Grow Your Business and Grow Your Wealth

Hosted by Gary Heldt

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367

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Oct 2026

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About the show

The Grow Your Business and Grow Your Wealth Podcast with Gary Heldt is the go-to place to help plan for your future. Whether you’re a business owner looking to maximize your tax profit, a parent planning for college, or an individual looking to improve your life, Gary is the expert for you.Guests on the podcast will chat with Gary and share their secrets to build a better financial foundation for your business and your life. Tune in for informative conversation about keeping your finances organized and not wasting your well-earned money.

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October 28, 2026Episode 34424 min

Episode 344: When AI Goes Rogue Who Is Liable

When AI Goes Rogue Who Is Liable Artificial intelligence is transforming business, but what happens when technology makes a decision that causes real harm? Who should be held responsible: the developer, the company using it, or the people who trusted it? In this episode of Grow Your Business and Grow Your Wealth , host Gary Heldt welcomes Douglas J. Wood , Principal of the Law Offices of Douglas J. Wood, PLLC, award-winning author, and former partner at a global law firm with more than four decades of legal experience. Douglas joins Gary for a fascinating conversation about artificial intelligence, legal accountability, and the growing challenges facing businesses as technology advances. His newest thriller, Deadly Bytes , explores these questions through a suspenseful story involving a murderer who creates an advanced artificial intelligence system to stay ahead of an FBI investigation. While the story is fictional, Douglas draws on extensive research and his legal background to create scenarios that challenge readers to consider what could happen in the real world. Gary and Douglas discuss the growing reliance on AI, the consequences of inaccurate or unexpected outputs, and the difficulty of establishing legal responsibility when autonomous systems behave in unintended ways. Douglas explains why the pace of technological innovation presents such a challenge for legislation, courts, businesses, and regulators. The conversation also takes a personal turn as Douglas discusses his transition from a successful legal career into writing award-winning thrillers. He shares how early rejection delayed his pursuit of fiction, why research is essential to his storytelling, and how he uses artificial intelligence as a tool without allowing it to replace his creativity or professional judgment. For entrepreneurs and business leaders, the conversation delivers a timely reminder: Technology can support decision-making, but human responsibility cannot simply be automated away. Key Takeaways Accountability remains a central challenge. Douglas examines who could be legally responsible when AI causes harm or behaves unexpectedly. Technology and the law move at different speeds. Advances in artificial intelligence raise questions that courts, lawmakers, and businesses are still working to address. Human oversight matters. Automated answers and decisions still require verification, judgment, and appropriate safeguards. AI can be a tool without replacing expertise. Douglas explains how he uses technology for research while relying on expert interviews and personal experience. Professional reinvention can lead to a new chapter. Douglas shares how he moved from a long legal career into writing novels built around his passion for storytelling. About Douglas J. Wood Douglas J. Wood is the Principal of the Law Offices of Douglas J. Wood, PLLC, an award-winning author, and a former global law firm partner with more than 45 years of experience in entertainment, media, and advertising law. His newest thriller, Deadly Bytes , explores artificial intelligence, human behavior, and questions of legal responsibility. Connect with Douglas J. Wood Website: https://douglasjwood.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/djwood1976/ Explore his novels, including Deadly Bytes , through his official website. Connect with Gary Heldt Small Business Advisors: https://www.sbadvisors.cc/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-d-heldt-jr/ Listen and Subscribe Grow Your Business and Grow Your Wealth on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grow-your-business-and-grow-your-wealth/id1521874291 Disclaimer: This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, tax, investment, or other professional advice. The opinions expressed by guests are their own. Consult qualified professionals regarding your individual circumstances.

