Grow Your Business and Grow Your Wealth

Market Domination
Market Domination
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The Grow Your Business and Grow Your Wealth Podcast with Gary Heldt is the go-to place to help plan for your future. Whether you’re a business owner looking to maximize your tax profit, a parent planning for college, or an individual looking to improve your life, Gary is the expert for you.Guests on the podcast will chat with Gary and share their secrets to build a better financial foundation for your business and your life. Tune in for informative conversation about keeping your finances organized and not wasting your well-earned money.

  1. 22h ago ·  Bonus

    Bonus: Why Profit Isn’t Cash

    A business can look profitable on paper and still have a serious cash problem. In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, guest host Sandra “Sandy” Bempah sits down with Brooke Horvath, CPA and Founder of Salt Creek Consulting & CPA, for a practical conversation about the financial numbers every business owner needs to understand. Brooke explains why profit and cash flow are not the same thing, why business owners should pay attention to more than their P&L, and how the balance sheet and statement of cash flows can reveal what is really happening inside a company. They also dig into year-round tax planning, why waiting until tax season can limit your options, and the importance of having your CPA, financial advisor, and other professionals working together instead of operating in separate silos. For entrepreneurs who hope to eventually sell their companies, Brooke shares an especially important warning: preparing for a successful exit often needs to begin years before the sale. Clean financial statements, accurate tax returns, profitability, and smart planning can all influence how a business is valued and whether a buyer can secure financing. And for newer business owners trying to save money by doing everything themselves, Brooke explains why DIY accounting can sometimes end up costing far more than bringing in qualified help early. KEY TAKEAWAYS Profit does not equal cash flow. A company can show a profit and still struggle to have enough cash available for taxes, debt payments, inventory, or operations. Tax planning should happen throughout the year. For business owners and people with more complex income, tax strategy should not begin in March or April. Your balance sheet tells an important part of the story. Brooke says many business owners focus only on their profit and loss statement, while the balance sheet can provide a clearer picture of the company's overall financial health. Your financial professionals should communicate. CPAs, financial advisors, and other professionals may be looking at different pieces of the same financial picture. Collaboration can help avoid missed opportunities and misunderstandings. Start succession planning before you are ready to leave. If you plan to sell your business, Brooke recommends looking at your financials years ahead of the anticipated sale because buyers, lenders, and valuation professionals will examine that history. Sometimes outsourcing saves money. Business owners can spend countless hours trying to learn bookkeeping and accounting themselves, only to pay someone later to correct the mistakes. Know where your cash is going. If your business is profitable but you do not feel like you are building wealth, Brooke recommends looking closely at the statement of cash flows to understand where the money is actually going. Most importantly, Brooke reminds entrepreneurs that business ownership does not have to be a solo journey. Having trusted people around you who understand your business can lead to better decisions and fewer expensive mistakes. CONNECT WITH BROOKE Brooke Horvath, CPA Founder, Salt Creek Consulting & CPA www.saltcreekcpa.com Learn more about Guest Host: https://sandyfinancialsolutions.com/ Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, accounting, investment, or financial advice. Consult qualified professionals regarding your individual circumstances.

    Bonus: Why Profit Isn’t Cash

  2. 2d ago

    Episode 341: When Your Business Is Your Entire Portfolio.

    Your business may be your greatest asset. It may also hold most of your financial risk. In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, Gary Heldt speaks with Alexey Sokolov, a Northwestern Mutual financial advisor who co-founded and sold Grid Capital. Alexey explains how building and selling his own company changed the way he thinks about protecting wealth. Gary and Alexey discuss a problem many successful founders overlook: their income, company value, and personal investments can all depend on the same industry. If conditions change, those assets may fall together. They also explore why having substantial assets does not always mean having cash available when you need it. Alexey shares why tax and investment decisions deserve attention well before a business sale. He explains “tax drag,” examines the role of bonds in a portfolio, and makes the case for bringing a CPA, attorney, and financial advisor into the conversation early. For business owners, the question is bigger than what the company might sell for. It is how to manage what you have built, both before and after an exit. About Alexey Sokolov Alexey Sokolov is a financial advisor with Northwestern Mutual in Los Angeles. Before becoming an advisor, he co-founded Grid Capital, a regulated investment platform that he later sold. He works with founders, business owners, investors, and professionals on wealth planning, concentrated holdings, and business transitions. Connect with Alexey Email: Alexey.Sokolov@nm.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexeysokolovnm/ Connect with Gary Heldt Website: https://www.sbadvisors.cc/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-d-heldt-jr/ Schedule a conversation: https://calendly.com/gheldt21054/podcast-follow-up-conversation Listen and subscribe Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grow-your-business-and-grow-your-wealth/id1521874291 This episode is for educational purposes and does not constitute individualized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Consult qualified professionals about your circumstances.

