Empowering Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneur Isolation: "There's what people think it (entrepreneurship) looks like, and then there's the brutal reality of what it really is."We talk about the stark realities of entrepreneurship, addressing the often overlooked yet omnipresent challenges faced by solo business trailblazers. Key TakeawaysThe Reality Behind the Glamour: While social media often paints a perfect picture of entrepreneurship, the truth is far from it. Entrepreneurs frequently navigate a lonely and isolated journey before achieving success.Navigating Peaks and Valleys: The entrepreneurial path is filled with highs and lows. It's crucial to find those trusted individuals who support you through both the triumphant peaks and the challenging valleys.Building a Support System: Though ultimately the burden lies on the entrepreneur's shoulders, having a few trusted allies can make a significant difference. A support network offers not just emotional encouragement but can potentially provide shortcuts and insights that make the journey smoother.Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences. We'd love to hear how you navigate the highs and lows of your entrepreneurial journey!Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for successOur clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year. An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast. Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

What are some essential steps for leaders to take when developing a strong company culture and ensuring effective team dynamics?We're thrilled to bring you the latest episode of "Empowering Entrepreneurs," where we hear about the inspiring journey of Scott Fleszar, a seasoned leader in the B2B Vertical SaaS sector and a senior adviser for SafeSend.**Choosing the Right Path:**Scott shares his decision-making process for attending Eastern Michigan University, influenced by proximity, affordability, and a strong encouragement from his family.**Global Experience:**Hear about Scott's international assignment in Switzerland with Thomson Reuters and how his family adapted to the new cultural environment. Discover the impacts of this experience on both his career and his family, including his daughter's success in securing a job in investment banking.**Corporate to Start-Up Dynamics:**Scott contrasts his experiences in large corporations versus small companies, emphasizing how he leveraged the structures and strategies from his time at Thomson Reuters to drive growth at SafeSend.**Real-World Job Insights:**Reflecting on his formative job experiences and the importance of practical, real-world jobs over fancy internships, Scott discusses the value of developing people skills and resilience.**Growth Strategies for Businesses:**Scott shares actionable strategies for business growth, including:- Investing in potential and mentorship- Establishing guardrails for controlled risk-taking- Creating a culture of psychological safety- Encouraging continuous improvement**Seeking Purpose-Driven Work:**Scott expresses his desire to transition towards more purpose-driven work, aiming to make a societal impact beyond the tech and accounting realms. He is currently involved with a charitable organization providing meals to those in need.Empowering Moments05:57 Grandmother's influence outweighed parents' roles in life.09:42 Selling flowers at Detroit's Eastern Market.11:44 Teens need real jobs for valuable experience.17:12 College degree or trades; multiple career paths.19:48 MBA pivoted career, leading to diverse roles.21:13 Mega Corp offers more opportunities than small businesses.25:06 Kids thrived through international move and challenges.30:22 Networking led to SafeSend opportunity, joined Q4 2019.31:49 Led company growth; CEO; pivotal career achievement.36:03 Platform improves tax return process for accounting firms.39:23 Invest in and mentor potential leaders for growth.44:16 Building cohesive, ego-less teams through coaching.47:05 Desires purpose-driven work beyond accounting profession.Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for successOur clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year. An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast. Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Is scaling up always the best option? Or is refining and improving your existing operations the way forward?Do you wanna be bigger and better? Do you wanna be better and better? How do you wanna spend your time in the new year and really create your intentions around your business?"Key Takeaways:Opportunity CostUnderstand the sacrifices entailed in the pursuit of business growth. Time, family, personal interests—all could be impacted.Control vs. DelegationGiving up control can be daunting, but smart delegation is crucial for scalability.Intentional PlanningRegularly pausing to reflect and plan with intention can help you navigate the path between staying small and growing bigger.It's all about the the delicate balance between getting bigger and being better, and finding out how to make intentional choices that align with your business goals.This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for successOur clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year. An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast. Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

