Cultivating Success

Scott Agnew joins hosts Jeff Sophir and Jonathan Wolfson today on the podcast. Scott Agnew is a seasoned professional with a robust background in real estate and finance, having opened his own real estate brokerage early in his career and later converting a 35-agent office into a Keller Williams franchise. Agnew firmly believes in the importance of effective leadership in real estate franchising, emphasizing the need for a strong belief system and the ability to guide and influence others in both their personal and business lives. He acknowledges the challenges of transitioning from a doer to a thinker and guide, but sees this as a necessary step for leverage, time management, and enabling others to realize their aspirations.

Together, Scott, Jeff, and Jonathan discuss how to think like a business person in real estate and create a unified vision for company success. They also discuss the “it factor” of communication agility and leadership in challenging situations. They note the importance of fostering a grateful and inclusive work environment and fostering collaboration and camaraderie in competition. They also discuss creating a safe space for leadership.

Tune in to hear Scott’s insights and learn how to think like a business person in real estate.

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

• Benefits of franchising
• The crucial role of leadership
• The importance of having a clear mission and vision
• Acknowledging contributions in the workplace
• Fostering a healthy competitive culture

Connect with Scott Agnew:

scotta@kw.com

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Alan Kaye joins hosts Jeff Sophir and Jonathan Wolfson today on the podcast to discuss how selling a business and its real estate together to maximize value. Alan is the Managing Director for Commercial Real Estate for the State of Florida at Transworld Commercial. With a strong legal background as a real estate and business transaction attorney, Alan brings 25 years of commercial real estate expertise resulting in over one billion dollars of commercial transactions to the table.

Together, Alan, Jeff, and Jonathan discuss how selling a business and its real estate together can maximize value, as the real estate often appreciates at a greater rate than the business itself. It’s noted that it is important to charge fair market rent when selling the business, as this can impact the purchase price and overall profitability. Hiring a business broker and taking steps to improve the appearance of the real estate can help sellers position their businesses for the best possible value. On the other hand, buyers can increase the value of their businesses by acquiring additional properties through Transworld Business Advisors.

Owning real estate provides stability and control over expenses, and the South Florida real estate market is experiencing significant growth. In the commercial real estate market, large and well-located properties are in high demand and negotiating strategies should involve starting with a reasonable offer. Due diligence is essential when purchasing a property to avoid any surprises after closing the deal.

Tune in to hear Alan’s insights and learn the importance of selling your business and its real estate together.

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

• Selling business and real estate together
• Maximizing your business’ value
• Real estate market growth in South Florida
• Commercial real estate negotiation strategies
• The importance of due diligence

Connect with Alan Kaye:

akaye@tworld.com

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Roman Petty & Robert Pine of USI Insurance Services join hosts Jeff Sophir and Jonathan Wolfson today on the podcast to discuss the unpredictable landscape of South Florida’s insurance marketplace. USI is a client focused firm that invests heavily in resources that elevate their clients to the next level. Roman has focused on risk management for blue collar trades over the last seven years of his career, bringing clients success in reducing auto rates and controlling work comp mods. Robert Pine has focused on risk management for blue collar trades for the last five years, and has been with USI for three years now. USI is one of the top firms in the industry due to creating programs to lower claims and premiums.

Together, Robert, Roman, Jeff & Jonathan delve into the challenges faced in the insurance marketplace in South Florida. The prevalence of hurricanes and tropical storms makes it difficult to find carriers willing to participate in the high-risk market. Factors like high congestion and expensive cars in the region contribute to higher premiums and claim values. Carriers rely on data from other insurance providers to predict pricing and expected losses. The conversation also explores the challenges faced by young salespeople in the industry, emphasizing resilience and adaptability. They discuss the impact of various factors like inflation, population growth, higher interest rates, and elections on the insurance market, predicting rate increases in certain areas. Trust-building, providing actual solutions, and transparency are highlighted as crucial aspects of the insurance business.

This episode offers a comprehensive overview of the challenges and considerations in the insurance marketplace. Tune in to hear the group’s insights and dive deep into the world of insurance.

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

• Unique challenges of South Florida’s insurance market
• Practical solutions for mitigating premium increases
• Considerations of self-insurance
• The importance of trust building and providing solutions
• The way to long-term success in the insurance market

Connect with Robert Pine & Roman Petty:

https://www.usi.com/

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Drew Superstein joins hosts Jeff Sophir and Jonathan Wolfson today on the podcast to discuss the importance of having a CPA in business growth. Drew Superstein is a third-generation Partner at Superstein PA, carrying on the tradition that his paternal grandfather, a war hero, and upstanding, honorable, and ethical professional, started.

Tactical and methodical in his approach to tax and assurance matters, Drew practices in the highly technical areas of International, Real Estate/Construction, Medical, and Partnership areas. He has prepared many memorandums for highly technical merger and acquisition tax consequences and assisted with significant merger and acquisition activity. Drew is a ferocious reader and constantly improves and refines his tax and assurance knowledge, referencing the most current developments. He is known for working smartly and efficiently to provide the best work product and not leaving any money on the table. And when it comes to complex situations, he creates innovative and easily understandable solutions.

