Scale to Sell

Summary In this episode, Adam and Steve discuss the concept of paying the 'dumb tax' as a business owner. They define the dumb tax as making mistakes unknowingly or unnecessarily due to a lack of guidance or seeking advice from experienced individuals. The hosts highlight three common ways that business owners pay the dumb tax: valuation errors, poorly structured business deals, and inadequate pre...

Summary In this episode, Adam and Steve discuss the concept of generational wealth and how it applies to business owners. They explore the challenges of creating and preserving generational wealth, including the failure rates of business transfers to the second and third generations. They emphasize the importance of proper planning, including having a financial advisor, tax planner, and estate att...

Summary In this episode, Adam and Steve discuss the difference between a lifestyle business owner and a value creator. They highlight the key characteristics of each type and emphasize the importance of transitioning from a lifestyle operator to a value creator. They explain that a lifestyle business owner is heavily dependent on the owner, lacks market value, and is focused on day-to-day operatio...

Summary In this episode, Adam and Steve discuss the importance of setting quarterly goals for company growth. They emphasize the need to connect goals with daily actions and habits in order to achieve them. They also highlight the value of having a SEPA (Certified Exit Planner) to guide business owners through the goal-setting process. The episode concludes with a reminder to focus on specific are...

Summary   In this episode, the hosts debunk five myths of exit planning for business owners. They emphasize the importance of exit planning regardless of whether you are looking to exit your business now or in the near future. They also discuss the need for an exit team and a written plan, even for internal transfers. The hosts explain that the value of a business is not solely based on income or...

Summary In this episode, Adam and Steve discuss the four types of intangible business capital that contribute to the value of a business: human capital, customer capital, structural capital, and social capital. They emphasize the importance of focusing on these intangible assets, as they are often the key drivers of a business's value. They provide insights and examples for each type of capital an...

Summary In this episode, Adam and Steve discuss the importance of building an exit team for business owners. They emphasize the value of having a family office approach, where professionals from different areas of expertise work together towards the goal of a successful exit. They highlight the key members of an exit team, including a credentialed M&A expert, a qualified tax planner, an attorney s...

Summary: In this episode, Adam and Steve discuss the three things necessary for a successful business exit. The first thing is having the business finances in place and knowing the true value of the business. The second thing is ensuring personal finances are in order and aligned with retirement goals. The third thing is having a plan for the next chapter of life after exiting the business. They e...

Summary : In this episode, Adam and Steve discuss the importance of systematizing your business and the benefits it brings. They use the example of Wawa, a convenience store chain known for its detailed systems, to illustrate the value of clear processes. They outline four steps to systematize your business: identify the tasks involved, detail the steps to complete each task, make the processes ac...

Summary : In this episode, Adam and Steve discuss the importance of email marketing as an underrated marketing resource. They highlight the benefits of having a healthy email list, including control over communication, building relationships, and creating opportunities for repeat customers. They emphasize the value of consistent and valuable content in emails and the impact it can have on the succ...

Summary : In this episode, Adam and Steve discuss the importance of working on your business, not just in it. They highlight five reasons why business owners need to take a step back and focus on strategic planning, delegation, and personal growth. These reasons include the inability to do it all, the need to manage risk, the importance of vision and goals, the development of leaders, and the need...

Summary In this episode, the hosts discuss the pros and cons of external sales as an exit strategy for business owners. They emphasize the importance of considering all options and having a team of professionals to guide the process. They also highlight the need for long-term planning and preparation for a successful exit.   Chapters 01:31   Missed Opportunities in Considering the Sale of a Busine...

Summary In this episode, the hosts discuss the pros and cons of an internal sale, which involves transferring the business to someone already within the company. They highlight the benefits of continuity and legacy, as well as the advantage of not having to search for a buyer. However, they also address the concerns and risks associated with an internal sale, such as selling the business at a disc...

Summary In this episode, the hosts discuss the importance of being financially ready to retire. They introduce the concept of the financial formula, which involves determining your retirement income goal and subtracting your current assets to identify the value gap. They emphasize the unique challenges faced by business owners in estimating their retirement income due to the complexities of their...

Summary    In this episode, Adam and Steve discuss the importance of knowing the value of your business. They highlight that for many small business owners, a significant portion of their net worth is tied up in the value of their business. However, determining the value of a business can be challenging due to the lack of easily accessible information and the wide range of multiples used in valuat...

Summary In this episode, Steve and Adam discuss the importance of having an exit plan for business owners. They emphasize that every business owner will eventually exit their business, and the question is whether it will be on their terms. They explore different ways to exit a business, including retirement and the five Ds (death, divorce, disability, distress, and disagreement). They highlight th...

80% of business owners make a crucial mistake when it comes to one (if not THE) biggest asset they have - THEIR BUSINESS! But, you do NOT have to make that mistake. Learn what that mistake is, some key reasons behind it, and how you can avoid it, so you can scale your business and create an exit strategy that works for your retirement plan. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:16 Steve's Unique Position...

Welcome to SCALE TO SELL - the Business Owner's Podcast to Grow and Exit Your Business. The father/son duo of Steve and Adam Burton help business owners like yourself get the clarity they need on what it takes to successfully scale and sell the company they've worked so hard to build.  Steve is a financial advisor and has owned numerous businesses over the decades. Adam, who besides working in the...