The Art of Succession

This GPT has already supported hundreds of multi-generational businesses through complex transitions, and I’ve translated that experience into a free Custom GPT available on our website. Explore it here: https://bit.ly/art-of-succession-our-GPT
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Welcome to The Art of Succession Podcast. Host Barrett Young, CPA, talks with Joseph Rocky Jr,, Founder of Elite Business Cruise & Events, Keynotes & VIP Days — Decisions Without Pressure at Elite Business Conversations. Joseph shares how his career in commission-only sales led him to start his first business in 2011, build real estate ventures, and develop companies designed to operate without the owner being trapped in day-to-day work.

Joseph explains how he learned to focus on the highest-value work, identify specific customer problems, and build sales systems around win-win outcomes. He also discusses how narrowing the target audience, designing roles around the right people, and aligning employee incentives with client needs helped him create businesses that could run with less owner involvement.

He further discusses how business owners can prepare a company for sale or absentee ownership before pressure forces the decision. Joseph explains why selling should be a logical decision made well in advance, how buyers compare a business against other investment options, and why owners lose control once a sale closes.

Joseph also shares how he evaluates whether to retain, sell, outsource, partner, or build capabilities inside a company. He connects those decisions to succession risk, supplier dependence, scaling constraints, and the importance of building a business that can keep operating without the founder at the center.

Key Takeaways:

• Joseph started his first business in 2011 after realizing he wanted more control over the product he sold and the long-term value of his work.
• His early real estate ventures taught him to focus his effort on the most important driver of profitability: the purchase price.
• Joseph built a rent-to-own model around people going through divorce who wanted stability and a path back to homeownership.
• He trains salespeople to focus on solving real problems instead of forcing transactional sales.
• Buyers compare a business against many other investments, not only against similar companies in the same industry.
• A company becomes more valuable when it can operate without the owner’s time, energy, or daily involvement.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "A lot of what my world is building the business so that the owner doesn't have to be trapped in it." - Joseph Rockey
• "The number one determinant of what the profitability was or wasn't going to be was how much did you buy the house for in the first place?" - Joseph Rockey
• "If you have to do it today, you are going to lose." - Joseph Rockey
• "If you're making it in the moment, you're making an emotional decision for something that should be a logical-based answer, just outright." - Joseph Rockey
• "If you don't want to see them be successful, you shouldn't have them in your life for whatever reason that is." - Joseph Rockey

Join Joseph Rockey as he shares how he moved from commission-only sales into building multiple businesses, starting in real estate. He breaks down reducing owner dependence, solving specific problems, focused roles, and systems that let employees and clients succeed together. He also covers exit timing, ownership control, buyer expectations, and supplier relationships, showing why succession planning starts long before a sale, and why strong companies run without the founder making every call. 

Episode Highlights

[00:00] - Trailer & Introduction to Joseph

[02:24] - Introducing Joseph Rocky Jr and Elite Business Conversations

[02:52] - Building a business the owner does not have to be in unless they want to be

[03:25] - Joseph’s start in commission-only sales and real estate

[06:09] - Joseph’s first time being “The boss”

[08:54] - Using a spreadsheet to work backward from profitability

[16:28] - Discussing Joseph narrowing the target market around a specific customer problem

[21:01] - Training salespeople to solve problems instead of forcing transactions

[36:08] - Why sales decisions should be made before the moment arrives

[42:01] - Scaling challenge: finding the right suppliers

[51:23] - Model that’s scaling to $1 billion

[54:33] - Problem currently solving for non-profit world - the cruise aspect

[01:02:53] - One thing for the successor to remember for

[01:05:50] -  Closing conversation

Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review.

FOLLOW THE GUEST:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joerockey/
• Website: https://elitebusinesscruises.com/
• Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elite-business-cruises/
  
  

FOLLOW THE HOST:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrettyoung
• Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gwcpa/
• Website: https://gwcpas.com/
• Email: [email protected] 

FOLLOW THE PODCAST:

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-succession/id1742796896
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@artofsuccession
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7uhogBxFKWAAetAbD8TVQR
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/art-of-succession-podcast/
• Website: https://gwcpas.com/podcast
  
  

This GPT has already supported hundreds of multi-generational businesses through complex transitions, and I’ve translated that experience into a free Custom GPT available on our website. Explore it here: https://bit.ly/art-of-succession-our-GPT
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Want to be a guest on our podcast? Apply and share your expertise with our audience at https://www.podmatch.com/member/artofsuccession
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Welcome to The Art of Succession Podcast. Host Barrett Young, CPA, welcomes Chip Scholz, Founder & Owner of Scholz and Associates and author of Multiple books. Chip shares how his career in sales, lobbying, executive coaching, and years working with family owned logistics businesses shaped his views on succession. He explains why succession is about more than retirement, how the right questions help leaders make better decisions, and why planning for the future protects both the business and the family. The conversation covers leadership, family dynamics, identity, coaching, and building a meaningful legacy. 

Chip Scholz shares how his career in sales, lobbying, and executive coaching led him to work closely with family owned logistics businesses and their succession challenges. He explains why successful transitions require honest conversations, thoughtful coaching, and preparing both the business and the people for change. Chip also discusses family relationships, leadership, building confidence in the next generation, his Five Cs coaching framework, and why planning early helps protect both the business and the legacy.

