Behind Their Success: Advice For Entrepreneurs

116: Smart Marketing for Business Owners: Paid Ads, SEO, and Google Reviews

If you’ve ever wondered how to escape the referral hamster wheel and actually build a predictable system for attracting clients — this episode is your roadmap. Marketing expert James Donovan, founder of Nine Two Media, joins Paden to break down how accounting firms can use paid ads and Google strategy to scale smarter — not harder. Episode Summary: In this episode, we sit down with James Donovan, the marketing mind behind Nine Two Media — the agency helping accountants, bookkeepers, and CFOs stop relying on word-of-mouth and start using data-driven marketing to drive consistent revenue. James shares how he went from selling ads on adult websites to building a thriving agency that’s now the go-to for accounting firms. Together, Paden and James unpack how paid ads, Google Business Profiles, and SEO optimization can transform a business’s lead flow. They break down real-world numbers — like how spending $100 on a qualified Google ad call can turn into a $36,000 lifetime client — and why every firm owner needs to treat marketing as an investment, not an expense. They also dig into AI’s impact on marketing, how to build a referral-independent system, and why your first step should be getting your Google Business Profile dialed in and full of five-star reviews. What You’ll Learn: Why paid ads aren’t an expense — they’re a predictable investment in your growth The biggest mistakes accounting firms make when running ads How to calculate your cost to acquire a client (CAC) and lifetime value (LTV) Simple SEO and Google review hacks that instantly boost visibility How AI and automation are changing marketing for accountants and service-based firms Why “you’re going to pay one way or another” — in time or money — so choose wisely Connect with James Donovan: Website: ninetwomedia.com LinkedIn: James Donovan Podcast: CFO Chronicles — available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts Connect with Paden: For more insights on building a financially smart, scalable business, follow Paden on: Instagram: @padensquires Website: padensquires.com 👉 Visit squirestaxplanning.com to take the free assessment and see how much you might be overpaying. You can also book a complimentary Tax Discovery Call with Paden’s team at Squires Tax Planning to uncover strategies your current CPA might be missing. keypoints: paid ads, digital marketing, Google ads for accountants, client acquisition, marketing strategy, SEO for accounting firms, business growth, tax planning, lead generation, marketing automation, small business marketing

115: Taxes, Cash Flow, and Profit: The Money Talk Every Business Owner Needs to Hear

Ever wonder why your business never seems to have enough cash—no matter how profitable it looks on paper? In this episode, we break down why that happens and how to finally fix it. From real stories of resilience to actionable tax and cash flow strategies, this one’s a masterclass for business owners ready to take control of their numbers. Today, I’m joined by Megan Schwan, CEO and Founder of Sidekick Accounting Services — a mom of four, a profit-first expert, and a powerhouse helping entrepreneurs create sustainable, profitable businesses. We dive into her incredible journey — from getting pregnant at 16 to building a thriving accounting firm with nine employees — and how she turned every obstacle into fuel for success. Megan shares what most small business owners get wrong about cash flow, taxes, and pricing, and how to start treating your business like a real business. This conversation is full of truth bombs for anyone who’s ever said, “I just want to make more money” but hasn’t looked at their numbers to see why they’re not. 💬 Key Takeaways 💰 Cash Flow Fixes: The small tweaks that can stop the “profitable but broke” cycle. 🧮 Profit First System: How assigning every dollar a purpose creates peace of mind. 💡 Mindset Shift: Treating your business like its own entity — not your personal piggy bank. 📊 Know Your Numbers: Why KPIs and margins matter more than vanity metrics. 🧠 Business Owner Growth: Learning to make data-driven, emotion-free decisions. Connect with Megan Schwan Website: sidekick-accounting.com Facebook Group: Your Accounting Sidekick Socials: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn — @SidekickAccountingServices 📣 Connect with Paden Squires If you’re tired of just having a tax preparer and want a tax planner who actually saves you money, head over to squirestaxplanning.com . Take the free assessment to see if you’re overpaying in taxes and book a discovery call with our team. Follow Paden on social: @PadenSquires or visit PadenSquires.com for more insights on tax strategy, cash flow management, and building financially healthy businesses. 🎧 SEO Keywords accounting for entrepreneurs, cash flow tips, taxes for business owners, small business finance, profit first system, bookkeeping tips, business cash flow management, financial strategy, tax planning, business accounting podcast

