In this episode, Scott Hess and John Barton dive deep into the challenges and strategies of holiday inventory management for small businesses. From personal stories of inventory missteps to practical advice on forecasting, ordering, and cash flow, they cover essential systems like reorder points, vendor-managed inventory, and bulk buying. The hosts discuss the importance of early planning, omnichannel readiness, and post-holiday strategies, all while sharing real-world examples and actionable tips. Whether you're a seasoned retailer or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights to help you navigate the busiest shopping season and build a resilient business.

In this episode of Turtle Smith, Scott and John kick off Season 3 with a deep dive into the 2025 holiday shopping season. They break down the latest forecasts, including a projected $253 billion in total spending, the rise of mobile shopping (now over half of all online sales), and the growing impact of “buy now, pay later” services. The hosts discuss how small businesses can stand out during the holidays—focusing on customer experience, expertise, community, and smarter advertising—while navigating the challenges of competing with big box retailers and the influence of AI-driven traffic. Tune in for practical tips, lively banter, and real-world stories to help entrepreneurs and small business owners make the most of the holiday rush.

In this episode of Turtle Smith, John and Scott wrap up phase two of their small business series by discussing how to put all the pieces together before launching your business. They share personal stories about home renovations, the challenges of mastering YouTube algorithms, and the importance of building a solid foundation for your business. The hosts walk through the final steps of preparation, including updating your business plan, securing funding, setting up legal and financial structures, and planning for growth. They offer practical advice on avoiding common pitfalls, managing personal and business finances, and staying flexible as your business evolves. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your strategy, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you move confidently into the execution phase of your entrepreneurial journey.

In this episode of Turtle Smith, John Barton and Scott Hess dive deep into the crucial decision of choosing the right business structure for your new venture. They break down the differences between LLCs, S Corps, C Corps, partnerships, and nonprofits, explaining the legal and tax implications of each. With real-world examples and practical advice, John and Scott discuss why timing matters when forming your business, the pitfalls of rushing into an LLC, and the importance of separating personal and business finances. Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur or looking to restructure your company, this episode will help you understand the pros and cons of each option so you can build a solid foundation for your business dreams.

The Turtlesmith Podcast is aimed at people who want to take their step into entrepreneurship, and start a small business. We get into everything from Business strategies, actionable advice, taxes, and all the things it takes to build a profitable business. In our weekly episodes, we break down a step by step plan across 3 phases. Our motto is "Get Rich Slow". Tune in with Scott Hess, an expert tax accountant and business consultant, and John Barton, serial entrepreneur and business man, as we tackle the mystery and break down the walls of information to help you reach your dreams.

In this episode of Turtlesmith, Scott Hess (tax and business consultant) and John Barton (small business owner) dive deep into the art of developing a scaling strategy for your business. They discuss the importance of long-term planning, from setting 1, 5, and 15-year goals to understanding when and how to scale—or when to stay comfortably at capacity.

Scott and John explore practical approaches to scaling, including horizontal and vertical integration, managing supply chains, and preparing for potential exits like acquisitions or passing the business to the next generation. They share real-world examples, personal experiences, and advice on avoiding common pitfalls such as growing too fast or becoming too dependent on key individuals.

Whether you’re dreaming big or aiming for “easy street,” this episode offers actionable insights for entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to build a sustainable, scalable future. Tune in for strategies, stories, and a bit of humor from two seasoned business minds.

In this episode, Scott and John dive deep into the world of business insurance, breaking down the essential policies every business owner should consider. From business owner’s policies and general liability to cyber liability, workers’ compensation, and product liability, they explain what each type covers and why it matters. The hosts share personal stories, practical tips for working with insurance agents, and advice on avoiding common pitfalls that can leave your business exposed. Whether you’re a new entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode will help you navigate the complex landscape of business insurance and make informed decisions to protect your company. Tune in for real-world examples, expert insights, and actionable guidance to ensure your business is covered for whatever comes its way.

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The Turtlesmith Podcast is aimed at people who want to take their step into entrepreneurship, and start a small business. We get into everything from Business strategies, actionable advice, taxes, and all the things it takes to build a profitable business. In our weekly episodes, we break down a step by step plan across 3 phases. Our motto is "Get Rich Slow". Tune in with Scott Hess, an expert tax accountant and business consultant, and John Barton, serial entrepreneur and business man, as we tackle the mystery and break down the walls of information to help you reach your dreams.

