Charting Opportunities With Portus Wealth Advisors

William Bissett

 Unlocking Business Growth: Charting Opportunities with Portus Wealth Advisors Welcome to "Charting Opportunities," a dynamic monthly series brought to you by Portus Wealth Advisors, designed to empower business owners with actionable insights and strategies for growth. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs, and this platform is dedicated to providing you with the knowledge and tools you need to succeed. Join us for live, in-depth discussions featuring industry experts covering a wide range of critical topics. From mastering estate planning and optimizing business insurance to navigating the complexities of financial planning, marketing, sales, and HR, we're committed to delivering content that matters. We dive deep into real-world solutions, helping you move beyond basic strategies and achieve tangible results. Our expert guests share their proven methods for enhancing operational efficiency, improving financial reporting, and developing robust growth strategies. Learn how to optimize your business for potential acquisitions, understand current market dynamics, and cultivate a thriving work environment. We also address crucial aspects of stress management and personal well-being, ensuring you perform at your peak while building a sustainable business. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, "Charting Opportunities" provides invaluable resources to help you elevate your business. Subscribe now to stay informed, gain expert perspectives, and chart your path to success with Portus Wealth Advisors. 

  1. MAR 17

    Building a Sellable Business | Martin Eveleigh | Charting Opportunities

    What happens when you decide you are ready to retire, but your industry commands massive multiples? In this episode of Charting Opportunities, Portus Wealth Advisors sits down with Martin Eveleigh, founder of Atlas Captives, to discuss his journey of building and selling a highly profitable captive insurance management firm. Martin isn't an M&A professional; he is a founder who successfully navigated the gauntlet of selling his business, closing his deal in the first quarter of 2020. He shares the unfiltered truth about the highs, the lows, and the unexpected hurdles of the exit process. Discover why understanding "Adjusted EBITDA" completely changed his view of his company's value. Martin also breaks down why he chose a sell-side only M&A team, how international employment laws in the Cayman Islands created a massive due diligence headache, and the funny (but costly) reason he blew his first interview with a potential buyer. Key Topics Covered: - What Captive Insurance is and how it functions. - The realization of industry multiples and Adjusted EBITDA. - Why telling a buyer you want to retire is a bad idea. - Navigating due diligence when dealing with foreign entities. - The reality of the post-sale earnout and running a "business within a business." - How Vistage and EOS prepared his company for a premium exit. A HUGE THANK YOU to Martin Eveleigh for his transparency and for sharing his firsthand founder experience with the Charting Opportunities community. ➡️ Join the Conversation: https://portusadvisors.com ➡️ Portus Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572848737086 ➡️ Portus LinkedIn Page: https://linkedin.com/company/portus-wealth-advisors/about/ ➡️ More Portus Interviews: https://portusadvisors.com/insights/charting-opportunities ➡️ More About the Portus Wealth Advisors Team: https://portusadvisors.com/about/ 0:00 - Welcome & Introduction 3:20 - What is Captive Insurance? 8:45 - The "Adjusted EBITDA" Realization 11:30 - Finding the Right M&A Advisor 16:45 - The Interview Blunder (Don't Say "Retire") 21:10 - Due Diligence & Cayman Islands Law 28:30 - The Post-Sale Transition & Earnout 32:45 - The Power of Vistage & EOS 35:30 - Audience Q&A & Final Thoughts ORIGINAL MEDIA SOURCE(S): Martin Eveleigh: What It Takes to Build a Sellable Business | Charting Opportunities Originally Recorded on December 10, 2025 Charting Opportunities: Season 2, Episode 2 Images courtesy of: Martin Eveleigh and Atlas Captives #BusinessSale

