Inside BS Show

“Succession planning is the key to unlocking freedom and value in your family business.” What You’ll Discover Today: If you own a family business and want to protect its legacy and value, you need a rock-solid succession plan. In today’s episode, Dave Lorenzo walks you step-by-step through the exact process he uses with his clients to build a succession planning program that works. Key Topics Disc...

We’re taking a break from your regularly scheduled show notes. No tidy bullet points. No calm summaries. No hand-holding MBA nonsense. Today, we’re cracking open the skull of succession planning and scooping out the raw brain matter. Gonzo-style. If you’re looking for a spreadsheet, go back to accounting. This ride is for the mad ones. It started, as these things often do, with a wiseass comment u...

On this episode, Dave Lorenzo explains what succession planning really means inside a family business—and why most people are doing it wrong. He breaks down how to prepare every role in your business for both short-term backup and long-term succession, from frontline workers to leadership positions. Key Topics Discussed: The real definition of succession planning in a family business Why it matter...

In this insightful episode, we delve into the pivotal reasons why engaging a professional business broker is crucial when selling your business. We explore the complexities of the sales process, the value a broker brings in navigating negotiations, and how their expertise can lead to a more profitable and efficient sale. Key Topics Covered: Understanding the Sales Process: An overview of the steps...

How Exit Success Lab Helps Family Businesses Grow, Transition, and Thrive On this episode of the Inside BS Show, Dave Lorenzo breaks down the three core ways Exit Success Lab supports family-owned businesses. Whether you're trying to unlock growth, preparing to transition to the next generation, or planning a sale, Dave shares how his team guides you every step of the way. You'll also hear how Exi...

Thinking about selling your business? Not so fast. In this episode of The Inside BS Show, Dave Lorenzo walks you through a comprehensive readiness assessment for business owners—especially those running family-owned companies. With decades of experience advising entrepreneurs, Dave shares the 13 critical signs that you might be ready to sell, plus the 7 warning signs that say you're not there yet....

In this powerful episode of The Inside BS Show, Dave Lorenzo and Harry Cendrowski break down the mysterious world of family offices. Whether you're a professional hoping to work with one or a business owner who's just had a liquidity event, this episode provides clarity, direction, and actionable insights. 📌 Key Topics Discussed: The four types of family offices (embedded, single, multi, and virt...

5 Reasons Every Family Business Needs SOPs to Grow, Stay Safe, and Sell for More Are you running a family business without written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)? That’s a costly mistake. In this episode of The Inside BS Show , Dave Lorenzo breaks down the five powerful reasons why SOPs are critical for any family-owned company. From ensuring consistency and safety to training new team membe...

"You're not just building income — you're building impact that outlasts you." What You’ll Discover Today In this episode, Dave Lorenzo shares three essential strategies for family business owners who want to create generational wealth and leave a lasting legacy. These practical steps help ensure your business continues to thrive long after you're gone, whether it's passed to the next generation or...

What You’ll Discover Today: In this special throwback episode from 2022, Dave Lorenzo sits down with Steven Glick, the most trusted real estate expert in the Chicagoland area. From his roots in apartment rentals to his experience as a developer and investor, Steven shares the insider strategies and hard-won lessons that have earned him a reputation as a go-to advisor in residential and commercial...

"If you're giving millions, treat it like an investment—because your legacy is on the line." What You’ll Discover Today: In this episode of The Inside BS Show , Dave Lorenzo sits down with Michael Cleavenger, a seasoned fundraising strategist and advisor to affluent donors, to pull back the curtain on how nonprofit organizations really work. They explore how high-net-worth individuals can contribu...

"Referrals are free money. Why wouldn’t you build habits that bring them to you every day?" What You’ll Discover Today In this episode, Dave Lorenzo shares five timeless habits—straight from your mother’s playbook—that will help you get more referrals in B2B sales. These principles aren’t complicated, but they are powerful and often overlooked. Apply them consistently and watch your referral pipel...

