Better Business, Better Life

🦷 What’s Your Dental Practice Really Worth? Here’s What Most Dentists Miss

In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, Terry sits down with Stan Kinder, leading dental consultant, podcast host of Success Strategies for Dental Practice Owners, and author of the upcoming book of the same name. Together, they explore how to build, optimize, and sell a dental practice for maximum value, sharing valuable insights and practical tips for listeners. Stan draws from decades of experience—including optimizing over 100 practices and facilitating more than $200 million in acquisitions—to discuss common pitfalls, DSO trends, and why most dentists undervalue their own practices. This episode is a must-listen for dental practice owners and professionals looking to grow, prepare for transition, or simply make smarter business decisions.
 🔑 Key Takeaways:

• 🧠 Think Like a Business Owner: Dentists who adopt a business mindset—beyond the clinical chair—tend to build more scalable and profitable practices.
• 📈 Know Your Numbers: Understanding EBITDA and cost benchmarks can uncover hidden growth opportunities and boost valuation.
• 💰 Sell Smart: Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) often pay 3-4x more than traditional buyers—but only if your practice is structured right.
• 🏥 Market Shifts Are Coming: A wave of retiring dentists and debt-laden grads is accelerating consolidation in dentistry. Prepare now.
• 🧾 Marketing Mindset Matters: Don’t judge a campaign by first-month ROI—think in terms of lifetime patient value and referrals.

• “If you’re going to sell an asset, why not do it in a way that gives you the best possible return?”
• “Most dentists only sell once—and they’re pretty naive about the process.”
• “The person who can spend the most money acquiring a new patient is the one who wins. Marketing is an investment, not an expense.”

 💬 Quotes from Stan Kinder:

 🔗 Conclusion: Whether you’re years from retirement or ready to sell tomorrow, this episode gives you the clarity—and the caution—you need to take control of your dental practice’s future value.

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🛡️ How Estate Planning Empowers Legacy, Business, and Family

In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, Terry sits down with Jennifer Norton, founder of Norton Estate Planning & Elder Law. Together, they explore the critical importance of proactive estate planning, sharing valuable insights and practical tips for individuals, business owners, and families. Jennifer draws from 16 years of legal experience to unpack the overlooked details of trust funding, probate, and business succession planning. This episode is a must-listen for those seeking to protect their wealth, preserve family harmony, and build a lasting legacy.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

● 💼 Running a Law Firm vs. Running a Business: Jennifer reveals the behind-the-scenes lessons of transitioning from lawyer to entrepreneur and why systems and operations matter.

● 🧾 Why Trusts Can Still Go Through Probate: A trust is only as strong as its funding—Jennifer breaks down how failing to retitle assets can derail your estate plan.

● 🧬 Estate Planning Mistakes That Hurt Families: She explains why assumptions like “everything goes to my spouse” can cause major surprises and conflict.

● 🏢 Using Estate Planning as a Business Strategy: Learn how to align your business and personal legacy to avoid liability and ensure continuity.

● 📂 Leave a Roadmap, Not a Mystery: Jennifer urges listeners to organize and document asset details so families aren’t left searching or litigating.

🗣️ Quotes from Jennifer Norton:

● “Doing nothing is the worst legacy you could ever leave.”

● “A trust is just a stack of paper until you fund it properly.”

● “Your kids already know who’s going to cause the drama—have the conversation anyway.”

🔗 Conclusion: This episode is packed with actionable insight, humor, and heart. As Jennifer reminds us: “Everyone’s family is uniquely dysfunctional—but with planning, you can at least protect them from chaos.”

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🧠 Are You Making These Costly Estate Planning Mistakes?

