What if boosting your team's financial know-how could also boost your business's success? That's the crux of today's episode, as we explore the power of workplace financial education.

Join Steve Burton and guest James Blanton, a specialist in financial education and the brain behind "PemLife," as they uncover why a financially savvy workforce is critical. Learn about the "Personal Economic Model," an engaging tool for educating employees about money management—its colleges are already embracing. Discover how financial literacy can reduce stress and turnover, creating a more stable and productive work environment.

Steve and James discuss:

• (00:01:53) The importance of financial education in the workplace 

• (00:03:14) The groundbreaking "Personal Economic Model" and its impact 

• (00:05:43) How financial knowledge reduces stress and stabilizes teams 

• (00:14:48) Simple steps to integrate financial education in your company 

Resources:

• Unlock your business’s potential with our free Scale to Sell self-assessment.

• Book your free discovery call with us today! 

• Mission One Million by Merle Gilley and Steve Burton

Connect with Our Team: 

• Website: Scale to Sell

• [email protected] 

• LinkedIn: Scale to Sell

• Facebook: Scale to Sell

• YouTube: Scale to Sell

• Instagram: Scale to Sell

Connect with Adam Burton and Steve Burton:

• LinkedIn: Adam Burton 

• LinkedIn: Steve Burton

Connect James Blanton: 

• Personal Economic Model: PemLife

• James Blanton:  Linkedin

About Our Guest: 

James Blanton is the Managing Director and Co-Founder of PEM LIFE, an organization committed to enhancing financial education through innovative, visual learning tools and practical curriculum design. Together with Don Blanton (no familial relation), he co-created Personal Finance Illustrated®, which incorporates the Personal Economic Model®—a powerful visual framework that simplifies complex financial topics and empowers individuals to make informed decisions.

Blanton’s mission is to help people better understand how to balance current lifestyle desires with future financial needs. His work emphasizes efficiency, clarity, and the importance of education in long-term financial success. PEM LIFE’s resources are now being used by educators across the country to improve financial literacy in classrooms and communities alike.

Summary: What’s your plan for life after selling your business? Even if you’re not ready to exit, giving this some thought could save you a lot of trouble down the road.

Episode 37 of the Scale to Sell podcast with Adam and Steve Burton unpacks what comes after selling a business and why planning for it is crucial. With 70% of business owners feeling unsatisfied a year after selling, it’s vital to prepare not just financially, but personally too. They discuss avoiding the dreaded post-sale unfulfillment and offer insights into creating a fulfilling new chapter of your life.

Adam and Steve discuss:

• (00:03:20) The emotional rollercoaster of selling

• (00:06:45) Planning your post-sale life activities 

• (00:10:12) Financial readiness and income strategies post-exit 

• (00:15:00) Reinvesting and legacy planning 

Resources:

• Unlock your business’s potential with our free Scale to Sell self-assessment

• Book your free discovery call with us today! 

• Mission One Million by Merle Gilley and Steve Burton

• Epidose 36: 4 Considerations BEFORE You Do an Internal Transfer of Your Business

Connect with Our Team: 

• Website: Scale to Sell

• [email protected] 

• LinkedIn: Scale to Sell

• Facebook: Scale to Sell

• YouTube: Scale to Sell

• Instagram: Scale to Sell

Connect with Adam Burton and Steve Burton:

• LinkedIn: Adam Burton 

• LinkedIn: Steve Burton

What does it take to pass down your business to the next generation successfully?

Join Adam and Steve Burton on this episode of Scale to Sell as they break down the tricky process of internal business transfers. Whether it's grooming your child to take over the family business or handing it off to a key employee, there's a lot more to consider than you might think.

Adam and Steve Burton discuss: 

• (01:45) Finding a qualified and genuinely interested successor 

• (05:32) Ensuring your successor truly desires the role and is prepared for the responsibilities 

• (10:48) Structuring your compensation plan to mitigate risks and secure your financial future 

• (16:17) Crafting a seamless transition strategy for continued business success 

Do you know if your internal transfer plan is foolproof? Tune in to find out and gain insights on structuring a smooth transition. Plus, learn how you can shield your legacy and safeguard your financial security during the process.

