In this special episode of the Founder's Guide Post, we bring you a front-row seat to a powerful live event focused on one of the most pivotal moments in an entrepreneur's journey: the exit. Hosted by journalist and PBS host Catherine Anaya, and led by Armando Roman—founder of Axiom Founders Family Office—this event was designed for founders preparing to sell their business, whether that’s in five years or five months.

Listeners will hear from Steve Johnson, a former SWAT officer turned entrepreneur who created a bullet-resistant window film and scaled his company from $500 to nearly $20 million in revenue. Steve shares raw insights into the challenges of growing fast, avoiding debt, and navigating a private equity exit—even with no formal business background. His story underscores the value of surrounding yourself with the right team before selling your business.

The episode also features an expert panel including a family office wealth advisor, investment banker, M&A attorney, CPA, tax strategist, and estate planning attorney—each offering crucial advice for first-time sellers. From understanding your company’s value, to minimizing tax exposure and structuring a meaningful legacy, this forum outlines what it takes to plan and execute a successful business exit. If you're a founder contemplating your next chapter, this episode is a must-listen.

What You’ll Learn:

1. A Successful Exit Starts Long Before You Sell. The most valuable exits don’t happen by chance—they’re the result of intentional, early planning. From assembling the right team (wealth advisor, investment banker, CPA, estate attorney) to cleaning up your financials and understanding your personal goals post-sale, the earlier you begin, the more options—and leverage—you’ll have.

2. Your Business Is Worth More with the Right Structure and Story. Buyers pay premiums for businesses with clean books, predictable cash flow, and strong leadership teams. But how you structure the sale—asset vs. equity, S-corp vs. LLC, cash vs. earnout—can dramatically affect your tax burden and long-term outcomes. Having advisors who understand these nuances can save millions.

3. Don't Leave Your Legacy to Chance. Your business exit is more than a transaction—it’s a transition for your family, your team, and your future. Whether you plan to stay involved or walk away, defining your legacy through thoughtful estate planning and charitable giving ensures your wealth and values live on long after the deal closes.

About the Scottsdale Founders Forum:

The Scottsdale Founders Forum is an exclusive, invitation-only event for founders preparing for their first business exit, designed to maximize value, safeguard your legacy, and ensure a smooth transition for your family, company, and community.

In Ep. #62 of the #FoundersGuidepost Podcast, Catherine Anaya, three-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, interviews me about how Axiom Founders Family Office helps first-generation business owners protect what they’ve built and plan for what’s next. I share how we support founders through business exits, tax planning, and creating strategies that reflect their values and goals. Even if they don’t have hundreds of millions, they still face complex decisions—and that’s where we step in. At Axiom, we act as a family CFO, helping coordinate everything from legal and financial planning to charitable giving and passing wealth to the next generation. Our goal is to make sure their hard work lasts—so their legacy lives on long after the business is sold.

What You’ll Learn:

Start Planning Your Business Exit Sooner Than You Think: The best exits don’t happen by accident—they’re the result of years of preparation. A strong exit plan gives you time to increase business value, avoid tax surprises, and leave on your own terms.

Treat Your Personal Finances Like a Business: Your personal financial life deserves the same structure and strategy you bring to your company. When your advisors are aligned and your goals are clear, your financial decisions become faster and more confident.

Build a Legacy That Reflects Your Values—Not Just Your Net Worth: Wealth without direction can create confusion for the next generation. The more you involve your family in purpose-driven planning, the more likely your legacy will last beyond the money.

