Grow Your Business and Grow Your Wealth

Latest Episodes:

Episode 280: The Fractional CFO Advantage Aug 13, 2025

Show notes

Are you running your business like it will last forever—or planning for when it won’t?
In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, host Gary Heldt welcomes Tom Dillon, founder of Frak Finance and a trusted expert in fractional CFO services, business valuation, and M&A strategy. With a background in investment banking and operational finance, Tom helps business owners avoid costly exit mistakes and drive growth with clear, actionable financial insights.
Whether you're scaling, buying, or preparing to sell, Tom shares powerful lessons about what drives real business value—and how most owners miss it.

🧠 KEY TAKEAWAYS
➡️ Most CPAs aren’t trained to guide you through an exit or acquisition.
➡️ The less you're involved in daily operations, the more valuable your business becomes.
➡️ Financial health planning should start five years before selling your company.
➡️ A fractional CFO isn’t your bookkeeper—they’re your strategic co-pilot.
➡️ Business value is built with systems, SOPs, and smart financial foresight.
💬 GREAT QUOTES
“The biggest myth? That your business isn’t sellable. You’d be shocked what it’s worth—if you plan right.” – Tom Dillon

“A fractional CFO looks through the windshield—bookkeepers only look in the rearview mirror.” – Tom Dillon
🔗 CALL TO ACTION
📩 Connect with Tom at www.frakfinance.com or on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-dillon-cfa/
✅ Don’t forget to subscribe and share the podcast with business owners who need to start planning before it’s too late.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 276: The Hidden Power of Trust, Metrics & Social Capital Aug 06, 2025

Show notes

What does it really take to scale your business?

Host Gary Heldt sits down with Cliff Goins IV, co-founder of Scaleup—a startup launched within Amazon to help diverse-owned businesses grow into large enterprises.

With deep experience in fintech, asset management, and private equity, Cliff brings an unfiltered, strategy-first perspective to business growth.
In this episode, Gary and Cliff unpack what holds businesses back from scaling—and it’s not just about capital. From delegation and systems to social capital and financial metrics, this is a masterclass in how to level up with purpose.
Key Takeaways:
➤ The leap from small to scalable often starts with learning how to delegate and trust others—even when they do things differently than you would.
➤ Many business owners get stuck doing tasks they can do, instead of focusing on what only they can do. Letting go is hard—but it’s the unlock to growth.
➤ Access to capital isn’t the only barrier. Knowing what kind of capital you need—and when—is just as important.
➤ Social capital can be more powerful than financial capital. The right introductions, advocates, and networks can change everything.
➤ Business owners don’t need to be CPAs to master their numbers. But they do need to understand their gross margin, cash flow, and forward-looking metrics.
Favorite Quotes:
“It’s not exactly how you’d do it—but it’s done. And you didn’t have to do it.”

“Scale is not just about size. It’s about structure, strategy, and sustainability.”
Resources:
🌐 CliffGoinsIV.com
📱 Connect on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook: @CliffGoinsIV

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 278: Ditch Traditional Investing for Real Results Jul 30, 2025

Show notes

Still following outdated investing advice?
This week, Gary is joined by Lane Kawaoka, author of The Wealth Elevator, real estate syndication leader, and founder of SimplePassiveCashflow.com.

With over 10,000 units under management, Lane shares how he went from civil engineer to full-time passive income expert—revealing why single-family rentals won’t scale, the importance of knowing your “floor” in the wealth journey, and how professionals can create cash flow without becoming landlords.

This episode is your wake-up call to start investing smarter—not harder.
🧠 KEY TAKEAWAYS
➡️ Not all rental properties are created equal—Class B wins for stability and cash flow.
➡️ Syndications offer true passive income with better scalability and legal protection.
➡️ Understand what “floor” you’re on in your wealth elevator—and don’t skip the foundation.
➡️ Accredited investors gain access to tax-smart, hands-off real estate deals.
➡️ Building a tribe of smart investors is just as important as building your portfolio.
💬 GREAT QUOTES
Lane Kawaoka: “You can’t take down a 200-unit apartment complex by yourself. Wealth is a team sport.”
🔗 CALL TO ACTION
Visit SimplePassiveCashflow.com to grab Lane’s free masterclass and download The Wealth Elevator.

