Empowering Entrepreneurs

Glenn Harper
  • 5.0 (11)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
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Join Glenn Harper and Julie Smith as they help you build your brand and gain confidence as an entrepreneur. Explore key topics like business growth, mentorship, and overcoming challenges. Their guests bring intriguing and entertaining clarity to help you increase your confidence in building your business (and enjoy your journey doing it). Drive your passion, grow your business, and empower your journey today!

  1. 2D AGO

    Why Success Is More Than Money: Mike Kelly Shares Wisdom

    Get ready to be challenged, inspired, and equipped to define your own version of success! Welcome to another inspiring episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs! Today, hosts Glenn Harper and Julie Smith sit down with Mike Kelly, CFP, CPC, RLP—founder of Kelly Financial Planning, executive coach, and author of "Leaderfluence." Mike’s journey is a testament to grit, curiosity, and principled leadership. Growing up as the eldest of four in a small South Carolina town, he witnessed firsthand the hustle and resourcefulness of his parents—a janitor father and a mother who was a seamstress and hairdresser. These early experiences shaped his values of discipline, generosity, and the importance of giving back. Through basketball, Mike earned his way to college and developed vital skills in teamwork and perseverance. His impressive corporate career, spanning roles at Michelin and Macy’s, eventually led him to the realization that true success is defined by purpose, impact, and the freedom to serve others. After a pivotal moment in his early 30s, Mike shifted his focus from climbing the corporate ladder to aligning his work with his mission and passions. In this episode, Mike shares how his work as a financial planner and executive coach integrates his love for helping others lead themselves effectively, manage their finances wisely, and find clarity in their lives. He also opens up about the powerful role of accountability, the transition from corporate America to entrepreneurship, and the importance of giving back to the community. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, seasoned business leader, or simply curious about personal growth, you’ll find wisdom and actionable insights in Mike’s story. Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus Here are 3 key takeaways entrepreneurs and leaders won’t want to miss: Define Your Own Success: Mike reminds us that success isn’t one-size-fits-all. He encourages everyone to reflect deeply and define what success means personally, rather than chasing society’s “five Ps”—pleasure, prosperity, power, prestige, and position.Prioritize Personal Growth & Accountability: One of Mike’s favorite quotes is, “Work harder on yourself than your job.” He stresses that humility and seeking honest feedback are critical for transformation, whether you’re a leader or an aspiring entrepreneur.Building Community Makes All the Difference: From family, to mentors and coaches, Mike’s journey shows that surrounding yourself with supportive relationships and accountability partners is essential—especially when making big leaps, like leaving corporate life to pursue your passion. Running a business doesn’t have to run your life. Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business. Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today. Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account. Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.  An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family. Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.  Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper Mentioned in this episode: Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus Running a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner. At Harper & Company CPAs Plus, we don’t just crunch numbers—we empower entrepreneurs. From proactive tax strategy and accounting to business advisory services, our team helps you keep more of what you earn and scale with confidence. Whether you’re launching, growing, or preparing for exit, Harper & Company is in your corner with expert guidance built for business owners like you. Visit www.harpercpaplus.com to book a complimentary discovery call today - or call us at 614-456-7222. Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

    50 min

  2. FEB 25

    The Billion Dollar Coach: Marc L. Daniels Reveals Success Strategies for Entrepreneurs

    If you’re looking to scale your business, reinvent your career, or just hear a story that's as heartfelt as it is instructive, you won’t want to miss this candid conversation. Hosts Glenn Harper and Julie Smith sit down with the dynamic Marc L. Daniels—also known as the Billion Dollar Coach. From his entrepreneurial beginnings in New Jersey to orchestrating multi-million dollar exits and even running an alpaca farm on Martha’s Vineyard, Marc L. Daniels shares a wild ride packed with sharp business insights and personal transformation. This episode goes into Marc L. Daniels's unexpected pivots: rescuing a Radio Shack dealership from the brink, revolutionizing startups, and leading companies through explosive growth—all while staying grounded with stories of family, resilience, and a healthy dose of humor. Along the way, he opens up about the life-changing events that shaped his fearless approach, the strategies behind his success, and why having a plan is non-negotiable for any entrepreneur. This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started. Moments 07:34 "Winning Scholarship and Career Path" 11:24 "West Milford's Economic Decline" 19:17 "Visionary Paper Route Deal" 26:54 "First Business Pivot Success" 28:48 "Whiteboard Dashboard for Metrics" 36:52 "Board Management Tech Amid Crisis" 43:48 "Weaknesses and Unpredictable Threats" 46:11 "Finding Profitable Industry Trends" 52:53 AI: Business Tool, Not Trend 55:53 "Meetings Matter for Project Success" 01:00:59 Accountants: Helping is Core Value Running a business doesn’t have to run your life. Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business. Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today. Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account. Here are three key takeaways: Embrace the Pivot: Marc’s story is proof that changing directions—whether it’s switching industries or business models—can be your biggest opportunity. He spotted industry trends early and wasn’t afraid to pivot, from computers to consulting to farming, and then back to business again.Strategic Planning Wins: Marc emphasized that “hope is not a strategy and hustle is not a plan.” He encourages every entrepreneur to have a written business plan, regularly meet with their team, and use tools (like AI) to leverage trends. Execution is everything.Know Your Endgame: Marc challenges entrepreneurs to plan their exit early. Whether it’s selling, passing on, or scaling down, having clarity on your business’s future is critical for long-term success. Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.  An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family. Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.  Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree. Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