In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, Terry sits down with Jaclyn Palumbo, a leading elder law and estate planning attorney and partner at Palumbo & Sweet. Together, they explore how families can protect their assets, plan for long-term care, and navigate Medicaid without making devastating mistakes. Jaclyn draws from her extensive legal experience and community involvement to discuss the critical steps families should take to secure their legacy and ease the burden on loved ones. This episode is a must-listen for caregivers, aging individuals, and families looking to plan ahead, providing both knowledge and tools to navigate this important subject.

Key Takeaways

● 🏛 DIY Legal Documents Can Backfire: Attempting to draft estate or Medicaid plans without a qualified attorney can lead to expensive, irreversible mistakes.

● 💡 Planning is Prevention: Starting your estate and long-term care planning before a crisis can save you money, protect your assets, and give your family peace of mind.

● 💸 Spend Down ≠ Give It All Away: Misunderstanding Medicaid’s rules—like giving large gifts too soon—can jeopardize eligibility and financial security.

● 💬 Caregivers Need Care Too: Don’t sacrifice your own health while caring for a loved one; proper planning can relieve pressure and preserve your role as a spouse or child.

● 🧾 Everyone Over 18 Needs an Estate Plan: Even young adults should have basic documents in place—don’t wait until it’s too late to make your wishes known.

Quotes from Jaclyn Palumbo

● “It’s always cheaper to do something right the first time than to fix a botched situation later.”

● “If you’re paying an attorney for advice—follow it.”

● “Do what you want with your money. It’s yours—not your kids’—until you say otherwise.”

● “You’ve paid into the system for decades—don’t feel guilty using Medicaid if you qualify.”

● “Don’t break down caring for your loved one. You can’t pour from an empty cup.”

Connect with Jaclyn:

Website: www.palumboandsweet.com

LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/in/jaclyn-palumbo-43124350

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/palumbo-and-sweet-llc/ 

Facebook: https://facebook.com/palumbosweetllc 

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Better Business, Better Life: Building on Your Success with Terry DuPont Episode 69 Navigating Estate Planning and Business Succession: A Comprehensive Approach with Erica Carducci

Erica, Partner at UB Greensfelder, focuses her practice on estate planning, trust and estate administration, and tax compliance. She helps clients achieve their personal and financial goals while minimizing estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer taxes. She also advises fiduciaries and prepares related tax filings.

Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® and Ohio Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Erica brings a strategic, client-focused approach to every matter.

She is actively involved in the legal community, serving as Secretary of the Cincinnati Bar Association’s Estate Planning & Probate Practice Group and a 2024 Fellow of the Ohio State Bar Foundation. She is also a member of the Ohio and New York State Bar Associations.

Listen to this informative Better Business, Better Life episode with Erica Carducci about the intersection of tax strategies, estate planning, and business succession planning.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

●   Erica explains it’s crucial for affluent families to integrate their business interests into their estate plans to safeguard assets and ensure smooth business succession.

●   Erica stresses with potential changes in estate tax exemptions, it’s advised to proactively use current exemptions to fund trusts, protecting assets if exemptions decrease in the future.

●   A personalized approach in estate planning, treating clients like family, facilitates open discussions and helps address underlying issues to ensure the family legacy is preserved and aligned with their goals and values for future generations.

Connect with Erica:

Website:  https://www.ubglaw.com

Connect with Terry:

Website: https://www.dupontadvisory.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrydupont/

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Better Business, Better Life:  Building on Your Success with Terry DuPont Episode 68 Building Generational Wealth: The Journey of Ohio Heritage Law with Jeanette Mullett-Meisel

Jeanette Mullett-Meisel is the founder and principal attorney of Ohio Heritage Law LLC, a Wadsworth, Ohio-based law firm dedicated to estate planning, elder law, and probate administration. With a background as a school psychologist for over 15 years, Jeanette developed a strong foundation in guiding families through complex systems, problem-solving, and future planning. This experience gives her a unique perspective on family dynamics and decision-making, allowing her to craft thoughtful and personalized estate plans that align with her clients’ long-term goals and values.

