Shows
The Art of SuccessionThe True Value of Family Business: Entrepreneurial Kids2025-07-291h 38
The Art of SuccessionWhy Most Consultants Retire Broke (And How to Avoid It)In this episode of The Art of Succession podcast, host Barrett Young interviews Stephanie Hayes, exit strategist and investor in multiple businesses. Listeners will discover how to transform their business from a revenue-chasing hamster wheel into a valuable asset that can eventually be sold.The Revelation That Changed EverythingStephanie's journey began during a client retreat in Texas when she had a powerful realization while staring at a wall of her accomplishments. Despite years of consulting experience and advanced degrees, she felt like she wasn't building anything of lasting...2025-07-1558 min
The Art of SuccessionThis COO's Path to Building Three Sellable CompaniesIn this episode of The Art of Succession podcast, host Barrett Young interviews David Forster, a serial entrepreneur who successfully built and sold three companies ranging from landscaping services to a retail bike shop. Listeners gain valuable insights into how relationship-focused leadership, proper systems, and life transitions drive successful business exits and career pivots.From The Farm to First Business ExitDavid's entrepreneurial journey began with his farm upbringing, leading him naturally into the landscape industry. His first real business was a landscape maintenance and design company started in his early twenties to provide for...2025-07-011h 05
The Art of SuccessionNavigating Succession: The Future Of The Show And Our Own TransformationIn this episode of The Art of Succession podcast, host Barrett Young reflects on a year of transformation and previews the future of both the show and GWCPA. Listeners will gain real-world insights into how succession planning is being put into practice inside an 80-year-old, multi-generational CPA firm.Facing the Realities of SuccessionBarrett shares the ongoing challenges GWCPA has faced in leadership transition, from unexpected health events to the loss of key staff and the pressures of staying independent in a market increasingly dominated by private equity. He discusses the importance of having a...2025-06-1755 min
The Art of SuccessionHe Watched Dad Bet Too Much On The Business SaleIn this episode of The Art of Succession podcast, host Barrett Young interviews Nick Garofalo, founder of OpenHanded Wealth and former executive at Court Solutions, a payment processing company for traffic court fines that was successfully sold in 2017.Building a Business That Solves Real ProblemsNick's father, though not tech-savvy himself, built an innovative payment processing company that transformed how people paid traffic tickets. "This internet thing is really cool," Nick recalls his father thinking, "it makes so much sense for people to be able to file court paperwork online instead of having to come stand...2025-06-031h 00
The Art of SuccessionHow a Failed Franchise Launched a 30-Year Business Success StoryIn this episode of The Art of Succession podcast, host Barrett Young interviews Charles Read, CEO of Get Payroll in Dallas, Texas, who shares his 30-year entrepreneurial journey and succession planning strategy. Listeners will gain valuable insights into business transitions, strategic specialization, and creating a meaningful exit plan.From Corporate World to Business OwnershipCharles, a CPA with 47 years of experience, spent 15 years in the corporate world before purchasing an accounting franchise called Financial Express in 1991. When the franchise company went bankrupt a year later, Charles simply changed the name and continued operations independently. He...2025-05-2055 min
The Art of SuccessionThe Unexpected Value - and Timing - of Keeping Your BusinessIn this episode of The Art of Succession podcast, host Barrett Young interviews Nesha Pai, founder of Pai CPA and international public speaker. Nesha shares her journey of building a successful CPA firm and her decision to turn down an acquisition offer despite receiving her asking price, revealing important lessons about business value beyond financial metrics.Building a Valuable BusinessAfter being denied a raise due to a "mom gap" in her resume, Nesha quit her job at a local CPA firm in 2011 and started her own practice. Over 14 years, she built a firm serving 75 clients...2025-05-0656 min
The Art of Succession25 Years of IT Transformation: Thriving Through the DotCom Bust, Recession, and PandemicIn this episode of The Art of Succession podcast, host Barrett Young interviews Mike Ritsema, CEO of i3 Business Solutions in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Listeners gain valuable insights into business acquisition, strategic pivots, and leadership succession planning.Surviving Economic TurbulenceMike purchased 21st Century Computer Specialists in January 2001, just before the dot-com bust and 9/11 economic crisis. After mortgaging his house and depleting resources, the company nearly failed until two large orders in October 2001 saved the business. This experience taught Mike valuable lessons about entrepreneurial resilience.Business Model TransformationDuring the 2007-2008...2025-04-1557 min