    1h 3m

  3. FEB 18

    Compressing Your Timeline: Achieve Business Goals Quicker

    Why do so many entrepreneurs drag out their goals over 52 weeks instead of aiming to achieve them in 12? Is it fear of failure, fear of success, or just a lack of action? This is a candid, motivating conversation that will help you move from talking about your goals to actually achieving them! Welcome to another episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs! Today, Glenn Harper and Julie Smith pull back the curtain to talk about the real conversations that happen behind the scenes about goal-setting and timelines. Glenn Harper and Julie Smith tackle these questions with honest debate, sharing insights on overcoming procrastination, setting actionable steps, and why respecting your own ideas is crucial for growth. If you’ve ever found yourself pushing off your goals or forgetting about your plans by the end of the year, this episode will give you the tough love and practical tips you need to start taking meaningful steps—no matter how small. PureTax, LLC Key takeaways from our conversation: Action beats intention: Without taking consistent steps (even small ones), goals remain nothing but words.Compress your timeline: Don’t default to “someday.” Set shorter, focused periods to accelerate results, learn faster, and make success a habit.Prioritize your vision: Add your goals to your calendar, give them your best energy, and put yourself at the top of your to-do list. Running a business doesn’t have to run your life. Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business. Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today. Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account. Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.  An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family. Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.  Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

    6 min

  4. FEB 11

    How Is The OBBBA Really Going To Affect Entrepreneurs?

    If you’re looking to understand how the OBBBA can empower your business, this episode is packed with clear explanations and actionable insights for entrepreneurs everywhere. Welcome to another episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs, hosted by Glenn Harper and Julie Smith. They talk about the real impact of the OBBBA—referred to as the "big beautiful bill"—on entrepreneurs and business owners. With lots of chatter and confusion around what this legislation actually means, Glenn Harper breaks down the concrete benefits: from locking in permanent tax rates, to making long-term business planning easier, to allowing full write-offs for heavy vehicles and essential equipment purchases. Julie Smith joins in with practical questions, making sure listeners know how these changes could directly affect their buying decisions and tax strategies. PureTax, LLC Top 3 Takeaways: Locked-in Tax Rates: The OBBBA makes the current tax rates permanent, allowing entrepreneurs to plan for the future with more certainty. No more worrying about sudden tax hikes after sunset clauses expire!Permanent Qualified Business Income Deduction: Most flow-through entities can continue to benefit from this deduction. That means more money stays in your pocket and less goes to taxes.Immediate Asset Write-Offs: Need new equipment, vehicles, or even a factory upgrade? Purchase qualifying assets and write off 100%—right away, with no long depreciation schedules. Running a business doesn’t have to run your life. Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business. Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today. Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account. Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.  An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family. Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.  Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

    5 min

  5. FEB 4

    What Entrepreneurs Should Be Asking Their CPA Right Now

    Learn why talking to your advisor before you act isn’t just smart—it’s essential for entrepreneurial success! Welcome to another enlightening episode of the Empowering Entrepreneurs Podcast! In this conversation, Glenn Harper and Julie Smith talk about a topic every entrepreneur needs to hear: “What entrepreneurs should be asking their CPA right now.” If you’ve ever made a big financial move for your business—like selling stock, making a large purchase, or considering a Roth conversion—without looping in your tax advisor, you’re not alone. Glenn Harper and Julie Smith share their candid insights on why a quick phone call to your CPA can be the difference between an average outcome and an optimal one. They discuss the importance of tax planning, avoiding knee-jerk decisions, and how even small tweaks can have a big impact on your bottom line. PureTax, LLC Here are 3 key takeaways for entrepreneurs and decision-makers: Don’t Go It Alone: Before making any material financial move, reach out to your CPA or advisory team. A quick call could dramatically improve your results.Proper Planning = Better Outcomes: Acting on impulse might get the job done, but strategic planning can help you minimize taxes and maximize your benefits.It’s Easier to Ask for Permission: Give your CPA a heads up before acting, because sometimes “asking for forgiveness” means missed opportunities that can’t be undone. Running a business doesn’t have to run your life. Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business. Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today. Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account. Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.  An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family. Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.  Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

