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What is Exit Planning?, with Bill McDermott, Host of ProfitSense

September 24, 2024 by John Ray

What is Exit Planning?, with Bill McDermott, Host of ProfitSense
North Fulton Studio
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What is Exit Planning?, with Bill McDermott, Host of ProfitSense

What is Exit Planning?, with Bill McDermott, Host of ProfitSense

In this commentary from a recent episode of ProfitSense, Bill McDermott, The Profitability Coach, explains why exit planning is much more than simply selling a business.

Bill’s commentary was taken from this episode of ProfitSense.

ProfitSense with Bill McDermott is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton Studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta.

Transcript

 I want to talk a minute about “what is exit planning anyway?”  Business owners may hear the phrase exit planning thrown around fairly often. But what is exit planning anyway? Every business owner dreams of that sunny retirement, sipping drinks on a beach, free from the daily grind. Yet many of us are so caught up in the hustle that we forget to plan for the big.

What’s next?  Exiting our business.  Is exit planning just another buzzword, or is there something more to it?  At its core, exit planning is about ensuring you can leave your business on your terms. It’s about making sure you just don’t walk away with a nice goodbye card and a piece of cake, but with the financial freedom you’ve worked so hard to achieve. 

On one hand, exit planning is a meticulous process. It involves numbers, valuations, legal documents, and sometimes a few uncomfortable conversations.  On the other hand, it’s deeply personal. It’s about your legacy, your future, and yes, your dreams. The challenge? Balancing these practicalities with your personal aspirations. 

Let’s be honest, this can be overwhelming, but here’s the good news: you don’t have to go it alone. With the right exit planning coaching, you can navigate each step confidently, ensuring your business thrives even after you step away. It’s like having a copilot on that road trip—someone to remind you to check the oil and suggest the best scenic routes.

So whether you’re just starting to think about your exit or are knee deep in the process, remember this.  Exit planning. Isn’t just about leaving. It’s about leaving well, and that’s something we can all get behind.

About ProfitSense and Your Host, Bill McDermott

Bill McDermott
Bill McDermott

ProfitSense with Bill McDermott dives into the stories behind some of Atlanta’s successful businesses and business owners and the professionals that advise them. This show helps local business leaders get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, their community, and their profession.

Follow this link to find the show archive.

The show is presented by The Profitability Coach. The Profitability Coach helps business owners improve cash flow and profitability, find financing, break through barriers to expansion, and financially prepare to exit their business.

Bill McDermott is the Founder and CEO of The Profitability Coach. When business owners want to increase their profitability, they don’t have the expertise to know where to start or what to do. Bill leverages his knowledge and relationships from 32 years as a banker to identify the hurdles getting in the way and create a plan to deliver profitability they never thought possible.

Bill currently serves as Treasurer for the Atlanta Executive Forum and has held previous positions as a board member for the Kennesaw State University Entrepreneurship Center, Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity, and Treasurer for CEO NetWeavers. Bill is a graduate of Wake Forest University, and he and his wife, Martha, have called Atlanta home for over 40 years. Outside of work, Bill enjoys golf, traveling, and gardening.

Connect with Bill on LinkedIn and Instagram and follow The Profitability Coach on LinkedIn.

Tagged With: Bill McDermott, exit planning, Profitability Coach Bill McDermott, ProfitSense, ProfitSense with Bill McDermott, selling a business, selling a company, The Profitability Coach

Desiree Caldwell, Elite HR Logistics, Jason Etheridge, Logic Speak, and Sean Shannon, Strategic Growth Design

September 12, 2024 by John Ray

Desiree Caldwell, Elite HR Logistics, Inc., Jason Etheridge, LogicSpeak, and Sean Shannon, Strategic Growth Design, on ProfitSense with host Bill McDermott
North Fulton Studio
Desiree Caldwell, Elite HR Logistics, Jason Etheridge, Logic Speak, and Sean Shannon, Strategic Growth Design
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Desiree Caldwell, Elite HR Logistics, Inc., Jason Etheridge, LogicSpeak, and Sean Shannon, Strategic Growth Design, on ProfitSense with host Bill McDermott

Desiree Caldwell, Elite HR Logistics, Jason Etheridge, Logic Speak, and Sean Shannon, Strategic Growth Design (ProfitSense with Bill McDermott, Episode 61)

This episode of ProfitSense with host Bill McDermott features three distinguished entrepreneurs who share their expertise in navigating various complexities of managing a business. Desiree Caldwell from Elite HR Logistics discusses modern HR challenges, employee engagement, and the role of technology in streamlining HR processes. Jason Etheridge, Logic Speak, reveals key moments from his 20-year journey in the IT service industry, covering topics such as financial growth, acquisition, and managing technological change. Lastly, Sean Shannon from Strategic Growth Design elaborates on the critical components of a successful sales strategy, the importance of aligning sales and marketing, and the nuances of sales leadership.