Together, Drew, Jeff, and Jonathan discuss how CPAs can optimize tax exposure and provide assurance in financial statements. The conversation emphasizes the need for CPAs to simplify accounting language for clients and the importance of understanding both tax benefits and financial health. Building relationships with CPAs who can provide valuable insights based on analyzing the numbers is also emphasized. The conversation touches on considerations for acquiring a business and the challenges of growth in a CPA firm. Overall, the episode underscores the expertise and value that CPAs bring to businesses and the importance of effective communication and understanding accounting language.

Tune in to hear Drew’s insights and learn the importance hiring a CPA to optimize business growth.

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

• The power of clear communication in simplifying complicated accounting concepts for clients
• The importance of understanding cash flow
• Tax implications when acquiring a new business
• The difference between accountants and CPAs
• The importance of personal relationships

Connect with Drew Superstein:

https://www.supersteincpa.com/

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Ms. Kaplan dedicates her private practice exclusively to immigration law. As an immigrant herself, she has had to navigate many of the same issues as her clients. She has a Bachelor’s degree in business from the State University of New York, and her Law degree from Nova Southeastern University, where she was the Editor in Chief for the ILSA Journal of International and Comparative Law. She has returned to Nova Southeastern University to teach as an Adjunct Professor of Law.

Connie Kaplan is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, where she has served on AILA South Florida’s Customs and Border Protection and USCIS committees. Ms. Kaplan has assisted foreign nationals with temporary tourist and investment visas, permanent residency, naturalization, and abuse matters. She considers her clients and their families her extended family and is dedicated to offering out-of-the-box options considering her clients’ most intimate personal, family, professional, and financial goals.

Wolfson, Sophir, and Kaplan discuss the intricacies of immigration law, shedding light on the 186 different types of visas available, their associated costs, and the significance of adopting an entrepreneurial mindset in the legal profession. The podcast also discusses the hurdles employers encounter when obtaining visas for their employees, the mandatory use of E-Verifying by larger companies in Florida to verify the legal status of prospective employees, and the importance of fulfilling reporting requirements. The podcast also touches on the vital aspect of rewarding employees in non-monetary ways, with preferences varying among individuals. Jeff and Jonathan implement scholarship rewards based on employee performance and regularly survey their team, including contractors, to gather valuable feedback anonymously.

Tune in to hear Connie’s insights and learn the importance of running her practice like a business.

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

• Connie’s history as an immigrant to the US
• Misconceptions of immigration attorneys
• The types of visas available
• The challenges of obtaining visas for employees
• The business acumen needed to be a lawyer
• Using E-Verifying to obtain the legal status of prospective employees
• The importance of non-cash rewards for employees

Connect with Connie Kaplan:

https://www.conniekaplanlawyer.com/

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When it comes to success in the landscaping industry, continuing education is essential. Jeff Sophir and Jonathan Wolfson’s podcast, Cultivating Success, hopes to educate its listeners in every episode. Today, Jeff & Jonathan welcome guest Jaimie Deery who discusses the importance of landscape education in the ever-evolving landscaping industry.

Jaimie Deery is the co-owner of Trimscape Corp, which was first opened in 2013 with just one pickup truck and a trailer. Today, they have 14 trucks on the road daily that include multiple lawn crews, irrigation technicians, landscape installation and tree specialists. Jaimie holds an AS degree in Landscape and Horticulture technology as well as being an ISA Certified Arborist. Her goal is to not just help clients enjoy their outdoor spaces today but also for tomorrow and beyond. 

Wolfson, Sophir, and Deery discuss the need to understand the science and business side of the industry, as well as the components of customer retention strategies in different regions. Education helps professionals understand the right way to do business and to educate their customers on why certain services need to be done a certain way. It also provides a comprehensive understanding of the science and business side of landscaping. Additionally, customers must be aware of the services that are needed, and professionals must be mindful of different business models and customer retention strategies in different regions. Landscaping education is essential for professionals to gain the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the industry!

Tune in to hear Jaimie’s insights and learn how to take your business to the next level!

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

• The difference between landscaping industries in Florida vs. other places
• Trimscape’s success story
• Horticulture degree benefits
• Landscaping education
• Business models for landscaping companies

Connect with Jaimie Deery:

trimscape@hotmail.com

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Are you looking for a way to take your business to the next level? Look no further than Jeff Sophir and Jonathan Wolfson’s podcast, Cultivating Success! In this episode, Jason Finkelstein shares his journey of becoming a successful venture capitalist and startup advisor.

Beginning with his humble beginnings as a bar back in New York City, Jason Finkelstein has since become a venture capitalist, and blockchain entrepreneur. After his mentor advised him to turn down 90% of the deals he gets, Jason has gone on to work with over 50 clients, helping them grow their businesses through investments, business development, and marketing. He charges success fees and takes equity in the companies he works with. Jason also recommends reducing taxes, finding the right person or team to help a startup company grow, and investing in blockchain. His advice to entrepreneurs is to find an advisor who is willing to take a percentage of the profits or equity, and to prioritize trust, honesty, and integrity in business.