Resources:

• Episode 5: Internal v. External Sale - Part 1

• Episode 6: Internal v. External Sale - Part 2

Connect with Our Team: 

• Website: Scale to Sell

• [email protected] 

• LinkedIn: Scale to Sell

• Facebook: Scale to Sell

• YouTube: Scale to Sell

• Instagram: Scale to Sell

Connect with Adam Burton and Steve Burton:

• LinkedIn: Adam Burton 

• LinkedIn: Steve Burton

Summary:

What does it take to successfully grow your business through acquisition in a landscape bustling with opportunity?

In this episode, Steve Burton and M&A expert Jeff Snell discuss growth through acquisition – one of the swiftest routes to scaling your business. With millions of baby boomers ready to pass on their businesses, now is a prime time for owner-operators to capitalize on this trend. Jeff, a seasoned professional with over two decades in mergers and acquisitions, shares his extensive experience, offering insights into acquiring businesses right, including understanding valuation and leveraging advantageous SBA loan terms.

Steve and Jeff discuss: 

• (02:24) Jeff Snell’s journey from business owner to M&A advisor

• (09:12) The dynamics of growth by acquisition

• (12:16) How the current high-interest rate environment can actually be advantageous for buyers

• (15:13) The role of SBA loans in financing acquisitions with relaxed terms

• (24:01) The importance of knowing your business value and how it influences exit strategies

• And more

Take advantage of this golden age of business transition and discover how acquisition might be a viable strategy for your growth plan. Don't miss out on Jeff Snell’s expert advice on avoiding common pitfalls and maximizing value through strategic partnerships.

Resources:

• Unlock your business’s potential with our free Scale to Sell self-assessment

• Book your free discovery call with us today! 

• Mission One Million by Merle Gilley and Steve Burton

• Understanding Business Valuations with M&A Pro Jeff Snell (Ep. 24)

Connect with Our Team: 

• Website: Scale to Sell

• [email protected] 

• LinkedIn: Scale to Sell

• Facebook: Scale to Sell

• YouTube: Scale to Sell

• Instagram: Scale to Sell

Connect with Adam Burton and Steve Burton:

• LinkedIn: Adam Burton 

• LinkedIn: Steve Burton

Connect with Jeff Snell:

• LinkedIn: Jeff Snell

• ENLIGN Business Brokers

About our Guest: 

Jeff Snell is an M&A expert with over 20 years of experience in business brokerage. He is the credentialing chairman for the International Business Brokers Association and holds several prestigious designations, including Certified Business Intermediary and Merger and Acquisitions Master Intermediary.

Celebrating One Year of Scale to Sell: Key Takeaways for Business Owners (Ep. 34)

Summary:

What are you missing out on?

In this special anniversary episode, Adam and Steve Burton celebrate one year of the Scale to Sell podcast by diving into the critical lessons learned from real business owners. Are you aware that only 20-30% of small businesses successfully sell? Adam and Steve explore the hidden hurdles and share proven strategies to ensure you're not just another statistic. If you're a business owner looking to exit on your terms, this episode is packed with essential information. Join them for a candid conversation about avoiding common pitfalls and planning your successful exit.

Adam and Steve discuss:

●       (03:57) Why most exits leave owners unhappy

●       (11:19) The critical need for effective time management and delegation

●       (12:20) Options for internal and external exit strategies

●       (16:02) The importance of knowing your business's value

●       And more

Resources:

●       Unlock your business’s potential with our free Scale to Sell self-assessment

●       Book your free discovery call with us today!

●       Mission One Million by Merle Gilley and Steve Burton

Connect with Our Team:

●       Website: Scale to Sell

●       [email protected]

●       LinkedIn: Scale to Sell

●       Facebook: Scale to Sell

●       YouTube: Scale to Sell

●       Instagram: Scale to Sell

Connect with Adam Burton and Steve Burton:

●       LinkedIn: Adam Burton

●       LinkedIn: Steve Burton

Summary:

Are you just checking boxes with your taxes? It might be costing you a fortune.