Bill McDermott concludes the show with a commentary on going beyond exit planning as a buzzword.

ProfitSense with Bill McDermott is sponsored and presented by Bill McDermott, The Profitability Coach, and the show is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton Studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta.

Desiree Caldwell, Elite HR Logistics, Inc.

Desiree Caldwell, Director of People & Culture / President, Elite HR Logistics, on ProfitSense with Host Bill McDermott
Desiree Caldwell, President and Director of People & Culture, Elite HR Logistics, Inc.

Desiree Caldwell is President and Director of People & Culture at Elite HR Logistics, Inc.

Elite HR Logistics is dedicated to providing exceptional hiring and staffing solutions to keep businesses running smoothly. Founded on the principle of putting people and family first, Elite HR Logistics delivers outstanding service through a flexible and comprehensive approach, ensuring teams are equipped with professionals who are ready to perform at their best.

Specializing in finding dedicated candidates who are passionate, eager to contribute, and ready to grow, Elite HR Logistics leverages over 30 years of combined experience in the logistics industry. The company excels in safety, service, and building strong relationships, making it a trusted partner in workforce management.

Elite HR Logistics’ streamlined process saves clients time, money, and resources, allowing them to focus on their core business operations without interruption. The company manages all aspects of the hiring process, including recruiting, dispatch, payroll, education verification, background checks, DOT compliance, and more. Whether clients need temp-to-hire industrial employees or long-term team members, Elite HR Logistics provides hands-on service and industry expertise to meet all staffing needs.

With a unique ability to find talent where others aren’t looking, Elite HR Logistics equips candidates with the tools they need to succeed and places them with reputable businesses across the United States. Committed to helping clients build strong, adaptable workforces, Elite HR Logistics is the partner of choice for driving business success. The road to success starts with Elite HR Logistics.

Website | LinkedIn | Desiree’s LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)

Jason Etheridge, Logic Speak

Jason Etheridge, Logic Speak, on ProfitSense with host Bill McDermott
Jason Etheridge, Founder & President, Logic Speak

Jason Etheridge is the Founder and President of Logic Speak

Logic Speak works with local Atlanta businesses to provide proactive Technology Strategy, Support and Security. Since 2004, Logic Speak has focused on making a positive impact on organizations to leverage technology better.

IT Strategy: A well-defined technology strategy is essential for aligning IT initiatives with business goals. It involves identifying the right technologies that can drive innovation, enhance productivity, and improve operational efficiency. By developing a clear roadmap, you can ensure that your technology investments are strategic and yield long-term benefits.

Support: Effective technology support is crucial for maintaining a productive workforce. It involves providing timely assistance and troubleshooting for IT-related issues. This can range from software and hardware support to network and infrastructure management. By ensuring that employees have access to reliable support services, you can minimize downtime and maximize productivity.

Security: Security is paramount in today’s digital world, especially with the rise of cyber threats. A strong security strategy involves implementing measures to protect sensitive data and systems from unauthorized access, breaches, and other security risks. This includes deploying firewalls, encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular security audits.

Find out more at www.logicspeak.com or email us at hello@logicspeak.com

Website | LinkedIn | Jason’s LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Sean Shannon, Strategic Growth Design

Sean Shannon, President, Strategic Growth Design, on ProfitSense with Bill McDermott
Sean Shannon, President, Strategic Growth Design

Sean Shannon is the President of Strategic Growth Design.

Strategic Growth Design helps small and medium sized businesses and start ups chart a path to sustainable growth through thoughtful strategy and disciplined processes.  Sales is the engine that drives growth and yet little thought is given to the infrastructure that’s necessary to create repeatable success.

SGD offers business owners and CEOs the opportunity to engage on a project basis or as fractional sales leadership, all driven by the needs of the organization.  Some simply need the processes; others need the leadership only years of experience can bring on an interim basis.  The pros at Strategic Growth Design are ready to roll their sleeves up and get to work driving revenue north and mental anguish south.

