Finish Big 2.0 w/ Mark Dorman

Mark Dorman

If you're an entrepreneur – you know what it means to take personal and financial risks, create jobs that support your community, and devote most of your time to your business. But do you know how to plan for a successful exit from your business? Do you know who should be involved in creating your succession or transition plan – and the steps along the way? Welcome to Finish Big – The Podcast with Mark Dorman from Legacy Business Advisors. The podcast theme is inspired by critically acclaimed business Author Bo Burlingham, author of Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top. In this podcast, you'll hear success stories of exit plans done right – and pick up practical tips based on years of Legacy Business Advisors' expertise and knowledge about the largest and most important financial transaction of your life.

  1. HACE 2 D

    Inside Case Western's Center for Family Business with Laura Bonnet (EP 20)

    In Episode 20 of the Finish Big Podcast, host Mark Dorman welcomes Laura Bonnet, Founding Director of the Center for Family Business at the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University. Established in 2023, the Center for Family Business was created to connect and equip multi-generational family enterprises to build stronger legacies. Laura brings a powerful blend of strategy, corporate leadership, and advisory experience to the role — having held executive positions at American Greetings and advisory roles at McKinsey & Company, as well as experience with General Motors and Disney. In this episode, Mark and Laura explore the unique dynamics of family enterprises, the challenges of multi-generational transition, governance, strategy, and the importance of intentional legacy building. This is a must-listen for family business owners navigating succession, leadership development, and long-term continuity. Mark and Laura Discuss: The Birth of the Center for Family Business – Why Case Western launched it in 2023. Family Business Complexity – Why governance and relationships matter as much as performance. Multi-Generational Transition – Preparing next-gen leaders early. Strategic Discipline – Lessons from McKinsey applied to family enterprises. Corporate vs Family Culture – Key differences in decision-making. Legacy Thinking – Moving from wealth creation to legacy stewardship. Emotional Capital – The unseen driver of family business success. Board Structures & Governance Models – Professionalising the family enterprise. Education & Community – The role of universities in supporting family firms. Balancing Growth & Harmony – Keeping business and family aligned. Connect with Mark Dorman: Succession Plus US LinkedIn: Mark Dorman LinkedIn: Succession Plus Facebook: Succession Plus (330)-416-9271 mdorman@succession.plus About the Guest: Laura Bonnet is the Founding Director of the Center for Family Business at the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University. Prior to launching the Center in 2023, she served in executive leadership roles at American Greetings and worked at McKinsey & Company advising clients across industries. Her career also includes experience with General Motors and the Walt Disney Company. Laura combines strategic expertise with a deep understanding of multi-generational enterprise to help family businesses build governance, leadership continuity, and sustainable legacies.

    37 min

  2. 1 ABR

    How to Exit with Satisfaction: A Founder's Playbook with Robert "Bob" Hothem S2 (EP 19)

    In this episode of the Finish Big Podcast, Host Mark Dorman sits down with longtime friend and exit strategist Robert "Bob" Hothem, founder of Exit with Satisfaction. After building one of the largest TAB (The Alternative Board) franchises in the world — growing to 68 members and seven boards — Bob strategically exited his own business and launched a new venture focused on helping owners prepare emotionally and strategically for their exit. Mark and Bob discuss: Self-limiting beliefs The emotional side of entrepreneurship Why most owners wait too long to start exit planning The danger of identity being tied to your business And why "when the circus leaves town" is the hardest moment for many founders If you're a business owner anywhere between $1M–$8M in revenue — this conversation is for you. Connect with Mark Dorman: Succession Plus US LinkedIn: Mark Dorman LinkedIn: Succession Plus Facebook: Succession Plus (330)-416-9271 mdorman@succession.plus About the Guest: Robert "Bob" Houghtem is the founder of Exit with Satisfaction, a boutique advisory firm helping small and mid-sized business owners prepare emotionally and strategically for successful exits. Before launching Exit with Satisfaction, Bob built one of the largest TAB (The Alternative Board) franchises globally, growing to 68 members and seven peer advisory boards in the Dayton, Ohio region. With decades of experience working alongside private business owners — beginning during his corporate career with John Deere — Bob focuses on mindset, belief systems, operational value enhancement, and proactive transition planning.