Key Takeaways:

• Chip Scholz shares how his career in sales, lobbying, and executive coaching led him to work with family-owned logistics businesses.
• Why honest conversations and thoughtful coaching help leaders prepare for successful business succession.
• Lessons from working with family businesses on leadership, legacy, and handing responsibility to the next generation.
• How his Five Cs framework helps leaders make better decisions and prepare for meaningful transitions.
• His work today focuses on coaching leaders, writing books, and helping business owners build lasting legacies.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “I'm either running an asset or a legacy, and I'd really rather run an asset.” - Chip Scholz
• “We know what to do, but we don't always do it.” - Chip Scholz
• “I want to remain useful.” - Chip Scholz

Join Chip Scholz, executive coach and author of Handoffs: A Business Fable About an Urgent Transition Within a Family Business, as he shares lessons from sales, lobbying, executive coaching, and years of work with family-owned logistics businesses. He explains how honest conversations, thoughtful leadership, and his Five Cs framework help business owners prepare for succession, strengthen the next generation, and build a lasting legacy.

Episode Highlights
[00:00:00] - Teaser
[00:02:08] - Introducing guest Chip Scholz
[00:03:39] - Herb Scheer's choice: asset vs. legacy
[00:05:09] - Herb grew Genco from $300K to $1.6B
[00:07:45] - Building for external sale: board, phantom stock, strategic acquisitions
[00:09:40] - Chip's backstory: from lobbyist at BFI to consultant
[00:12:43] - First big break: speaking at warehousing association convention
[00:14:13] - Running mastermind groups for 35+ family businesses
[00:16:26] - Using DISC profiles as coaching entry point
[00:18:58] - What Chip loves about family businesses: humility and legacy
[00:27:43] - The family lawsuit nightmare: 17 shareholders, fired son, daughter takes over
[00:29:46] - Coaching through family baggage and "boat anchor" employees
[00:31:53] - Chip's rule: ask hard questions, never give advice
[00:34:37] - The Five Cs framework: Context, Clarity, Conditioning, Choice, Character
[00:37:02] - Applying the Five Cs to Chip's own succession: stroke, weight loss, woodturning
[00:41:34] - Coaching those who don't want to retire but need a plan
[00:44:26] - Chip's writing journey: 4 books in a year, sparked by Storyworth gift
[00:49:46] - The "love tap": why you can't wait for a health scare to plan
[00:54:41] - Three stages of retirement: vacation, depression, mission
[01:00:01] - Lightning round: coffee, woodturning, red velvet, fall mornings
[01:05:46] - Upcoming: "Handoffs" launch and next book inspired

Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review.

If today's conversation resonated with you, explore Chip Scholz's books below for more insights on leadership, succession, and building a lasting legacy.

• Small Decisions, Big Shifts: https://a.co/d/06TwM9qt 
• Every Dog Has Its Day: https://a.co/d/0huQdkPE 

FOLLOW THE GUEST:

• Chip Scholz - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chipscholz/  
• Chip Scholz - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chipscholz/  
• Chip Scholz - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chippturns  
• Chip Scholz - Thread: https://www.threads.com/@chipscholz  
• Chip Scholz - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chipscholz1691  
• Scholz and Associates - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/scholz-and-associates/  
• Scholz and Associates - Website: https://scholzandassociates.com/  

FOLLOW THE HOST:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrettyoung 
• Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gwcpa/ 
• Website: https://gwcpas.com/ 
• Email: [email protected] 

FOLLOW THE PODCAST:

• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-succession/id1742796896 
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@artofsuccession 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7uhogBxFKWAAetAbD8TVQR  
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/art-of-succession-podcast/ 
• Website: https://gwcpas.com/podcast 

This GPT has already supported hundreds of multi-generational businesses through complex transitions, and I’ve translated that experience into a free Custom GPT available on our website. Explore it here: https://bit.ly/art-of-succession-our-GPT 

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Want to be a guest on our podcast? Apply and share your expertise with our audience at https://www.podmatch.com/member/artofsuccession 

Welcome to The Art of Succession Podcast. Host Barrett Young, CPA, a Tax and Marketing Partner at GWCPA, shares the firm's Quarter Three 2026 update and an honest look at the firm’s ongoing succession journey. In this episode, Barrett discusses the challenges of operating with a smaller team, the unexpected benefits of reduced capacity, and how GWCPA is becoming more intentional about the clients and services it takes on. He also explores the role of offshoring, the limitations of AI in solving current staffing challenges, developing his team into stronger tax reviewers, and the firm’s evolving vision for long-term client transformation.

Barrett shares how GWCPA has responded to multiple team departures while still entering the end of tax season further ahead than ever before. He explains why the current staffing challenge is really a business model problem, how the firm is rethinking its services and capacity, and why he has temporarily stepped back into the tax reviewer role. He also discusses the future of AI and accounting, the importance of using technology to remove low-value work rather than replace human judgment, and the firm’s goal of becoming a transformational partner for business owners through succession and exit planning.

Barrett also reflects on the bigger purpose behind GWCPA’s work, including the importance of developing future leaders and building a company that can continue beyond its current owners. From Katie passing all four sections of the CPA exam in six months to redefining what a long-term GWCPA client should look like, this quarter three update explores the challenges, progress, and long-term vision shaping the firm’s next chapter.

