How One Small Acquisition Transformed a National Succession Plan with Brian Calvert

How One Small Acquisition Transformed a National Succession Plan with Brian Calvert

This GPT has already supported hundreds of multi-generational businesses through complex transitions, and I’ve translated that experience into a free Custom GPT available on our website. Explore it here: https://bit.ly/art-of-succession-our-GPT [https://bit.ly/art-of-succession-our-GPT] ------------------------------------------------ Want to be a guest on our podcast? Apply and share your expertise with our audience at https://www.podmatch.com/member/artofsuccession [https://www.podmatch.com/member/artofsuccession] ------------------------------------------------ Welcome to The Art of Succession Podcast [https://www.linkedin.com/company/art-of-succession-podcast/]. Host Barrett Young, CPA [https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrettyoung], talks with Brian Calvert [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-calvert-31aa3a49/], Company Owner at Business Health Market [https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-health-market/] and Managing Partner at HST of Western New York Inc, about transitioning from commercial property management into the health insurance industry and building a growing agency. Brian shares lessons from launching his business, hiring and developing agents, and expanding through the acquisition of a book of business to add group benefits services. He also discusses how a consultative approach, strong client relationships, and strategic networking drive growth, along with insights on employee benefits, mergers, and how business owners can make better decisions around insurance and long-term planning. Brian Calvert shares his journey from commercial property management into the health insurance industry, where he built and grew his own agency from the ground up. He explains how planning his career transition, focusing on sales skills, and developing a team helped him create a sustainable business. Brian discusses expanding through the acquisition of a small book of business, which allowed him to enter the group benefits market and grow through referrals. He also highlights the importance of client service, strong relationships, and a consultative approach in driving long-term success. Today, Brian continues to scale his business by supporting small employers, improving employee benefits strategies, and helping clients make informed decisions during growth and change. Key Takeaways: * Brian Calvert transitioned from commercial real estate to build a health insurance agency from scratch. * How focusing on a few core products and strong sales skills supported early growth. * Lessons from acquiring a small book of business to expand into group benefits. * Why client service and relationships are key to retention and long-term success. * His work today focuses on helping small businesses improve benefits and support employee needs. Here are a few quotes from the episode: * “I really enjoy seeing other people succeed.” - Brian Calvert * “Stay in your lane and become an expert in what you do.” - Brian Calvert * “People will leave a job for better benefits even for less money.” - Brian Calvert Join Brian Calvert, owner of Business Health Market, as he shares lessons from transitioning out of commercial property management to build and grow a health insurance agency. He explains how focusing on sales, building a strong team, and expanding through acquisition helped him scale into new markets like group benefits and support small businesses. Episode Highlights [00:00] - Teaser [01:57] - Host introduces Brian Calvert [02:27] - From mall manager to health insurance broker [04:59] - How helping mall tenants sparked his entrepreneurial drive [06:18] - Planning a two-year exit to fund his new business [07:41] - Risks & rewards of a mid-career lateral move [12:38] - Early failure: spreading himself too thin [14:43] - Why he bought a book of business in 2024 [18:03] - Seller handoff: three months of introductions & flying to clients [19:58] - How acquisition leapfrogged website & credibility hurdles [24:18] - Group benefits vs. individuals: longer sales cycles [26:24] - Differentiating through service & quarterly check-ins [31:11] - Building a team from day one to help others succeed [35:56] - Coaching agents through industry changes with honesty [39:12] - Putting a retention clause in his acquisition contract [41:46] - M&A advice: who controls employee benefits after a deal? [46:14] - Using the natural cushion between merger timing and plan renewals [48:57] - Biggest trend in benefits: mental health & 0 copays [51:43] - The myth that entrepreneurs have immediate freedom [52:17] - What he wants his successor to remember: listening with kindness FOLLOW THE GUEST: * Brian Calvert - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-calvert-31aa3a49/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-calvert-31aa3a49/]  * Company LinkedIn (Business Health