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Armando Roman is CEO of AXIOM Founders Family Office - the Family CFO and Wealth Management firm for Founders and their families. As an entrepreneur, Armando has built and exited two businesses, a CPA firm serving closely held businesses and a niche management consulting firm. He founded the Scottsdale Founders Forum, Arizona's premier pre-exit event for founders and the Founders Guidepost podcast, a podcast dedicated to business exit and succession planning. He is a sought -after speaker and presenter. In fact, he was invited by the FBI to train 400 FBI special agents, all of whom were CPAs, to train them about their own personal financial planning. Armando has helped oversee a 1.5 billion dollar institutional investment portfolio for a major charitable organization, and, as an appointee of two bishops of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix, he was responsible for prudent investment management and oversight of the Diocese's institutional investment portfolio. He helped lead the CPA profession in Arizona and nationally serving as chairman of the Arizona Society of CPAs and serving on the governing body of the nation's largest CPA association, the American Institute of CPAs. For founders seeking an experienced, trusted advisor who understands both the financial and personal aspects of wealth advisory and business transitions, Armando Roman offers an unmatched combination of expertise, integrity, and a deep commitment to family legacy. A licensed CPA over 30 years and securities licensed over 20 years, Armando received his MBA from Drexel university and undergraduate degree in accounting and finance from the University of Arizona.

Career Highlights:

• Founded and sold CPA firm focused on Arizona closely held businesses under $100M revenue.
• Founded and exited consulting firm focused on Native American tribes in Arizona.
• Founded Arizona's premier pre-exit event for Founders considering exiting, Scottsdale Founders Forum.
• Founded Arizona's first podcast focused on exit/succession/transition, Founders Guide Post podcast.
• Invited by FBI to create/present 2 hour CPE training course for 400 FBI Special Agents (all were CPAs) on Personal Financial Planning (FBI loved the course, invited Armando back two additional years).
• Appointed by two Bishops of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix to lead the Committee responsible for prudent investment management of the Institutional investment portfolio of the Diocese, 10 yrs.
• Member of committee responsible for overseeing prudent investment management of $1.5 billion Institutional investment portfolio for one of Arizona's largest charities.
• Chosen by peers to lead the CPA profession in Arizona as Chairman of the ASCPA (11,000 CPAs in AZ).
• Member of the governing body of the nation's largest professional association of CPAs (400,000 members).
• Member of the AICPA's national committee tasked with promoting Financial Literacy in the United States.

Catherine Anaya is a three-time Emmy award-winning journalist.

She is the host of Horizonte on Arizona PBS, a weekly television series discussing Arizona issues and topics of particular interest to the Hispanic community.

In 2017, the Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences inducted Catherine into the nationally recognized Silver Circle for more than 25 years of broadcast excellence and contribution to the community.

The former television news anchor of 25 years spent 12 of those years at CBS in Phoenix where she anchored the evening news. Prior to that, she anchored/reported at CBS in Los Angeles, NBC in Phoenix, as well as television stations in Indiana and Texas. Catherine has won numerous awards including ‘Anchor of the Year’ by the Arizona Associated Press Broadcasters Association. Her career highlights include interviewing President Obama at the White House and co-anchoring a post-presidential debate with the legendary Walter Cronkite.

When she’s not working, Catherine and her husband enjoy traveling and spending quality time with their four children.

Catherine is a University of Southern California alumna, an avid reader, a fitness enthusiast, and a three-time Boston Marathon finisher.

In Ep. #61 of the #FoundersGuidePost Podcast, I sat down with Christina Noyes, a top legal expert in franchising, to discuss what it takes to turn a successful business into a thriving franchise. We cover everything from the legal and financial steps involved in becoming a franchisor to the strategies for scaling across multiple states—and even expanding internationally. Christina breaks down the must-know details about franchise agreements, intellectual property protection, financial disclosures, and how to attract the right franchisees. 

What You’ll Learn:

How to Transition from Business Owner to Franchisor: Learn the key legal, financial, and operational steps needed to turn your business into a franchise and scale it successfully.

How to Sell and Expand Your Business Without Large Capital Investment: Discover how franchising allows you to grow using franchisee investments while maintaining control and maximizing profitability.

How Private Equity Firms Are Changing the Franchise Landscape: Understand why private equity groups are now interested in smaller franchises and how this trend can create opportunities for founders looking to sell their business.

LOVED this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/founders-guide-post/id1648393214

Links & Resources:

Ready to start a franchise? Still have questions? Reach out to Christina at (602)-333-5457

Preserve Your American Success Story!