Listen to this informative Better Business, Better Life episode with Jeanette Mullett-Meisel about estate planning, the impact of lacking a plan, and the importance of relationships and education in safeguarding wealth and assets for future generations.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

Jeanette discusses prioritizing strong client relationships, ensuring estate plans reflect family dynamics, values, and wishes.

Jeanette empowers clients through education, ensuring they make informed, confident decisions about their financial legacies.

Jeanette stresses early planning, sharing personal experiences to highlight the importance of protecting assets and loved ones from the unexpected.

Connect with Jeanette:

Website:  www.ohioheritagelaw.com

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@OhioHeritageLawLLC

Connect with Terry:

Website: https://www.dupontadvisory.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrydupont/

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Better Business, Better Life:  Building on Your Success with Terry DuPont Episode 067 Mastering Estate Planning: Strategies for Wealth Preservation and Client Satisfaction with Eido Walny

Eido M. Walny is the founder of Walny Legal Group LLC, specializing in estate planning, asset protection, and business succession. A Best Lawyer in America and Wisconsin Super Lawyer, he holds the prestigious AEP, EPLS, and TEP designations.

A graduate of the University of Chicago and Boston University School of Law, Eido is a national speaker, author, and estate planning editor for Investopedia. He is admitted to practice in Wisconsin, New York, and Illinois.

Listen to this informative Better Business, Better Life episode with Eido Walny about the importance of thorough estate planning, adapting to tax law changes, professional growth, and the value of strong client relationships.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

●      Eido stresses the value of mastering your craft while building strong relationships. Success comes from both expertise and meaningful connections that create opportunities for growth.

●      Eido prioritizes client satisfaction over billable hours, believing that strong relationships and successful outcomes drive long-term success. By focusing on what’s best for the client, financial success naturally follows..

●      Eido cautions against cutting corners in estate planning to satisfy client demands for speed and cost savings. Rushing the process or skipping key steps can lead to issues that may not emerge for years

Connect with Eido:

Website: www.walnylegal.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eido-walny-jd-aep-epls-2756a5/

X: @walnylegalgroup

Connect with Terry:

Website: https://www.dupontadvisory.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrydupont/

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Better Business, Better Life:  Building on Your Success with Terry DuPont Episode 066 Uncovering Tax Saving Strategies: A Deep Dive with CPA and Tax Coach, Gary Heldt with Gary Heldt

Gary D. Heldt, Jr., CPA, is the owner of Small Business Advisors in Gambrills, Maryland, serving clients in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. With over 30 years of experience, he provides accounting and consulting services to business owners and individuals.

A Premier Tax Coach in Anne Arundel County, Gary goes beyond tax preparation—helping clients shape their financial future, strengthen their businesses, and achieve financial success. He serves as a trusted advisor and strategic partner, guiding clients toward long-term growth.

Listen to this informative Better Business, Better Life episode with Gary Heldt about proactive tax planning and collaborative approaches.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

●  Gary emphasizes the significance of listening to clients, understanding their situation, and formulating customized plans tailored to individual circumstances. This method focuses on building strong relationships to uncover opportunities for tax savings and enhance client wealth.

●  Gary highlights the importance of small business owners having a board of advisors to hold them accountable and provide strategic guidance.

●  Gary defines success by reflecting on the financial achievements of his clients. He shares a story of partners who, with his guidance and support from other advisors, transformed their struggling business into a successful venture

Connect with Gary:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-d-heldt-jr/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grow-your-business-and-grow-your-wealth/id1521874291

Connect with Terry:

Website: https://www.dupontadvisory.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrydupont/

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Better Business, Better Life: Building on Your Success with Terry DuPont Episode 065 Overcoming Mindset Challenges in Business with James Brown

James, CEO/Founder of Business Accelerator Institute and Perseverance Squared, is a business consultant with a strong legal background. He launched his first business in 1994, scaling it to $8M in annual revenue. Since 2014, he has coached over 350 business owners in strategic growth. As a fractional CEO/SLFU Program Manager at How to Manage a Small Law Firm, he grew Small Law Firm University to $3M in a year and developed a CMO program generating $2M annually. A Lindenwood University Business graduate with a JD from St. Louis University, James co-authored the best-selling Shift Happens and has earned numerous industry accolades.

