))
Tips and advice to run a successful construction business from two long-term industry professionals: Wade Carpenter, a construction CPA, and Stephen Brown, a construction bond agent. Each host has unique, but complementary views and advice from each of their 30+ years in the contracting industry. Their goal is to promote healthy, thought-provoking discussions and tips for running a better, more profitable, and successful company. Subscribe for new insights and discussion every week. Visit Co ...
…
continue reading
Welcome to the Poised for Exit podcast! Poised for Exit is an under 30-minute strategic planning guidance podcast for busy small business owners. Each week you’ll hear certified exit planning advisor, Julie Keyes, talk with a range of entrepreneurs and professionals about preparing your business for a future transition. Guests at every stage of company ownership will share their personal stories and lessons learned about topics such as the anatomy of the exit planning process, developing a g ...
…
continue reading
Inside the Fence Line features conversations with the thought leaders shaping national defense. Host Jason Barbour sits down with guests from government, military, industry, and academia to discuss their stories and the ever-changing defense and intelligence landscape. AFCEA Central Maryland Chapter (AFCEA-CMD) is a non-profit membership association dedicated to providing an ethical, interactive forum for sharing knowledge and building relationships across government, military, industry, and ...
…
continue reading
Curious how Trump and Harris's tax plans could impact your construction business? We break down the key proposals and what they mean for contractors. Learn how to prepare your finances for potential changes. Watch now to stay ahead of the game! Topics we cover in this episode include: 03:23 - Corporate Tax Rates 06:42 - Individual Tax Proposals 10:…
…
continue reading
We had the honor of hosting John Francis on the show today, who is a long time entrepreneur, advisor and Board member. John grew up with a family business that started a franchise operation in the salon business and then launched another brand in the same industry. They grew it so well that it eventually went public. John attributes that outcome du…
…
continue reading
No Plan B: The All-in Approach of a Boat Burner It's not often that we feature our clients as guests on the show, but every now and then we have to ask! boatBurner has such a compelling story, we hoped they'd say yes, and they did. They're a creative services agency, who focuses on CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) from an all-in perspective. No plan B…
…
continue reading
In this episode, we explore how your construction background can significantly shape the success of your company. Whether you come from a large corporation or a small hands-on business, your experience plays a key role in managing operations, handling finances, and growing your business. We share real-world examples and discuss how different backgr…
…
continue reading
What does it take to be a female CEO of a Regional Bank? Tenacity! Our guest in today's episode is Angie O'Neill, President and CEO of MN Bank & Trust. Angie shares some very interesting stories and perspectives that were inspiring and motivating as well. How many female CEOs of a bank do you know? We didn't personally know any until today's show! …
…
continue reading
Ready to supercharge your construction business? We're breaking down 25 proven strategies to grow your construction company. From networking to financial management, we've got the insider tips you need to take your business to new heights. Watch now to learn how successful contractors are crushing it in today's market. Don't forget to like, subscri…
…
continue reading
Avoid M&A Pitfalls with Trust as a Guiding Principle We had Matt Hartranft in the studio today! Matt is a partner and M&A attorney with Brutlag, Trucke and Dougherty. We spent a great deal of time discussing how established trust is essential in shortening the duration of the deal to closing, and in deal negotiations in general. Matt says that in t…
…
continue reading
Unlock the power of strategic thinking in construction with the Six Thinking Hats approach. Learn how to make better decisions, spot risks, and find innovative solutions for your projects. Dive into each hat's unique perspective and transform your business mindset. #ConstructionSuccess #StrategicThinking #BusinessLeadership What we cover on this ep…
…
continue reading
Private Investigators and Dealmakers are Teaming up More Often than Ever! We covered an unusual topic in this episode, that we learned wasn't so unusual afterall. Private investigations within the M&A space. As buyers and sellers become more leary of the trustworthiness between them during dealmaking, the advisory team is completing the circle of t…
…
continue reading
In this episode of the Contractor Success Forum, we dive into the world of lean construction-a game-changing approach that helps contractors complete projects faster, safer, and with higher quality. Hosts Wade Carpenter and Stephen Brown discuss the key principles of lean construction, including the 5S methodology, waste reduction strategies, and h…
…
continue reading
Trust Matters Now more than Ever: Learn from the Experts We had the privilege of interviewing Brian Slipka and David Horsager together in the studio today to talk about the books they’ve both recently written! The conversation eventually lead to the concept of trust and how it can be so quickly depleted in today’s society. David is an author, speak…
