Your Business – Your Next Level

Eunicia Peret
  • 4.8 (21)
  • Investing
  • Updated Weekly

Are you an ambitious business owner ready to take your business to the next level? Welcome to "Your Business – Your Next Level," where your host Eunicia Peret delivers the game-changing insights every ambitious business owner seeks. Whether it’s strategies for paying less in taxes, scaling your enterprise, or optimizing your team, this podcast is designed with your success in mind. Tailored for business owners who face challenges in expansion and optimization, here you’ll find the expert guidance needed to unlock new opportunities and grow your business. Don't miss out on the opportunity to transform your business and your finances. Visit us at www.podcast.excelstra.com to access further insights and resources. Elevate your listening experience by subscribing to "Your Business – Your Next Level" and ensure you rate and review our episodes, so we can continue delivering the content you need to succeed. Join us and be part of a community dedicated to achieving more in business. Refuse to settle for conventional success. "Your Business – Your Next Level" challenges you to push beyond comfort zones and explore new heights in business efficacy. With Eunicia's guidance and a wealth of expert knowledge, your pursuit of exceptional achievement starts here. Let's redefine what success means to you and set new benchmarks in your industry together.

  1. 1d ago

    Ep145: Rjon Robins on The Difference Between Tax Strategy and Tax Filing

    Rjon Robins, entrepreneur, author, and business strategist, joins Eunicia Peret for a candid conversation about one of the biggest hidden profit leaks affecting successful business owners: the lack of true tax strategy. Drawing from decades of experience helping professional service firms build more profitable businesses, Rjon explains why most entrepreneurs unknowingly confuse tax preparation with tax planning, and how that mistake can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars over a lifetime. Together, they explore the differences between financial accountants, management accountants, tax strategists, and financial advisors, while challenging the assumptions many business owners make about the professionals they trust. This episode is a powerful reminder that building wealth requires more than earning income, it requires assembling the right team and approaching financial strategy with humility, curiosity, and intention. Key Takeaways: Tax preparation is not tax strategy: Filing taxes correctly is very different from proactively reducing taxes Different professionals serve different purposes: CPAs, tax strategists, CFOs, and financial advisors each play distinct roles You don't know what you don't know: The biggest financial losses often come from blind spots, not bad intentions Successful people still need specialists: Expertise in one field doesn't translate into expertise in another Waiting until tax season is too late: Effective tax strategy happens throughout the year, not during tax filing The right team creates exponential value: Collaboration between experts protects and grows wealth Being wrong feels exactly like being right: Awareness is often the first step toward meaningful change As your wealth grows, your strategies must evolve: Higher income unlocks more sophisticated planning opportunities Humility creates opportunity: The best entrepreneurs remain lifelong learners Profit leaks hide in plain sight: Small strategic improvements can create massive long-term wealth Timeline Summary:[00:00:00] Why poor tax strategy can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars [00:01:00] Introduction to Rjon Robins and today's discussion [00:03:00] Entrepreneurs vs. technical professionals: thinking like a business owner [00:05:00] The difference between financial accountants and management accountants [00:06:00] Why most successful people don't realize they have a tax problem [00:08:00] Understanding the role of a true tax strategist [00:10:00] Why your CPA may not be the right person for tax planning [00:12:00] How blind spots quietly drain wealth [00:14:00] Recognizing when you've outgrown your advisory team [00:16:00] Why annual tax strategy meetings matter [00:18:00] Common misconceptions about deductions and tax planning [00:20:00] Strategic planning throughout the year vs. tax season preparation [00:23:00] Building the right team of advisors around your business [00:26:00] Treating wealth like a business, not an afterthought [00:28:00] Why sophisticated strategies evolve with higher income [00:31:00] Adopting the mindset of a lifelong learner [00:33:00] Final advice: stop letting ego prevent financial growth