Listen to this informative Better Business, Better Life episode with James Brown about overcoming doubt, embracing self-belief, and strategies for small business growth.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

● James emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive networks and avoiding people who instill limiting beliefs. By believing in yourself and doubting doubts rather than beliefs, one can overcome mindset challenges and achieve success in business.

● James emphasizes the importance of systemization and scaling for small business growth, allowing owners more time and efficiency. Inspired by system-driven models like McDonald’s, he advocates for streamlined processes to achieve sustainable success.

● In times of economic changes or challenges, James suggests making strategic pivots to take advantage of the situation rather than falling into a victim mindset. By being proactive and adapting to shifts, business owners can navigate uncertainties and capitalize on opportunities for growth.

Connect with James:

Website:  https://businessaccelerator.institute/betterbusiness/

 Business Accelerator Course:  https://courses.businessaccelerator.institute/?am_id=terrydupont

 TikTok:  Business Accelerator Institute (@business.accelera) | TikTok

 Instagram:  Business Accelerator Institute (@business.accelerator.institute) • Instagram photos and videos

 Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/businessacceleratorinstitute

Connect with Terry:

Website: https://www.dupontadvisory.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrydupont/

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Better Business, Better Life: Building on Your Success with Terry DuPont Episode 064 with Richard Mills

Richard Mills is a Michigan-based estate planning attorney specializing in trusts, charitable giving, and estate administration. As Senior Counsel at Smith, Haughey, Rice & Roegge, he helps clients achieve philanthropic and financial goals.

A leader in shaping Michigan’s trust laws, Rick has also testified before the Department of Treasury on donor-advised funds and co-edits Drafting the Michigan Trust. He is updating the ABA’s Charitable Gift Planning: A Practical Guide for the Estate Planner and serves on nonprofit boards.

Listen to this informative Better Business, Better Life episode with Richard Mills about estate planning and charitable giving.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

● Richard highlights donor-advised funds as a way to make philanthropy more accessible, allowing families to foster generosity and honor loved ones through charitable giving.

● Richard explains qualified charitable distributions from retirement accounts as an effective strategy for blending charitable giving with estate planning, allowing individuals to support their favorite causes while enjoying tax benefits.

● Richard emphasizes the importance of collaborating with estate planners, accountants, and gift planners to effectively navigate the complexities of charitable giving.

Connect with Richard:

Website: https://shrr.com/our-people/richard-mills/

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/richard-rick-mills-712b401b

Connect with Terry:

Website: https://www.dupontadvisory.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrydupont/

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Better Business, Better Life: Building on Your Success with Terry DuPont Episode

Listen to this special episode Better Business, Better Life.

This holiday season, we’re bringing you a very special Better Business, Better Life bonus episode! Join Terry DuPont as he shares an inspiring and entertaining clip show featuring the best moments from past guests—all featured in Terry’s highly anticipated book, Better Business, Better Life: Building on Your Success, launching in 2025.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Insights and advice from top entrepreneurs and professionals.

• Key strategies for building a better business and improving your life.

• Memorable highlights and powerful stories from Terry’s incredible lineup of guests.

Whether you’re tuning in for the first time or have been with us from the start, this bonus episode is packed with the inspiration and actionable takeaways you need to end the year strong and kickstart your 2025 goals.

Don’t Miss the Book Launch:

Terry’s upcoming book, Better Business, Better Life: Building on Your Success, is set to launch in 2025. Stay tuned for updates on how you can grab your copy!

Connect with Terry:

Website: https://www.dupontadvisory.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrydupont/

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