Independence by Design
Ryan Tansom
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Top 10 Independence by Design Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Independence by Design episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Independence by Design 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 Independence by Design episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
#415: Everyone Gets Punched in the Face: A Framework for Planning with Tom Walker
Independence by Design
11/14/24 • 67 min
In this episode, I sit down with Tom Walker, a financial strategist who’s all about connecting the big picture to the details—uncovering hidden constraints, planning for the unexpected, and transforming companies into resilient, wealth-generating assets. Tom brings a no-nonsense approach to planning, not to predict every outcome, but to create a framework that withstands the inevitable punches every business faces.
We center our conversation around what it truly means to own a business that provides cash flow and equity growth, giving you the ability to make smart, clear-headed decisions regardless of market conditions. We also dive into why so many business owners get frustrated with planning, often getting tangled up in short-term thinking and daily pressures that can cloud their vision.
Together, Tom and I break down the steps to building independence, including a close look at using your business as a tool for long-term wealth that doesn’t rely solely on your labor. It’s about decoupling your time from cash flow, creating a business that serves you—giving you control and flexibility, rather than the other way around.
Tom Walker is a financial and economic advisor with decades of experience across agriculture, manufacturing, and family businesses, Tom specializes in helping owners move beyond the day-to-day grind to see the big picture. His approach combines strategic planning, cash flow management, and a passion for teaching others how to protect their independence. Tom’s clients value his no-nonsense perspective on what it takes to survive—and thrive—in an unpredictable economy.
Chapters:
- (00:00) Intro of guest Tom Walker, discussing the need for strategic planning in business, preparedness vs. prediction
- (09:59) Navigating market conditions in agriculture and manufacturing, understanding constraints and building a better base case, the impact of economic changes on large-scale farms
- (17:00) Ownership thinking, cash flow, finding safe harbor as a business owner, outgrowing the “money printer” and protection against inflation
- (25:00) Creating flexible frameworks to handle economic volatility, aligning your vision and team with a long-term playbook
- (31:17) ‘Tail hedge’ mentality and asset valuations, using financial data to pivot when things go sideways
- (39:15) Cash flow and financial trickery, surviving industry volatility, importance of working capital
- (46:39) Discipline and financial planning, long-term planning compared to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, core principles of capitalism, sustainable cash flow and return on asset value
- (52:00) Ryan’s family business history, experiences with the banking sector
- (58:41) Evaluating business strategies and cycles in manufacturing, farming, etc.
- (1:05:00) Closing thoughts, looking at the future, the game of capitalism
- Share with the owner/operators you know!
Ryan Tansom is a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, and the founder of Independence by DesignTM, a transformative ownership framework for growth-oriented business owners. After turning around and selling his family business in an eight-figure exit, Ryan spent over a decade dissecting the lessons learned from his journey. His mission is to help other business owners avoid the pitfalls he encountered by providing them with the tools and knowledge to align their business operations with their personal and financial goals.
With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by owner-operators, Ryan developed Independence by DesignTM to empower owner-operators to create sustainable cash flow, grow their company’s equity value, and achieve true independence. He has shared his insights on hundreds of stages, including Vistage, EO, and industry associations, and has reached over 500,000 listeners through his podcast.
Ryan is passionate about helping business owners get unstuck from the day-to-day grind and design a business that serves their life, not the other way around.
Resources:
LinkedIn: Connect with Tom
Blog: Tom’s Blog – Sign up for his thoughtful, in-depth articles on financial planning, cash flow management, and business resilience.The Road to Serfdom by Friedrich Hayek – A deep dive into economic freedom and the pitfalls of over-centralized planning.
Antifragile by Nassim Taleb – Insightful strategies for building resilience in complex, unpredictable systems.
#411: Mastering the Art of Pricing: How to Charge What You’re Worth with Casey Brown
Independence by Design
10/17/24 • 84 min
In this episode of Independence by DesignTM, I sit down with pricing expert Casey Brown, founder of Boost Pricing, to dig deep into one of the biggest pain points for business owners: pricing. Casey breaks down the psychological barriers that often keep us stuck—mainly fear—and shows how we can shift from defensive pricing to a confident, value-driven strategy. We talk about how to approach price objections, avoid unnecessary discounts, and make sure we’re getting paid what we’re worth.
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Casey also shares practical insights on how professional services businesses can move away from hourly billing and adopt value-based subscription models. Whether you’re struggling with price pushback, want to increase your margins, or need to gain the confidence to raise your rates, this conversation is packed with actionable takeaways to help you master pricing and boost your bottom line.