    33 min

  3. 10 MAR

    Paying it Forward with Rick Scruggs S2 (EP 18)

    In Episode 18 of the Finish Big Podcast, host Mark Dorman welcomes financial services veteran Rick Scruggs, founder of Financial Designs in Lynchburg, Virginia. Rick's journey into financial planning was shaped by tragedy. When his father passed away unexpectedly just days before ERISA legislation would have secured a lifelong pension for his mother, Rick experienced firsthand the importance of financial preparedness. That defining moment ignited a lifelong mission: helping business owners protect what they build. Since founding Financial Designs in 1983, Rick has worked with over 100 private and family business owners and more than 300 legacy families. His approach blends strategic thinking, financial clarity, succession planning, and deep questioning — helping entrepreneurs create abundant futures while ensuring they have time to enjoy them. This episode explores mortality, mindset, business continuity, leadership responsibility, and why thinking deeply may be the most powerful business tool of all. Mark and Rick discuss: The Christmas Eve Turning Point – Losing his father and discovering the power of life insurance. The ERISA Timing Lesson – How six days changed a family's financial future. The Chief Mentor Story – Why "Are you coachable?" changed Rick's life. 5:00 a.m. Discipline – Discovering the other 5 o'clock. Building Financial Designs (1983) – Walking away from a minority partnership to build independently. Calling on Owners Early Morning – How 5–7 a.m. meetings built a B2B practice. Breaking Down Silos – Installing "windows" between advisors. The 10X Question Framework – Revealing the hidden magnitude of a business owner's future. 359 Degrees – Identifying the leakage point in financial strategy. Thinking as a Leadership Discipline – Why breathing and thinking are equally non-negotiable. Connect with Mark Dorman: Succession Plus US LinkedIn: Mark Dorman LinkedIn: Succession Plus Facebook: Succession Plus (330)-416-9271 mdorman@succession.plus About the Guest: Rick Scruggs is the founder and president of Financial Designs, established in 1983 in Lynchburg, Virginia. He specialises in business continuity, succession planning, transition strategy, 401(k) design, executive compensation, and legacy planning for private and family businesses. Rick holds professional designations including Certified 401(k) Professional (C(k)P), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU). He is also the author of What's Wrong with My Thinking?, a reflective leadership book focused on mindset, clarity, and intentional growth. Rick currently works with over 100 private business owners and more than 300 legacy families.

    36 min

  4. 29 ENE

    From Bombay to a $200M Business & a Successful Exit with Dee Vaidya S2 (EP 17)

    In this episode of the Finish Big Podcast, Host Mark Dorman sits down with serial entrepreneur Dee Vaidya. Born in Bombay and raised in Pune, Dee's journey spans continents, industries, and decades — from rubber and plastics to electronics, Dell manufacturing, geospatial intelligence, and building a $50M+ government contractor before a successful exit. From starting with just $5,000 and a dream in Mary's family home, to winning a $200M global geospatial intelligence contract for the U.S. government, Dee's story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and long-term thinking. This is a powerful conversation about immigration, entrepreneurship, family, culture, federal contracting, scaling, and giving back. Mark and Dee discuss: Early Roots & Education – Growing up in India, IIT Bombay, and following his father's entrepreneurial path. Family & Partnership – Building businesses with Mary and raising three children through multiple relocations. Reinvention – Moving from rubber & plastics into electronics, then into digital mapping and defence work. The Dell Years – Building PCs for Michael Dell in the early days of Dell Computer. Technographics Growth – From a small acquisition to a $50M+ company and 400+ employees. Geospatial Intelligence – Mapping the world for defence, navigation, and national security. Advisors & Mentors – The impact of Don Noble and building a world-class advisory team. The Exit – Selling Technographics to CACI and navigating a complex data room process. Giving Back – Launching the Wayne County Economic Forum to bring world-class speakers to Wooster. Life After Exit – Golf, table tennis, community leadership, and staying active. Connect with Mark Dorman: Succession Plus US LinkedIn: Mark Dorman LinkedIn: Succession Plus Facebook: Succession Plus (330)-416-9271 mdorman@succession.plus About the Guest: Dee Vaidya is a serial entrepreneur who has built, scaled, and sold multiple businesses across manufacturing, electronics, and geospatial intelligence. Born in India and educated at IIT Bombay, the University of Akron, and Purdue University, Dee moved to the U.S. to pursue entrepreneurship and the free-market system. He is best known for founding and growing Technographics, a geospatial intelligence company that won a $200M global contract and grew to over 400 employees before being sold to CACI. Dee is also the founder of the Wayne County Economic Forum and a recipient of the Wooster Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Award for his contributions to the community.

