton celebrate one year of the Scale to Sell podcast by diving into the critical lessons learned from real business owners. Are you aware that only 20-30% of small businesses successfully sell? Adam and Steve explore the hidden hurdles and share proven strategies to ensure you're not just another statistic. If you're a business owner looking to exit on your terms, this episode is packed with essential...
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Are you just checking boxes with your taxes? It might be costing you a fortune.
In this episode, Steve Burton dives into the crucial difference between tax preparation and tax planning with Blake Schaper, CPA, MST, CTFA, CEO of BrookHaven Family Office. With extensive experience on teams that handle accounts ranging from NFL team owners to budding entrepreneurs, Blake sheds light on the importance of proactive tax strategies for business owners. They discuss the proactive steps to minimize tax liabilities while enhancing overall business value.
Blake discusses:
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(04:09) The vital difference between tax preparation and proactive tax planning
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(06:40) Why aligning your tax, financial, and estate plans is crucial
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(09:23) The significant benefits of staging your business for sale, much like staging a home
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(16:04) Navigating the landscape of taxes when passing your business down a generation
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And more
Resources:
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Unlock your business’s potential with our free Scale to Sell self-assessment
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Mission One Million by Merle Gilley and Steve Burton
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About our Guest:
After graduating from the University of North Georgia, Blake Schaper commissioned into the Georgia Army National Guard and attended the U.S. Army Flight School in Fort Rucker, Alabama. He spent the greater part of two years learning to fly helicopters and airplanes while simultaneously completing courses for his master’s degree in Tax. He also graduated from the U.S. Army’s Airborne School and the Republic of Georgia’s Mountain Warfare School in Sachkhere, just 30 miles from the Russian border. Dedication and commitment to the country drive and focus him in his role at Armis.
Blake enlisted in the military in 2009 and spent the earlier part of his career as a Military Police Officer, during which he was named the Georgia Army National Guard Soldier of the Year (2011) and awarded a Meritorious Service Medal for his accomplishments. He continues to serve as a Platoon Leader and Blackhawk pilot in an Assault Helicopter Battalion.
His master’s degree is in Tax Planning from the University of Cincinnati, and he is currently testing for his designation as a CPA.