S2 EP203: Navigating The Stellar Brands™ Acquisition and What's Next For TBL®

In this special roundtable episode of Pay Play Profit, host Jessica Mae Stafford, former Visionary of TBL and now Head of Sales & Partnerships at Stellar Brands, is joined by key leaders from both organizations to share the story behind TBL’s acquisition by Stellar Brands and what it means for the future.

• Marilyn Adkerson, CPA, Founder of TBL, reflects on her transition into retirement and the journey that led to this pivotal moment.
• Bobby Hoyt, Founder and Visionary of Stellar Brands, shares why acquiring TBL aligned perfectly with Stellar’s mission and long-term vision.
• Ariel Bash, Integrator™ of Stellar Brands, speaks to how she is balancing the preservation of TBL’s culture while ensuring alignment with Stellar’s growth vision.
• Ashley Travis, Head of Finance/HR and TBL Operations at Stellar Brands, offers insight into the smooth integration process and the stability it has brought to both teams.
• Jessica Mae Stafford leads the conversation and adds her own perspective on legacy, leadership transitions, and the heart behind choosing Stellar as TBL’s new home.

Together, this leadership team reflects on the past, shares behind-the-scenes details from the transition, and casts a shared vision for the future of TBL within Stellar Brands.

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🔑 Key Takeaways

• Marilyn reflects on her retirement and passing the torch.

• Bobby discusses the organic nature of the acquisition and its alignment with Stellar’s mission.

• Ariel highlights the importance of cultural integration without losing identity.

• Ashley emphasizes operational alignment and new energy for the future.

• Jessica shares the leadership transition from TBL’s Visionary to her current role at Stellar.

• The team shares a united vision of growth, client care, and meaningful community building.

📍 Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to the Stellar Brands Acquisition
02:43 – Marilyn’s Transition and Reflections
05:41 – Bobby’s Perspective on the Acquisition
08:53 – Integration Process and Team Dynamics
11:43 – Ariel’s Approach to Culture and Integration
17:46 – Client Experience and Future Improvements
20:41 – Vision for Success in 12 Months
26:44 – Closing Thoughts and Reflections

💬 Soundbites (By Speaker)

🎙️ Jessica Mae Stafford
“Even though it was an acquisition, it felt like combining forces.”

🎙️ Marilyn Adkerson, CPA
“It was just the right time.”
“Where there is no vision, the people perish.”

🎙️ Bobby Hoyt
“I didn’t feel like it was a business I needed to fix. I knew it was already a great business.”
“It just made so much sense.”

🎙️ Ariel Bash
“How do we protect what TBL has built while staying true to Stellar’s vision?”
“When people care this much, it means you’re doing something right.”

🎙️ Ashley Travis
“We’re not sacrificing or changing our soul—it’s like we’re building on it.”
“Everything went smoother than I imagined—and the team didn’t feel the weight of it.”

 

📞 Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re a business owner looking for clarity, confidence, and a true partner in your back office success—we’d love to connect.

Book a Discovery Call with Jessica Mae Stafford and explore how TBL powered by Stellar Brands can support your next big move.

👉 Schedule Your Call Here 

Let’s build something brilliant—together.

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