Find Armando on LinkedIn

About the Guest:  Christina Noyes represents franchisors and franchisees in franchise, corporate, and intellectual property law, providing adept counsel at every stage of business development while proactively anticipating and resolving potential disputes to maximize profitability and growth.

Within her full-service practice, Christina conducts analyses of franchise and business opportunity laws; structures, prepares, and evaluates franchise agreements and franchise disclosure documents (FDD), handles all aspects of state franchise registrations; and drafts, files, and registers trademarks and maintains clients’ intellectual property rights. Additionally, she guides businesses and nonprofits through matters related to formation, legal opinions on formation and authority, contracts with vendors and customers, mergers and acquisitions, and certain self-insurance trust agreements.

Prior to attending law school, Christina worked as a certified public accountant at a Big Six accounting firm, gaining advantageous skills in complex financial and operational planning. She draws on this experience in her legal practice to curate optimal strategies for success, helping businesses navigate numerous, concurrent obstacles to meet specific objectives and regulatory requirements.

In Ep. #60 of the #FoundersGuidePost Podcast, we take a fresh look at what it means to truly take control of your health. Dr. Dan Wool shares his naturopathic approach, which focuses on identifying root causes, prioritizing preventive care, and creating personalized strategies to help you feel your best.

If you’ve struggled with challenges like acid reflux/GERD, IBS, bloating, or fatigue—or been put on medications without a clear explanation or end date—this episode is for you. Dr. Wool explains how his methods address these issues and why feeling constantly tired after 40 isn’t something you should accept as normal.

This episode is packed with insights and tools to help you move beyond frustration and toward real, lasting health.

What You’ll Learn:

Learn How to Build a Foundation for Long-Term Wellness: Discover how addressing root causes, emphasizing prevention, and creating personalized strategies can lead to sustainable health improvements and overall well-being.

Understand the Limitations of Conventional Medicine and How to Overcome Them: Explore why rushed appointments and symptom-focused care often fall short, and how patient-centered, holistic approaches offer more effective and lasting solutions.

Gain Insight Into Managing Chronic Conditions for Lasting Relief: Learn how to effectively address chronic issues like acid reflux, IBS, and fatigue through tailored treatments that focus on both immediate relief and long-term health restoration.

LOVED this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/founders-guide-post/id1648393214

Links & Resources: 

Head to drdanwool.com to schedule your free discovery call with Dr. Dan Wool today!

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Find Armando on LinkedIn About the Guest: 

Dr. Dan Wool is a licensed naturopathic physician based in Scottsdale, Arizona, with a focus on holistic, patient-centered care. He specializes in addressing chronic health concerns such as acid reflux, IBS, bloating, and fatigue by identifying root causes and creating personalized treatment plans. Dr. Wool’s training includes extensive clinical practice, nutrition, botanical medicine, and acupuncture, which he integrates to provide a comprehensive approach to health. By prioritizing prevention and long-term wellness, he works closely with his patients to optimize their health and quality of life. With a commitment to understanding the whole person, Dr. Wool aims to provide care that is thorough, thoughtful, and tailored to each individual’s needs.

In Ep. #59 of the #FoundersGuidePost Podcast, I talk about how to protect what you’ve worked so hard to build as we face the uncertainties of 2025. With inflation, economic shifts, and evolving regulations, it’s more important than ever to take proactive steps to secure your business, your family, and your future.

I share insights on retaining your top talent, safeguarding intellectual property, and using tools like key man life insurance and buy-sell agreements to ensure continuity. I also touch on financial preparedness, from building strong banking relationships to creating contingency plans for life’s unexpected twists.

This episode is all about taking control and making sure you’re ready for whatever comes next.

What You’ll Learn:

Protecting Business Value: Safeguard your business by retaining top talent, securing intellectual property, and using tools like key man life insurance and buy-sell agreements.

Financial Preparedness: Build strong banking relationships, secure credit, and develop contingency plans to maintain stability.

Comprehensive Personal and Estate Planning: Leverage trusts, update beneficiaries, and ensure insurance coverage to protect your wealth.

LOVED this episode? Leave us a review and rating here:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/founders-guide-post/id1648393214

Links & Resources: 

Preserve Your American Success Story!

