The Growth-Drive Hot Seat

Summary In this conversation, George Sandman passionately discusses the importance of capitalism and private business as the driving force behind the pursuit of happiness. He reflects on the role of private enterprise in democracy, the need for wealth democratization, and the impact of successful businesses on communities. Sandman emphasizes the necessity of transparency in business operations and...

In this conversation, George Sandmann introduces Mike Desiato, Growth-Drive's Member of the Year. Desiato discusses his journey from public accounting to becoming a business transition specialist focused on exit planning. He emphasizes the importance of helping business owners prepare for their exit and maximize the value of their businesses. The discussion covers the significance of collaboration...

In this conversation, George from Growth Drive discusses the importance of strategic capacity in business growth and value. He introduces the C3D certification for business advisors and explains how the Equity Value Planner can help clients understand their business's worth and potential for growth. The discussion emphasizes the role of technology in analyzing business value and the emerging profe...

Summary: In this podcast episode, the host discusses the critical relationship between exit planning and business growth. Featuring insights from industry experts Mike Garrison and Fletcher Brown, the conversation emphasizes the importance of aligning personal and professional intent when planning for business exits. The episode outlines six exit options, focusing on four primary methods: sale to...

Summary In this conversation, George discusses the 'Crazy 8s"- critical elements for business growth, emphasizing the need for firms to embrace change, innovate, and build strong brands. He introduces the concept of 'burning the boats' to signify the necessity of committing to transformation. The discussion covers the importance of customer satisfaction, sustainable growth, and the creation of tra...

Summary In this conversation, George and Beth LaGuardia Cooper discuss the multifaceted journey of publishing with Forbes Books, emphasizing the importance of maintaining control over one's narrative and the strategic advantages of building authority through publishing. They explore the writing process, the role of media in establishing credibility, and the significant return on investment that co...

Summary In this conversation, George and Brandon Snyder discuss the significance of business operating systems, particularly focusing on 90.io, a platform designed to help businesses implement effective strategies. They explore the challenges of exit planning, the importance of advisors in preparing businesses for sale, and the role of transparency in fostering accountability and collaboration wit...

Summary In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of exit planning and strategic business growth. They emphasize the importance of asking the right questions to uncover root causes of business challenges, the need for effective design and execution of plans, and the value of hybrid solutions in exit strategies. The discussion also highlights the evolving role of exit planning a...

Summary In this conversation, Rob Waring and George discuss the intricacies of business transactions, focusing on understanding client intent, the realities of selling a business, and the importance of strategic planning. They emphasize the need for business owners to prepare for life after a sale and the significance of finding the right capital partner. The discussion also covers navigating offe...

Summary : In this conversation, George Sandmann and Jeff Getty discuss the intricacies of exit planning, tax strategies, and the importance of collaboration among advisors. Jeff shares his journey from law school to becoming a transaction advisory expert, emphasizing the need for early tax planning and the benefits of qualified small business stock (QSBS). They explore the dynamics of working with...

Summary Deborah Everson shares her journey of turning around a struggling retail business and successfully exiting it. She emphasizes the importance of maximizing transferable business value and creating options for clients. Deborah and her husband went through a two-year process of preparing their business for sale, including updating inventory, improving systems, and getting their finances in or...

Summary: In this conversation, George discusses why advisors give each the Heisman and so set themselves to fail at delivering client wins. He highlights the challenge of the 'kumbaya lie' and the lack of interest from wealth advisors in working with business advisors. George emphasizes the importance of trust and collaboration between the two groups and proposes a pledge to increase trust and coo...

Summary: In this killer roundtable with The Senior leadership Brain Trust of Elene Cafasso, Phil Gafka and Larry Prince we dive into the importance of effective senior leadership in driving business growth and success. The Trust highlights the need for alignment, engagement, and clear direction within the leadership team. They discuss the distinction between leadership and management, with leaders...

Summary: Vincent Mastrovito, an expert in exit planning, discusses his new T3 think tanks for business owners and next-generation leaders. These virtual think tanks provide a platform for owners to monetize their businesses and transition smoothly, while also helping next-generation owners move into leadership roles and learn how to execute. The think tanks also offer networking opportunities and...

Summary : In this episode, George and Dr. Patricia Malone CPA CEPA CMA C3D discuss the concept of strategic capacity and its importance in business advising. Patricia -who holds a PhD in Strategic Capacity!- explains that strategic capacity is a deeply embedded capability for organizations to think and function strategically and build the capacity to reach their mission, vision, and goals. They al...

Summary: In this episode George interviews Mike Garrison, THE expert in building strategic client introductions through referral-based business development . Mike is also CEPA of the Year 2024 - learn why (hint: he is a giver). We discuss the importance of engaging with COIs (Centers of Influence) and the common mistakes people make when seeking referrals. Mike emphasizes the need for a strategic...

Summary: In this episode, the participants discuss the fundamental role of the CEO and how the connection between the CEO and shareholders can be summarized. They explore the concept of strategic intent and the importance of clarifying the value that must be reached. The conversation also touches on the interplay between shareholder and stakeholder value, the need for annual and quarterly meetings...

Summary: The conversation discusses the four broad accountability categories within an organization: executive, finance, operations, and revenue. Each category has a fundamental role that contributes to maximizing shareholder value and growing profits. The CEO's role is to define the vision and mission of the business, while the CFO focuses on financial reporting and strategy. The COO is responsib...

Summary: BeReady Exits is a virtual firm that specializes in business exit planning. The founders, Anna Halaburda, John Carter, and Kelly Malaga-LaCarter, bring decades of experience in various fields such as accounting, law, finance, and HR. They collaborate with other professional advisors to provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to exit planning. The firm focuses on delivering successfu...

Summary: In this episode, George interviews Benjamin Bohman, the founder and CEO of Stratisheild, about the role of AI in business advising. They discuss the importance of understanding the why behind implementing AI and the need for businesses to tell a story about their technology. They also explore the potential of AI in revolutionizing the business advising industry, particularly in analytics...

Summary: This episode is the Preface to George's Book and discusses the importance of business advisory and the middle market in the United States. It emphasizes the need for guidance and support for private businesses to understand and improve their strategic capacity. The conversation highlights the role of business advisors in helping businesses grow and attract capital. It also explores the ma...

Summary: The conversation with Tim Martin CEPA of JACO Advisors covers a wide range of topics, including enterprise-level leadership, strategic planning, execution, risk management, equity value planning, and the impact of transparency and collaboration on business success. The discussion also delves into the importance of personal succession planning, business continuity, and the role of advisors...

In this conversation Growth-Driver Chad Connery of Peak Business Advising discusses the importance of centers of influence (COIs) in sales and marketing. We discuss  the need for Business Advisors to use a sales process and the value of collaboration with COIs. Chad shares examples of successful collaborations and highlights the importance of trust, transparency, and clarity in these relationships...

Summary: Barry Goodman, an exit planner for family-held businesses, shares his expertise on helping families determine the next steps for their businesses. He emphasizes the importance of having a purpose in life after selling a business and avoiding the negative impact of family conflicts. Goodman specializes in working with family businesses and highlights the need for alignment among family mem...

Summary : In this conversation, George interviews John Fulwider, a business advisor with extensive experience using top systems like EOS(r) and Pinnacle Guides(r). They discuss the importance of working with coachable business owners who have big dreams and a desire for growth. They also explore the limitations of traditional business operating systems (BOS) and the need for a quantitative model o...