Under the Tamarisk Tree

Phil Harwood sits down with Zach Willner, founder and managing partner of Free Peer Advisors, to discuss what business owners should know when preparing to sell their company. Zach shares how his Wall Street investment banking experience helps small and mid-sized business owners navigate buyers, evaluate deal structures, raise capital, and secure the best possible terms for the future of their bus...

In this episode, Phil Harwood sits down with Greg Heeres, President of Maximize and author of The Business Baton, to talk about succession planning, business exits, and what it really takes to prepare the next generation. Greg shares practical wisdom on creating a plan, protecting a business owner’s legacy, and helping families navigate the emotional side of transition with clarity and confidence.

In this episode, Phil Harwood sits down with Perry Anne Scott, founder of Converge Coaching & Consulting, to explore what it really takes to build strong leadership inside growing organizations. The conversation focuses on a common challenge: high-performing individuals are often promoted into leadership roles without the tools to succeed. Perry Anne shares a practical, systems-based approach...

In this episode, Phil Harwood and Nancy Jonker of AdaptaWise discuss how unresolved tension and leadership dynamics impact business performance—and how addressing people issues directly can improve results, strengthen teams, and support succession readiness.

Phil Harwood and Tabetha Vetter discuss what it really takes to build a transition-ready company—beyond profitability—so the business can run without the owner. They break down five practical steps buyers and next-gen successors care about most: documenting key processes, building an empowered leadership team, using clear metrics, reducing customer/supplier concentration risk, and strengthening cu...

Phil Harwood sits down with Derrick McIver, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Sleeping Giant Capital (SGC), discuss a unique approach to investing—focusing on long-term local ownership and succession solutions. Derrick shares how SGC empowers aspiring CEOs to buy businesses, preserve legacies, and strengthen the West Michigan community.

In this episode of Under the Tamarisk Tree, Phil Harwood and Tabetha Vetter discuss how to align your personal, financial, and business goals to prepare for a confident transition, especially as more owners approach succession. They also share a quick behind-the-scenes update on what Tamarisk Business Advisors is working on— including Tabetha’s upcoming book designed to help business owners naviga...

Phil Harwood and Tabetha Vetter explore what it means to step into freedom after business ownership. This conversation outlines five key considerations to help owners design a purposeful, intentional life beyond their business—focusing on identity, time, place, ongoing involvement, and legacy.

Phil Harwood and Tabetha Vetter discuss the essential considerations every business owner should make when planning for life beyond their business. From defining your future vision to preparing emotionally for the transition, this episode offers a clear, practical overview for owners at any stage.

Listen in as Phil Harwood and Tabetha Vetter introduce Tamarisk Business Advisors and share how their firm helps business owners navigate the complex process of succession, plan successful exits, and protect their legacy.

Listen in as Phil Harwood talks with Shaina Culberson of Quist Valuation about why business valuations matter for succession planning. They cover certified appraisals vs. planning-focused tools, explain market multiples and discounted cash flow in plain terms, and highlight how “intangible” drivers (team, systems, customers) and regular check-ins help build long-term value.

Listen in as Phil Harwood and Tabetha Vetter discuss why thoughtful succession planning takes time and why starting early is key to a smooth transition.

Listen in as Phil Harwood interviews Kelly Cousineau from Owners Outpost about how business owners may plan strategically for their next adventure, after exiting their businesses and how her firm helps business owners plan for their exit. 

Listen in as Phil Harwood and Dave Mullins from SalesStar engage in an insightful discussion about the value of having a strategic sales system and how this relates to succession planning.

In this episode, Phil Harwood provides brief introduction to Tamarisk Business Advisors. Check it out! 

Listen in as Phil Harwood interviews Jessica Jeffrey from Clear Financials about the importance of maintaining updated, accurate financials, why businesses often struggle in this area, and how her firm can help. 

Listen in as Phil Harwood interviews Drew Meyers and Aaron Ritsema CFP from private wealth management firm, LaFleur & Godfrey. Discussion topics include aspects of financial management related to succession planning. 

Listen in as Phil Harwood interviews Nataly Mualem, founder of the Mualem Firm, specializing in employment-based immigration, including employment-based immigration compliance, about how employers may leverage H2A, H2B, and other programs to provide a more reliable and legal workforce, which impacts business valuation and a business owner's ability to exit. 

In this episode, Phil Harwood and Tabatha Vetter explain the distinction between Exit Planning and Succession Planning. Though the terms are often used interchangeably, they serve different purposes. Listen in to learn about five key differences every owner should know.

Listen in as Phil Harwood and Tabetha Vetter discuss the five hidden costs of delaying your exit plan.

Listen in as Phil Harwood and Tabetha Vetter discuss 5 helpful tips for family businesses to consider to ensure a smooth transition from one generation to the next.

Join Phil Harwood and Tabetha Vetter, as they discuss this month's blog, focused on planning for the unexpected as well as the expected.