Budget Your Business

The Business Exit Strategy Few Owners Understand … ESOPs with Katy Whitehead

E#55: In this episode of Budget Your Business, Scott Geller sits down with Katy Whitehead to break down how ESOPs (Employee Stock Ownership Plans) work and why they are becoming an increasingly popular succession strategy for business owners. They discuss how ESOPs can help owners preserve company culture, reward employees, maintain independence, and create a long-term transition plan without selling to an outside buyer. Katy also explains the financial structure behind ESOPs, the role of cash flow and valuation, how employees benefit from ownership, and the key factors business owners should evaluate before considering an ESOP. Book Recommendation: The Five Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom Find out more about Katy Whitehead: https://esoptrustcompany.com/ [https://esoptrustcompany.com/]  Find more episodes on Apple podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music and here: https://budgetyourbusinesspodcast.buzzsprout.com/ [https://budgetyourbusinesspodcast.buzzsprout.com/] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2352056/fan_mail/new]

Brant Lingle Reveals The Exit You Haven’t Planned Yet (hint, it’s Your Succession)

E#54: In this episode, Scott sits down with Brant Lingle to unpack one of the most overlooked areas of business ownership: succession planning. They discuss why many owners delay or avoid these conversations, how early planning creates more options and better outcomes, and why communication with family, employees, and advisors is critical to getting it right. Brant shares practical ways to get started—from leveraging trusted advisors to building a long-term vision—and emphasizes that a well-executed transition creates clarity, reduces stress, and sets up both the current and next generation for success.  Book Recommendation: Harvard Business Review Find out more about Brant Lingle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brantlingle/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brantlingle/]  Find more episodes on Apple podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music and here: https://budgetyourbusinesspodcast.buzzsprout.com/ [https://budgetyourbusinesspodcast.buzzsprout.com/] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2352056/fan_mail/new]

Bank Series Recap: What Every Banker Told Me (And What It Means for You)

E#53: In this episode, Scott Geller wraps up the series he conducted with banking experts. He distills conversations with bankers across community, regional, CDFI, and large institutions (via a new and unique conversation style) into one clear takeaway. He breaks down how different banks serve different stages of growth, highlights why relationships with proactive bankers matter more than most owners realize, and challenges common misconceptions around lending. The episode closes with practical guidance on what actually gets deals done and helping business owners think more strategically about their banking partnerships.  Let Scott know what you thought of the Banking Series and whether you would like to listen to other series - throw in series ideas even! You can email him at scott.geller@capitisadvisors.com [scott.geller@capitisadvisors.com].  Book Recommendation: The Man Who Knew by Sebastian Mallaby Find out more about Scott Geller:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-geller-cfo/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-geller-cfo/] scott.geller@capitisadvisors.com [scott.geller@capitisadvisors.com]  Find more episodes on Apple podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music and here: https://budgetyourbusinesspodcast.buzzsprout.com/ [https://budgetyourbusinesspodcast.buzzsprout.com/] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2352056/fan_mail/new]

Business Owner: Benny Bowman Reminds Owners That You’re Not Running This Forever—Now What?

E#52: In this episode, Scott sits down with Benny Bowman, a former president turned advisor who shares a real-world perspective on leadership, planning, and building a business that can outlast you. Drawing from a career that grew a company from $6M to $36M, the conversation focuses on succession planning, involving the entire organization in budgeting, and why starting with sales goals is critical to any plan. They also explore the importance of balancing financial decisions with the human element, learning from past mistakes, and building financial strength outside the business. The episode wraps with practical insights on thinking beyond the day-to-day, planning for the end from the beginning, and leading in a way that is both strategic and human.  Book Recommendation:  Traction: Get A Grip On Your Business by Gino Wickman Floyd Wickman (Gino’s father) sales training Be Where Your Feet Are by Scott O'Neill  Find out more about Benny Bowman:  www.irongatecapital.com [http://www.irongatecapital.com]  https://www.linkedin.com/in/benny-bowman-06a42a11/ Find more episodes on Apple podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music and here: https://budgetyourbusinesspodcast.buzzsprout.com/ [https://budgetyourbusinesspodcast.buzzsprout.com/] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2352056/fan_mail/new]

Damion McIntosh Shares Why Your Bank Matters More Than You Think

E#51: In this episode, Scott brings in unbiased banking expert Damion McIntosh. Damion is a banking and financial systems expert who helps small business owners think more strategically about their banking relationships. The conversation goes beyond simply choosing a “big” or “small” bank and explores how owners should evaluate banks based on their business model, financial strength, industry fit, geographic reach, service levels, and ability to grow alongside the company. They also discuss why business owners should treat bank selection as a true business decision, not just a matter of convenience, and why regularly reassessing that relationship is just as important as monitoring any other part of the business. The episode closes with practical guidance around running your small business.  Find out more about Damion McIntosh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damion-mcintosh/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/damion-mcintosh/]  Find more episodes on Apple podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music and here: https://budgetyourbusinesspodcast.buzzsprout.com/ [https://budgetyourbusinesspodcast.buzzsprout.com/] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2352056/fan_mail/new]