Grow Your Business and Grow Your Wealth

 🛑 80% of businesses don’t sell—they dissolve. Are you prepared to avoid that fate?

In this episode of the Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth Podcast, Gary Heldt welcomes Adam Koós, a highly credentialed financial planner, portfolio manager, and exit planning advisor. Adam dives into his journey from pursuing a medical career to building his award-winning financial practice, Libertas Wealth Management Group.

Adam shares actionable strategies for business owners, executives, and investors to protect and grow their wealth, explicitly focusing on exit planning, tax efficiency, and the importance of working with fiduciary advisors.

5 Key Takeaways

➤ Plan your business exit early. Waiting until you’re ready to sell your business is one of the biggest mistakes owners make. Start at least 3–5 years in advance to maximize value.

➤ Always work with a Fee-Only Fiduciary. Fiduciaries are legally obligated to put your interests first, eliminating the conflicts of interest common in commission-based financial advice.

➤ Capitalize on tax-efficient strategies. Tools like Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) can help defer or eliminate capital gains taxes while generating passive income.

➤ Focus on your company retirement plan first. Maxing out your 401(k) or similar plan is the smartest way to reduce your tax bill and build wealth before exploring other investment options.

➤ Build your business with buyers in mind. Buyers don’t want to purchase a job—they want to buy a well-structured, self-sustaining company. Create continuity plans, reduce owner involvement, and secure key employees.

Quotes from Adam Koós

1. “You can’t wait until you’re ready to sell your business to start planning. The time to prepare is years before the sale, not the day before.”

2. “Fiduciaries don’t sell products—they sell advice. This eliminates conflicts of interest and ensures their clients’ best interests always come first.”

How to Reach Adam Koós

1. Website:

• Libertas Wealth Management Group

• Elevate and Exit

2. LinkedIn: Adam Koós on LinkedIn

3. Twitter: @AdamKoos

4. Facebook: Libertas Wealth Management Group

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How Do Operating Environments Impact Business Risk and Investment Decisions?

In this insightful episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, host Gary Heldt speaks with Ryan Zabrowski, Director of Arbitrage at Krilogy. Ryan shares valuable wisdom from his decades of financial experience, as outlined in his book “Time Ahead: The Investor’s Guide to Prosperity and Impact,” and explains why understanding operating environments is crucial for achieving business success.

Key Takeaways:

→ The risk of starting a business varies dramatically based on timing and operating environment, just as walking down stairs is different when they’re covered in ice versus when they’re dry

→ Business owners often overestimate future cash flows due to natural optimism – creating realistic scenario analyses with probability assessments is critical for long-term success

→ Understanding accounting is fundamental for business owners – it’s the language of business that allows effective communication with bankers, investors, and financial partners

→ Young professionals must take responsibility for their growth and be committed to putting in extraordinary effort – successful careers require sacrifice and dedication

→ Having the right financial team in place (financial advisor, tax preparer, and estate planning attorney) who communicate effectively with each other can dramatically impact long-term wealth preservation

Quote from Ryan:

“I think we’re a bit in the hand-holding culture. What we need to explain to young professionals is they have to take responsibility, or the majority of the responsibility, for their professional growth. Those goals associated with large amounts of income are very hard to achieve, and they take sacrifice, commitment, and hard work.”

How to Reach Ryan:

• Book: Time Ahead: The Investor’s Guide to Prosperity and Impact (available on Amazon)
• Company: Krilogy
• Follow on social media by searching for “Ryan Zabrowski” or “Equity Tree”

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How do you create a financial plan that withstands market volatility and economic fears?

Gary Heldt speaks with Melissa Bouchillon, Managing Partner at Sound View Wealth Advisors in this episode. With 21 years in wealth management and a background in psychology and education, Melissa shares insights on creating cohesive financial plans that connect all aspects of wealth management. She emphasizes the importance of having trusted professionals who communicate with each other to ensure your financial goals stay on track despite market fluctuations and economic uncertainty.

Key Takeaways

➡️ Create a cohesive plan connecting all financial components

➡️ Build a “bomb shelter” with 3-5 years of accessible funds

➡️ Focus on controllable factors: spending, saving, debt management

➡️ Work with professionals who speak clearly, not in jargon

➡️ Have a cohesive team of advisors who communicate with each other

Notable Quotes

“After somebody’s health, their family, their faith, their finances really allow them to do the things they want to do and help the people they want to help.”

“What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?”

How to Reach Melissa

• Phone: 912-844-7563
• Email: Melissa@svadvice.com
• Location: Sound View Wealth Advisors, Skidaway Island, Savannah, Georgia

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Are you protecting your business and your people, or are you one complaint away from chaos?