Casey Brown is a pricing expert and founder of Boost Pricing. With over 25 years of experience, she has helped thousands of businesses increase their profitability through smarter pricing strategies. Her focus is on empowering leaders to price confidently and capture the full value of their services. Casey is a sought-after speaker and consultant who has worked with organizations across many industries to help them stop leaving money on the table.
Chapters:
- 0:00 – Introduction and Casey’s background, the art and science of pricing, emphasizing mindset and setting clear goals for business success
- 04:06 – The psychology behind pricing: fear vs. confidence
- 12:17 – Understanding market value and data-driven pricing strategies are crucial for businesses to find their pricing ceiling and manage risk
- 17:09 – Value-based pricing for professional services: shifting from hourly billing to subscription models
- 28:00 – Trust and value are key in differentiating service providers, achieved through consultative selling, education, and effective communication
- 41:00 – Simplifying pricing strategy and options, perceived value, clear messaging, predefined packages, balancing knowledge and execution, speed in proposals, and repeatable pricing framework
- 50:56 – Negotiating discounts and pricing strategy, cautious approach to discounts, understanding contribution margin, leveraging customer pushback for dialogue
- 59:00 – Trust, pricing strategies, and timing of adjustments are crucial in business operations and understanding underpricing's true cost
- 1:09:00 – The Sherman Act, understanding financial metrics and fair pricing is crucial for companies to avoid legal issues and build trust with customers
- 1:14:00 – Mapping pricing power, negotiation tactics and mindset change for financial success, pricing power empowers sales teams
- 01:24:00 – Final Thoughts: Valuing and compensating excellent work, demanding fair prices, and appreciating high-quality work are important for justice
- Share with the owner/operators you know!
Ryan Tansom is a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, and the founder of Independence by DesignTM, a transformative ownership framework for growth-oriented business owners. After turning around and selling his family business in an eight-figure exit, Ryan spent over a decade dissecting the lessons learned from his journey. His mission is to help other business owners avoid the pitfalls he encountered by providing them with the tools and knowledge to align their business operations with their personal and financial goals.
With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by owner-operators, Ryan developed Independence by DesignTM to empower owner-operators to create sustainable cash flow, grow their company’s equity value, and achieve true independence. He has shared his insights on hundreds of stages, including Vistage, EO, and industry associations, and has reached over 500,000 listeners through his podcast.
Ryan is passionate about helping business owners get unstuck from the day-to-day grind and design a business that serves their life, not the other way around.
Resources:
Casey Brown Boost Pricing https://boostpricing.com
Website: Caseybrown.com
LinkedIn: Casey Brown
X (formerly Twitter): @CaseyBrownBoost
Price Pressure is a Buying Signal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZP2eJ2d4jl0
Dozen Reasons Not to Bill Time & Materials https://boostpricing.c...
#412: Revenue Predictability & Strategic Marketing Tied to Valuation Growth with Shiv Narayanan
Independence by Design
10/24/24 • 58 min
In this episode of Independence by DesignTM, I sit down with Shiv Narayanan, founder of How to SaaS, to uncover the core strategies behind scaling a business through strategic marketing and revenue predictability. Shiv’s deep experience in the private equity space and his work with founder-led companies offers actionable insights for owners looking to make their businesses more attractive to investors—or simply run them more profitably with greater financial predictability.
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Shiv and I explore how aligning marketing, sales, and operations with clear, measurable KPIs can transform not only your company’s growth trajectory but also your journey from being an operator to becoming a strategic owner. We dive into how you can productize your offering, create sustainable cash flow, and maximize your company's equity value—all crucial elements of the Independence by DesignTM Framework.
Shiv Narayanan is the Founder and CEO of How To SaaS, a marketing strategy consulting firm specializing in helping Private Equity investors and B2B companies maximize enterprise value. As an advisor, consultant, and fractional CMO, he has generated hundreds of millions in value through innovative marketing and demand generation strategies. A two-time bestselling author, Shiv's books—*Post-Acquisition Marketing* and *Exit-Ready Marketing*—offer frameworks for PE investors and founders to enhance growth and valuation. Previously, he served as CMO of Wild Apricot, which was successfully acquired in 2018.
Chapters:
- (0:00:00) Introduction of Shiv Narayanan, insights on marketing strategies for PE firms
- (0:10:54) Transitioning from owner-operator to prioritizing ownership duties
- (0:14:11) Importance of building predictable revenue streams for success
- (0:27:35) Developing strategic plans to acquire customers in PE context
- (0:36:36) Entrepreneurs need financial literacy, strategic thinking, and unique value propositions to succeed in business
- (0:47:04) Organizational clarity, strategic resource allocation, and revenue predictability are crucial for business success and potential acquisition
- (0:53:00) Shiv's book Exit Ready Marketing is a good place to start
- Share with the owner/operators you know!