In this episode, Steve Burton dives into the crucial difference between tax preparation and tax planning with Blake Schaper, CPA, MST, CTFA, CEO of BrookHaven Family Office. With extensive experience on teams that handle accounts ranging from NFL team owners to budding entrepreneurs, Blake sheds light on the importance of proactive tax strategies for business owners. They discuss the proactive steps to minimize tax liabilities while enhancing overall business value.

Blake discusses: 

• (04:09) The vital difference between tax preparation and proactive tax planning

• (06:40) Why aligning your tax, financial, and estate plans is crucial 

• (09:23) The significant benefits of staging your business for sale, much like staging a home

• (16:04) Navigating the landscape of taxes when passing your business down a generation

• And more

 Resources:

• Unlock your business’s potential with our free Scale to Sell self-assessment

• Book your free discovery call with us today! 

• Mission One Million by Merle Gilley and Steve Burton

 Connect with Our Team: 

• Website: Scale to Sell

• [email protected] 

• LinkedIn: Scale to Sell

• Facebook: Scale to Sell

• YouTube: Scale to Sell

• Instagram: Scale to Sell

 Connect with Steve Burton:

 LinkedIn: Steve Burton

Connect with Blake Schaper: 

• BrookHaven

• LinkedIn: Blake Schaper

About our Guest: 

After graduating from the University of North Georgia, Blake Schaper commissioned into the Georgia Army National Guard and attended the U.S. Army Flight School in Fort Rucker, Alabama. He spent the greater part of two years learning to fly helicopters and airplanes while simultaneously completing courses for his master’s degree in Tax. He also graduated from the U.S. Army’s Airborne School and the Republic of Georgia’s Mountain Warfare School in Sachkhere, just 30 miles from the Russian border. Dedication and commitment to the country drive and focus him in his role at Armis.

 Blake enlisted in the military in 2009 and spent the earlier part of his career as a Military Police Officer, during which he was named the Georgia Army National Guard Soldier of the Year (2011) and awarded a Meritorious Service Medal for his accomplishments. He continues to serve as a Platoon Leader and Blackhawk pilot in an Assault Helicopter Battalion.

His master’s degree is in Tax Planning from the University of Cincinnati, and he is currently testing for his designation as a CPA.

Does your P&L sheet capture your company's true value? Adam and Steve Burton beg to differ.

In this episode, they tackle a crucial topic that often eludes business owners: knowing and growing your business value. This episode is packed with straightforward insights to help you understand how to not just measure profitability but also build real, marketable value.

Adam and Steve discuss: 

• (04:51) The crucial difference between income and market value

• (08:20) Why updating your business valuation is essential, not optional

• (12:30) The hidden power of intangible assets in business value

• (18:45) How a 'Family Office Model' aids in a streamlined, holistic exit plan

• And more

Discover how you can safeguard and elevate the worth of what might be your biggest asset. If you're ready to grow or considering an exit, tuning in could change your strategy. Start measuring what really matters today!

Resources:

• Unlock your business’s potential with our free Scale to Sell self-assessment

• Book your free discovery call with us today! 

• Mission One Million by Merle Gilley and Steve Burton

• Zillow.com

• Realtor.com

Connect with Our Team: 

• Website: Scale to Sell

• [email protected] 

• LinkedIn: Scale to Sell

• Facebook: Scale to Sell

• YouTube: Scale to Sell

• Instagram: Scale to Sell

Connect with Adam Burton and Steve Burton:

• LinkedIn: Adam Burton 

• LinkedIn: Steve Burton

Summary:

Why wait for the big payday when selling your business?

In this episode, Adam and Steve Burton dive into why harvesting value from your business before exiting is crucial. With engaging insights, they explore strategies for diversifying your assets and ensuring you aren't putting all your eggs in one basket. They emphasize understanding your business's value, planning strategically, and taking proactive steps to protect and grow your net worth.

