Inside BS Show

"If you're giving millions, treat it like an investment—because your legacy is on the line."

What You’ll Discover Today:

In this episode of The Inside BS Show, Dave Lorenzo sits down with Michael Cleavenger, a seasoned fundraising strategist and advisor to affluent donors, to pull back the curtain on how nonprofit organizations really work. They explore how high-net-worth individuals can contribute meaningfully and responsibly, and how to avoid common pitfalls when making large donations.

Key Topics Discussed:

• How Michael Cleavenger raised over $260 million for the Illinois Institute of Technology and what he learned in the process
• The biggest myth about nonprofit donations—and why tax benefits aren’t the main motivator
• The truth about nonprofit operations: P&L statements, executive compensation, and board oversight
• Why long-term donors value relationships more than transactions
• What major donors should demand before giving: contracts, audits, and real oversight
• The pyramid strategy of fundraising—from large gifts to grassroots donations
• Red flags to look for in a nonprofit’s Form 990
• The difference between mission-driven programs and revenue-chasing “mission creep”
• How naming rights work—and why they’re rarely permanent
• Why some donors choose to sunset their foundations and how that affects future giving

Links and Resources:

• Subscribe Via Email: GetInsideBS.com
• Listen on Spotify: Inside BS Show on Spotify
• Listen on Apple Podcasts: Inside BS Show on Apple Podcasts
• Call Us: (305) 692-5531

Call to Action:

If you’re thinking about making a significant contribution to a nonprofit organization—or advising someone who is—listen to this episode first. Then, connect with Michael Cleavenger to ensure your legacy is protected and your impact is real.

"Referrals are free money. Why wouldn’t you build habits that bring them to you every day?"

What You’ll Discover Today
In this episode, Dave Lorenzo shares five timeless habits—straight from your mother’s playbook—that will help you get more referrals in B2B sales. These principles aren’t complicated, but they are powerful and often overlooked. Apply them consistently and watch your referral pipeline grow.

Key Topics Discussed

• Why referrals are the easiest form of business growth
• Dan Sullivan’s three referability habits:
  1. Show up on time
  2. Say please and thank you
  3. Do what you say you’re going to do
• How avoiding gossip builds trust
• Why seeking to understand others increases credibility and likeability
• The importance of giving referrals before asking for them
• Treating people with respect regardless of where they are in their career journey

Links and Resources

• Subscribe Via Email: GetInsideBS.com
• Listen on Spotify: Inside BS Show on Spotify
• Listen on Apple Podcasts: Inside BS Show on Apple Podcasts
• Call Us: (305) 692-5531

“Tax planning is not about saving a few dollars. It’s about protecting your investment, your relationships, and your future returns.”

What You’ll Discover Today:
If you're acquiring a business, tax planning might not be your first concern—but it should be. In today’s episode of The Inside BS Show, Dave Lorenzo sits down with tax expert Harry Cendrowski to explore why the buyer in a business acquisition needs to be just as focused on the seller’s tax treatment as the seller is. You’ll hear insider advice on asset vs. stock sales, depreciation strategies, IRS pitfalls, and how to avoid acquiring more than just a business—like someone else’s tax mess.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why buyers should care about the seller’s tax situation
• The difference between asset sales and stock sales from a tax standpoint
• Depreciation recapture and how it can affect deal structure
• State tax exposure and overlooked liabilities during acquisitions
• Background checks and personal tax issues that bleed into business performance
• Entity structure and how it affects future acquisitions
• How bonus depreciation and tax strategy can drive ROI
• Cross-border tax considerations and the need for country-specific advisors
• When and how to engage your tax team to avoid costly mistakes

Links and Resources:

• Subscribe Via Email: GetInsideBS.com
• Listen on Spotify: Inside BS Show on Spotify
• Listen on Apple Podcasts: Inside BS Show on Apple Podcasts
• Call Us: (305) 692-5531
• Contact Harry Cendrowski: (866) 717-1607

Call to Action:
Before your next business acquisition, sit down with your tax advisor. The best deals are built with smart planning, not just good intentions. If you want expert guidance before—or after—you buy, give Harry a call. And if you want to make better decisions that grow your business and protect your wealth, keep tuning into The Inside BS Show.

"Nobody dreams of working for your family business. You have to show them why they should." — Dave Lorenzo

What You’ll Discover Today:

Attracting top talent is one of the biggest challenges family business CEOs face. In this episode, Dave Lorenzo explains how small and midsize family-owned companies can compete with big brands and elite firms for the best people. He shares the real reasons people join startups and family businesses and the two things every CEO must offer to win great talent.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why most top performers overlook family businesses
• The two reasons people join a family-owned company
• How to offer experiences employees can't get anywhere else
• The value of equity and ESOPs in long-term retention
• Why your vision is your biggest recruiting tool
• How Exit Success Lab helps family businesses create a magnetic employment brand

Links and Resources:

• Subscribe Via Email: GetInsideBS.com
• Listen on Spotify: Inside BS Show on Spotify
• Listen on Apple Podcasts: Inside BS Show on Apple Podcasts
• Call Us: (305) 692-5531

Call to Action:

Are you a family business leader struggling to attract top talent? Call Dave at Exit Success Lab. Get a fresh perspective on how to position your business so the best people want to join and stay. Dial 305 692 5531 today.