📘 Send your book receipt to team@thewealthelevator.com for bonus content Subscribe to Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth for weekly expert insights.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 277: From Stuck to Scaling with a Smarter Financial Blueprint Jul 23, 2025

Show notes

What if your biggest business blocker isn't your bookkeeping—but your beliefs?

This week, host Gary Heldt welcomes Audrey Faust, expert CFO, neuro coach, and author of the upcoming book She Grows Rich. Audrey empowers women entrepreneurs to build thriving businesses by combining strategic financial guidance with transformative mindset coaching.

In this candid conversation, she shares how early money beliefs can sabotage success, why you should ditch the word “budget,” and what it really takes to grow from six to seven figures with clarity—not chaos.

➡️ 5 Key Takeaways:

→ Mindset First, Metrics Second: Audrey starts every client journey by clearing subconscious prosperity blockers—like the belief that rich people are greedy—that limit earning potential.

→ Blueprint Over Budget: Instead of restrictive budgets, Audrey co-creates a one-page financial blueprint that aligns with each business owner's goals and personal definition of success.

→ Know Your Numbers: Successful entrepreneurs review financial statements monthly. Audrey teaches clients to read their profit & loss, balance sheet, and cash flow like a pro.

→ You Are Not Your Business: Audrey encourages shifting from "my business" to "the business" to create team inclusion and a CEO mindset that supports scaling.

→ Right People, Right Roles: A small change in team structure led one client to nearly double her revenue—from $1M to $2M—by freeing the CEO’s time to focus on growth.

💬 Quotes to Remember:

"Your subconscious brain will stop you from becoming rich if you believe wealth equals greed." – Audrey Faust

"You don’t need a budget. You need a blueprint that moves you forward with intention." – Audrey Faust

🎁 Free Resource Mentioned:

Download Audrey’s Profit Accelerator Workbook — “12 Secrets from an Expert CFO for Women Entrepreneurs” — at AudreyFaustConsulting.com

📚 Upcoming Book:

She Grows Rich Book available now: https://www.amazon.com/She-Grows-Rich-Audrey-Faust-ebook/dp/B0DS66RPJM?&tag=us2025tag13-20

📣 Tune in to hear how Audrey helps business owners rewire their thinking, decode their finances, and double their income. Ready to redefine what’s possible?

📌 Listen to the full episode now

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 276: How Historical Thinking Transforms Business Strategy Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

What if the same strategic thinking that shapes world history could transform how you handle your business disputes and protect your company's reputation?

Jonathan Sherman, Partner and Vice Chair of Strategic Litigation at Sterlington Law, shares his journey from studying Cold War diplomatic history to becoming a nationally recognized commercial litigator. With over 30 years of experience, including work on the O.J. Simpson case and high-profile disputes involving Sony and Herbalife, Jonathan reveals how historical analysis has shaped his strategic approach to law and business.

Key Takeaways

➤ Historical perspective enhances legal strategy. Major decisions are often practical rather than ideological, providing valuable insight for business litigation.

➤ Lawyers must function as strategic advisors. The best representation involves understanding your client's business context and helping navigate uncertainty.

➤ High-profile cases build valuable skills. Experience with media attention and public pressure develops crucial abilities for high-stakes business disputes.

➤ Listening trumps talking. Sherman's biggest career advice is to "shut up more" - intentional listening creates better outcomes than trying to impress with knowledge.
➤ Legal profession is evolving rapidly. Modern law firms are adapting to remote work and building practices around individual expertise rather than just institutional brands.

Notable Quotes
"What made me want to become a lawyer was I wanted to find out how the world gets to be about big, sweeping ideas, when what happens on Wall Street every day are the same kinds of supply and demand and resource allocation questions that happen on Main Street every day."

"The only interesting thing is what I do and what businessmen do is my job is to kind of look behind you... I can't use what I learn about you, which is privileged and protected... My job is to steer you in a direction where at least you understand the costs that your anger or your obsession may take you."

Connect with Jonathan Sherman
Learn more about Jonathan Sherman and his strategic litigation expertise at www.sterlingtonlaw.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 275: Turn Your Retirement Account Into Business Capital Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

What if you could use your retirement savings to invest in real estate, start a business, or buy cryptocurrency - all while keeping the tax advantages of your IRA or 401(k)?

Tax attorney and entrepreneur Adam Bergman reveals the hidden power of self-directed retirement accounts that most Americans are unaware of. As the founder and CEO of IRA Financial Group, Adam shares how he discovered, by accident, that IRAs can invest in far more than just stocks and bonds—and how he built a $5 billion company helping business owners unlock these opportunities.

