Empowering Entrepreneurs

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/

How does Dr. Vasquez’s approach blend entrepreneurial mindset with effective health management?We are thrilled to sit down with the remarkable Dr. Indigo Vasquez. Dr. Vasquez (or Dr. Indie, as she likes to be called) is a board-certified doctor of natural medicine with a wealth of expertise in hormone health, sports performance, and gut healing. She shares her lifelong commitment to patient care, emphasizing the importance of partnership and communication in the healing journey. We explore fundamental health habits like fresh air, sunlight, and movement, and how self-worth often becomes a barrier to adopting these practices. Indie sheds light on the self-discovery and empowerment aspects of healing, moving beyond mere scientific advice.We talk about how to transition from unhealthy to healthy food choices, gut-brain reconditioning, and how products are chemically designed to make us crave more. Dr. Indie also talks about her entrepreneurial journey, inspired by her military family's resilience and her father's business endeavors. We discuss her challenges and motivations in choosing naturopathy over traditional medicine, her impressive educational background, and her efforts in building a successful integrative health practice. Julie even shares her personal success story under Dr. Indie's care.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 Moments03:49 Entrepreneurial mindset inspired by dad and career.08:44 Initially challenging to convince others of ancient medicine.11:47 Transitioned from trainer to holistic health consultant.15:29 Doctor Indie's explanations and education are invaluable.19:39 Unique skills and personalized care ensure success.23:00 People wait for crisis before seeking help.25:37 Healing gut promotes clear mind-body communication.26:46 Doritos are designed to suppress fullness signals.30:23 Multitasking with accuracy is my superpower.Empowering TakeawaysDr. Indigo Vasquez highlights the importance of ongoing partnership and communication in the healing process. This consistent, personal approach is essential for effective patient care.Emphasizing foundational health practices like getting fresh air, sunlight, and regular movement. These simple practices are vital, yet often hindered by low self-worth.Healing is about more than following medical advice; it involves a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, guiding individuals to take control of their health.Many people only seek medical help during a crisis. Dr. Vasquez advocates for prioritizing personal health before issues become severe, highlighting a preventive approach.The transition from unhealthy to healthy eating habits typically takes around 6 weeks of commitment, leading to a lasting change in taste preferences and improved overall health.Improving gut health significantly affects brain function and food responses, showcasing the deep connection between the gut and brain in overall wellness.Foods like Doritos are designed to bypass the body's natural discomfort signals, making them harder to resist. Understanding this can help individuals make healthier choices.Dr. Vasquez’s path includes extensive education and a focus on root cause medicine, moving beyond symptom treatment to more holistic healing methods.Recognizing the vital role of diet and well-being in an entrepreneur’s success, Dr. Vasquez encourages business professionals to prioritize their health for greater business efficiency.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.https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

How do personal and professional commitments impact an entrepreneur's ability to plan for the following year?It's time to talk about the importance of forward planning to make the most out of the upcoming year. Carve Out Time for Strategic PlanningMajor organizations set aside dedicated time for strategic meetings and retreats. As entrepreneurs, we too need to step back from day-to-day operations to focus on the big picture. Schedule these sessions now, earmark them on your calendar, and hold yourself accountable.Define Clear, Measurable GoalsIt’s not enough to just aim for growth; you need specific, attainable targets. Break down larger goals into actionable items—like acquiring a set number of new clients or implementing a new software. This helps your team understand their role in achieving the company’s success.Communicate and Get Buy-In From Your TeamYour team should be in sync with your plans and goals. By providing clear, understandable objectives and the "why" behind them, you ensure everyone is working towards a common goal. This collaborative approach can transform your business by getting everyone pulling in the same direction.An entrepreneur's success is heavily dependent on clear, well-communicated goals and team buy-in. Planning now, rather than waiting until January, sets a strong foundation for the upcoming year. 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/