    Episode 341: When Your Business Is Your Entire Portfolio.

  3. Sep 30

    Episode 340: Your Most Powerful Leadership Tool Is Choice

    What happens when professional success requires you to become someone you no longer want to be? Charlene Wheeless, MA, MBA, ICF-ACC, spent more than 30 years rising through corporate America, ultimately reaching the C-suite and leading communications for major global organizations. But after being diagnosed with cancer twice, she stepped away from the corporate treadmill and confronted a difficult truth: she had invested enormous energy in becoming the person others expected her to be. In this candid conversation with Gary Heldt, Charlene shares how pivotal moments of choice shaped her journey from an abusive childhood to corporate leadership, bestselling authorship, and entrepreneurship. She explains why organizations often reward conformity instead of contribution, how leaders unknowingly surrender their agency, and why every business outcome begins with a decision that was made, delayed, or avoided. Charlene also discusses the inspiration behind her book, You Are Enough!, and challenges professionals to stop chasing validation disguised as ambition. She reminds leaders that words carry lasting power, people must be led rather than managed, and authentic success should never require trading away who you are. For entrepreneurs, Charlene offers another important shift: stop thinking like a consultant and begin operating like the CEO of your business. Sometimes all it takes to move forward is seven seconds of courage and the willingness to do the thing you have been avoiding. What You’ll LearnWhy choice is one of a leader’s most powerful toolsHow professionals surrender their agency without realizing itThe difference between contributing to a culture and conforming to itWhy leaders manage work but lead peopleHow delayed or defaulted decisions create organizational bottlenecksWhy chasing validation can look deceptively like ambitionHow to develop a CEO mindset as an entrepreneurWhat seven seconds of courage can help you accomplish Learn more about Charlene, her coaching, speaking, and bestselling book at CharleneWheeless.com. Listen to Grow Your Business and Grow Your Wealth on Apple Podcasts. Visit https://www.sbadvisors.cc/

    Episode 340: Your Most Powerful Leadership Tool Is Choice

  4. Sep 23

    Episode 339: The Winning Playbook for Business Reinvention

    The Winning Playbook for Business Reinvention What happens when the career you worked years to build suddenly ends? Jack Oujo spent eight years pursuing his dream of becoming a Major League Baseball umpire, advancing to Triple-A before an unexpected setback forced him to reinvent his future. He went on to become a CPA, build Oujo Wealth Strategies into one of the nation’s largest tax-focused wealth management firms, and oversee approximately $900 million in assets under management. In this episode, Jack joins Gary to share how the discipline, pressure, teamwork, and resilience he learned in professional baseball helped him build an extraordinarily successful financial services business. He explains why business owners need a Plan B, how numbers can remove emotion from major decisions, and why developing strong processes and people is essential for sustainable growth. Jack also discusses the difficulty of letting go, the importance of preparing employees to lead, and how business owners can create a meaningful life after selling the company that once defined them. What You’ll LearnHow Jack rebuilt his life after his baseball career endedWhy every entrepreneur should prepare for worst-case scenariosHow financial projections can make difficult decisions less emotionalWhy business owners must stop doing everything themselvesHow documented processes support business growthWhy coaching employees is one of a leader’s most important responsibilitiesHow exceptional service creates loyal clients and valuable referralsWhat Jack learned from building and eventually selling his firmWhy gratitude matters when transitioning into the next chapter of lifeFeatured Quote “You only get respect by giving respect.” — Jack Oujo About Jack Oujo Jack Oujo is the founder of Oujo Wealth Strategies, one of the nation’s largest tax-focused wealth management firms, and the bestselling author of Too Smart to Be an Umpire. Before becoming one of the country’s top financial advisors, Jack spent eight years pursuing his dream of becoming a Major League Baseball umpire, advancing to Triple-A before an unexpected setback changed his life. His journey from career disappointment to extraordinary business success offers a powerful lesson in resilience, reinvention, leadership, and building a meaningful legacy. Learn more about Jack and purchase Too Smart to Be an Umpire: https://toosmarttobeanumpire.com/ Listen, follow, and subscribe to Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grow-your-business-and-grow-your-wealth/id1521874291 This episode is provided for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, investment, or legal advice. Please consult an appropriately qualified professional regarding your individual circumstances.