Ryan Tansom is a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, and the founder of Independence by DesignTM, a transformative ownership framework for growth-oriented business owners. After turning around and selling his family business in an eight-figure exit, Ryan spent over a decade dissecting the lessons learned from his journey. His mission is to help other business owners avoid the pitfalls he encountered by providing them with the tools and knowledge to align their business operations with their personal and financial goals.
With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by owner-operators, Ryan developed Independence by DesignTM to empower owner-operators to create sustainable cash flow, grow their company’s equity value, and achieve true independence. He has shared his insights on hundreds of stages, including Vistage, EO, and industry associations, and has reached over 500,000 listeners through his podcast.
Ryan is passionate about helping business owners get unstuck from the day-to-day grind and design a business that serves their life, not the other way around.
Resources:
Exit Ready Marketing by Shiv Narayanan – A tactical guide for founders looking to make their businesses more marketable.
Built to Sell by John Warrillow – Framework for building a company that can thrive without you.
Profit First by Mike Michalowicz – A strategy for ensuring your business always generates profit and keeps you financially secure.
Website: How to SaaS https://www.howtosaas.com
LinkedIn: Shiv Narayanan https://www.linkedin.com/in/shiv-n22/
Independence by DesignTM Owner’s Workshop https://ryantansom.com/independence-by-design-workshop
Independence by DesignTM Ownership Coaching: Ryan Tansom’s Ownership Accelerator programs and coaching https://ryantansom.com/coaching
Ryan Tansom Website https://ryantansom.com/
#402: Tax Mitigation Strategies: Keeping More of What You Earn with Roger Roundy
Independence by Design
08/29/24 • 54 min
In this episode of Independence by DesignTM, Ryan Tansom sits down with Roger Roundy, a tax mitigation strategist with a unique approach to helping business owners keep more of their hard-earned money. Roger explains the three phases of wealth—accumulation, preservation, and distribution—and how each phase requires different tax mitigation strategies to maximize wealth. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the tax code as a set of incentives designed to encourage certain behaviors rather than something to be feared. Roger argues that when properly understood, the tax code allows business owners to legally and ethically partner with the government to reduce their tax liabilities, all while staying in compliance with audit protection.
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Throughout the episode, Roger shares his journey of becoming a "tax architect," detailing how his firm helps small to mid-sized businesses utilize the same tax-saving techniques employed by Fortune 500 companies. Listeners will gain insights into various tax mitigation strategies, the distinction between tax preparation and tax strategy, and how to proactively manage taxes throughout the wealth-building journey. Roger also discusses why his solutions are audit-proof, eliminate any grey areas, and show how business owners can leverage a team of advisors to optimize their financial strategy.
Roger Roundy is the CEO of Strategic Associates a Risk Mitigation firm focused primarily on the education and implementation of tax mitigation strategies. Throughout his years of risk management and tax mitigation services, Roger has helped 100’s of business owners and individuals find solutions to protect their incomes from the wealth-eroding factors of risk and taxes. As the CEO and Director of Operations for Strategic Associates, Roger thrives on providing value using innovative but sound tax mitigation strategies to help his clients reduce their tax liability and provide options for properly positioning those savings. "Work hard, play harder, and provide opportunities for others to do the same" has been his M.O. during his business life. Roger has been married for 24 years and is the father to 5 wonderful children. He is an avid outdoorsman and loves to spend any spare time he can find, either biking, skiing, snowmobiling, or hunting. Life is busy, and a passion for working with other successful business owners has directed his path to tax mitigation and the extreme value and opportunity it provides to his clients.[Text Wrapping Break]
Chapters:
- 00:00 Introduction and Background, Roger Roundy’s Journey to Becoming a Tax Architect
- 07:20 The Role of CPAs vs. Tax Consultants, Understanding Tax Mitigation and Its Importance
- 21:00 Tax Planning and Strategy vs. Tax Preparation
- 32:00 The Three Phases of Wealth and Tax Mitigation
- 35:00 Googling Tax Information
- 38:15 How to Proactively Manage Your Taxes
- 41:17 Managing your wealth and cash flow, Partnering with the Government, Understanding the Tax Code
- 47:08 Advice for Business Owners on Reducing Tax Liabilities, Risk Management
- 48:36 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Ryan Tansom is a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, and the founder of Independence by DesignTM, a transformative ownership framework for growth-oriented business owners. After turning around and selling his family business in an eight-figure exit, Ryan spent over a decade dissecting the lessons learned from his journey. His mission is to help other business owners avoid the pitfalls he encountered by providing them with the tools and knowledge to align their business operations with their personal and financial goals.