Website | LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to Profit Sense
01:20 Guest Introduction: Desiree Caldwell of Elite HR Logistics
01:40 Navigating Modern HR Challenges
02:52 Employee Engagement and Retention Strategies
04:50 The Role of Technology in HR
05:52 Success Stories from Elite HR
07:32 Fostering Healthy Workplace Cultures
09:36 Guest Introduction: Jason Etheridge of Logic Speak
10:05 Pivotal Moments in LogicSpeak’s Journey
11:35 Managing Financial Growth
14:45 Adapting to Technological Changes
18:00 Sales Strategies and Community Service
22:46 Guest Introduction: Sean Shannon of Strategic Growth Design
23:07 Key Elements of a Successful Sales Strategy
26:58 Aligning Sales and Marketing
28:32 Compensation Design for Sales Teams
30:59 Responding to Market Disruption
34:44 The Importance of Exit Planning
36:37 Conclusion and How to Stay Connected

About ProfitSense and Your Host, Bill McDermott

Bill McDermott
Bill McDermott

ProfitSense with Bill McDermott dives into the stories behind some of Atlanta’s successful businesses and business owners and the professionals that advise them. This show helps local business leaders get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, their community, and their profession.

Follow this link to find the show archive.

The show is presented by The Profitability Coach. The Profitability Coach helps business owners improve cash flow and profitability, find financing, break through barriers to expansion, and financially prepare to exit their business.

Bill McDermott is the Founder and CEO of The Profitability Coach. When business owners want to increase their profitability, they don’t have the expertise to know where to start or what to do. Bill leverages his knowledge and relationships from 32 years as a banker to identify the hurdles getting in the way and create a plan to deliver profitability they never thought possible.

Bill currently serves as Treasurer for the Atlanta Executive Forum and has held previous positions as a board member for the Kennesaw State University Entrepreneurship Center, Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity, and Treasurer for CEO NetWeavers. Bill is a graduate of Wake Forest University, and he and his wife, Martha, have called Atlanta home for over 40 years. Outside of work, Bill enjoys golf, traveling, and gardening.

Connect with Bill on LinkedIn and Instagram and follow The Profitability Coach on LinkedIn.

Tagged With: Bill McDermott, Desiree Caldwell, Elite HR Logistics, it services, it services provider, Jason Etheridge, LogicSpeak, ProfitSense, ProfitSense with Bill McDermott, Sales, sales management, Sean Shannon, staffing, Strategic Growth Design, talent retention, workplace culture

What is Profitability?, with Bill McDermott, Host of ProfitSense

September 9, 2024 by John Ray

What is Profitability? with Bill McDermott, The Profitability Coach
North Fulton Studio
What is Profitability?, with Bill McDermott, Host of ProfitSense
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What is Profitability? with Bill McDermott, The Profitability Coach

What is Profitability?, with Bill McDermott, Host of ProfitSense

In this commentary from a recent episode of ProfitSense, Bill McDermott, The Profitability Coach, defines profitability and discusses the dynamics behind it.

Bill’s commentary was taken from this episode of ProfitSense.

ProfitSense with Bill McDermott is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton Studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta.

Transcript

I want to take a moment and share with our listeners the question, what is profitability anyway? Today, I’d like to talk about profitability being the profitability coach. That’s a word we throw out a lot, but what exactly is profitability? Simply stated, profitability is how efficiently a company makes a profit.

A high gross or net margin shows a company is highly efficient in profitability. A low gross or net margin is highly inefficient in profitability. However, there are industry norms which can also dictate profitability. Service businesses usually make. Higher margins manufacturers typically lower. And the primary reason is manufacturers typically are more asset intensive than a service businesses are.

So how does a company increase profitability? Revenue, often called the top line, is the total income generated from the sale of goods or services. Increasing revenue is crucial for success and can often be done through things like developing a marketing strategy and diversifying offerings. It’s also important to manage costs effectively.

Costs are expenses incurred in running a business, including products and materials, labor, rent, utilities, and marketing expenses. Understanding the difference between fixed costs, expenses that remain constant regardless of production levels, like rent, and variable costs, expenses that vary with production, like ingredients, can help business owners make informed decisions to maximize profitability.

Try keeping fixed costs low and efficient as well as managing variable costs. With a solid understanding of profitability, success is within reach. How are you doing with your profitability?

About ProfitSense and Your Host, Bill McDermott

Bill McDermott
Bill McDermott

ProfitSense with Bill McDermott dives into the stories behind some of Atlanta’s successful businesses and business owners and the professionals that advise them. This show helps local business leaders get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, their community, and their profession.

Follow this link to find the show archive.

The show is presented by The Profitability Coach. The Profitability Coach helps business owners improve cash flow and profitability, find financing, break through barriers to expansion, and financially prepare to exit their business.

Bill McDermott is the Founder and CEO of The Profitability Coach. When business owners want to increase their profitability, they don’t have the expertise to know where to start or what to do. Bill leverages his knowledge and relationships from 32 years as a banker to identify the hurdles getting in the way and create a plan to deliver profitability they never thought possible.

