Blood, Sweat & Business

Kaizen CPAs

Blood, Sweat & Business shares real stories from small business owners—raw conversations packed with hard-earned lessons and insights from the trenches of entrepreneurship. You’ll hear from the people doing the work—running shops, leading teams, and making the tough calls every day.  Alongside these deep-dive episodes, Kaizen Time delivers short, focused insights on small business finance, tax planning, and strategy—to help you make sharper decisions, faster.  Same feed, two formats. Real stories. Real advice. Real impact.  Subscribe for practical insights to help you run a stronger business—one episode at a time. Explore free tools and resources at kaizencpas.com/resource-center 

  1. 1D AGO

    Building Trust Through Better Questions

    For any small business owner, the ability to build meaningful trust with a team is often the difference between a high-performing culture and constant turnover. This episode of Kaizen Time explores the art of active listening and the transformative power of asking "high gain" questions to move beyond surface-level interactions and build a "goodwill reserve" with employees. We discuss practical communication techniques, such as the intentional pause and the courage to ask deep, relevant questions about career progression and long-term exit strategies. While many owners focus solely on accounting services and technical data, true leadership requires the emotional intelligence to engage with the "why" behind every task. Learn how to strengthen your leadership, improve employee retention, and provide the kind of cultural stability that serves as the best financial advice for long-term growth. Subscribe for more valuable insights to help your small business thrive. 💼💰 Kaizen CPAs + Advisors: https://www.kaizencpas.com Send us an email: bsb@kaizencpas.com #SmallBusiness #TaxSeasonTips #FinancialPlanning #futureofwork 🎙️ Kaizen Time is part of the Blood, Sweat & Business podcast series by Kaizen CPAs + Advisors. We help small business owners make smarter financial decisions—without the fluff. 🔗 Learn more: kaizencpas.com 📧 Contact: bsb@kaizencpas.com 📲 Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram 📅 Book a discovery call #smallbusiness #kaizentimepodcast #accounting #taxplanning #businessstrategy

    18 min
  2. FEB 5

    Tax Problems That Will Put You in Jail

    Many small business owners live in fear of the IRS, but understanding the line between a simple math error and willful tax fraud is essential for peace of mind. This episode explores the crucial difference between accidental mistakes and intentional deception, highlighting why the latter is what leads to serious legal consequences. We take a deep dive into the high-stakes world of payroll taxes, explaining why mishandling these funds is viewed as theft and how the government monitors these accounts with a hawk's eye. By utilizing professional accounting services, you can ensure your filings are accurate and have a reliable buffer during audits to avoid the kind of costly misunderstandings that can escalate into a disaster. Gain valuable financial advice on staying compliant, being honest with regulators, and protecting your small business from avoidable legal trouble. Subscribe for more valuable insights to help your small business thrive. 💼💰 Kaizen CPAs + Advisors: https://www.kaizencpas.com Send us an email: bsb@kaizencpas.com #SmallBusiness #TaxSeasonTips #FinancialPlanning #futureofwork 🎙️ Kaizen Time is part of the Blood, Sweat & Business podcast series by Kaizen CPAs + Advisors. We help small business owners make smarter financial decisions—without the fluff. 🔗 Learn more: kaizencpas.com 📧 Contact: bsb@kaizencpas.com 📲 Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram 📅 Book a discovery call #smallbusiness #kaizentimepodcast #accounting #taxplanning #businessstrategy

    20 min
  3. JAN 29

    The Hidden Costs of Growing Your Team

    Scaling a small business beyond a single owner is a significant milestone that introduces a new level of financial and operational complexity. This episode of Kaizen Time breaks down the true cost of hiring your first few employees, explaining why the actual expense of a new hire often far exceeds their base salary once your account for taxes, insurance, and benefits. We explore how growing your team triggers various legal requirements and compliance hurdles, such as state-mandated leave policies and federal regulations that change as your headcount increases. By focusing on modern payroll tools and expert accounting services, you can provide the professional experience top talent expects while safeguarding your business against costly administrative errors. Gain the essential financial advice needed to navigate the transition from solopreneur to a growing organization with confidence and clarity.  Subscribe for more valuable insights to help your small business thrive. 💼💰 Kaizen CPAs + Advisors: https://www.kaizencpas.com Send us an email: bsb@kaizencpas.com #SmallBusiness #TaxSeasonTips #FinancialPlanning #futureofwork 🎙️ Kaizen Time is part of the Blood, Sweat & Business podcast series by Kaizen CPAs + Advisors. We help small business owners make smarter financial decisions—without the fluff. 🔗 Learn more: kaizencpas.com 📧 Contact: bsb@kaizencpas.com 📲 Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram 📅 Book a discovery call #smallbusiness #kaizentimepodcast #accounting #taxplanning #businessstrategy