    1 hr
  2. MAR 9

    Building Health Wealth | Dr Carlos Jorge and Nathalie Jorge | Full Episode

    Building Health Wealth: Why Healthcare Is Broken (and How to Fix It) We plan decades ahead for financial security, but how often do we invest in our health with the same long-term intention? In this episode of Charting Opportunities, Portus Wealth Advisors sits down with Dr. Carlos Jorge and Nathalie Jorge, the founders of Companion Health. Together, they explore the concept of "Health Wealth" and why the traditional medical system is often better at billing than it is at actually making us healthy. For many business owners, the "exit" is the goal. However, Dr. Carlos and Nathalie argue that a successful exit is meaningless if you haven't preserved the "health span" required to enjoy your legacy. They break down the shift from reactive, insurance-driven care to a proactive, "N-of-1" approach that treats every patient as a unique system rather than a set of symptoms. Learn why your primary care physician should be your "Lead Architect," the staggering health cost of loneliness, and the foundational pillars that move the needle more than any "silver bullet" supplement or biohack. Key Topics Covered: The Business of Medicine: Why traditional healthcare is built around billing cycles rather than patient outcomes. Health Span vs. Lifespan: The difference between living a long time and living those years in peak condition. The Architect & The Designer: How the pairing of a physician and a health coach creates a roadmap for sustainable wellness. The "N-of-1" Approach: Why there is no such thing as a "standard" patient and how to personalize your nutrition and recovery. The Entrepreneur’s Paradox: Addressing the specific stressors of business owners, including sleep deprivation and the "firefighting" mentality. Rapid Fire Myths: The truth about cold plunges, saunas, peptides, and the "10,000 steps" marketing myth. This conversation is a must-watch for anyone who has worked hard to build financial success and wants to ensure they are physically vibrant enough to experience the rewards. A HUGE THANK YOU to Dr. Carlos and Nathalie Jorge for their transparency and for redefining what it means to be truly wealthy.  Join the Conversation: ➡️ Portus Wealth Advisors: https://portusadvisors.com ➡️ Companion Health: https://companionhealth.co ➡️ Portus Facebook: https://facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572848737086 ➡️ Portus LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/portus-wealth-advisors/about/ Video Chapters: 0:00 – Introduction: Why Health is the Ultimate Asset 4:42 – The Origin of Companion Health 10:45 – Functional vs. Concierge Medicine Explained 15:10 – The "General Contractor" Model of Healthcare 18:15 – The Power of Health Coaching and Accountability 22:10 – Why the Current System is Built for Billing 24:30 – Understanding Health Span and "Inflammaging" 30:35 – The Business Owner's Hypothetical: Stress and Recovery 37:45 – The Scientific Impact of Relationships and Loneliness 40:50 – Managing Chronic Disease and Reversing Risk 48:30 – Rapid Fire: Supplements, Saunas, and Cold Plunges 53:30 – Lifting Weights and the "Get Up Off the Floor" Test 57:30 – The Wild West of Peptides 1:08:45 – Scaling Quality Care without Diluting the Vision ORIGINAL MEDIA SOURCE(S): Dr. Carlos Jorge and Nathalie Jorge: Building Health Wealth | Charting Opportunities Originally Recorded on January 14, 2026 Charting Opportunities: Season 2, Episode 2 Images courtesy of: Companion Health