Bill currently serves as Treasurer for the Atlanta Executive Forum and has held previous positions as a board member for the Kennesaw State University Entrepreneurship Center, Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity, and Treasurer for CEO NetWeavers. Bill is a graduate of Wake Forest University, and he and his wife, Martha, have called Atlanta home for over 40 years. Outside of work, Bill enjoys golf, traveling, and gardening.

Connect with Bill on LinkedIn and Instagram and follow The Profitability Coach on LinkedIn.

Tagged With: Bill McDermott, profitability, ProfitSense, ProfitSense with Bill McDermott, The Profitability Coach

What Do After Loss Professionals Do?, with Rachel Donnelly, AfterLight

September 9, 2024 by John Ray

What Do After Loss Professionals Do?, with Rachel Donnelly, AfterLight
North Fulton Studio
What Do After Loss Professionals Do?, with Rachel Donnelly, AfterLight
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What Do After Loss Professionals Do?, with Rachel Donnelly, AfterLight

What Do After Loss Professionals Do?, with Rachel Donnelly, AfterLight

Rachel Donnelly: One of the things that people have to do when they become an executor is put together the process of how they’re going to attack it.

And we come in and help them to really get organized, do an audit and inventory of their loved one’s assets and debts, put together a spreadsheet because that is the biggest part of being an executor, is getting organized from the beginning. And one of the mistakes that I made in being an executor, so I’ve taken the mistakes I’ve made, the mistakes I see executors make and reverse engineer that into a proven process that we utilize over and over again.

Every client engagement is customized. Every client engagement is different, but we have that framework that we work with clients to do over and over again. Okay, let’s put together the scaffolding of your loved one’s affairs from, like I said, their assets and debts to the intangible assets, their photos that may be behind a username and password at a Google Drive, or what did they want to have happen to their Facebook account?

So we do a very detailed inventory and then systematically. And then we work alongside them per the wishes of the will, or the sort of laundry list the estate attorney has given them and say, okay, let’s follow along with that. Let’s close, transfer, archive, according to that laundry list. And then, there are always sort of other duties as assigned that come up that we help them to brainstorm and figure out what to do with mom’s Hummel figurine collection.

Getting the house cleaned out, we can help do that. So we’re very full service in taking each aspect of a loved one’s life and figuring out, how do we close that down and protect and safeguard that?

Listen to Rachel’s full ProfitSense with Bill McDermott interview here.

Rachel Donnelly, AfterLight

Rachel Donnelly, AfterLight
Rachel Donnelly, AfterLight

Rachel Donnelly is the Founder and CEO of AfterLight.

AfterLight is on a mission to help the living deal with dying, fostering lighter hearts and lighter loads. The company assists clients in managing the unavoidable administrative tasks associated with after loss and legacy planning.

Whether you’re facing an unexpected loss or want to prepare your legacy so your family can grieve in peace and settle your affairs with ease, AfterLight is the answer to your overwhelm.

Connect with Rachel and AfterLight:  Rachel’s LinkedIn |Website | Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)


The “One Minute Interview” series is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link.

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has grown to become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, with over $13 billion in assets and more than 190 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. All of Renasant’s success stems from each of their banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

Tagged With: after loss professional, AfterLight, Bill McDermott, executor services, executors, rachel donnelly, The Profitability Coach

The Current State of the M&A Market, with Don Bravaldo, Bravaldo Capital Advisors

August 28, 2024 by John Ray

Don Bravaldo, Bravaldo Capital Advisors, as heard on ProfitSense with Host Bill McDermott
North Fulton Studio
The Current State of the M&A Market, with Don Bravaldo, Bravaldo Capital Advisors
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Don Bravaldo, Bravaldo Capital Advisors, as heard on ProfitSense with Host Bill McDermott

The Current State of the M&A Market, with Don Bravaldo, Bravaldo Capital Advisors

Don Bravaldo: When it costs more to buy a business, the M&A activity will slow, especially for larger transactions, which involve a lot more debt and banks being more cautious or less willing to lend into those markets. Thankfully, our marketplace of a couple hundred million or less. is characterized with a lot of private equity activity.

And many of those private equity groups are executing on what’s called a buy and build strategy where they’ll buy a platform company and then continue to add onto it by buying smaller businesses. Banks are much more willing to lend to that existing platform business, knowing that there’s another business that’s easy to tuck in.

So the financing is available, and whether a bank actually got interested in funding that or not, there’s been a rise in proliferation of non-bank lending and that’s really supported the M& A market, especially the lower M&A market, and corporations have remained active. It’s difficult to go before the board and justify a billion dollar M& A transaction in this environment.
Maybe by the end of the year those headline-type transactions will start to occur again, but it’s a lot easier to go before the board and get a $50 million or $100 million deal passed that’s strategic in nature.