“Tax planning is not about saving a few dollars. It’s about protecting your investment, your relationships, and your future returns.” What You’ll Discover Today: If you're acquiring a business, tax planning might not be your first concern—but it should be. In today’s episode of The Inside BS Show, Dave Lorenzo sits down with tax expert Harry Cendrowski to explore why the buyer in a business acquis...

"Nobody dreams of working for your family business. You have to show them why they should." — Dave Lorenzo What You’ll Discover Today: Attracting top talent is one of the biggest challenges family business CEOs face. In this episode, Dave Lorenzo explains how small and midsize family-owned companies can compete with big brands and elite firms for the best people. He shares the real reasons people...

“Do you need a coach, or do you need a consultant? Your answer could determine whether your family business grows or just survives.” - Dave Lorenzo What You’ll Discover Today: In today’s episode of The Inside BS Show , Dave Lorenzo explains the critical difference between a family business coach and a consultant—and how selecting the wrong one could stall your company’s growth. This episode gives...

 "The family dynamic can either destroy your business or make it a joy to run. Governance is what tips the scale." - Dave Lorenzo Running a business with family members can be fulfilling—or a complete disaster. In this episode, Dave Lorenzo outlines the three foundational pillars of governance every family business needs to survive and thrive. Key Topics Discussed: Decision-Making Structure Why yo...

Would You Sell Your Family Business If You Could Avoid Capital Gains Tax?” - Dave Lorenzo What You’ll Discover Today: Would you sell your family business if you could pay no capital gains tax, reward your employees, and preserve your legacy? In this episode of the Inside BS Show, Dave Lorenzo explores how an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) might make that possible. It’s a compelling option fo...

"You don’t choose a king to run your business. You choose someone who earned the throne." – Dave Lorenzo What You’ll Discover Today: If you're a family business CEO, this episode is essential listening. Dave Lorenzo breaks down the five critical things every family business leader must understand before creating a succession plan. From tax consequences to cultural leadership, this is not just abou...

“Empathy is the most important job as a business owner. Put yourself in that person's shoes and give them what they need.” – Sara Naheedy What You’ll Discover Today: How does a real estate lawyer become the most loved advisor in her region? Today on The Inside BS Show, hosts sit down with California real estate attorney and broker Sara Naheedy. From her early days handling massive litigation cases...

"I was probably the only salesperson to ever get physically thrown out of a meeting by security — and it was completely my fault." - Dave Lorenzo What You’ll Discover Today: Today on The Inside BS Show, Dave Lorenzo shares an unforgettable story about getting thrown out of a sales meeting — and how it taught him the three most important aspects of consultative sales. Learn the powerful lessons beh...

 “Choosing the right structure is about where you want to go, not just where you are today.” - Harry Cendrowski 1. S-Corp: Overhyped and Often Misunderstood Many business owners default to an S-Corp to save on FICA (payroll) taxes. This choice can be short-sighted , especially if the owner has not considered long-term growth, financing, or investment plans. Major downside: No tax basis for debt at...

"We don’t find time—we make time. Productivity begins when you align your actions with your values." What You’ll Discover Today: Are time management and productivity the same thing? Or are they two separate disciplines that overlap? In this episode of The Inside BS Show, Dave Lorenzo interviews executive coach and leadership expert Paul Casey, who breaks down the real secret behind time management...

"You are your number one programmer. And your self-talk is the most powerful tool you have to rewire your brain for success." – Dr. Shad Helmstetter What You’ll Discover Today: Why success is not determined by age, but by the messages we repeat to ourselves. How neuroplasticity empowers us to reprogram our minds at any stage of life. The real difference between people who succeed and people who st...

"People don’t care about your process—they care about the outcome. Show them the baby, not the labor pains." What You’ll Discover Today: In this episode, we dive into the fundamentals of crafting copy that converts with expert copywriter Holly Fisher. Whether you're writing for your website, emails, or social media, the right words can be the difference between silence and sales. Holly shares how...

“The business you earn through strong relationships closes faster, commands higher margins, and sticks with you longer.” What You’ll Discover Today In this episode, Dave Lorenzo and Patrick Murphy discuss why relationship-based selling is not only more effective but also easier and more enjoyable than transactional sales. Patrick shares his personal experience as an account executive and manager a...