    Episode 339: The Winning Playbook for Business Reinvention

  5. Sep 18 ·  Bonus

    Bonus: Why Business Owners Need One Financial Team

    Growing revenue does not necessarily mean you are building wealth. A business can appear successful while its owner’s assets, financial security, and long-term options remain stagnant. In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, guest host Sandy of Sandy Financial Solutions speaks with Paul Etzler, CPA, CGMA, GACP, founder and president of BobBear Services LLC. Paul brings more than 30 years of experience in accounting, tax strategy, financial consulting, due diligence, compliance, forecasting, and entrepreneurship. Paul explains why business owners must look beyond income and consider the complete financial picture, including business assets, personal assets, liabilities, taxes, succession, and family goals. He also shares an important distinction: business and personal finances should remain separate for accounting and tax purposes, but they must be considered together when developing a long-term wealth strategy. The conversation explores why tax planning should happen throughout the year, how CPAs and financial advisors can work together, and why succession planning should begin long before an owner intends to leave or sell the business. In this episode, you will learn: Why increasing revenue does not always increase wealth.How to balance saving, investing, business growth, and enjoying life.Why tax planning should happen throughout the entire year.How business and personal assets fit into one larger financial picture.Why your CPA, financial advisor, attorney, banker, and insurance professional should communicate.When business owners should begin succession and exit planning.The three questions that can reveal weaknesses in your current financial plan.Why professional guidance still matters in an AI-driven world. Paul also challenges business owners to remain flexible, listen to informed outside perspectives, and accept that a plan may need to change. A business may be the owner’s baby, but sometimes that baby needs an honest checkup. About Paul Etzler Paul Etzler, CPA, CGMA, GACP, is the founder and president of BobBear Services LLC. He has more than 30 years of experience in financial consulting, accounting, tax, due diligence, compliance, forecasting, and business advisory services. Paul is also involved in entrepreneurial ventures spanning healthcare, real estate, sustainability, financial wellness, art, and entertainment. Connect with Paul: https://bobbearllc.com Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, accounting, investment, or financial advice. Consult qualified professionals regarding your individual circumstances.

    Bonus: Why Business Owners Need One Financial Team

  6. Sep 16

    Episode 338: Franchise Opportunities Beyond Burgers and Fries

    When most people hear the word franchise, they picture fast food. But some of today’s most compelling franchise opportunities are found in less glamorous industries such as home services, senior care, pet care, youth programs, property services, and business-to-business solutions. In this episode, Gary Heldt speaks with Jon Ostenson, CEO of FranBridge Consulting, about why entrepreneurs and investors are increasingly exploring non-food franchises. Jon explains how franchise buyers can evaluate opportunities based on their finances, experience, desired level of involvement, local market, and long-term goals. Jon also challenges the idea that a franchise can be completely passive. He explains why “semi-involved” is more realistic, what separates successful franchisees from struggling owners, and why following the franchisor’s proven system matters. Gary and Jon also discuss franchise funding, support systems, due diligence, franchise stacking, and how essential service businesses may be better positioned to withstand economic uncertainty and technological disruption. What You’ll LearnWhy non-food franchises are attracting entrepreneurs and investorsWhich service-based franchise categories are growingHow to determine whether a franchise fits your skills and lifestyleWhy a franchise should never be considered completely passiveWhat successful franchisees do differentlyHow franchise owners learn from one another without directly competingThe difference between a franchise consultant and a business brokerHow SBA loans and retirement rollovers may be used for franchise fundingWhy reviewing the Franchise Disclosure Document is only one part of due diligenceHow franchise stacking can help owners expand and diversifyGuest Bio Jon Ostenson is the CEO of FranBridge Consulting, a top 1% franchise broker, investor, author, and Forbes contributor. After serving as President of a national Inc. 500 franchise system with more than 200 locations, Jon has helped thousands of entrepreneurs and investors explore franchise ownership. He specializes in non-food franchising, helping people identify scalable business opportunities that fit their goals, finances, experience, and lifestyle. Heldt Connect With Jon OstensonWebsite: FranBridgeConsulting.comLinkedIn: Jon OstensonEmail: jon@franbridgeconsulting.comFree book: Visit FranBridge Consulting to request a complimentary copy of Jon’s book, Non-Food Franchising. Looking to learn more about Gary Heldt? Visit Small Business Advisors for more information. Home | Small Business Advisors

