For some entrepreneurs, the idea of ownership doesn't come from a lifelong dream. It comes from a conversation, a transition, and a willingness to bet on yourself when the road ahead isn't clear.

In this episode, we sit down with Sean McIlroy, West Point graduate, former U.S. Army Green Beret, and owner of MP Copiers in Northern Virginia, who discovered entrepreneurship through acquisition after a decade of military service. What started as a passing suggestion from a friend evolved into an 18-month search, a disciplined acquisition process, a business that checked every box, and a deal that closed in March 2026.

Together, we discuss:

What ten years of military service really teaches you about risk, chaos, and leading people

How he discovered entrepreneurship through acquisition and why it felt like the right fit

What 18 months of searching actually looks like and how he stayed the course

The criteria he used to evaluate businesses and why he looked past the "trendy" options

The financial trade-offs of the search and what made it survivable

The leadership adjustment every new owner has to make about the people already on their team

If you've ever stood at a transition point and wondered whether ownership could be your next chapter, Sean's story offers an honest and grounded look at what it really takes.

Are you ready to take control of your future and start building your legacy? Visit ⁠⁠getprovide.com⁠⁠ to pre-qualify for financing in as little as two minutes, with no impact on your credit score.

Provide is a division of Fifth Third Bank, National Association. All opinions expressed by the participant are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions of Provide, its affiliates, or Fifth Third Bank. The participant’s opinions are based on information they consider reliable, but neither Provide, its affiliates nor Fifth Third Bank warrant its completeness or accuracy and should not be relied upon as such. This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute the rendering of legal, accounting, tax, or investment advice, or other professional services by Provide or any of its affiliates. Please consult with appropriate professionals related to your individual circumstances. All lending is subject to review and approval.

For some entrepreneurs, building a business isn't just about what they're creating — it's about who they're becoming in the process.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Kate McGowan, DVM, owner of The Healthy Pet Veterinary Clinics in the Atlanta area, who built a boutique veterinary hospital from the ground up while raising a family and carrying six figures of student loan debt. What began as a late-night conversation on the couch evolved into two thriving locations, a debt-free life, and a business designed intentionally around the people she loves most.

Together, we discuss:

What it really feels like to leave a safe job for something uncertain

The honest conversations she had at home before taking the leap

The shift in family dynamics that made the business possible

Designing a schedule, culture, and team around family — not in spite of it

The Profit First method and the financial habits that fueled long-term stability

Learning to let go, hire slowly, and trust the people around you

If you've ever wondered whether you can build something meaningful without losing yourself in the process, Dr. Kate's story offers a candid look at what it really takes.

Are you ready to take control of your future and start building your legacy? Visit ⁠getprovide.com⁠ to pre-qualify for financing in as little as two minutes, with no impact on your credit score.

Provide is a division of Fifth Third Bank, National Association. All opinions expressed by the participant are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions of Provide, its affiliates, or Fifth Third Bank. The participant’s opinions are based on information they consider reliable, but neither Provide, its affiliates nor Fifth Third Bank warrant its completeness or accuracy and should not be relied upon as such. This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute the rendering of legal, accounting, tax, or investment advice, or other professional services by Provide or any of its affiliates. Please consult with appropriate professionals related to your individual circumstances. All lending is subject to review and approval.

For some entrepreneurs, starting a business isn’t just a leap of faith — it’s a leap taken together.

In this episode, we sit down with husband and wife Bob and Jan Gibbons,  who built their commercial real estate business over time — first as a solo venture, and eventually as a shared commitment. What began as a response to a layoff evolved into a long-term partnership rooted in trust, specialization, and a willingness to grow together.

But working together didn’t come with a blueprint.

Together, we discuss:

What it feels like to build a business after unexpected job loss

The leap from “helping out” to fully committing as co-owners

The tension of giving each other responsibility and authority

Learning to define roles, stay in your lane, and let go of control

How outside mentorship helped them align around a shared vision

If you’ve ever wondered whether you could build something meaningful with your spouse — without sacrificing the relationship in the process — this conversation offers an honest look at what it really takes.

Are you ready to take control of your future and start building your legacy? Visit getprovide.com to pre-qualify for financing in as little as two minutes, with no impact on your credit score.

Provide is a division of Fifth Third Bank, National Association. All opinions expressed by the participant are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions of Provide, its affiliates, or Fifth Third Bank. The participant’s opinions are based on information they consider reliable, but neither Provide, its affiliates nor Fifth Third Bank warrant its completeness or accuracy and should not be relied upon as such. This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute the rendering of legal, accounting, tax, or investment advice, or other professional services by Provide or any of its affiliates. Please consult with appropriate professionals related to your individual circumstances. All lending is subject to review and approval.

