Serve Strong Finish Strong

In this episode I'd like to take you on a journey from the skies above Ohio to the solid ground of life's realities. I will share my transformative experience of static line skydiving, a leap that was never on my bucket list but became a profound metaphor for life, fear, and legacy.  Through the recounting of my jump, I draw parallels between the adrenaline-fueled moments of free fall and the...

In this episode, we dive deep into the pivotal moments of business and life transitions with insights from retired founder Steve McKee, who recently embarked on a new chapter after selling his company of 27 years. Steve shares his enthusiasm for what lies ahead and reflects on the critical principles of navigating turns in both business and personal spheres. The discussion emphasizes the importanc...

In this episode I chat with Ash Atkinson about business valuation, growth strategies, and exit options. Ash discusses the importance of considering more than just revenue when valuing a business, including strategic, organizational, employee, customer, financial, and what he calls ESG factors. He emphasizes the need for documentation to support all aspects of a company's operations and values.&nbs...

Do you want your business to thrive without you? Are you considering launching something new in your 4th quarter? In this episode, my guest, Paige Arnof-Fenn and I dive deep into the world of branding and how that can help you succeed professionally and personally.  Our conversation highlights branding as a promise of a consistent experience, vital for making a business stand out. We discuss...

This episode is a thought-provoking conversation with Mike Provance, focusing on the challenges and strategies of managing business growth and operational performance, especially pertinent for mid-life business owners. We talk about the complexities that growth stage companies face, emphasizing the need for stability and predictability which often gets overlooked in the early stages of business de...

In this episode my guest, Lysle Wickersham, and I dive into the pivotal role of branding in business performance. We discuss how branding, more than just a logo or slogan, is a strategic foundation that connects emotionally with audiences, significantly impacting a company's value. More value, greater options for an exit down the road. The discussion then shifts to the relationship between brandin...

Are you nearing your 4th quarter of life and looking to secure your business legacy or start a new venture? Understanding and protecting your intellectual property (IP) is more crucial than you might think.  In this episode, I talk with Matthew Asbell about the complexities of IP in the business world, a topic that holds real significance for entrepreneurs over 50. We discuss the essence of I...

In this episode we address the complexities of aging memory, Alzheimer's, and the latest in treatment advancements. The discussion kicks off with an exploration of memory changes associated with normal aging, distinguishing these from Alzheimer's disease.  We discuss the impact of lifestyle factors like alcohol, sleep, and new medications on memory preservation and Alzheimer's risk. There are...

In today's episode I hope to take you on a transformative journey exploring personal and professional growth in your 40s and 50s. Anchored by a thought-provoking quote from Antoine de Saint Exupéry, this episode emphasizes the importance of cultivating a deep desire for growth and success, beyond just following instructions. It's about igniting a passion for relentless pursuit of goals. I discuss...

In this episode I do a dive deep with my guest, Marc Borrelli, into the critical importance of understanding a business's core customer. We explore how accurately identifying and comprehending the core customer is not just about demographics or market segmentation, but about genuinely understanding their needs, wants, and pain points. This understanding is pivotal for devising a successful busines...

In this episode, my guest and I dive into the critical aspects of planning business exits, emphasizing the need for consistency and structure. The episode highlights the importance of preparing for exit strategies 3-5 years in advance to ensure predictability in valuation. The role of strategic planning and advisors in facilitating this process is vital.  A key point is the significance of ha...

In this insightful episode, I team up with Roxanne Coffelt, an experienced CPA and business advisor, to tackle the complexities of financial management and business valuation for small businesses.  We start by addressing common financial pitfalls that business owners face, such as inadequate bookkeeping and financial management, which can lead to significant issues like IRS audits. I highligh...

In this episode, Jeff B Eschliman and I delve into the transformative power of personal growth and the search for balance through pivotal life moments. Jeff recounts a critical juncture in his life at 38, spurred by a revealing doctor's appointment. This incident became a catalyst for an "awakening" in 2008, altering his view of success and life balance. Jeff's journey towards enhancing his physic...