The Art of SuccessionBridging the Valuation Gap: Building A Company Your Employees Want to BuyIn this episode of The Art of Succession podcast, host Barrett Young interviews Tom Gledhill, a former business owner, broker, and author who has successfully built and scaled four businesses. Listeners gain valuable insights into business scaling, valuation, and exit planning from his decades of experience spanning from early technology adoption to sophisticated exit strategies.From Engineer to Software EntrepreneurTom shares his journey from electrical engineer to software entrepreneur in the healthcare industry during the 1970s, when computers were still large and uncommon. His company developed administrative software for outpatient clinics, facing initial challenges...2025-04-0159 min
The Art of SuccessionThe 25-Year-Old CEO: When Succession Comes Too SoonIn this episode of The Art of Succession podcast, host Barrett Young interviews Garrett Noach, president of Lamothermic, a casting manufacturer in New York. At age 25, Garrett unexpectedly took over the family business following his father's passing in 2022, offering valuable insights into both emergency succession and intentional business transformation.Navigating Sudden SuccessionWithout a formal succession plan in place, Garrett transitioned from manufacturing engineer to company president of the $12 million operation. Despite having no formal business leadership training, he maintained stability by leveraging experienced management teams and focusing on learning critical business operations. Remarkably, the company...2025-03-1856 min
The Art of SuccessionShe Secured Above Average Client Retention Buying an Insurance AgencyIn this episode of The Art of Succession podcast, host Barrett Young interviews Nakeia Mack, who transitioned from an accounting degree to owner of Oliver Mack Insurance through an unexpected opportunity to purchase an established insurance agency. Her story offers valuable insights into succession planning, leadership development, and building a sustainable insurance business.Despite having no prior insurance experience, Mack purchased a 36-year-old insurance book of business in 2021. The transition began with a single four-hour meeting with the previous owner, followed by a rigorous carrier approval process. Her accounting background, while seemingly unrelated, provided a strong...2025-03-041h 02
The Art of SuccessionBreaking Free from Hustle Culture: The True Cost of GrowthIn this episode of The Art of Succession podcast, host Barrett Young interviews Adam Shay, who shares his comprehensive journey from founding a CPA firm in 2010 to its successful sale in 2023 and his subsequent transition. This conversation offers valuable insights into the full lifecycle of entrepreneurship, from startup through exit and beyond.Building and Scaling the BusinessStarting his firm just weeks before his first child was born, Adam grew the practice from a solo operation to nearly 20 employees. The firm established itself in Wilmington, NC through early digital marketing adoption, strong networking, and reputation building...2025-02-1859 min
The Art of SuccessionThe Art of Military Succession According To The US Air ForceIn this episode of The Art of Succession podcast, host Barrett Young interviews Joe Bogdan, a retired Chief Master Sergeant in the US Air Force, who shares insights on leadership transitions from military to civilian contexts.After transitioning from an intense Korean assignment to leading 600 people in Germany, Joe faced unexpected challenges when reduced workload led to personnel issues. He discovered four capable but disconnected managers working inefficiently, creating an unintentionally toxic environment.Joe's approach balanced adaptability with consistent standards through his "two-but rule" for handling disagreements and the "Protect the Family Name" campaign to...2025-02-041h 07
The Art of SuccessionTurning Life Experience Into Subject Matter ExpertiseIn this episode of The Art of Succession podcast, host Barrett Young interviews Manasa Nadig, a cross-border tax expert and owner of MN Tax and Business Solutions. Listeners will gain valuable insights into transitioning from employee to specialized practice owner while navigating the complexities of succession planning and niche development.Selling Off Your Way To A NicheAfter moving from India to the US, Manasa discovered her passion for tax preparation while helping friends with their returns. She partnered with mentor Kay Harris in 2016, managing both a traditional tax practice (Harris Nadig LLC) and her specialized...2025-01-211h 11