114: What Fitness Can Truly Teach You About Scaling Your Business

What if your biggest barrier to business success isn’t time or money — but your mindset and your fitness? In today’s episode, I sit down with Devan Gonzalez — a personal trainer turned franchise owner who’s built Strive 11 Fitness into a growing national fitness business. From freelancing in gyms to launching his own franchise model, Devan’s story is a masterclass in mindset, systems, and scaling. Devan didn’t start out with a plan to become a fitness mogul. He was just a college student trying to figure out his next move. But once he decided to bet on himself, things changed fast. In this episode, we unpack how Devan went from a six-figure solo trainer to the founder of a thriving fitness franchise business — and the personal development journey that fueled it all. We talk about: The mindset shifts required to move from freelancer to business owner How to delegate effectively and build a team without losing your standards The hidden challenges of franchising and building systems that scale Why fitness and personal growth are inseparable How to stay grounded and present while balancing business and family life Whether you’re a freelancer thinking about expansion, a fitness coach dreaming of your own studio, or a leader looking to scale sustainably — this conversation is full of real, tactical wisdom. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Delegate to grow: If you’re doing everything yourself, you’re the bottleneck. Plan your roadmap — but stay flexible: Growth requires both strategy and adaptability. Fitness mirrors entrepreneurship: Discipline, consistency, and patience compound over time. You’re not special: If others can do it, so can you — but you’ve got to take that first step. 🔗 Connect with Devan: Website: devangonzales.com https://www.devangonzalez.com/ Fitness Brand: strive11fitness.com Instagram: @devan.gonzalez Connect with Paden: I’m Paden Squires, CPA and founder of WR Tax Planners — helping entrepreneurs and franchise owners build wealth, not just revenue. Find me at padensquires.com and on social @padensquires For our tax services: squirestaxplanning.com

113: Why Entrepreneurs Can Feel Stuck (and How to Find Your Purpose Again)

If you’re a high achiever who’s ever thought, “There has to be more than this,” this episode is your wake-up call. Rachel Spekman went from chasing titles and climbing ladders to helping others find purpose and fulfillment in their work. Whether you’re thinking about quitting your job, changing direction, or just craving a career that actually lights you up — this conversation is for you. Today, I sit down with Rachel Spekman — therapist, elite career strategist, and coach for high performers ready to ditch burnout and design soul-aligned work. We talk about what it really takes to move from “high-achieving but unfulfilled” to “aligned and thriving.” Rachel shares her personal story of leaving the corporate grind, how motherhood sparked her career transformation, and the practical steps anyone can take to find purpose without blowing up their life. What You’ll Learn: The exact moment Rachel realized she needed to change jobs and how she built her next chapter from scratch How to know when you’re out of alignment — and what “80% happy” really means Why fear, loyalty, and money keep high achievers stuck (and how to get unstuck) Tactical tools like Rachel’s “Internal Audit” exercise for identifying what drains vs. fuels your energy How storytelling and personal narrative can help you reinvent your career The mindset shift that helps you trust yourself and take calculated risks toward fulfillment Connect with Rachel: Website → rachelspekman.com LinkedIn → Rachel Spekman Connect with Paden: Website → squirestaxplanning.com Instagram → @padensquires LinkedIn → Paden Squires

112: What Losing $147,000 Taught This Entrepreneur About Wealth and Self-Worth

Imagine losing your entire fortune before you could legally drink… and then rebuilding a multimillion-dollar business by 21. That’s exactly what today’s guest, Andrew McNair, did. From setbacks to success, he’s built an empire grounded in purpose, faith, and financial wisdom. Today we dive deep into how Andrew turned failure into fuel — and how you can do the same. 💡 What You’ll Learn: How Andrew went from broke teenager to multimillionaire by age 21. Why true wealth isn’t about your net worth — it’s about your self-worth. The critical difference between building wealth and keeping wealth through diversification. Why every entrepreneur needs a succession and exit plan (even if you never plan to sell). The mindset shift from “owning your job” to owning a scalable business. How faith and generosity can amplify your financial and personal growth. The surprising way Andrew uses AI and classic business wisdom to think strategically. The daily routines that keep successful entrepreneurs mentally sharp and spiritually grounded. Episode Highlights: The Rich Dad Poor Dad lesson that changed Andrew’s financial destiny. How losing $147,000 became the best personal development experience of his life. The philosophy behind SWAN Capital (“Sleep Well At Night Capital”) and true wealth management. Why profit first and purpose always is a winning formula for entrepreneurs. How aligning your business with your beliefs creates authentic, lasting success. About Today’s Guest: Andrew McNair is a bestselling author, wealth advisor, and host of the Rich, Young, and Powerful podcast. He’s the founder of SWAN Capital, where he helps families and business owners create generational wealth through smart finance, philanthropy, and purposeful living. 📘 Check out Andrew’s book The Giving Crisis: From Greedy to Generous — where he shares how he gave away most of his net worth and half of his firm’s profits to live out his values. 🎧 Listen to Rich, Young, and Powerful on Spotify or Apple Podcasts 🌐 Learn more at swan-capital.com 💼 About Paden Squires & Squires Tax Planning: This episode is hosted by Paden Squires, CPA, founder of Squires Tax Planning— a firm dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and high-income earners legally and ethically pay the least amount of tax possible through proactive tax strategy and financial planning. If you’re an entrepreneur tired of just “tax prep” and want real tax planning that grows your wealth, visit squirestaxplanning.com to take the free tax assessment or book a discovery call. 🙌 Connect & Continue the Conversation: 🎧 Listen to more episodes of Behind Their Success wherever you get your podcasts. 🌐 Follow Paden on social media or visit paden­squires.com for tips on entrepreneurship, finance, and personal development. 📩 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode — it helps us reach more purpose-driven entrepreneurs like you.