How often have you been down the road on an initiative and thought to yourself, "Why am I doing this?" You're just like the rest of us. We tend to shoot first, then aim - something that carries more potential for regret as we age. My guest, Mary Rapaport, is an expert on strategic thinking. Although her work is primarily with organizations, I wanted to tap her knowledge on how you and I can be mor...

In this episode, my guest shares from his 5 decades of business creation. We cover a laundry list of things to keep in mind when building a strong business that can one day thrive without you, giving you more options. We also talk about how important it is that you surround yourself with the right advisors. You cannot make the journey into your 4th quarter successfully without this. Making a lasti...

Today we delve deep into the hallmark of being physically fit, dispelling myths that hold us back in later life, and discussing how physical wellness is intertwined with mental health and financial stability.  This episode is a treasure trove for founders and business leaders navigating their 50s and beyond. Patrick offers time-effective fitness tips for the busy professional and elaborates o...

In today's episode, we dive into a financial strategy that could redefine your approach to wealth management in your 4th quarter of life: the 1042 exchange. Joining us to demystify this lesser-known, yet highly effective, tax minimization strategy is Chas Woodhull, a financial advisor who specializes in helping business owners and financial professionals save tens of millions of dollars in taxes.&...

In this episode, we're diving deep into an essential skill that can be a game-changer for founders, especially those navigating the pivotal 4th quarter of life: the power of impactful communication. Face it, as a founder over 50, your communication skills aren't just a nice-to-have; they are pivotal in leveraging your lifetime of experiences and wisdom into a transformative and rewarding 4th quart...

What do Jennifer Aniston, twins, Maslow, and the limbic brain have in common? Today's episode. We're fortunate to continue our dialogue with David Bovis. We'll delve into the intricate mechanics of brain neurons, aiming to provide clarity on the neurological processes during change.  I spoke with David on a previous episode which can be accessed here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rew...

In this enlightening episode of the Serve Strong Finish Strong podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Veronica Scarpellino, the dynamic force behind Goldfinch Leadership LLC. Veronica is not only a Creativity + Innovation Coach but also a Master Facilitator with over two decades of hands-on experience. Goldfinch Leadership, her brainchild, extends an array of leadership and coaching ser...

In this episode, we explore the transformative power of delegation, a pivotal tool that grants founders the freedom they've always sought. Tune in to discover how releasing control over minor tasks can open up more space for life's significant experiences in your 4th quarter. KEY TAKEAWAYS: 1. The Real-Life Delegation Experience: Hear a riveting story of a client who turned a chore into an opportu...

Are you stuck in the center of your business, feeling like every decision must go through you? In this eye-opening episode, we explore the hidden pitfalls of the Hub & Spoke model and unveil a path to greater success and personal freedom. Drawing on real-life examples from industry giants like Howard Schultz of Starbucks and Ray Dalio of Bridgewater Associates, we'll dissect how these leaders...

In this episode, we tackle the multifaceted topic of leadership empowerment and its profound impact on your personal freedom as the founder, particularly as you approach the 4th quarter of life.  Learn about common misconceptions surrounding empowerment and why leaders can never completely abdicate responsibility. Discover the subtle yet crucial difference between job descriptions and results...

In this exciting episode, I dive into the heart of "The Freedom Manifesto," a revolutionary approach designed for those entering the 4th quarter of life. Targeted specifically at business owners and founders in their 50s, I explore how this time isn't about winding down but rather igniting a new beginning. From embracing long-lost passions to forging a purpose-driven path, the Freedom Manifesto gu...

75% of business owners were unsatisfied with how they exited their business after a year removed. And 5% were not happy with the payout. The research project that revealed those numbers led to a body of work that identified specific drivers of a happy exit. One such driver is called "Future Vision" Future Vision is defined this way: Why do you want to exit your business? What do you plan to do aft...