Independence by Design™

In this episode of Independence by Design™, I sit down with Gary Kusin—an entrepreneur who built some of the most recognizable brands in the world, including GameStop and Kinko’s. Gary's incredible journey, from starting Babbage’s (which became GameStop) to leading Kinko’s to a billion-dollar sale to FedEx, is packed with lessons on scaling businesses, transitioning leadership, and maintaining company culture.  

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We explore Gary's principles of leadership, his approach to mentorship, and how he helped align operations with the ownership's goals to achieve long-term value creation. Gary dives into how he balanced entrepreneurship with large-scale corporate leadership, shares why empathy and open communication are critical, and talks about the transition from founder-led businesses to strategic ownership. 

If you're a business owner or operator who feels stuck in the weeds of day-to-day operations, this conversation will give you actionable steps to begin your own transformation. Gary’s experience aligns perfectly with the Independence by Design™ Framework, showing how owners can scale their businesses, create sustainable cash flow, and build a legacy without being trapped by the daily grind. 

Gary Kusin is a serial entrepreneur and business leader, best known for co-founding GameStop and leading Kinko's through a massive growth phase before its acquisition by FedEx. Over his career, Gary has built and scaled multiple companies, mentored countless leaders, and distilled his insights into six core leadership principles that have guided his success. His upcoming book, Always Learning, is a deep dive into the lessons he’s learned on building businesses and developing teams that thrive.

Chapters:  

Ryan Tansom is a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, and the founder of Independence by Design™, a transformative ownership framework for growth-oriented business owners. After turning around and selling his family business in an eight-figure exit, Ryan spent over a decade dissecting the lessons learned from his journey. His mission is to help other business owners avoid the pitfalls he encountered by providing them with the tools and knowledge to align their business operations with their personal and financial goals. 

With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by owner-operators, Ryan developed Independence by Design™ to empower owner-operators to create sustainable cash flow, grow their company’s equity value, and achieve true independence. He has shared his insights on hundreds of stages, including Vistage, EO, and industry associations, and has reached over 500,000 listeners through his podcast. 

Ryan is passionate about helping business owners get unstuck from the day-to-day grind and design a business that serves their life, not the other way around. 

Resources:

Gary Kusin LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/garykusin-author/ 
Website:  https://www.garykusin.com/ 
Leveling Up Podcast  https://www.garyandjillpodcast.com/ 
Always Learning by Gary Kusin – Gary’s upcoming book with stories and leadership principles from his journey. 
Buy Then Build by Walker Deibel – A guide to scaling through acquisitions. 
Independence by Design™ Owner’s Workshop https://ryantansom.com/independence-by-design-workshop 
Independence by Design™ Ownership Coaching: Ryan Tansom’s Ownership Accelerator programs and coaching https://ryantansom.com/coaching 
Ryan Tansom Website 
Ryan Tansom LinkedIn 
Ryan Tansom Twitter https://twitter.com/RyanTansom 
Ryan Tansom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ryantansom 
Ryan Tansom 30-Minute Ownership Strategy Call https://calendar.app.google/tsKk7z6ohugDchWq8 

Sound Bites: 

"You have to check your ego at the door if you want to build a business that outlasts you." – Gary Kusin 

"I wasn’t emotionally attached to the companies—I was attached to my team and the customers. That’s where the legacy is built." – Gary Kusin 

"You have to align your operations with your ownership goals. If you don’t know what those goals are, you’ll be running in circles." – Ryan Tansom 

In this episode of Independence by Design™, I sit down with Shiv Narayanan, founder of How to SaaS, to uncover the core strategies behind scaling a business through strategic marketing and revenue predictability. Shiv’s deep experience in the private equity space and his work with founder-led companies offers actionable insights for owners looking to make their businesses more attractive to investors—or simply run them more profitably with greater financial predictability. 

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Shiv and I explore how aligning marketing, sales, and operations with clear, measurable KPIs can transform not only your company’s growth trajectory but also your journey from being an operator to becoming a strategic owner. We dive into how you can productize your offering, create sustainable cash flow, and maximize your company's equity value—all crucial elements of the Independence by Design™ Framework. 

