Behind The Numbers

Behind The Numbers

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Behind The Numbers episodes

  • How IT Strategy Impacts Business Value, Risk, and Exit Readiness – Keith Tessler

    Proudly brought to you by The NEW ROI: Return on Individuals - www.NewROI.com

    Technology problems rarely start with technology. They start with leadership decisions, culture, and treating IT as an afterthought instead of a strategic asset.

    In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, Dave speaks with Keith Tessler of CMIT Solutions about why smart companies are shifting from reactive IT support to proactive technology management and how those decisions directly impact risk, resilience, scalability, and enterprise value.

    The conversation explores the biggest cybersecurity threats facing small and mid-sized businesses today, including phishing attacks, business email compromise, and the growing misuse of remote-control software by bad actors. Keith shares practical, low-cost protections every business should implement, including two-factor authentication, password managers, employee awareness training, and stronger internal controls.

    Dave and Keith also discuss:

    • When companies should move from “break/fix” IT support to a managed services model
    • How IT infrastructure and documentation can affect M&A due diligence and succession planning
    • Why clean, accessible data matters more than most owners realize
    • The role culture and people play in cybersecurity and operational risk
    • Practical applications for AI in business and where the hype exceeds reality
    • A simple IT checklist business owners can use to improve resilience and reduce risk

      • Whether you’re preparing your company for growth, protecting it from disruption, or thinking about a future exit, this episode delivers actionable insights on how technology decisions can strengthen both operational performance and business value.

      Subscribe to Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with your network and leave a review—it helps more business owners and advisors discover the show!

      About Our Guest:

      A fourth-generation entrepreneur, Keith says he learned more at the family dinner table than from his MBA courses. So it’s no surprise he dove into the family business with gusto, taking it from a small, regional player to a nationwide company that became the largest firm in that industry. But after 25 years of 100-hour weeks, he sold that business and spent a couple of years coaching CEOs –  leaders of companies that ran the gamut from small tech start-ups to $3 billion corporations.

       While he loved that work, he couldn’t shake the technology itch. So today, Keith has hit his stride as the owner of CMIT Solutions in Philadelphia and Cherry Hill, a business that marries his love of technology with his passion for helping businesses find better paths to successful growth. 

       If you want fresh perspectives on leadership, tech, and business, follow Keith on LinkedIn. And if you want to put tech headaches in the rearview mirror and work with an IT team you can love, reach out to Keith here. He’s always ready to talk tech support, business growth, cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, and much more. 

      About the Host:

      Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and their advisors reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. 

      Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. 

      He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.”

      Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions.

      He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries.

      🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals  | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers  |  A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know

      🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn 

      🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook

      🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter

      🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more.

      💡  Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest on Behind The Numbers. https://linktr.ee/BehindTheNumbers

      🔹 Check out more of Behind The Numbers on YouTube

      BEHIND THE NUMBERS WITH DAVE BOOKBINDER IS AN AWARD-WINNING PODCAST THAT IS ENJOYED IN MORE THAN 100 COUNTRIES. THANK YOU FOR MAKING BEHIND THE NUMBERS AMONG THE MOST POPULAR PROGRAMS GLOBALLY!

      The post How IT Strategy Impacts Business Value, Risk, and Exit Readiness – Keith Tessler appeared first on The NEW ROI: Return on Individuals.

      28 min
    • How to Build a Team That Runs Without You – Daria Rudnik

      Proudly brought to you by The NEW ROI: Return on Individuals - www.NewROI.com

      Why do businesses stall – even when demand is strong? Often, it comes down to leadership bottlenecks.

      In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, Dave speaks with executive coach and author Daria Rudnik about what happens when leaders become the constraint on growth—and how to fix it.

      Daria shares how to recognize an overloaded leader, the impact it has on team performance and business value, and why so many organizations struggle to build truly self-sufficient teams.

      The conversation breaks down her CLICK framework: Clear Purpose, Linking Connections, Integrated Work, Collaborative Decisions, and Knowledge Sharing; with practical examples from a cybersecurity team and a telecom call center. She also offers a simple question leaders can use immediately to start shifting how their teams operate.

      Dave and Daria explore how AI is changing team dynamics, decision-making, and communication—and why human judgment and critical thinking are becoming even more valuable.

