MaxValue Podcast

Join host Ben Towne in this episode of Max Value as he sits down with John Walker —entrepreneur, mentor, and longtime Vistage International leader. With over 40 years of experience coaching CEOs and building businesses, John shares hard-earned lessons from both major wins and painful failures. You’ll hear stories about turning around a strike-ridden manufacturing plant, bringing the Brita water fi...

What makes a CPA more than just an accountant? In this episode of Max Value , host Ben Towne sits down with Denise Froemming, President & CEO of CalCPA , to explore why CPAs are trusted as the custodians of financial truth —and how they can directly boost the value of your business. Denise shares her inspiring journey from healthcare finance and data analytics to global real estate leadership...

Discover how virtual assistants are helping business owners and professional service firms save time, boost productivity, and focus on what truly matters. In this episode of Max Value , Ben Towne interviews Tessa Baragasa, founder of Birdie Consulting in Colombia, about why U.S. businesses are turning to virtual assistants, how to find the right talent, and the secrets to building trust with remot...

In this in-depth conversation, we explore how divorce affects business valuation, from determining marital value to handling goodwill, related party transactions, and post-COVID financial adjustments. Family law valuation expert Megan Thompson shares real-world challenges, including small business complexities, replacement compensation disputes, and ensuring fairness in court. Whether you’re an at...

How does a $400 million capital gains tax exclusion sound?  In this breaking update, tax strategist Garry Whitfield returns to MaxValue to unpack game-changing revisions to QSBS (Qualified Small Business Stock) following a newly signed federal bill. From raised asset thresholds to tiered holding periods and smarter exit strategies, this episode dives deep into how these enhancements can radically...

What does it take to exit your business successfully? In this in-depth conversation, wealth advisor Sarah Raven and valuation expert Ben Towne explore the full spectrum of exit planning—from business readiness and financial strategy to emotional preparedness and long-term vision. Whether you're years away from selling or just beginning to think about life after ownership, this series walks yo...

 In this closing conversation, Bekah Zsiga reflects on how flexible, remote work makes it possible to balance a fulfilling career in business valuation with active family life—something that once felt out of reach. She shares how continuous learning, meaningful client relationships, and a supportive team culture contribute to deep job satisfaction. Becca and I conclude with personal reflections on...

In this special episode, Ben Towne and guest Megan Thompson take a hilarious and insightful look at The Accountant 2, the action-packed sequel to the 2016 thriller. They break down the film’s plot, revisit key moments from the original movie. Blending humor with professional insight, this episode is perfect for both movie buffs and number nerds.

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Gary Whitfield to dive into one of the most powerful tools in exit planning: Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS). We break down how business owners can potentially exclude up to $10 million—or even more—in capital gains, and what it takes to qualify. From entity structure to valuation strategy, we cover what you need to know early if you're th...

Thanks for joining MaxValue , a podcast designed to help business owners and their professional advisors achieve maximum value. I'm your host, Ben Towne. I’m a CPA and an accredited valuation specialist. I run Towne Advisory, a business appraisal, exit planning, and consulting firm in the U.S., and I also own a financial outsourcing firm in India. At Towne Advisory, we’ve valued billions of d...