Adam and Steve discuss:

• (01:33) The importance of not tying up all your net worth in your business

• (06:24) How to take initiative and be strategic in asset diversification

• (08:12) The roles of tax planners and financial advisors in protecting wealth

• (12:30) Ways to de-risk both business and personal finances

• (14:54) Preparing for unexpected changes and ensuring liquidity

• (16:21) Seeking partial sales or equity release as a means to reduce risk

• (20:43) Options for internal sales and financing when passing the business on to family

• And more

Tune in and discover how strategically harvesting value now can create a solid foundation for the future.

Resources:

• Know your business’ value with our free valuation!

• Unlock your business’s potential with our free Scale to Sell self-assessment

• Book your free discovery call with us today! 

• Mission One Million by Merle Gilley and Steve Burton

Connect with Our Team: 

• Website: Scale to Sell

• [email protected] 

• LinkedIn: Scale to Sell

• Facebook: Scale to Sell

• YouTube: Scale to Sell

• Instagram: Scale to Sell

Connect with Adam Burton and Steve Burton:

• LinkedIn: Adam Burton 

• LinkedIn: Steve Burton

Summary:

Are you setting goals for 2025 but find yourself wondering why they often fall flat?

In this episode, Adam and Steve Burton discuss setting goals that stick. They're diving into actionable steps to ensure success in both life and business, teaching you how to become a true DOER with their memorable acronym: Dream, Outline, Execute, Review.

Adam and Steve discuss: 

• (04:00) Dream: Setting meaningful goals that truly motivate you.

• (07:16 Outline: Crafting a detailed plan to achieve your dreams.

• (09:57) Execute: Taking concrete steps and aligning your schedule with your objectives.

• (14:53) Review: Reflecting on progress and making necessary adjustments.

• And more

These key components are your arsenal for making 2025 a year of transformation. Tune in to learn how aligning your team's vision with company goals can cultivate a purpose-driven culture. 

Resources:

• Unlock your business’s potential with our free Scale to Sell self-assessment

• Book your free discovery call with us today! 

• Mission One Million by Merle Gilley and Steve Burton

Connect with Our Team: 

• Website: Scale to Sell

• [email protected] 

• LinkedIn: Scale to Sell

• Facebook: Scale to Sell

• YouTube: Scale to Sell

• Instagram: Scale to Sell

Connect with Adam Burton and Steve Burton:

• LinkedIn: Adam Burton 

• LinkedIn: Steve Burton

Summary:

Are you ready to prepare your business for a successful exit while securing financial freedom and a balanced lifestyle?

In this episode, Steve Burton welcomes Ed de la Rosa to discuss the substantial role a certified exit planner plays in a business's journey, even when exiting isn't immediately on the horizon. Discover how distinct strategies not only enhance a business's value but also equip you for unforeseen prospects. Get ready for insights on maximizing transferable value, embracing life beyond the business, and the crucial role of your expert team. Ed highlights the importance of not just focusing on profit but identifying and de-risking areas that can dramatically increase a business’s valuation.

Ed discusses: 

• (02:52) The role of a certified exit planner

• (03:38) Value creation through de-risking and tax planning

• (05:06) Building a team for business growth and personal freedom

• (13:44) The importance of knowing your business's real value and making a regretless choice

• (18:28) Strategies for minimizing tax liabilities and boosting profitability

• And more

Resources:

• Unlock your business’s potential with our free Scale to Sell self-assessment

• Book your free discovery call with us today! 

• Mission One Million by Merle Gilley and Steve Burton

Connect with Our Team: 

• Website: Scale to Sell

• [email protected] 

• LinkedIn: Scale to Sell

• Facebook: Scale to Sell

• YouTube: Scale to Sell

• Instagram: Scale to Sell

Connect with Adam Burton and Steve Burton:

• LinkedIn: Adam Burton 

• LinkedIn: Steve Burton

Connect with Ed de la Rosa: 

• Website: Solid Ground Financial

• [email protected]

• LinkedIn: Ed de la Rosa

About our Guest: 

Ed de la Rosa founded Solid Ground Financial to help baby boomers make sure they are on a sustainable path during their retirement years. You have worked hard for your money. You know that putting your money on solid ground is critical, especially as our desire to leave a legacy grows with the passing years.