Empowering Entrepreneurs

Glenn Harper

With each episode, your hosts Glenn Harper and Julie Smith will help you build your brand, tap into your greatness, and grow as an entrepreneur. Their guests bring intriguing and entertaining clarity to help you increase your confidence in building your business (and enjoy your journey doing it). Drive your passion, grow your business, and enjoy your journey. Since beginning Harper & Company CPAs Plus nearly 35 years ago, Glenn continues to evolve and change the way he wants CPAs to be perceived and used by his clients. He and his team are dedicated to helping business owners navigate the uncertain terrain of building the business they are driven to build. Together, Glenn and Julie have helped hundreds of entrepreneurs get off the hamster wheel and move forward to build businesses they love. This podcast is a reflection of both Glenn's and Julie's passion for helping entrepreneurs discover shortcuts, secrets, and confidence to grow their businesses. As successful entrepreneurs who have both built and grown multiple businesses, they bring advice, experience, and insight needed to address your questions, issues, and problems.

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Top 10 Empowering Entrepreneurs Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Empowering Entrepreneurs episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Empowering Entrepreneurs for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Empowering Entrepreneurs episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Rebekah Scott from Rebekah Scott Designs

Empowering Entrepreneurs

04/13/22 • 53 min

In 2003, Rebekah Scott used her curtains to make handbags for holiday presents.

That's a humble beginning.

Now, their team of 20 seamstresses hand sews bags and accessories for people across the nation! Every stitch and cut is done right here in the upper Midwest by mostly work-from-home women.

They exist to help women realize their creativity and to feel more self-confident in their ability to tackle all of their roles. They know women gain confidence and positivity when they create, and can then love themselves and others better.

Encourager Academy

Rebekah Scott

Rebekah's Website

Rebekah's Facebook page

@shoprsd on Instagram

Rebekah on YouTube

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 success

Our 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.

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): http://uppbeat.io/t/tatami/into-the-sunshine License code: NWWDFO0WV5WE4VAZ

The Power of Mentorship and Creativity in Business

Empowering Entrepreneurs

09/18/24 • 47 min

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 Takeaways

Drafting 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 Moments

08:21 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.

Our 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.

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Michael Flinner and Jack Tucker from Seamless Logistics

Empowering Entrepreneurs

11/09/22 • 50 min

We welcome Michael Flinner and Jack Tucker, co-owners of Seamless Logistics.

And we start with their genesis story, how they came together to create Seamless Logistics. The lightbulb of a business idea happens anywhere, so pay attention and act on it.

What is a 3PL? A 3PL (third-party logistics) provider offers outsourced logistics services, which encompass anything that involves the management of one or more facets of procurement and fulfillment activities. In business, 3PL has a broad meaning that applies to any service contract that involves storing or shipping items.

So, you call them to get something shipped!

Other topics we cover, and you can learn from...

How important was it for them to continue to bootstrap in the early stages?

When did they start to see it being profitable?

How did they get their wives to "buy in" into this venture?

How long did it take to quit "the day job"?

What did it mean to build a team, and what has it done for them? We love the quote "Culture Eats Strategy."

When did you start to build the business, rather than do business?

Did you have a specific mentor or group of mentors?

What are you good at, your superpower?

What advice would you give to your younger selves?

What are some of the benefits of your partnership with each other? And the key thing that makes it work?

What is the end game?

Find out more about them, and Seamless Logistics at www.shipseamless.com/

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.

Our 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.

Announcing PureTax, LLC

Empowering Entrepreneurs

04/03/24 • 10 min

In this episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs, Glenn Harper and Julie Smith discuss the birth of PureTax, LLC, a company that emerged from the need to serve clients who required simple tax returns.

They share their journey of identifying a market need, finding the right talent, and leveraging their experience to create systems and processes that propel their new venture forward.

Identifying Ideal Clients: "And I think it really came down to being able to see the need for it and almost feeling bad that you couldn't service them, feeling bad for saying no, but at the same time being so proud that we were able to really identify the ideal client at Harper and Company because I think businesses struggle with that as well." — Julie Smith

Top Takeaways

1. Recognizing Opportunity: The podcast highlights the importance of recognizing opportunities in the entrepreneurial journey. It encourages entrepreneurs to seize opportunities and tackle new ventures rather than shying away from them.

2. Creating Solutions: Entrepreneurs are presented with the idea of identifying problems and creating solutions, such as the case of establishing PureTax to meet the specific needs of clients who require simple tax returns.

3. Talent Acquisition: The podcast discusses the challenges entrepreneurs face in building a team and the significance of finding individuals who share the same vision, mission, and core values as the company.

4. Embracing Change: It emphasizes the notion that change is constant in the entrepreneurial world and that successful entrepreneurs are those who adapt, pivot, and learn from every situation, whether it leads to success or failure.

5. Process Implementation: Entrepreneurial success hinges on the implementation of effective systems and processes. The ability to refine and replicate these systems from previous ventures can expedite the launch and success of new initiatives.

6. Client-Centric Approach: Entrepreneurs are encouraged to prioritize creating tailored solutions for their clients, as demonstrated by the establishment of PureTax, which aims to provide accessible and transparent tax services with year-round support.

7. Learning from Peaks and Valleys: The podcast emphasizes the importance of learning from both successes and setbacks, embracing the highs and lows of the entrepreneurial journey, and leveraging these experiences for growth.

8. Ready, Fire, Aim: Taking calculated risks and making decisions promptly is highlighted as a crucial aspect of entrepreneurship. The podcast advocates for entrepreneurs to pursue their ideas and innovations, acknowledging that setbacks are a natural part of the process.