…
continue reading
Sold over 330 Businesses and He's just getting Started! On the #Poised for Exit podcast this week we had the honor of hosting Manoj Moorjani today, who's a Dealmaker at Calhoun Companies. Manoj has sold over 330 companies since starting his career as a business broker. He's about as well known as they come in the Midwest, and for good reason. He's …
…
continue reading
This week, we explore how AI is transforming the construction industry. Discover how AI tools can automate tasks, streamline project management, and improve efficiency, ultimately making your business more profitable. Whether you're already using AI or just curious, this episode offers practical insights to help you leverage this powerful technolog…
…
continue reading
Discover how to automate your construction business with Make.com! 🚧💡 Wade and Stephen share real-world examples of streamlining operations, from capturing receipts to generating reports. Learn to save time, reduce errors, and focus on growth. 📈 Watch now to boost efficiency and profitability! What we cover on this episode: 00:44 - Embracing techno…
…
continue reading
Overview of the 7th Annual Owner's Forum: "Go or Grow!" We had the pleasure of hosting Todd Krough in the studio today. Todd is a wealth manager for MN Bank and Trust, and is also the incoming President for the Twin Cities Metro Area Chapter of the Exit Planning Institute. We discussed highlights of previous Owner's Forum events and what to expect …
…
continue reading
Struggling with cash flow as your construction business grows? Learn essential strategies to maximize profit and maintain cash flow during critical growth stages. Wade Carpenter and Stephen Brown share expert insights on navigating financial challenges. Watch now for practical tips on pricing, billing, and cash management. Don't let growth sink you…
…
continue reading
Business Succession Research Completed by the University of MN Our guest for today's show is Michael Darger, U of M Extension Specialist, who focuses on community economics and Business Succession. His background in years with Economic Development agencies led him to focus on Business Retention and Expansion work, which eventually landed him at the…
…
continue reading
What does it take to be an Olympic-level contractor, consistently setting the gold standard in construction? Join Wade Carpenter and Stephen Brown as they explore the key traits and practices that separate the good from the truly great. Discover how you can push your team to win every time. #ContractorSuccessForum #OlympicCaliberContractor #Constru…
…
continue reading
Women Contractors Who Grow Their Companies by Growing Their Networks We had the honor of interviewing two women from the Association of Women Contractors in today's episode! Barb Lau, its Executive Director, and Missy Scherber, an AWC member and Co-founder of Scherber Excavating. It was a fabulous conversation! AWC was founded by a small group of w…
…
continue reading
Are you bidding your construction jobs correctly? Learn the crucial difference between margin and markup to boost your profits. We'll show you how to reverse engineer your bids for success and maximize your cash flow. Watch now and transform your bidding strategy! What we cover on this episode: 01:21 - Reverse engineering profit margins 03:23 - Und…
…
continue reading
The Corporate Transparency Act: What you Need to Know Our guest for today's show is Scott Seiler, Founder and Partner at Seiler Law. Scott and his team practice in the areas of business M&A, employer representation, and several other related practice areas that pertain to the needs of entrepreneurs. The requirements for filing under the Corporate T…
…
continue reading
Discover the 5 stages of construction company growth and what they mean for your success. From startup to maturity, learn how to navigate challenges and seize opportunities at each stage. Watch now to understand where your business stands and plan for the future! Topics we cover on this episode include: 01:47 - The Startup stage 03:06 - The Surviva…
…
continue reading
RISR: Empowering the Business Owner's Most Trusted Advisor We talked today with Jason Early, the Founder and CEO of RISR, a tool used by advisors to business owners looking to understand the value of their companies and what they can do to maximize a future exit. Jason is not new to the M&A space. Through his various leadership roles, he's become w…
…
continue reading
Struggling to get bonds for bigger construction jobs? We've got you covered! Learn how to push through job size issues with your surety company and take your contracting business to the next level. Watch now for practical tips and insider advice! Topics we cover on this episode include: 02:23 - Underwriter concerns and considerations 05:56 - Cash f…
…
continue reading
How to Best Utilize a Board of Directors for your ESOP Company Today's show featured a return of CFO, Andy Yetzer of YTS Companies and one of his Independent Board Members, Ken Saddler, who's also a Fractional CFO and former guest as well. We covered a topic on how best to use your Board in an ESOP. YTS Enterprises is the owner of three companies a…
…
continue reading
Do you know if you're bidding your job properly to manage it for your cash flow? Struggling to keep your finances in order despite your best efforts? You're not alone. And today we're going to tackle some of these issues head on. Topics we cover on this episode include: 03:23 - Profit First implementation challenges 07:17 - Instant assessment diffi…