With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by owner-operators, Ryan developed Independence by DesignTM to empower owner-operators to create sustainable cash flow, grow their company’s equity value, and achieve true independence. He has shared his insights on hundreds of stages, including Vistage, EO, and industry associations, and has reached over 500,000 listeners through his podcast.
Ryan is passionate about helping business owners get unstuck from the day-to-day grind and design a business that serves their life, not the other way around.
Resources:
Strategic Associates https://www.strategicag.net/
Book a Tax Strategy Call with Roger
Roger Roundy LInkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/roger-roundy-tax-mitigation/
Independence by DesignTM Owner’s Workshop
#405: Breaking Founder Dependency: How to Assess, Recruit, and Integrate the Right CEO with Mike Frommelt
Independence by Design
09/05/24 • 72 min
In this episode of Independence by DesignTM, I sit down with Mike Frommelt, the co-founder of Strategic Talent Partners and a seasoned expert in executive search and leadership development for privately held businesses. We dive into the critical role of talent assessment and leadership development in scaling a business beyond the founder’s personal capacity. Mike shares his unique insights on how to assess a company’s leadership team, the challenges owners face when transitioning from day-to-day operations, and the importance of aligning leadership talent with ownership goals.
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Mike explains the differences between hiring internally versus externally, and why sometimes promoting from within isn’t always the best option. We also explore the strategic role of a CEO or president and how to identify whether someone has the capacity to think strategically and lead teams effectively. Mike's framework for evaluating leadership potential and his holistic approach to aligning talent with business goals will leave business owners equipped with actionable steps to start building a leadership team that can thrive without their constant involvement.
Mike Frommelt is the is the co-founder of Strategic Talent Partners, a national executive search and leadership solutions firm. With over 20 years of experience, Mike specializes in C-level executive search and leadership development for privately held businesses. He helps companies transition from founder dependency by recruiting and integrating leadership talent aligned with ownership goals. Mike's expertise ensures organizations grow sustainably while equipping teams to thrive. Learn more at www.strategictalentpartners.com.
Chapters:
- 00:00 – Introduction
- 01:20 – Mike Frommelt’s Journey and the Creation of Strategic Talent Partners
- 05:00 – The Challenges of Founder Dependency and Leadership Transitions
- 08:30 – Assessing Your Leadership Team: Internal vs. External Hires
- 14:15 – The Role of Strategic Thinking in Leadership
- 25:00 – Joel Trammell, CEO’s, and finding candidates
- 39:00 – Developing High-Potential Leaders from Within, What Traits to Look for in Future Leaders
- 42:00 – Growth Leadership Model, Assessments
- 51:10 – Compensation
- 1:00:01 – Compensation of C-Suite vs. size of company
- 1:11:00 - Advice for Business Owners, Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Ryan Tansom is a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, and the founder of Independence by DesignTM, a transformative ownership framework for growth-oriented business owners. After turning around and selling his family business in an eight-figure exit, Ryan spent over a decade dissecting the lessons learned from his journey. His mission is to help other business owners avoid the pitfalls he encountered by providing them with the tools and knowledge to align their business operations with their personal and financial goals.
With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by owner-operators, Ryan developed Independence by DesignTM to empower owner-operators to create sustainable cash flow, grow their company’s equity value, and achieve true independence. He has shared his insights on hundreds of stages, including Vistage, EO, and industry associations, and has reached over 500,000 listeners through his podcast.
Ryan is passionate about helping business owners get unstuck from the day-to-day grind and design a business that serves their life, not the other way around.
Resources:
Book: Traction by Gino Wickman
Book: The Great Game of Business by Jack Stack
Independence by DesignTM Owner’s Workshop https://ryantansom.com/independence-by-design-workshop
Independence by DesignTM Ownership Coaching: Ryan Tansom’s Ownership Accelerator programs and coaching https://ryantansom.com/coaching
Ryan Tansom Website https://ryantansom.com/
Ryan Tansom LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryantansom/
Ryan Tansom Twitter
#407: Where Does the Multiple in Business Valuations Come From (and How to Double It) with Ken Sanginario?
Independence by Design
09/19/24 • 97 min
In this episode of Independence by DesignTM, I sit down with Ken Sanginario, a top turnaround and valuation expert and creator of the Value Opportunity Profile, to dive deep into the fundamental drivers behind business valuations. We explore how the multiple in a business valuation is directly tied to the sustainability, predictability, and transferability of your cash flow—and why understanding this is the key to more than doubling the value of your company.