The Art of SuccessionMy Partner Overcame Their Objections Until They Couldn't Say No Any LongerIn this episode of The Art of Succession podcast, host Barrett Young interviews Samantha Bowling, managing partner here at GWCPA, who shares her remarkable journey from being told "we don't have women partners" to transforming an 80-year-old accounting firm's culture and leadership.Her innovative approach to firm management continues to influence the accounting profession's evolution toward more sustainable practices.Becoming So Good They Can't Ignore YouSamantha's story unfolds in two distinct but interconnected parts. First, she details her strategic rise to partnership, leveraging technology and innovation to prove her value despite initial resistance...2025-01-0758 min
The Art of SuccessionSeason Finale & Best MomentsIn this episode, host Barrett Young reflects on The Art of Succession’s first season, sharing memorable moments, lessons learned, and a preview of what’s to come in season two.Barrett highlights the emotional depth of season one, from Lisa’s resilience after a failed acquisition to Curtis’s appreciation for working alongside his grandfather. These stories showcase the challenges and triumphs of small business succession, emphasizing the importance of relationships, leadership, and legacy.Looking ahead, season two launches in January with a fresh episode format: YouTube content split into two shorter parts released Tuesdays...2024-12-1735 min
The Art of SuccessionShe Sold Her Niched Law Firm To The First Choice On Her ListIn this episode of The Art of Succession podcast, host Barrett Young interviews Jillian Sidoti, founder of Crowdfunding Lawyers and creator of Last Life Ever. The discussion focuses on Jillian’s journey of building a niche law firm, selling it for seven figures, and how systems and branding can lead to successful business transitions. Building and Scaling a Niche BusinessJillian shares her story of founding her law firm at her kitchen table in 2007. By networking extensively, she grew the practice to a multi-million-dollar operation specializing in crowdfunding and securities law. Her journey into specialization began wi...2024-12-0336 min
The Art of SuccessionHer Systems Took This Recruiting Agency From Launch To Rapid ExitIn this episode of The Art of Succession podcast, host Barrett Young interviews Alanna Thomas, founder of Aligned Recruitment and Thomas Media Agency. The discussion dives into Alanna’s impressive journey, from founding a recruitment company to scaling it for rapid profitability, bringing in a business partner, and successfully exiting—all within 13 months. Listeners will gain valuable insights on growth strategies, partnership dynamics, and building systems for seamless transitions. Starting from Scratch to Rapid GrowthAlanna shares her early career experiences in recruitment and project management, which laid the foundation for her entrepreneurial journey. Inspired to crea...2024-11-1955 min
The Art of SuccessionThese Partners Stepped In To Rescue A Buddy's Hearing Aid Store After A TextIn this episode, host Barrett Young interviews Jarom Rogers, a partner at Legacy Hearing Professionals. They discuss Jarom's experience in taking over and revitalizing a struggling business, navigating financial crises, and dealing with underperforming partners.Background and Initial ChallengesJarom describes the early stages when his friend, who owned the hearing aid company, faced severe issues due to a non-contributing partner. This partner neglected financial obligations, resulting in unpaid rent and looming eviction. Jarom and his business partner intervened to buy out the troubled partner, settle debts, and take control of the company.The...2024-11-0552 min
The Art of SuccessionThis Rapid Growth CPA Firm Has Gone From Dad's Living Room to 30 EmployeesIn this episode of The Art of Succession podcast, host Barrett Young interviews Mike Libbey, the Chief Operating Officer of YBL, an accounting firm based in Ontario, Canada. Mike shares his journey of joining the family business, which was founded by his father, and discusses the transition of leadership and the growth of the firm over the years. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the challenges of balancing family and professional relationships, succession planning, and scaling a business. The Origins of YBL and Mike's Entry into the BusinessMike's father, a CPA, started YBL (formerly known...2024-10-151h 04
The Art of SuccessionLeaving The Family Business Prepared Her To Take Over This Third Generation Auto RecyclerIn this episode of The Art of Succession podcast, host Barrett Young interviews Amber Kendrick, the owner of Pete's Auto Parts, an auto parts recycling yard near Grand Rapids, Michigan. Amber’s journey through the family business provides an insightful perspective on modernizing a legacy while honoring its history—offering valuable lessons for those navigating similar paths in family-owned enterprises.The Origins of Pete's Auto PartsAmber's grandfather founded Pete's Auto Parts in the 1950s when he was struggling to make ends meet as a farmer. Starting with a homemade tow truck, he began towing abandoned cars...2024-10-011h 10
