Empowering Entrepreneurs Glenn Harper

We sit down with an inspiring guest, Steve Gavatorta. Steve, a certified behavior analyst, emotional intelligence coach, and author, shares his incredible journey from a hard-working childhood in Burgottstown, Pennsylvania, to becoming a successful entrepreneur.
Steve dives into his early entrepreneurial ventures, academic struggles, and the pivotal role of mentors in shaping his career. He emphasizes the importance of understanding behavioral styles and emotional intelligence in building effective teams and achieving business success.
Glenn, Julie, and Steve explore essential tools like DISC assessments and the significance of structured processes for sustainable growth. Steve also reveals his passion for training and development, leading him to leave a flourishing corporate career for empowerment and consulting.
We discover Steve's insights on rational decision-making, his new book "Thrive in the Face of Adversity."
PureTax, LLC
Empowering Moments
06:45 Parental reluctance, varied jobs, and entrepreneurial aptitude.
10:25 Struggling with studies, but improved through writing.
14:14 Experienced professional with 21 years in CPG.
18:55 Spent $800 on DISC survey, led to business opportunity.
21:46 Overcoming challenges through action and commitment.
23:36 Passion for teaching skills for success.
26:04 Helping smaller companies with structure and skills.
29:57 Embracing chaos at work improves personal life.
34:26 Improve leadership by understanding self and team.
36:10 Inquiring about the effectiveness of the Enneagram personality test.
43:44 Assessing team dynamics for better performance.
47:02 Adding business structure and vision for entrepreneurs.
49:43 Understanding limbic and rational thinking, advocating control.
51:33 Book compiles responses to 6 questions.
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.
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.
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Copyright 2024 Glenn Harper

Welcome back to Empowering Entrepreneurs! In today's episode, hosts Glenn Harper and Julie Smith are joined by the dynamic Jim Buffington. They get into Jim's remarkable journey from his humble beginnings at a Texas agricultural land grant school to becoming a significant force in the world of public accounting and technology.
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.
They talk with him about his transition from public accounting to leading a dotcom and eventually integrating technology into tax and accounting, making compliance more efficient and enabling richer client conversations. Throughout the episode, Jim emphasizes the importance of experimenting, embracing failure, and prioritizing customer empathy.
The Real Reason New Businesses Fail: "And we know that about half of those, new businesses are gonna fail in the 1st 5 years oftentimes because they're not paying payroll taxes or sales taxes or things that need to be done."— Jim BuffingtonEmpowering Takeaways
1. **Transition from Public Accounting to Technology**: - Jim's journey from public accounting to founding a dotcom and incorporating technology into tax and accounting illustrates the dynamic career paths available within and outside traditional accounting roles.
2. **Importance of Communicating Value**: - The need for tax professionals to improve communication with clients about the value they provide, transcending beyond compliance work to emphasize planning and advisory services.
3. **Embracing Trial and Error**: - The significance of experimenting and learning from failures, encouraging entrepreneurs and accountants alike to be bold, share ideas freely, and continually practice new offerings.
4. **Adoption of Automation for Efficiency**: - Highlighting the role of automation in accounting to handle compliance work, enabling deeper, more valuable client engagements and advisory services.
5. **Client Engagement and Empathy**: - Emphasizing the importance of client empathy, understanding their unique business needs, goals, and challenges, and engaging them in the planning process for more tailored advice.
Empowering Moments
00:00 Introducing Jim Buffington, advisory service leader at Intuit.
07:53 Public accounting days unleashed entrepreneurial spirit, helping entrepreneurs.
12:21 Worked with farmers and ranchers, then oil.
17:13 Accountants become emotionally invested in clients' success.
22:07 Improve compliance through client-driven workflow changes.
24:10 Entrepreneurs struggle with planning, need accountant's guidance.
31:06 Supporting unique needs and strengths of businesses.
34:20 Value client needs, diverse skills, problem-solving expertise.
36:00 Communicate client benefits, focus on delivering ROI.
39:44 Business success hinges on essential financial tasks.
43:55 My superpower is deep customer empathy.
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...