The Regrets of a Busy Parent: "I don't even remember giving my son a bath his 1st year of his life." — Leslie Alvarez Glenn Harper and Julie Smith sit down with the remarkable Leslie Alvarez, a powerhouse mompreneur and the president and founder of Community Association Consulting Experts Inc.Glenn and Julie talk with Leslie Alvarez, the president and founder of Community Association Consulting Experts Inc., about her journey of juggling the demanding roles of motherhood and entrepreneurship. Leslie shares candid advice on:The Art of Prioritization: Learn why saying "no" is essential and how valuing personal time can help you become your best self.Overcoming Setbacks: Discover how Leslie faced challenges head-on, recognized the need for self-care, and the importance of cherishing family moments.Managing High Performing Anxiety: Leslie discusses her experience with anxiety and offers valuable insights into slowing down and appreciating life's special moments.Empowering TakeawaysInsight into how she manages her dual roles as a mother and an entrepreneur, stressing the need to prioritize and manage time effectively.The importance of setting boundaries and learning to say no to unnecessary commitments to focus on what truly matters.Hiring team members with strong customer service skills and surrounding herself with a supportive team to balance her task-oriented nature.Empowering Moments05:48 Childhood bookworm, rebuilt Barbie world, future property manager.08:04 Returned to school as an adult at 38.12:38 Proving myself in high-level role with diploma.14:39 Entrepreneurs' journey: degrees not always necessary.16:56 Studied intensely in big chunks, completed efficiently.22:26 Turning point: From pregnant and jobless to author.24:27 Learned to make tamales, supported family during break.33:10 Enforcing rules with legal experience and support.38:57 Learning to say no and prioritize self-care.40:49 Struggle to prioritize and cherish family moments.44:24 Overcoming imposter syndrome in Mexican neighborhood.Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for successOur clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.PureTax, LLC Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Setting Intentions: "If you can break it down into 30 day, 60 day, 90 day increments with those intentions of what you're going to do to achieve the said goal, it becomes really attainable."As we approach the end of the year, it's the perfect time for us, as entrepreneurs, to take a moment and reflect on our journey. We talk about setting meaningful intentions for the new year. Key TakeawaysSet Clear Intentions Over Broad Goals: Rather than just having vague goals, define clear intentions and actionable steps to achieve them. It's not about saying "I will work out"; it's about planning when and how you will fit those workouts into your daily routine.Break Down Your Goals: Avoid feeling overwhelmed by breaking down your goals into smaller, manageable increments. Whether it's a 30-day, 60-day, or 90-day plan, having short-term milestones makes long-term objectives more attainable.Accountability is Crucial: Find someone to share your goals with and ask them to hold you accountable. This could be a partner, a colleague, or a friend. Accountability partners help keep you committed and motivated.As we step into the new year, let's take these insights and set ourselves up for a year of success, growth, and meaningful accomplishments. Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for successOur clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year. An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast. Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

Have you ever faced a major career transition? How did you manage the challenges that came with it?Glenn and Julie welcome Doug Motley, an accomplished real estate developer and the principal of Jackalingo Asset Management. Doug's journey from the banking sector to real estate development is nothing short of inspirational. Growing up in Delaware, Doug has always been surrounded by a close-knit community, which played a role in shaping his career and entrepreneurial spirit.Doug shares his appreciation for the changing seasons and how they reflect the ebb and flow of energy in local communities—transforming winter doldrums into the bustling vibrancy of summer. He discusses his transition from a large banking institution to a smaller, more intimate real estate firm, where he taught himself financial modeling and rapidly rose to the position of CFO.Throughout the episode, Doug emphasizes the importance of agility, persistence, and community-oriented projects. From launching JLAM in 2011 to his upcoming innovative retail center project, Doug demonstrates his commitment to creating spaces that benefit both investors and local residents. The conversation touches on his unique ability to blend analytical skills with creative problem-solving, making complex real estate concepts accessible and engaging.Empowering Moments00:00 Delaware: Tight-knit community with easy accessibility.05:54 Shift in work culture prompted career reevaluation.09:01 Chose between expensive colleges; opted for scholarship.11:10 Ignored Cornell summer program for beach summer.13:44 Option for summer internship led to job opportunities.19:41 Dewey Beach evolved into a year-round destination.22:00 Each season here offers unique experiences.24:16 Transitioned to small company, learned real estate development.29:56 Determined not to waste potential observed in others.32:11 Unbelievable timing, challenging, but educational finance experience.36:38 Business partners decide to scale by delegating tasks.40:33 Past ventures caused significant mental distraction and anxiety.42:56 Exciting walkable retail center with restaurants, parks.48:35 Improving everything I touch for community pride.49:25 You always strive to improve, endlessly.This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.Empowering Takeaways**Seasonal Energy Dynamics:** - Doug Motley appreciates how different seasons bring distinct energy levels and activities, impacting both individual motivation and business operations.**Career Transition & Adaptation:** - Doug's shift from a rigid corporate banking environment to a more casual, entrepreneurial real estate setting highlights the ability to adapt to different professional cultures and thrive.**Community-Centric Real Estate:** - Doug emphasizes developing real estate projects that benefit the community, focusing on integrating transportation links and enriching undersupplied commercial areas.**Self-Taught Expertise:** - Faced with a lack of immediate supervision, Doug self-taught financial modeling and planning, proving the importance of self-initiative in skill acquisition and career advancement.**Persistence Against Failure:** - Doug’s approach to viewing failure as iterative learning rather than a dead end underscores the significance of persistence and adaptive learning in entrepreneurship.**Mentorship & Support:** - Doug credits much of his success to mentors and champions who saw potential in him, highlighting the value of support networks in entrepreneurial journeys.**Long-Term Community Impact:** - Doug's end game focuses on leaving lasting positive impacts on communities and projects, prioritizing sustainable and beneficial development over immediate financial gains.**Balanced Perspective on Success and Failure:** - Doug’s reflections reveal a balanced view of success and failure, marked by continuous learning, adaptation, and a proactive approach to seizing opportunities and overcoming challenges.Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for successOur clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

How important is it for entrepreneurs to embrace unpredictability, and what role does seeking help play in personal and business growth?Glenn Harper and Julie Smith sit down with Blake Oliver, the mastermind behind Earmark CPE and host of The Accounting Podcast, to dive into his unique entrepreneurial journey. From his unconventional childhood steeped in music to navigating the challenges of serial entrepreneurship, Blake shares how his ADHD and initial career in music shaped his path in the business world. With insights on overcoming impostor syndrome, the importance of building a strong team, and focusing on creating value beyond financial gain, Blake's story is filled with lessons on persistence, adaptability, and visionary thinking. We explore the intricacies of transforming ideas into successful ventures, the impact of financial stability on creativity, and Blake's ambitious vision for revolutionizing the continuing education market. Empowering Moments00:00 Introducing Blake Oliver, host of The Accounting Podcast.05:06 Dad: Architect, urban planner, SimCity enthusiast.07:06 Mom: homemaker, dietitian; Dad: business, complaints, influence.11:28 Work service jobs; they change your perspective.14:51 I chose math over pursuing music career.17:11 Chose accounting for solid income, ROI credible.20:29 Freelanced bookkeeping to pay for school expenses.21:55 Early adopter bookkeeper gained business through certification.25:20 Recruited as first product marketer at FlowCast.28:28 Moved to Phoenix, drove around looking houses.33:41 Learned SaaS metrics, realized value in subscription software.37:45 Belief in product fueled by positive reviews.41:24 Satisfaction follows purpose, not pursuit of fame.44:28 Focus daily on practice, not immediate results.46:22 ADHD: A superpower and a challenge.49:22 Raising seed round for Earmark; pitching vision.51:56 Practicing Bach's difficult E-flat major cello suite.This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.Empowering TakeawaysUnicorn Potential in Market Shares - **Blake Oliver** emphasizes that capturing even just a small fraction of a market—such as a tenth of a percent—can lead to developing a unicorn business.Serial Entrepreneurship Driven by ADHD - **Glenn Harper** and **Blake Oliver** discuss how the inherent qualities of ADHD, such as the constant pursuit of new ideas, often fuel a serial entrepreneur's journey.Impostor Syndrome and Initial Business Lessons - **Blake Oliver** shared his experience of impostor syndrome in