Find Armando on LinkedIn

In the #58 episode of the #FoundersGuidePost Podcast, I sat down with Wesley Robinson, an M&A attorney at Ballard Spahr, to talk about what it takes to successfully sell or transition a business. 

Wesley explains why prepping 3 to 5 years out can help you avoid costly mistakes, streamline the process, and protect yourself during this once-in-a-lifetime event. From navigating due diligence to negotiating key terms like warranties, holdbacks, and payment structures, our guest shares why having a specialized M&A attorney on your team is essential. 

Wesley’s insights will help you understand how to get your business sale-ready, protect yourself, and make sure you come out of this once-in-a-lifetime transaction with the best outcome possible.

What You’ll Learn:

Start Early: Wesley says business owners should work with an M&A attorney 3-5 years before selling to get their finances, legal documents, and business structure in order. This makes the sale smoother and avoids costly mistakes.

Be Ready for Due Diligence: The due diligence process can be stressful. An M&A attorney helps protect the seller by handling key terms like risks, warranties, and holdbacks to keep things fair and secure after the sale.

Everything Is Negotiable: Deals can be customized to fit what the seller wants, whether it’s cash upfront, payments over time, or staying involved in the business. An experienced attorney makes sure the deal works in the seller’s favor.

LOVED this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/founders-guide-post/id1648393214

Links & Resources: 

Reach out to Wesley at [email protected] Preserve Your American Success Story!

Find Armando on LinkedIn

About the Guest: Wesley advises and represents public and private clients on their mergers, acquisitions, securities, corporate governance and emerging growth matters. Wesley has experience drafting definitive purchase agreements, ancillary agreements, resolutions and disclosure schedules, and performing due diligence in connection with mergers and acquisitions and financing transactions. He assists with corporate securities matters, including quarterly and annual filings, proxy statements, current report filings, and registration statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

In Ep. #57 of the #FoundersGuidePost Podcast, I had the chance to chat with Josh Weiss, the founder of 10 to 1 Public Relations. Together, we unpacked the impact of PR in crafting strong reputations, achieving steady growth, and setting businesses up for successful transitions.

What You’ll Learn:

Crafting Strong Reputations: PR builds trust and credibility through consistent storytelling, positioning businesses as reliable and reputable in their industries.

Achieving Steady Growth: By leveraging strategies like media relations and thought leadership, PR drives sustained visibility and engagement that supports long-term business growth.

Setting Businesses Up for Transitions: PR prepares companies for major milestones like expansion or sale by enhancing their public image and fostering goodwill with customers and stakeholders.

LOVED this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/founders-guide-post/id1648393214

Links & Resources:

Reach out to Josh at [email protected]  Preserve Your American Success Story!

Find Armando on LinkedIn

About the Guest: An industry veteran with more than 20 years experience in public relations and crisis communications, Josh Weiss is committed to strategic communications that are targeted, attention grabbing, and achieve client goals. He began honing his skills in high school and college, working at several radio stations including CBS Radio, where the list of high-level interviews included former U.S. Speaker Dick Gephardt and New York Governor George Pataki and rock stars Billy Joel and Don Henley.

After graduating from Kent State University, Josh worked for the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, crafting news coverage for 60 House members to explain key votes and win support from local voters. After the 2000 election, he moved to Arizona and held a variety of PR roles including national Director of Public Relations for Rural/Metro, a leading national provider of private ambulance and fire protection services, and Director of Communications and Public Affairs for American Traffic Solutions, a national leader in traffic safety cameras.

In 2012, Josh founded 10 to 1 Public Relations to help clients engineer the perceptions of others, aligning creative strategies with their long-term goals and facilitating purposeful relationship building with key members of the media, government, and the broader community. For more than 20 years he has helped hundreds of clients across a wide spectrum of industries and services to build positive brands and manage reputations. In the process, he has won numerous awards for his clients, his company, and himself.

Frequently chosen to speak at local, state, and national conferences on best practices and media relations techniques for both proactive and crisis communications, Josh has been published in several publications.

Ready to plan your perfect business exit?