Listen to Don’s full ProfitSense with Bill McDermott interview here.

Don Bravaldo, Bravaldo Capital Advisors

Don Bravaldo is the founder and President of Bravaldo Capital Advisors, a boutique investment banking firm based in Atlanta, Georgia, which he established in 2006. As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with a strong background in finance and accounting, Don has developed a particular passion for mergers and acquisitions. His firm specializes in serving privately held and closely held companies, typically those with revenues between $10 million and $300 million, primarily located in the Southeastern United States.

Under Don’s leadership, Bravaldo Capital Advisors offers a comprehensive range of transaction and advisory services, including sell-side transactions, exit strategy planning, growth through acquisition, debt restructuring, and corporate recapitalization. The firm has developed extensive expertise across various industries, including industrials, information technology, healthcare, and general business services.

Don’s approach to investment banking emphasizes providing independent economic and financial advice, coupled with execution services. His firm’s engagements have a broad geographical scope, ranging from national to international. In addition to his role at Bravaldo Capital Advisors, Don serves as a Board Member for Pandea Global M&A, further extending his influence in the mergers and acquisitions field.

Website | LinkedIn


The “One Minute Interview” series is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link.

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has grown to become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, with over $13 billion in assets and more than 190 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. All of Renasant’s success stems from each of their banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

Tagged With: Bill McDermott, Bravaldo Capital Advisors, Don Bravaldo, M&A, M&A transactions, One Minute Interviews, ProfitSense with Bill McDermott

Marika Ponton, Office Angels and The Profitability Coach, Rachel Donnelly, AfterLight, and Gary Massey, Massey and Company CPA

August 20, 2024 by John Ray

Host Bill McDermott with Gary Massey, Rachel Donnelly, AfterLight, and Marika Ponton
North Fulton Studio
Marika Ponton, Office Angels and The Profitability Coach, Rachel Donnelly, AfterLight, and Gary Massey, Massey and Company CPA
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Host Bill McDermott with Gary Massey, Rachel Donnelly, AfterLight, and Marika Ponton

Marika Ponton, Office Angels and The Profitability Coach, Rachel Donnelly, AfterLight, and Gary Massey, Massey and Company CPA (ProfitSense with Bill McDermott, Episode 60)

In this episode of ProfitSense, Bill McDermott, The Profitability Coach, welcomes guests Marika Ponton from The Profitability Coach, Rachel Donnelly, founder of AfterLight, and Gary Massey of Massey and Company CPA. They discuss various challenges and solutions for improving business profitability, the intricacies of estate management, and the unique offerings of their respective services. The episode also highlights the importance of building trust with clients, managing finances effectively, and offers practical advice for both business owners and those facing personal loss.

Bill concludes the show by discussing the concept of profitability and its significance in business operations.

ProfitSense with Bill McDermott is sponsored and presented by Bill McDermott, The Profitability Coach, and the show is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton Studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta.

Marika Ponton, Office Angels and The Profitability Coach

Marika Ponton, Office Angels and The Profitability Coach
Marika Ponton, Office Angels and The Profitability Coach

Combine a CPA’s in-depth accounting background, the outgoing personality of a business development professional, and an unwavering drive to help small business owners command their businesses to achieve growth or exit goals, and you have Marika E. Ponton (MEP).

Her unique background as an auditor & a successful small business owner allows her to serve profitability coaching clients using deep personal experience to relate to business owners regarding their financials, their internal operations and their goals for new business and growth.

LinkedIn

Rachel Donnelly, AfterLight

Rachel Donnelly, AfterLight
Rachel Donnelly, AfterLight

Rachel Donnelly is the Founder and CEO of AfterLight.

AfterLight is on a mission to help the living deal with dying, fostering lighter hearts and lighter loads. The company assists clients in managing the unavoidable administrative tasks associated with after loss and legacy planning.

Whether you’re facing an unexpected loss or want to prepare your legacy so your family can grieve in peace and settle your affairs with ease, AfterLight is the answer to your overwhelm.

Connect with Rachel and AfterLight:  Rachel’s LinkedIn |Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Gary Massey, Founder, Massey and Company CPA

Gary Massey, Massey and Company CPA
Gary Massey, Massey and Company CPA

Gary Massey is the founder of Massey and Company CPA, based in Atlanta. He has over 30 years of experience in tax preparation, tax planning, and IRS and state tax problem resolution. He holds a CPA, a Master’s degree in Accounting and Master’s degree in Business Administration with a specialization in taxation. Gary is also a Certified Tax Representation Consultant.

Gary’s focus includes helping clients with tax problems. This includes representing clients in front of IRS and state agencies to resolve difficult tax issues, including audits, unpaid taxes, liens, levies, penalties, and notices. His work requires negotiation on a wide variety of tax matters, including offers in compromise, installment agreements, currently not collectible status, and penalty abatement.

Gary enjoys collecting art and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He is married to Chelly, a native of The Netherlands.

Connect with Gary and Massey and Company CPA:  Gary’s LinkedIn | Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to ProfitSense
01:13 Meet the Guests: Marika Ponton, Rachel Donnelly, and Gary Massey
01:36 Marika Ponton on Profitability Coaching
04:10 Building Trust with Clients
06:58 Challenges of Small Business Ownership
11:09 Rachel Donnelly’s Journey and AfterLight
15:55 AfterLight’s Services and Executor Challenges
20:43 The High Cost of Funerals
20:57 Challenges Faced by Executors
21:41 Role of Afterloss Professionals
23:53 Introducing PALS: Setting Industry Standards
24:38 Educating the Market and Future Growth
27:06 Gary Massey: A Unique CPA Approach
30:31 Advice for Aspiring Accountants
32:16 IRS Updates and Tax Management
34:28 Importance of Inventory Management
38:18 Bill McDermott Commentary on Defining Profitability

About ProfitSense and Your Host, Bill McDermott

Bill McDermott
Bill McDermott

ProfitSense with Bill McDermott dives into the stories behind some of Atlanta’s successful businesses and business owners and the professionals that advise them. This show helps local business leaders get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, their community, and their profession.

Follow this link to find the show archive.

The show is presented by The Profitability Coach. The Profitability Coach helps business owners improve cash flow and profitability, find financing, break through barriers to expansion, and financially prepare to exit their business.

Bill McDermott is the Founder and CEO of The Profitability Coach. When business owners want to increase their profitability, they don’t have the expertise to know where to start or what to do. Bill leverages his knowledge and relationships from 32 years as a banker to identify the hurdles getting in the way and create a plan to deliver profitability they never thought possible.

Bill currently serves as Treasurer for the Atlanta Executive Forum and has held previous positions as a board member for the Kennesaw State University Entrepreneurship Center, Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity, and Treasurer for CEO NetWeavers. Bill is a graduate of Wake Forest University, and he and his wife, Martha, have called Atlanta home for over 40 years. Outside of work, Bill enjoys golf, traveling, and gardening.

Connect with Bill on LinkedIn and Instagram and follow The Profitability Coach on LinkedIn.

Tagged With: AfterLight, Bill McDermott, executors, Gary Massey, Marika Ponton, Massey and Company CPA, Office Angels, profitability, rachel donnelly, The Profitability Coach

Two Lessons I’ve Learned After 15 Years as The Profitability Coach, with Bill McDermott, Host of ProfitSense

August 1, 2024 by John Ray

Two Lessons I’ve Learned After 15 Years as The Profitability Coach, with Bill McDermott, Host of ProfitSense
North Fulton Studio
Two Lessons I’ve Learned After 15 Years as The Profitability Coach, with Bill McDermott, Host of ProfitSense
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Two Lessons I’ve Learned After 15 Years as The Profitability Coach, with Bill McDermott, Host of ProfitSense

Two Lessons I’ve Learned After 15 Years as The Profitability Coach, with Bill McDermott, Host of ProfitSense

In this commentary from a recent episode of ProfitSense, Bill talks about two lessons he’s learned in his business after 15 years as The Profitability Coach.

Bill’s commentary was taken from this episode of ProfitSense.

ProfitSense with Bill McDermott is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton Studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta.

Transcript

I want to spend just a moment talking about some of my entrepreneurial journey in today’s uncertain economy. It’s more important than ever for business leaders to make the right bets. But how do you derisk your decisions and ensure that you’re making the best choices for your company?

After running my own business for 15 years, I’ve concluded that starting a business is like one big experiment. Looking back, I think there are two important points to be successful. Number one is first fire bullets, then fire cannonballs. This means starting with a small, low-risk experiment to test your ideas.

And once you’ve validated your concept, you can then go all in with a larger investment. This approach helps you avoid making costly mistakes and gives you time to course correct if needed. I believe my bullets which became cannonballs were profitability coaching and then exit planning. The scope of work has increased and my average revenue per client has increased over time.

Number two, find your true calling. This means understanding what you’re truly passionate about and what you’re best at. Start, run a business with those components. Once you know this, you can focus your resources on activities that are most likely to lead to success. Because my desire was to leave a legacy of making business owners better financial managers.

This meant we take time to understand the accounting in their financial statements, what those financial statement trends were telling us, and what course of action we need to take. I love to coach and live for those light bulb moments when financial confusion becomes financial clarity. The opportunity to listen to business owners share their stories of where they are and where they want to go helped me find my true calling.