9. Building on Experience: The importance of leveraging previous business experiences to provide a foundation for new ventures is emphasized. The podcast illustrates how knowledge gained from past endeavors can be instrumental in successful new business launches.

10. Transparent Branding: The importance of transparent and inclusive branding is underscored, particularly in establishing a clear and approachable identity for newer ventures, as seen in the naming and positioning of PureTax to signify its simplicity and accessibility.

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.

Our 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.

Kristin Taylor on Finding Purpose and Success Beyond Finances

Empowering Entrepreneurs

11/13/24 • 53 min

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 Moments

03:54 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.

Our 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 EmpowerCPATM, 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.

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An Inspiring Conversation with Phil Yeager, from Yaeger CPA Review

Empowering Entrepreneurs

02/22/23 • 49 min

Glenn Harper and Julie Smith have an inspiring discussion with successful CPA and entrepreneur Phil Yeager about his incredible journey.

Phil shares his struggles and successes in his journey, and what it took to turn his vision into a successful business. He also provides invaluable lessons he has learned along the way, from pivoting to teaching classes online to finding the right employees.

Hear inspiring advice from Phil on how entrepreneurs can overcome the valleys and reach the peaks.

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.

Our 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.

Seek Your Mentor

Empowering Entrepreneurs

11/23/22 • 8 min

Today’s business landscape for entrepreneurs is complex and changing. Navigating and maneuvering it is critical.

Having a mentor provides an opportunity for guidance and advice that will allow you to take on entrepreneurial opportunities that you otherwise may not have.

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.

Our 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.

Ernie Villany from Boulder Valley CPAs

Empowering Entrepreneurs

10/26/22 • 41 min

A big thanks to Ernie Villany from Boulder Valley CPAs for spending time with us on this episode.

Little known fact - he appeared on Late Night with David Letterman not once, but twice!

Ernie talks about his big move from NY to Colorado. It was a big chance, and he had lots of chances for it not to work - but he talks about HOW he made it work.

Did you always want to be an entrepreneur? - According to Ernie, it was hard to avoid, as it was always a family thing.

What would he say makes him successful in what he does? Advising his clients is key to his firm, but his days working for the IRS has been priceless.

You can't do it all yourself (although that is what got him to where he is today). Ernie talks about when he finally recognized he couldn't do it all himself

One of the most important parts of recognizing you can't do it all by yourself is when you surround yourself with people "that are smarter than you."

What was your biggest fear when making that transition to being an entrepreneur?

So what is Ernie's superpower? Nope, not being the go-to CPA for David Letterman, as most would think - it's just being honest with his clients.

We all have an end game - or will have one - what is Ernie's?

Don't miss hearing from Brittany from his firm, on our Working Moms podcast episode.

And here is Ernie on Late Night with David Letterman.

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.

Our 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.

Working Moms

Empowering Entrepreneurs

10/12/22 • 28 min

In a recent Barna survey, working mothers shared that they are feeling overwhelmed, navigating workplace shifts, and desiring time to prioritize self-care.

So we thought we talk to a group of working moms (and their kids!).

We talk with...

Nicole Thousand, from Thousand CPA
Janel Sykora, from Thought Leader Creative
Rebekah Scott, from Rebekah Scott Designs
Brittany Casarez, from Boulder Valley CPAs
and our own Julie Smith

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.

Our 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.

Leveraging Technology and Advisory Services in Accounting

Empowering Entrepreneurs

07/03/24 • 49 min

"My entrepreneurial spirit sort of got unleashed in my public accounting days. So as soon as I became, as I graduated, became a public accountant, I helped other entrepreneurs get started. And that was just a fabulous learning experience."

Welcome back to Empowering Entrepreneurs! In today's episode, hosts Glenn Harper and Julie Smith are joined by the dynamic Jim Buffington. They get into Jim's remarkable journey from his humble beginnings at a Texas agricultural land grant school to becoming a significant force in the world of public accounting and technology.

They talk with him about his transition from public accounting to leading a dotcom and eventually integrating technology into tax and accounting, making compliance more efficient and enabling richer client conversations. Throughout the episode, Jim emphasizes the importance of experimenting, embracing failure, and prioritizing customer empathy.

The Real Reason New Businesses Fail: "And we know that about half of those, new businesses are gonna fail in the 1st 5 years oftentimes because they're not paying payroll taxes or sales taxes or things that need to be done."— Jim Buffington

Empowering Takeaways

Jim's journey from public accounting to founding a dotcom and incorporating technology into tax and accounting illustrates the dynamic career paths available within and outside traditional accounting roles.

The need for tax professionals to improve communication with clients about the value they provide, transcending beyond compliance work to emphasize planning and advisory services.

The significance of experimenting and learning from failures, encouraging entrepreneurs and accountants alike to be bold, share ideas freely, and continually practice new offerings.

Highlighting the role of automation in accounting to handle compliance work, enabling deeper, more valuable client engagements and advisory services.

Emphasizing the importance of client empathy, understanding their unique business needs, goals, and challenges, and engaging them in the planning process for more tailored advice.

Empowering Moments

00:00 Introducing Jim Buffington, advisory service leader at Intuit.

07:53 Public accounting days unleashed entrepreneurial spirit, helping entrepreneurs.

12:21 Worked with farmers and ranchers, then oil.

17:13 Accountants become emotionally invested in clients' success.

22:07 Improve compliance through client-driven workflow changes.

24:10 Entrepreneurs struggle with planning, need accountant's guidance.

31:06 Supporting unique needs and strengths of businesses.

34:20 Value client needs, diverse skills, problem-solving expertise.

36:00 Communicate client benefits, focus on delivering ROI.

39:44 Business success hinges on essential financial tasks.

43:55 My superpower is deep customer empathy.

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.

Our 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.

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