Shiv Narayanan is the Founder and CEO of How To SaaS, a marketing strategy consulting firm specializing in helping Private Equity investors and B2B companies maximize enterprise value. As an advisor, consultant, and fractional CMO, he has generated hundreds of millions in value through innovative marketing and demand generation strategies. A two-time bestselling author, Shiv's books—*Post-Acquisition Marketing* and *Exit-Ready Marketing*—offer frameworks for PE investors and founders to enhance growth and valuation. Previously, he served as CMO of Wild Apricot, which was successfully acquired in 2018. 
 

Chapters:  

Ryan Tansom is a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, and the founder of Independence by Design™, a transformative ownership framework for growth-oriented business owners. After turning around and selling his family business in an eight-figure exit, Ryan spent over a decade dissecting the lessons learned from his journey. His mission is to help other business owners avoid the pitfalls he encountered by providing them with the tools and knowledge to align their business operations with their personal and financial goals. 

With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by owner-operators, Ryan developed Independence by Design™ to empower owner-operators to create sustainable cash flow, grow their company’s equity value, and achieve true independence. He has shared his insights on hundreds of stages, including Vistage, EO, and industry associations, and has reached over 500,000 listeners through his podcast. 

Ryan is passionate about helping business owners get unstuck from the day-to-day grind and design a business that serves their life, not the other way around. 

Resources: 

Exit Ready Marketing by Shiv Narayanan – A tactical guide for founders looking to make their businesses more marketable. 

Built to Sell by John Warrillow – Framework for building a company that can thrive without you. 

Profit First by Mike Michalowicz – A strategy for ensuring your business always generates profit and keeps you financially secure. 

Website: How to SaaS https://www.howtosaas.com 

LinkedIn: Shiv Narayanan https://www.linkedin.com/in/shiv-n22/ 

Independence by Design™ Owner’s Workshop https://ryantansom.com/independence-by-design-workshop 

Independence by Design™ Ownership Coaching: Ryan Tansom’s Ownership Accelerator programs and coaching https://ryantansom.com/coaching 

Ryan Tansom Website https://ryantansom.com/ 

Ryan Tansom LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryantansom/ 

Ryan Tansom Twitter https://twitter.com/RyanTansom 

Ryan Tansom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ryantansom 

Ryan Tansom 30-Minute Ownership Strategy Call https://calendar.app.google/tsKk7z6ohugDchWq8 

 
Sound Bites: 

"A business that can be sold is worth continuing to own." – Shiv Narayanan 

"Revenue unpredictability is one of the biggest barriers to being acquired—and to your peace of mind as an owner." – Shiv Narayanan 

"You have to learn how to leverage your business to create predictable cash flow and sustainable growth. That’s where true freedom as an owner lies." – Ryan Tansom 

In this episode of Independence by Design™, I sit down with pricing expert Casey Brown, founder of Boost Pricing, to dig deep into one of the biggest pain points for business owners: pricing. Casey breaks down the psychological barriers that often keep us stuck—mainly fear—and shows how we can shift from defensive pricing to a confident, value-driven strategy. We talk about how to approach price objections, avoid unnecessary discounts, and make sure we’re getting paid what we’re worth. 

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Casey also shares practical insights on how professional services businesses can move away from hourly billing and adopt value-based subscription models. Whether you’re struggling with price pushback, want to increase your margins, or need to gain the confidence to raise your rates, this conversation is packed with actionable takeaways to help you master pricing and boost your bottom line. 

Casey Brown is a pricing expert and founder of Boost Pricing. With over 25 years of experience, she has helped thousands of businesses increase their profitability through smarter pricing strategies. Her focus is on empowering leaders to price confidently and capture the full value of their services. Casey is a sought-after speaker and consultant who has worked with organizations across many industries to help them stop leaving money on the table. 
 

Chapters:  

Ryan Tansom is a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, and the founder of Independence by Design™, a transformative ownership framework for growth-oriented business owners. After turning around and selling his family business in an eight-figure exit, Ryan spent over a decade dissecting the lessons learned from his journey. His mission is to help other business owners avoid the pitfalls he encountered by providing them with the tools and knowledge to align their business operations with their personal and financial goals. 

With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by owner-operators, Ryan developed Independence by Design™ to empower owner-operators to create sustainable cash flow, grow their company’s equity value, and achieve true independence. He has shared his insights on hundreds of stages, including Vistage, EO, and industry associations, and has reached over 500,000 listeners through his podcast. 

Ryan is passionate about helping business owners get unstuck from the day-to-day grind and design a business that serves their life, not the other way around. 

Resources: 
Casey Brown Boost Pricing  https://boostpricing.com 
Website:  Caseybrown.com 
LinkedIn: Casey Brown 
X (formerly Twitter): @CaseyBrownBoost 
Price Pressure is a Buying Signal  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZP2eJ2d4jl0 

Dozen Reasons Not to Bill Time & Materials  https://boostpricing.com/2023/08/25/donttradetimeformoney/ 

Accountants, Attorneys, and Engineers Who Sell:  Oh My!  https://boostpricing.com/2020/12/30/accountants-attorneys-engineers-who-sell-oh-my/ 

Do You Propose Like a Partner or a Vendor?  https://boostpricing.com/2022/12/06/do-you-propose-like-an-equal-or-a-vendor/ 

Goldilocks and the Three Prices  https://boostpricing.com/2022/12/06/goldilocks-and-the-three-prices/ 

Episode 346 The Power of Pricing with Casey Brown https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezeeXiDlkB4 

Independence by Design™ Owner’s Workshop https://ryantansom.com/independence-by-design-workshop 

Independence by Design™ Ownership Coaching: Ryan Tansom’s Ownership Accelerator programs and coaching https://ryantansom.com/coaching 

Ryan Tansom Website https://ryantansom.com/ 

Ryan Tansom LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryantansom/ 

Ryan Tansom Twitter https://twitter.com/RyanTansom 

Ryan Tansom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ryantansom 

Ryan Tansom 30-Minute Ownership Strategy Call https://calendar.app.google/tsKk7z6ohugDchWq8 

 
Sound Bites: 

“Most pricing decisions are made from fear, not confidence.” – Casey Brown 

 "Customers will never pay you what you're worth. They’ll only ever pay you what they think you're worth.” – Casey Brown 

“If you discount without adjusting the deal, you erode trust.” – Casey Brown 

“The more rigid you are about getting the right outcome for your customer, the more they will trust and pay you.” – Casey Brown 

In this special Quarterly Economic and M&A Update, I’ve pulled together three powerful conversations to help you, the owner-operator, navigate the current economic landscape and make smarter decisions for your business. We’ll start with Brian Beaulieu from ITR Economics, who provides a detailed breakdown of inflation, interest rates, and how the economy might shift in 2025. Then, Jeff Buettner from ButcherJoseph shares critical insights into M&A trends, offering practical advice on how to position your business for growth through strategic acquisitions. Finally, I wrap up with Tom Walker, where we discuss how to manage capital effectively, handle debt, and plan for long-term wealth creation in today’s complex financial environment.  

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If you’re focused on growing your business while staying ahead of economic challenges, this episode gives you actionable strategies to think and operate like a capital allocator. 

Chapters:  

Ryan Tansom is a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, and the founder of Independence by Design™, a transformative ownership framework for growth-oriented business owners. After turning around and selling his family business in an eight-figure exit, Ryan spent over a decade dissecting the lessons learned from his journey. His mission is to help other business owners avoid the pitfalls he encountered by providing them with the tools and knowledge to align their business operations with their personal and financial goals. 

With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by owner-operators, Ryan developed Independence by Design™ to empower owner-operators to create sustainable cash flow, grow their company’s equity value, and achieve true independence. He has shared his insights on hundreds of stages, including Vistage, EO, and industry associations, and has reached over 500,000 listeners through his podcast. 

Ryan is passionate about helping business owners get unstuck from the day-to-day grind and design a business that serves their life, not the other way around. 