      If you’re a business owner, executive, or advisor, you’ll walk away with actionable insights on building stronger teams, developing leaders, and creating a business that can scale beyond you.

      About Our Guest:

      Daria Rudnik is a Team Architect and Executive Coach who helps overloaded leaders build high-trust, self-sufficient teams so they get better results with less burnout. She’s the award-winning author of CLICKING and co-author of The AI Revolution, and the creator of Aidra.AI, an AI-powered coach for leaders. A former Chief People Officer and ex-Deloitte pro, Daria brings her many years of global leadership experience to every conversation. Connect with her here: https://dariarudnik.com/

      About the Host:

      Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and their advisors reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. 

       

      Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. 

      He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.”

      Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions.

      He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries.

       

      🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals  | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers  |  A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know

      🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn 

      🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook

      🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter

      🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more.

      💡  Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest on Behind The Numbers. https://linktr.ee/BehindTheNumbers

      🔹 Check out more of Behind The Numbers on YouTube

      BEHIND THE NUMBERS WITH DAVE BOOKBINDER IS AN AWARD-WINNING PODCAST THAT IS ENJOYED IN MORE THAN 100 COUNTRIES. THANK YOU FOR MAKING BEHIND THE NUMBERS AMONG THE MOST POPULAR PROGRAMS GLOBALLY!

      —-more—-Subscribe to Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with your network and leave a review—it helps more business owners and advisors discover the show!

       

      The post How to Build a Team That Runs Without You – Daria Rudnik appeared first on The NEW ROI: Return on Individuals.

      26 min
    • Winning Trust: What Championship Teams Teach Business Leaders

      Proudly brought to you by The NEW ROI: Return on Individuals - www.NewROI.com

      What do championship teams understand about trust, culture, and performance that most businesses miss—and how can leaders apply those lessons to drive real results?

      Host Dave Bookbinder talks with Emmy Award-winning broadcaster and author Joel Goldberg about what business leaders can learn from nearly 30 years inside Major League Baseball organizations. Drawing from his books Small Ball Big Dreams and Small Ball Big Results, Joel shares behind-the-scenes insights from the Kansas City Royals and St. Louis Cardinals.

      This conversation explores how trust and culture drive high-performing teams, why listening and vulnerability are leadership advantages -not weaknesses -and how accountability shows up when it matters most. Joel also breaks down his concept of “small ball” – the consistent, repeatable habits that don’t show up in the stats but ultimately determine long-term success in both sports and business.

      If you’re a business owner, executive, or advisor looking to build a stronger culture, improve leadership effectiveness, and create sustainable performance, this episode delivers practical insights you can apply immediately.

       Key Topics Covered

      • Business leadership lessons from professional sports
      • How trust drives performance and team success
      • Building and sustaining a strong organizational culture
      • The role of accountability in high-performing teams
      • Leadership communication, listening, and vulnerability
      • “Small ball” habits that lead to long-term business success
      • What business leaders can learn from championship teams

        • Who This Episode Is For

        • Business owners and entrepreneurs
        • Executives and managers focused on team performance
        • Advisors to business owners (attorneys, CPAs, wealth managers)
        • Anyone interested in leadership, culture, and organizational success

          • Why This Matters

          Championship teams don’t rely on talent alone – they build trust, reinforce culture, and execute consistently. The same principles apply in business, where long-term value is created not just through financial performance, but through the strength of the organization behind it.

          Listen / Watch

          Subscribe to Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with your network and leave a review—it helps more business owners and advisors discover the show!

           

          About Our Guest:

          Joel Goldberg is a two-time author, Emmy-winning broadcaster, and keynote speaker with 30 years of experience covering amateur and professional sports. As the longtime TV host for the Kansas City Royals, he’s interviewed baseball’s biggest stars and uncovered the leadership, trust, and culture that drive championship teams. Joel has covered four World Series, two Super Bowls, and numerous NHL playoff games, giving him a front-row seat to the mindset and habits of elite performers. But his work goes beyond sports. He translates these insights into powerful lessons on leadership, trust, teamwork, and culture that apply to business and life. His latest book, Small Ball Big Dreams, explores how small, intentional actions lead to big results in both sports and business. He’s the host of the podcast Rounding The Bases.  Find Joel’s books and links at joelgoldbergmedia.com.

          About the Host:

          Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and their advisors reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. 

          Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. 

          He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.”

          Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions.

          He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries.

          🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals  | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers  |  A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know

          🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn 

          🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook

          🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter

          🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more.

          💡  Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest on Behind The Numbers. https://linktr.ee/BehindTheNumbers

          🔹 Check out more of Behind The Numbers on YouTube

          BEHIND THE NUMBERS WITH DAVE BOOKBINDER IS AN AWARD-WINNING PODCAST THAT IS ENJOYED IN MORE THAN 100 COUNTRIES. THANK YOU FOR MAKING BEHIND THE NUMBERS AMONG THE MOST POPULAR PROGRAMS GLOBALLY!

           

          The post Winning Trust: What Championship Teams Teach Business Leaders appeared first on The NEW ROI: Return on Individuals.

          45 min
        • DEI as a Core Business Strategy – Michael Bach

          Proudly brought to you by The NEW ROI: Return on Individuals - www.NewROI.com

          DEI is often treated as a social initiative – but in reality, it’s a core business issue that directly impacts performance, decision-making, and enterprise value.

          In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, I speak with Michael Bach about why diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility belong at the center of business strategy. We explore how inclusion influences profitability, talent retention, and long-term value creation – and what happens when companies get it wrong.

          Michael breaks down the fundamentals of inclusive leadership, including awareness of bias, cultural competence, understanding privilege, and empathy – and connects them to real business outcomes. We also discuss how leaders can measure inclusion in a meaningful way, using data and leading indicators tied to employee engagement, customer experience, and innovation.

          For business owners and advisors, this conversation offers practical insight into where to start, what to prioritize, and how to think about DEI as an ongoing driver of business performance – not a one-time initiative.

          About Our Guest:

          Michael Bach is an author, speaker and thought leader in inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA). He has worked globally in the IDEA field, including as the Deputy Chief Diversity Officer for KPMG International. He is the founder of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion and Pride at Work Canada. He is the author of the best-selling and award-winning books Birds of All Feathers: Doing Diversity and Inclusion Right and Alphabet Soup: The Essential Guide to LGBTQ2+ Inclusion at Work. In 2023, he was named as one of the 10 Most Influential DE&I Leaders Revamping The Future by CIO Views Magazine.

          About the Host:

          Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and their advisors reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. 

           

          Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. 

           

          He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.”

          Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions.

          He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries.

           

          🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals  | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers  |  A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know

          🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn 

          🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook

          🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter

          🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more.

          💡  Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest on Behind The Numbers. https://linktr.ee/BehindTheNumbers

          🔹 Check out more of Behind The Numbers on YouTube

          BEHIND THE NUMBERS WITH DAVE BOOKBINDER IS AN AWARD-WINNING PODCAST THAT IS ENJOYED IN MORE THAN 100 COUNTRIES. THANK YOU FOR MAKING BEHIND THE NUMBERS AMONG THE MOST POPULAR PROGRAMS GLOBALLY!

          Subscribe to Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with your network and leave a review—it helps more business owners and advisors discover the show!

           

           

          The post DEI as a Core Business Strategy – Michael Bach appeared first on The NEW ROI: Return on Individuals.