The Art of SuccessionShe Learned Resilience Losing Their Travel Agency, And Now Helps OthersIn this episode of "The Art of Succession" podcast, host Barrett Young interviews Lisa Dare, an executive coach and leadership practitioner based in Calgary, Alberta. Lisa shares her candid story about purchasing a family-owned travel and tour agency in 2016 and the valuable, painful lessons she learned from ultimately closing the business. The Decision to Buy Lisa and her husband bought the travel agency in 2016 after discovering it was up for sale by the founding family. With over 40 years of history and a strong client base, the business seemed like a solid investment. Lisa recounts her initial...2024-09-171h 05
The Art of SuccessionUnbeatable Opportunity: How A Text Led These Chiropractors To Business Ownership!In this episode of The Art of Succession podcast, host Barrett Young interviews Dr. Tatiana Barrera and Dr. Michael Vega, the engaged couple behind Move Forward Chiropractic in Tampa, Florida. They share their story of unexpectedly purchasing and transforming a chiropractic practice, highlighting their journey from employees to business owners.From Employees to EntrepreneursTatiana and Michael both worked in different chiropractic practices before deciding to take the leap into business ownership. Tatiana, initially content with her job, received a text from a friend about a practice for sale at an incredibly low price. Despite having...2024-09-031h 03
The Art of SuccessionWorking With His Grandfather Was This CPA's Unfair AdvantageIn this episode of The Art of Succession podcast, host Barrett Young interviews Curtis Hardwick, who shares his journey of taking over his grandfather's CPA firm in Georgia. Curtis provides insights into the challenges and rewards of inheriting a business and making it his own.Beginning the JourneyCurtis's grandfather, Joe "Pop" Hardwick, started the CPA firm in 1974, and Curtis began working there in 2010 while still in college. Initially aiming to become a civil engineer, Curtis had switched paths after struggling with calculus, guided into accounting by his grandfather. Curtis enjoyed the work and excelled...2024-08-201h 02
The Art of SuccessionThey Overhauled A 20 Year-Old Online Course That Had Zero Recurring RevenueIn this episode of "The Art of Succession" podcast, host Barrett Young talks with Peter Wietmarschen, a partner at The Author’s Voice. Peter shares the story of how he and his partners took over and transformed a self-publishing support business.The Origins of The Author’s VoicePeter Wietmarschen’s journey began about eight years ago when his mother, Colleen, took the Certified Professional Author Assistant Course. At the time, Colleen was looking to pivot from medical transcription to a new career path. She applied for and received a scholarship to take the course, which...2024-08-0645 min
The Art of SuccessionA Cancer Diagnosis Gave This CPA Firm Clarity On Client SelectionIn this episode of The Art of Succession podcast, host Barrett Young sits down with Jim Morrow, the CEO of Agency CPAs. Jim's story offers a compelling look at the complexities and triumphs of succession planning, particularly within a family-run business. Agency CPAs specializes in tax planning, CFO, and accounting services for digital agencies, but the journey to this niche was filled with personal and professional challenges.Taking Over the Family BusinessJim's path to leadership began unexpectedly. His father, who ran a small bookkeeping firm, encouraged Jim to enter the field of accounting. After...2024-07-1637 min
The Art of SuccessionHe Bought Dad's CPA Firm And Built A Powerful CommunityIn this debut episode of The Art of Succession podcast, host Barrett Young interviews Jason Blumer, CEO of Blumer CPAs and the Thriveal CPA Network, to discuss his journey of taking over his father's bookkeeping firm and transforming it into a specialized accounting firm for design, marketing, and creative agencies.The Early Days: Joining and Leading the Family FirmJason's father started a small bookkeeping firm in 1997, a year before Jason entered public accounting. By 2003, Jason decided to join his father in running the firm. Despite his father's lack of funds to pay him, Jason...2024-07-1654 min
The Art of SuccessionThe Art of Succession TrailerStepping into the role of business owner is one of the most challenging endeavors you'll undertake. Buying that business from someone you already know amplifies the risk of mistakes. On The Art of Succession Podcast, you'll hear from entrepreneurs who've successfully transitioned from employee to owner by acquiring businesses from parents, former bosses, or co-founders. Together, we'll explore how they navigated the complex blend of emotions and strategic decisions required to honor the past while forging a new and vibrant future. Your host, Barrett Young, a fellow traveler in the succession plan of a 75+ year CPA firm...2024-06-2801 min