  2. Aug 11

    Ep144: Patrick Hanegan on Recruiting and Building Elite Teams in the AI Era

    Patrick Hanegan, talent acquisition leader and founder, joins Eunicia Peret to discuss what recruiting, hiring, and team building really look like in a rapidly evolving world shaped by AI. Having helped scale companies from startup to IPO and built teams across multiple countries, Patrick brings a unique perspective on how businesses can attract, retain, and develop elite talent. The conversation explores the challenges founders face when building high-performance teams, the shifting expectations of employees, and how AI is transforming both recruiting and workplace productivity. Patrick also shares lessons from his own entrepreneurial journey, including the importance of empathy, personal growth, and helping people unlock their full potential. This episode is a practical guide for business owners looking to build stronger teams while preparing for the future of work. Key Takeaways: AI is changing recruiting faster than most people realize: Companies and candidates who adapt early will have an advantage Top talent is still difficult to find: Even the biggest companies compete for the same high performers Opportunity matters more than compensation: The best candidates evaluate long-term growth potential, not just salary Employees need tools, not just expectations: Investing in technology and development improves outcomes Personal growth starts with the individual: Employers can support growth, but employees must want it for themselves Empathy is a leadership skill: Understanding where people are helps unlock their potential Working harder isn’t always the answer: Sometimes slowing down creates better results AI can eliminate unnecessary work: Many repetitive tasks no longer require human effort Challenges create the biggest learning opportunities: Growth often comes from solving difficult problems Balance matters: Sustainable success requires periods of both intensity and reflection Timeline Summary: [00:00:00] Introduction to Patrick Hanegan and his recruiting background [00:01:00] Early experiences in talent acquisition and startups [00:03:00] Startup recruiting vs. large-company recruiting [00:04:00] Why top talent remains difficult to hire [00:05:00] Retention challenges and workforce shifts since COVID [00:06:00] AI’s impact on recruiting and talent acquisition [00:08:00] How AI changes candidate marketability [00:10:00] Recruiting trends for 2026 and beyond [00:11:00] Why AI requires investment and intentional learning [00:13:00] Human expertise vs. AI-generated information [00:14:00] Using AI strategically inside organizations [00:16:00] Industry-specific differences in AI adoption [00:17:00] Eliminating unnecessary work through automation [00:18:00] Biggest lesson learned: expectations and leadership [00:20:00] Personal development and employee growth [00:22:00] The importance of empathy in leadership [00:24:00] Balancing high performance with sustainability [00:26:00] Why slowing down sometimes creates faster growth [00:27:00] Final thoughts on AI and embracing challenges

  3. Aug 4

    Ep143: Jeff Stevens on Leading with Compassion at Scale

    Jeff Stevens, leader of one of the nation’s fastest-growing home care organizations, joins Eunicia Peret for a heartfelt conversation about leadership, caregiving, and building a values-driven company at scale. With more than 72 offices across 23 states and thousands of caregivers serving families every day, Jeff shares how compassion, humility, and human connection remain at the center of everything his organization does. Together, they explore the emotional realities of aging, the challenges families face when caring for loved ones, and why asking for help is often one of the strongest decisions a person can make. The discussion also expands into leadership, culture, and how creating a business that truly serves people requires a commitment to empathy, self-awareness, and long-term thinking. Key Takeaways: Caregiving impacts entire families: Supporting one person often transforms the lives of everyone around them Aging with dignity matters: Maintaining independence and comfort improves quality of life Asking for help is a strength: The right support can relieve stress and preserve important relationships Culture starts with leadership: Organizations reflect the values and character of their leaders Differences create strength: Diverse perspectives improve teams, relationships, and decision-making Compassion scales: Large organizations can maintain heart and humanity when values remain central Comparison steals joy: Success should be measured against your own values, not someone else’s life Regret teaches awareness: Looking back can help us become more intentional moving forward Focus on what you can control: Your reactions and choices shape your experience more than circumstances The reward is the work itself: Living in alignment with your values is success on its own Timeline Summary: [00:00:00] Introduction to Jeff Stevens and his home care organization [00:02:00] The realities of aging and in-home caregiving [00:03:00] Preserving dignity and independence for seniors [00:04:00] How caregivers become part of the family [00:05:00] The impact of caregiving on family dynamics [00:06:00] Why many people prefer aging at home [00:08:00] Building a values-driven company at scale [00:09:00] Leadership, culture, and Appalachian values [00:11:00] How leaders shape organizational behavior [00:12:00] Accepting different worldviews and perspectives [00:14:00] Why empathy and inclusion matter in leadership [00:16:00] Supporting families through difficult transitions [00:18:00] Asking for help and overcoming resistance [00:20:00] Reflections on regret and life lessons [00:22:00] Learning from missed opportunities to connect with others [00:25:00] Why comparison creates unhappiness [00:28:00] The importance of focusing inward instead of outward [00:31:00] Being proud of your own path and choices [00:34:00] Final thoughts on joy, leadership, and living intentionally