          29 min
        • Why Leaders Make Bad Decisions (and How Better Judgment Drives Business Value) – John Little
          Why do leaders make poor decisions - even with more data, better tools, and AI?
          In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, host Dave Bookbinder speaks with leadership advisor and performance architect John Little about why judgment - not just data, tools, or experience - is the true differentiator in leadership, decision-making, and organizational performance.
          The conversation explores how leaders can operate effectively in real time, avoid common decision-making blind spots like projecting their own thinking onto others, and better identify and leverage the unique strengths within their teams to improve performance.
          They also examine generational dynamics, employee engagement, and leadership strategy in the age of AI. Rather than reacting with fear or taking a hands-off approach, John explains how leaders can adopt AI with intention - using clear strategy, guardrails, and human judgment to drive better outcomes.
          John shares practical frameworks for building confidence, including “name it, tame it, reframe it,” and reinforces a critical leadership principle: trust is the foundation of performance, retention, and long-term value creation.
          The episode closes with a clear takeaway - leaders who actively build and restore trust will make better decisions, strengthen their teams, and create more resilient, higher-performing organizations.
          Who this episode is for
          Business owners and entrepreneurs navigating growth and change
          Advisors, consultants, and executives focused on leadership and performance
          Anyone interested in improving decision-making, team effectiveness, and business outcomes
          About Our Guest:
          Big John Little has built a career as an Executive Leadership Performance Coach around 3 key outcomes:
          Overcoming the limiting beliefs that create bottlenecks in your career growth and promotion potential
          Developing a personal leadership brand that elevates your visibility within your organization and industry
          Providing models and frameworks to become confident, authentic leaders in your life and career
          John has been a leader of people and business for more than 25 years across multiple industries.
          About the Host:
          Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and their advisors reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. 
          Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. 
          He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.”
          Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions.
          He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries.
          🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals  | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers  |  A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know
          🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn 
          🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook
          🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter
          🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more.
          💡  Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest on Behind The Numbers. https://linktr.ee/BehindTheNumbers
          🔹 Check out more of Behind The Number
          36 min
        • The Power of Human Connection in a Digital World – Nick Adkins
          In a world dominated by digital communication, many leaders and organizations are struggling with a fundamental challenge - how to build genuine human connection.
          In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, I speak with Nick Adkins, founder of the global PinkSocks Life movement, about how a simple act - gifting a pair of pink socks - sparked a worldwide movement centered on empathy, kindness, and meaningful connection.
          We explore what it truly means to “see” another person, why that idea resonates so deeply, and how leaders can foster stronger relationships in both business and life.
          Nick shares the origin story of PinkSocks, the philosophy behind the movement, and practical ways anyone can begin building deeper, more authentic connections starting today.
          What You’ll Learn
          How a simple gesture became the global PinkSocks Life movement
          The meaning behind the powerful phrase “I see you”
          Why human connection is more important than ever in a digital world
          Practical ways to build meaningful relationships in everyday life
          What leaders often misunderstand about kindness and human interaction
          Key Takeaways
          Connection isn’t about technology - it’s about intention
          Small acts of kindness can have a disproportionate impact
          People want to feel acknowledged, valued, and seen
          Leadership starts with empathy, not authority
          About Our Guest:
          Nick Adkins is the Founder of Pinksocks Life, a global movement focused on spreading love & kindness.and author of PINKSOCKS: How a Pair of Socks Became a Symbol of Love and Connection. He wrote the book because the world needs more reminders of our shared humanity…..more connection, kindness, and love. 
          In a time when things can feel divided and overwhelming, this book is about coming back to what truly matters: seeing one another, hearing one another’s heart speak, and choosing kindness in every now.
          Pinksocks is global community of over 300,000 happy smiley people who are united in changing the world from the ground up, with heart speak, hugs, and gifting. All proceeds from the book go to Pinksocks Life, Inc., which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, to support its mission of spreading connection, kindness, and love around the world…..the good things that make life beautiful. #pinksocks
          About the Host:
          Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and their advisors reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. 
           
          Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. 
          He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.”
          Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions.
          He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries.
          🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals  | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers  |  A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know
          🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn 
          🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook
          🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter
          🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more.
          💡  Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a gu
          34 min
        • How Performance-Based Pay Can Transform Productivity and Workplace Culture – Michael Fortinberry
          Can performance-based pay outperform the traditional hourly wage model? And what does that mean for productivity, culture, and ultimately, business value?
          On this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, Michael Fortenberry, co-founder of Protiv, explains how shifting from time-based pay to performance-based compensation is changing the game—particularly for contractors and hourly workforces.
          Michael shares how Protiv’s model brings transparency to labor budgets by putting real numbers in front of field teams—and then rewarding them for beating those targets. The result is a measurable shift in behavior: stronger communication, increased accountability, and a culture where workers think and act more like owners.
          This conversation goes beyond compensation mechanics to explore the connection between incentives, leadership, and enterprise value. You’ll also hear practical insights on the metrics that matter most—like gross profit, revenue per labor hour, and rework—and the unintended consequences leaders need to manage, including the risk of unhealthy competition.
          Looking ahead, Michael discusses how technology, including AI-driven labor forecasting, is poised to further reshape the trades—and why that creates both urgency and opportunity for business owners.
          Who this episode is for:Business owners, contractors, and advisors who want to improve profitability, align incentives, and build a more accountable, high-performing workforce.
          About Our Guest:
          Michael Fortinberry is a seasoned entrepreneur and executive with over 25 years of experience transforming the construction, real estate, and technology sectors. Having founded nine companies, he has consistently leveraged cutting-edge technology to modernize traditional industries, earning a reputation as a forward-thinking leader. From his early days growing up on the family farm, to a decade of service in the U.S. Army, he then earned a BS in Chemistry from Florida State University, Mr. Fortinberry’s journey reflects discipline and adaptability.
          As President of RealPage, the nation’s leading real estate technology platform, he scaled innovative solutions that redefined industry standards. Later, as an executive at Fortune 500 company PPG, he spearheaded the growth of technology-driven service platforms. In recent years, he founded two technology-focused construction firms in New York City, employing hundreds and introducing advanced systems to streamline operations and enhance productivity. His latest venture, Protiv, is a groundbreaking platform that optimizes production-based incentives for hourly workers in landscaping and construction, driving efficiency and workforce engagement. Mr. Fortinberry’s expertise in applying technology to blue-collar industries offers actionable insights for businesses navigating digital transformation.
          About the Host:
          Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. 
           
          Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. 
           
          He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.”
          Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better dec
          32 min
        • How Leadership Principles Help Startup Founders Build Successful Companies – Angelo Valletta
          Leadership and innovation are closely tied - especially when building companies that create jobs, scale new ideas, and strengthen local economies.
          In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, Dave speaks with Angelo Valletta, President and CEO of Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania and author of The Seven R’s of Leadership and Life. Angelo shares lessons from decades of leadership in technology, finance, and economic development, and explains how those experiences shaped the leadership framework in his book.
          Angelo also explains how Ben Franklin Technology Partners supports entrepreneurs and early-stage companies through investment, mentorship, and a broad network of experts. The organization has helped launch and grow hundreds of companies across the region by combining capital with practical guidance for founders navigating growth, hiring, and strategy.
          The conversation explores the importance of coachability, hiring the right people for the right roles, and maintaining strong culture while scaling innovation. Angelo also discusses the organization’s mentoring approach, including its 10-week mentorship programs and candid “tiger sessions” designed to challenge founders and strengthen their leadership.
          Dave and Angelo then turn to the leadership philosophy behind Angelo’s book, The Seven R’s of Leadership and Life. Inspired by lessons from his family and career, Angelo explains the principles that guide his leadership approach - including respect, resolve, responsibility, readiness, relationships, recreation, and doing the right thing. He shares why resolve is often the most difficult principle for leaders to maintain and how these values translate into real-world leadership decisions.
          Who This Episode Is For
          Entrepreneurs and startup founders
          Business owners and executives
          Leaders building teams and company culture
          Advisors working with growth companies
          About our Guest
          Angelo J. Valletta has close to forty years of progressively responsible managerial experience in diverse industries with companies ranging in size from small consultants to multi-national firms. He has a proven track record of developing and building effective internal and outsourced distributed teams and is a turn-around specialist in operations and customer service. He has held multiple board-level leadership roles and had his book “7 Rs of Leadership and Life” recently published by Newman Springs https://www.newmansprings.com/release/?book=7rs-of-leadership-and-life
           Angelo currently serves as President and CEO for the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania. 
          Angelo earned his undergraduate degree in Computer Science from Temple University and his MBA from Philadelphia University. He serves on the following non-profit boards: PA Governor Economic Development Transition Committee, Red Cross Rivers Chapter Board Chairman; Temple University; FOX Alumni Association (Emeritus); Alvernia University O’Pake Innovation Board and serves as Executive in Residence for the School of Business; Chairman of the Louis A. Valletta Endowment, and Vice-Chair for the Lehigh Valley Ethics Board. He mentors students at Columbia, Philadelphia, and Temple universities. He is a former elected official, having represented his district in Gloucester County, NJ, and has chaired several companies’ United Way campaigns.
           