From the ROBS strategy for funding businesses with retirement funds to the surprising tax advantages that even seasoned professionals may not be aware of, this episode reveals the retirement planning secrets that savvy individuals use to build substantial wealth.

5 Key Takeaways

➤ IRAs can invest in almost anything except three prohibited categories - collectibles like art, life insurance, and transactions that personally benefit you or your family members.

➤ Three ways to fund your business with retirement money: Own less than 50% of the business through a self-directed IRA, borrow up to $50,000 through a 401(k) loan, or use the ROBS (Rollover Business Startup Solution) strategy.

➤ The ROBS strategy enables tax-free, penalty-free access to retirement funds by setting up a C-corporation that adopts a 401(k) plan, which then purchases company stock—completely legal under Section 4970E of the tax code.

➤ Starting retirement savings at 24 vs 34 makes a massive difference - investing just $2,000 annually from age 24-72 at 8.5% returns yields $1.15 million vs. only $498,000 when starting at 34.

➤ Self-directed IRAs cost less than $500 annually to maintain, and the setup process takes just a few hours over a few weeks, giving you complete control over investment decisions.

Notable Quotes
"I had no idea that you can use an IRA to do alternative assets. I as a tax lawyer... worked at some of the biggest law firms in the world, and I honestly thought that you had to buy stocks and mutual funds, ETFs with your IRA."

"The US retirement system is rigged in our favor... it's based off compounded returns, the eighth wonder of the world. Albert Einstein said it."

How to Reach Adam Bergman
IRA Financial Group

Website: /https://www.irafinancial.com/lp/retirement-solutions/
YouTube Channel: IRA Financial (1000+ educational videos)
Phone: Free consultations with 100+ tax professionals
Resources: Extensive blogs and educational content on self-directed retirement accounts

Adam has authored 9 books on retirement planning and continues to educate entrepreneurs on maximizing their retirement strategies through alternative investments.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 274: How to Access 9-11% Yields Like Institutional Investors Jul 02, 2025

Show notes

Are you missing out on the investment opportunities that institutional investors have been using for decades to build wealth?

In this episode, Gary sits down with Kim Flynn, President of XA Investments and CFA charter holder, to explore the world of alternative investments and how they're becoming accessible to individual investors and business owners. Kim shares her journey from investment banking to founding her own business and reveals how interval funds are democratizing access to private markets.

Kim Flynn discusses her entrepreneurial journey in asset management and explains how alternative investments—everything that's not a stock or bond—can provide diversification, income, and inflation protection. She breaks down the revolutionary concept of interval funds, which offer SEC-registered access to private market investments with improved liquidity and tax reporting compared to traditional private funds. The conversation covers direct lending opportunities, the importance of working with knowledgeable financial advisors, and why small business owners are particularly well-positioned to benefit from these sophisticated investment strategies.

Key Takeaways:

➤ Alternative investments include anything beyond stocks and bonds - from private equity and real estate to infrastructure and farmland, offering diversification benefits and potential inflation protection that traditional portfolios may lack.

➤ Interval funds are game-changers for individual investors - these SEC-registered products provide access to institutional-quality investments with quarterly liquidity windows, 1099 tax forms instead of K-1s, and lower suitability requirements.

➤ Direct lending presents compelling opportunities in 2025 - with banks pulling back from lending, direct lending funds are filling the gap and offering yields of 9-11% while providing alternative financing options for business owners.

➤ Small business owners have natural advantages in alternative investing - they understand diversification risks better than most investors and can benefit from longer investment horizons to access institutional-quality strategies previously unavailable to individual investors.

➤ The right financial advisor is crucial for alternative investment success - investors should ask advisors about private market exposure and alternative offerings, as not all advisors understand interval funds and their unique liquidity structures.

Notable Quotes:

"We've got to be thoughtful about what we bring to market. The world doesn't need another large cap ETF, so we focus on creating cutting-edge products in alternative investments."

"This is what the American business owner needs - an opportunity to deploy capital in a more sophisticated way alongside institutional investors, but have it be convenient with easy buying and selling and a 1099 instead of a K-1."

