Join host Ben Towne in this episode of Max Value as he sits down with John Walker—entrepreneur, mentor, and longtime Vistage International leader. With over 40 years of experience coaching CEOs and building businesses, John shares hard-earned lessons from both major wins and painful failures.

You’ll hear stories about turning around a strike-ridden manufacturing plant, bringing the Brita water filter to U.S. markets, and navigating the challenges of a failed energy startup. John also dives into the power of leadership vision, what makes succession planning work (or fail) in family businesses, and why he believes the ultimate wealth is human creativity.

Whether you’re a business owner, valuation specialist, or professional advisor, this conversation is packed with insights on leadership, exit planning, and long-term value creation.

👉 If you enjoy conversations on business valuation, succession planning, and leadership growth, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with a colleague who would find this valuable.

business valuation, exit planning, succession planning, leadership lessons, entrepreneurship, Vistage coaching, family business strategy, human creativity in business.

What makes a CPA more than just an accountant? In this episode of Max Value, host Ben Towne sits down with Denise Froemming, President & CEO of CalCPA, to explore why CPAs are trusted as the custodians of financial truth—and how they can directly boost the value of your business.

Denise shares her inspiring journey from healthcare finance and data analytics to global real estate leadership and ultimately guiding one of the largest CPA organizations in the U.S. She explains what sets CPAs apart, how the licensing process is evolving, and why their integrity and public trust responsibilities matter now more than ever.

You’ll also hear how CPAs add strategic value far beyond tax preparation, from business valuation and exit planning to advisory insights that help companies grow. Plus, Denise weighs in on the future of the profession, including how CPAs can stay relevant in the age of AI while maintaining professional skepticism.

📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What a CPA really does—and why it matters
• How CPAs safeguard public trust and financial integrity
• New, more flexible pathways to becoming a CPA
• How CPAs increase business value and support owners
• Why strategic advice makes CPAs worth the investment
• How the profession is adapting to AI

If you’re a business owner, advisor, or finance professional, this conversation will help you see why having the right CPA in your corner can be a game-changer.

What makes a CPA more than just an accountant? In this episode of Max Value, host Ben Towne sits down with Denise Froemming, President & CEO of CalCPA, to explore why CPAs are trusted as the custodians of financial truth—and how they can directly boost the value of your business.

Denise shares her inspiring journey from healthcare finance and data analytics to global real estate leadership and ultimately guiding one of the largest CPA organizations in the U.S. She explains what sets CPAs apart, how the licensing process is evolving, and why their integrity and public trust responsibilities matter now more than ever.

You’ll also hear how CPAs add strategic value far beyond tax preparation, from business valuation and exit planning to advisory insights that help companies grow. Plus, Denise weighs in on the future of the profession, including how CPAs can stay relevant in the age of AI while maintaining professional skepticism.

📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What a CPA really does—and why it matters
• How CPAs safeguard public trust and financial integrity
• New, more flexible pathways to becoming a CPA
• How CPAs increase business value and support owners
• Why strategic advice makes CPAs worth the investment
• How the profession is adapting to AI

If you’re a business owner, advisor, or finance professional, this conversation will help you see why having the right CPA in your corner can be a game-changer.

Discover how virtual assistants are helping business owners and professional service firms save time, boost productivity, and focus on what truly matters. In this episode of Max Value, Ben Towne interviews Tessa Baragasa, founder of Birdie Consulting in Colombia, about why U.S. businesses are turning to virtual assistants, how to find the right talent, and the secrets to building trust with remote teams.

Whether you’re curious about nearshoring, want to learn how to delegate effectively, or need insights on data security and remote staffing, this conversation delivers real-world tips and experiences you can apply today.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why Colombia is a top choice for virtual assistants
• Common myths about remote staffing—and the truth behind them
• Practical ways business owners use VAs to free up time
• How to build trust and integrate VAs into your team seamlessly

If you’re ready to unlock growth and efficiency with virtual assistants, this episode is for you!

In this in-depth conversation, we explore how divorce affects business valuation, from determining marital value to handling goodwill, related party transactions, and post-COVID financial adjustments. Family law valuation expert Megan Thompson shares real-world challenges, including small business complexities, replacement compensation disputes, and ensuring fairness in court. Whether you’re an attorney, business owner, or valuation professional, this episode offers practical strategies and legal insights to navigate divorce-related business valuations with accuracy and confidence. 

How does a $400 million capital gains tax exclusion sound?
 In this breaking update, tax strategist Garry Whitfield returns to MaxValue to unpack game-changing revisions to QSBS (Qualified Small Business Stock) following a newly signed federal bill. From raised asset thresholds to tiered holding periods and smarter exit strategies, this episode dives deep into how these enhancements can radically impact startup founders, investors, and exit planners.
 
 You'll learn:
 - What changed under Section 1202 of the Internal Revenue Code and why it matters  
 - Real-world examples of how these updates can create massive tax-free opportunities  
 - Advanced structuring tips for LLCs and C-Corps that maximize QSBS benefits  
 - Why the expanded $75M cap opens the door to strategic share issuance  
 - How Garry’s personal passion fuels his professional precision
 

What does it take to exit your business successfully? In this in-depth conversation, wealth advisor Sarah Raven and valuation expert Ben Towne explore the full spectrum of exit planning—from business readiness and financial strategy to emotional preparedness and long-term vision. Whether you're years away from selling or just beginning to think about life after ownership, this series walks you through the three critical pillars of exit planning: business value, personal goals, and financial planning.

Through analogies, real-life examples, and practical advice, Sarah and Ben break down key concepts like the readiness gap, value gap, wealth gap, and legacy planning. They share insights on navigating the emotional complexity of transition, structuring deals, building a strong advisory team, and preparing for what comes next. This is more than a checklist—it’s a blueprint for business owners who want to maximize value, avoid costly missteps, and exit on their own terms.

 In this closing conversation, Bekah Zsiga reflects on how flexible, remote work makes it possible to balance a fulfilling career in business valuation with active family life—something that once felt out of reach. She shares how continuous learning, meaningful client relationships, and a supportive team culture contribute to deep job satisfaction. Becca and I conclude with personal reflections on how part-time work models create real benefits for both professionals and firms. 

In this special episode, Ben Towne and guest Megan Thompson take a hilarious and insightful look at The Accountant 2, the action-packed sequel to the 2016 thriller. They break down the film’s plot, revisit key moments from the original movie. Blending humor with professional insight, this episode is perfect for both movie buffs and number nerds.

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Gary Whitfield to dive into one of the most powerful tools in exit planning: Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS). We break down how business owners can potentially exclude up to $10 million—or even more—in capital gains, and what it takes to qualify. From entity structure to valuation strategy, we cover what you need to know early if you're thinking about a future sale. Whether you're an entrepreneur or advising one, this conversation is packed with actionable insights.