Scale to Sell

When Alan Porter's family faced medical and financial crises, he discovered a little-known clause in a life insurance policy that changed everything.  That awakening launched his career in tax and business advisory, and today, he helps business owners and high-net-worth families keep more of what they've earned. In this episode, Alan Porter, Certified Tax and Business Advisor and CFF (Certified Fi...

Are you building a business that buyers actually want?  Adam and Steve Burton uncover what drives value and how to create a business that commands a premium price, whether or not you're planning to sell today. Together, they explore the 6 P Method: People, Product, Process, Proprietary, Patrons, and Profit, detailing how each factor can make or break your ability to scale, enjoy your life, and exi...

What if you could build financial, personal, and business freedom, without selling your business? In this episode, Adam and Steve Burton challenge the myth that you have to wait for a big liquidity event to win. Instead, they break down four specific freedoms that every owner can build right now to stop being the bottleneck and start enjoying life before the exit. Adam and Steve discuss: (00:03:00...

What if handing the business to your kids does more harm than good? In this episode, Adam and Steve Burton talk about the emotional and financial complexities of passing down a family-owned business. Drawing insights from the book Every Family's Business by Thomas William Deans, they explore the often-ignored questions that can make or break a legacy. Adam and Steve discuss: (00:01) The real risks...

Most business owners don't realize their business could be worth far more, or far less, than they think. What's worse? They don't discover this until it's too late. In this episode, Steve Burton sits down with Jason Early, founder of RISR, to reveal how business owners can stop guessing and start knowing their business value today and in the future. Steve and Jason discuss: Why your business is li...

What if your company's 401(k) is quietly draining your employees' retirement savings, and putting your business at compliance risk? In this episode, Steve Burton sits down with Michael Tarr, Director of 401(k) Maneuver and MEP & PEP Plan Services at Royal Fund Management. Together, they break down why so many company retirement plans underperform and what business owners can do about it. Steve and...

You may feel ready to exit, but is your business truly prepared?   In this episode of Scale to Sell, hosts Adam and Steve Burton unpack powerful insights from two exit planning conferences. From valuations to AI to family handoffs, they break down what most owners miss—and how to fix it. Whether you're five years out or thinking about it now, this episode could reshape your strategy.   Steve and A...

What makes recurring revenue the darling of the business world today?  In episode 40 of the Scale to Sell podcast, Adam and Steve Burton explore the power of incorporating a recurring revenue model into your business. This episode highlights why recurring revenue businesses, like HVAC and lawn services, are highly valued by private equity firms and competitors alike. Discover how building predicta...

Ever wondered how to make more money while spending less time in the business?  In this episode, father-son duo Adam and Steve Burton take on the challenge many business owners face: balancing work and life while increasing profitability. Listen in as they uncover the secret to working smarter, not harder. Adam and Steve walk us through: (04:20) The common pitfalls business owners face and how to...

What if boosting your team's financial know-how could also boost your business's success? That's the crux of today's episode, as we explore the power of workplace financial education. Join Steve Burton and guest James Blanton, a specialist in financial education and the brain behind "PemLife," as they uncover why a financially savvy workforce is critical. Learn about the "Personal Economic Model,"...

Summary: What's your plan for life after selling your business? Even if you're not ready to exit, giving this some thought could save you a lot of trouble down the road. Episode 37 of the Scale to Sell podcast with Adam and Steve Burton unpacks what comes after selling a business and why planning for it is crucial. With 70% of business owners feeling unsatisfied a year after selling, it's vital to...

What does it take to pass down your business to the next generation successfully? Join Adam and Steve Burton on this episode of Scale to Sell as they break down the tricky process of internal business transfers. Whether it's grooming your child to take over the family business or handing it off to a key employee, there's a lot more to consider than you might think. Adam and Steve Burton discuss: ...

Summary:   What does it take to successfully grow your business through acquisition in a landscape bustling with opportunity?   In this episode, Steve Burton and M&A expert Jeff Snell discuss growth through acquisition – one of the swiftest routes to scaling your business. With millions of baby boomers ready to pass on their businesses, now is a prime time for owner-operators to capitalize on this...

