Insights on Succession Planning and Growth With Donald Bielen
Release Date: 04/18/2025
The Future of Software Development: AI and Senior Talent With Ashish Patel
Smart Business Revolution | Turn Relationships into Revenues | Networking | More Clients | Relationship Advice
Ashish Patel is the CEO and Founder of Simpat Tech, a custom software consulting firm based in Austin, Texas. Simpat Tech specializes in custom software development, implementation, and consulting services, focusing on delivering straightforward and manageable software solutions for clients. Since its inception, Ashish has led Simpat Tech from a one-client operation to a fast-growing enterprise recognized on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies. He holds a BS in computer science from Virginia Tech and a master’s degree in management information systems from the...
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Unlock Your Island Dreams: The Tax Savings Blueprint With Trevor McCandless
Smart Business Revolution | Turn Relationships into Revenues | Networking | More Clients | Relationship Advice
Trevor McCandless is the Founder and Chief Entrepreneurial Officer at Fusion CPA, a boutique financial advisory firm specializing in tax planning, accounting, and business advisory services for growth-minded entrepreneurs. Under his leadership, Fusion CPA has grown into a dozen-CPA powerhouse, delivering tailored financial strategies through its proven three-step framework — Stabilization, Strategy, and Scaling. Trevor holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Florida and a master’s in taxation from Georgia State University. He is a strong advocate for leveraging...
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GE’s Growth Playbook for Mid-Sized Companies With Kevin Poole
Smart Business Revolution | Turn Relationships into Revenues | Networking | More Clients | Relationship Advice
Kevin Poole is the CEO of Newport LLC, a national business advisory firm specializing in helping middle-market companies accelerate growth, improve profitability, and prepare for successful exits. Before joining Newport, he spent nearly two decades at General Electric during the Jack Welch era, holding senior roles, and later led a $100 million consulting practice at Capgemini. Kevin holds a bachelor's degree in computer science from the University of Miami and an MBA in finance and marketing from Columbia Business School. He now leverages his deep operational and consulting experience to...
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The New Mysteries: Exploring Consciousness, Joy, and True Choice With Mark Worster
Smart Business Revolution | Turn Relationships into Revenues | Networking | More Clients | Relationship Advice
Mark Worster is the Founder of The New Mysteries, a personal transformation initiative that blends ancient wisdom with modern therapeutic practices to help individuals access deeper levels of consciousness. Previously, he founded Novation IT Services and served as CEO of Unitel, a two-time Inc. 500 honoree, which he later sold to his brother, marking a pivotal transition in his professional journey. Known as “nurseMARK,” Mark is a sought-after speaker and coach, offering insights on mental health, entrepreneurship, and transformational healing. In this episode… Despite achieving outward...
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Lean Tech Done Right: Catie King on Using AI and Low-Code to Scale Fast
Smart Business Revolution | Turn Relationships into Revenues | Networking | More Clients | Relationship Advice
Catie King is the Co-founder of Stradia Partners, a consultancy that empowers companies to optimize operations through low-code, no-code, and AI-powered technology solutions. Stradia Partners specializes in building scalable internal tools using platforms like Airtable and Retool to streamline workflows, consolidate data, and boost team efficiency across industries. With over a decade of experience in product management, Catie previously served as Head of Product at flyExclusive, one of the largest private jet operators in the US. Outside of her work in tech, she is also a musician and a...
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The Purple Squirrel Approach: Escape the Rat Race With Carrie Schochet
Smart Business Revolution | Turn Relationships into Revenues | Networking | More Clients | Relationship Advice
Carrie Schochet is the Founder and CEO of Purple Squirrel Advisors, a boutique executive search firm specializing in senior-level placements for private equity and family businesses. Purple Squirrel Advisors is renowned for its personalized, "white glove" recruitment process, emphasizing cultural fit and long-term success in placements. Beyond her professional endeavors, Carrie founded CFO Next in 2013 to support transitioning senior financial executives through networking and resources. She also serves as Co-Chair of the Career Services Committee for Financial Executives International (FEI),...