Market): https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-health-market/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-health-market/]  * Company Website (Business Health Market): https://businesshealthmarket.com/ [https://businesshealthmarket.com/]  FOLLOW THE HOST: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrettyoung [https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrettyoung]  * Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gwcpa/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/gwcpa/]  * Website: https://gwcpas.com/ [https://gwcpas.com/]  * Email: bey@gwcpas.com [bey@gwcpas.com]  FOLLOW THE PODCAST: * Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-succession/id1742796896 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-succession/id1742796896]  * YouTube: https://youtube.com/@artofsuccession [https://youtube.com/@artofsuccession]  * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7uhogBxFKWAAetAbD8TVQR [https://open.spotify.com/show/7uhogBxFKWAAetAbD8TVQR?si=56f12163da1f407a]   * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/art-of-succession-podcast/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/art-of-succession-podcast/]  * Website: https://gwcpas.com/podcast [https://gwcpas.com/podcast]

What Happened When 99% of His Wealth Was in One Business with Jon Morris

This GPT has already supported hundreds of multi-generational businesses through complex transitions, and I’ve translated that experience into a free Custom GPT available on our website. Explore it here: https://bit.ly/art-of-succession-our-GPT [https://bit.ly/art-of-succession-our-GPT] ------------------------------------------------ Want to be a guest on our podcast? Apply and share your expertise with our audience at https://www.podmatch.com/member/artofsuccession [https://www.podmatch.com/member/artofsuccession] ------------------------------------------------ Welcome to The Art of Succession Podcast [https://www.linkedin.com/company/art-of-succession-podcast/]. Host Barrett Young, CPA [https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrettyoung], talks with Jon Morris [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonmorrisramsayinnovations/], Chief Executive Officer at Fiscal Advocate, Inc. [https://www.linkedin.com/company/fiscal-advocate-inc/], and Founder and Executive Director at The Professional Service Community [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-professional-service-community/], about building and scaling a digital marketing agency from a ten-thousand-dollar business plan competition grant to forty million dollars in revenue before selling the company. Jon shares lessons from growing Rise Interactive, including hiring analytical talent, using financial data to guide decisions, and investing heavily in sales and marketing to accelerate growth. He also discusses his approach to succession, why strong financial systems matter when preparing for an exit, and how he now helps professional service firms improve profit, cash flow, and growth through better financial insight. Jon Morris shares his journey as an entrepreneur who built and scaled a digital marketing agency from a ten-thousand-dollar grant into a forty-million-dollar company before selling the business. He talks about how financial discipline, strong hiring standards, and a data-driven approach helped his company grow quickly during the rise of digital marketing. Jon explains how understanding cash flow, profit margins, and industry benchmarks helped him make better decisions while building a high-performing team. He also reflects on lessons from leadership, succession planning, and knowing when it was the right time to exit. Today, Jon leads Fiscal Advocate and founded The Professional Service Community, where he helps professional service firms improve profit, cash flow, and growth through practical financial insight. Key Takeaways: * Jon Morris built a digital marketing agency from a ten-thousand-dollar grant to forty million dollars in revenue. * How data-driven decisions and strong hiring helped scale the business. * Lessons on using financial benchmarks to guide growth. * Why strong financial systems matter when preparing for an exit. * His work today is helping firms improve profit, cash flow, and growth. Here are a few quotes from the episode: * “I took ten thousand dollars and turned it into forty million in sixteen years.” - Jon Morris * “The only thing worse than going bankrupt is being a business of the living dead.” - Jon Morris * “Pick an industry with wind at your back.” - Jon Morris Join Jon Morris, Chief Executive Officer at Fiscal Advocate, Inc., and Founder and Executive Director at The Professional Service Community, as he shares lessons from building and selling a digital marketing agency that grew from a ten-thousand-dollar grant to forty million dollars in revenue. He explains how financial discipline, data-driven decisions, and strong hiring helped scale the business. Episode Highlights [00:00] - Teaser [01:44] - Host introduces Jon Morris [02:07] - Why Jon came on the