Build a Business That Can Thrive Without You: Why transition-ready means more than profitable

Zach Willner from Free Pier Advisors Interview

Phil Harwood sits down with Zach Willner, founder and managing partner of Free Peer Advisors, to discuss what business owners should know when preparing to sell their company. Zach shares how his Wall Street investment banking experience helps small and mid-sized business owners navigate buyers, evaluate deal structures, raise capital, and secure the best possible terms for the future of their business. Disclaimer:  “This material has been prepared for information and educational purposes only, and it is not intended to provide, nor should it be relied on for tax, legal, or investment advice. You should consult with your own tax, legal, and financial professionals for your specific situation. The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Finalis Securities, LLC. Securities offered through Finalis Securities LLC Member FINRA/SIPC. Free Pier Advisors LLC and Finalis Securities LLC are separate, unaffiliated entities.”

Greg Heeres from MAXIMIZE Interview

In this episode, Phil Harwood sits down with Greg Heeres, President of Maximize and author of The Business Baton, to talk about succession planning, business exits, and what it really takes to prepare the next generation. Greg shares practical wisdom on creating a plan, protecting a business owner’s legacy, and helping families navigate the emotional side of transition with clarity and confidence.

Perry Anne Scott from CONVERGE Coaching & Consulting Interview

In this episode, Phil Harwood sits down with Perry Anne Scott, founder of Converge Coaching & Consulting, to explore what it really takes to build strong leadership inside growing organizations. The conversation focuses on a common challenge: high-performing individuals are often promoted into leadership roles without the tools to succeed. Perry Anne shares a practical, systems-based approach to developing leaders, aligning teams, and creating a shared language across an organization. They also discuss the hidden costs of poor leadership—turnover, disengagement, and founder dependency—and how intentional leadership development can drive long-term value, scalability, and succession readiness. If you’re a business owner or executive navigating growth, this episode offers a clear, grounded perspective on building leadership that lasts.

Build a Business That Can Thrive Without You: Why transition-ready means more than profitable

Phil Harwood and Tabetha Vetter discuss what it really takes to build a transition-ready company—beyond profitability—so the business can run without the owner. They break down five practical steps buyers and next-gen successors care about most: documenting key processes, building an empowered leadership team, using clear metrics, reducing customer/supplier concentration risk, and strengthening culture and operational discipline.

Nancy Jonker from AdaptaWise Interview

In this episode, Phil Harwood and Nancy Jonker of AdaptaWise discuss how unresolved tension and leadership dynamics impact business performance—and how addressing people issues directly can improve results, strengthen teams, and support succession readiness.