Key Takeaways:

• Why GWCPA is intentionally staying smaller while reassessing its business model and client base.
• Why offshoring may play a role in GWCPA’s long-term staffing strategy, but is not a short-term solution.
• How GWCPA is preparing its team to become stronger tax reviewers through peer review and structured workflow.
• Why developing future leaders and building a company that can outlast its current owners is central to GWCPA’s succession journey.

Additional Insights:

• Why reduced capacity can create an opportunity to become more selective about clients and services.
• Why GWCPA’s goal with offshoring is to elevate existing team members rather than simply replace preparation staff.
• What Barrett believes should define a three-, ten-, twenty-, or forty-year GWCPA client relationship.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “It’s a business model problem. It’s not a staffing problem.” - Barrett Young, CPA
• “The future is going to be accountants plus AI.” - Barrett Young, CPA
• “The tax return is a piece of what we do. It’s an entry point.” - Barrett Young, CPA

Join Barrett as he shares GWCPA’s Quarter Three 2026 update and provides an honest look at the firm’s succession journey. Hear how a smaller team, staffing challenges, AI, and changing business needs are shaping the firm’s strategy. Barrett also discusses developing future leaders, redefining the client experience, and building a company that can continue creating value long after its current owners step away.

Episode Highlights

[00:00] - Teaser
[03:06] - Why Q3 Was a Difficult Quarter 
[07:09] - Refocusing the Business Around the Right Clients 
[12:36] - Turning a Staffing Problem Into a Business-Model Problem 
[18:43] - The Need for Experienced Tax Reviewers 
[21:24] - Current Standing For The Coming Tax Season
[30:55] - AI, Accounting, and the Future of Trusted Advisors
[37:31] - Redefining the GWCPA Client Journey Through Succession and Legacy
[47:26] - Q4 Priorities and What Comes Next 

FOLLOW THE HOST:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrettyoung 
• Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gwcpa/ 
• Website: https://gwcpas.com/ 
• Email: [email protected] 

FOLLOW THE PODCAST:

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-succession/id1742796896 
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@artofsuccession 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7uhogBxFKWAAetAbD8TVQR  
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/art-of-succession-podcast/ 
• Website: https://gwcpas.com/podcast 

This GPT has already supported hundreds of multi-generational businesses through complex transitions, and I’ve translated that experience into a free Custom GPT available on our website. Explore it here: https://bit.ly/art-of-succession-our-GPT
------------------------------------------------

Want to be a guest on our podcast? Apply and share your expertise with our audience at https://www.podmatch.com/member/artofsuccession
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Welcome to The Art of Succession Podcast. Host Barrett Young, CPA, talks with Jay Bourgana, Partner at MashTank, Founder & Mentor of Acquisition Collective, about buying, growing, and preparing businesses for succession. Jay shares how his career in banking, manufacturing, turnaround consulting, and real estate led him to complete more than 20 acquisitions. He also explains how strong teams, clear systems, clean data, and simple exit plans can increase business value. The conversation covers culture, leadership, AI, owner readiness, and why larger businesses can sometimes be safer to acquire than smaller ones. 

Jay Bourgana shares how his background in banking, manufacturing, and business turnarounds led him to build companies through acquisitions and complete more than 20 deals. He explains how strong leadership teams, clear systems, and careful culture building can help acquired businesses improve without losing the people and relationships that made them successful. Jay also discusses earning employee trust, preparing owners for an exit, keeping the business story simple, cleaning company data, and using better information to support growth, value, and succession.

Key Takeaways:

• Jay Bourgana shares how banking, manufacturing, and turnaround work led him into business acquisitions.
• Why strong teams, clear systems, and healthy cultures are essential for growing acquired companies.
• Lessons from completing more than 20 acquisitions and helping businesses prepare for succession.
• How keeping an exit plan simple and improving clean data can increase business value.
• His work today focuses on helping entrepreneurs buy, grow, and manage strong cash flow businesses.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “Before we talk about AI, let's think about our data first.” - Jay Bourgana
• “The more simple the story is, the more options you have.” - Jay Bourgana
• “If you're going to buy a business, buy the largest business you can afford because bigger usually is harder to kill.” - Jay Bourgana

Join Jay Bourgana, operator, investor, and Founder of Acquisition Collective, as he shares lessons from banking, manufacturing, turnaround consulting, and completing more than 20 acquisitions. He explains how strong teams, clear systems, healthy cultures, and clean data can improve business performance while helping owners prepare for growth, successful exits, and long-term succession..

Episode Highlights
[00:00:00] - Teaser
[00:01:52] - Introducing guest Jay Bourgana
[00:02:16] - Jay's mission: saving businesses and communities through succession
[00:05:26] - Jay's background: banking, manufacturing in China, and turnaround consulting
[00:06:20] - Selling 70% of company, doing 25 acquisitions, and retiring to Hawaii
[00:08:21] - Why acquisitions became necessary: rising CAC, need to increase LTV
[00:11:44] - Building culture and management bench: "80% of a turnaround was people"
[00:15:31] - How Jay sold his company: cold email led to culture video that sealed the deal
[00:18:40] - Balancing profits with culture: happy people drive margins and referrals
[00:23:03] - Post-acquisition trust-building: fix visible issues first, implement big changes in year two
[00:25:29] - Why Jay returned from retirement: missed learning, the arena, and mentoring
[00:31:14] - Starting Acquisition Collective: leveraging mastermind groups and free M&A education
[00:33:46] - Cutting through acquisition hype
[00:39:39] - Don't make big changes right before selling
[00:43:44] - AI's impact on accounting and professional services
[00:48:55] - AI will kill the billable hour model
[00:52:34] - Clean up your data before worrying about AI
[00:58:14] - Bigger businesses are safer than small ones
[01:04:49] - Jay's kids' business school program
[01:07:09] - Where to find Jay Bourgana

Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review.