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Throughout our conversation, we unpack the often-overlooked details that can either make or break your company’s financial future. Ken breaks down critical concepts like the cost of equity, the buildup methodology, deal structures, and how reducing risk plays a major role in increasing your enterprise value. By looking at valuation from both the owner’s and buyer’s perspectives, we provide a comprehensive understanding of what truly drives value and where the multiple comes from.
One of the most important takeaways is that this entire process is within your control: by reducing risk and improving operational quality, you can take actionable steps to increase the multiple applied to your business’s cash flow, doubling the value of your business giving you more freedom and options.
We also explore how making your cash flow more predictable can significantly enhance your company’s potential for reinvestment, growth, or future opportunities. Additionally, Ken and I discuss the challenges of business ownership, the complexities of scaling, and how you can strategically grow your company's value.
By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear roadmap for taking control of your business’s financial future, with practical insights on how to create sustainable growth through the derisking process.
Brandon Hall is the founder of BGH Valuation Services, LLC, is a seasoned valuation expert with over 2,000 business valuations under his belt. Based in Saint Michael, MN, Brandon holds a B.S. in Accounting from Saint Cloud State University and has extensive experience from his roles at Polaris Industries and Best Buy Corporate. A Certified Valuation Analyst® and Certified Machinery & Equipment Appraiser, Brandon is dedicated to helping businesses understand and maximize their value.[Text Wrapping Break]
Chapters:
- 00:00 – Introduction and Background - Ken Sanginario
- 08:00 – Why Business Owners Must Focus on Cash Flow Valuation
- 15:00 – How Your Cash Flow Increases the Multiple
- 19:30 – Breaking Down the Buildup Methodology
- 27:00 – Strategies to Grow the Enterprise Value of Your Business, Reducing Risk
- 35:00 – Cost of Capital, Understanding the Role of Debt in Business Growth
- 48:00 – Equity Risk Premiums
- 54:00 – Quality vs. Value and the Multiple, Pension Funding through Private Equity
- 59:00 – Cost of Debt
- 1:11:30 – Understanding Company Valuation Metrics
- 1:17:00 – DISC for Business, 8 Primary Functional Categories in a Company
- 1:29:08 - Strategic Ownership Accelerator Discussion
Ryan Tansom is a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, and the founder of Independence by DesignTM, a transformative ownership framework for growth-oriented business owners. After turning around and selling his family business in an eight-figure exit, Ryan spent over a decade dissecting the lessons learned from his journey. His mission is to help other business owners avoid the pitfalls he encountered by providing them with the tools and knowledge to align their business operations with their personal and financial goals.
With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by owner-operators, Ryan developed Independence by DesignTM to empower owner-operators to create sustainable cash flow, grow their company’s equity value, and achieve true independence. He has shared his insights on hundreds of stages, including Vistage, EO, and industry associations, and has reached over 500,000 listeners through his podcast.
Ryan is passionate about helping business owners get unstuck from the day-to-day grind and design a business that serves their life, not the other way around.
Resources:
Website - https://corporatevalue.net/
Email [email protected]
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ksanginario/
Resources Mentioned:
Value Opportunity Profile (VOP) – A system designed to help business owners assess and grow the value of their business.
Certified Value Growth Advisor (CVGA) Certification – A certification program for advisors to help businesses max...
#409: Where is the Money? From Services to E-Commerce: Tracy Bech’s Playbook for Understanding Cash Flow
Independence by Design
10/03/24 • 95 min
In this episode of Independence by DesignTM, I sit down with Tracy Bech, a seasoned entrepreneur who has successfully navigated running multiple companies with vastly different business models. From her first services-based business with high margins to her second venture, an inventory-based e-commerce company with a completely different cash flow model, Tracy shares her journey and the hard-earned lessons about understanding the numbers behind the business.
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Her experience in these contrasting industries inspired her to create 60-Minute CFO, a tool designed to help business owners truly grasp their financials, which is crucial for valuation, cash flow predictability, and ownership success. Tracy’s passion for connecting operations, numbers, and long-term ownership goals makes this episode a must-listen for entrepreneurs wanting to move from day-to-day management to designing a scalable, financially stable business. We dove into how Tracy’s deep understanding of cash flow and metrics allowed her to build systems supporting operational and ownership independence.
We dive into the key steps Matt took to delegate operations, build systems, and free himself from the daily grind, ultimately allowing him to focus on long-term strategy and investing in multiple companies through his holding company, Eidolon Capital. This episode provides a clear path for business owners ready to make the transition from operator to owner, focusing on how to unlock sustainable cash flow, build equity, and design real independence—what I call the Independence by DesignTM ownership mindset.