…
continue reading
In the fifth episode of the Inside the Fence Line podcast, we are joined by Andrew Gehman, the CEO of Black Eagle Defense and COO of Signum Technologies. Andrew has built a thriving government contracting business and created one of the leading small business communities in the central Maryland area. In this episode, we discuss working overseas, hi…
…
continue reading
1
SLATs, CRTs, and IDGTs, Oh My! Utilizing Trusts to Optimize Estate Planning and Business Sale Proceeds
23:01
SLATs, CRTs, and IDGTs, Oh My! Utilizing Trusts to Optimize Estate Planning and Business Sale Proceeds Our episode today featured Christine Schmidt and Julie Westbrock, advisors with Trust Point. Both are heavily involved with business owner clients; one from the Family Office area and the other from the Wealth Management area. Today's topic was no…
…
continue reading
Discover how modern technology is transforming the construction industry! In this episode of Contractor Success Forum, Wade Carpenter and Stephen Brown discuss real-world case studies that showcase the benefits of implementing technology on job sites. From cost savings to increased efficiency, learn how you can leverage these tools to improve your …
…
continue reading
Protect your construction site from theft! In this episode, we discuss the rising issue of job site theft and how it impacts your business. Learn practical tips to safeguard your equipment and materials, especially during holidays. Don't let theft eat into your profits - listen now and secure your assets! Topics we cover on this episode include: 00…
…
continue reading
Reluctantly Resilient: Tools for Building Resilience in Transition Author and CEO, Chrissy Myers joined us today on Poised for Exit. Chrissy's experiences in family business transition (her own) coupled with the services she delivers for business owners made for a very interesting interview! Chrissy's family firm is 50 years old. She bought it in 2…
…
continue reading
Struggling to finish that last 2% of a construction job? 🚧 In this episode, Wade Carpenter and Stephen Brown discuss real-world case studies of projects that went off the rails in the final stages. Discover best practices to avoid costly delays, rework, and legal battles as you close out your next project. 💪 Watch now for expert tips on punch lists…
…
continue reading
Lessons Learned: Navigating Company Culture during a Business Sale Today's episode featured Brent Peterson, Founder and President of several companies over the years, and most recently a firm called ContentBasis. Brent shared his exit story with us today that he believes could have been so much better, had he known then what he knows now! Of course…
…
continue reading
Have you ever had trouble finding good help? Can't find good qualified people? It's been tough in the construction market, but there are ways to find good help at a reasonable cost. Let’s break them down this week on the podcast. On this episode, we discuss: The current state of the labor shortage in construction and accounting Why companies are st…
…
continue reading
You've got a new construction project. Everyone's excited to get started, but are you doing the right things or are you setting yourself up for failure? Let’s talk about the essential items that should be on your checklist for a successful project. Topics we cover in this episode include: Start off with good communication Get the mobilization and u…
…
continue reading
They say history repeats itself, and this is definitely true in construction. What can we learn from what happened in the past so it doesn't repeat itself? Let’s talk about it this week. Topics we cover in this episode include: What we've learned from periods like recession and Covid 19 Be aware of economic cycles and how to get through the downtur…
…
continue reading
Why Culture Matters when you're Poised for Exit Our guest for today's episode is Dave Sparkman, Founder and Culture advisor with Spark Your Culture Advisory Services. Dave's corporate and accounting background (as a former CPA with Arthur Andersen) have served him well in his advisory practice. His biggest project to date was in leading the Culture…
…
continue reading
Have you ever noticed that some people do really well in construction while others really struggle? What do they know that you don't? Today we're talking about seven secrets to building a successful construction company. Topics we cover in this episode include: Engage in effective financial management Build a strong team around you, internally and …
…
continue reading
Tax Strategies to Maximize After-Tax Proceeds of a Business Sale We had the pleasure of interviewing Greg Carlson, CPA partner with Boyum Barensheer who specializes in tax strategies for privately held companies. Greg has been working with owners for over 30 years and he could really share some stories. His work has surely made a significant impact…
…
continue reading
What happens when things go wrong on a job? When they do, what can we learn from it so that we don't make the same mistakes again? Stephen has a case study this week that contains multiple important lessons that all contractors should hear. Topics we cover in this episode include: A case study in construction failure Breaking down the facts Make su…
…
continue reading
1
Next Level Collaboration in Exit Planning: Dealmakers and Manufacturers Team up for Better Owner Outcomes!