FOLLOW THE GUEST:

• Jay Bourgana - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-bourgana/  
• Jay Bourgana - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jay.bourgana  
• Jay Bourgana - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jay_bourgana/   
• Company LinkedIn - MashTank: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mashtank/  
• Company LinkedIn - Acquisition Collective: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acquisition-collective/  
• Company Website - MashTank: https://mashtank.com/  
• Company Website - Acquisition Collective: https://acquisitionscollective.biz/  
• YouTube - Acquisition Collective: https://www.youtube.com/@AcquisitionCollective  
• Facebook - Acquisition Collective: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584925977602&sk 

FOLLOW THE HOST:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrettyoung 
• Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gwcpa/ 
• Website: https://gwcpas.com/ 
• Email: [email protected] 

FOLLOW THE PODCAST:

• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-succession/id1742796896 
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@artofsuccession 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7uhogBxFKWAAetAbD8TVQR  
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/art-of-succession-podcast/ 
• Website: https://gwcpas.com/podcast 

This GPT has already supported hundreds of multi-generational businesses through complex transitions, and I’ve translated that experience into a free Custom GPT available on our website. Explore it here: https://bit.ly/art-of-succession-our-GPT
------------------------------------------------

Want to be a guest on our podcast? Apply and share your expertise with our audience at https://www.podmatch.com/member/artofsuccession
------------------------------------------------
Welcome to The Art of Succession Podcast. Host Barrett Young, CPA, talks with Craig Paxton, Competitive Advantage Architect at Visionary Results and Fractional COO at The Roster Agency, about building businesses through competitive advantage and operational excellence. Craig shares how he transitioned from process improvement consulting into a CEO role, led a private equity backed company through a successful turnaround and acquisition, and now helps business owners create strategies that set them apart. He also discusses leadership development, building systems around a competitive advantage, managing change, and preparing businesses for long term growth and succession.

Craig Paxton shares how his background in process improvement led him into a CEO role where he helped turn around a private equity backed company and prepare it for a successful acquisition. He explains how giving managers ownership of key business metrics, building strong operational systems, and creating a culture of accountability improved performance across the organisation. Craig also discusses helping business owners identify a true competitive advantage, align every part of the business around that strategy, manage organisational change, and build a stronger foundation for long term growth and succession.

Key Takeaways:

• Craig Paxton shares how process improvement consulting led him into a CEO role.
• Why building a true competitive advantage is essential for long term business success.
• Lessons from turning around a private equity backed company and leading it through acquisition.
• How empowering managers with ownership and clear metrics improves performance.
• His work today focuses on helping businesses build stronger systems around their competitive advantage and strategy.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “The most important thing for a business is to create a competitive advantage and then build the entire business around it.” - Craig Paxton
• “You make the call, not me. You know your business better than I do.” - Craig Paxton
• “Strategy is our competitive advantage looks like this.” - Craig Paxton

Join Craig Paxton, Competitive Advantage Architect at Visionary Results and Fractional COO at The Roster Agency, as he shares lessons from moving from process improvement consulting into leading a private equity backed company as CEO. He explains how building a true competitive advantage, empowering managers with clear ownership, and creating strong operational systems helped improve business performance while preparing companies for long term growth, change, and succession.

Episode Highlights
[00:00] - Teaser
[01:59] - Introducing Craig Paxson
[04:09] - Craig's background: from manufacturing to healthcare operations
[06:01] - From consultant to CEO of a PE-owned company
[07:11] - Delegating outcomes, not tasks, to department managers
[09:19] - Implementing "applications per labour hour" as a key metric
[10:32] - Turnaround: $500K loss to $300K profit in two years
[12:50] - Transitioning from consultant to CEO: earning the team's trust
[14:54] - Teaching managers to read P&Ls and own their numbers
[20:13] - Purpose over monetary incentives: engaging employees
[23:05] - Daily habits vs big events: the "tooth care" analogy
[26:36] - Handling layoffs with compassion built credibility
[33:10] - Why most "competitive advantages" aren't actually unique
[36:11] - Strategy starts with the market, not with goals
[40:44] - Competitive advantage permeates sales, ops, finance, and hiring
[47:41] - Who should be involved in strategy? Depends on company size
[50:22] - Having the courage to be different: the cost of staying the same
[53:03] - Thesis: create a competitive advantage, build everything around it
[56:54] - Challenging the "hustle" belief among entrepreneurs
[58:45] - Upcoming book: "Strategy Is The Menu" and where to find Craig

Craig shares more of his approach in Visionary Velocity, including practical steps to help you build your business around a true competitive advantage. Learn more here: https://go.visionaryresults.com/velocity-book-sales 

As Craig says, "Let's talk." If you'd like to discuss your business, competitive advantage, or strategy, book a 15-minute discovery call and continue the conversation: https://visionaryresults.com/discovery 

FOLLOW THE GUEST:

