Grow Your Business and Grow Your Wealth

What if the biggest risk in franchising isn’t the business… but how you choose it?

Franchising is often misunderstood, and that misunderstanding can cost entrepreneurs time, money, and freedom. In this episode, Gary Heldt sits down with Kimberley J. Daly, a nationally recognized franchise consultant and business coach, to break down what really matters when evaluating a franchise opportunity.

With more than two decades of experience, Kimberley has helped thousands of entrepreneurs move from curiosity to confident ownership. She shares the truth about franchising, the costly mistakes people make, and why mindset plays a bigger role in success than most people realize.

This conversation goes beyond strategy and into the psychology of ownership, helping you understand how to choose the right business and build long term wealth the smart way.

🔑 Key Takeaways

 → Most people choose a business emotionally and ignore financial reality

 → You do not need a million dollars to invest in a franchise

 → Franchising is not just food and retail, there are far more options

 → The right franchise is about outcomes, not the product itself

 → 97 percent of franchises are not worth your investment today 

 → Success comes from combining strategy with mindset, not just systems

 → Time freedom, financial freedom, and control are the real goals of ownership

💬 Quote Worth Sharing

“People don’t really want the business. What they want is the time freedom, the money freedom, and the control.” 

🔗 Connect with Kimberley J. Daly

Visit: https://www.thedalycoach.com

🔗 Connect with Gary Heldt

Visit Gary Heldt's website at https://www.sbadvisors.cc/

Connect with Gary on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-d-heldt-jr/

What if passive income is not about chasing the latest flashy strategy, but about getting clear on what you actually want, understanding the risks, and choosing investments that fit your life?

In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, Gary Heldt talks with Ryan Gibson, President and Chief Investment Officer of Spartan Investment Group. Ryan shares how his journey from airline pilot to real estate investor led him to build a firm that helps investors participate in self-storage without taking on the day-to-day burden of ownership. The conversation covers common investor mistakes, how self-storage really works, where investment capital can come from, and why clarity matters more than hype when building long-term wealth.

→ Ryan explains why many high-income earners jump into real estate before deciding whether they actually want an active business or a passive investment.

→ He breaks down several ways investors may fund real estate opportunities, including cash, 401(k) loans, leveraged stock accounts, HELOCs, life insurance strategies, and self-directed IRAs.

→ Gary and Ryan discuss the difference between direct ownership in a real estate deal and investing through a REIT, especially when it comes to control, tax treatment, and understanding the actual asset.

→ Ryan shares what Spartan looks for in self-storage opportunities, including supply and demand, visibility, density, future buyer interest, and rent growth potential.

→ The episode also highlights why self-storage performs across changing economic conditions, driven by life events, business needs, downsizing, moving, and renovation. Ryan says about 70 percent of customers are driven by life transitions, while the other 30 percent are business users.

→ Ryan closes with practical advice for high earners who make high income but may not be paying enough attention to what they actually keep after taxes, fees, and poor planning.

Listen in for a grounded conversation on passive income, diversification, and why the right professional team can make all the difference.

More about Ryan:

Ryan Gibson | President & Chief Investment Officer 

Spartan Investment Group | 1633 Westlake Ave N. Suite 120, Seattle, WA 98109 

C: 202.696.5112 

Website | Invest in Our Values  

More about Gary:

Visit Gary Heldt's website at https://www.sbadvisors.cc/

Connect with Gary on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-d-heldt-jr/

Most business owners are focused on the day-to-day.

 The problem is… that mindset is quietly limiting their growth.

In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, guest host Jack Reeder sits down with Grant Daffin, CPA and founder of Daffin Financial, to talk about what really drives long term success for entrepreneurs.

Grant shares his journey from public accounting at EY and internal audit at US Bank to launching his own firm, driven by a desire to build a better culture and deliver more meaningful value to clients. 

The conversation goes deep into the gaps most business owners do not see until it is too late, including poor financial visibility, lack of internal controls, and waiting far too long to think about tax strategy or exit planning.

One of the biggest takeaways is simple but powerful: many business owners are operating without any real financial plan at all. 

Grant explains why that is one of the most common and costly mistakes he sees, and how investing time and resources into financial planning can dramatically improve outcomes.

This episode also covers the difference between bookkeeping, controller services, and fractional CFO support, helping business owners understand when it is time to level up their financial operations.

→ Many business owners wait too long to plan for taxes or an exit

 → Financial statements are often inaccurate without proper oversight

 → Internal controls are critical once a business begins to scale

 → Most entrepreneurs are operating without a true financial plan

 → Investing in planning can unlock significantly more growth potential

 → AI can support efficiency, but expertise and human insight still matter

Learn more about Grant Daffin and Daffin Financial:

https://www.daffinfinancial.com/

For more information on Guest Host: 

Jack W. Reeder, CLU®, ChFC®

Chartered Financial Consultant

978-335-2267

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What if the biggest mistake in commercial real estate isn’t the deal… but how you prepare for it?