Resources: 

Brian Beaulieu 

Website: ITR Economics https://itreconomics.com 

LinkedIn: Brian Beaulieu https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-beaulieu 

Jeff Buettner 

Website: ButcherJoseph https://butcherjoseph.com 

LinkedIn: Jeff Buettner https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-buettner 

Tom Walker 

Website: Walker Insight https://walkerinsight.com 

Prosperity in The Age of Decline: How to Lead Your Business and Preserve Wealth Through the Coming Business Cycles – by Brian Beaulieu, Alan Beaulieu 

Independence by Design™ Owner’s Workshop https://ryantansom.com/independence-by-design-workshop 

Independence by Design™ Ownership Coaching: Ryan Tansom’s Ownership Accelerator programs and coaching https://ryantansom.com/coaching 

Ryan Tansom Website https://ryantansom.com/ 

Ryan Tansom LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryantansom/ 

Ryan Tansom Twitter https://twitter.com/RyanTansom 

Ryan Tansom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ryantansom 

Ryan Tansom 30-Minute Ownership Strategy Call https://calendar.app.google/tsKk7z6ohugDchWq8 

In this episode of Independence by Design™, I sit down with Tracy Bech, a seasoned entrepreneur who has successfully navigated running multiple companies with vastly different business models. From her first services-based business with high margins to her second venture, an inventory-based e-commerce company with a completely different cash flow model, Tracy shares her journey and the hard-earned lessons about understanding the numbers behind the business.

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Her experience in these contrasting industries inspired her to create 60-Minute CFO, a tool designed to help business owners truly grasp their financials, which is crucial for valuation, cash flow predictability, and ownership success. Tracy’s passion for connecting operations, numbers, and long-term ownership goals makes this episode a must-listen for entrepreneurs wanting to move from day-to-day management to designing a scalable, financially stable business. We dove into how Tracy’s deep understanding of cash flow and metrics allowed her to build systems supporting operational and ownership independence.

We dive into the key steps Matt took to delegate operations, build systems, and free himself from the daily grind, ultimately allowing him to focus on long-term strategy and investing in multiple companies through his holding company, Eidolon Capital. This episode provides a clear path for business owners ready to make the transition from operator to owner, focusing on how to unlock sustainable cash flow, build equity, and design real independence—what I call the Independence by Design™ ownership mindset.

Tracy Bech is a serial entrepreneur, having started, run, and sold 2 successful businesses. She is passionate about lowering the business failure rate by educating business owners and leaders about best practices and business strategy. She is also CEO at Starboard Collectives, where she facilitates groups of CEOs in niche industries. The groups share financial analyses, best practices and focus on business development. Tracy is a nationally recognized speaker on the topic of small business finance, and also conducts a women in business group in Hood River, Oregon, where she calls home. When not analyzing business ratios, Tracy is likely found on or near the water, dirt or snow, enjoying the great outdoors on boats, bikes or skis.

Chapters: 

Ryan Tansom is a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, and the founder of Independence by Design™, a transformative ownership framework for growth-oriented business owners. After turning around and selling his family business in an eight-figure exit, Ryan spent over a decade dissecting the lessons learned from his journey. His mission is to help other business owners avoid the pitfalls he encountered by providing them with the tools and knowledge to align their business operations with their personal and financial goals.

With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by owner-operators, Ryan developed Independence by Design™ to empower owner-operators to create sustainable cash flow, grow their company’s equity value, and achieve true independence. He has shared his insights on hundreds of stages, including Vistage, EO, and industry associations, and has reached over 500,000 listeners through his podcast.

Ryan is passionate about helping business owners get unstuck from the day-to-day grind and design a business that serves their life, not the other way around.

Resources:

Website - https://www.60minutecfo.com/

60-Minute CFO Book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073R1DKKJ

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybech/

X - https://x.com/tracybech

Book - The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber – A guide to understanding the systems needed to scale a small business.

Book - Profit First by Mike Michalowicz – A practical approach to managing cash flow and ensuring profitability.

Book - The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss – Insight into building automated, systemized businesses.