• Craig Paxson - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigpaxson/ 
• Company LinkedIn - Visionary Results: https://www.linkedin.com/company/visionary-results/ 
• Company LinkedIn - The Roster® Agency: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theroster/ 
• Company Website - Visionary Results: https://visionaryresults.com/ 
• Company Website - The Roaster® Agency: https://www.theroster.agency/ 

FOLLOW THE HOST:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrettyoung 
• Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gwcpa/ 
• Website: https://gwcpas.com/ 
• Email: [email protected] 

FOLLOW THE PODCAST:

• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-succession/id1742796896 
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@artofsuccession 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7uhogBxFKWAAetAbD8TVQR  
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/art-of-succession-podcast/ 
• Website: https://gwcpas.com/podcast 

This GPT has already supported hundreds of multi-generational businesses through complex transitions, and I’ve translated that experience into a free Custom GPT available on our website. Explore it here: https://bit.ly/art-of-succession-our-GPT
------------------------------------------------

Want to be a guest on our podcast? Apply and share your expertise with our audience at https://www.podmatch.com/member/artofsuccession
------------------------------------------------
Welcome to The Art of Succession Podcast. Host Barrett Young, CPA, talks with Ryan Steuer, Author of PBL Simplified & CEO at Magnify Learning and also a Project-Based Learning Keynote Speaker & Author, about building an education company focused on project-based learning and real-world student engagement. Ryan shares how he transitioned from engineering and teaching into entrepreneurship, grew his business through teacher training and community partnerships, and developed systems to scale across schools nationwide. He also discusses leadership transitions in education, strategic growth through acquisitions, key person risk, and how business owners can build stronger systems for long-term success.

Ryan Steuer shares his journey from engineering and teaching into building Magnify Learning, a company focused on project-based learning and real-world education experiences for students. He explains how working with schools, teachers, and community partners helped grow the business from a small operation into a national training company. Ryan discusses creating systems to train educators, developing leadership programmes for school administrators, and expanding through partnerships and strategic growth opportunities. He also highlights the importance of succession planning in schools, reducing key person risk, and building a strong team and culture to support long-term growth and future transitions.

Key Takeaways:

• Ryan Steuer built Magnify Learning after careers in engineering and teaching.
• How project-based learning improves student engagement and career readiness.
• Lessons from scaling a national education training business.
• Why succession planning and leadership support matter in schools.
• His work today focuses on long-term growth through stronger systems and partnerships.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “School was not important to them.” - Ryan Steuer
• “We created a certification process.” - Ryan Steuer
• “You can let things go, you can delegate things.” - Ryan Steuer

Join Ryan Steuer, founder and CEO of Magnify Learning, as he shares lessons from moving from engineering and teaching into building a national education training company. He explains how project-based learning, teacher training, and community partnerships helped grow the business while creating stronger systems, leadership support, and long-term opportunities for schools and students.

Episode Highlights
[00:00] - Teaser
[01:49] - Introducing Guest Ryan Steuer
[02:17] - Why succession planning fails in schools
[04:11] - From engineering to teaching 8th-grade English
[07:02] - Real-world example: 8th graders redesign a museum's curriculum
[10:55] - Early growth: sending a teacher to Arizona for $3,000
[13:50] - Key lesson: leadership changes can wipe out progress
[16:29] - How projects align with state standards (genetics & Hemophilia Society)
[22:46] - Shifting from doer to leader: "85% as good as me is fine"
[26:25] - Biggest growth barrier: leads and introductions
[27:47] - Evaluating acquisitions in the charter school market
[31:01] - Risk of acquiring solopreneurs: loyalty to the individual
[35:48] - Coaching agents through industry changes with honesty
[39:04] - Putting a retention clause in his acquisition contract
[41:38] - M&A advice: who controls employee benefits after a deal?
[46:06] - Using the natural cushion between merger timing and plan renewals
[48:49] - Letting go: you don't have to do everything
[51:35] - What Ryan wants to be remembered for
[52:09] - Where to find Ryan & Magnify Learning

FOLLOW THE GUEST:

• Ryan Steuer - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryansteuer/ 
• Company LinkedIn (Magnify Learning): https://www.linkedin.com/company/magnify-learning/ 
• Company Website (Magnify Learning): https://magnifypbl.com/ 

FOLLOW THE HOST:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrettyoung 
• Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gwcpa/ 
• Website: https://gwcpas.com/ 
• Email: [email protected] 

FOLLOW THE PODCAST:

• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-succession/id1742796896 
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@artofsuccession 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7uhogBxFKWAAetAbD8TVQR  
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/art-of-succession-podcast/ 
• Website: https://gwcpas.com/podcast 

This GPT has already supported hundreds of multi-generational businesses through complex transitions, and I’ve translated that experience into a free Custom GPT available on our website. Explore it here: https://bit.ly/art-of-succession-our-GPT
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Want to be a guest on our podcast? Apply and share your expertise with our audience at https://www.podmatch.com/member/artofsuccession
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Welcome to The Art of Succession Podcast. Host Barrett Young, CPA, talks with Brian Calvert, Company Owner at Business Health Market and Managing Partner at HST of Western New York Inc, about transitioning from commercial property management into the health insurance industry and building a growing agency. Brian shares lessons from launching his business, hiring and developing agents, and expanding through the acquisition of a book of business to add group benefits services. He also discusses how a consultative approach, strong client relationships, and strategic networking drive growth, along with insights on employee benefits, mergers, and how business owners can make better decisions around insurance and long-term planning.