          About the Host:
          Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. 
          Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. 
          He’s on a mission to change the conversat
          39 min
        • Leadership as the Missing Link in Long-Term Value Creation – Kris Kluver
          In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, Dave is joined by advisor and author Kris Kluver for a conversation on why leadership - not structures, not strategies, not spreadsheets - is the real driver of long-term value creation and generational wealth preservation.
          They dig into the coming great wealth transfer and the uncomfortable reality that roughly 70% of family fortunes fail to survive the second generation. Kris explains how breakdowns in communication, culture, and leadership - not financial planning - are usually to blame.
          Dave and Kris explore how families and organizations can prepare next-generation leaders, set audacious goals (BHAGs and 100x thinking), and build accountability systems that actually work. The discussion also touches on disruptive leadership, EOS-style scorecards, and why protecting and developing human capital is even more critical in an AI-driven world.
          Key takeaways include the importance of clear narratives of success, simplified metrics that drive accountability, intentional leadership development, and the willingness to embrace discomfort in pursuit of meaningful growth. The message is clear: leadership is not a soft skill - it’s the most valuable asset an organization has.
          About Our Guest:
          Kris Kluver is a highly experienced operator, investor, and advisor who has worked with over 100 CEOs and helped organizations achieve billions in valuation. He has over three decades of experience across diverse industries, from publicly traded companies to high growth startups. Kluver has studied entrepreneurial strategy at Harvard Business School, is a certified exit advisor, a fellow at York University in the UK, and author of two bestselling books.
          About the Host:
          Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. 
           
          Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. 
           
          He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.”
          Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions.
          He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries.
           
          🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals  | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers  |  A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know
          🔸 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn 
          🔸 Connect with Dave on FaceBook
          🔸 Follow Dave on Twitter
          🔸 Check out www.NEWROI.com for more.
          💡  Want to share your insights with the business community? Message Dave to learn how you can be a guest on Behind The Numbers. https://linktr.ee/BehindTheNumbers
          🔹 Check out more of Behind The Numbers on YouTube
          BEHIND THE NUMBERS WITH DAVE BOOKBINDER IS AN AWARD-WINNING PODCAST THAT IS ENJOYED IN MORE THAN 100 COUNTRIES. THANK YOU FOR MAKING BEHIND THE NUMBERS AMONG THE MOST POPULAR PROGRAMS GLOBALLY!
          30 min
        • What’s Really Holding Your Business Back? Breaking Leadership “Boxes” – Betsy Pepine
          On this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, Dave speaks with entrepreneur and author Betsy Pepine about her book Breaking Boxes: Dismantling the Metaphorical Boxes That Bind Us — and what those “boxes” really mean for business owners.
          They move beyond the metaphor and into the boardroom. Dave and Betsy examine how invisible constraints — family expectations, industry norms, identity labels, fear of judgment — quietly shape leadership decisions, company culture, and growth trajectories. More importantly, they explore what it takes to recognize and dismantle those constraints before they limit enterprise value.
          Betsy shares candid stories from building and scaling her real estate businesses, including a pivotal employee departure that forced a hard look at culture and alignment, and her unconventional decision to create salaried agent roles in an industry built on commission. The conversation tackles how fear masquerades as strategy, how misalignment shows up physically and relationally for leaders, and how outdated assumptions can cap performance long before the numbers reflect it.
          You’ll hear practical insights for business owners and advisors alike:
          How to identify the “boxes” shaping your decisions
          Why growth often stalls at identity, not capability
          The role of outside counsel, peer groups, and masterminds in exposing blind spots
          How authentic alignment strengthens culture - and ultimately business results
          If you’re a business owner, executive, or advisor who senses that something is holding your organization back  but can’t quite name it, this conversation will help you connect the dots between mindset, leadership behavior, and measurable outcomes.
          About Our Guest:
          Betsy Pepine is a best-selling author, speaker and serial entrepreneur in real estate. Her brokerage, Pepine Realty, has been named as an Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Company in the USA multiple times and has earned spots on the Top 50 Florida Companies to Watch and Florida Trend Best Companies to Work For lists. Additionally, the Wall Street Journal has consistently recognized Betsy’s real estate team as one of the top-producing real estate companies in the United States. Betsy also owns a title company, real estate school and property management brokerage. Betsy is endorsed by her mentor, real estate mogul, and Shark Tank shark Barbara Corcoran, as well as leading media personality, Dave Ramsey. Passionate about helping at-risk families with children, Betsy founded Pepine Gives, a 501(c)3 non-profit foundation that helps families facing housing insecurity. Betsy earned an economics degree from Duke University and an MBA from The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.
          About the Host:
          Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries. 
          Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers. 
          He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.”
          Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions.
          He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is
          27 min

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