    11 min
  4. JAN 22

    Payroll Compliance without Panic

    For many small business owners, navigating the complex landscape of payroll compliance is a daunting task that requires constant vigilance to avoid significant regulatory risks. This episode of Kaizen Time explores the critical differences between federal and state filing requirements, emphasizing why businesses must stay updated on shifting mandates like minimum wage increases and state-specific paid leave laws. We delve into the high-stakes world of employee classification, discussing how misclassifying workers as contractors instead of employees can lead to devastating financial penalties and audits. With the rise of remote work turning many organizations into multi-state entities, this discussion provides essential financial advice on maintaining proper documentation, utilizing year-end checklists, and leveraging professional accounting services to ensure long-term stability and compliance in an ever-changing legal environment. Subscribe for more valuable insights to help your small business thrive. 💼💰 Kaizen CPAs + Advisors: https://www.kaizencpas.com Send us an email: bsb@kaizencpas.com #SmallBusiness #TaxSeasonTips #FinancialPlanning #futureofwork 🎙️ Kaizen Time is part of the Blood, Sweat & Business podcast series by Kaizen CPAs + Advisors. We help small business owners make smarter financial decisions—without the fluff. 🔗 Learn more: kaizencpas.com 📧 Contact: bsb@kaizencpas.com 📲 Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram 📅 Book a discovery call #smallbusiness #kaizentimepodcast #accounting #taxplanning #businessstrategy

    15 min
  5. JAN 15

    Major IRS Triggers

    While a backlog and "brain drain" at the IRS might lead some to believe they can fly under the radar, the agency is increasingly relying on sophisticated data matching and computer software to flag inconsistencies in tax reporting. This episode of Kaizen Time explores the major audit triggers facing every small business, from mismatches in K-1 and W-2 forms to the growing scrutiny surrounding cryptocurrency transactions. We discuss why high-risk deductions like home office use, vehicle expenses, and out-of-proportion charitable contributions are frequently caught by automated systems, even years after a return is filed. Gain essential financial advice on avoiding common pitfalls such as the "creep" of personal expenses into business filings and learn how professional accounting services can help you maintain the proper documentation needed to survive an automated review. Subscribe for more valuable insights to help your small business thrive. 💼💰 Kaizen CPAs + Advisors: https://www.kaizencpas.com Send us an email: bsb@kaizencpas.com #SmallBusiness #TaxSeasonTips #FinancialPlanning #futureofwork 🎙️ Kaizen Time is part of the Blood, Sweat & Business podcast series by Kaizen CPAs + Advisors. We help small business owners make smarter financial decisions—without the fluff. 🔗 Learn more: kaizencpas.com 📧 Contact: bsb@kaizencpas.com 📲 Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram 📅 Book a discovery call #smallbusiness #kaizentimepodcast #accounting #taxplanning #businessstrategy