  4. Jul 28

    Ep142: Rae Taggett on Creating Freedom Through AI Without Losing Humanity

    Rae Taggett, transformational business strategist, bestselling author, and co-founder of Evolved Podcasting, joins Eunicia Peret to explore the intersection of AI, storytelling, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Rae shares how a season of personal adversity, including a devastating injury, a forced move, and major business pivots, became the catalyst for embracing AI in a way that created more freedom, alignment, and impact. Together, they discuss why entrepreneurs are often trapped doing work that technology can handle, how AI can create space for more meaningful human connection, and why storytelling remains one of the most powerful business tools available. This episode is a refreshing perspective on using technology not to replace humanity, but to amplify it. Key Takeaways: AI should create freedom, not replace people: The goal is more human connection, not less Most entrepreneurs are efficient at the wrong things: High performers often spend too much time on repetitive tasks Storytelling builds trust and authority: People connect with authentic experiences, not perfect scripts Space creates innovation: New ideas emerge when you stop filling every moment with activity AI is a tool, not a replacement: Human creativity and relationships remain irreplaceable Adversity often creates opportunity: Some of the biggest breakthroughs come from unexpected challenges Values should drive business decisions: Technology should support your mission, not define it Alignment matters: Businesses grow faster when founders operate from their strengths and passions Start sharing your story before you feel ready: Impact grows through practice and repetition Capacity creates possibility: When you remove low-value tasks, new opportunities emerge naturally Timeline Summary: [00:00:00] Introduction to Rae Taggett and her background [00:02:00] Building a podcast agency and serving major brands [00:03:00] Discovering AI and early skepticism [00:04:00] Family life, entrepreneurship, and adapting to change [00:05:00] Injury, adversity, and unexpected business pivots [00:06:00] Going all-in on AI and redesigning life around freedom [00:08:00] Helping founders reclaim time through AI [00:09:00] Why storytelling remains essential in the AI era [00:11:00] Starting small and building confidence through storytelling [00:13:00] Human connection vs. AI-generated content [00:15:00] The difference between efficiency and effectiveness [00:17:00] What founders are doing that AI should be doing [00:19:00] Creating space for values, family, and creativity [00:20:00] Unlocking new revenue streams through AI [00:22:00] The dangers of removing the human element [00:24:00] AI for good: balancing innovation and connection [00:25:00] Creating the AI Adventuremind experience [00:27:00] Entrepreneurship, music, and personal passions [00:29:00] Biggest lesson: don’t abandon what makes you feel alive [00:30:00] Final reflections on space, creativity, and growth

  5. Jul 21

    Ep141: Tammy McMahan on The Hidden Truth About Pet Boarding and Stress

    Tammy McMahan, founder of Alone at Home Pet Services, joins Eunicia Peret for an eye-opening conversation about the hidden realities of pet boarding, the emotional and physical impact it can have on animals, and why many pet owners unknowingly create stress for both themselves and their pets while traveling. Drawing from decades of experience in veterinary medicine and in-home pet care, Tammy explains how traditional boarding environments often trigger anxiety, illness, and behavioral issues in pets, especially when owners are away for extended periods. Beyond pet care, this episode expands into a broader discussion on trust, due diligence, and the importance of researching the people and businesses you rely on. Whether you’re a pet owner, entrepreneur, or simply someone trying to make better decisions in life and business, this conversation offers practical wisdom about observation, research, and building systems of care that truly work. Key Takeaways: Pets experience stress long before boarding begins: Animals recognize travel patterns and can develop anxiety before leaving home Boarding environments often create hidden health issues: Stress can weaken immune systems and lead to illness after returning home Not all care environments are the same: Every pet has unique emotional and behavioral needs Human connection matters in animal care: Pets thrive with familiarity, routine, and individualized attention Do your own research: Don’t rely solely on online reviews or advertising when choosing care providers Background checks and referrals matter: Trusted recommendations from veterinarians and professionals are invaluable Marketing doesn’t always reflect reality: Great advertising can hide operational problems Checks and balances apply everywhere: Whether finances, healthcare, or pet care, systems matter Business owners often underestimate lifestyle impact: Entrepreneurship changes family time, holidays, and personal priorities Observe how people behave: Body language, eye contact, and attentiveness reveal more than words Timeline Summary: [00:00:00] Introduction to Tammy McMahan and her background [00:01:00] Why traditional pet boarding often creates stress [00:02:00] How pets recognize travel and separation anxiety [00:03:00] Behavioral and emotional impacts of boarding environments [00:04:00] Stress-induced health problems in pets [00:05:00] The hidden veterinary costs after boarding [00:06:00] Why individualized care matters for pets [00:07:00] How to find trustworthy pet care providers [00:08:00] The importance of veterinarian referrals and background checks [00:09:00] Why not all “good reviews” tell the full story [00:10:00] Marketing, perception, and asking the right questions [00:12:00] Comparing pet care trust to financial trust [00:14:00] Checks and balances in life and business [00:15:00] Biggest regret: not fully researching the business lifestyle [00:16:00] Entrepreneurship, family sacrifices, and personal balance [00:17:00] Employee management and learning through experience [00:18:00] The importance of asking difficult questions [00:19:00] Why eye contact and observation matter when choosing providers [00:20:00] Final advice: research thoroughly and trust your instincts

