In this episode, Scott Hess and John Barton break down the high-stakes corporate battle for Warner Brothers Discovery, as Netflix and Paramount go head-to-head with multi-billion dollar offers. The hosts explore the implications of these potential mergers for the entertainment industry, including antitrust and national security concerns, the future of cable and streaming, and what these mega-deals mean for small business owners. With insights from industry experts and real-world lessons on partnerships, debt, and exit strategies, this episode is packed with practical takeaways for entrepreneurs and anyone interested in the evolving media landscape. Tune in for a lively discussion on the future of Hollywood, the risks of consolidation, and how business owners can prepare for change.

In this episode, Scott Hess (Tax and Business Consultant) and John Barton (Small Business Owner) dive into the essential steps every business should take to wrap up the year successfully. They discuss the importance of updating business processes, conducting accurate year-end inventory, and preparing for tax season. The conversation covers common pitfalls, bad advice circulating on social media, and the value of building a strong support network. Scott and John also share practical tips for handling gift cards, managing staff burnout after the holiday rush, and ensuring all your vendor paperwork is in order for 1099s. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help your business “glow up” for the new year. Plus, enjoy some fun banter, pop culture references, and a reminder to give others grace during the holiday season!

In this episode, Scott Hess and John Barton dive deep into the topic of employee burnout—what it is, how to spot it, and most importantly, how to address and prevent it in your business. Drawing from their own experiences as a tax and business consultant and a small business owner, they discuss the unique challenges small businesses face, especially in high-stress environments like retail. The conversation covers the signs of burnout, the importance of open communication, strategies for flexible scheduling, the value of employee recognition, and practical ways to create a supportive workplace culture. Whether you’re a business owner, manager, or employee, you’ll find actionable insights to help foster a healthier, more resilient team.

In this episode, Scott Hess (tax and business consultant) and John Barton (small business owner) dive into the challenges and strategies of managing seasonal employees. As the holiday season approaches, they discuss the importance of planning, recruiting, onboarding, and offboarding seasonal staff—whether you run a retail shop, a service business, or anything with peak periods.

Scott and John share personal stories, practical tips, and a four-phase method to help small business owners forecast staffing needs, streamline hiring, train new team members, and retain top performers for future seasons. They also touch on the realities of seasonal work, from gig economy trends to the value of treating temporary staff with respect and providing growth opportunities.

Whether you’re gearing up for a busy season or just want to improve your hiring process, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help your business thrive during high-demand periods.

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.