Prepare for a once in a lifetime exit and secure your legacy at the Scottsdale founders forum.

The Scottsdale Founders Forum is tomorrow! Register now at scottsdalefoundersforum.com

In Ep. #56 of the #FoundersGuidePost Podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Doug Ducey, the co-founder of Cold Stone Creamery and former Governor of Arizona. We talked about his journey of transforming Cold Stone from a single store into a global brand and the key decisions that led to its successful sale in 2007. Doug shared strategic insights on scaling a business, leveraging franchising as a growth strategy, and navigating the complexities of preparing for an exit - offering valuable lessons for entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.

What You’ll Learn:

Building a Scalable Business: Learn how to strategically grow a company by leveraging unique value propositions and past experiences to build a scalable, sustainable brand.

Using Franchising as a Growth Model: Discover how franchising can be a powerful tool for expansion when capital is limited, with a focus on empowering franchisees and maintaining consistency.

Preparing for a Strategic Exit: Understand the importance of thorough preparation, assembling the right advisors, and timing the market to achieve a successful and strategic business exit.

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Find Doug on LinkedIn Preserve Your American Success Story!

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Doug Ducey is a renowned businessman and leader who served as Arizona’s 23rd governor from 2015 to 2023. Before entering public service, he gained recognition in the corporate world as the CEO of Cold Stone Creamery. Under his leadership, the brand expanded from a single shop in Tempe, Arizona, to over 1,400 locations worldwide, making it a global success story by the time of its sale in 2007.

As governor, Ducey focused on economic growth, education reform, and tax reduction, transforming Arizona’s economy with a balanced budget, record surplus, and the implementation of the nation’s lowest flat tax.

Now serving as CEO of Citizens for Free Enterprise, Ducey brings a wealth of experience in business, governance, and strategic leadership, offering unique insights into scaling operations, fostering innovation, and achieving impactful growth.

Ready to plan your perfect business exit? Prepare for a once in a lifetime exit and secure your legacy at the Scottsdale founders forum. Register for our next event at scottsdalefoundersforum.com In Ep. #55 of the #FoundersGuidePost Podcast, I share real questions from real business owners like you who are considering what it truly takes to plan a successful exit — whether it’s finding the right buyer, preserving your family legacy, or making sure the sale supports your next chapter.

What You’ll Learn:

Maximizing Value and Minimizing Taxes: The Scottsdale Founders Forum provides expert guidance on structuring your exit to maximize after-tax profits.

Ensuring a Smooth Family Transition: Learn strategies from estate experts to secure a seamless generational transfer at the Forum.

Building a Complete Exit Strategy: Listen to top advisors at the Forum and learn how to create a custom, strategic exit plan for your family and legacy.

LOVED this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/founders-guide-post/id1648393214

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In Ep. 54 of the #FoundersGuidePost Podcast, I speak with: 

• My business partner and Wealth Advisor, Tom Marki

• Tax CPA, Greg Patel

• Estate planning attorney, Richard Keyt 

about the importance of proactive estate planning and financial preparation to help families handle the legal, financial, and tax challenges that come after the loss of a loved one. 

We talk about the need to regularly update estate documents, make sure assets are titled correctly, and work with a team of advisors—like financial advisors, attorneys, and tax professionals. 

This planning helps reduce stress and the administrative load on families during a difficult time. By planning ahead, families can avoid issues with accessing financial assets and make the process much smoother.

What You’ll Learn:

Proactive estate planning: This helps avoid legal and financial problems after a loved one passes away.

Work with a team of professionals: Having a coordinated team of financial advisors, attorneys, and tax experts ensures that all legal, financial, and tax-related issues are handled smoothly and efficiently after someone’s death.

Managing taxes and assets: After a death, families need to file tax returns for the deceased and their estate. 

LOVED this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/founders-guide-post/id1648393214

Links & Resources: 

Preserve Your American Success Story!

Have estate planning questions? Ask Richard Keyt at [email protected] Have tax questions? Ask Greg Patel with MBE CPAS and call 608-356-7733 Find Tom on LinkedIn

Find Armando on LinkedIn