his first business, eventually selling it to avoid failure, and learning from the chaos to make his subsequent ventures smoother.Importance of a Strong Team and Process - **Glenn Harper** and **Julie Smith** highlight the necessity of surrounding oneself with smarter individuals and having solid processes to bolster entrepreneurial success.Customer Feedback as Validation - **Blake Oliver** believes in the power of customer feedback to validate the quality of a product, as evidenced by over 500 positive app reviews for his niche app.Financial Stability and Creative Freedom - A stable financial background provides entrepreneurs with the freedom to focus on innovation and creativity, reducing stress and enhancing productivity.Persistent Learning and Adaptation - **Blake Oliver** uses his own experiences to illustrate that continuous improvement and persistence are key to overcoming initial failures and achieving success.Personal Passion and Business Balance - **Blake Oliver** balances his entrepreneurial duties with personal passions like playing the cello, underscoring the importance of not letting business consume personal life.Systemized Business Operations for Quality - Due to personal organizational challenges, **Blake Oliver** developed strong business systems to ensure high-quality work, which benefitted his firm and client satisfaction.Parallel Journeys: Entrepreneurship and Podcasting - The principles that drive successful entrepreneurship, such as focus on value and quality, are equally applicable to creating impactful and sustainable podcasts.Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for successOur clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

We have the pleasure of hosting Kristin Taylor, Vice President of Legacy Retirement Group and co-host of "Winning Retirement Radio". Kristin joins us to discuss her multifaceted journey as a business leader, mother, wife, and part-time teacher to her youngest son.Kristin shares the importance of people in her life—her children, faith, husband, and clients—emphasizing how supporting her team is pivotal to achieving both business success and personal fulfillment. She opens up about discovering her purpose through gratitude, and finding joy in daily routines by embracing a higher purpose.Together with Empowering Entrepreneurs' co-host Julie Smith (no Glenn this week), they explore the ever-changing nature of work-life balance and the unique challenges faced by entrepreneurs, particularly women. Kristin highlights the critical importance of defining personal success and resisting societal pressures. Through personal anecdotes, they shed light on overcoming diverse life hurdles—from professional setbacks to deeply personal losses.Kristin discusses her philosophy on focus, innovation, and making tough decisions in business, all the while staying true to her values and evolving through various life stages. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or someone striving for balance in life, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration to empower you on your journey.Empowering Moments03:54 Life reveals true allies amid ups and downs.07:37 Inconspicuous farmer inspired college innovation interest.11:03 Everyone's challenges differ; be transparent about difficulties.15:39 Success supports passion project through team effort.17:58 Instilling gratitude in everyday family life.22:29 Has the vision of success evolved over time?23:35 Long-time worker, values son's future success.26:40 Parent realizes values are reflected in children.30:42 Embrace uniqueness; see challenges as strengths.38:20 Focused strategy transformed Legacy Retirement over years.39:47 Theme: Take it to the next level, uncertain plans.42:45 Kristen encourages sharing personal aspects on podcast.48:59 Confidence in tough business decisions is superpower.49:33 Success includes learning from failures too.Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for successOur clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year. An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast. Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

What strategies can entrepreneurs implement to support their nervous system amidst their busy schedules?We welcome back Dr. Indigo (Indie) Vasquez!We're thrilled to continue our conversation with the remarkable Dr. Indigo Vasquez in this highly anticipated Part 2 of our series. Dr. Vasquez, a board-certified Doctor of Natural Medicine and best-selling author of "Optimize Your Gut," brings her wealth of knowledge on gut health and holistic healing to our discussion.In this episode, we explore the vital interplay between entrepreneurship and self-care. Dr. Vasquez shares profound insights on why maintaining personal health is crucial for business success, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries, prioritizing proper nutrition, rest, and exercise, and confronting the often overlooked issue of self-worth among entrepreneurs. We'll also dive into practical strategies for stress management, healthier habits, and overcoming the fear of failure.We discuss everything from the simplicity of nutritional foundations to the unintended consequences of modern convenience