Scale to Sell

The Business Owner's Podcast to Grow and Exit Your Business. We share with entrepreneurs like you the tactical and practical things to scale your business and create an exit strategy that maintains your lifestyle and fits your retirement income plan.

038-Workplace Financial Education - How to Help Your Teams Win with Money 05/01/2025

038-Workplace Financial Education - How to Help Your Teams Win with Money 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 productive work environment. Steve and James discuss: (00:01:53) The importance of financial education in the workplace (00:03:14) The groundbreaking "Personal Economic Model" and its impact (00:05:43) How financial knowledge reduces stress and stabilizes teams (00:14:48) Simple steps to integrate financial education in your company Resources: . by Merle Gilley and Steve Burton Connect with Our Team: Connect with Adam Burton and Steve Burton: Connect James Blanton: About Our Guest: James Blanton is the Managing Director and Co-Founder of PEM LIFE, an organization committed to enhancing financial education through innovative, visual learning tools and practical curriculum design. Together with Don Blanton (no familial relation), he co-created Personal Finance Illustrated®, which incorporates the Personal Economic Model®—a powerful visual framework that simplifies complex financial topics and empowers individuals to make informed decisions. Blanton’s mission is to help people better understand how to balance current lifestyle desires with future financial needs. His work emphasizes efficiency, clarity, and the importance of education in long-term financial success. PEM LIFE’s resources are now being used by educators across the country to improve financial literacy in classrooms and communities alike. /episode/index/show/6742b037-6870-4610-abf6-386e6714e146/id/36361440

037- What’s Next? Life After Selling Your Business (Even If You Aren’t Yet Ready to Exit) 04/17/2025

036- 4 Considerations BEFORE You Do an Internal Transfer of Your Business 04/03/2025

035 - Growth by Acquisition with Jeff Snell 03/20/2025

035 - Growth by Acquisition with Jeff Snell 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 understanding valuation and leveraging advantageous SBA loan terms. Steve and Jeff discuss: (02:24) Jeff Snell’s journey from business owner to M&A advisor (09:12) The dynamics of growth by acquisition (12:16) How the current high-interest rate environment can actually be advantageous for buyers (15:13) The role of SBA loans in financing acquisitions with relaxed terms (24:01) The importance of knowing your business value and how it influences exit strategies And more Take advantage of this golden age of business transition and discover how acquisition might be a viable strategy for your growth plan. Don't miss out on Jeff Snell’s expert advice on avoiding common pitfalls and maximizing value through strategic partnerships. Resources: by Merle Gilley and Steve Burton Connect with Our Team: Connect with Adam Burton and Steve Burton: Connect with Jeff Snell: About our Guest: Jeff Snell is an M&A expert with over 20 years of experience in business brokerage. He is the credentialing chairman for the International Business Brokers Association and holds several prestigious designations, including Certified Business Intermediary and Merger and Acquisitions Master Intermediary. /episode/index/show/6742b037-6870-4610-abf6-386e6714e146/id/35425880

034 - Top Takeaways for Business Owners from Year 1 of the Podcast 03/06/2025

033- Why Business Owners Need a Tax Planner (Not Just a Preparer) with Blake Schaper 02/20/2025

033- Why Business Owners Need a Tax Planner (Not Just a Preparer) with Blake Schaper Summary: Are you just checking boxes with your taxes? It might be costing you a fortune. In this episode, Steve Burton dives into the crucial difference between tax preparation and tax planning with Blake Schaper, CPA, MST, CTFA, CEO of BrookHaven Family Office. With extensive experience on teams that handle accounts ranging from NFL team owners to budding entrepreneurs, Blake sheds light on the importance of proactive tax strategies for business owners. They discuss the proactive steps to minimize tax liabilities while enhancing overall business value. Blake discusses: (04:09) The vital difference between tax preparation and proactive tax planning (06:40) Why aligning your tax, financial, and estate plans is crucial (09:23) The significant benefits of staging your business for sale, much like staging a home (16:04) Navigating the landscape of taxes when passing your business down a generation And more Resources: by Merle Gilley and Steve Burton Connect with Our Team: Connect with Steve Burton: Connect with Blake Schaper: About our Guest: After graduating from the University of North Georgia, Blake Schaper commissioned into the Georgia Army National Guard and attended the U.S. Army Flight School in Fort Rucker, Alabama. He spent the greater part of two years learning to fly helicopters and airplanes while simultaneously completing courses for his master’s degree in Tax. He also graduated from the U.S. Army’s Airborne School and the Republic of Georgia’s Mountain Warfare School in Sachkhere, just 30 miles from the Russian border. Dedication and commitment to the country drive and focus him in his role at Armis. Blake enlisted in the military in 2009 and spent the earlier part of his career as a Military Police Officer, during which he was named the Georgia Army National Guard Soldier of the Year (2011) and awarded a Meritorious Service Medal for his accomplishments. He continues to serve as a Platoon Leader and Blackhawk pilot in an Assault Helicopter Battalion. His master’s degree is in Tax Planning from the University of Cincinnati, and he is currently testing for his designation as a CPA. /episode/index/show/6742b037-6870-4610-abf6-386e6714e146/id/35242585

032: Know Your Value, Grow Your Value 02/06/2025

031-Harvesting Value from Your Business BEFORE You Exit 01/16/2025

030- 4 Keys to Guarantee Your Goals for Life and Business in 2025 01/02/2025

029-Episode 29 - How a Certified EXIT Planner Can Help You GROW Your Business with Ed de la Rosa 12/19/2024

28 - Exploring the Pros of Supplemental Benefits with Glenn Smith 12/05/2024

28 - Exploring the Pros of Supplemental Benefits with Glenn Smith Summary: How can enhancing employee benefits simultaneously boost business value and reduce costs? Steve Burton sits down with Glenn Smith, Certified Exit Planning Advisor and Senior Partner of Coastal Region Benefits. Steve and Glenn talk about the untapped potential of supplemental benefits, and how they not only help attract and retain top talent but also play a crucial role in maximizing business value. Their conversation reveals practical strategies and surprising financial benefits that many entrepreneurs may overlook, all while highlighting the importance of enhanced employee experiences in driving business success. Discover how businesses can boost employee satisfaction, retain top talent, and ultimately increase their business worth — without incurring additional costs. Steve and Glenn discuss: (04:08) The impact of employee retention on business value (06:31) The significance of intangible assets and the impact on business valuation (09:01) Addressing common challenges in employee retention and the role of benefit packages (12:48) Strategies for redirecting existing funds to optimize benefits (19:40) How a comprehensive benefits audit can reveal and fill gaps in your offerings And more Tune in and explore the tangible advantages of employee benefits in shaping your business future. Remember, knowing the value is crucial for those looking to scale and eventually sell their business. Keep scaling! Resources: by Merle Gilley and Steve Burton Connect with Our Team: Connect with Adam Burton and Steve Burton: Connect with Glenn Smith: About our Guest: Glenn Smith is an experienced Enhanced Benefits Specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the insurance and benefits industry. He is skilled in Employee Benefits, Sales, Cafeteria Plans, Flexible Spending Accounts, Term Life Insurance, and Whole Life Insurance. Glenn is a strong sales professional with over 20 years of experience. /episode/index/show/6742b037-6870-4610-abf6-386e6714e146/id/34004122