Tracy Bech is a serial entrepreneur, having started, run, and sold 2 successful businesses. She is passionate about lowering the business failure rate by educating business owners and leaders about best practices and business strategy. She is also CEO at Starboard Collectives, where she facilitates groups of CEOs in niche industries. The groups share financial analyses, best practices and focus on business development. Tracy is a nationally recognized speaker on the topic of small business finance, and also conducts a women in business group in Hood River, Oregon, where she calls home. When not analyzing business ratios, Tracy is likely found on or near the water, dirt or snow, enjoying the great outdoors on boats, bikes or skis.
Chapters:
- 00:00 – Tracy Bech’s Entrepreneurial Journey Across Multiple Industries - Skiing, windsurfing, Nike, SwissArmy, and more
- 11:00 – Creating And Maintaining Websites Early On, Transitioning To An E-Commerce Business With An Inventory-Based Model
- 29:00 – Cash Flow Challenges and Differences Between Business Models
- 32:38 – E-commerce Business challenges, Selling the Web Company- Tracy’s First Exit
- 39:00 – Agency Implosion, Changing the Game
- 42:37 – Why Understanding Cash Flow is Critical for Business Valuation and Ownership, Advice for Entrepreneurs on Navigating Multiple Business Models, Creating a Business That Aligns With Personal and Ownership Goals
- 49:00 – Peer Groups, Connecting Operations to Financial Goals: Tracy’s Formula for Success
- 53:36 – Selling Jewelry Online, Competing with Amazon, Nordstrom, and DTC sales, Metroric Rise of Alex & Ani, Preparing for a Super-Bowl Ad Airing
- 59:37 – E-commerce and the Constant Pressure to Sell
- 1:02:50 – Helping Business Owners Understand Their Numbers, Selling for 50% Value, A Company That Died on the Vine
- 1:12:00 – Meyers - Briggs Personalities, Dad Writing a Draft of 60 Minute CFO
- 1:19:00 – Looking Back, Different Directions Tracy Could Have Gone
- 1:25:14 – 60 Minute CFO Teaches You “How to Fish” By Yourself
- 1:28:00 – Final Thoughts: Mastering Cash Flow, Profits, and Ownership Independence
- Share with the owner/operators you know!
Ryan Tansom is a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, and the founder of Independence by DesignTM, a transformative ownership framework for growth-oriented business owners. After turning around and selling his family business in an eight-figure exit, Ryan spent over a decade dissecting the lessons learned from his journey. His mission is to help other business owners avoid the pitfalls he encountered by providing them with the tools and knowledge to align their business operations with their personal and financial goals.
With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by owner-operators, Ryan developed Independence by DesignTM to empower owner-operators to create sustainable cash flow, grow their company’s equity value, and achieve true independence. He has shared his insights on hundreds of stages, including Vistage, EO, and industry associations, and has reached over 500,000 listene...
Introduction to Independence by Design
Independence by Design
08/28/24 • 61 min
In this first episode of the newly rebranded Independence by DesignTM podcast, host Ryan Tansom introduces a groundbreaking ownership framework designed specifically for growth-oriented business owner-operators who seek true independence. Drawing from his personal experience of turning around and selling his family business, Ryan explains how traditional business operating systems focus on working in the business but fail to address how to work on the business to achieve the ultimate goal: independence.
Ryan details the Independence by DesignTM Ownership Framework, which empowers business owners to create sustainable cash flow, grow their company’s equity value, and free themselves from the day-to-day grind. This framework is built around three essential steps:
1.) Understand the Game – Shift your mindset from operator to owner and master the art of business valuations.
2.) Choose Your Game – Clarify your ownership goals and leverage a powerful ownership advisory team.
3.) Play the Game – Master the business ownership game by creating a strategic financial roadmap that links operational performance to your personal and financial goals.
Ryan emphasizes that this framework is not just about exiting your business but about designing a life of independence where your business serves your personal aspirations, allowing you to do more of what you love. This episode is a must-listen for any owner-operator who feels stuck in the day-to-day operations and wants to take control of their time, wealth, and future.
Chapters:
- 00:00 Introduction and Background
- 01:20 Ryan’s Journey: From Family Business to Creating the Ownership Framework
- 06:00 What is Independence by DesignTM and Why It Matters
- 10:45 Shifting from Operator to Owner: The Key to True Independence
- 15:30 Step 1: Understand the Game – Shifting Mindsets
- 21:15 Step 2: Choose Your Game – Clarifying Ownership Goals
- 25:50 Step 3: Play the Game – Creating a Strategic Financial Roadmap
- 31:00 Aligning Operations with Ownership Goals
- 36:10 Preparing for Future Episodes: Deep Dives into the Framework
- 41:30 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Ryan Tansom is a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, and the founder of Independence by DesignTM, a transformative ownership framework for growth-oriented business owners. After turning around and selling his family business in an eight-figure exit, Ryan spent over a decade dissecting the lessons learned from his journey. His mission is to help other business owners avoid the pitfalls he encountered by providing them with the tools and knowledge to align their business operations with their personal and financial goals.