October 21, 2026Episode 34337 min

Episode 343: Why Relationships Drive Success

What if the secret to growing your business isn't working harder, but surrounding yourself with the right people? In this episode of Grow Your Business and Grow Your Wealth, Gary Heldt sits down with Ken Joslin, high-performance coach, real estate investor, and founder of Grow Stack Drive, to explore why relationships are one of the most powerful drivers of personal and professional success. Ken shares his remarkable transition from ministry to entrepreneurship and explains how intentional relationships helped him build a successful real estate career and coaching business. Drawing from his book 14 Frequencies of Proximity, he reveals why authenticity, generosity, and proximity to the right people can create opportunities that talent and ambition alone cannot. But this conversation goes far beyond networking. Gary and Ken discuss why entrepreneurs often become the biggest obstacle to their own growth, how to shift from doing everything to leading others, and why protecting company culture matters, even when it requires difficult decisions. Ken also introduces his Core Five framework and challenges business owners to examine whether their pursuit of financial success is coming at the expense of their health, relationships, and personal fulfillment. At the heart of this conversation is a powerful distinction: building a successful business is one thing, but building a life of significance is something entirely different. Key takeaways from this episode Why surrounding yourself with the right people can transform your opportunities and accelerate business growth. How investing your time, talent, and resources builds stronger professional relationships. Why entrepreneurs must learn to delegate, develop leaders, and stop doing everything themselves. How the Core Five framework helps business owners define success beyond financial performance. Why protecting your company's culture matters more than keeping every client or employee. The importance of self-awareness, humility, and being willing to accept coaching. Why significant leaders focus on helping others succeed instead of simply advancing themselves. Connect with Ken Joslin Website: https://growstackdrive.com Instagram: @kenjoslin Listen and subscribe https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grow-your-business-and-grow-your-wealth/id1521874291 Follow Gary at https://www.sbadvisors.cc/

October 14, 2026Episode 34228 min

Episode 342: The Psychology Behind Your Money

Why do people continue making financial decisions they know are hurting them? For Dr. Erika Rasure, the answer often has very little to do with understanding the numbers. In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth , Gary Heldt sits down with Dr. Erika Rasure, Chief Financial Wellness Advisor at Beyond Finance, Certified Financial Therapist, and Transformational Coach, to explore the emotional and behavioral side of money. Dr. Erika explains why financial habits are often emotional habits, how childhood experiences influence our relationship with money, and why traditional financial education alone may not create lasting change. Gary and Erika discuss impulse spending, debt, financial stress, inherited money beliefs, delayed gratification, and the fear many people have that they are financially behind everyone else. They also explore why people can know they should budget, save, invest, and reduce debt yet still struggle to actually do those things consistently. Dr. Erika shares how financial therapy looks at the emotional, relational, cognitive, and behavioral aspects of money and helps people understand what may be driving their decisions beneath the surface. The conversation also turns to raising financially confident children. Erika encourages parents to talk openly about money, involve children in age-appropriate financial decisions, and even share some of their own financial mistakes rather than pretending they always had everything figured out. Perhaps the most powerful idea comes near the end of the conversation, when Erika explains that financial confidence isn't built through motivation alone. It is built through evidence. Every successful decision becomes evidence that you can trust yourself to make another one. This conversation is a powerful reminder that building wealth isn't only about knowing what to do with your money. Sometimes it begins with understanding why you do what you do with it. KEY TAKEAWAYS • Money is more than math. Financial decisions are influenced by emotions, experiences, relationships, and learned behaviors. • Knowing what to do doesn't guarantee that we will do it. Many people already understand that they should save, invest, budget, and reduce debt. Behavior is often the missing piece. • Impulse spending may be solving an emotional problem. Shopping can provide an immediate dopamine response, even when the purchase conflicts with long-term financial goals. • Our money beliefs start early. Childhood experiences and family attitudes about money can continue influencing financial decisions well into adulthood. • Financial goals work better when connected to personal values. Saving an emergency fund becomes more meaningful when someone connects it to a deeper value such as security or stability. • Money shame keeps people stuck. People often avoid asking for financial help because they believe they should already know the answers or fear they are behind their peers. • Parents need to talk about money. Children benefit from seeing money discussed, practiced, and managed rather than treated as a taboo subject. • Financial confidence is built through evidence. Small successful financial decisions create proof that we can trust ourselves to make better decisions in the future. CONNECT WITH DR. ERIKA RASURE LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikarasure/ Beyond Finance https://www.beyondfinance.com/ Dr. Erika also recommends the Financial Therapy Association for people interested in learning more about Certified Financial Therapists. CONNECT WITH GARY HELDT https://www.sbadvisors.cc/ Listen to Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth for conversations with entrepreneurs, financial professionals, business leaders, and experts helping business owners build stronger companies and greater long-term wealth.