📌In this episode, Gary Heldt sits down with Desmond McIlwain, a seasoned management-side labor and employment attorney with over 30 years of experience. Desmond shares invaluable insights into how small business owners can avoid costly legal pitfalls, build workplace trust, and create environments where employees thrive. From the importance of proactive workplace policies to how to handle harassment allegations, Desmond delivers actionable advice with clarity and care.

🖋 5 Key Takeaways:

👉 Labor laws apply to you—even if you’re small. One employee is enough to trigger legal requirements.

👉 Have a plan—not just for growth but also for compliance. Don’t shelve your policies—live them.

👉 Treat investigations seriously. Every complaint deserves a response, structure, and closure.

👉 Free resources are your friend. Agencies like the EEOC and DOL provide guidance and even free training.

👉 Employees buy in when they feel valued. Your culture and mission matter—don’t just train, build trust.

📬 How to Reach Desmond McIlwain, PC:

🔗 Connect on LinkedIn

📩 Reach out via Urbana Systems, where Desmond leads labor relations efforts.

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How Can Marketing Automation and AI Transform Your Small Business?

In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, Gary Heldt interviews Chris Troka, founder of Focused-Biz, a marketing and automation agency helping small businesses access the same powerful tools and resources as large corporations.

Chris Troka shares his entrepreneurial journey from running an award-winning wedding DJ business to pivoting during COVID-19 to launch Focused-Biz, a marketing and automation agency. With a background in marketing and a passion for helping small businesses compete with larger corporations, Chris explains how he’s leveraging AI and marketing automation to level the playing field for entrepreneurs and solopreneurs.

5 Key Takeaways

→ Marketing expertise is often what business owners lack most – they may excel at their craft but struggle with marketing and sales fundamentals.

→ When optimizing websites, focus on customer experience rather than keyword stuffing – reducing friction in the buyer’s journey is essential.

→ AI tools can dramatically improve content creation, personalization, and customer service efficiency without requiring deep technical knowledge.

→ B2B (business-to-business) sales cycles typically take 8-15 months, while B2C (business-to-consumer) decisions happen within 3-4 weeks – requiring different marketing approaches.

→ Business owners don’t need to understand everything about new technologies – partner with experts who can guide implementation while you focus on your core business.

Quotes from Chris

“I see AI as another great tool. The more training that we put into it, the better it will be… With that shift and disruption in the labor market, that just becomes a new opportunity for people to learn a new skill.”

How to Connect with Chris

• LinkedIn: Christopher Troka
• Website: focused-biz.com and christroka.com
• Podcast: “Brain Work Framework” – available on all podcast platforms
• Facebook Group: Join Chris’s Facebook Community for entrepreneurs interested in sales, marketing, automation, and AI

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Could Your Business Benefit From Crowdfunding Beyond Kickstarter?

In this episode of “Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth,” Gary Heldt interviews Paul Jossey, principal attorney at Jossey, PLLC, who specializes in investment crowdfunding. Unlike traditional crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter or GoFundMe, Paul focuses on securities crowdfunding (Regulation CF), which allows businesses to raise capital by offering investors actual securities – whether equity, debt, or revenue share opportunities. This revolutionary funding avenue, which went live in 2016, enables businesses to turn their customers into investors and create a movement around their brand.

Key Takeaways

→ Securities crowdfunding differs from platforms like Kickstarter in that it offers investors actual securities (equity, debt, or revenue shares) regulated by the SEC, creating investor-customers who are financially invested in your success.

→ The crowdfunding campaign approach turns your company into a “movement” with loyal customers who become investors and ambassadors for your brand, compelling for B2C businesses.

→ Anyone can invest in crowdfunding opportunities (not just accredited investors), with statutory limits based on income protecting smaller investors while allowing broader participation.

→ A successful crowdfunding raise requires the business owner to be the primary salesperson, actively engaging their existing network first before expanding outward – the campaign won’t succeed by simply posting online.

→ The timeline from preparation to launch typically takes 30-45 days (working with financial and legal professionals), with campaigns ideally running for no more than 3 months to maintain momentum.

Notable Quotes

“You turn your company into a movement. You get people that are not just a loan officer, but a bunch of people who want to see you do well.” – Paul Jossey

“This is a campaign. It is not easy, and you can’t just throw something on the internet and people will come. I don’t care if you are the next Steve Jobs, it does not matter.” – Paul Jossey

How to Reach Paul Jossey

Website: The Crowdfunding Lawyers

LinkedIn: Paul Jossey | LinkedIn

Free Consultation: Schedule a free 30-minute consultation through his website

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Are you overwhelmed by tax debt and unsure where to turn? Stephen A. Weisberg, a dedicated tax attorney, joins the podcast to share expert strategies for resolving tax debt, avoiding IRS pitfalls, and confidently navigating audits.

In this episode, Gary Heldt speaks with tax resolution attorney Stephen A. Weisberg, founder of The W Tax Group. With over a decade of experience in IRS tax debt resolution, Stephen provides invaluable insight into the myths surrounding tax settlements, the realities of dealing with the IRS, and how business owners and individuals can take control of their tax situations.