foods, and the need for clear boundary-setting in a world driven by technology. Dr. Vasquez provides actionable advice for balancing professional passion with personal well-being, ensuring that entrepreneurs can thrive both in their business and their health. Learn about her latest book, "Optimize Your Gut," her tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and her journey from personal trainer to a sought-after naturopathic doctor. Follow Dr. Indie on IGEmpowering Moments00:00 Doctor Indigo Vasquez: Root-cause health-focused natural medicine practitioner.05:16 Becoming an expert entrepreneur requires specialization.09:12 Learning is uncomfortable but can be rewarding.12:40 Who promotes your profession's importance and necessity?13:45 Educates through social media on healthier choices.19:24 Eating habits are taught, not genetically inherited.22:39 Healthy eating choices during date nights discussed.26:17 Professionals must consistently perform despite challenges.27:38 Mineral balancing boosts energy, strategic self-care vital.30:25 Why avoid self-care despite acknowledging its importance?34:41 Setting boundaries improved health and business respect.37:52 Women multitask, need relaxation, overcome guilt rationally.41:27 Starting a business isn't just for elites.44:31 Successful CEOs prioritize self-care, discipline, efficient routines.This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.Empowering TakeawaysTreat Your Body Like a Business: Just as entrepreneurs invest time and resources into their businesses, they should also prioritize self-care and health. This includes proper nutrition, exercise, and adequate rest to optimize personal performance and productivity.Root Cause vs. Symptom Treatment: Dr. Vasquez emphasizes diagnosing the root causes of health issues as opposed to merely treating symptoms, drawing a parallel to identifying and addressing underlying issues in business for sustainable successImportance of Personal Boundaries: Setting personal boundaries, such as limiting work communication outside office hours, is pivotal for maintaining both personal and professional well-being. It allows for better energy management and effectiveness in serving clients.Balance Between Passion and Self-Care: Entrepreneurs often put their clients and businesses first due to passion and commitment. However, this should not come at the expense of their health. Long-term success is more achievable when personal self-care isn't neglected.Stress and the Nervous System: The conversation highlights the need for balancing stress on the nervous system. Dr. Vasquez discusses various self-care routines, such as breathwork, hydration, and proper nutrition, to support nervous system health.Fear of Failure: Overcoming the fear of failure is crucial for entrepreneurs. Good self-care practices can help reduce anxiety and improve one's ability to face challenges head-on, leading to greater achievements.Sustainable Habit Changes: Dr. Vasquez introduces the "big three" habit changes: implementing breath work, improving hydration with quality salts, and reducing digital exposure, along with eliminating processed foods to foster sustainable health benefits.Power of Small Changes: Small, consistent lifestyle changes can lead to significant health improvements and influence community-wide behavioral shifts. Entrepreneurs can apply the same philosophy to their business strategies.Empowerment and Advocacy: Dr. Vasquez advocates for clients to take responsibility for their health and become proactive in their decisions. This self-empowerment translates to the business world by encouraging entrepreneurs to trust their instincts and be resilient in the face of obstacles.Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for successOur clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year. An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast. Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

What strategies can be employed to effectively identify potential key employees?We discuss the crucial process of identifying talent, setting guardrails, and effectively communicating your vision to elevate your business. Invest in the Right Person - Finding an employee who matches your dedication is challenging but possible. When you do find them, invest in their development. Recognize that your strengths may be their weaknesses and vice versa. This can create a balanced and cohesive team.Set Clear Expectations - Ensure you're not overwhelming the new talent with unrealistic expectations. Provide clear guidelines, and let them do their thing while you support their growth. Regularly reevaluate their progress and guide them effectively.Communicate Your Vision - As an entrepreneur, your vision is unique and valuable. Don’t keep it locked in your head. Share it openly with your team. Effective communication ensures everyone is aligned and working towards the same goals, leading to collective success.Understand that trust and delegation come with risks. Sometimes it may result in setbacks, but it often leads to significant high points and growth.Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for successOur clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/