October 9, 202640 min

Bonus: Why Profit Isn’t Cash

A business can look profitable on paper and still have a serious cash problem. In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth , guest host Sandra “Sandy” Bempah sits down with Brooke Horvath, CPA and Founder of Salt Creek Consulting & CPA, for a practical conversation about the financial numbers every business owner needs to understand. Brooke explains why profit and cash flow are not the same thing, why business owners should pay attention to more than their P&L, and how the balance sheet and statement of cash flows can reveal what is really happening inside a company. They also dig into year-round tax planning, why waiting until tax season can limit your options, and the importance of having your CPA, financial advisor, and other professionals working together instead of operating in separate silos. For entrepreneurs who hope to eventually sell their companies, Brooke shares an especially important warning: preparing for a successful exit often needs to begin years before the sale. Clean financial statements, accurate tax returns, profitability, and smart planning can all influence how a business is valued and whether a buyer can secure financing. And for newer business owners trying to save money by doing everything themselves, Brooke explains why DIY accounting can sometimes end up costing far more than bringing in qualified help early. KEY TAKEAWAYS Profit does not equal cash flow. A company can show a profit and still struggle to have enough cash available for taxes, debt payments, inventory, or operations. Tax planning should happen throughout the year. For business owners and people with more complex income, tax strategy should not begin in March or April. Your balance sheet tells an important part of the story. Brooke says many business owners focus only on their profit and loss statement, while the balance sheet can provide a clearer picture of the company's overall financial health. Your financial professionals should communicate. CPAs, financial advisors, and other professionals may be looking at different pieces of the same financial picture. Collaboration can help avoid missed opportunities and misunderstandings. Start succession planning before you are ready to leave. If you plan to sell your business, Brooke recommends looking at your financials years ahead of the anticipated sale because buyers, lenders, and valuation professionals will examine that history. Sometimes outsourcing saves money. Business owners can spend countless hours trying to learn bookkeeping and accounting themselves, only to pay someone later to correct the mistakes. Know where your cash is going. If your business is profitable but you do not feel like you are building wealth, Brooke recommends looking closely at the statement of cash flows to understand where the money is actually going. Most importantly, Brooke reminds entrepreneurs that business ownership does not have to be a solo journey. Having trusted people around you who understand your business can lead to better decisions and fewer expensive mistakes. CONNECT WITH BROOKE Brooke Horvath, CPA Founder, Salt Creek Consulting & CPA www.saltcreekcpa.com Learn more about Guest Host: https://sandyfinancialsolutions.com/ Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, accounting, investment, or financial advice. Consult qualified professionals regarding your individual circumstances.

October 7, 2026Episode 34127 min

Episode 341: When Your Business Is Your Entire Portfolio.