We welcome Alysson Bourque—a multi-faceted entrepreneur who wears many hats as an author, publicist, attorney, and teacher.
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.
Alysson, co-owner of Expound Publicity, a PR firm launched during the pandemic, has successfully helped over 500 authors market their books. Her firm provides comprehensive services, from publicity and customized campaigns to virtual book tours and awards submissions.
Growing up in a small town in Louisiana, Alysson was inspired by her entrepreneurial parents who owned a pharmacy. Her journey took her from considering a career in pharmacy to becoming a lawyer, and eventually finding her true calling in storytelling. Her firsthand experience with government workings during Hurricane Katrina and her passion for writing both played pivotal roles in her professional evolution.
A dedicated mom, Alysson involves her children in her literary pursuits to instill resilience and the value of hard work. Her book series, *Alley Cat*, aims to make reading fun for kids, with interactive author visits, engaging promotional materials, and a vision to become a household name in children's literature.
Empowering Takeaways
1. **Pandemic-Fueled Entrepreneurship**: - Alysson Bourque and her partner started Expound Publicity, a PR firm for authors, during the pandemic.
2. **Diverse Services for Authors**: - Expound Publicity offers comprehensive support including customized marketing campaigns, outreach to media and bookstores, award submissions, and even virtual book tours, providing a one-stop shop for authors' publicity needs.
3. **Empowering the Next Generation**: - Bourque shares her approach to parenting by supporting her daughter's entrepreneurial ambitions and her son's dream of becoming a professional golfer, emphasizing the importance of following one's passions.
4. **Navigating the Publishing Landscape**: - Alysson has experience in various publishing routes including self-publishing, hybrid publishing, and traditional publishing. Her persistence through rejections ultimately led to securing a traditional publisher for her series.
5. **Balancing Personal and Professional Life**: - Bourque skillfully merges her family and professional life, from taking her family on business-related trips to involving her children in her writing process, teaching them resilience and hard work along the way.
Empowering Moments
05:30 Parents started in pharmacy, business grew.
12:52 Striving for uniqueness against the mainstream.
16:48 Discovering talent for writing through unexpected inspiration.
18:05 Handwritten story written in an hour.
23:00 Chose writing over law, pursued traditional publishing.
26:10 Author juggles book tour with family schedules.
27:32 Author facilitates book marketing and virtual visits.
32:39 Children pursuing careers that make them happy.
35:46 Creative repetition brings fresh excitement every time.
39:05 My superpower is being empathetic and self-evaluative.
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...

In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Gina Cotner, a remarkable entrepreneur and the founder of Athena Executive Services. Originally setting out to leave corporate America behind, Gina ventured into the world of business ownership with a Martini Lounge, a dream that quickly taught her the importance of selecting the right business partners and the necessity of financial advisement.
After stepping back from the lounge project, Gina navigated through the economic turmoil of the real estate bubble burst, pivoting her career towards business and life coaching, and eventually founding Athena Executive Services. This company brilliantly pairs virtual executive assistants with executives needing robust support, allowing leaders like Gina to focus on strategic growth - demonstrating her superpower of raising leaders and developing people.
Empowering Moments
00:00 Gina Cotner: Founder of Athena Executive Services.
06:02 Sports provided belonging, friendships, and love.
07:33 Teenage girl leaves elite private school, thrives.
12:31 Woman follows boyfriend to Boston, experiences change.
15:28 Seeking advice led to career-enhancing opportunity.
17:45 Balancing emotion and facts in business decisions.
21:47 Uncertainty about future with good guy.
25:43 Decided to be a business coach, struggled financially.
30:00 Financial struggle, family tension, and declining mental health.
33:04 Business declines, father's health deteriorates, employee leaves.
34:39 Managing calendar and high-stakes projects from home.
40:47 Belief and support drive entrepreneurial success.
42:58 Overcoming obstacles, belief in yourself, finding inspiration.
45:17 Challenges of leaving corporate America to pursue entrepreneurship.
48:40 Gradually delegated tasks to relieve workload stress.
52:02 Planning for future, passing on skills, mentoring.
Top Takeaways
**Learning from Failure:** Gina’s ability to pivot from an unsuccessful business venture to becoming a successful business and life coach illustrates the importance of resilience and adaptability in entrepreneurship.
**Delegation as a Growth Strategy:** Delegating can lead to building a strong leadership team that manages day-to-day operations effectively, allowing the entrepreneur to focus on strategic growth.
**Identifying and Leveraging Your Superpower:**Entrepreneurs should identify their own strengths (or superpowers) and leverage them to enhance their business and empower their teams.
**The Impact of Supportive Relationships:** Support from significant others can be crucial for entrepreneurs. Their belief and backing can be a powerful motivator and provide emotional stability through the ups and downs of business ownership.
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.
This episode is brought to you by a...