5 Key Takeaways

➡ Not everyone qualifies for an Offer in Compromise – It’s a selective process requiring a detailed financial assessment.

 ➡ IRS installment agreements can reduce your liability – Understanding options like partial pay agreements is crucial.

 ➡ Filing taxes, even if you can’t pay, is essential – Avoiding failure-to-file penalties can save thousands.

 ➡ The IRS has a 10-year statute of limitations – Knowing when the clock starts is critical for long-term tax planning.

 ➡ Work with a specialist, not just a tax preparer – Expertise in IRS collections, audits, and negotiations makes a huge difference.

Navigating tax debt can be daunting, but with the proper guidance, it’s manageable. 

Contact Stephen Weisberg for expert assistance if you’re dealing with IRS issues.

📞 Direct Contact: 248-971-0885 (Call or Text)

 📧 Email: SWeisberg@wtaxattorney.com

 🌐 Website: https://www.wtaxattorney.com/stephen-weisberg/ 

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What inspired a former Cincinnati Bengals employee to become an independent wealth manager and how did he build a successful practice focused on helping business owners?

Peter Hiltz shares his journey from corporate finance to independent wealth management, highlighting how his early exposure to finance through his father’s stock market interests shaped his career path. He discusses the challenges and rewards of transitioning to business ownership, the importance of building strong professional networks, and his client-first approach to wealth management.

Key Takeaways

→ Time management is crucial for business owners – they need to build the right team of advisors to support growth

→ Successful business transitions require openness to change and willingness to adapt traditional practices

→ Building a coordinated team of professionals (CPA, attorney, insurance agent) is essential for comprehensive planning

→ The transition from employee to business owner requires wearing multiple hats and constant learning

→ Authentic relationships and professional networking from an early age are fundamental to long-term success

How to Reach Peter

• LinkedIn: Peter Hiltz
• Email: philtz@kingsview.com
• Phone: 513-401-8513
• Website: kingsview.com

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Are you a high-income earner, high-net-worth individual, or successful business owner looking to reduce your tax burden, protect your assets, and build a lasting legacy?

In this episode, Terry DuPont, founder of DuPont Advisory Group, discusses the concept of a virtual family office and how it can benefit Main Street clients. He shares common financial mistakes, emphasizes the importance of tax reduction strategies, and explains how his firm’s unique approach helps clients achieve financial success and significance.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. The benefits of a virtual family office for comprehensive financial planning.

2. Common mistakes high-net-worth individuals and business owners make.

3. The importance of tax reduction strategies in retirement planning.

4. How DuPont Advisory Group’s unique process prioritizes client relationships and understanding.

5. Strategies for wealth preservation, asset protection, and legacy planning.

 Terry encourages listeners to reach out and explore how a virtual family office can help them achieve their financial goals and build a lasting legacy.

Quote from Terry:   Estate Planning and legacy planning are not all about money. It’s about your values, family values, business values, etc., that you also want to pass on. 

How to reach the guest:

• Website: https://dupontadvisoryvfo.com/
• Tel: (800) 234-4452
• Podcast: Better Business, Better Life: Building on Your Success (available on Apple Podcasts and YouTube)

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Are You Ready to Transform Your Business with Tech-Enabled Accounting Solutions?

In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, guest host Eli Mizrahi speaks with Lucas Matson, founder of LDC Financial and former Deloitte Tax professional. Lucas shares his journey from corporate accounting to entrepreneurship, offering valuable insights into modern accounting practices, the cannabis industry, and how technology reshapes financial services. Drawing from his extensive experience with major tech companies and M&A transactions, Lucas provides a unique perspective on building a location-independent practice while maintaining high professional standards.

Key Takeaways:

→ The accounting industry is evolving toward tech-enabled solutions, with automated tools reducing the need for large departments while maintaining accuracy and compliance.

→ Starting at a big accounting firm provides invaluable experience and expertise that can be leveraged to serve diverse clients effectively as an independent practitioner.

→ Cannabis industry accounting presents unique challenges due to complex regulations and tax codes (like 280E), requiring specialized knowledge and careful structuring of financial statements.

→ Digital nomad entrepreneurship is possible in accounting, but proper system and technology setup is required to maintain efficient operations while working remotely.

→ Small businesses should prioritize proper accounting setup from the start. Investing in professional CPA services early can prevent costly mistakes and provide better financial insights.

Notable Quotes from Lucas:

“Don’t let the tax tail wag the dog. You have to do what’s best for your business. You shouldn’t have less active control.”

“If you’re trying to start a business and you’re serious about it, make sure you’re properly capitalized, and bring in a CPA to be your partner because a CPA will be invaluable to you.”

Connect with Lucas Matson:

• Website: https://www.ldc.financial/
• Email: lucas@LDC.financial

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