Wolfson, Sophir, and Finkelstein discuss the importance of ownership and how to strategically grow your business, why to not take on too many clients, Jason’s experience with mergers and acquisitions, and his passion for helping startups succeed. Tune in to hear Jason’s inspiring story and learn how to take your business to the next level!

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

• Venture capitalism
• Mergers & acquisitions
• Investing in startups
• Partnering for growth
• Digital marketing
• Tax planning for wealth building

Connect with Jason Finkelstein:

jason.j.finkelstein@gmail.com

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Are you part of a family business? If so, you know how challenging it can be to successfully manage and grow a business while also keeping the family involved and happy. Jeff Sophir and Jonathan Wolfson, two brothers who own multiple businesses, have been working together for the last four years and recently had a conversation with Marc Silverman, a family business consultant with over 20 years of experience in Colombia and other Latin American countries.

Dr. Marc A. Silverman has consulted with family businesses from startups to multi-nationals, from first through sixth generations, and from three to over 100 family shareholders. He specializes in working with complex family systems of over 25 family shareholders and particularly in integrating the needs of different generations into clear succession and governance structures. Many of his clients have more than 2000 employees. A frequent seminar leader, he has conducted over 100 workshops and seminars in over 15 countries. 

Wolfson, Sophir, and Silverman talk about the challenges of running a family business. They discuss the importance of understanding the three core systems of a family business: ownership, management, and family. They also discuss the need for different kinds of meetings and forums to make decisions and solve conflicts. 

This podcast episode is a must-listen for anyone looking start or run a family business. Silverman’s advice and insights are invaluable for anyone looking to make more money in a family business while maintaining a strong family dynamic.

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

• The importance of keeping family actively involved in the business
• Using a family business coach
• Balance between ownership, management, and family roles
• Separating different family power dynamics in the family business
• Succession planning in family business

Connect with Marc Silverman:

https://the-sii-inc.com/

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In this podcast episode, hosts Jonathan Wolfson & Jeff Sophir welcome guest Michael Dallas-Peterson. Michael Dallas-Peterson is an entrepreneur, father, and husband based in Summerland, British Columbia. Michael is a highly sought-after automation and systems specialist helping online entrepreneurs scale their offers/businesses with world-class systems, automation, and delegation. He now teaches working professionals on how to do the same.

Wolfson, Sophir, and Dallas-Peterson discuss the importance of setting up systems within a business. Dallas-Peterson shares his insights on how to help customers get out of corporate jobs or things they hate. They also discuss the SSF method. This approach helps customers get their time back by identifying their biggest time consumers and eliminating them. Dallas-Peterson also recommends creating shorter pieces of content. They discuss setting up systems, retargeting campaigns, Google My Business, and five star reviews to help businesses stand out from their competition. Dallas-Peterson recommends focusing on helping customers rather than worrying about the business. To do this, he created the Integrator Academy, a training program of five steps to start a business, which can help business owners become experts in CRMs, automations, and autoresponders.

This podcast episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to scale their business and make an impact. Dallas-Peterson’s insights into setting up systems within a business, as well his services, are invaluable for anyone looking to make more money while working less.

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

• Strategies for scaling your business
• The importance of an online presence for your business
• Automation and systemic strategies for business success
• The sidewalk, slow lane, fast lane method
• The SSF Method
• The importance of condensing things in software
• How to set yourself apart from the competition

Connect with Michael Dallas-Peterson:

http://socialaimsolutions.com/

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Get ready to cultivate success with hosts Jonathan Wolfson and Jeff Sophir in their latest podcast episode featuring guest Jonathan Mitchell. Jonathan started LawnMore in 1997 as a teenager going door to door delivering value to his neighbors in the Duckpond neighborhood of Gainesville. Over 25 years later, LawnMore has grown to be a pillar in the community for quality residential and commercial landscaping.

In this episode, they discuss the ins and outs of business networking, how to get referrals, and expand relationships. Mitchell brings his expertise in landscaping to the table, sharing how his company uses targeted advertising, social media, and word-of-mouth to acquire new clients. They delve into the importance of having a strong company culture and hiring employees that align with core values. They talk about creating a successful referral group, the benefits of inviting prominent speakers, and how to leverage relationships outside the group.

Don’t miss out on this informative discussion on building a referral network to grow your business. Tune in now to the latest episode of Cultivating Success.

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

• The seasonal impact on the landscaping business
• Navigating COVID’s impact on company culture
• Marketing strategies for landscaping companies
• Building a referral network for real estate and landscaping
• Redefining networking for growing businesses
• The benefits of joining a customer-targeted business group
• Expanding group relationships for success

Connect with Jonathan:

https://www.lawnmoregainesville.com/

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