    Episode 338: Franchise Opportunities Beyond Burgers and Fries

  7. Sep 9

    Episode 337: Your Retirement Plan Needs a Backup Plan

    What happens when your retirement plan looks solid on paper, but life does not follow the plan? In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, Gary Heldt speaks with Alan Lee Porter, a nationally certified financial fiduciary, founder of Strategic Wealth Strategies, and former U.S. Army Black Hawk instructor pilot. Alan shares how serious medical crises within his own family changed the direction of his career and taught him that financial planning must account for more than investment returns. Illness, disability, long-term care, taxes, market downturns, and outdated beneficiary forms can quickly expose gaps in even a well-funded retirement plan. Gary and Alan discuss why retirement planning should focus on the distribution of assets, tax-efficient income, healthcare expenses, long-term-care risks, and protecting a family’s financial legacy. Alan also explains why individuals and business owners benefit from having CPAs, attorneys, financial advisors, insurance professionals, and other specialists working together rather than relying on one person to handle every part of the plan. The conversation is an important reminder that financial confidence does not come from predicting the future. It comes from preparing for the possibilities before they become emergencies. What You Will LearnWhy retirement planning changes when you move from saving money to creating incomeHow taxes and required distributions can affect retirement savingsWhy beneficiary designations should be reviewed regularlyHow illness, disability, and long-term care can disrupt a financial planWhy business owners need coordinated exit, tax, estate, and retirement planningThe importance of verifying credentials before using complex financial or tax strategiesAbout Alan Lee Porter Alan Lee Porter is a nationally certified financial fiduciary and founder of Strategic Wealth Strategies in Fayetteville, North Carolina. A former U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter instructor pilot, Alan helps individuals, families, and business owners explore tax-efficient retirement strategies, lifetime income planning, asset protection, and financial risk reduction. Connect With Alan Website: Strategic Wealth Strategies LinkedIn: Alan Lee Porter Email: strategicwealth0@gmail.com Important Financial Disclaimer This podcast is provided for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, tax, legal, accounting, or insurance advice. The opinions expressed are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of Gary Heldt, Small Business Advisors, or Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth.Financial products and strategies involve risks and may not be appropriate for every individual or business. References to potential tax savings, income, insurance benefits, or financial results are illustrative only and are not guarantees. Insurance and annuity guarantees are subject to the terms of the applicable contract and the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company.Listeners should consult qualified and properly licensed financial, tax, legal, and insurance professionals before making decisions based on their individual circumstances.

    Episode 337: Your Retirement Plan Needs a Backup Plan

  8. Sep 2

    Episode 336: Build a Business Buyers Want

    Could your business operate for three weeks without anyone calling you? If the honest answer is no, you may have created a demanding job for yourself rather than a transferable business buyers will want. In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, Gary Heldt speaks with Daniel Scherotter, business broker, M&A advisor, entrepreneur, and Partner at Filament Business Advisors. Daniel explains why preparing a company for sale must begin long before an owner contacts a broker. Buyers want more than revenue. They want reliable financial records, predictable profitability, documented systems, a capable management team, transferable customer relationships, and a company that does not depend entirely on its founder. Gary and Daniel discuss how minimizing reported profits to reduce taxes can damage a company’s valuation, why owner dependence shrinks the pool of potential buyers, and how unrealistic expectations can prevent an otherwise successful business from ever selling. Daniel also shares how strategic buyers evaluate companies differently, why owners must separate personal attachment from market value, and how building the right team can allow an owner to exit without years of difficult transition. What You Will Learn ➔ Why waiting until you are ready to sell is one of the biggest exit-planning mistakes ➔ How owner dependence reduces buyer interest and business value ➔ Why weak accounting and unclear financial statements create red flags ➔ How management teams and documented systems make a company more transferable ➔ Why the market determines what a business is worth, regardless of the owner’s emotional investment ➔ How strategic buyers can see greater value than individual owner-operators ➔ Why every entrepreneur should build the company as an asset, not simply as a job About Daniel Scherotter Daniel Scherotter is a business broker, M&A advisor, entrepreneur, and Partner at Filament Business Advisors. Having owned and sold businesses himself, Daniel understands the sale process from both the owner’s and the advisor’s perspective. He helps business owners increase profitability, strengthen company value, improve organizational structure, and prepare for a successful sale before going to market. His work focuses on identifying the factors that attract serious buyers and helping owners avoid the operational, financial, and emotional mistakes that can weaken a transaction. Connect With Daniel Scherotter Filament Business Advisors: https://filamentbusinessadvisors.com/ Daniel’s Profile: https://filamentbusinessadvisors.com/team/dan-scherotter/ Email: Dan@filamentbusinessadvisors.com Phone: 804-728-1553 Connect With Gary Heldt Visit: https://www.sbadvisors.cc/ Connect with Gary on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-d-heldt-jr/ Schedule a follow-up conversation with Gary: https://calendly.com/gheldt21054/podcast-follow-up-conversation Listen and Subscribe Follow Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth for practical conversations that help business owners grow smarter, build stronger companies, and create lasting wealth. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grow-your-business-and-grow-your-wealth/id1521874291

    Episode 336: Build a Business Buyers Want
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The Grow Your Business and Grow Your Wealth Podcast with Gary Heldt is the go-to place to help plan for your future. Whether you’re a business owner looking to maximize your tax profit, a parent planning for college, or an individual looking to improve your life, Gary is the expert for you.Guests on the podcast will chat with Gary and share their secrets to build a better financial foundation for your business and your life. Tune in for informative conversation about keeping your finances organized and not wasting your well-earned money.

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