    5 min

  6. JAN 28

    New Year Growth Strategies That Stick

    Glenn Harper and Julie Smith offer strategies for writing down action plans, building momentum with small wins, and making sure those 2026 goals don’t end up as next December’s leftovers. Welcome back to another episode of "Empowering Entrepreneurs." In this week’s conversation, Glenn Harper and Julie Smith dig into one of the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face at the turn of the year: setting growth goals that actually stick. As the buzz of New Year’s resolutions fades, Julie Smith shares her insights on why lofty ambitions often get lost by mid to late January, and how breaking big-picture objectives into daily, manageable action steps is key to real progress. If you’re ready to trade reactionary fire-fighting for intentional, rewarding growth, this episode is your blueprint for the year ahead. PureTax, LLC Here are 3 key takeaways for anyone looking to turn resolutions into real results: Break big goals into daily wins: Huge visions need to be broken down into actionable steps you can check off every day. Small, consistent progress is what leads to big outcomes.Write down both your goals and your action plan: As Glenn Harper shares, if you don’t map out your action steps, your goals are just dreams. Make your path clear and hold yourself accountable.Learn to act from growth, not just from pain: Entrepreneurs often react to challenges—but planning and executing for positive growth is far more rewarding than simply avoiding setbacks. Running a business doesn’t have to run your life. Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business. Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today. Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account. Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.  An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family. Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.  Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

    6 min

  7. JAN 21

    Growth Strategies: Is Bigger Always Better for Entrepreneurs?

    Whether you're in the trenches or taking time to reflect on your business journey, this episode is packed with advice and reflections to help you make informed decisions for 2026 and beyond. Welcome back to another insightful episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs. I'm your host, Glenn Harper, joined by my co-host, Julie Smith. Today, we're diving into a subject that many entrepreneurs grapple with: Is bigger always better, or is better just better? We'll explore the delicate balance between scaling a business and maintaining quality, how to decide which path aligns with your goals, and the crucial role of intention in growth strategies. This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started. Actionable AdviceRegular Reflection: Make it a part of your business routine to step back and evaluate where you are and where you want to be.Intentional Planning: As the year comes to a close, use this period for setting clear, deliberate intentions for 2025.Opportunity Cost Evaluation: Consider what you might have to give up in order to achieve your desired growth. Is it worth it? Running a business doesn’t have to run your life. Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business. Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today. Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account. Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.  An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family. Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.  Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

    6 min

  8. JAN 7

    Lessons From Infomercial Famous David Stowers

    Whether it’s lessons learned from product lifecycles, navigating family and personal setbacks, or his passion for giving back to the entrepreneurial community, David Stowers offers wisdom, humor, and a candid look at what it truly takes to grow, scale, and thrive. On this episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs, hosts Glenn Harper and Julie Smith sit down with David Stowers, principal owner of Smash Success and a business development specialist for FreedomDev Sensible Software. Known for his engaging sales style and entrepreneurial drive, David Stowers shares the twists and turns of his career—from hustling as a teenager and launching infomercial products, to facing financial challenges and reinventing himself multiple times over. With stories ranging from selling foam airplanes at flea markets to making national television appearances on QVC, David Stowers opens up about the peaks and valleys that shaped his journey. He discusses the importance of mentorship, balancing integrity with ambition, and why authenticity matters in business. Get ready for inspiring insights, entertaining anecdotes, and practical advice that every entrepreneur can relate to. Moments 00:00 "David Sowers: Growth Enthusiast" 03:16 Entrepreneurial Roots and Aspirations 08:53 "Parenting with Trust and Independence" 09:40 "Lessons from Early Amway Days" 15:14 "Weekend Hustles to Rolling Rulers" 18:49 "Finding Purpose Through Hardship" 21:01 "Entrepreneur's Shift to Network Marketing" 25:14 "Transition, Tech, and Opportunity" 28:21 "From Selling Invisible to Consulting" 31:09 QVC On-Air Training Experience 33:01 "Entrepreneurship: Choose Fun Over Stress" 36:51 "Recreating Success with Ginsu Knives" 41:41 "Need vs. Want in Sales" 44:47 "Marketing Lessons from Rich" 46:12 "Entrepreneurship, Travel, and Family" This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started. Here are 3 key takeaways for entrepreneurs and business builders: Embrace the peaks and valleys: David’s experience with early financial success followed by a tough downturn (and bankruptcy) highlights that our biggest lessons—and eventual successes—often come from the challenging valleys, not the easy peaks.Authenticity & Integrity Matter: Whether selling products on QVC or consulting for software firms, David stresses the importance of authentic connection and doing business the right way, even when it means turning away a sale that doesn’t serve the customer.Mentorship and data-driven decisions: Surround yourself with people who challenge you and supply you with the right tools (including data!). David credits his partners and mentors with teaching him the importance of operational excellence and making marketing decisions based on real numbers—not just gut instinct. Running a business doesn’t have to run your life. Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business. Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today. Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account. Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.  An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family. Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.  Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper

    51 min
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About

Join Glenn Harper and Julie Smith as they help you build your brand and gain confidence as an entrepreneur. Explore key topics like business growth, mentorship, and overcoming challenges. Their guests bring intriguing and entertaining clarity to help you increase your confidence in building your business (and enjoy your journey doing it). Drive your passion, grow your business, and empower your journey today!

Information

  • Creator
    Glenn Harper
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    124
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper
  • Show Website
    Empowering Entrepreneurs