The Wrap

Warren Averett

You’re listening to the Wrap– a podcast by Warren Averett designed to help business leaders access the information that you need, when you need it, in the time that you have, so you can accomplish what’s important to you. Time is tight. Today’s professionals and executives have more things to keep up with and less time to do it than ever before. You’ve got to accomplish important things in the limited hours in your day. That’s why our advisors have wrapped up today’s most timely topics into a podcast with actionable advice. Now, let’s get down to business.

  1. Episode 074 | What Next? (Life After Exiting a Business)

    11/20/2024

    Episode 074 | What Next? (Life After Exiting a Business)

    The final stage of the Business Owner Lifecycle is one that every entrepreneur dreams of—the Freedom Stage. In this stage, business owners reap the rewards of their hard work to either enjoy retirement or change direction to pursue a new passion or investment. The emphasis is no longer on the success of the business, but rather on the lifestyle of the now-former business owner.  In this episode, special guest Greg Sellers, CPA, AEP®, a Member of Warren Averett’s Tax Division and a leader in the firm’s Estate and Trust Service Area, shares advice on what you can do now so you can look forward to your own Freedom Stage.  In this episode, you’ll hear:  A description of the Freedom Stage (and how it doesn’t always include retirement)The challenges to entering the Freedom Stage Tips regarding estate and legacy planning to prepare yourself for retirementAdvice on projecting cash-flow needs, keeping estimates conservative and reevaluating oftenHow to leave a legacy while also starting a new venture (and how to protect your assets and wealth)Listen to the full series here:  Intro Episode: Episode 069 | The Entrepreneurial Journey and the Cycle of Business GrowthStartup Phase: Episode 070 | What Does It Take for a Startup To Succeed?Growth Phase: Episode 071 | Navigating the Dynamics of a Growing BusinessMaturity Phase: Episode 072 | Sustaining Success in an Established BusinessExit Phase: Episode 073 | Strategies for a Successful Business Exit

    29 min
  2. Episode 073 | Strategies for a Successful Business Exit

    11/06/2024

    Episode 073 | Strategies for a Successful Business Exit

    Entrepreneurs pour so much passion and effort into starting, growing and maintaining their businesses. But eventually, all business owners will enter a transition stage where the business will shift to a new set of hands, either through a transaction or by training a new generation of leaders to carry on the work—both of which can be emotional and challenging experiences. So, what does a successful business exit look like, and what can entrepreneurs do to prepare themselves and their business for a positive transition experience? In this episode, Hanny Akl, CPA, CFE, CEPA, CVGA, leader of Warren Averett’s Transaction Advisory Services Practice Group, joins our hosts to dive into the Exit Phase of the Business Owner Life Cycle and share his experience guiding business owners through this transitional stage. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why it’s never too early to plan for your exitIndicators that a business owner may be ready for an exit or transitionWhy it’s so important to have a good team of advisors helping you plan for this stageThe eight types of exit options and their pros and consFactors that could detract from the value of your businessResources for additional information: Document: Exit Options – Pros & ConsDocument: Maximizing the Value of Your BusinessBlog: How to Exit Well: Aligning the Sale of Your Business With Your Personal Financial PlansBlog: 5 Common Pitfalls in M&A Transactions (and How To Avoid Them When Selling Your Business)Podcast: Episode 009: I Put a Sell on YouPodcast: Episode 010: Don’t Let the Sell Run Dry

    26 min
  3. Episode 072 | Sustaining Success in an Established Business

    10/23/2024

    Episode 072 | Sustaining Success in an Established Business

    The term “mature company” might bring up images of a stale, archaic or out-of-date business. But in reality, a business in the maturity stage of the business owner lifecycle is a successful organization with a well-known product or service, loyal customers and steady growth. So, for businesses that have grown into this season of stability, what does success really look like? In this episode of The Wrap, our hosts discuss the characteristics and opportunities of established businesses with special guest Stephen Schaaf, CPA, a Member of Warren Averett and leader of the firm's Manufacturing & Distribution Practice Group.  In this episode, you’ll hear:  The defining characteristics of an established or mature companyAbout the importance of holding on to stability while continuing to innovateStrategies for maintaining efficiency and profitabilityDiscussion around the specific key performance indicators (KPIs) for mature businesses, especially around productivity, quality and outputHow a business process review can help ready a mature business for the next stage of the lifecycleAbout the need to shift focus from growth to the people and processes that keep a business running Resources for additional information: Blog: Business Process Optimization: 5 Ways To Improve Your Systems and ProcessesGrowth Phase: Episode 071: Navigating the Dynamics of a Growing BusinessStartup Phase: Episode 070: What Does It Take for a Startup To Succeed?Intro Episode: Episode 069: The Entrepreneurial Journey and the Cycle of Business Growth

    16 min
  4. 12/20/2023

    Episode 068 | Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Opportunity for the Retail & Consumer Industry

    The past few years have not been easy for the retail and consumer industry with pandemic shortages and restrictions, rising inflation and a changing workforce. However, the landscape is actually starting to look up again, with profit margins creeping back to pre-pandemic levels and opportunities in technology, hiring and business strategies on the horizon.   In this episode of The Wrap, our hosts are joined by Warren Averett’s Retail & Consumer Industry Group leader Branden Crosby, CPA, CGMA, and Charles Bailey, CPA, to discuss the current state of the industry and what business leaders can do to plan for future success.  In this episode, you’ll hear: Specifics about how inflation is directly affecting prices About the changing retail workforce and why it’s getting olderHow technology such as AI can help restaurant owners monitor the flow of customers and make their business models more efficientInformation about beneficial ownership reporting and how it will affect most business beginning January 1, 2024The definition of a beneficial ownerResources for additional information: Blog: What Is Beneficial Ownership Reporting? (And Other FAQs About Compliance)Blog: 10 Restaurant Metrics to Monitor for Financial SuccessBlog: 4 Things To Do Before You Set Long-Term Business GoalsBlog: 7 Restaurant Finance Best Practices for Increasing Cash FlowPodcast: Making the Most of Your Staffing and Recruiting EffortsPodcast: Employee Retention and Recruiting in Today’s Competitive EnvironmentBlog: How To Interpret a Restaurant Chart of Accounts for Valuable InsightsBlog: Restaurant Industry Trends for 2023 (And How To Respond to Them)

    22 min
5
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

You’re listening to the Wrap– a podcast by Warren Averett designed to help business leaders access the information that you need, when you need it, in the time that you have, so you can accomplish what’s important to you. Time is tight. Today’s professionals and executives have more things to keep up with and less time to do it than ever before. You’ve got to accomplish important things in the limited hours in your day. That’s why our advisors have wrapped up today’s most timely topics into a podcast with actionable advice. Now, let’s get down to business.