Your business may be your greatest asset. It may also hold most of your financial risk. In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth , Gary Heldt speaks with Alexey Sokolov, a Northwestern Mutual financial advisor who co-founded and sold Grid Capital. Alexey explains how building and selling his own company changed the way he thinks about protecting wealth. Gary and Alexey discuss a problem many successful founders overlook: their income, company value, and personal investments can all depend on the same industry. If conditions change, those assets may fall together. They also explore why having substantial assets does not always mean having cash available when you need it. Alexey shares why tax and investment decisions deserve attention well before a business sale. He explains “tax drag,” examines the role of bonds in a portfolio, and makes the case for bringing a CPA, attorney, and financial advisor into the conversation early. For business owners, the question is bigger than what the company might sell for. It is how to manage what you have built, both before and after an exit. About Alexey Sokolov Alexey Sokolov is a financial advisor with Northwestern Mutual in Los Angeles. Before becoming an advisor, he co-founded Grid Capital, a regulated investment platform that he later sold. He works with founders, business owners, investors, and professionals on wealth planning, concentrated holdings, and business transitions. Connect with Alexey Email: Alexey.Sokolov@nm.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexeysokolovnm/ Connect with Gary Heldt Website: https://www.sbadvisors.cc/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-d-heldt-jr/ Schedule a conversation: https://calendly.com/gheldt21054/podcast-follow-up-conversation Listen and subscribe Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grow-your-business-and-grow-your-wealth/id1521874291 This episode is for educational purposes and does not constitute individualized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Consult qualified professionals about your circumstances.

September 30, 2026Episode 34029 min

Episode 340: Your Most Powerful Leadership Tool Is Choice

What happens when professional success requires you to become someone you no longer want to be? Charlene Wheeless, MA, MBA, ICF-ACC, spent more than 30 years rising through corporate America, ultimately reaching the C-suite and leading communications for major global organizations. But after being diagnosed with cancer twice, she stepped away from the corporate treadmill and confronted a difficult truth: she had invested enormous energy in becoming the person others expected her to be. In this candid conversation with Gary Heldt, Charlene shares how pivotal moments of choice shaped her journey from an abusive childhood to corporate leadership, bestselling authorship, and entrepreneurship. She explains why organizations often reward conformity instead of contribution, how leaders unknowingly surrender their agency, and why every business outcome begins with a decision that was made, delayed, or avoided. Charlene also discusses the inspiration behind her book, You Are Enough! , and challenges professionals to stop chasing validation disguised as ambition. She reminds leaders that words carry lasting power, people must be led rather than managed, and authentic success should never require trading away who you are. For entrepreneurs, Charlene offers another important shift: stop thinking like a consultant and begin operating like the CEO of your business. Sometimes all it takes to move forward is seven seconds of courage and the willingness to do the thing you have been avoiding. What You’ll Learn Why choice is one of a leader’s most powerful tools How professionals surrender their agency without realizing it The difference between contributing to a culture and conforming to it Why leaders manage work but lead people How delayed or defaulted decisions create organizational bottlenecks Why chasing validation can look deceptively like ambition How to develop a CEO mindset as an entrepreneur What seven seconds of courage can help you accomplish Learn more about Charlene, her coaching, speaking, and bestselling book at CharleneWheeless.com . Listen to Grow Your Business and Grow Your Wealth on Apple Podcasts . Visit https://www.sbadvisors.cc/