Connect with Kim Flynn:

Website: https://xainvestments.com/
LinkedIn: Kimberly Flynn at XA Investments
Resources: Educational content, white papers, and interval fund index information available on website

Kim Flynn is the President of XA Investments, where she leads product and business development specializing in closed-end funds, interval funds, and alternative investments. As a CFA charter holder with deep expertise in private market investing, she's passionate about making institutional-quality investments accessible to a broader audience.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 273: What Business Owners Get Wrong About the IRS Jun 25, 2025

Show notes

❓What happens when you ignore the IRS—or worse—hire the wrong help?
Spoiler alert: It doesn't magically disappear… but your bank account might.
This week, Gary sits down with Candice Miller, a nationally recognized tax attorney, to break down the biggest missteps business owners make when dealing with the IRS. From penalties and passport revocations to payroll tax nightmares, Candice shares powerful insights on how to stay compliant, avoid costly mistakes, and why being proactive could literally save your business.

She also opens up about her unexpected path into tax law, what gets her fired up to help clients, and why most of those "pennies-on-the-dollar" ads are too good to be true.
🔑 Key Takeaways:

→ Don't bury your head in the sand — Delaying IRS issues only increases penalties and reduces options.
→ Free help exists — From the IRS Taxpayer Advocate to Low Income Tax Clinics, support is out there.
→ Payroll tax errors are the #1 business killer — Not remitting 941 taxes properly can haunt you personally.
→ Your business structure matters — Legal and tax classifications are different. Talk to a CPA and attorney.
→ Penalty abatement is possible — First-time or hardship-based reductions could save you thousands.
📬 Connect with Candice Miller:
Email: candice.miller@azarvandtaxlaw.com
Firm: Azarvand Tax Law (or simply Google Azarvand Tax Law)
📍 Free consultations available

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 272: Smart Steps to Franchise Ownership Jun 18, 2025

Show notes

Thinking about owning a franchise—but not sure if it’s the right move?

This episode breaks down what you really need to know before diving into the world of franchising.

Gary Heldt sits down with James Hilovsky, franchise consultant and CEO of FranDream, to discuss how aspiring business owners can confidently enter the franchise world. James shares his journey from restaurant executive to multi-concept founder and now mentor to franchise seekers. He outlines the real work behind franchise ownership, the common mistakes to avoid, and why choosing a brand with strong support matters more than hype.

🎯 Key Takeaways:
✅ A franchise isn’t passive income—it’s a business that needs your full involvement.
✅ Talk to current franchisees to get the real picture before signing anything.
✅ Support matters most: look beyond the brand to see what kind of help you’ll receive.
✅ Athletes often make excellent franchisees because they thrive on systems and structure.
✅ Don’t overextend financially—stay within budget and explore smart funding options.
✅ James helps match clients to vetted franchises and walks with them every step of the way.

💬 Quote to Remember:
"Just because it's a franchise doesn't mean it runs itself. You're the engine—make sure you've got the right crew supporting you." – James Hilovsky

📨 Want to explore franchise ownership with expert guidance?
💡 Visit www.thefrandream.com or email james@thefrandream.com to connect with James directly.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 271: Culture, Content, and the Future of Investment Sales Jun 11, 2025

Show notes

What happens when you start your company after 14 jobs in 17 years? And how do you turn that into $40 billion raised?

In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, host Gary Heldt interviews Gui Costin, the energetic founder and CEO of Dakota. Gui opens up about the winding path that led him to success, the leadership missteps he corrected, and how he built a culture of mentorship, kindness, and high performance. You’ll also hear his take on the future of investment sales, the impact of AI, and the importance of consistency in content creation—even for plumbers!

→ 5 Key Takeaways:
→ Leadership is a behavior, not a title.
→ Kindness and high performance can—and should—coexist.
→ The right words from a leader can make or break employee retention.
→ Embrace AI now or risk falling behind.
→ Ask “Why?” seven times to unlock clarity and growth.

💬 Gui’s Quote to Remember:
“Our mission is to help other people get what they want out of life. That’s when everything changed.”

🎧 Listen & Learn:
Tune in to hear Gui’s journey from job-hopper to industry leader, how he mentors his team, what “The Dakota Way” really means, and how every business—yes, even plumbers—should be creating content consistently.

✅ Connect with Gui Costin:
🌐 Website: https://dakotafunds.com/
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guicostin/
🏢 Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dakota-about/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Grow Your Business and Grow Your Wealth

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected