Under the Tamarisk Tree

What happens to your business if something happens to you?

In this episode of Under the Tamarisk Tree, Phil Harwood sits down with Miles Smith of Federated Insurance to discuss an often-overlooked part of business planning: making sure the right protections are in place before the unexpected happens.

Miles shares insights from nearly a decade in the insurance industry and explains why business owners should look beyond simply having an insurance policy. The conversation explores how insurance, risk management, estate planning, and succession planning can work together to protect both the business and the people who depend on it.

Business succession isn’t just about valuations, legal documents, taxes, and deal terms—it’s also a deeply human transition.

Phil Harwood sits down with change strategist Dr. Khutso Madubanya to explore the emotional side of succession, including identity, fear, resistance, and the uncertainty that can keep business owners and incoming leaders stuck. Dr. Khutso also shares her “Dance with Change” philosophy and how developing greater agency can make major transitions feel less overwhelming.

Phil Harwood sits down with Tabetha Hart to celebrate the release of her new Amazon #1 bestselling book and explore the ideas behind the Tamarisk Method.

Together, they discuss why business growth doesn’t always lead to freedom, how owner dependency can quietly increase over time, and what it takes to build a business that creates real options for the future.

Phil Harwood sits down with Zach Willner, founder and managing partner of Free Peer Advisors, to discuss what business owners should know when preparing to sell their company. Zach shares how his Wall Street investment banking experience helps small and mid-sized business owners navigate buyers, evaluate deal structures, raise capital, and secure the best possible terms for the future of their business.

Disclaimer:  “This material has been prepared for information and educational purposes only, and it is not intended to provide, nor should it be relied on for tax, legal, or investment advice. You should consult with your own tax, legal, and financial professionals for your specific situation. The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Finalis Securities, LLC. Securities offered through Finalis Securities LLC Member FINRA/SIPC. Free Pier Advisors LLC and Finalis Securities LLC are separate, unaffiliated entities.”

In this episode, Phil Harwood sits down with Greg Heeres, President of Maximize and author of The Business Baton, to talk about succession planning, business exits, and what it really takes to prepare the next generation. Greg shares practical wisdom on creating a plan, protecting a business owner’s legacy, and helping families navigate the emotional side of transition with clarity and confidence.

In this episode, Phil Harwood sits down with Perry Anne Scott, founder of Converge Coaching & Consulting, to explore what it really takes to build strong leadership inside growing organizations.

The conversation focuses on a common challenge: high-performing individuals are often promoted into leadership roles without the tools to succeed. Perry Anne shares a practical, systems-based approach to developing leaders, aligning teams, and creating a shared language across an organization. They also discuss the hidden costs of poor leadership—turnover, disengagement, and founder dependency—and how intentional leadership development can drive long-term value, scalability, and succession readiness.

If you’re a business owner or executive navigating growth, this episode offers a clear, grounded perspective on building leadership that lasts.

Phil Harwood and Tabetha Vetter discuss what it really takes to build a transition-ready company—beyond profitability—so the business can run without the owner. They break down five practical steps buyers and next-gen successors care about most: documenting key processes, building an empowered leadership team, using clear metrics, reducing customer/supplier concentration risk, and strengthening culture and operational discipline.

In this episode, Phil Harwood and Nancy Jonker of AdaptaWise discuss how unresolved tension and leadership dynamics impact business performance—and how addressing people issues directly can improve results, strengthen teams, and support succession readiness.

Phil Harwood sits down with Derrick McIver, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Sleeping Giant Capital (SGC), discuss a unique approach to investing—focusing on long-term local ownership and succession solutions. Derrick shares how SGC empowers aspiring CEOs to buy businesses, preserve legacies, and strengthen the West Michigan community.

In this episode of Under the Tamarisk Tree, Phil Harwood and Tabetha Vetter discuss how to align your personal, financial, and business goals to prepare for a confident transition, especially as more owners approach succession. They also share a quick behind-the-scenes update on what Tamarisk Business Advisors is working on— including Tabetha’s upcoming book designed to help business owners navigate their exit.