September 23, 2026Episode 33925 min

Episode 339: The Winning Playbook for Business Reinvention

The Winning Playbook for Business Reinvention What happens when the career you worked years to build suddenly ends? Jack Oujo spent eight years pursuing his dream of becoming a Major League Baseball umpire, advancing to Triple-A before an unexpected setback forced him to reinvent his future. He went on to become a CPA, build Oujo Wealth Strategies into one of the nation’s largest tax-focused wealth management firms, and oversee approximately $900 million in assets under management. In this episode, Jack joins Gary to share how the discipline, pressure, teamwork, and resilience he learned in professional baseball helped him build an extraordinarily successful financial services business. He explains why business owners need a Plan B, how numbers can remove emotion from major decisions, and why developing strong processes and people is essential for sustainable growth. Jack also discusses the difficulty of letting go, the importance of preparing employees to lead, and how business owners can create a meaningful life after selling the company that once defined them. What You’ll Learn How Jack rebuilt his life after his baseball career ended Why every entrepreneur should prepare for worst-case scenarios How financial projections can make difficult decisions less emotional Why business owners must stop doing everything themselves How documented processes support business growth Why coaching employees is one of a leader’s most important responsibilities How exceptional service creates loyal clients and valuable referrals What Jack learned from building and eventually selling his firm Why gratitude matters when transitioning into the next chapter of life Featured Quote “You only get respect by giving respect.” — Jack Oujo About Jack Oujo Jack Oujo is the founder of Oujo Wealth Strategies, one of the nation’s largest tax-focused wealth management firms, and the bestselling author of Too Smart to Be an Umpire . Before becoming one of the country’s top financial advisors, Jack spent eight years pursuing his dream of becoming a Major League Baseball umpire, advancing to Triple-A before an unexpected setback changed his life. His journey from career disappointment to extraordinary business success offers a powerful lesson in resilience, reinvention, leadership, and building a meaningful legacy. Learn more about Jack and purchase Too Smart to Be an Umpire : https://toosmarttobeanumpire.com/ Listen, follow, and subscribe to Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grow-your-business-and-grow-your-wealth/id1521874291 This episode is provided for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, investment, or legal advice. Please consult an appropriately qualified professional regarding your individual circumstances.

September 18, 202644 min

Bonus: Why Business Owners Need One Financial Team

Growing revenue does not necessarily mean you are building wealth. A business can appear successful while its owner’s assets, financial security, and long-term options remain stagnant. In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, guest host Sandy of Sandy Financial Solutions speaks with Paul Etzler, CPA, CGMA, GACP, founder and president of BobBear Services LLC. Paul brings more than 30 years of experience in accounting, tax strategy, financial consulting, due diligence, compliance, forecasting, and entrepreneurship. Paul explains why business owners must look beyond income and consider the complete financial picture, including business assets, personal assets, liabilities, taxes, succession, and family goals. He also shares an important distinction: business and personal finances should remain separate for accounting and tax purposes, but they must be considered together when developing a long-term wealth strategy. The conversation explores why tax planning should happen throughout the year, how CPAs and financial advisors can work together, and why succession planning should begin long before an owner intends to leave or sell the business. In this episode, you will learn: Why increasing revenue does not always increase wealth. How to balance saving, investing, business growth, and enjoying life. Why tax planning should happen throughout the entire year. How business and personal assets fit into one larger financial picture. Why your CPA, financial advisor, attorney, banker, and insurance professional should communicate. When business owners should begin succession and exit planning. The three questions that can reveal weaknesses in your current financial plan. Why professional guidance still matters in an AI-driven world. Paul also challenges business owners to remain flexible, listen to informed outside perspectives, and accept that a plan may need to change. A business may be the owner’s baby, but sometimes that baby needs an honest checkup. About Paul Etzler Paul Etzler, CPA, CGMA, GACP, is the founder and president of BobBear Services LLC. He has more than 30 years of experience in financial consulting, accounting, tax, due diligence, compliance, forecasting, and business advisory services. Paul is also involved in entrepreneurial ventures spanning healthcare, real estate, sustainability, financial wellness, art, and entertainment. Connect with Paul: https://bobbearllc.com Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, accounting, investment, or financial advice. Consult qualified professionals regarding your individual circumstances.