Brian Calvert shares his journey from commercial property management into the health insurance industry, where he built and grew his own agency from the ground up. He explains how planning his career transition, focusing on sales skills, and developing a team helped him create a sustainable business. Brian discusses expanding through the acquisition of a small book of business, which allowed him to enter the group benefits market and grow through referrals. He also highlights the importance of client service, strong relationships, and a consultative approach in driving long-term success. Today, Brian continues to scale his business by supporting small employers, improving employee benefits strategies, and helping clients make informed decisions during growth and change.

Key Takeaways:

• Brian Calvert transitioned from commercial real estate to build a health insurance agency from scratch.
• How focusing on a few core products and strong sales skills supported early growth.
• Lessons from acquiring a small book of business to expand into group benefits.
• Why client service and relationships are key to retention and long-term success.
• His work today focuses on helping small businesses improve benefits and support employee needs.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “I really enjoy seeing other people succeed.” - Brian Calvert
• “Stay in your lane and become an expert in what you do.” - Brian Calvert
• “People will leave a job for better benefits even for less money.” - Brian Calvert

Join Brian Calvert, owner of Business Health Market, as he shares lessons from transitioning out of commercial property management to build and grow a health insurance agency. He explains how focusing on sales, building a strong team, and expanding through acquisition helped him scale into new markets like group benefits and support small businesses.

Episode Highlights
[00:00] - Teaser
[01:57] - Host introduces Brian Calvert
[02:27] - From mall manager to health insurance broker
[04:59] - How helping mall tenants sparked his entrepreneurial drive
[06:18] - Planning a two-year exit to fund his new business
[07:41] - Risks & rewards of a mid-career lateral move
[12:38] - Early failure: spreading himself too thin
[14:43] - Why he bought a book of business in 2024
[18:03] - Seller handoff: three months of introductions & flying to clients
[19:58] - How acquisition leapfrogged website & credibility hurdles
[24:18] - Group benefits vs. individuals: longer sales cycles
[26:24] - Differentiating through service & quarterly check-ins
[31:11] - Building a team from day one to help others succeed
[35:56] - Coaching agents through industry changes with honesty
[39:12] - Putting a retention clause in his acquisition contract
[41:46] - M&A advice: who controls employee benefits after a deal?
[46:14] - Using the natural cushion between merger timing and plan renewals
[48:57] - Biggest trend in benefits: mental health & 0 copays
[51:43] - The myth that entrepreneurs have immediate freedom
[52:17] - What he wants his successor to remember: listening with kindness

FOLLOW THE GUEST:

• Brian Calvert - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-calvert-31aa3a49/ 
• Company LinkedIn (Business Health Market): https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-health-market/ 
• Company Website (Business Health Market): https://businesshealthmarket.com/ 

FOLLOW THE HOST:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrettyoung 
• Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gwcpa/ 
• Website: https://gwcpas.com/ 
• Email: [email protected] 

FOLLOW THE PODCAST:

• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-succession/id1742796896 
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@artofsuccession 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7uhogBxFKWAAetAbD8TVQR  
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/art-of-succession-podcast/ 
• Website: https://gwcpas.com/podcast 

This GPT has already supported hundreds of multi-generational businesses through complex transitions, and I’ve translated that experience into a free Custom GPT available on our website. Explore it here: https://bit.ly/art-of-succession-our-GPT
------------------------------------------------

Want to be a guest on our podcast? Apply and share your expertise with our audience at https://www.podmatch.com/member/artofsuccession
------------------------------------------------
Welcome to The Art of Succession Podcast. Host Barrett Young, CPA, talks with Jon Morris, Chief Executive Officer at Fiscal Advocate, Inc., and Founder and Executive Director at The Professional Service Community, about building and scaling a digital marketing agency from a ten-thousand-dollar business plan competition grant to forty million dollars in revenue before selling the company. Jon shares lessons from growing Rise Interactive, including hiring analytical talent, using financial data to guide decisions, and investing heavily in sales and marketing to accelerate growth. He also discusses his approach to succession, why strong financial systems matter when preparing for an exit, and how he now helps professional service firms improve profit, cash flow, and growth through better financial insight.

Jon Morris shares his journey as an entrepreneur who built and scaled a digital marketing agency from a ten-thousand-dollar grant into a forty-million-dollar company before selling the business. He talks about how financial discipline, strong hiring standards, and a data-driven approach helped his company grow quickly during the rise of digital marketing. Jon explains how understanding cash flow, profit margins, and industry benchmarks helped him make better decisions while building a high-performing team. He also reflects on lessons from leadership, succession planning, and knowing when it was the right time to exit. Today, Jon leads Fiscal Advocate and founded The Professional Service Community, where he helps professional service firms improve profit, cash flow, and growth through practical financial insight.

Key Takeaways:

• Jon Morris built a digital marketing agency from a ten-thousand-dollar grant to forty million dollars in revenue.
• How data-driven decisions and strong hiring helped scale the business.
• Lessons on using financial benchmarks to guide growth.
• Why strong financial systems matter when preparing for an exit.
• His work today is helping firms improve profit, cash flow, and growth.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “I took ten thousand dollars and turned it into forty million in sixteen years.” - Jon Morris
• “The only thing worse than going bankrupt is being a business of the living dead.” - Jon Morris
• “Pick an industry with wind at your back.” - Jon Morris

Join Jon Morris, Chief Executive Officer at Fiscal Advocate, Inc., and Founder and Executive Director at The Professional Service Community, as he shares lessons from building and selling a digital marketing agency that grew from a ten-thousand-dollar grant to forty million dollars in revenue. He explains how financial discipline, data-driven decisions, and strong hiring helped scale the business.