With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by owner-operators, Ryan developed Independence by DesignTM to empower owner-operators to create sustainable cash flow, grow their company’s equity value, and achieve true independence. He has shared his insights on hundreds of stages, including Vistage, EO, and industry associations, and has reached over 500,000 listeners through his podcast.
Ryan is passionate about helping business owners get unstuck from the day-to-day grind and design a business that serves their life, not the other way around.
Resources:
Book: "Finish Big" by Bo Burlingham
Book: "The E-Myth Revisited" by Michael E. Gerber
Independence by DesignTM Owner’s Workshop https://ryantansom.com/independence-by-design-workshop
Independence by DesignTM Ownership Coaching: Ryan Tansom’s Ownership Accelerator programs and coaching https://ryantansom.com/coaching
Ryan Tansom Website https://ryantansom.com/
Ryan Tansom LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryantansom/
Ryan Tansom Twitter https://twitter.com/RyanTansom
Ryan Tansom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ryantansom
Ryan Tansom 30-Minute Ownership Strategy Call https://calendar.app.google/tsKk7z6ohugDchWq8
#410: Q3 2024 Economic and M&A Update with ITR Economics, ButcherJoseph, and Walker Insights
Independence by Design
10/10/24 • 100 min
In this special Quarterly Economic and M&A Update, I’ve pulled together three powerful conversations to help you, the owner-operator, navigate the current economic landscape and make smarter decisions for your business. We’ll start with Brian Beaulieu from ITR Economics, who provides a detailed breakdown of inflation, interest rates, and how the economy might shift in 2025. Then, Jeff Buettner from ButcherJoseph shares critical insights into M&A trends, offering practical advice on how to position your business for growth through strategic acquisitions. Finally, I wrap up with Tom Walker, where we discuss how to manage capital effectively, handle debt, and plan for long-term wealth creation in today’s complex financial environment.
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If you’re focused on growing your business while staying ahead of economic challenges, this episode gives you actionable strategies to think and operate like a capital allocator.
Chapters:
- 00:00 - Introduction - A quick overview of what to expect from this quarterly update and why it's critical for owner-operators right now
- 02:05 - Segment 1: Economic Forecast with Brian Beaulieu (ITR Economics), Inflation isn’t going away soon, but understanding the trends helps you prepare
- 08:32 - Don’t wait for interest rate cuts—start positioning your business today - 2025 offers growth potential if you’re prepared to act when the market turns
- 12:23 - Financial resiliency analysis - financial forecasting and business strategy
- 23:34 - Owner-operators in Ryan’s workshops
- 25:00 - Don’t expect the government to help you in the next political cycle
- Business leadership and future planning
- Economic trends and market activity
- 28:00 - Segment 2: M&A Trends with Jeff Buettner (ButcherJoseph), watching the Fed and their moves
- 33:00 - Rising interest rates are a challenge, but they’re also slowing down your competition—use that to your advantage, asset-heavy industries are seeing more deal flow, so positioning your company for growth through M&A is critical
- 37:00 - Flexible Deal Structures for Business Owners - Strategic buyers are on the hunt—find out how to make your business attractive for acquisition
- 41:00 - Acquisition strategies for business owners, positioning your company for the future, strategic business valuation and planning
- 52:39 - ESOPs and personal guarantees
- 55:40 - Assess whether your business is ready for a strategic acquisition or if you should be on the lookout for options to increase value
- 1:11:36 - Segment 3: Strategic Capital Allocation with “fractional CFO” Tom Walker of Walker Insights
- 1:14:00 - Navigating financial uncertainty, oversimplifying, low interest rates foster bad decisions
- 1:20:02 - Farmland data, investment trends and challenges, renting farmland
- 1:25:21 - How will we return to “normalcy”? Potential debt defaults, navigating economic uncertainty in agriculture
- 1:34:00 - What to watch in the economy
- Share with the owner/operators you know!
Ryan Tansom is a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, and the founder of Independence by DesignTM, a transformative ownership framework for growth-oriented business owners. After turning around and selling his family business in an eight-figure exit, Ryan spent over a decade dissecting the lessons learned from his journey. His mission is to help other business owners avoid the pitfalls he encountered by providing them with the tools and knowledge to align their business operations with their personal and financial goals.