For some entrepreneurs, starting a business isn't a lifelong dream. It’s a moment of clarity, a calculated leap, and a willingness to build before they feel ready.

In this episode, we’re speaking with Dusty Weis, founder and president of Podcamp Media, a boutique podcast production agency that helps brands tell better stories and build long-term trust with their audiences. Dusty shares how his corporate career in journalism and strategic communications led to a lightbulb moment, some quick back-of-the-napkin math, and the bold ask that helped launch his business — turning his employer into his first client.

Together we’ll discuss:

How Dusty knew it was time to leave corporate and bet on himself

The fears and doubts he had starting a business with a young family at home

How he carved out a niche in a crowded industry by going boutique

What it really takes to build client trust and keep relationships for the long haul

Why uncertainty and impostor syndrome don’t go away and how to keep building in spite of them

Are you ready to take control of your future and start building your legacy? Visit getprovide.com/start/the-path-to-owning-it to pre-qualify for financing in as little as two minutes, with no impact on your credit score.

Provide is a division of Fifth Third Bank, National Association. All opinions expressed by the participant are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions of Provide, its affiliates, or Fifth Third Bank. The participant’s opinions are based on information they consider reliable, but neither Provide, its affiliates nor Fifth Third Bank warrant its completeness or accuracy and should not be relied upon as such. This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute the rendering of legal, accounting, tax, or investment advice, or other professional services by Provide or any of its affiliates. Please consult with appropriate professionals related to your individual circumstances. All lending is subject to review and approval.

For some entrepreneurs, the time and energy it takes to start a business from scratch is a welcome challenge. 

And for others, it makes more sense to buy their way into business ownership — and it’s more accessible than ever thanks to game-changing, government-backed SBA 7(a) loans.

So in this episode, we're speaking with Matthias Smith, founder and owner of Pioneer Capital Advisory LLC, a consulting firm that helps entrepreneurs secure SBA 7(a) financing to acquire a business.

Since launching in May 2022, his firm has helped 115 business buyers close on more than $250 million of SBA 7(a) financing.

And together, we'll discuss:

What types of businesses do well in an entrepreneurship-through-acquisition (ETA) transaction

How SBA 7(a) financing works

What new business owners should consider when structuring an acquisition

What due diligence mistakes small business buyers often make

How small business buyers can prepare to apply for financing

Are you ready to take control of your future and start building your legacy? Visit ⁠getprovide.com/start/the-path-to-owning-it to pre-qualify⁠ for financing in as little as two minutes, with no impact on your credit score.

Provide is a division of Fifth Third Bank, National Association. All opinions expressed by the participant are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions of Provide, its affiliates, or Fifth Third Bank. The participant’s opinions are based on information they consider reliable, but neither Provide, its affiliates nor Fifth Third Bank warrant its completeness or accuracy and should not be relied upon as such. This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute the rendering of legal, accounting, tax, or investment advice, or other professional services by Provide or any of its affiliates. Please consult with appropriate professionals related to your individual circumstances. All lending is subject to review and approval.

"It's my life." "It's my identity." "It's my baby."

Many entrepreneurs think of their businesses in one or more of these ways.

But when it’s time to build an exit strategy, that kind of thinking can create complicated feelings, making decisions more difficult.

When selling your business is on the horizon, it's important to define your priorities, plan well in advance, and ensure that you get top dollar for your asset.

Enter Alex Vantarakis, founder of The Vant Group, a leading mergers and acquisitions firm. Alex has spent more than 25 years helping business owners with more than 700 business transactions.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

When a business owner should start planning their exit

How to get the best price for your business

How to protect your legacy when selling

Why fewer businesses are transitioning to family members

Are you ready to take control of your future and start building your legacy? Visit ⁠getprovide.com/start/the-path-to-owning-it to pre-qualify⁠ for financing in as little as two minutes, with no impact on your credit score.

Provide is a division of Fifth Third Bank, National Association. All opinions expressed by the participant are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions of Provide, its affiliates, or Fifth Third Bank. The participant’s opinions are based on information they consider reliable, but neither Provide, its affiliates nor Fifth Third Bank warrant its completeness or accuracy and should not be relied upon as such. This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute the rendering of legal, accounting, tax, or investment advice, or other professional services by Provide or any of its affiliates. Please consult with appropriate professionals related to your individual circumstances. All lending is subject to review and approval.

If you’re a business owner, there’s one acronym you need to know: SBA. The Small Business Administration is your gateway to funding, growth, and opportunity.

In this episode, we sit down with our very own Brett Howden, Director of Credit, SBA at Provide, a division of Fifth Third Bank. He's a pro at connecting entrepreneurs with the right financial products to level up their businesses.

