Shows
Build Better Business Podcast with Chuck CrumptonMoving from the Golden Rule to the Platinum Rule...with Karl HebensteitKarl emphasizes that leaders often assume everyone thinks and is motivated the same way they are, which he describes as the "human condition". He advocates moving from the "golden rule" (treat others as you want to be treated) to the "platinum rule" (understanding what motivates each individual).When asked about the biggest organizational breakdown, he identifies trust as the primary issue. Karl notes problems when leadership teams don't trust each other or when employees fear bringing their authentic selves and real organizational challenges to leadership due to uncertainty about consequences.I help business owners 2x their...
2026-02-1747 minBuild Better Business Podcast with Chuck Crumpton"Be the change, not the boss" - my riveting conversation with CEO Todd DewettTodd emphasizes the importance of authenticity in leadership and speaking, sharing that he strives to be genuine rather than polished, making fun of himself and discussing failures rather than just successes. Todd also vulnerably shares that his wife died five months ago, describing how he relied on his team during this difficult period. 3 big takeaways from his book "Dancing with Monsters"Fear drives growth when you choose to believe it - Todd explains that facing fears and inadequacies can become a catalyst for improvement, using public speaking as an example of how confronting fear can transform it into usable energy...
2026-02-0448 min
The Chuck Crumpton ShowFormer POW and fighter pilot Captain Mike Penn shares his incredible life story.From being a POW at the "Hanoi Hilton" in Vietnam, to becoming the Chief Pilot at Southwest Airlines, to battling addiction, Mike shares his incredible life story. This episode moved me like few have.You will be drawn to his transparency, humility, candor, and demeanor. Please enjoy and let me know your feedback.ChuckMe@ChuckCrumpton.com
2026-01-2958 minBuild Better Business Podcast with Chuck Crumpton"Get lean, get liquid, and get out" - Chris Miles is an "anti-financial advisor"The pivotal moment came when Chris analyzed his father's retirement situation in 2005. Despite his father doing "everything right" - contributing to his 401k, paying off all debt including his house, and being completely debt-free at 61 - Chris calculated that his father would run out of money in 5-6 years if he retired. This realization led Chris to question the traditional financial advice he was giving clients.The Work Optional Blueprint:Chris strongly believes a major market correction is inevitable, not just probable. He points to historically high valuations, with companies requiring 25 years to pay...
2026-01-2952 minBuild Better Business Podcast with Chuck Crumpton"You don't have a business until it can run without you!" - Eric Gall joins the podcast with ChuckTrust you will enjoy my conversation with Eric. If you're thinking about selling your business in the next 10 years, we should talk. Why leave money on the table? Let's talk:Talk to ChuckKey Success Factors for selling a business:Gaul emphasizes two critical elements for business owners preparing to sell:Clean Books: Clean financial records "de-risk the business" because buyers and banks perceive less risk, leading to better prices. Personal expenses run through the business or questionable items can cause banks to...
2026-01-2153 minBuild Better Business Podcast with Chuck CrumptonFrank Candy turned his life around to create the "Playbook for Life"The discussion extensively covers organizational culture, with Frank defining it as "creating systems that develop trust, communication, organizational skills, the ability to operate efficiently so that you can innovate, orchestrate, and quantify and improve". He uses Disney as a prime example, where he worked during their four-year streak as America's best company to work for. Disney's philosophy was taking care of cast members so they would take care of guests.The Playbook ConceptFrank introduces his "Playbook for Life," originating from his middle school experience maintaining football playbooks. His current playbook is a three-ring binder...
2026-01-0751 minBuild Better Business Podcast with Chuck CrumptonDo you maximize taxable income before selling? Owen Nieberg breaks it down.Owen emphasizes that around 80-85% of companies are not ready to go to market. Before deciding to sell, business owners need to understand the listing price and how it was determined, identify what they want in a buyer, understand the 6-12 month process timeline, and maintain business performance throughout.Common Valuation Misconceptions:A major misconception involves confusion between two different types of multiples - EBITDA and seller discretionary earnings - where business owners often apply the wrong multiple to the wrong number, leading to false valuations.Preparation Recommendations:Owen suggests...