In this episode, host Gary Heldt sits down with David Kotter, CEO and President of Hybrid Debt Fund and Integrity Capital, LLC. With over $2 billion funded across the U.S., David breaks down how commercial lending really works and why most business owners walk into deals unprepared.

From misunderstood financials to creative lending strategies, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what lenders actually look for and how smart investors are winning in today’s market.

If you think getting a commercial loan is just like getting a mortgage… you’re already behind.

👉 Key Takeaways

 → Writing everything off can hurt your ability to qualify for financing

 → Commercial lending is about storytelling, not just numbers

 → Banks, life companies, and private lenders all play by different rules

 → The market is resetting, creating new buying opportunities

 → Partnering with experienced investors can fast-track your success

 → Today’s deals require structure, creativity, and realistic expectations

📞 Connect with the Guest

David Kotter

 Email: [email protected]

 Website: https://www.hybriddebtfund.com

📞 Connect with Gary

https://www.sbadvisors.cc/

What if the biggest threat to your retirement is not the market, but the taxes you failed to plan for?

In this episode, host Gary Heldt talks with Erik Brenner, CFP and CEO of Hilltop Wealth & Tax Solutions, about why affluent professionals, physicians, and business owners need more than investment advice and annual tax prep. Erik explains what it really means to act as a Personal CFO and why true wealth planning should coordinate tax strategy, retirement income, estate planning, and long-term decision-making under one roof. 

Erik breaks down the difference between tax preparation and tax planning, why deferring taxes is not the same as mitigating them, and how many retirees are shocked to discover they may pay more taxes later than they did while working. He also explains why required distributions, longer life expectancy, and poor asset positioning can quietly create major problems in the second half of wealth. 

If you have ever assumed your CPA, advisor, and attorney were all on the same page, this conversation may make you think again.

Key Takeaways

→ Wealth planning works best when tax, legal, insurance, and investment decisions are coordinated instead of handled in separate silos. 

→ Tax preparation and tax planning are not the same thing, and many people are not getting the deeper planning they think they are. 

→ Required IRA and 401(k) distributions can push retirees into much higher tax brackets than expected. 

→ Deferring taxes is not the same as reducing taxes. Strategy matters. 

→ Estate planning is still a major gap, with Erik noting that about two-thirds of people do not have an estate plan in place.

Connect with Erik on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikbrenner/

Visit Website: https://www.hilltopwealthtax.com/

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, leave a review, and share it with a business owner or professional who needs to think beyond tax prep and start planning for lifetime wealth.

Visit Gary Heldt's website at https://www.sbadvisors.cc/

Connect with Gary on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-d-heldt-jr/

Are you the reason your business cannot grow?

 In this episode, host Gary Heldt sits down with Charles Gaudet, Founder and CEO of Predictable Profits, to unpack why so many businesses stall after early success. Charles explains the reality of the founder’s trap, where growth built on hard work, referrals, and hustle eventually turns into chaos and dependency on the owner.

He breaks down how business owners become the center of everything, from sales to operations, and why that structure makes scaling nearly impossible. The conversation also dives into the shift from reactive workdays to strategic leadership, and how AI is already changing how customers make decisions.

This is a powerful discussion for business owners ready to stop doing everything and start building a business that runs and grows without them.

Key Takeaways:

→ Most businesses are built on effort, not systems, which limits growth

→ The founder often becomes the biggest bottleneck in the company

→ Growth requires moving from doing the work to leading strategically

→ Reactive days kill progress while intentional planning drives results

→ AI is already reshaping the buyer’s journey and business visibility

→ The right mindset turns problems into opportunities for innovation

Connect with Charles on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesgaudet/

 If you want to grow your business without burning out, this episode is for you.

 Be sure to follow, like, and subscribe to Grow Your Business and Grow Your Wealth so you never miss an episode.

Growing a business is exciting until the numbers stop making sense.

In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, Guest Host Jack Reeder sits down with Patricia Santayana, CPA, President of Delphi Advisory Services, to talk about what smart financial leadership really looks like for business owners who want to grow without losing control of their numbers. Patty explains why many business owners think they are doing well because revenue is coming in, while missing the bigger issue of cash flow, financial visibility, and long term planning. She also shares why there is a major difference between bookkeeping, tax prep, and true advisory support.

Patty breaks down the moment when a business owner needs to stop wearing every hat, why looking only at an income statement can be misleading, and how better financial systems help owners set real goals instead of vague hopes. She also explains that many businesses do not fail because of one giant crisis. They fail because of the small financial leaks nobody addressed early enough.