We’ll cover:

How SBA loans stack up against conventional loans

The SBA programs that could fuel growth

Who qualifies — and what it takes to get approved

How to decide if an SBA loan is the right move for your business

Are you ready to take control of your future and start building your legacy? Visit ⁠getprovide.com/start/the-path-to-owning-it to pre-qualify⁠ for financing in as little as two minutes, with no impact on your credit score.

Provide is a division of Fifth Third Bank, National Association. All opinions expressed by the participant are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions of Provide, its affiliates, or Fifth Third Bank. The participant’s opinions are based on information they consider reliable, but neither Provide, its affiliates nor Fifth Third Bank warrant its completeness or accuracy and should not be relied upon as such. This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute the rendering of legal, accounting, tax, or investment advice, or other professional services by Provide or any of its affiliates. Please consult with appropriate professionals related to your individual circumstances. All lending is subject to review and approval.

As a small business owner, you often experience exciting growth and success — and when your top employee decides to move on, it’s an opportunity to adapt and strengthen your team even further.

With the right plans and procedures in place, you can navigate transitions smoothly and come out even more resilient.

Paul Edwards has guided many businesses through these moments with confidence. As the founder and CEO of CEDR HR Solutions, he works with over 3,000 companies that employ more than 46,000 people. His expertise in human resources for small businesses helps entrepreneurs turn challenges into opportunities for growth and success.

So in this episode, we're going to ask him:

What should small business owners do when a top employee quits?

How can small business owners use exit interviews to improve?

How quickly should employers try to fill a vacancy?

How to talk to your employees when someone quits or is fired?

What are common reasons that employees quit?

Are you ready to take control of your future and start building your legacy? Visit ⁠getprovide.com/start/the-path-to-owning-it to pre-qualify⁠ for financing in as little as two minutes, with no impact on your credit score.

Provide is a division of Fifth Third Bank, National Association. All opinions expressed by the participant are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions of Provide, its affiliates, or Fifth Third Bank. The participant’s opinions are based on information they consider reliable, but neither Provide, its affiliates nor Fifth Third Bank warrant its completeness or accuracy and should not be relied upon as such. This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute the rendering of legal, accounting, tax, or investment advice, or other professional services by Provide or any of its affiliates. Please consult with appropriate professionals related to your individual circumstances. All lending is subject to review and approval.

The time to prepare for a crisis is before it strikes.

Having a plan to protect both your reputation and your business is important. So why is it that a shocking number of small business owners don’t have a crisis communications plan in their public relations contingencies?

In this episode, we're speaking with Lauren Parker, co-owner and CEO of Slide Nine Agency, to explore effective crisis communications for small businesses.

With more than 15 years of experience in strategic communications and crisis management, Lauren has invaluable insights on how small businesses can prepare for and navigate unexpected reputational challenges.

We'll discuss:

Common misconceptions about public relations for small businesses

Why small business owners should prioritize crisis preparedness

Key elements to a successful PR strategy

What small business owners should do about fake or malicious reviews online

The role social media plays in navigating a reputational crisis

Are you ready to take control of your future and start building your legacy? Visit ⁠getprovide.com/start/the-path-to-owning-it to pre-qualify⁠ for financing in as little as two minutes, with no impact on your credit score.

Provide is a division of Fifth Third Bank, National Association. All opinions expressed by the participant are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions of Provide, its affiliates, or Fifth Third Bank. The participant’s opinions are based on information they consider reliable, but neither Provide, its affiliates nor Fifth Third Bank warrant its completeness or accuracy and should not be relied upon as such. This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute the rendering of legal, accounting, tax, or investment advice, or other professional services by Provide or any of its affiliates. Please consult with appropriate professionals related to your individual circumstances. All lending is subject to review and approval.

For many small business founders, their business is their life's work — and their livelihood.

If the unexpected were to happen like a cyber attack or natural disaster, these companies would likely experience a significant financial setback and difficulty returning to normal operations quickly.

Selecting the right small business insurance for your industry, location, and risk tolerance can set your business up for stability and security — no matter what surprises life throws your way. 

That's why in this episode we're talking to Matt Martin, vice president at BSBD Insurance in Texas. 

Together, we'll cover:

The key components to include in a small business disaster preparedness plan

How business interruption insurance works

How business owners should assess their insurance needs

Common coverage gaps that small businesses often overlook

A real-world example of a small business that was saved by proper insurance coverage 

Are you ready to take control of your future and start building your legacy? Visit ⁠getprovide.com/start/the-path-to-owning-it to pre-qualify⁠ for financing in as little as two minutes, with no impact on your credit score.