2025-12-2949 minBuild Better Business Podcast with Chuck CrumptonAre "mission-based" companies more successful? Acquirer Andrew Heintzman speaks openly.Andrew explains that Vestigo focuses on "mission-based businesses", believing that companies with missions beyond financial objectives often become stronger businesses. The firm receives approximately one deal per day as inbound opportunities and completes roughly 5-6 deals per year on average. They evaluate companies based on both financial metrics and impact criteria, looking for businesses that make positive contributions to the world. He believes consumers will continue becoming more informed and making choices based on broader values including human health and environmental considerations. For entrepreneurs seeking funding, Andrew gives key advice...Listen and enjoy. L...
2025-12-1048 minBuild Better Business Podcast with Chuck CrumptonRich Galgano lost everything to a gambling addiction & later sold his $500 million-dollar company!Rich describes himself as "unfiltered, transparent, and pretty damn open". He lost everything to gambling and "didn't have a penny to my name" when he entered Gamblers Anonymous.Rich emphasizes that "picking a partner is like picking your wife" and stresses the importance of aligned interests. As a buyer, Rich looks for "people, the owner, the management, the market, the product". He believes that "if you're going to cheat on your wife, you're probably going to cheat your business partners".Rich wrote "Down to The Wire: The Outlandish Tale of How I Qu...
2025-12-0353 minBuild Better Business Podcast with Chuck CrumptonFormer Global Head at Nike Greg Merrill discusses technology and the importance of "people".Trust you will enjoy the conversation between myself and Greg. If I can help you or your business in anyway, please let me know.ChuckStrategicAdvisoryForum.comGreg Merrill is a strategic growth and transformation executive from San Antonio, Texas and former global head of Digital Transformation for Nike. Merrill holds an MBA from Johns Hopkins University. He emphasizes that successful business leaders must be risk tolerant individuals who can handle ambiguity and pain, citing Michael Jordan's quote about missing 100% of shots you don't take. He discusses his experience w...
2025-11-2640 minBuild Better Business Podcast with Chuck CrumptonMarc Adams developed stage 4 cancer and it completely changed his M&A perspective.Marc shares his profound personal story that transformed his business approach to deal making. In 2020, during the COVID pandemic, he received a stage four cancer diagnosis with six months to live.While recovering from surgery and battling COVID contracted in the hospital, his 10-year-old son Tommy made a pivotal observation. When Adams explained that nine out of ten companies they evaluate don't get bought and owners must continue working into their seventies, Tommy asked who would care for their families if the parents died from COVID. This question forced Adams to reconsider his private equity approach of prioritizing p...
2025-11-1949 minBuild Better Business Podcast with Chuck CrumptonDo partnerships work? Ryan Atkinson recently sold his business for a 6x multiple.In my opinon, partnerships are like marriages without love.Ryan challenged my view. He has had two successful exits - first with Redwood Global (sold in 2014) and most recently with Core Resources (sold in February 2025 for over 6x EBITDA multiple) Both companies operated in the staffing/human capital space, with Core Resources focusing on IT professionals for banks and financial institutions. Partnership Success Story - Ryan's partnership with Keith at Core Resources exemplifies how partnerships can work when done right.Ryan learned from partnership challenges in his first venture and applied those lessons to create a...
2025-11-1359 minBuild Better Business Podcast with Chuck CrumptonM&A Attorney Hal Cobb talks about critical elements to consider when selling your business!These are a few of the points Hal and I discussed during our conversation. Reach out to us to help you scale your business before exiting;Chuck Crumpton864.915.0066Strategic Advisory Forum, LLCMajor Pitfalls Before SellingOwner dependency: Many businesses are built around the owner rather than being sustainable operationsLack of preparation: Business owners often too busy working "in" the business to prepare for exitValuation misconceptions: Not understanding true company value vs. owner valuePoor record keeping: Inadequate documentation and financial systemsCritical Process Elements Early Steps:Non-disclosure agreements are essential...
2025-11-051h 06Build Better Business Podcast with Chuck CrumptonFrank Cottle has acquired more than 44 companies...this is his journey.Frank Cottle is the founder and CEO of Alliance Virtual Offices with over 50 years of M&A experience. He has been involved in numerous transactions on both buy and sell sides, including acquiring 44 companies in a 3-year period while working with Deloitte in the late 1990s.He challenges the traditional "win-win" approach, arguing that successful deals require each party to believe they got the better side of the transaction. This creates stronger commitment from both parties, even though deals are rarely perfectly balanced. When evaluating acquisitions, Cottle focuses on three fundamental questions:How big is t...