show: sharing exit & scaling wisdom [02:50] - Jon's origin story: born into a family of entrepreneurs [06:22] - Building ugly websites & becoming an SEO pioneer [07:07] - Becoming a dot-com casualty & learning from failure [09:43] - Business school & the family "intervention." [15:22] - Pivoting from seminars to a digital agency [18:45] - "Double Wind": being in the right industry [25:21] - How Quad/Graphics survived a declining industry [28:15] - Three reasons Jon sold his agency [30:44] - Taking only three weeks off before starting next venture [33:55] - Turning around near-bankrupt companies [42:44] - The hard lesson: people don't want sophisticated finance [47:50] - Moving from high-growth to a "stodgy" industry [50:14] - Pivoting to executive coaching & building AI tools [54:41] - Why you shouldn't start with the exit in mind [58:39] - Lightning Round: tea, cake & morning routine [01:02:51] - Legacy: mentorship & doing the right thing [01:05:00] - Where to find Jon Morris FOLLOW THE GUEST: * Jon Morris - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonmorrisramsayinnovations/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonmorrisramsayinnovations/]  * Company Website (Fiscal Advocate, Inc.): https://www.linkedin.com/company/fiscal-advocate-inc/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/fiscal-advocate-inc/]  * Company Facebook (The Professional Service Community): https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-professional-service-community/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-professional-service-community/]  * Email: jon@fiscaladvocate.com [jon@fiscaladvocate.com]  FOLLOW THE HOST: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrettyoung [https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrettyoung]  * Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gwcpa/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/gwcpa/]  * Website: https://gwcpas.com/ [https://gwcpas.com/]  * Email: bey@gwcpas.com [bey@gwcpas.com]  FOLLOW THE PODCAST: * Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-succession/id1742796896 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-succession/id1742796896]  * YouTube: https://youtube.com/@artofsuccession [https://youtube.com/@artofsuccession]  * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7uhogBxFKWAAetAbD8TVQR [https://open.spotify.com/show/7uhogBxFKWAAetAbD8TVQR?si=56f12163da1f407a]   * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/art-of-succession-podcast/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/art-of-succession-podcast/]  * Website: https://gwcpas.com/podcast [https://gwcpas.com/podcast]

How Business Owners Can Build a Company That Runs Without Them Using Succession Planning

This GPT has already supported hundreds of multi-generational businesses through complex transitions, and I’ve translated that experience into a free Custom GPT available on our website. Explore it here: https://bit.ly/art-of-succession-our-GPT [https://bit.ly/art-of-succession-our-GPT]  ------------------------------------------------ Want to be a guest on our podcast? Apply and share your expertise with our audience at https://www.podmatch.com/member/artofsuccession [https://www.podmatch.com/member/artofsuccession] ------------------------------------------------ Welcome to The Art of Succession Podcast. Host Barrett Young, CPA [https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrettyoung], a Tax and Marketing Partner at GWCPA [https://www.linkedin.com/company/gwcpa/], shares the firm's Quarter Two 2026 update and an inside look at their own succession journey. In this episode, Barrett discusses podcast growth, strategic planning, team changes, and the launch of the Beyond the Owner YouTube channel. He reflects on leadership transitions, the impact of AI on the accounting profession, developing future leaders, and building a long-term vision for the firm as it prepares for continued growth and succession. Barrett is not just leading the firm through change; he is working to build a company that can grow beyond any one person. In this update, he shares how GWCPA is responding to key team departures, strengthening internal systems, and capturing knowledge through processes and custom GPTs. He discusses developing future leaders, exploring new ownership models, and preparing the team for an AI-driven future. By focusing on vision, adaptability, and long-term planning, Barrett is helping position the firm for continued growth and succession. Barrett has spent the past year sharing GWCPA’s succession journey while building for the future. In this quarter two update, he explains how the firm is handling team changes, strategic planning, and the shift toward Beyond the Owner. He shares plans to strengthen systems, develop future leaders, and capture knowledge through SOPs and custom GPTs. His approach blends clear vision, adaptability, and long-term planning as the firm prepares for AI, growth, and future succession. Key Takeaways: * Barrett’s focus on building a firm that can grow beyond any