In this episode of Turtle Smith, Scott Hess and John Barton dive deep into the world of employment for small business owners. They break down the crucial differences between employees and independent contractors, share practical advice on payroll, benefits, and compliance, and discuss how to build a positive workplace culture. With real-world stories, actionable tips, and a friendly, supportive tone, this episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs looking to grow their team the right way. Whether you’re hiring your first employee or scaling up, you’ll find valuable insights to help your business thrive.

The Turtlesmith Podcast is aimed at people who want to take their step into entrepreneurship, and start a small business. We get into everything from Business strategies, actionable advice, taxes, and all the things it takes to build a profitable business. In our weekly episodes, we break down a step by step plan across 3 phases. Our motto is "Get Rich Slow". Tune in with Scott Hess, an expert tax accountant and business consultant, and John Barton, serial entrepreneur and business man, as we tackle the mystery and break down the walls of information to help you reach your dreams.

In this episode of "The Basics of Accounting," Scott Hess (tax and business consultant) and John Barton (small business owner) break down the essentials every entrepreneur needs to know about accounting. From understanding the difference between cash and accrual accounting, to the importance of double-entry bookkeeping, Scott and John share practical advice, real-world stories, and hard-earned lessons.

They cover the four key financial statements—balance sheet, profit and loss, cash flow, and retained earnings—and explain why each matters for your business decisions. The conversation also dives into bookkeeping tips, choosing the right accounting software, handling invoicing and expenses, and the realities of taxes for small businesses.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your financial skills, this episode will help you build a solid foundation and avoid costly mistakes. Tune in for actionable insights, relatable anecdotes, and a few laughs along the way!

The Turtlesmith Podcast is aimed at people who want to take their step into entrepreneurship, and start a small business. We get into everything from Business strategies, actionable advice, taxes, and all the things it takes to build a profitable business. In our weekly episodes, we break down a step by step plan across 3 phases. Our motto is "Get Rich Slow". Tune in with Scott Hess, an expert tax accountant and business consultant, and John Barton, serial entrepreneur and business man, as we tackle the mystery and break down the walls of information to help you reach your dreams.

n this episode, Scott and John dive deep into the often-overlooked world of business licenses and permits. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand, understanding the legal requirements for your business is crucial. The hosts break down the different types of licenses—professional, city, county, state, and federal—and share real-life stories about the challenges and surprises that can arise if you miss a step.

You’ll learn:

• Why every business, from contractors to hair stylists, needs to check local and state licensing requirements
• How city and county rules can differ—even for the same profession
• The importance of planning ahead for permit timelines to avoid costly delays
• What the “economic nexus” means for online sales and sales tax permits
• How to navigate complex situations like liquor licenses, health permits, and certificates of occupancy
• The value of industry associations and professional consultants in staying compliant
• Cautionary tales about missing permits, denied renewals, and regulatory loopholes

Packed with practical advice and actionable tips, this episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to build a solid foundation and avoid common pitfalls. Don’t let paperwork stand in the way of your business dreams—tune in and get prepared!

The Turtlesmith Podcast is aimed at people who want to take their step into entrepreneurship, and start a small business. We get into everything from Business strategies, actionable advice, taxes, and all the things it takes to build a profitable business. In our weekly episodes, we break down a step by step plan across 3 phases. Our motto is "Get Rich Slow". Tune in with Scott Hess, an expert tax accountant and business consultant, and John Barton, serial entrepreneur and business man, as we tackle the mystery and break down the walls of information to help you reach your dreams.

John and Scott dive into the world of small business funding. They share personal stories and practical advice on self-funding, loans, investors, and alternative financing options. The hosts break down the pros and cons of using credit cards, seeking friends and family support, working with angel investors, and navigating bank and SBA loans. They also discuss the importance of a solid business plan, how to attract investors, and the value of professional consultants. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your business, this episode offers actionable insights and real-world examples to help you secure the funding you need.

The Turtlesmith Podcast is aimed at people who want to take their step into entrepreneurship, and start a small business. We get into everything from Business strategies, actionable advice, taxes, and all the things it takes to build a profitable business. In our weekly episodes, we break down a step by step plan across 3 phases. Our motto is "Get Rich Slow". Tune in with Scott Hess, an expert tax accountant and business consultant, and John Barton, serial entrepreneur and business man, as we tackle the mystery and break down the walls of information to help you reach your dreams.