Independence by Design™ Owner’s Workshop https://ryantansom.com/independence-by-design-workshop

Independence by Design™ Ownership Coaching: Ryan Tansom’s Ownership Accelerator programs and coaching https://ryantansom.com/coaching

Ryan Tansom Website https://ryantansom.com/

Ryan Tansom LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryantansom/

Ryan Tansom Twitter https://twitter.com/RyanTansom

Ryan Tansom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ryantansom

Ryan Tansom 30-Minute Ownership Strategy Call https://calendar.app.google/tsKk7z6ohugDchWq8

Sound Bites:

"When you run multiple businesses with different models, you quickly realize how crucial it is to truly understand your numbers." – Tracy Bech

"Tracy’s experience with both service-based and inventory-based businesses shows just how much cash flow models can vary—and how vital it is for owners to get it right." – Ryan Tansom

"60-Minute CFO was born from the need to help business owners stop guessing and start understanding the metrics that drive their company’s success." – Tracy Bech

"The predictability of cash flow and knowing your numbers is key to valuing your business and unlocking true ownership freedom." – Ryan Tansom

In this episode of Independence by Design™, I sit down with Matt Bodnar to explore what it truly means to be an owner versus an operator. Matt’s journey—from being deeply entrenched in the day-to-day operations of his IT firm to becoming a strategic investor and capital allocator—perfectly illustrates the shift in mindset necessary to move from "doing" to "owning." Starting out by handling every detail, Matt gradually worked his way out of the operator role and learned how to structure his company to run without him. 

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We dive into the key steps Matt took to delegate operations, build systems, and free himself from the daily grind, ultimately allowing him to focus on long-term strategy and investing in multiple companies through his holding company, Eidolon Capital. This episode provides a clear path for business owners ready to make the transition from operator to owner, focusing on how to unlock sustainable cash flow, build equity, and design real independence—what I call the Independence by Design™ ownership mindset. 

Chapters:  

Ryan Tansom is a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, and the founder of Independence by Design™, a transformative ownership framework for growth-oriented business owners. After turning around and selling his family business in an eight-figure exit, Ryan spent over a decade dissecting the lessons learned from his journey. His mission is to help other business owners avoid the pitfalls he encountered by providing them with the tools and knowledge to align their business operations with their personal and financial goals. 

With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by owner-operators, Ryan developed Independence by Design™ to empower owner-operators to create sustainable cash flow, grow their company’s equity value, and achieve true independence. He has shared his insights on hundreds of stages, including Vistage, EO, and industry associations, and has reached over 500,000 listeners through his podcast. 

Ryan is passionate about helping business owners get unstuck from the day-to-day grind and design a business that serves their life, not the other way around. 

Resources:

Website: https://mattbodnar.com/ 

Newsletter https://mattbodnar.com/newsletter/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattbodnar 

X https://x.com/mattbodnar?lang=en 

Buy Then Build by Walker Deibel – A guide to acquisition entrepreneurship and scaling through acquisitions. 

The Snowball by Alice Schroeder 

Essays of Warren Buffet 

Built to Sell by John Warrillow – A playbook for building a business that can thrive without you. 

EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) by Gino Wickman – A tool for scaling your company while separating yourself from day-to-day operations. 

The Great Game of Business by Jack Stack – Understanding your numbers and playing the long game of value creation. 

Independence by Design™ Owner’s Workshop https://ryantansom.com/independence-by-design-workshop 

Independence by Design™ Ownership Coaching: Ryan Tansom’s Ownership Accelerator programs and coaching https://ryantansom.com/coaching 

Ryan Tansom Website https://ryantansom.com/ 

Ryan Tansom LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryantansom/ 

Ryan Tansom Twitter https://twitter.com/RyanTansom 

Ryan Tansom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ryantansom 

Ryan Tansom 30-Minute Ownership Strategy Call https://calendar.app.google/tsKk7z6ohugDchWq8 

Sound Bites: 

"At some point, you have to realize that running the business and owning the business are two very different things." – Matt Bodnar 

"Matt’s story is the perfect example of how owners can shift from being stuck in the day-to-day to becoming strategic capital allocators." – Ryan Tansom 

"When you stop thinking like an operator and start thinking like an owner, you unlock true freedom and independence." – Ryan Tansom 

In this episode of Independence by Design™, I sit down with Ken Sanginario, a top turnaround and valuation expert and creator of the Value Opportunity Profile, to dive deep into the fundamental drivers behind business valuations. We explore how the multiple in a business valuation is directly tied to the sustainability, predictability, and transferability of your cash flow—and why understanding this is the key to more than doubling the value of your company.  