one person. * How strategic planning and EOS help create alignment around the company’s long-term vision. * The impact of key team departures and the importance of building depth across the organization. * Why developing future leaders and capturing knowledge are critical for succession. * How GWCPA is preparing for growth, AI, and future ownership through clear planning and adaptability. Additional Insights: * How separating the podcast and company channels helps create a clearer focus for each audience. * The role of strategic planning is to align the team around a shared vision and future goals. * Why documenting knowledge through SOPs and custom GPTs helps strengthen the firm. * How leadership development and CPA training support the next generation of professionals. * Why principles, adaptability, and long-term thinking are guiding the firm through growth, succession, and AI-driven change. Here are a few quotes from the episode: * “The captain is not the ship.” - Barrett Young, CPA * “GW is more than the people who make up GW.” - Barrett Young, CPA * “Principles are flexible.” - Barrett Young, CPA Join Barrett as he shares the Quarter Two 2026 update from GWCPA and provides an inside look at the firm's succession journey. Hear how strategic planning, leadership development, and new systems are helping the team navigate change after the departure of key employees. Barrett also discusses the launch of the Beyond the Owner channel, the firm's approach to AI, and the principles guiding a long-term vision for growth, succession, and client service. Episode Highlights [00:00] - Teaser [01:47] - Q2 2026 Update & Podcast Milestones [04:43] - Splitting YouTube: "Art of Succession" vs. "Beyond the Owner" [07:06] - Future Plans: Co-Host & Media Company Vision [09:22] - Recent Summits: Nashville & Thrive (Alignment) [13:41] - Strategic Planning: 10-Year Principles Over Fixed Vision [15:16] - Key Team Departures: Tax Reviewer & Manager Resign [19:22] - Captain & Ship: GW Is Bigger Than Any Person [22:27] - AI Strategy: Proactive Adaptation, Not Waiting to Retire [25:19] - Bright Spot: Team Member Passing CPA Exams [28:22] - Changing the Partner Succession Model [35:38] - All Hands on Deck After Key Losses [38:12] - New CRM & Systematized Marketing [42:37] - Defining the Client Roadmap (Year 1 to 40) [45:22] - Leadership Growth: Sharing Internal Process with Team [47:41] - Closing: Gratitude & Season 5 Preview FOLLOW THE HOST: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrettyoung [https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrettyoung]  * Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gwcpa/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/gwcpa/]  * Website: https://gwcpas.com/ [https://gwcpas.com/]  * Email: bey@gwcpas.com [bey@gwcpas.com]  FOLLOW THE PODCAST: * Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-succession/id1742796896 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-succession/id1742796896]  * YouTube: https://youtube.com/@artofsuccession [https://youtube.com/@artofsuccession]  * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7uhogBxFKWAAetAbD8TVQR [https://open.spotify.com/show/7uhogBxFKWAAetAbD8TVQR?si=56f12163da1f407a]   * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/art-of-succession-podcast/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/art-of-succession-podcast/]  * Website: https://gwcpas.com/podcast [https://gwcpas.com/podcast]

Leadership Succession Models for Founders to Scale Impact and Sell Without Chaos with Bob Labbe

This GPT has already supported hundreds of multi-generational businesses through complex transitions, and I’ve translated that experience into a free Custom GPT available on our website. Explore it here: https://bit.ly/art-of-succession-our-GPT [https://bit.ly/art-of-succession-our-GPT] ------------------------------------------------ Want to be a guest on our podcast? Apply and share your expertise with our audience at https://www.podmatch.com/member/artofsuccession [https://www.podmatch.com/member/artofsuccession] ------------------------------------------------ Welcome to The Art of Succession Podcast [https://www.linkedin.com/company/art-of-succession-podcast/]. Host Barrett Young, CPA [https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrettyoung], talks with Bob Labbe [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-labbe-59800a398/], Owner and Partner at The Ultimate Drink Coaster Co. LLC [https://www.facebook.com/ultimatecoasterco], serial entrepreneur, engineer, and inventor, about his decades of experience building and selling multiple air pollution control companies. Bob shares how he partnered with longtime collaborator John Halligan to grow businesses from small startups into successful companies that served industries across North America. He reflects on lessons from entrepreneurship, leadership partnerships, and selling businesses, including the importance of solving real problems for customers. Today, Bob continues creating solutions through new inventions, including the Ultimate