Episode Highlights
[00:00] - Teaser
[01:44] - Host introduces Jon Morris
[02:07] - Why Jon came on the show: sharing exit & scaling wisdom
[02:50] - Jon's origin story: born into a family of entrepreneurs
[06:22] - Building ugly websites & becoming an SEO pioneer
[07:07] - Becoming a dot-com casualty & learning from failure
[09:43] - Business school & the family "intervention."
[15:22] - Pivoting from seminars to a digital agency
[18:45] - "Double Wind": being in the right industry
[25:21] - How Quad/Graphics survived a declining industry
[28:15] - Three reasons Jon sold his agency
[30:44] - Taking only three weeks off before starting next venture
[33:55] - Turning around near-bankrupt companies
[42:44] - The hard lesson: people don't want sophisticated finance
[47:50] - Moving from high-growth to a "stodgy" industry
[50:14] - Pivoting to executive coaching & building AI tools
[54:41] - Why you shouldn't start with the exit in mind
[58:39] - Lightning Round: tea, cake & morning routine
[01:02:51] - Legacy: mentorship & doing the right thing
[01:05:00] - Where to find Jon Morris

FOLLOW THE GUEST:

• Jon Morris - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonmorrisramsayinnovations/ 
• Company Website (Fiscal Advocate, Inc.): https://www.linkedin.com/company/fiscal-advocate-inc/ 
• Company Facebook (The Professional Service Community): https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-professional-service-community/ 
• Email: [email protected] 

FOLLOW THE HOST:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrettyoung 
• Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gwcpa/ 
• Website: https://gwcpas.com/ 
• Email: [email protected] 

FOLLOW THE PODCAST:

• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-succession/id1742796896 
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@artofsuccession 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7uhogBxFKWAAetAbD8TVQR  
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/art-of-succession-podcast/ 
• Website: https://gwcpas.com/podcast 

This GPT has already supported hundreds of multi-generational businesses through complex transitions, and I’ve translated that experience into a free Custom GPT available on our website. Explore it here: https://bit.ly/art-of-succession-our-GPT 

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Want to be a guest on our podcast? Apply and share your expertise with our audience at https://www.podmatch.com/member/artofsuccession
------------------------------------------------
Welcome to The Art of Succession Podcast. Host Barrett Young, CPA, a Tax and Marketing Partner at GWCPA, shares the firm's Quarter Two 2026 update and an inside look at their own succession journey. In this episode, Barrett discusses podcast growth, strategic planning, team changes, and the launch of the Beyond the Owner YouTube channel. He reflects on leadership transitions, the impact of AI on the accounting profession, developing future leaders, and building a long-term vision for the firm as it prepares for continued growth and succession.

Barrett is not just leading the firm through change; he is working to build a company that can grow beyond any one person. In this update, he shares how GWCPA is responding to key team departures, strengthening internal systems, and capturing knowledge through processes and custom GPTs. He discusses developing future leaders, exploring new ownership models, and preparing the team for an AI-driven future. By focusing on vision, adaptability, and long-term planning, Barrett is helping position the firm for continued growth and succession.

Barrett has spent the past year sharing GWCPA’s succession journey while building for the future. In this quarter two update, he explains how the firm is handling team changes, strategic planning, and the shift toward Beyond the Owner. He shares plans to strengthen systems, develop future leaders, and capture knowledge through SOPs and custom GPTs. His approach blends clear vision, adaptability, and long-term planning as the firm prepares for AI, growth, and future succession.

Key Takeaways:

• Barrett’s focus on building a firm that can grow beyond any one person.
• How strategic planning and EOS help create alignment around the company’s long-term vision.
• The impact of key team departures and the importance of building depth across the organization.
• Why developing future leaders and capturing knowledge are critical for succession.
• How GWCPA is preparing for growth, AI, and future ownership through clear planning and adaptability.

Additional Insights:

• How separating the podcast and company channels helps create a clearer focus for each audience.
• The role of strategic planning is to align the team around a shared vision and future goals.
• Why documenting knowledge through SOPs and custom GPTs helps strengthen the firm.
• How leadership development and CPA training support the next generation of professionals.
• Why principles, adaptability, and long-term thinking are guiding the firm through growth, succession, and AI-driven change.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “The captain is not the ship.” - Barrett Young, CPA
• “GW is more than the people who make up GW.” - Barrett Young, CPA
• “Principles are flexible.” - Barrett Young, CPA

Join Barrett as he shares the Quarter Two 2026 update from GWCPA and provides an inside look at the firm's succession journey. Hear how strategic planning, leadership development, and new systems are helping the team navigate change after the departure of key employees. Barrett also discusses the launch of the Beyond the Owner channel, the firm's approach to AI, and the principles guiding a long-term vision for growth, succession, and client service.

