Ep. 107 | Navigating Business Life Cycles

Teaching Tax Flow: The Podcast

About the Guest: Kelly Bender
Kelly is the President of TBS in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and an accomplished tax professional with a motto of "life untaxed." She is recognized for her proactive approach to tax and accounting services and has significantly expanded her practice through strategic acquisitions. Kelly is an enrolled agent and holds the prestigious role of an instructor for the National Association of Tax Professionals. She has presented at various conferences, including the Taxposium, highlighting her expertise in accounting for family-owned businesses.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Teaching Tax Flow podcast, hosts Chris Picciurro and John Tripolsky engage in an enriching discussion with Kelly Bender, a seasoned tax professional, about the life cycle stages of a business. As businesses evolve from the startup phase through growth to transition, Kelly provides substantial insights into tax strategies, operational tips, and planning to ensure financial health and longevity.

During the conversation, Kelly emphasizes the importance of choosing the right entity structure from the outset and how those decisions should align with personal and long-term business goals. Navigating the growth phase, Kelly discusses strategies for operational delegation, particularly outsourcing bookkeeping functions, to allow for efficient scaling. Moreover, she sheds light on transition planning for business owners looking to exit or sell, advising them to start planning years ahead to maximize their business's value and ensure a smooth transition. Tune in for practical business advice that can guide you toward achieving robust financial health and success.

Key Takeaways:

• Always begin with choosing the proper entity structure that aligns with your business goals.
• In the growth phase, consider outsourcing your bookkeeping to focus on strategic business development.
• Transition planning should ideally start five years before you wish to exit, ensuring maximum value and smooth succession.
• Effective communication and humility in leadership are crucial, especially when steering family-owned businesses.
• Use personalized tax strategies tailored to your situation, incorporating personal and business goals for optimal outcomes.

Notable Quotes:

• "The only way we can multiply ourselves is by delegating things that are not where our primary brainpower is used best." – Kelly Bender
• "It's better to exit with a plan than to exit by accident." – Kelly Bender
• "As soon as you start to feel like you're not giving the bookkeeping enough attention, it's time to let go of the reins." – Kelly Bender.
• "The person who's netting $5,000 a year is a very different conversation than the person netting $50,000 a year." – Kelly Bender.
• "Simple is really better because you don't even know how to handle that yet." – Kelly Bender.

Demonstrating how different phases of business require varied approaches to tax and operational strategies, this episode is a must-listen for any business owner or aspiring entrepreneur looking for actionable advice. Keep following our podcast for more insightful discussions with industry experts!

Episode Sponsor:
Integrated Investment Group

www.integratedig.com

• (00:14) - Exploring Business Life Cycles and Investment Opportunities
• (01:59) - Sports Rivalries and Podcast Guest Dynamics
• (03:38) - Proactive Tax Strategies for Family-Owned Businesses
• (08:21) - Advice for New Business Owners in Their First 24 Months
• (10:12) - The Importance of Proper Entity Structure for Business Success
• (12:59) - The Pitfalls of Unnecessary Business Partnerships
• (14:47) - Strategic Tax Planning for Business Growth and Sustainability
• (19:37) - When to Outsource Bookkeeping and Payroll for Small Businesses
• (22:01) - Successful Business Transitions Through Strategic Planning and Humility
• (27:22) - Balancing Business Risks and Lighthearted Hockey Rivalries