  6. Jul 14

    Ep140: Gordon G.G. Gebert on Pickleball, Branding, and Entrepreneurial Persistence

    Gordon G.G. Gebert, founder and commissioner of the National Pickleball League, joins Eunicia Peret for a lively and deeply insightful conversation about entrepreneurship, branding, resilience, and the explosive rise of pickleball. A former touring rock musician who played alongside legendary artists including Ace Frehley of KISS, Gordon shares how he transitioned from the music world into building one of the fastest-growing competitive pickleball leagues in the country. Along the way, he reveals the realities behind sports investments, sponsorships, legal battles, and the importance of doing your homework before jumping into any opportunity. More than anything, this episode is about relationships, authenticity, and building businesses with integrity while staying true to yourself. Key Takeaways: Pickleball exploded because it’s accessible: The game is easy to learn, social, and immediately enjoyable Not every trending business is a smart investment: Many pickleball court businesses may struggle long-term due to oversaturation and overhead Do your homework before investing: Excitement and hype should never replace proper due diligence Relationships matter more than quick wins: Building trust over time creates stronger long-term partnerships Sponsorships should benefit both sides: Gordon focuses on growing alongside sponsors instead of demanding upfront money Persistence beats intimidation: He fought through a four-year legal battle to protect the NPL brand Grassroots growth creates stronger foundations: Organic word-of-mouth growth helped validate the league model Business principles apply across industries: Lessons from the music industry translated directly into sports entrepreneurship Observe how people treat others: Character is revealed in everyday interactions, especially with service workers Life experiences shape perspective: Even setbacks and difficult moments contribute to personal growth and wisdom Timeline Summary:[00:00:00] Introduction to Gordon G.G. Gebert and the National Pickleball League [00:02:00] Transitioning from rock music into pickleball [00:03:00] Discovering pickleball and becoming obsessed with the game [00:05:00] Why pickleball became America’s fastest-growing sport [00:06:00] Pickleball as a social and business networking activity [00:07:00] Investing in pickleball clubs and the realities of the business [00:09:00] Seasonal economics and keeping clubs profitable [00:10:00] Business opportunities surrounding pickleball [00:11:00] Inventing the Slam Master Pro training paddle [00:12:00] Shark Tank interest and entrepreneurial momentum [00:14:00] Investment discernment and avoiding hype-driven decisions [00:15:00] Building the National Pickleball League from scratch [00:17:00] Sponsorship philosophy and win-win partnerships [00:19:00] Four-year trademark lawsuit and protecting the NPL brand [00:21:00] Grassroots growth and word-of-mouth expansion [00:22:00] Crazy Eddie, entrepreneurship, and lessons from business scandals [00:24:00] Thoughts on investing, Bitcoin, and financial caution [00:27:00] Reflecting on regrets, gratitude, and a “charmed life” [00:31:00] Treating people well and recognizing character [00:34:00] Final reflections on relationships, observation, and purpose

  7. Jul 7

    Ep139: William McKissock in Plugging the Profit Leaks, Cost Reduction That Compounds

    Cost savings can move the bottom line faster than chasing more sales. William McKissock joins host Eunicia Peret to break down how leaders can become more intentional about operational efficiency by studying the profit and loss, understanding vendor models, and building visibility into money that quietly leaks out of the business. They discuss where savings often hide, including telecom, shipping, and waste, why vendor negotiations are hard without benchmarking, and how internal gatekeeping can block meaningful improvements. William also shares a personal lesson from building a service business and why not hiring soon enough can cap growth, then closes with a reminder to try, fail, and keep moving. Key Takeaways A business can obsess over revenue and still underperform if it ignores the money going out the door. William frames cost reduction as a growth lever, and shares a benchmark that a 5% cost reduction can equal 30% increased sales. Vendor management improves when leaders understand how vendors make money, what is changing in their industries, and what peers are paying. Telecom has many moving parts, which makes it one of the easiest places for costs to drift and hardest for teams to control without deep expertise. Shipping and waste can be major cost centers, and waste in particular can show large percentage savings when contracts and service levels are right-sized. Internal resistance often comes from fear of what an outside review will reveal, and owners do better when they focus on the bigger picture. A common entrepreneurial regret is waiting too long to hire, which keeps the owner trapped in delivery and slows the path to scale. Timeline Early 00:00:00 Show intro and the podcast promise for business owners 00:01:00 William’s background, Scotland to Tampa Bay, and a decade focused on cost reduction 00:02:00 Moving to the US in 2011 and trying multiple businesses before finding his current lane 00:04:00 Eunicia frames cost reduction as legacy preservation and intentional growth Middle 00:05:00 “Look at your profit and loss,” and why outgoing cash matters as much as incoming sales 00:06:00 The Gartner benchmark, 5% cost reduction compared to 30% increased sales 00:08:00 Where costs hide and why vendor negotiation is hard without knowing what others pay 00:09:00 Studying vendors, technology shifts, and how knowledge improves negotiation outcomes 00:12:00 Big opportunity areas named, telecom, shipping, and waste, plus payroll tax mentions Late 00:16:00 Mindset and objections, why some teams resist external reviews even when savings are possible 00:19:00 How to reduce fear with owners, focusing on missing knowledge rather than blame 00:24:00 William’s regret from early entrepreneurship, not hiring at the right time 00:28:00 Closing advice, do not be afraid to fail, and take the step to try