→ Why a profitable business can still be cash-strapped

 → Why business owners need to look beyond the income statement

 → The difference between bookkeeping, tax strategy, and CFO level advisory support

 → Why hitting about $500,000 in revenue can signal the need for stronger financial leadership

 → How SMART goals help owners move from reacting to planning

 → Why underpricing is still one of the biggest mistakes business owners make

To learn more about Patricia Santayana and Delphi Advisory Services, visit DelphiAdvisoryServices.com. 

Connect with Guest Host Jack Reeder: Home | The Bulfinch Group | Needham, MA

Are you building a business… or building something you can actually walk away from?

In this episode, Tyson Ray, CEO of FORM Wealth Advisors and creator of the SPACE™ Framework, breaks down what most business owners avoid thinking about until it’s too late… how to exit well.

With over 25 years in wealth management, Tyson shares the real truth about succession planning, why it’s not a one-time event, and how emotional decisions can cost you everything you’ve built.

This conversation goes beyond strategy. It gets into identity, control, leadership, and what it actually takes to transition your business without regret.

➡️ Key Takeaways

 → Succession planning is not an event… it is an ongoing process

 → Your business should not be your only asset or your only retirement plan

 → Most owners either over-invest in the business or extract too much… balance matters

 → If your business depends entirely on you, it’s not a business… it’s a job (or multiple jobs)

 → The SPACE™ Framework helps you see, prepare, act, commit, and exit with intention

 → You must allow your team to fail in order for them to grow and eventually replace you

Connect with Tyson Ray

Find Tyson on LinkedIn or visit: https://totalsuccession.com

Connect with Gary:

Visit Small Business Advisors website: https://www.sbadvisors.cc/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-d-heldt-jr/

🎧 Listen and subscribe:

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grow-your-business-and-grow-your-wealth/id1521874291

What if the biggest mistake in exit planning is waiting until you are ready to leave?

In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, Gary Heldt sits down with David Flores Wilson, Managing Partner at Sinceres Advisory, to talk about what business owners often miss when it comes to financial planning, business value, and long-term freedom. This is not just a conversation about retirement accounts or investments. It is about building a business that creates real value, understanding your true financial freedom number, and preparing for an exit that protects both your money and your purpose.

David explains why financial planning for entrepreneurs is different from traditional retirement planning, why so many owners wait too long to prepare, and why the right team matters more than ever. Gary and David also dig into the emotional side of leaving a business, including identity, family conversations, and what life looks like after the deal is done.

6 Key Takeaways

→ Exit planning is not a last-minute event. It is a long-term process that should start earlier than most business owners think.

→ A stronger exit plan can make your business more valuable even if you never sell it.

→ Your business may be your best investment, so blindly pulling money out to diversify is not always the smartest move.

→ Owners need to know their real expense level so they can calculate a true walk away financial freedom number.

→ Selling a business without a plan for purpose, time, and identity can create regret even when the money is there.

→ The best outcomes happen when the business owner, CPA, attorney, and financial advisor work together instead of in silos.

To learn more about David Flores Wilson and explore his personal finance blog for business owners, check out Planning to Wealth and book a consultation to talk through your situation.

connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-flores-wilson-cfp%C2%AE-cfa-02b5a/

Most business owners think valuation matters only when they are ready to sell. Bethany Hearn explains why that mindset can cost owners money, lead to avoidable disputes, and leave major risks hidden in plain sight.

In this episode, guest host Jack Reeder sits down with Bethany Hearn, CPA, ABV, and CFF, to talk about business valuation, forensic accounting, succession planning, and the legal and financial blind spots that can hurt business owners when they least expect it. Bethany shares why valuation should begin years before a sale, how poorly written agreements can create costly conflicts, and what owners can do now to protect value, legacy, and peace of mind.

Key Takeaways

→ Valuation is not just for selling your business. It is critical for succession planning, estate planning, shareholder changes, and dispute prevention.

→ Waiting until the last minute can reduce the value you are able to create or protect.

→ Forensic accounting can uncover hidden risks inside your business, especially when too much financial responsibility sits with one person.

→ Poorly written buy-sell agreements can create confusion, surprises, and costly litigation.

→ Different industries require different valuation lenses, especially when capital needs, cash flow, and risk vary.

→ Verbal agreements in family and farming businesses can become major legal problems when expectations are not clearly documented.

This episode is guest-hosted by Jack Reeder, who leads a thoughtful conversation focused on helping business owners understand value, reduce risk, and make smarter decisions before problems arise.

Connect with Bethany Hearn to learn more about business valuation, forensic accounting, transaction services, and how to protect your business before a transition or dispute puts pressure on the numbers.

For more information on Guest Host: 

Jack W. Reeder, CLU®, ChFC®

Chartered Financial Consultant

978-335-2267