September 16, 2026Episode 33822 min

Episode 338: Franchise Opportunities Beyond Burgers and Fries

When most people hear the word franchise, they picture fast food. But some of today’s most compelling franchise opportunities are found in less glamorous industries such as home services, senior care, pet care, youth programs, property services, and business-to-business solutions. In this episode, Gary Heldt speaks with Jon Ostenson, CEO of FranBridge Consulting, about why entrepreneurs and investors are increasingly exploring non-food franchises. Jon explains how franchise buyers can evaluate opportunities based on their finances, experience, desired level of involvement, local market, and long-term goals. Jon also challenges the idea that a franchise can be completely passive. He explains why “semi-involved” is more realistic, what separates successful franchisees from struggling owners, and why following the franchisor’s proven system matters. Gary and Jon also discuss franchise funding, support systems, due diligence, franchise stacking, and how essential service businesses may be better positioned to withstand economic uncertainty and technological disruption. What You’ll Learn Why non-food franchises are attracting entrepreneurs and investors Which service-based franchise categories are growing How to determine whether a franchise fits your skills and lifestyle Why a franchise should never be considered completely passive What successful franchisees do differently How franchise owners learn from one another without directly competing The difference between a franchise consultant and a business broker How SBA loans and retirement rollovers may be used for franchise funding Why reviewing the Franchise Disclosure Document is only one part of due diligence How franchise stacking can help owners expand and diversify Guest Bio Jon Ostenson is the CEO of FranBridge Consulting, a top 1% franchise broker, investor, author, and Forbes contributor. After serving as President of a national Inc. 500 franchise system with more than 200 locations, Jon has helped thousands of entrepreneurs and investors explore franchise ownership. He specializes in non-food franchising, helping people identify scalable business opportunities that fit their goals, finances, experience, and lifestyle. Heldt Connect With Jon Ostenson Website: FranBridgeConsulting.com LinkedIn: Jon Ostenson Email: jon@franbridgeconsulting.com Free book: Visit FranBridge Consulting to request a complimentary copy of Jon’s book, Non-Food Franchising . Looking to learn more about Gary Heldt? Visit Small Business Advisors for more information. Home | Small Business Advisors

September 9, 2026Episode 33731 min

Episode 337: Your Retirement Plan Needs a Backup Plan

What happens when your retirement plan looks solid on paper, but life does not follow the plan? In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth , Gary Heldt speaks with Alan Lee Porter, a nationally certified financial fiduciary, founder of Strategic Wealth Strategies, and former U.S. Army Black Hawk instructor pilot. Alan shares how serious medical crises within his own family changed the direction of his career and taught him that financial planning must account for more than investment returns. Illness, disability, long-term care, taxes, market downturns, and outdated beneficiary forms can quickly expose gaps in even a well-funded retirement plan. Gary and Alan discuss why retirement planning should focus on the distribution of assets, tax-efficient income, healthcare expenses, long-term-care risks, and protecting a family’s financial legacy. Alan also explains why individuals and business owners benefit from having CPAs, attorneys, financial advisors, insurance professionals, and other specialists working together rather than relying on one person to handle every part of the plan. The conversation is an important reminder that financial confidence does not come from predicting the future. It comes from preparing for the possibilities before they become emergencies. What You Will Learn Why retirement planning changes when you move from saving money to creating income How taxes and required distributions can affect retirement savings Why beneficiary designations should be reviewed regularly How illness, disability, and long-term care can disrupt a financial plan Why business owners need coordinated exit, tax, estate, and retirement planning The importance of verifying credentials before using complex financial or tax strategies About Alan Lee Porter Alan Lee Porter is a nationally certified financial fiduciary and founder of Strategic Wealth Strategies in Fayetteville, North Carolina. A former U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter instructor pilot, Alan helps individuals, families, and business owners explore tax-efficient retirement strategies, lifetime income planning, asset protection, and financial risk reduction. Connect With Alan Website: Strategic Wealth Strategies LinkedIn: Alan Lee Porter Email: strategicwealth0@gmail.com Important Financial Disclaimer This podcast is provided for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, tax, legal, accounting, or insurance advice. The opinions expressed are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of Gary Heldt, Small Business Advisors, or Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth . Financial products and strategies involve risks and may not be appropriate for every individual or business. References to potential tax savings, income, insurance benefits, or financial results are illustrative only and are not guarantees. Insurance and annuity guarantees are subject to the terms of the applicable contract and the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Listeners should consult qualified and properly licensed financial, tax, legal, and insurance professionals before making decisions based on their individual circumstances.