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Throughout our conversation, we unpack the often-overlooked details that can either make or break your company’s financial future. Ken breaks down critical concepts like the cost of equity, the buildup methodology, deal structures, and how reducing risk plays a major role in increasing your enterprise value. By looking at valuation from both the owner’s and buyer’s perspectives, we provide a comprehensive understanding of what truly drives value and where the multiple comes from. 

One of the most important takeaways is that this entire process is within your control: by reducing risk and improving operational quality, you can take actionable steps to increase the multiple applied to your business’s cash flow, doubling the value of your business giving you more freedom and options. 

We also explore how making your cash flow more predictable can significantly enhance your company’s potential for reinvestment, growth, or future opportunities. Additionally, Ken and I discuss the challenges of business ownership, the complexities of scaling, and how you can strategically grow your company's value. 

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear roadmap for taking control of your business’s financial future, with practical insights on how to create sustainable growth through the derisking process. 

Brandon Hall is the founder of BGH Valuation Services, LLC, is a seasoned valuation expert with over 2,000 business valuations under his belt. Based in Saint Michael, MN, Brandon holds a B.S. in Accounting from Saint Cloud State University and has extensive experience from his roles at Polaris Industries and Best Buy Corporate. A Certified Valuation Analyst® and Certified Machinery & Equipment Appraiser, Brandon is dedicated to helping businesses understand and maximize their value.[Text Wrapping Break] 

Chapters:  

Ryan Tansom is a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, and the founder of Independence by Design™, a transformative ownership framework for growth-oriented business owners. After turning around and selling his family business in an eight-figure exit, Ryan spent over a decade dissecting the lessons learned from his journey. His mission is to help other business owners avoid the pitfalls he encountered by providing them with the tools and knowledge to align their business operations with their personal and financial goals. 

With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by owner-operators, Ryan developed Independence by Design™ to empower owner-operators to create sustainable cash flow, grow their company’s equity value, and achieve true independence. He has shared his insights on hundreds of stages, including Vistage, EO, and industry associations, and has reached over 500,000 listeners through his podcast. 

Ryan is passionate about helping business owners get unstuck from the day-to-day grind and design a business that serves their life, not the other way around. 

Resources: 

Website - https://corporatevalue.net/ 

Email [email protected] 

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ksanginario/ 

Resources Mentioned: 

Value Opportunity Profile (VOP) – A system designed to help business owners assess and grow the value of their business. 

Certified Value Growth Advisor (CVGA) Certification – A certification program for advisors to help businesses maximize their value. 

Books: 

"Profit First" by Mike Michalowicz 

"The Great Game of Business" by Jack Stack 

Independence by Design™ Owner’s Workshop https://ryantansom.com/independence-by-design-workshop 

Independence by Design™ Ownership Coaching: Ryan Tansom’s Ownership Accelerator programs and coaching https://ryantansom.com/coaching 

Ryan Tansom Website https://ryantansom.com/ 

Ryan Tansom LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryantansom/ 

Ryan Tansom Twitter https://twitter.com/RyanTansom 

Ryan Tansom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ryantansom 

Ryan Tansom 30-Minute Ownership Strategy Call https://calendar.app.google/tsKk7z6ohugDchWq8 

In this episode of Independence by Design™, I sit down with Brandon Hall, an expert who has conducted over 1,500 business valuations across a wide range of industries. We dive deep into the importance of understanding and controlling the value of your business. Brandon shares his journey from a corporate accountant to a trusted advisor in the valuation space, reflecting on the lessons he’s learned from his extensive experience, especially in working with small to medium-sized businesses. 

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We break down the three primary valuation methods: income-based valuations (with a focus on cash flow), asset-based valuations (looking at tangible assets), and market-based valuations (comparing similar businesses in the market). I place particular emphasis on cash flow valuations, which are the most actionable and controllable by business owners like you. We discuss why understanding and managing your cash flow is crucial—not just for keeping the lights on but for driving long-term growth, strategic planning, and maximizing the equity value of your business. 