2025-10-2957 minBuild Better Business Podcast with Chuck CrumptonHampus Jakobsson's $150 million-dollar exit to BlackberryCapitivating conversation with Hampus. You're gonna like this guy and his story! Some of the episode details are below.Let me know if we can help your business grow and get ready for an exit like he enjoyed.StrategicAdvisoryForum.comKey Takeaways:Founder alignment is crucial - invest in structured communication processesFocus on strategic value, not just financial metricsBuild relationships with potential acquirers as future partnersHold your ground in negotiations, even under pressureConsider acquisition as career opp...
2025-10-151h 06Build Better Business Podcast with Chuck CrumptonShark Tank guest & inventor David Frankel shares his journey through the patent process!This conversation between Chuck and David Frankel, founder of Perky LLC, focusing on entrepreneurship, product development, and the challenges faced by inventors. David shared his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the significance of trust. David highlighted the low success rate of patented products reaching the market, attributing this to inventors' hesitance to face rejection and their lack of marketing resources. He discussed the importance of developing prototypes and taking proactive steps to promote inventions. Chuck contributed a personal anecdote about a syringe prototype that, despite positive feedback, never made it to market, illustrating the common struggles innovators face in...
2025-10-0846 minBuild Better Business Podcast with Chuck Crumpton4x UK Business Mentor of the Year - Christine Nicholson talks about the 7 inches between the earsThis is a conversation between Chuck Crumpton (host) and Christine Nicholson, a UK-based business mentor who has been voted UK Business Mentor four times and is based in the London area. Key Topics Discussed The Ripple Effect of Small Business. Christine emphasizes that small business owners are the backbone of society, creating economic benefits that extend far beyond their immediate operations:Impact on customers, suppliers, employees, and their familiesCommunity effects (she shares an example of a pub closing when a local factory shut down)Small businesses keep economies and communities alive at the core levelThe Dangers of Role Identity...
2025-10-0143 minBuild Better Business Podcast with Chuck CrumptonCEO Jeff DeGarmo sold his digital marketing agency for more than 5x multiple EBITDAJeff DeGarmo from Tulsa, Oklahoma joined the podcast to share his entrepreneurial journey. He's a USC and University of Colorado graduate with degrees in aerospace technology, Navy veteran, father of five children (ages 13-30), and triathlon enthusiast who accidentally discovered the sport through friends. Career Transition Jeff made an interesting pivot from a highly technical aerospace background to digital marketing. While serving in the Navy at Tinker Air Force Base, he taught himself web development during the early internet boom (mid-1990s). He left the military in October 2001 (just weeks after 9/11) to join an advertising agency as a...
2025-09-1752 minBuild Better Business Podcast with Chuck CrumptonCEO Meighan Newhouse still believes that humans are any organization’s greatest asset.In this episode of the Build Better Business Podcast, host Chuck Crumpton speaks with Meg Newhouse about leadership, culture, and preparing organizations for long-term success. Meg shares her expertise on engaging teams, building resilience, and aligning purpose with performance. Listeners will gain practical strategies for cultivating strong workplace cultures, leading through change, and creating lasting business value. This conversation offers valuable insights for business owners who want to grow and sustain remarkable companies.Let my team at SAF know how we can help your company 2x your value.Chuck@StrategicAdvisoryForum.com
2025-09-0352 minBuild Better Business Podcast with Chuck CrumptonJason Swenk talks life after his exit...and how he found purpose beyond the paycheck.If you're a business owner—especially in the service or agency world—this episode is a masterclass in scaling, selling, and stepping back. Jason Swenk built and sold his digital agency for millions, and in this conversation, he shares the exact strategies that helped him do it.You'll learn:🔑 How to grow an agency that doesn’t rely on you💰 The real metrics buyers look for in service-based businesses🧠 What not to do when preparing for a sale🚀 Why clarity and systems are the foundation of freedom🎯 How to spot red flags in your company culture or operations before a buyer doesJason also...
2025-08-0756 minBuild Better Business Podcast with Chuck Crumpton$10 million-dollar deal man and author John Rood talks exit and what came next!John scaled the business to nearly $10 million in revenue, with impressive EBITDA margins of 20–40%, before selling to a private equity firm executing a roll-up in the test prep space.While the sale was a financial success, the emotional aftermath caught John off guard. Post-exit, he found himself unanchored and questioning what came next. Curious whether other founders shared the same experience, he began interviewing entrepreneurs who had also sold their companies. That research evolved into his book, Beyond the Exit. John shares how he transformed a service-based business into a scalable product company—and what h...