About ProfitSense and Your Host, Bill McDermott

Bill McDermott
Bill McDermott

ProfitSense with Bill McDermott dives into the stories behind some of Atlanta’s successful businesses and business owners and the professionals that advise them. This show helps local business leaders get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, their community, and their profession.

Follow this link to find the show archive.

The show is presented by The Profitability Coach. The Profitability Coach helps business owners improve cash flow and profitability, find financing, break through barriers to expansion, and financially prepare to exit their business.

Bill McDermott is the Founder and CEO of The Profitability Coach. When business owners want to increase their profitability, they don’t have the expertise to know where to start or what to do. Bill leverages his knowledge and relationships from 32 years as a banker to identify the hurdles getting in the way and create a plan to deliver profitability they never thought possible.

Bill currently serves as Treasurer for the Atlanta Executive Forum and has held previous positions as a board member for the Kennesaw State University Entrepreneurship Center, Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity, and Treasurer for CEO NetWeavers. Bill is a graduate of Wake Forest University, and he and his wife, Martha, have called Atlanta home for over 40 years. Outside of work, Bill enjoys golf, traveling, and gardening.

Connect with Bill on LinkedIn and Instagram and follow The Profitability Coach on LinkedIn.

Tagged With: Bill McDermott, business decisions, decisions, lessons learned, ProfitSense, ProfitSense with Bill McDermott

Dr. Robert Matheny, Corvivo Cardio, and Don Bravaldo, Bravaldo Capital Advisors

July 16, 2024 by John Ray

Dr. Rob Matheny, Corvivo Cardio, and Don Bravaldo, Bravaldo Capital Advisors
North Fulton Studio
Dr. Robert Matheny, Corvivo Cardio, and Don Bravaldo, Bravaldo Capital Advisors
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Dr. Rob Matheny, Corvivo Cardio, and Don Bravaldo, Bravaldo Capital Advisors

Dr. Robert Matheny, Corvivo Cardio, and Don Bravaldo, Bravaldo Capital Advisors (ProfitSense with Bill McDermott, Episode 59)

On this episode of ProfitSense, host Bill McDermott delves into the stories of two influential Atlanta businessmen. The first guest, Dr. Robert Matheny of Corvivo Cardio, discusses his transition from a cardiovascular surgeon to an entrepreneur, pioneering groundbreaking extracellular matrix technology for heart tissue regeneration. The second guest, Don Bravaldo, President of Bravaldo Capital Advisors, provides expert insights into the mergers and acquisitions landscape, highlighting recent success stories and advising business owners on how to best prepare for sale.

Bill concludes the show with a commentary on how to de-risk your decisions and ensure you’re making the best choices for your company.

ProfitSense with Bill McDermott is sponsored and presented by Bill McDermott, The Profitability Coach, and the show is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton Studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta.

Dr. Robert Matheny, Corvivo Cardio (formerly CorMatrix Cardiovascular, Inc)

Dr. Rob Matheny, Corvivo Cardio
Dr. Robert Matheny, Corvivo Cardio

Dr. Robert Matheny is a highly experienced cardiothoracic surgery specialist based in Atlanta, GA, with over 41 years in the medical field. He graduated from the University of Louisville School of Medicine and has since dedicated his career to cardiovascular medicine and medical technology innovation.

As the founder and Chief Medical Officer of CorMatrix Cardiovascular, Inc., Dr. Matheny has been instrumental in developing extracellular matrix (ECM) biomaterials for cardiac and vascular tissue repair. His work has led to the creation of innovative products that have been used in over 160,000 cardiovascular procedures across more than 975 hospitals in the United States.

Dr. Matheny’s commitment to advancing regenerative medicine in the cardiovascular field is evident through his extensive research and development efforts. He has overseen numerous studies, including more than 50 at T3 Labs, contributing significantly to the improvement of patient outcomes in the treatment of heart failure and various cardiovascular conditions.

LinkedIn

Don Bravaldo, Bravaldo Capital Advisors

Don Bravaldo, Bravaldo Capital Advisors
Don Bravaldo, Bravaldo Capital Advisors

Don Bravaldo is the founder and President of Bravaldo Capital Advisors, a boutique investment banking firm based in Atlanta, Georgia, which he established in 2006. As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with a strong background in finance and accounting, Don has developed a particular passion for mergers and acquisitions. His firm specializes in serving privately held and closely held companies, typically those with revenues between $10 million and $300 million, primarily located in the Southeastern United States.

Under Don’s leadership, Bravaldo Capital Advisors offers a comprehensive range of transaction and advisory services, including sell-side transactions, exit strategy planning, growth through acquisition, debt restructuring, and corporate recapitalization. The firm has developed extensive expertise across various industries, including industrials, information technology, healthcare, and general business services.