    37 min

  5. 18/12/2025

    Democratising Value: BizEquity, EMG and the Future of Founders with Michael Carter S2 (EP16)

    In this episode of the Finish Big Podcast, host Mark Dorman sits down with Michael Carter — serial entrepreneur, venture investor and founder of BizEquity, and now founder & CEO of Entrepreneurs Management Group (EMG.AI). Michael has built platforms used by hundreds of thousands of businesses, created large shareholder value, and now aims to democratise entrepreneurship with an AI-driven roadmap and founders' co-pilot. Mark and Michael discuss: BizEquity origin — why business valuation needed democratising and the early insight that launched BizEquity. Democratisation — making knowledge faster, cheaper and more accessible for entrepreneurs. EMG.ai & the Roadmap — the 73-step Entrepreneurs Roadmap and the vision to be a coach/agent for founders. Digital Agents — what an entrepreneur's agent is, how it's built on LLMs and why every company will want one. Who EMG serves — solopreneurs, first-time founders and early-stage teams that lack VC networks. Monetisation & product path — free entry via Ben (the agent), moving to pro/agent subscriptions and community. Mission Capitalist Club — a non-partisan crew, think-tank for entrepreneurs, and community experiments. Big picture — entrepreneurship as the new athletic profession: coaching, repeatable playbooks and scaled mentorship via AI. Connect with Mark Dorman: Succession Plus US LinkedIn: Mark Dorman LinkedIn: Succession Plus Facebook: Succession Plus (330)-416-9271 mdorman@succession.plus About the Guest: Michael (Mike) Carter is a serial entrepreneur and founder of BizEquity (the world's largest online business valuation platform) and now Entrepreneurs Management Group (EMG.AI). Mike has helped platforms used by c.400,000 businesses, created substantial shareholder value, and now focuses on building tools (roadmaps + AI agents) that democratise entrepreneurship — giving founders an accessible coach, playbook and business brain. He also founded the Mission Capitalist Club, a philanthropic, apolitical entrepreneurs' community in Philadelphia.

    36 min

  6. 25/11/2025

    From Private Equity to Pickles: The Entrepreneurial Leap with Pat Viancourt S2 (EP 15)

    In this episode of the Finish Big Podcast, host Mark Dorman sits down with food industry executive and entrepreneur Pat Viancourt, owner and CEO of Herman Pickle Company in Garrettsville, Ohio. With decades of leadership experience across Seagram, Nestlé Waters, Hospitality Mints, Paragon Foods, and multiple private-equity-backed businesses, Pat shares how he went from corporate CPG and private equity to owning a family-built pickle company with both beloved legacy brands and major national partnerships. For listeners thinking about buying a business, exiting corporate life, or scaling a niche manufacturing company, this conversation is packed with real-world lessons on leadership, humility, and growth. Mark and Pat discuss: From Corporate to Ownership – How Pat moved from big consumer product companies and private equity into owning his own business. The Entrepreneurial Leap – Why he walked away from a secure executive role to search for a company to buy during COVID. Finding Herman Pickle Co. – The serendipitous story of revisiting a company he first saw 10 years earlier and turning it into his own. Checking Your Ego at the Door – What it really means to wear every hat in a small/mid-sized business, from "presidential to janitorial". Brand & Product Strength – The story behind Don Herman's half-sour and full-sour pickles and why customers say, "That's what a pickle should taste like." Nathan's & Private Label – How Herman Pickle Co. became the exclusive licensed manufacturer for Nathan's Famous pickles and a major player in private-label refrigerated pickles. Growth & Automation – Balancing labour challenges, automation, and operational efficiency while expanding distribution across the U.S. Vision for the Future – How Pat plans to make Herman Pickle Co. "bigger, faster, stronger" without losing its quality, culture, or roots. Connect with Mark Dorman: Succession Plus US LinkedIn: Mark Dorman LinkedIn: Succession Plus Facebook: Succession Plus (330)-416-9271 mdorman@succession.plus About the Guest: Pat Viancourt is an experienced CEO, food industry executive, and business owner. Over his career, he has led and grown companies in food manufacturing, foodservice distribution, secondary packaging, and custom printing, working with respected private equity groups such as Linsalata Capital Partners, Odyssey Investment Partners, and others. In 2021, Pat purchased Herman Pickle Company in Garrettsville, Ohio, a family-founded business known for its Don Herman fermented pickles and its role as the exclusive licensed manufacturer of Nathan's Famous refrigerated pickles. Under his leadership, the company has expanded its branded, licensed, private-label, and foodservice business while investing in automation and operational efficiency. Pat brings together corporate discipline, entrepreneurial courage, and a deep respect for legacy brands—showing how a well-run niche manufacturer can grow, innovate, and still stay true to its roots.