Drink Coaster, while sharing insights from his career and his book on improving golf putting through simple, practical methods. Bob shares his journey as an engineer and entrepreneur who built and sold several air pollution control companies over many decades. He talks about working closely with his longtime partner to grow small startups into successful businesses that served clients across North America. Bob explains how solving real problems for customers and building strong partnerships helped their companies grow and succeed. He also reflects on lessons from leadership, risk, and learning from missed opportunities along the way. Today, Bob continues to create new ideas as the Owner and Partner at The Ultimate Drink Coaster Co., LLC, while sharing his experience through inventions, writing, and conversations about business and problem-solving. Key Takeaways: * Bob’s journey building and selling multiple air pollution control companies. * How he and his partner grew startups into successful North American businesses. * Lessons on solving customer problems and offering full turnkey solutions. * The value of strong partnerships and learning from setbacks. * His work today is as Owner and Partner at The Ultimate Drink Coaster Co., LLC, creating new ideas and inventions. Here are a few quotes from the episode: * “I never found a drink coaster that worked, so I invented one.” - Bob Labbe * “Never put your eggs in one basket.” - Bob Labbe * “Think about the problem before giving your response.” - Bob Labbe Join Bob Labbe, Owner and Partner at The Ultimate Drink Coaster Co., LLC, as he shares lessons from building and selling multiple air pollution control companies. He explains how solving real problems helped grow successful businesses. Episode Highlights [00:00] - Teaser [02:02] - Host introduces Bob Labbe, serial entrepreneur & inventor [02:32] - Why Bob invented "The Ultimate Drink Coaster" (ruined silk tie story) [04:03] - From Georgia Tech engineer to first business (1972) [06:43] - Starting a third company at 60 after retirement got boring [09:05] - The secret to his 50+ year business partnership [12:46] - Losing a $7M contract & the lesson learned [16:38] - Taking the counter-risk: turnkey solutions vs. just equipment [20:07] - Former employees recruited him to start the third company [24:19] - The 2023 dinner party where a ruined tie sparked the coaster idea [28:48] - Selling to an employee to preserve his legacy [30:23] - Inventing "Putting by the Numbers" golf system [34:33] - Mission: help 30 million golfers improve [36:01] - Identity isn't your company; you're still a problem solver [37:49] - Leadership lesson: cogitate before you respond [41:48] - Shifting from running companies to being a spokesperson [46:50] - New role: sounding board for daughter & son-in-law [51:50] - Myth: entrepreneurs will make a lot of money [54:47] - Where to find Bob's book & coaster FOLLOW THE GUEST: * Bob Labbe - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-labbe-59800a398/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-labbe-59800a398/]  * Company Website (The Ultimate Drink Coaster Co. LLC): https://ultimatecoasterco.com/ [https://ultimatecoasterco.com/]   * Company Facebook (The Ultimate Drink Coaster Co. LLC): https://www.facebook.com/ultimatecoasterco [https://www.facebook.com/ultimatecoasterco] FOLLOW THE HOST: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrettyoung [https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrettyoung]  * Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gwcpa/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/gwcpa/]  * Website: https://gwcpas.com/ [https://gwcpas.com/]  * Email: bey@gwcpas.com [bey@gwcpas.com]  FOLLOW THE PODCAST: * Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-succession/id1742796896 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-succession/id1742796896]  * YouTube: https://youtube.com/@artofsuccession [https://youtube.com/@artofsuccession]  * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7uhogBxFKWAAetAbD8TVQR [https://open.spotify.com/show/7uhogBxFKWAAetAbD8TVQR?si=56f12163da1f407a]   * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/art-of-succession-podcast/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/art-of-succession-podcast/]  * Website: https://gwcpas.com/podcast [https://gwcpas.com/podcast]

Succession Planning Secrets for CPAs to Buy into Partnerships with Confidence - Albert Butler CPA MBA