“Do you need a coach, or do you need a consultant? Your answer could determine whether your family business grows or just survives.” - Dave Lorenzo

What You’ll Discover Today:
In today’s episode of The Inside BS Show, Dave Lorenzo explains the critical difference between a family business coach and a consultant—and how selecting the wrong one could stall your company’s growth. This episode gives you a roadmap for choosing the right advisor to help scale your family business from $5 million to $100 million and beyond.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The real difference between a coach and a consultant
• Why consultants bring systems, processes, and implementation teams
• How to evaluate whether you need motivation or measurable results
• The red flags to look for when interviewing coaches and consultants
• Why you should talk to former clients—especially the ones where things didn’t work out
• The power of putting skin in the game and why real consultants offer upside participation

Links and Resources:

Subscribe via Email: GetInsideBS.com
Listen on Spotify: Inside BS Show on Spotify
Listen on Apple Podcasts: Inside BS Show on Apple Podcasts
Call Us: (305) 692-5531

Call to Action:
Thinking about hiring a coach or consultant for your family business? Don’t leave it to chance. Make an informed choice that sets up your business—and your legacy—for the next generation. Contact Dave Lorenzo today to find out what working with a true consulting team can do for you.

 "The family dynamic can either destroy your business or make it a joy to run. Governance is what tips the scale." - Dave Lorenzo

Running a business with family members can be fulfilling—or a complete disaster. In this episode, Dave Lorenzo outlines the three foundational pillars of governance every family business needs to survive and thrive.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Decision-Making Structure
   • Why you need a family business charter
   • How to assign decision-making authority based on dollar thresholds
   • Voting rights vs. voice in board discussions
   • Using the U.S. Constitution as a metaphor for governance
2. Defined Roles and Accountability
   • Creating job descriptions for every role—including family members
   • Avoiding entitlement and protecting your top non-family talent
   • Minimum expectations and performance standards
3. Succession and Continuity Planning
   • Building succession into every performance review
   • The difference between permanent succession and temporary continuity
   • Making sure someone is always ready to step in

Links and Resources:

• Subscribe for Daily Business Growth Tips: GetInsideBS.com
• Watch on YouTube: Inside BS Show on YouTube
• Listen on Spotify: Inside BS Show on Spotify
• Listen on Apple Podcasts: Inside BS Show on Apple
• Call Us: (305) 692-5531

Call to Action:

Running a family business doesn’t have to mean drama and dysfunction. Implement these three rules of governance and build a company that lasts for generations.
 Subscribe now and join Dave tomorrow at 6 a.m. for another episode of The Inside BS Show.

Would You Sell Your Family Business If You Could Avoid Capital Gains Tax?” - Dave Lorenzo

What You’ll Discover Today:
Would you sell your family business if you could pay no capital gains tax, reward your employees, and preserve your legacy? In this episode of the Inside BS Show, Dave Lorenzo explores how an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) might make that possible. It’s a compelling option for business owners with $10M+ in annual revenue and 50+ employees—and it might be the best exit you’ve never considered.

Key Topics Discussed:

• What an ESOP is and how it works
• How family business owners can exit with zero capital gains tax under Section 1042
• Why ESOPs help preserve legacy and boost employee engagement
• When an ESOP makes the most sense (and when it doesn’t)
• The costs and complexities of setting up and managing an ESOP
• How ESOPs offer flexibility for long-term transition planning
• A real-world story of a business owner rethinking their exit after learning about ESOPs
• Why ESOPs are especially valuable when there's no clear successor in the family
• The importance of stability, cash flow, and operational independence in ESOP suitability
• Dave’s call to action for family business owners to explore this underutilized exit strategy

Links and Resources:

• Subscribe Via Email: GetInsideBS.com
• Listen on Spotify: Inside BS Show on Spotify
• Listen on Apple Podcasts: Inside BS Show on Apple Podcasts
• Call Us: (305) 692-5531
• Recommended Expert: Andrew Nicolai – ESOP Specialist Interview 

Call to Action:
If your family business is doing more than $10 million in annual revenue and you’re curious about exiting without giving a big chunk to the IRS, this episode is for you. Don’t wait for a buyer to knock on your door—build your own. Reach out to Dave Lorenzo or check out the interview with ESOP expert Andrew Nicolai to take the next step.

"You don’t choose a king to run your business. You choose someone who earned the throne." – Dave Lorenzo

What You’ll Discover Today:

If you're a family business CEO, this episode is essential listening. Dave Lorenzo breaks down the five critical things every family business leader must understand before creating a succession plan. From tax consequences to cultural leadership, this is not just about retirement—it’s about protecting your legacy.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The Real Definition of Succession Planning
  It’s not retirement planning—it’s contingency planning. Dave explains how to build depth in every leadership role to prepare for short-term absences or permanent transitions.
• Why Family Ties Complicate Leadership Transitions
  Being family isn’t enough. The next CEO must earn the position through merit, experience, and credibility. Dave outlines what that means in a real-world family business.
• Culture Is a Leadership Legacy
  Transferring leadership also means transferring responsibility for culture. The next leader must connect deeply with the team and lead from the front.
• The Tax Angle You Cannot Ignore
  Dave emphasizes the need to engage a tax expert and estate planning attorney early. Succession has significant tax implications for you, your company, and your successor.
• Why Transparency Builds a Strong Bench
  Communication with your team is the glue that holds succession planning together. From performance reviews to role readiness, your leadership team must always know who’s next.

Links and Resources:

• Subscribe Via Email: GetInsideBS.com
• Listen on Spotify: Inside BS Show on Spotify
• Listen on Apple Podcasts: Inside BS Show on Apple Podcasts
• Call Us: (305) 692-5531

Call to Action:

Subscribe to get new episodes delivered daily.
Visit GetInsideBS.com for your daily dose of business strategy and leadership insight.

“Empathy is the most important job as a business owner. Put yourself in that person's shoes and give them what they need.” – Sara Naheedy

What You’ll Discover Today:
How does a real estate lawyer become the most loved advisor in her region? Today on The Inside BS Show, hosts sit down with California real estate attorney and broker Sara Naheedy. From her early days handling massive litigation cases to her current focus on mediation and transaction work, Sara shares how empathy, personal branding, and relationship-based networking fueled her rapid growth. This conversation is packed with insights for attorneys, business owners, and real estate investors alike.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The worst smells in professional life (and what they reveal about your past jobs)
• Sara’s journey from litigation to mediation—and why she left trial work behind
• The power of empathy in legal practice and business development
• Building a law firm on values and relationships instead of traditional marketing
• Why Sara got her real estate broker license—and how it gives her a competitive edge
• The pros and cons of putting investment properties in LLCs
• How to approach 1031 exchanges and real estate in business exit planning
• Airbnb nightmares and the critical importance of permits
• Using networking (especially ProVisors) to build a national referral engine
• Why reviews and visibility matter—and how one review led to co-authoring a book
• Behind the scenes of her book "Stack the Legal Odds in Your Favor"
• What the future holds for the Nahidi Law Firm

Links and Resources:

• Subscribe Via Email: GetInsideBS.com
• Listen on Spotify: Inside BS Show on Spotify
• Listen on Apple Podcasts: Inside BS Show on Apple Podcasts
• Follow Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saranaheedy/
• Sara’s Website: https://saranaheedylaw.com
• Follow Sara on Instagram: @saranaheedy

Call to Action:
If you're an attorney, a real estate investor, or a business owner who wants to build trust, credibility, and long-term client relationships, Sara's story is a blueprint worth studying. Share this episode with a friend or colleague who needs to hear how empathy and strategy can transform a law firm. And don't forget to subscribe at GetInsideBS.com for more practical business wisdom every single day.

"I was probably the only salesperson to ever get physically thrown out of a meeting by security — and it was completely my fault." - Dave Lorenzo

What You’ll Discover Today:
Today on The Inside BS Show, Dave Lorenzo shares an unforgettable story about getting thrown out of a sales meeting — and how it taught him the three most important aspects of consultative sales. Learn the powerful lessons behind Message, Audience, and Delivery (MAD) so you never make the same mistake in your own sales approach.

Key Topics Discussed:

• How Dave's over-reliance on a formal presentation cost him a major deal
• Why understanding client urgency is critical in every sales meeting
• The three critical aspects of consultative sales: Message, Audience, and Delivery
• How to align your sales conversation with the client's pain and timing
• Why storytelling is the secret weapon for consultative selling success
• The "MAD" acronym that will transform the way you approach every client conversation

Links and Resources:

• Subscribe Via Email: GetInsideBS.com
• Listen on Spotify: Inside BS Show on Spotify
• Listen on Apple Podcasts: Inside BS Show on Apple Podcasts
• Call Us: (305) 692-5531

Call to Action:
If you want to master consultative selling and never get thrown out of a meeting like Dave did, start by understanding your client's Message, Audience, and Delivery needs. And be sure to watch the next video on Identifying Your Ideal Client — it will make applying today's lessons even easier.