  8. Jun 30

    Ep138: Treacy Duerfeldt in Construction Insurance Clarity and Captive Strategies

    Rising homeowners premiums are reshaping what builders can sell and what buyers can afford. Treacy Duerfeldt joins host Eunicia Peret to translate insurance into plain language, from why climate-driven losses are pushing rates up to how new construction built to modern code can be priced more fairly. They also explore captive insurance as a way for builders to self-insure strategically, discuss resilience upgrades that can make legacy homes more insurable, and close with hard-earned lessons on partnerships and the principle “trust but verify”, including what to watch for when insurers look strong on paper. Key Takeaways Insurance and construction often talk past each other, so simplifying the jargon and asking better questions can change outcomes. Captive insurance can turn “money set aside in the bank” into a structured approach to risk, with governance and proper oversight. As premiums rise, affordability becomes the bottleneck, and insurance costs can price out buyers even when the home itself is in range. Resiliency improvements for legacy homes, such as ember-resistant vents, fire-resistant roofing, and safer landscaping, can reduce risk and support insurability. A carrier’s financial rating does not tell the whole story, because claims behavior and conduct matter as much as balance sheet strength. Strategic partners and “one point of contact” setups add control risk, so keeping roles separate and avoiding commingled control protects the client. Timeline Early 00:00:00 Show intro and what “next level” means for business owners 00:01:00 Treacy’s background in insurance and construction, and “get the hay down where the goats can eat it” 00:03:00 What captive insurance is and how builders can insure risks they cannot place traditionally Middle 00:06:00 The homeowners insurance affordability crisis across multiple states and what is driving premium spikes 00:09:00 New construction vs legacy homes, code resilience, and why pricing often does not reflect the risk difference 00:10:00 The role of government as a reinsurance backstop, and why primary insurance should stay private-sector 00:12:00 What legacy homeowners can do to improve resiliency and reduce exposure Late 00:14:00 Surplus lines in California and how solutions can emerge outside standard market constraints 00:15:00 How reinsurance supports catastrophic capacity and why regulators review solvency arrangements 00:19:00 Why ratings can mislead, and how to combine financial strength with claims conduct signals 00:21:00 The “insurance company car” analogy, who drives decisions, and where claims fits 00:23:00 Treacy’s partnership regret, controlling the money, and letting go to refocus on success 00:28:00 Closing advice for entrepreneurs, “trust but verify”, and listening for silence in the answers

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About

Are you an ambitious business owner ready to take your business to the next level? Welcome to "Your Business – Your Next Level," where your host Eunicia Peret delivers the game-changing insights every ambitious business owner seeks. Whether it’s strategies for paying less in taxes, scaling your enterprise, or optimizing your team, this podcast is designed with your success in mind. Tailored for business owners who face challenges in expansion and optimization, here you’ll find the expert guidance needed to unlock new opportunities and grow your business. Don't miss out on the opportunity to transform your business and your finances. Visit us at www.podcast.excelstra.com to access further insights and resources. Elevate your listening experience by subscribing to "Your Business – Your Next Level" and ensure you rate and review our episodes, so we can continue delivering the content you need to succeed. Join us and be part of a community dedicated to achieving more in business. Refuse to settle for conventional success. "Your Business – Your Next Level" challenges you to push beyond comfort zones and explore new heights in business efficacy. With Eunicia's guidance and a wealth of expert knowledge, your pursuit of exceptional achievement starts here. Let's redefine what success means to you and set new benchmarks in your industry together.

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