    1h 14m
  3. 12/31/2025

    What to Expect from an M&A Advisor | JT Schroeder | Full Episode

    In this episode of Charting Opportunities, Portus Wealth Advisors sits down with JT Schroeder, a seasoned M&A advisor from Atlanta, to discuss the high-stakes world of business acquisitions. Most business owners sell a company only once in their lives, while professional buyers might close dozens of deals a year. This "imbalance of power" puts the seller at an immediate disadvantage. JT explains how to level the playing field by building a "deal team" of experts, including M&A attorneys, wealth advisors, and investment bankers. Discover why a business worth selling is a business worth keeping. JT breaks down the process of professionalizing your company, from cleaning up HR "sloppiness" to conducting a sell-side Quality of Earnings (QofE) report.  Learn how to mitigate post-LOI risks, avoid the "death by a thousand cuts" during due diligence, and why making yourself obsolete is the best way to maximize your exit price. Key Topics Covered: - The professional buyer vs. the one-time seller. - Why the "best buyer" isn't always the one with the highest price. - How to survive the "colonoscopy" of due diligence. - The critical members of your Deal Team. - The role of AI and automation in modern business valuation. This is an essential conversation for any founder looking to protect their legacy and ensure they don't leave money on the table during a sale. A HUGE THANK YOU to JT Schroeder for sharing his expertise on the complexities of M&A and business professionalization. ➡️ Join the Conversation: https://portusadvisors.com  ➡️ Portus Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572848737086  ➡️ Portus LinkedIn Page: https://linkedin.com/company/portus-wealth-advisors/about/  ➡️ More Portus Interviews: https://portusadvisors.com/insights/  ➡️ More Portus Publications: https://portusadvisors.com/insights/publications/  ➡️ More About the Portus Wealth Advisors Team: https://portusadvisors.com/about/ 0:00 – Pro Buyers vs Sellers 4:39 – Price vs “Right Buyer” 8:11 – Post-LOI Risk 14:49 – Getting Sell-Ready 20:07 – The Deal Team 26:36 – Red Flags & Trust 31:44 – Clean Financials 39:15 – Picking an Advisor 46:17 – Succession & Obsolete 54:15 – Key Employees 58:24 – Valuations & Timing 1:03:19 – LOI, Fees & Wrap ORIGINAL MEDIA SOURCE(S): JT Schroeder: What to Expect From an M&A Advisor | Charting Opportunities Originally Recorded on November 12, 2025  Charting Opportunities: Season 2, Episode 1 Images courtesy of: JT Schroeder and NorthView Advisors #BusinessSale #MandA #BusinessOwner #ExitStrategy #WealthManagement

    1h 9m
  4. 12/02/2025

    10x Your Business Selling to ESOP | John Lesnik | Full Episode

    What happens when a founder has the ultimate leverage... but chooses differently? In this rare, unfiltered story from Charting Opportunities, founder John Lesnik of Lending Science DM shares his journey of building a 10X value business that caught the attention of top-tier Private Equity firms. He was weeks away from cashing a massive check when he did the unthinkable: He walked away from the PE deal. This isn't a story about a failed sale; it's about the power of choice. John breaks down the pros and cons of selling to Private Equity versus pursuing an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), explaining why he chose to put his people and his company culture first. This conversation is packed with hard-won lessons on: - The critical steps to structuring your business to sell for maximum valuation. - How to tackle major sale hurdles like customer concentration. - The profound reason time kills all deals in the M&A process. - Why the final decision for the business was the ESOP route. John’s story is a powerful reminder that while money matters, a lasting legacy and culture may be the most valuable asset you can sell. BIG THANKS to John Lesnik for being so transparent in sharing his journey with the Charting Opportunities community. ➡️ Join the Conversation: https://portusadvisors.com  ➡️ Portus Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572848737086  ➡️ Portus LinkedIn Page: https://linkedin.com/company/portus-wealth-advisors/about/  ➡️ More Portus Interviews: https://portusadvisors.com/insights/  ➡️ More Portus Publications: https://portusadvisors.com/insights/publications/  ➡️ More About the Portus Wealth Advisors Team: https://portusadvisors.com/about/ 00:00 Welcome: Charting Opportunities' 1-Year Anniversary 03:00 ESOP vs. Private Equity: The Core Decision 03:50 What is an ESOP? A Simple Definition 06:00 How We Knew It Was Time to Sell the Business 10:45 Going to Market: Hiring the M&A Firm 14:00 The First M&A Process: 383 Contacts, 7 LOIs 17:35 When the First Deal Fell Apart 19:40 Lessons Learned: Fixing Customer Concentration 22:15 Maximizing Value: Different Multiples for Different Business Lines 29:00 The Second Process and the ESOP Feasibility Analysis 37:00 The 10:30 Hour: Walking Away from Private Equity 40:55 The Biggest Hindsight Lessons (Time Kills All Deals) 45:00 Life Post-Sale: Finding Purpose and Starting Hooks of Hope 57:45 Final Thoughts and Next Speakers ORIGINAL MEDIA SOURCE(S): Based on the full episode "10X Your Business Selling to ESOP"  Originally Recorded on October 12, 2025 Charting Opportunities: Season 1, Episode 12  Images courtesy of: John Lesnik and Lending Science DM