2025-07-3051 minBuild Better Business Podcast with Chuck CrumptonFrom the mind of an acquirer... with radio mogul Jon Pole, President of MBC.Jon Pole is the President and Co-Founder of My Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) headquartered in Toronto. He and his team have acquired over 20 radio stations and is currently one of the fastest growing companies in Canada. This is a great episode because Jon unpacks his growth model in an "unsexy" industry and gives us his unique perspective from the "mind of an acquirer". You'll love his philosophy and appreciate the enormous impact they are making on the media industry, communities, and even the country. Please enjoy the episode and let me know your thoughts.Chuck@StrategicAdvisoryForum.com
2025-07-0957 minBuild Better Business Podcast with Chuck CrumptonAI/ChatGPT expert John Waddy, COO gives practical tips on this powerful tool.ChatGPT is shaping the future of how we work, think, and communicate—and the Forum Formula podcast lets you explore that world through stories, strategies, and real-world use cases. Why listen:1. Unlock Practical ApplicationsLearn how others are using ChatGPT for marketing, sales, writing, coding, customer service, and more.Hear real examples of businesses saving time, cutting costs, or scaling content with AI. 2. Stay Ahead of the CurveAI is evolving fast. A podcast gives you bite-sized, accessible updates on new features, tools, and trends—without reading every tech blog...
2025-04-2453 minBuild Better Business Podcast with Chuck CrumptonKimmy Powell, Owner of Woodhouse Day Spa, talks about her incredible journey in business.You are going to love Kimmy! She is a powerhouse entrepreneur, visionary leader, and strategic thinker who has redefined success on her own terms. As the owner of Woodhouse Day Spa, she built her business from the ground up, transforming a bold idea into a thriving, multi-million-dollar enterprise.What began as a passion project quickly evolved into a nationally recognized brand, known for its innovation, purpose-driven approach, and unwavering commitment to excellence. With a sharp business acumen and a heart for community, Kimmy has scaled her company while maintaining a deep focus on culture, leadership, and...
2025-04-1046 min
Build Better Business Podcast with Chuck CrumptonKimmy Powell, owner of Woodhouse Day Spas, talks passionately about business growth!You are going to love Kimmy! She is a powerhouse entrepreneur, visionary leader, and strategic thinker who has redefined success on her own terms. As the owner of Woodhouse Day Spa, she built her business from the ground up, transforming a bold idea into a thriving, multi-million-dollar enterprise.What began as a passion project quickly evolved into a nationally recognized brand, known for its innovation, purpose-driven approach, and unwavering commitment to excellence. With a sharp business acumen and a heart for community, Kimmy has scaled her company while maintaining a deep focus on culture, leadership, and...
2025-04-1001 minBuild Better Business Podcast with Chuck CrumptonSouth Carolina Lt. Governor Pam Evette talks candidly about business & politicsWe don't normally talk politics or religion on the show, but this was a very interesting conversation between Chuck Crumpton and Lt. Governor Pam Evette. Pam shares insights on how the State of SC operates, particularly how it functions in a business climate. She also unpacks her very successful exit with the company her and her husband David recently sold. The conversation moves along nicely and you'll be encouraged by the dialogue. Please enjoy the show and let me know what you think. Thanks.Chuck CrumptonChuck@BullStreetForum.com
2025-02-2644 minBuild Better Business Podcast with Chuck CrumptonAgainst all odds - John Sterling interviews Chuck Crumpton, President of Bull Street Forum.John Sterling, software industry executive, business owner, and host of Noob School Podcast interviews Chuck Crumpton, President of Bull Street Forum. Chuck shares some very imtimate moments about starting 2 of his own companies and the challenges he faced against all odds. Chuck offers practical advice for entrepreneurs—from boosting business value to nailing a successful sale. You’ll leave with real insights and plenty of inspiration from a seasoned dealmaker.The Bull Street Forum team highly recommends Noob School Podcast to all current and future business leaders.
2025-02-201h 02Build Better Business Podcast with Chuck CrumptonJustin Goodbread went from being broke to worth over $10 million...this is his story.At age 28, despite being millionaires and debt-free, Justin's life "falls apart" during what he calls "seven years of tribulation". The family faced multiple devastating challenges: a lawsuit that almost broke them, three third-trimester miscarriages, five members of their wedding party either died or committed suicide, and his father's unexpected death. This is his story, from riches to rags to riches...and it's incredible. Enjoy and please let me know if I can help you or your business. I have built and sold 3 of my own successful companies with plently of mistakes along the way. Perhaps my jo...