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.
In this episode, we chat with franchising guru Jon Ostenson and dive deep into the thriving world of non-food franchising.
Jon shares his extraordinary journey from finance whiz to franchise expert, emphasizing the power of a franchise system’s support and success rates eclipsing independent startups.
With insights on strategic investment choices, financing savvy, and the mastery of assembling 'A' teams, Jon illuminates pathways to profitable entrepreneurship.
For everyone dreaming of business ownership, this episode offers a blueprint for success directly from a mastermind in franchising. If you're ready to level up your entrepreneurial game, Jon's wisdom is your launching pad.
Exploring Alternative Investments in Real Estate: "90% of our clients end up purchasing something that was never on their radar. So it is so much fun when the slight bulb moments have. And I've had doctors buy installation businesses." — Jon OstensonTop Takeaways
1. **Leverage Your Corporate Experience**: Utilize the skills and work ethic developed in the corporate world as they are valuable assets when transitioning to entrepreneurship or franchise ownership.
2. **The Power of Franchising**: Franchises provide a systematic approach to business ownership with the support of a proven business model, substantially increasing the chances of success.
3. **Diverse Opportunities in Franchising**: Franchising isn't just about food; there are vast opportunities in non-food industries, and these can sometimes offer quicker returns on investment and higher margins.
4. **Success Rates and Pitfalls**: While franchisees boast a high success rate, common reasons for failure include not adhering to the system, overly entrepreneurial spirits causing disruptions, and resistance to coaching.
5. **Value of Mastermind Groups**: Engaging with peer groups for support and shared learning can significantly enhance an entrepreneur's journey and lead to better decision-making.
6. **The Significance of Mentorship**: Having mentors and seeking professional advice is crucial in navigating the complexities of the franchising world and avoiding common pitfalls.
7. **The Role of Strategic Partnerships**: Success in consultancy and franchising can be amplified through strategic partnerships, leveraging networks instead of relying solely on a large team.
8. **Financing Franchise Investments**: Understanding the various financing options, such as SBA loans and ROBS programs, is critical for entrepreneurs looking to purchase a franchise.
9. **Importance of Team Building**: Investing in top talent and building a strong team right from the start can benefit the business immensely, driving growth and ensuring operational excellence.
10. **Long-Term Planning and Balance**: Entrepreneurs should have a clear endgame in mind, focusing not only on building successful businesses but also on maintaining a good work-life balance and preparing for eventual transition to roles in mentorship or charitable endeavors.
Memorable Moments
07:38 Finance student keeps options open, gains experience.
14:54 Observation about family and business, entrepreneurial success.
20:03 Existing businesses pose inherent risks, rethink...

From her childhood leadership to claiming the title of Miss Kentucky, and now a successful business consultant, Maria Maldonado Smith's journey is a testament to dreaming big and taking risks.
She shares invaluable insights on creating impactful vision boards, the power of mentorship for future visionaries, and the courage it takes to pivot from a secure corporate path to entrepreneurship.
If you want to unleash your true potential and be inspired to create your own definition of success, she embodies what it means to connect, empower, and lead with integrity.
Top Takeaways
Certainly, here are 10 takeaway concepts from the episode featuring Maria Maldonado Smith on "Empowering Entrepreneurs":
1. Vision to Reality:
Maria Maldonado Smith emphasizes the importance of a vision board in translating abstract goals into tangible objectives. Entrepreneurs can benefit from visualizing their aspirations and tracking their progress.
2. Holistic Leadership:
Leadership is a journey of understanding others' motivations and fostering individual growth. Maria's approach to leadership development underscores the value of empathy and connection in building effective teams.
3. The Entrepreneurial Leap:
Transitioning from a corporate job to starting one's own business is a calculated risk that requires planning and conviction. Maria's story provides insights into the importance of preparation and belief in one's entrepreneurial vision.
4. Building Support Systems:
Achieving a balance between entrepreneurship and family obligations is crucial. The support from a partner or network can be the backbone of success for entrepreneurial endeavors.
5. Superpower Skills:
Maria's ability to connect with, motivate, and help people identify core values is her superpower. Entrepreneurs should identify and leverage their unique skills to create value and differentiation in their businesses.
6. Personal Revelations:
Personal epiphanies often lead to monumental career shifts. Recognizing and acting upon these moments can set the foundation for a fulfilling entrepreneurial journey.
7. Start Young, Think Big:
Early experiences in leadership and organization, such as running an environmental club, can plant the seeds for a future in entrepreneurship. Instilling ambition and leadership skills in youth is instrumental in cultivating the next generation of visionaries.
8. Vulnerability Builds Trust:
Creating authentic connections in corporate environments involves a level of vulnerability. Entrepreneurs should embrace transparency to foster trust and openness in professional relationships.
9. From Personal Passions to Professional Pursuits:
Maria’s transition from the world of pageantry to entrepreneurship highlights how personal passions can inform and transform one’s professional path.
10. Growth and Strategy:
Entrepreneurs should be strategic about scaling their business, focusing on building strong relationships, and maintaining a balance between personal and professional spheres. Maria’s intent to expand her business while emphasizing the importance of community epitomizes this strategy.
Memorable Moments
05:32 Fascination with politics and shift from music.
08:57 Switched to corporate setting, gained skills, connections.
11:33 Struggling with work-life balance and leadership.
15:35 Coaching and mentoring for personal and team success.
17:54 Feeling compelled to leave corporate life.
20:08 Company development started in 2019, actively engaging.
25:31 Miss Kentucky, a conversation sparked entrepreneurial thoughts.
29:18 Entrepreneurship is challenging but rewarding with support.
32:57 Balancing motherhood, marriage, and entrepreneurship with...