Celebrating One Year of Scale to Sell: Key Takeaways for Business Owners (Ep. 34)   Summary:   What are you missing out on?   In this special anniversary episode, Adam and Steve Burton celebrate one year of the Scale to Sell podcast by diving into the critical lessons learned from real business owners. Are you aware that only 20-30% of small businesses successfully sell? Adam and Steve explore the...

Summary:   Are you just checking boxes with your taxes? It might be costing you a fortune.   In this episode, Steve Burton dives into the crucial difference between tax preparation and tax planning with Blake Schaper, CPA, MST, CTFA, CEO of BrookHaven Family Office. With extensive experience on teams that handle accounts ranging from NFL team owners to budding entrepreneurs, Blake sheds light on t...

Does your P&L sheet capture your company's true value? Adam and Steve Burton beg to differ.   In this episode, they tackle a crucial topic that often eludes business owners: knowing and growing your business value. This episode is packed with straightforward insights to help you understand how to not just measure profitability but also build real, marketable value.   Adam and Steve discuss:    (04...

Summary:   Why wait for the big payday when selling your business?   In this episode, Adam and Steve Burton dive into why harvesting value from your business before exiting is crucial. With engaging insights, they explore strategies for diversifying your assets and ensuring you aren't putting all your eggs in one basket. They emphasize understanding your business's value, planning strategically, a...

Summary:   Are you setting goals for 2025 but find yourself wondering why they often fall flat?   In this episode, Adam and Steve Burton discuss setting goals that stick. They're diving into actionable steps to ensure success in both life and business, teaching you how to become a true DOER with their memorable acronym: Dream, Outline, Execute, Review.   Adam and Steve discuss:    (04:00) Dream: S...

Summary:   Are you ready to prepare your business for a successful exit while securing financial freedom and a balanced lifestyle?   In this episode, Steve Burton welcomes Ed de la Rosa to discuss the substantial role a certified exit planner plays in a business's journey, even when exiting isn't immediately on the horizon. Discover how distinct strategies not only enhance a business's value but a...

Summary:   How can enhancing employee benefits simultaneously boost business value and reduce costs?   Steve Burton sits down with Glenn Smith, Certified Exit Planning Advisor and Senior Partner of Coastal Region Benefits. Steve and Glenn talk about the untapped potential of supplemental benefits, and how they not only help attract and retain top talent but also play a crucial role in maximizing b...

Summary:   Why do so many businesses fail to sell?   In this episode, Adam and Steve Burton unpack the surprising reasons behind why most businesses don't successfully sell. They dive into the emotional and financial traps that keep entrepreneurs from securing the sale they envision. Adam and Steve emphasize the importance of understanding market value, preparing for personal changes, ensuring bus...

Summary:   Ever wondered how to get your team to take ownership like you do? Making them feel invested might be simpler than you think.   Today on Scale to Sell, Adam Burton and Steve Burton explore seven practical ways to help employees adopt a business owner mindset. The conversation zeroes in on tips to drive initiative, responsibility, and caring as much about the success of your business as y...

  Summary:   How much is employee turnover silently costing your business? Lower employee retention rates can cripple your business value – here's how you can turn the tide.   In this episode, Adam and Steve Burton tackle the rising challenge of employee turnover, offering tactical solutions such as a beneficial payroll tax credit and a future-oriented 401(k) program. These strategies not only red...

Summary:   How can you successfully sell your business and ensure a smooth transition?   In this episode Scale to Sell, Steve Burton speaks with Jeff Snell, a mergers and acquisitions expert, to discuss the nuances of selling a business. Together, they dive into the importance of business valuations, the current landscape of business sales, and strategic planning for a successful exit. You'll lear...

Summary:   How do you assess your business's value and plan for a smooth exit? How do you ensure your business thrives even in your absence?   Join Adam and Steve Burton as they dive into the crucial self-assessment questions every business owner should ask to determine their current status and future goals. You'll learn about the importance of understanding your business value, the necessity of s...