    17 min
  6. JAN 8

    How the One Big Beautiful Bill Pushes Business 2026

    The "One Big Beautiful Bill" has transitioned the 2026 fiscal year from a period of "wait and see" into a year of action, offering small business owners a much-needed sense of permanence regarding tax policy. This episode examines how the restoration of key incentives like the Research and Development (R&D) credit and the permanence of Section 179 and bonus depreciation have reshaped capital expenditure strategies. We discuss the importance of acting on time-sensitive opportunities, such as expiring solar power credits, and how the current legislative framework supports long-term growth through tax-free overtime and tip credits. By utilizing professional financial advice and strategic accounting services, entrepreneurs can now confidently invest in their future, moving from cautious observation to making decisive moves that stabilize cash flow and drive business expansion. Subscribe for more valuable insights to help your small business thrive. 💼💰 Kaizen CPAs + Advisors: https://www.kaizencpas.com Send us an email: bsb@kaizencpas.com #SmallBusiness #TaxSeasonTips #FinancialPlanning #futureofwork 🎙️ Kaizen Time is part of the Blood, Sweat & Business podcast series by Kaizen CPAs + Advisors. We help small business owners make smarter financial decisions—without the fluff. 🔗 Learn more: kaizencpas.com 📧 Contact: bsb@kaizencpas.com 📲 Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram 📅 Book a discovery call #smallbusiness #kaizentimepodcast #accounting #taxplanning #businessstrategy

    15 min
  7. JAN 1

    IRS Policy Changes with Meals in 2025 & 2026

    With the days of the "three martini lunch" long gone, this episode offers crucial financial advice regarding current and upcoming changes to meal and entertainment deductions, helping small business owners navigate what is deemed "ordinary and necessary" by the IRS. We detail the two main categories for meals: the 50% deduction (e.g., meals with clients or employee training) and the 100% deduction (e.g., company Christmas parties or promotional public events), while stressing that entertainment expenses are entirely non-deductible. The discussion also highlights a significant 2026 change that eliminates the deduction for employee meals provided for the employer's convenience, underscoring the need to consult with accounting services to ensure all purchases are legitimately tied to business needs and avoid scrutiny from an understaffed but eventually catching-up IRS. Subscribe for more valuable insights to help your small business thrive. 💼💰 Kaizen CPAs + Advisors: https://www.kaizencpas.com Send us an email: bsb@kaizencpas.com #SmallBusiness #TaxSeasonTips #FinancialPlanning #futureofwork 🎙️ Kaizen Time is part of the Blood, Sweat & Business podcast series by Kaizen CPAs + Advisors. We help small business owners make smarter financial decisions—without the fluff. 🔗 Learn more: kaizencpas.com 📧 Contact: bsb@kaizencpas.com 📲 Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram 📅 Book a discovery call #smallbusiness #kaizentimepodcast #accounting #taxplanning #businessstrategy

    14 min
  8. 12/25/2025

    The IRS says Good-Bye to Paper Checks

    Addressing a major shift in tax protocol, this episode provides essential financial advice for small business owners by detailing the IRS's new mandate to eliminate paper checks for all payments and refunds as of September 30, 2025. We emphasize that electronic transfer is the most secure and efficient method, urging taxpayers to transition to direct deposit for refunds and utilize online options like direct pay, E-Services, or EFTPS for making payments to avoid potential mail delays, lost debit cards, and unnecessary penalties. The discussion stresses the importance of accurate classification when making electronic payments to ensure funds are applied to the correct tax year and type, underscoring the critical role of timely accounting services and compliance in navigating this digital transition. Subscribe for more valuable insights to help your small business thrive. 💼💰 Kaizen CPAs + Advisors: https://www.kaizencpas.com Send us an email: bsb@kaizencpas.com #SmallBusiness #TaxSeasonTips #FinancialPlanning #futureofwork 🎙️ Kaizen Time is part of the Blood, Sweat & Business podcast series by Kaizen CPAs + Advisors. We help small business owners make smarter financial decisions—without the fluff. 🔗 Learn more: kaizencpas.com 📧 Contact: bsb@kaizencpas.com 📲 Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram 📅 Book a discovery call #smallbusiness #kaizentimepodcast #accounting #taxplanning #businessstrategy

    11 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Blood, Sweat & Business shares real stories from small business owners—raw conversations packed with hard-earned lessons and insights from the trenches of entrepreneurship. You’ll hear from the people doing the work—running shops, leading teams, and making the tough calls every day.  Alongside these deep-dive episodes, Kaizen Time delivers short, focused insights on small business finance, tax planning, and strategy—to help you make sharper decisions, faster.  Same feed, two formats. Real stories. Real advice. Real impact.  Subscribe for practical insights to help you run a stronger business—one episode at a time. Explore free tools and resources at kaizencpas.com/resource-center