By the end of this episode, you'll have a clearer understanding of how to take charge of your business’s valuation, why cash flow is such a critical metric, and how you can use it to make informed decisions that will help you achieve the independence you’re striving for. 

Brandon Hall is the founder of BGH Valuation Services, LLC, is a seasoned valuation expert with over 2,000 business valuations under his belt. Based in Saint Michael, MN, Brandon holds a B.S. in Accounting from Saint Cloud State University and has extensive experience from his roles at Polaris Industries and Best Buy Corporate. A Certified Valuation Analyst® and Certified Machinery & Equipment Appraiser, Brandon is dedicated to helping businesses understand and maximize their value. 

Chapters:  

Ryan Tansom is a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, and the founder of Independence by Design™, a transformative ownership framework for growth-oriented business owners. After turning around and selling his family business in an eight-figure exit, Ryan spent over a decade dissecting the lessons learned from his journey. His mission is to help other business owners avoid the pitfalls he encountered by providing them with the tools and knowledge to align their business operations with their personal and financial goals. 

With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by owner-operators, Ryan developed Independence by Design™ to empower owner-operators to create sustainable cash flow, grow their company’s equity value, and achieve true independence. He has shared his insights on hundreds of stages, including Vistage, EO, and industry associations, and has reached over 500,000 listeners through his podcast. 

Ryan is passionate about helping business owners get unstuck from the day-to-day grind and design a business that serves their life, not the other way around. 

Resources: 

Books: "Profit First" by Mike Michalowicz, "The Great Game of Business" by Jack Stack. 

Tools: Business Valuation Certification Programs, SBA Loan Programs. 

Brandon Hall LinkedIn  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-hall-cva/ 

BGH Valuation Services https://bghvaluation.com/ 

Independence by Design™ Owner’s Workshop https://ryantansom.com/independence-by-design-workshop 

Independence by Design™ Ownership Coaching: Ryan Tansom’s Ownership Accelerator programs and coaching https://ryantansom.com/coaching 

Ryan Tansom Website https://ryantansom.com/ 

Ryan Tansom LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryantansom/ 

Ryan Tansom Twitter https://twitter.com/RyanTansom 

Ryan Tansom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ryantansom 

Ryan Tansom 30-Minute Ownership Strategy Call https://calendar.app.google/tsKk7z6ohugDchWq8 

In this episode of Independence by Design™, I sit down with Mike Frommelt, the co-founder of Strategic Talent Partners and a seasoned expert in executive search and leadership development for privately held businesses. We dive into the critical role of talent assessment and leadership development in scaling a business beyond the founder’s personal capacity. Mike shares his unique insights on how to assess a company’s leadership team, the challenges owners face when transitioning from day-to-day operations, and the importance of aligning leadership talent with ownership goals.

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Mike explains the differences between hiring internally versus externally, and why sometimes promoting from within isn’t always the best option. We also explore the strategic role of a CEO or president and how to identify whether someone has the capacity to think strategically and lead teams effectively. Mike's framework for evaluating leadership potential and his holistic approach to aligning talent with business goals will leave business owners equipped with actionable steps to start building a leadership team that can thrive without their constant involvement.

Mike Frommelt is the is the co-founder of Strategic Talent Partners, a national executive search and leadership solutions firm. With over 20 years of experience, Mike specializes in C-level executive search and leadership development for privately held businesses. He helps companies transition from founder dependency by recruiting and integrating leadership talent aligned with ownership goals. Mike's expertise ensures organizations grow sustainably while equipping teams to thrive. Learn more at www.strategictalentpartners.com.

Chapters:

Ryan Tansom is a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, and the founder of Independence by Design™, a transformative ownership framework for growth-oriented business owners. After turning around and selling his family business in an eight-figure exit, Ryan spent over a decade dissecting the lessons learned from his journey. His mission is to help other business owners avoid the pitfalls he encountered by providing them with the tools and knowledge to align their business operations with their personal and financial goals.