With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by owner-operators, Ryan developed Independence by DesignTM to empower owner-operators to create sustainable cash flow, grow their company’s equity value, and achieve true independence. He has shared his insights on hundreds of stages, including Vistage, EO, and industry associations, and has reached over 500,000 listeners through his podcast.
Ryan is passionate about helping business owners get unstuck from the day-to-day grind and design a business that serves their life, not the other way around.
Resources:
Brian Beaulieu
Website: ITR Economics https://itreconomics.com
LinkedIn: Brian Beaulieu https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-beaulieu
Jeff Buettner
Website: ButcherJoseph https://butcherjoseph.com
LinkedIn: Jeff Buettner
#416: Behind the Curtain: How Ultra-Wealthy Families Manage Their Business Assets with Brandon Henry
Independence by Design
11/21/24 • 69 min
In this episode of Independence by DesignTM, I have a fascinating discussion with Brandon Henry, who works closely with billionaires and ultra-high-net-worth families as part of a family office. This conversation is invaluable for owner-operators running middle-market companies, offering a glimpse into the world of sophisticated wealth management and how even the wealthiest families are navigating challenges. Brandon's insights highlight that you don’t need to have everything figured out right away, and that even those at the top are still trying to professionalize ownership and create strategic options.
We explore how these ultra-wealthy families wrestle with decisions that are just as complex as those faced by smaller businesses and why professionalizing ownership isn't just for billionaires. Brandon shares the key differences between financial capital (like tax, legal, and investment strategies) and family capital (managing dynamics and decision-making), and how the best families learn to separate operating the business from owning the asset. This episode provides practical takeaways on how to think about your business as a strategic asset, improve your decision-making, and create optionality for your future.
Brandon Henry is a seasoned wealth advisor and governance strategist specializing in helping ultra-high-net-worth families and first-generation entrepreneurs master the complexities of family business, estate planning, and capital allocation. With a deep understanding of financial capital and family dynamics, Brandon works at the intersection of ownership strategy and wealth management to help families achieve generational independence.
Chapters:
- (00:00) Intro of guest Brandon Henry
- (07:10) Financial Capital vs. Family Capital
- (12:45) Why Professionalizing Ownership Is Crucial, Maximizing Options for Family Ownership, Family Office Complexity
- (20:05) Understanding Financial Statements and Ownership Framework
- (26:14) Improving Decision Making With Three Statements, Aligning Business and Family Goals
- (32:15) Valuations, Estate Planning & Taxes, and Understanding Risk, Wealth Building Through Risk Management
- (46:19) Navigating Ownership and Succession Planning
- (57:44) Mapping Family Ownership Strategy, Entrepreneurial Parents and Future Opportunities
- (1:00:00) Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways
- Share with the owner/operators you know!
Ryan Tansom is a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, and the founder of Independence by DesignTM, a transformative ownership framework for growth-oriented business owners. After turning around and selling his family business in an eight-figure exit, Ryan spent over a decade dissecting the lessons learned from his journey. His mission is to help other business owners avoid the pitfalls he encountered by providing them with the tools and knowledge to align their business operations with their personal and financial goals.
With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by owner-operators, Ryan developed Independence by DesignTM to empower owner-operators to create sustainable cash flow, grow their company’s equity value, and achieve true independence. He has shared his insights on hundreds of stages, including Vistage, EO, and industry associations, and has reached over 500,000 listeners through his podcast.
Ryan is passionate about helping business owners get unstuck from the day-to-day grind and design a business that serves their life, not the other way around.
Resources:
Independence by Design #350 - “What it Means to “Think Like an Owner” with Brandon Henry
The Intentional Growth Podcast Archives – Discover more about ownership thinking.
Built to Sell by John Warrillow – Create a business that thrives without you.
The Great Game of Business by Jack Stack – Make financial literacy a strategic advantage.
LinkedIn: Brandon Henry
Website: Mosaic Advisors
https://ryantansom.com/independence-by-design-workshop Independence by DesignTM Ownership Coaching: Ryan Tansom’s Ownership Accelerator programs and coaching https://ryantansom.com/coaching
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FAQ
How many episodes does Independence by Design have?
Independence by Design currently has 19 episodes available.
What topics does Independence by Design cover?
The podcast is about Entrepreneurship, Podcasts and Business.
What is the most popular episode on Independence by Design?
The episode title 'Introduction to Independence by Design' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Independence by Design?
The average episode length on Independence by Design is 74 minutes.
How often are episodes of Independence by Design released?
Episodes of Independence by Design are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Independence by Design?
The first episode of Independence by Design was released on Aug 28, 2024.
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