The Power of Listening to Your Gut: "I've always kept asking, like, what brings me joy? What do I like? And I've been willing to have the courage to pivot and do that."Welcome to another inspiring episode of *Empowering Entrepreneurs*! Today, your Glenn Harper and Julie Smith sit down with Amber De La Garza, a remarkable productivity specialist, coach, and host of the *Small Business Straight Talk* podcast. Amber shares her incredible journey—from quitting her job after starting a family and buying a new home, to building a thriving business by leveraging a loan off her whole life insurance. Amber spotlights the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the importance of setting goals, and the art of making tough decisions by trusting her gut. We explore her unique coaching approach, tailored to understanding individual personalities and motivations, and hear about her insights gained from personality tests like the Enneagram.Empowering Moments00:00 Amber De La Garza: Productivity Specialist and Coach05:38 Early work experience influences parenting of son.07:59 Selling real estate was challenging due to age.09:25 Coaching sales executives, then resigned after son's birth.14:46 Unexpectedly offered consultant role after quitting career.17:08 Entrepreneur's knowledge and courage in real estate.19:24 Entrepreneurs thrive in chaos, dig deep.24:17 Acknowledging faith, growth, and vision in business.29:14 Focused on coaching real estate agents, balanced motherhood.33:34 Mentors and peers provide vital business support.37:30 Emphasize simple business model to maximize value.42:21 Understanding clients and adaptability are key.44:46 Encouragement for entrepreneurs to embrace discomfort for confidence.Empowering TakeawaysFrom quitting her job to buying a home and taking a loan against her life insurance, Amber embraced high risks to pursue her dreams.Amber's story emphasizes the importance of supportive relationships, particularly with her husband, who made significant sacrifices by working on the road to enable her business growth and later quit his job to be there for her when she needed it most.Amber underscores that it's essential to have a roadmap to keep you focused and driven.Prioritizing their marriage and leaning on faith was critical to Amber and her husband's resilience and ultimate success, showing that personal support networks can be as vital as professional ones.Amber leverages personality tests like the Enneagram to tailor her coaching approach, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual client motivations and personalities to produce effective results.Viewing challenges as opportunities for growth can enhance resilience and lead to personal and professional development.Amber’s business strategy involves managing a lean team that takes care of most aspects of her business except for the direct interactions she values most. Aligned Business and Values. It is crucial for entrepreneurs to align their business models with what they truly value and enjoy. PureTax, LLC 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/

What are the benefits of having "No! People" - individuals who challenge ideas, provide constructive criticism, and ultimately contribute to more refined and well-thought-out decisions - in your entrepreneurial team?Living Fast Forward - Building a Team that Challenges YouLiving Fast Forward TakeawaysSurround Yourself with Challengers: Build a team that isn't afraid to question and push back on your ideas.Create Safe Spaces: Foster an environment where employees feel safe to provide honest feedback without fear of repercussions.Focus on Execution: Avoid the trap of the "shiny object syndrome" by focusing on completing current projects before starting new ones.Consult Advisors: Make it a habit to consult your CPA and legal advisors early in the decision-making process to ensure sound strategies.Embrace Discomfort: Growth often comes from uncomfortable situations—get comfortable being uncomfortable.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/

How do mentors contribute to an entrepreneur's journey, and what qualities should one look for in a mentor?Glenn Harper and Julie Smith welcome Aaron Marcum, who shares his incredible story filled with challenges, growth, and invaluable lessons. From his early days as a top sales rep to founding a successful home care agency and Home Care PULSE, Aaron's journey is one of resilience and creativity.You will learn more about the parallels between cycling and entrepreneurship, exploring how this passion has helped him improve business systems, delegate effectively, and achieve mental clarity. Plus, the vital pillars of building a successful company culture, fostering autonomy, high-quality connections, and competence among team members.Empowering TakeawaysDrafting in Business: Just like in cycling, find mentors who will guide you through the journey and share the load.Creativity as a Superpower: Harness your creativity to empower others and drive innovation within your business.Company Culture Essentials: Focus on autonomy, relatedness, and competence to build a motivated, resilient team.Work-Life Balance: Maintaining physical and mental health is crucial for sustained entrepreneurial success.Never-Ending Journey: As Aaron’s end game reveals, entrepreneurship is about constant reinvention and achieving the four freedoms of time, relationships, money, and purpose.Empowering Moments08:21 Delivered two newspaper routes for a couple years.12:34 Entrepreneurship, accounting, psychology: an unusual path.15:49 Researched Martin Seligman, positive psychology program at UPenn.19:40 Encouraging entrepreneurship, empowering team members to prosper.22:33 Building high-quality connection and rapport for retention.26:32 Overcame burnout through cycling, changed lifestyle.28:28 Entrepreneurs need balance beyond work for success.31:44 Cycling meditation sharpens focus, generates new ideas.36:43 Founder shares sacrifices and emotional challenges faced.38:10 Focus on yourself, not others' opinions or achievements.41:31 Creativity is my superpower; I empower others.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/