    40 min

  7. 11/11/2025

    Creating Shared Success: Inside the Ohio Employee Ownership Center with Chris Cooper S2 (EP 14)

    In this episode of the Finish Big Podcast, host Mark Dorman sits down with Chris Cooper, Director of the Ohio Employee Ownership Center (OEOC) at Kent State University. For over 25 years, Chris has helped business owners across Ohio explore the power of employee ownership — guiding them through successful transitions, building strong ownership cultures, and creating legacies that last. Mark and Chris discuss: The OEOC Mission – How the Ohio Employee Ownership Center helps business owners transition their companies to employee ownership. The Human Impact – Real stories of employees who built life-changing wealth through ownership. ESOP Advantages – Why employee ownership creates win-win outcomes for owners, workers, and communities. Succession & Legacy – How founders can exit while preserving culture and jobs. EOT vs ESOP – The differences between Employee Ownership Trusts and ESOPs, and when each fits best. Collaboration & Support – How the OEOC partners with advisors, foundations, and business owners to make transitions possible. Success Story – A Cleveland company that became 100% employee-owned, creating over 200 new owners. The Future – Why Ohio leads the way in employee ownership and what it means for the next generation of business owners. Connect with Mark Dorman: Succession Plus US LinkedIn: Mark Dorman LinkedIn: Succession Plus Facebook: Succession Plus (330)-416-9271 mdorman@succession.plus About the Guest: Chris Cooper is the Director of the Ohio Employee Ownership Center (OEOC) at Kent State University. With over two decades of experience, Chris has worked with hundreds of business owners to explore employee ownership as a succession solution. He leads programs focused on succession planning, ownership culture, and employee-owned startups, and coordinates Ohio's Employee-Owned Network, which includes more than 100 companies. Chris has spoken at national and international conferences across the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Bermuda, and is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) through the Exit Planning Institute. His work bridges research, education, and real-world impact—helping business owners finish strong while keeping their companies and communities thriving.

    33 min

  8. 23/10/2025

    What is the "Fredo" effect- and how might it impact your Family Business? S2 (EP13)

    In this episode of the Finish Big Podcast, Host Mark Dorman sits down with Professor Kimberly Eddleston of Northeastern University and Cornell University's Smith Family Business Initiative. Professor Edelston is one of the world's leading scholars in family business and entrepreneurship—ranked among the top 2% of scientists by Stanford University and recognized by Family Capital as one of the world's Top 25 Family Enterprise Academics. Mark and Kim discuss: The Fredo Effect – What it means, how it appears in real family businesses, and why it's so hard to talk about. Family Dynamics – How loyalty, guilt, and generational expectations can turn a strength into a weakness. Research Findings – 33% of families admit to having a "family impediment" member—and why the real number is likely much higher. Nepotism vs Accountability – What happens when roles aren't clearly defined and bad behavior goes unchecked. Prevention & Governance – Practical tools to reduce risk: rules of entry, clear job descriptions, and outside boards of advisors. Culture & Communication – How open dialogue, fairness, and transparency can keep both relationships and revenue healthy. Connect with Mark Dorman: Succession Plus US LinkedIn: Mark Dorman LinkedIn: Succession Plus Facebook: Succession Plus (330)-416-9271 mdorman@succession.plus About the Guest: Professor Kimberly Eddleston is a globally recognized expert in family business, entrepreneurship, and innovation. She serves as a Research Fellow at Cornell University's Smith Family Business Initiative and teaches at Northeastern University in Boston. Her groundbreaking work explores how families can be both a resource and a constraint in their companies. Kim has authored award-winning papers, delivered workshops around the world, and helped countless families navigate the complex emotions of succession and leadership transition.

    38 min
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Información

If you're an entrepreneur – you know what it means to take personal and financial risks, create jobs that support your community, and devote most of your time to your business. But do you know how to plan for a successful exit from your business? Do you know who should be involved in creating your succession or transition plan – and the steps along the way? Welcome to Finish Big – The Podcast with Mark Dorman from Legacy Business Advisors. The podcast theme is inspired by critically acclaimed business Author Bo Burlingham, author of Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top. In this podcast, you'll hear success stories of exit plans done right – and pick up practical tips based on years of Legacy Business Advisors' expertise and knowledge about the largest and most important financial transaction of your life.

Ficha técnica

  • Creado por
    Mark Dorman
  • Años en activo
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodios
    20
  • Clasificación
    Apto
  • Derechos de autor
    Copyright © 2022 Finish Big - The Podcast with Mark Dorman from Legacy Business Advisors.
  • Sitio web del podcast
    Finish Big 2.0 w/ Mark Dorman

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