This GPT has already supported hundreds of multi-generational businesses through complex transitions, and I’ve translated that experience into a free Custom GPT available on our website. Explore it here: https://bit.ly/art-of-succession-our-GPT [https://bit.ly/art-of-succession-our-GPT] ------------------------------------------------ Want to be a guest on our podcast? Apply and share your expertise with our audience at https://www.podmatch.com/member/artofsuccession [https://www.podmatch.com/member/artofsuccession] ------------------------------------------------ Welcome to The Art of Succession Podcast. [https://www.linkedin.com/company/art-of-succession-podcast/] Host Barrett Young, CPA, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrettyoung] talks with Albert Butler, CPA, MBA, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/butleralbert/] partner at a national CPA firm, about his journey through public accounting, industry leadership, and returning to the profession he first struggled to embrace. Albert shares how early lessons from his entrepreneurial parents shaped his approach to business, leadership, and mentorship. He reflects on building a career across Big Four firms, corporate roles, and eventually stepping into partnership while helping grow talent and serve clients. Today, Albert focuses on developing future leaders in accounting, sharing insights on entrepreneurship, legacy, and the mindset needed to build lasting success. Albert shares his journey from an uncertain start in accounting to becoming a partner at a national CPA firm after more than two decades in the profession. He talks about early career challenges in public accounting, time spent in corporate leadership roles, and why he ultimately returned to the profession to help business owners solve real problems. Albert explains how lessons from his entrepreneurial family shaped his views on leadership, mentorship, and building strong teams. Today, he focuses on growing future leaders in accounting, helping clients make better decisions, and sharing insights about entrepreneurship, legacy, and long term success. Key Takeaways: * Albert’s journey from early struggles in accounting to becoming a partner at a national CPA firm. * How experience in public accounting and corporate roles shaped his leadership approach. * Lessons on helping business owners solve problems through accounting and advisory work. * Insights on mentorship, developing talent, and building strong teams in the profession. * His focus today is on leadership, legacy, and growing the next generation of CPAs. Here are a few quotes from the episode: * “Accounting is the heartbeat of business.” - Albert Butler CPA, MBA * “One year in public accounting is five years in industry.” - Albert Butler CPA, MBA * “I don’t give jobs. I grow careers and legacy.” - Albert Butler CPA, MBA Join Albert Butler CPA, MBA, partner at a national CPA firm, as he shares lessons from his journey through public accounting, corporate leadership, and entrepreneurship. He explains how accounting helps business owners solve problems, make better decisions, and build lasting success. Episode Highlights [00:00] - Teaser [02:08] - Host introduces Albert Butler, CPA, MBA & firm partner [02:53] - Why Albert is excited to discuss succession & passing the torch [04:06] - "Hell no": Albert never wanted to be a partner initially [08:38] - The Intermediate Accounting textbook he keeps as a "trophy" [11:49] - Failing the CPA exam after his truck broke down (1999) [18:06] - Why he returned: helping "regular everyday people" [20:22] - "One year in public = five years in industry." [27:23] - Philosophy: "Accounting is the heartbeat of business" [33:00] - The 6-month interview process before buying into partnership [37:47] - Challenge of leading an Atlanta office for a multi-state firm [40:55] - Biggest surprise: extreme difficulty finding senior staff [45:56] - How Albert inspires staff: legacy over paycheck [51:16] - The five muscles of enterprise (accounting is the heartbeat) [59:32] - What he wants successors to remember: "lifting while I climb" [01:01:30] - Finding creativity in AI & its functional potential FOLLOW THE GUEST: * Albert Butler CPA, MBA - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/butleralbert/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/butleralbert/]  Grab your copy of "Life: Truth, Love, Loss, Success, and Failure" and take a journey through Albert’s most personal lessons. Available now on Amazon! 👍https://www.amazon.com/LIFE-Success-Failure-Quotes-Advice-ebook/dp/B0FKGJD7LD [https://www.amazon.com/LIFE-Success-Failure-Quotes-Advice-ebook/dp/B0FKGJD7LD]  FOLLOW THE HOST: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrettyoung [https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrettyoung]  * Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gwcpa/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/gwcpa/]  * Website: https://gwcpas.com/ [https://gwcpas.com/]  * Email: bey@gwcpas.com [bey@gwcpas.com]  FOLLOW THE PODCAST: * Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-succession/id1742796896 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-succession/id1742796896]  * YouTube: https://youtube.com/@artofsuccession [https://youtube.com/@artofsuccession]  * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7uhogBxFKWAAetAbD8TVQR [https://open.spotify.com/show/7uhogBxFKWAAetAbD8TVQR?si=56f12163da1f407a]   * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/art-of-succession-podcast/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/art-of-succession-podcast/]  * Website: https://gwcpas.com/podcast [https://gwcpas.com/podcast]