With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by owner-operators, Ryan developed Independence by Design™ to empower owner-operators to create sustainable cash flow, grow their company’s equity value, and achieve true independence. He has shared his insights on hundreds of stages, including Vistage, EO, and industry associations, and has reached over 500,000 listeners through his podcast.

Ryan is passionate about helping business owners get unstuck from the day-to-day grind and design a business that serves their life, not the other way around.

Resources:

Strategic Talent Partners 

Mike Frommelt LinkedIn

Book: Traction by Gino Wickman

Book: The Great Game of Business by Jack Stack

Book: CEOSystem Joel Trammell

Independence by Design™ Owner’s Workshop https://ryantansom.com/independence-by-design-workshop

Independence by Design™ Ownership Coaching: Ryan Tansom’s Ownership Accelerator programs and coaching https://ryantansom.com/coaching

Ryan Tansom Website https://ryantansom.com/

Ryan Tansom LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryantansom/

Ryan Tansom Twitter https://twitter.com/RyanTansom

Ryan Tansom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ryantansom

Ryan Tansom 30-Minute Ownership Strategy Call https://calendar.app.google/tsKk7z6ohugDchWq8

In this episode of Independence by Design™, Ryan Tansom is joined by Craig Rutledge, an expert in compensation strategy and the Partner at VisionLink. Craig offers valuable insights for growth-oriented business owner-operators looking to step back from daily operations and hire a CEO who can drive both cash flow and equity growth. He addresses the critical need to design compensation strategies that align the goals of the owner with those of the leadership team, ensuring that the owner can manage the company from an ownership perspective without worrying about the stability of their income from distributions or the growth of the company’s value. 

Watch on YouTube

Craig discusses how to structure compensation plans that not only attract premier talent but also ensure that these leaders are motivated to make decisions that support sustainable cash flow and increase equity valuation. By linking short-term and long-term incentives directly to the owner’s financial goals, Craig helps owners confidently step back from the day-to-day operations, knowing their company is in good hands and positioned for growth. This episode is essential for business owners who want to replace themselves in operations while maintaining control over their financial future. 

Craig Rutledge is the founder of VisionLink, a leading expert in compensation strategy with over 25 years of experience. He specializes in helping business owners align their leadership teams with their financial goals through innovative compensation plans. Craig’s expertise empowers owners to step back from day-to-day operations while ensuring sustainable cash flow and equity growth. His work has guided countless companies in securing long-term success. 
 

Chapters:  

Ryan Tansom is a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, and the founder of Independence by Design™, a transformative ownership framework for growth-oriented business owners. After turning around and selling his family business in an eight-figure exit, Ryan spent over a decade dissecting the lessons learned from his journey. His mission is to help other business owners avoid the pitfalls he encountered by providing them with the tools and knowledge to align their business operations with their personal and financial goals. 

With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by owner-operators, Ryan developed Independence by Design™ to empower owner-operators to create sustainable cash flow, grow their company’s equity value, and achieve true independence. He has shared his insights on hundreds of stages, including Vistage, EO, and industry associations, and has reached over 500,000 listeners through his podcast. 

Ryan is passionate about helping business owners get unstuck from the day-to-day grind and design a business that serves their life, not the other way around. 

Resources: 

Craig Rutledge LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-rutledge-6a32a69/ 

Craig Rutledge’s company specializing in compensation strategy and planning - VisionLink https://visionlink.co/ 

Book: "Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us" by Daniel H. Pink 

Book: "The E-Myth Revisited" by Michael E. Gerber 

Independence by Design™ Owner’s Workshop https://ryantansom.com/independence-by-design-workshop 

Independence by Design™ Ownership Coaching: Ryan Tansom’s Ownership Accelerator programs and coaching https://ryantansom.com/coaching 

Ryan Tansom Website https://ryantansom.com/ 

Ryan Tansom LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryantansom/ 

Ryan Tansom Twitter https://twitter.com/RyanTansom 

Ryan Tansom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ryantansom 

Ryan Tansom 30-Minute Ownership Strategy Call https://calendar.app.google/tsKk7z6ohugDchWq8