    59 min
  5. 10/07/2025

    Building With Purpose - Doug Roe, Code Red Roofers | Charting Opportunities

    In this episode of Portus Wealth Advisors' Charting Opportunities, David Vines, a practicing CPA and business attorney, provides an essential guide to the business documents that form the foundation of any successful company. He explains why meticulous record keeping isn't just about compliance but is a critical factor evaluated by potential buyers, creditors, and the IRS. David stresses that organized, accurate, and complete documentation signals a well run business, while messy records act as a major red flag during due diligence for a sale. David breaks down the concept of proactive legal maintenance, urging business owners to get their documents in order while things are good, not after a problem arises. He explains the serious risks of failing to observe corporate formalities, which can lead to creditors "piercing the corporate veil" and going after an owner's personal assets. David demystifies the key differences between various business structures, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, S-Corporations, and C-Corporations, focusing on the crucial distinction of owner liability protection. A significant portion of the discussion is dedicated to the specific documents every business owner needs to understand. David details the nuances of partnership agreements, corporate bylaws, shareholder agreements, and LLC operating agreements. He offers practical advice on common but costly mistakes, such as outdated "Tax Matters Partner" clauses, failing to hold and minute annual corporate meetings, undocumented shareholder loans, and the disastrous consequences of incorrect asset titling. Through cautionary "horror stories," he illustrates how simple oversights with deeds and leases can lead to thousands in legal fees and jeopardize major transactions. David provides actionable insights into what should be included in these agreements, from buy sell provisions to restrictions that protect a company’s S-Corp status. The conversation also covers the importance of filing annual reports to prevent administrative dissolution and the necessity of documenting major business decisions. This episode is an invaluable resource for any business owner who wants to fortify their company's legal structure, protect their personal assets, and ensure they're fully prepared for a smooth and successful exit. A HUGE THANK YOU to David Vines! His detailed explanations and real world examples offer crucial guidance for business owners looking to protect their assets and maximize their company's value. ➡️ Learn More About Portus Wealth Advisors ➡️ Portus Facebook Page ➡️ Portus Instagram Page ➡️ Portus LinkedIn Page ➡️ More Portus Interviews ➡️ More Portus Publications ➡️ More About the Portus Wealth Advisors Team

    49 min
  6. 06/21/2025

    Robotics In The Workforce - Andrew Ashur, Lucid Bots | Charting Opportunities

    In this episode of Portus Wealth Advisors' Charting Opportunities, Andrew Ashur, founder of Lucid Bots, shares groundbreaking insights into the evolving role of robotics and AI in the modern workforce. He discusses how Lucid Bots is leveraging advanced technology to address critical labor shortages in industries like construction and cleaning, focusing on solutions that extend human reach rather than replace human touch. Andrew delves into the fundamental problem of AI being "trapped behind a screen" and how robotic bodies enable AI to perform physically productive tasks. He highlights the shift from text-based data for AI to the need for spatial data from robot sensors, emphasizing the multi-trillion dollar market opportunity in physical AI, robotics, and domestic manufacturing. Drawing from Lucid Bots' journey, he shares the origin story of their innovative cleaning drones and pressure washing robots, driven by real-world safety concerns and efficiency needs in elevated and dangerous jobs. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the ethical and moral considerations of introducing robots into the workforce. Andrew explains Lucid Bots' commitment to accessibility, designing robots that empower existing workers to enhance their output rather than displacing them. He explores the long-term impact on the workforce, drawing parallels to historical shifts in agriculture and predicting the creation of new, more fulfilling jobs focused on creativity and problem-solving. He also touches on the practicalities of scaling a robotics company, including the complex interplay of mechanical, electrical, and software engineering, production challenges, and supply chain management. Andrew provides practical insights into the future of human-robot collaboration, envisioning a Chat-GPT-like interface for robots that allows users to communicate tasks in natural language without writing code. He addresses how businesses can approach integrating robotics, emphasizing three key questions: whether robots will become more prevalent and intelligent in their industry, and if they prefer to be at the forefront of adoption. He also advises on due diligence when selecting a robotics provider, stressing the importance of site visits, understanding support and repair plans, and seeking customer testimonials for proven ROI. A HUGE THANK YOU to Andrew Ashur! His detailed explanation and real-world examples offer invaluable guidance for business owners considering how to strategically enhance their operational efficiency and workforce capabilities with cutting-edge robotic solutions. ➡️ Join the Conversation: https://portusadvisors.com ➡️ Portus Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572848737086 ➡️ Portus LinkedIn Page: https://linkedin.com/company/portus-wealth-advisors/about/ ➡️ Portus Instagram Page: https://instagram.com/portus_wealth_advisors ➡️ More Portus Interviews: https://portusadvisors.com/insights/ ➡️ More Portus Publications: https://portusadvisors.com/insights/publications/ ➡️ More About the Portus Wealth Advisors Team: https://portusadvisors.com/about/ Andrew Ashur - Robotics In The Workforce | Charting Opportunities ORIGINAL MEDIA SOURCE(S): Originally Recorded May 13, 2025 Charting Opportunities: Season 1, Episode 8 Images courtesy of: Andrew Ashur and Lucid Bots