Episode Highlights
[00:00] - Teaser
[01:47] - Q2 2026 Update & Podcast Milestones
[04:43] - Splitting YouTube: "Art of Succession" vs. "Beyond the Owner"
[07:06] - Future Plans: Co-Host & Media Company Vision
[09:22] - Recent Summits: Nashville & Thrive (Alignment)
[13:41] - Strategic Planning: 10-Year Principles Over Fixed Vision
[15:16] - Key Team Departures: Tax Reviewer & Manager Resign
[19:22] - Captain & Ship: GW Is Bigger Than Any Person
[22:27] - AI Strategy: Proactive Adaptation, Not Waiting to Retire
[25:19] - Bright Spot: Team Member Passing CPA Exams
[28:22] - Changing the Partner Succession Model
[35:38] - All Hands on Deck After Key Losses
[38:12] - New CRM & Systematized Marketing
[42:37] - Defining the Client Roadmap (Year 1 to 40)
[45:22] - Leadership Growth: Sharing Internal Process with Team
[47:41] - Closing: Gratitude & Season 5 Preview

FOLLOW THE HOST:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrettyoung 
• Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gwcpa/ 
• Website: https://gwcpas.com/ 
• Email: [email protected] 

FOLLOW THE PODCAST:

• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-succession/id1742796896 
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@artofsuccession 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7uhogBxFKWAAetAbD8TVQR  
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/art-of-succession-podcast/ 
• Website: https://gwcpas.com/podcast 

This GPT has already supported hundreds of multi-generational businesses through complex transitions, and I’ve translated that experience into a free Custom GPT available on our website. Explore it here: https://bit.ly/art-of-succession-our-GPT
------------------------------------------------

Want to be a guest on our podcast? Apply and share your expertise with our audience at https://www.podmatch.com/member/artofsuccession
------------------------------------------------
Welcome to The Art of Succession Podcast. Host Barrett Young, CPA, talks with Bob Labbe, Owner and Partner at The Ultimate Drink Coaster Co. LLC, serial entrepreneur, engineer, and inventor, about his decades of experience building and selling multiple air pollution control companies. Bob shares how he partnered with longtime collaborator John Halligan to grow businesses from small startups into successful companies that served industries across North America. He reflects on lessons from entrepreneurship, leadership partnerships, and selling businesses, including the importance of solving real problems for customers. Today, Bob continues creating solutions through new inventions, including the Ultimate Drink Coaster, while sharing insights from his career and his book on improving golf putting through simple, practical methods.

Bob shares his journey as an engineer and entrepreneur who built and sold several air pollution control companies over many decades. He talks about working closely with his longtime partner to grow small startups into successful businesses that served clients across North America. Bob explains how solving real problems for customers and building strong partnerships helped their companies grow and succeed. He also reflects on lessons from leadership, risk, and learning from missed opportunities along the way. Today, Bob continues to create new ideas as the Owner and Partner at The Ultimate Drink Coaster Co., LLC, while sharing his experience through inventions, writing, and conversations about business and problem-solving.

Key Takeaways:

• Bob’s journey building and selling multiple air pollution control companies.
• How he and his partner grew startups into successful North American businesses.
• Lessons on solving customer problems and offering full turnkey solutions.
• The value of strong partnerships and learning from setbacks.
• His work today is as Owner and Partner at The Ultimate Drink Coaster Co., LLC, creating new ideas and inventions.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “I never found a drink coaster that worked, so I invented one.” - Bob Labbe
• “Never put your eggs in one basket.” - Bob Labbe
• “Think about the problem before giving your response.” - Bob Labbe

Join Bob Labbe, Owner and Partner at The Ultimate Drink Coaster Co., LLC, as he shares lessons from building and selling multiple air pollution control companies. He explains how solving real problems helped grow successful businesses.

Episode Highlights
[00:00] - Teaser
[02:02] - Host introduces Bob Labbe, serial entrepreneur & inventor
[02:32] - Why Bob invented "The Ultimate Drink Coaster" (ruined silk tie story)
[04:03] - From Georgia Tech engineer to first business (1972)
[06:43] - Starting a third company at 60 after retirement got boring
[09:05] - The secret to his 50+ year business partnership
[12:46] - Losing a $7M contract & the lesson learned
[16:38] - Taking the counter-risk: turnkey solutions vs. just equipment
[20:07] - Former employees recruited him to start the third company
[24:19] - The 2023 dinner party where a ruined tie sparked the coaster idea
[28:48] - Selling to an employee to preserve his legacy
[30:23] - Inventing "Putting by the Numbers" golf system
[34:33] - Mission: help 30 million golfers improve
[36:01] - Identity isn't your company; you're still a problem solver
[37:49] - Leadership lesson: cogitate before you respond
[41:48] - Shifting from running companies to being a spokesperson
[46:50] - New role: sounding board for daughter & son-in-law
[51:50] - Myth: entrepreneurs will make a lot of money
[54:47] - Where to find Bob's book & coaster

FOLLOW THE GUEST:

• Bob Labbe - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-labbe-59800a398/ 
• Company Website (The Ultimate Drink Coaster Co. LLC): https://ultimatecoasterco.com/  
• Company Facebook (The Ultimate Drink Coaster Co. LLC): https://www.facebook.com/ultimatecoasterco

FOLLOW THE HOST:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrettyoung 
• Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gwcpa/ 
• Website: https://gwcpas.com/ 
• Email: [email protected] 

FOLLOW THE PODCAST:

• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-succession/id1742796896 
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@artofsuccession 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7uhogBxFKWAAetAbD8TVQR  
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/art-of-succession-podcast/ 
• Website: https://gwcpas.com/podcast