Don’s approach to investment banking emphasizes providing independent economic and financial advice, coupled with execution services. His firm’s engagements have a broad geographical scope, ranging from national to international. In addition to his role at Bravaldo Capital Advisors, Don serves as a Board Member for Pandea Global M&A, further extending his influence in the mergers and acquisitions field.

Website | LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to ProfitSense
01:05 Meet Dr. Robert Matheny of Corvivo Cardio
01:26 The Journey from Surgeon to Entrepreneur
05:00 Groundbreaking ECM Technology
09:54 Clinical Trials and Future Prospects
12:51 Meet Don Bravaldo of Bravaldo Capital Advisors
13:38 The Genesis of Bravaldo Capital Advisors
17:53 Current M&A Market Insights
21:37 Success Stories in M&A
27:36 Advice for Business Owners Considering an Exit
30:43 Bill McDermott’s Entrepreneurial Journey
32:49 Closing Remarks and How to Stay Connected

About ProfitSense and Your Host, Bill McDermott

Bill McDermott
Bill McDermott

ProfitSense with Bill McDermott dives into the stories behind some of Atlanta’s successful businesses and business owners and the professionals that advise them. This show helps local business leaders get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, their community, and their profession.

Follow this link to find the show archive.

The show is presented by The Profitability Coach. The Profitability Coach helps business owners improve cash flow and profitability, find financing, break through barriers to expansion, and financially prepare to exit their business.

Bill McDermott is the Founder and CEO of The Profitability Coach. When business owners want to increase their profitability, they don’t have the expertise to know where to start or what to do. Bill leverages his knowledge and relationships from 32 years as a banker to identify the hurdles getting in the way and create a plan to deliver profitability they never thought possible.

Bill currently serves as Treasurer for the Atlanta Executive Forum and has held previous positions as a board member for the Kennesaw State University Entrepreneurship Center, Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity, and Treasurer for CEO NetWeavers. Bill is a graduate of Wake Forest University, and he and his wife, Martha, have called Atlanta home for over 40 years. Outside of work, Bill enjoys golf, traveling, and gardening.

Connect with Bill on LinkedIn and Instagram and follow The Profitability Coach on LinkedIn.

Tagged With: Bill McDermott, Bravaldo Capital Advisors, cardiovascular medicine, CorMatrix Cardiovascular, Corvivo Cardio, Don Bravaldo, Dr. Robert Matheny, exit strategy, extracellular matrix technology, heart tissue regeneration, M&A, Mergers and Acquisitions, Profitability Coach Bill McDermott, ProfitSense, ProfitSense with Bill McDermott, The Profitability Coach, tissue repair

The Quickest Way An Employer Can Build Trust, with Wendy Patel, HR Solutions Atlanta

July 9, 2024 by John Ray

Wendy Patel, HR Solutions Atlanta
North Fulton Studio
The Quickest Way An Employer Can Build Trust, with Wendy Patel, HR Solutions Atlanta
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Wendy Patel, HR Solutions Atlanta

The Quickest Way An Employer Can Build Trust, with Wendy Patel, HR Solutions Atlanta

Wendy Patel: One of the quickest ways that a business owner can show trust is to admit their mistake, admit that they don’t have all the answers.

They, simply can say, Hey guys, I messed up yesterday when we did this project. I shouldn’t have done whatever it was. And let’s talk about that. So breaking down that wall by admitting they, that they don’t know the answer, they maybe didn’t handle a situation the way that they should have opens up for everybody else to say, yeah, okay, I don’t have to be perfect. I don’t have to live in fear of making a mistake.

So that, I think that’s number one, but doing it consistently. And these things that usually I recommend to my clients or something or things that are, they don’t cost any money, but they just have to be done consistently.

Listen to Wendy’s full ProfitSense with Bill McDermott interview here.

Wendy Patel, CEO/President, HR Solutions Atlanta

Wendy Patel is the founder and CEO of HR Solutions Atlanta.

HR Solutions Atlanta specializes in working with skilled trades industries including plumbing, janitorial, HVAC, construction, logistics and landscaping.

They provide recruiting, policy and procedure implementation, process and system automation, employee manuals and best practice recommendations to minimize risk and maximize productivity and employee engagement.

Website | Wendy’s LinkedIn


The “One Minute Interview” series is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link.

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has grown to become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, with over $13 billion in assets and more than 190 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. All of Renasant’s success stems from each of their banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

Tagged With: Bill McDermott, building trust, HR Solutions, HR Solutions Atlanta, ProfitSense, ProfitSense with Bill McDermott, trust, Wendy Patel

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