2025-01-1442 minThe Chuck Crumpton ShowSBA & alternative funding options with Chuck Crumpton, CEOClear, concise, and valuable information about all things SBA and alternative funding options. Are you starting a new business or need capital for your existing operation? We break it all down here. Please let us know how we can be of value for your business. BullStreetMergers.comThanks for listening, enjoy the show.Chuck CrumptonChuck@BullStreetMergers.com
2024-11-1331 min
The Mediate.com PodcastABA Standard 206 Revision on Diversity in Law Schools, with Ben Davis and Chuck Crumpton (Ep. 43)In this episode, Colin Rule interviews dispute resolution legends Ben Davis and Charles Crumpton on proposed revisions of the legal education standard 206 dealing with diversity in law schools.
For more information on this proposed revision, see mediate.com/standard-206
About Ben:
https://www.utoledo.edu/law/faculty/emeriti/davis-ben.html
About Chuck:
https://crumptoncollaborativesolutions.com/about-chuck/
2024-11-0129 minThe Chuck Crumpton ShowMitigating Capital Gains Taxes with David Taylor, Esq.Lowering your tax consequence when you sell your business can make a massive impact to your take home net. Trust me, I've enjoyed 2 of my own exits. One of the nation's top attorneys, David Taylor, Esq breaks it all down in this episode. Is it possible to walk away at closing with no tax due? Listen for the answer here.Enjoy the show. Please direct any questions to me: Chuck@BullStreetMergers.com
2024-10-3029 minThe Chuck Crumpton ShowYoung executive Campbell Wiltshire talks heart & career.You will like my friend Campbell as he discusses his heart, passions, and career. His energy and insights will move and motivate you. I am encouraged about the next generation of leadership in America, and Campbell certainly demonstrates his skills and talents to be a superstar in business and life. Thank you for listening. Please consider leaving the show a 5-star review.If I can help you in anyway, please reach out to me: Chuck@BullStreetMergers.comBullStreetMergers.com
2024-08-2939 minThe Chuck Crumpton ShowCEO & Founder Brannon Poe, CPA talks candidly about life, business, and the M&A industry.This is a real special espisode for me - interviewing a neighbor who is a close friend. I was drawn to interview Brannon because he's both a hell of a nice guy, and also an accomplished CEO & Founder. His company, Poe Group Advisors, PoeGroupAdvisors.com, is over 20 years old now and doing extremely well in the M&A space, focused on selling CPA firms.Why did he do it? How important was team? We'll answer these and more. Enjoy the show.If you have any questions for me or on the topic of Mergers & Acquistions, please...
2024-04-1053 minThe Chuck Crumpton ShowTikvah CEO/Founder David Thedinga is bringing disruption to the healthcare industry.After being an executive in the insurance industry for over 20 years, David knew there was a better way. His mission is quite simple - not to eradicate how healthcare works with insurance, but how can we improve the current health and wellness landscape to make it better and more robust. You'll find his style laid back, informative, and entertaining all while addressing questions that many of us have.Did you know Tikvah means hope? David can best be found on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidthedingaIf you have any comments about today's episode...
2024-02-0745 minThe Chuck Crumpton ShowA raw conversation about addiction, life, and business with M&A deal maker Shay HouserShay Houser, known for doing over $1 billion in M&A deals, talks openly about his life-threating addiction to drugs and alcohol and how his illness impacted his life, family, and business endeavors. This is somewhat of a follow up to his TEDx Talk "Addiction in the C-suite". Powerful and raw, this episode will deliver unbelievable transparency from one of the brightest minds in business. He will talk about his journey through addiction and how he used that dark chapter in his life to help bring about change for so many folks struggling with substances and the real reasons behind the...
2024-01-2444 min
The Ochelli EffectThe Ochelli Effect 12-13-2023 Paul Bleau - Matt Crumpton2 Authors JFK Chokeholds BookThe Ochelli Effect 12-13-2023 Paul Bleau - Matt CrumptonChuck sat down for a little more than an hour to discuss JFK Chokeholds. A new book on The Assassination by 5 authors that make the case that there is absolutely a conspiracy responsible for the murder of our thirtyfifth President in a public execution November 22, 1963.WEBSITE For BOOK https://jfkchokeholds.com/The JFK Assassination Chokeholds: That Prove There Was a Conspiracy https://www.amazon.com/JFK-Assassination-Chokeholds-Prove-Conspiracy/dp/B0CMTHBLDLBOOK RELEASE THE...
2023-12-151h 27