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From ChatGPT Hacks to YouTube Growth: John Corcoran Shares B2B Podcasting Essentials
Smart Business Revolution | Turn Relationships into Revenues | Networking | More Clients | Relationship Advice
John Corcoran is a recovering attorney, an author, and a former White House writer and speechwriter to the Governor of California. Throughout his career, John has worked in Hollywood, the heart of Silicon Valley, and ran his boutique law firm in the San Francisco Bay Area, catering to small business owners and entrepreneurs. Since 2012, John has been the host of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, where he has interviewed hundreds of CEOs, founders, authors, and entrepreneurs, including Peter Diamandis, Adam Grant, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Marie Forleo. John is also the Co-founder of Rise25, a...
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Profitless Prosperity to Global Brand With Brian Smith
Smart Business Revolution | Turn Relationships into Revenues | Networking | More Clients | Relationship Advice
Brian Smith is the Founder of UGG, the globally recognized sheepskin boots brand. Originally from Australia, he transitioned from a career in accounting to entrepreneurship after studying at the UCLA School of Management. Brian launched UGG Imports in 1978 with minimal capital and a bold vision to introduce sheepskin boots to the American market. Over the course of two decades, he built the brand into a cultural icon renowned for its comfort and quality — before eventually selling it to Deckers Outdoor Corporation. In this episode… Every entrepreneur dreams of turning their idea into a...
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Start With Strategy, Not Tactics With David Meyer
Smart Business Revolution | Turn Relationships into Revenues | Networking | More Clients | Relationship Advice
David Meyer is a Partner at Spoke Marketing, LLC, a full-service marketing agency specializing in sales-driven brand storytelling and scalable marketing strategies. With a career spanning over 16 years at Spoke Marketing, David has been instrumental in guiding the agency through various economic challenges, including the 2008 financial crisis. An early adopter of Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), he now leverages his expertise to help clients implement the same framework, focusing on goal-setting, accountability, and achieving meaningful results. In this episode… Effective marketing...
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Why Your Marketing Closet Needs a Makeover With Braydan Young
Smart Business Revolution | Turn Relationships into Revenues | Networking | More Clients | Relationship Advice
Braydan Young is the Co-founder and CEO of SlashExperts, a leading peer-conversation platform that helps B2B companies accelerate revenue by connecting prospective buyers with real customers. Under his leadership, SlashExperts announced $2M in seed funding in April 2025, marking a significant milestone for the company. Braydan has a background in entrepreneurship, having previously co-founded Sendoso, a successful company that is a leading sending platform simplifying direct mail, gifting, and corporate gifting processes for businesses. Beyond his ventures, he serves as a mentor at ChicoSTART,...
info_outlineDonald Bielen is the Managing Director of Capital Eleven Advisors, an investment firm specializing in private equity, early-stage venture capital, and real estate development. Donald has completed over 300 business transitions and exit plans for clients across the United States. Before joining Capital Eleven Advisors, he led the Business Transition Services team as Principal at Perkins and Co., was the Director of Business Advisory Services at the Rainier Group, Inc., and was an Operations Manager at a Fortune 100 company. He earned his bachelor's degree in Finance and Economics, followed by an MBA, and holds certifications as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor (CM&AA).
In this episode…
Too many business owners wait until they’re ready to exit before thinking about what it takes to transition out of their company successfully. But leaving a business isn’t just about legal documents and financials — it’s deeply personal, emotional, and strategic. How can leaders create a long-term plan that protects their legacy and maximizes business value?
Donald Bielen, a seasoned expert in succession planning and business transitions, explains why planning for five to ten years is critical to a smooth exit. Donald shares actionable insights on grooming internal successors, aligning personal and professional goals, and avoiding common pitfalls — like undervaluing the emotional aspect of letting go. He also illustrates his points with real-world stories, including a failed deal involving a pet food company and a successful strategy for a multilocation treatment center.
Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Donald Bielen, Managing Director at Capital Eleven Advisors, about the strategies behind effective succession planning. Donald shares how to build a transferable business, assess readiness for transition, and avoid costly missteps. They explore emotional readiness, internal succession challenges, and aligning strategy with long-term value.