    49 min
  7. 05/11/2025

    The Role of a Fractional CFO - Greg Brown, Cardinal Finance | Charting Opportunities

    In this episode of Portus Wealth Advisors' Charting Opportunities, Greg Brown of Cardinal Finance shares his extensive experience on the role and value of a Fractional Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for growing businesses. He delves into when it makes sense for a company to engage a Fractional CFO, what business owners should expect from such a relationship, and how to identify the right fit for their specific needs. Greg Brown explains common red flags indicating a business might need a CFO, such as being consistently profitable but cash-poor, facing indecision due to a lack of financial data, or business owners losing sleep over financial uncertainties. He outlines his approach to initial client interactions, often starting with a specific project to understand the business and build rapport, rather than relying on checklists. Brown also discusses typical referral patterns from CPAs and banks, often triggered by growth challenges or the need for more sophisticated financial oversight to make key business decisions. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the pros and cons of hiring a Fractional CFO versus a full-time CFO. Brown highlights advantages of fractional support, including cost-effectiveness, access to higher-level expertise than a company might otherwise afford, and a broader perspective gained from working with multiple clients. He also addresses trade-offs, such as potential limitations on priority setting, bandwidth for very large projects, and the understanding that a fractional role may be a stepping stone to an eventual full-time hire as the business scales. Key attributes for a successful Fractional CFO were emphasized, including an accounting-oriented background, being intentionally in the fractional market (not just between full-time jobs), and having experience relevant to the client's current stage and future aspirations, such as growth or an exit strategy. Greg provided practical insights into engagement structures, typically month-to-month, allowing flexibility for both parties. He shared examples of successful outcomes, like guiding a company from inception to a $60 million sale and helping businesses navigate financial distress or better understand their core business model and profitability drivers. Conversely, he also discussed scenarios where engagements don't work, often due to misaligned expectations, an unwillingness from the business to change, or foundational issues a CFO alone cannot fix. He stressed the importance of the business owner's commitment and clear communication, advising business owners to seek a Fractional CFO who not only has the technical skills but also makes them feel more at ease and brings a sense of calm to their financial oversight. A HUGE THANK YOU to Greg Brown! HIs detailed explanation and real-world examples offer invaluable guidance for business owners considering how to strategically enhance their financial leadership and decision-making. ➡️ Join the Conversation: https://portusadvisors.com ➡️ Portus Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572848737086 ➡️ Portus LinkedIn Page: https://linkedin.com/company/portus-wealth-advisors/about/ ➡️ Portus Instagram Page: https://instagram.com/portus_wealth_advisors ➡️ More Portus Interviews: https://portusadvisors.com/insights/ ➡️ More Portus Publications: https://portusadvisors.com/insights/publications/ ➡️ More About the Portus Wealth Advisors Team: https://portusadvisors.com/about/ Greg Brown - The Role of a Fractional CFO | Charting Opportunities ORIGINAL MEDIA SOURCE(S): Originally Recorded April 9, 2025 Charting Opportunities: Season 1, Episode 7 Images courtesy of: Greg Brown and Cardinal Finance