23:50
Next Level Collaboration in Exit Planning: Dealmakers and Manufacturers Team up for Better Owner Outcomes! We had the pleasure of welcoming two guests, representing two different industries, but working together to achieve better outcomes for their manufacturing business clients. Kevin Szozda, Director of Strategic Relationships with Sunbelt Busine…
…
continue reading
Are you finding all the work you want to do? Trouble finding leads? Does social media help? Today, marketing expert Amanda Darr is here to help us figure that out. Topics we cover in this episode include: Start by defining your ideal client Get a domain and business email set up Set up a website - it doesn't have to be complicated Does your constru…
…
continue reading
Using Data to Drive Decisions for Growth, Acquisitions and Exit Our guest for this episode is Luke Komiskey, Founder and CEO of DataDrive, a data analytics company who enables its clients to make fast, informed decisions through the use of data and AI! Luke says he's always been an entrepreneur at heart and has enjoyed the challenge of starting and…
…
continue reading
Not getting the information you need from your construction accounting software? Have you outgrown your software? How would you know if you did? And how do you start the search for the right software to replace it? Let's talk about it all on this week's episode. Topics we cover in this episode include: Are you having trouble integrating with other …
…
continue reading
A Story of two Brothers, their Music and their Give-Back Mission It all started for Julie when she attended a Christmas Concert by the O'Neill Brothers that impressed her so much, she decided to invite them to be on the show. Both brothers are accomplished musicians; mostly piano, and have had their music downloaded over 2 Billion times worldwide! …
…
continue reading
Are you putting yourself at risk for an IRS audit? What kind of things do the IRS target for contractors? We're breaking it down on the podcast this week. Topics we cover in this episode include: Accounting method rules based on the type of contractor you are Contract-related services and advanced payments Things on the expense side that can trigge…
…
continue reading
A Financial Advisor’s Journey from Global M&A to Private Business Clients Today we had the pleasure of interviewing Jeremy Weston, a financial advisor with Edward Jones whose unique background sets him apart in the financial advisory space. Jeremy's education in Business Finance first led him to work for large manufacturing corporations, primarily …
…
continue reading
Retainage. If you deal with it, is that job holding your company back? Are you being the bank for your job owner? Does it stunt your cashflow and growth? What can you do about it? Find out on this week's episode. Topics we cover in this episode include: What is retainage? Retainage can sunt your company's growth if you don't bid jobs properly A ret…
…
continue reading
A Partnership Exit Strategy where Everyone Wins Our guest Host for today was Chris Jones, President of True North M&A. Chris interviewed his firms' advisor, Tim Schinke and Tim's client, Dan Sundin. Dan is the co-founder and CEO of Innovative Technology Partners (ITP), a managed services tech company in the Twin Cities. Dan and his partners, Andy a…
…
continue reading
Safety and workers comp insurance have several challenges, but what are the best solutions? Stephen brings his insight to this week's episode. Here's what you need to know about what Workers Comp can do for you, the most common type of claims, when to file a claim, experience mods, and more. Topics we cover in this episode include: What Workers Com…
…
continue reading