    1h 2m
  8. 04/08/2025

    Brandon Davis of NCF Talks Charitable Giving | Charting Opportunities

    In this episode of Portus Wealth Advisors' Charting Opportunities, Brandon Davis, President of the Carolinas for the National Christian Foundation (NCF), offered insights into strategic charitable giving for business owners. He explained how NCF, a 501(c)(3) grant-making foundation, assists donors, advisors, and charities in developing efficient and effective giving strategies, often involving Donor Advised Funds (DAFs). Davis detailed the mechanics of Donor Advised Funds, likening them to "charitable checking accounts" where donors make irrevocable gifts (cash, appreciated securities, complex assets), receive immediate tax deductions, and then advise on grants to charities over time. He strongly advocated for donating appreciated assets (like stocks or mutual funds) instead of cash, highlighting the significant tax advantages: receiving a deduction for the full fair market value while avoiding capital gains tax on the appreciation, ensuring more funds reach the charity. A key focus was the strategy of gifting interests in privately-held businesses prior to a sale, an area of NCF expertise with over $6 billion in such gifts facilitated. Davis explained how NCF handles these complex transactions, becoming a temporary owner of the gifted portion (often non-voting shares). Using a C-corporation case study ($16M value, 10% gift), he demonstrated how this pre-sale gifting strategy typically results in significantly more funds reaching the intended charities (e.g., $1.6M vs $1.27M) and substantial tax savings (avoiding capital gains on the gifted portion) compared to selling the business first and then donating cash. He noted the importance of qualified appraisals (which may include valuation discounts for minority interests), due diligence on operating agreements, and timing the gift before a legally binding sale agreement exists. Davis also clarified that Donor Advised Funds currently have no mandatory annual payout requirements, offering flexibility. He addressed potential concerns from business buyers regarding a charity co-owning shares pre-sale, stating that clear, early communication typically alleviates issues, and NCF often participates in these discussions. Ultimately, he emphasized letting the donor's passion for specific causes drive the charitable planning process, making the steps involved more meaningful and maximizing impact. A HUGE THANK YOU to Brandon Davis and the National Christian Foundation! Brandon's detailed explanation provides invaluable guidance for business owners looking to maximize their charitable impact through strategic and tax-efficient giving. ➡️ Join the Conversation: https://portusadvisors.com  ➡️ Portus Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572848737086 ➡️ Portus LinkedIn Page: https://linkedin.com/company/portus-wealth-advisors/about/  ➡️ Portus Instagram Page: https://instagram.com/portus_wealth_advisors  ➡️ More Portus Interviews: https://portusadvisors.com/insights/  ➡️ More Portus Publications: https://portusadvisors.com/insights/publications/  ➡️ More About the Portus Wealth Advisors Team: https://portusadvisors.com/about/ Brandon Davis - Strategic Charitable Giving With NCF | Charting Opportunities ORIGINAL MEDIA SOURCE(S): Originally Recorded March 12, 2025  Charting Opportunities: Season 1, Episode 6 (estimated)  Images courtesy of: Brandon Davis and National Christian Foundation

    54 min

About

 Unlocking Business Growth: Charting Opportunities with Portus Wealth Advisors Welcome to "Charting Opportunities," a dynamic monthly series brought to you by Portus Wealth Advisors, designed to empower business owners with actionable insights and strategies for growth. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs, and this platform is dedicated to providing you with the knowledge and tools you need to succeed. Join us for live, in-depth discussions featuring industry experts covering a wide range of critical topics. From mastering estate planning and optimizing business insurance to navigating the complexities of financial planning, marketing, sales, and HR, we're committed to delivering content that matters. We dive deep into real-world solutions, helping you move beyond basic strategies and achieve tangible results. Our expert guests share their proven methods for enhancing operational efficiency, improving financial reporting, and developing robust growth strategies. Learn how to optimize your business for potential acquisitions, understand current market dynamics, and cultivate a thriving work environment. We also address crucial aspects of stress management and personal well-being, ensuring you perform at your peak while building a sustainable business. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, "Charting Opportunities" provides invaluable resources to help you elevate your business. Subscribe now to stay informed, gain expert perspectives, and chart your path to success with Portus Wealth Advisors.