In this episode of the BLABO Podcast, host Chris Papin and guest Melissa Gragg discuss the intricacies of business valuation, negotiation, and the importance of mindset in business ownership. They explore the significance of starting with the end in mind, the role of cash flow in determining business value, and the psychological aspects of negotiation. The conversation also highlights the necessity of accurate financial reporting, the impact of deal fatigue, and the importance of preparing for due diligence when selling a business. Melissa shares valuable insights and strategies for business owners looking to navigate the complexities of selling their businesses and achieving successful outcomes.

About Melissa Gragg

Melissa Gragg is a financial mediator, business valuation expert, and trusted guide for individuals navigating high-stakes financial decisions — especially during divorce. With more than two decades of experience in business valuation, litigation support, and collaborative dispute resolution, Melissa helps couples and business owners replace conflict with clarity. She specializes in creating fair, data-driven settlement offers, untangling complex assets, and making financial disclosures easy to understand. As the founder of ValuationMediation.com and The Divorce Allies, Melissa empowers clients to negotiate from a position of strength, avoid unnecessary litigation, and walk away with a plan for lasting financial stability.

To learn more, visit:
https://papinspeaks.com/

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In this episode of the BLABO Podcast, host Chris Papin speaks with Raj Patel, owner of Patel Winery, about his unique journey into the winemaking industry. Raj shares insights on the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of mentorship, and the need for adaptability in business. He emphasizes the significance of understanding numbers and ROI, finding a niche, and maintaining passion in the face of adversity. The conversation highlights the necessity of building strong relationships and being open to change as key components of success in business.

About Raj Patel:

Raj entered the finance industry after college, where he has worked in private wealth management and residential mortgage sales management. He is currently a VP for a national financial firm.

His long-term goal, however, had always been to own a vineyard by age 55 in order to be able to produce his own Cabernet Sauvignon. But a change in the Napa Valley wine industry in the early to mid-2000s gave Raj the opportunity to start his dream 15 years earlier. In 2007, Raj met Kian Tavakoli, whom he would hire as his consulting winemaker. The two produced the first vintage of PATEL wines at a custom crush, 100 cases of a 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon. Robert Parker of The Wine Advocate reviewed the wine, scoring it a 95, and has scored the subsequent vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon at 94.

PATEL currently produces a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Right Bank Bordeaux-style Red Wine, and annual production has sold out every year since its inception. The current case production is 1,200 cases.

In addition to careful sourcing fruit from some of the best growers in Napa Valley, Patel ensures quality by selling off the bottom 30% of production each year, “no matter how good,” Raj explains, “to ensure what we work with is truly the best every year.”

So, while long-term plans are to increase total production to 2,500 to 3,000 cases, this growth plan includes production of vineyard-designated Cabernet Sauvignons from Napa Valley’s first growth vineyards

For more information, visit www.patelwines.com.

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In this episode of the BLABO Podcast, host Chris Papin engages with Mucki Sobania, a Solutions Consultant Manager, to explore the intricacies of entrepreneurship and leadership. They discuss Mucki’s unique journey from marketing to solutions consulting, the importance of empowering teams, and the commonalities in leadership across different industries. The conversation emphasizes the significance of building trust, clarity, and a culture of learning within teams, as well as the necessity of modeling desired behaviors as a leader. Mucki shares actionable insights on accelerating team development and the concept of 'failing fast' to foster growth and innovation.

About Mucki Sobania:

Mucki Sobania is a Solutions Consultant Manager. She worked in the tax and accounting space for over 10 years, helping firms evaluate and move toward a more advisory-focused business. Most recently, she led a team of 8 who facilitated product demonstrations.

To learn more, visit:
https://papinspeaks.com/

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In this episode of the BLABO Podcast, host Chris Papin engages with Tracie Hannick, an enrolled agent and business owner, discussing the complexities of running a business, the importance of an advisory mindset, and the value of building strong client relationships. Tracie shares her journey of overcoming challenges, finding her voice in the industry, and the significance of community in business. The conversation emphasizes the need for customization in client services and the importance of navigating the evolving landscape of professional services, especially in the context of technology and client expectations.

About Tracie Hannick

Tracie Hannick, EA is a graduate of Sonoma State University in Northern Ca. She has owned Bean Counting Firm Inc for more than 20 years in Chico, CA. Tracie is a wife and mom to 2 sons and is very active in her community. Tracie recently opened another firm in Bremerton, Washington and is looking forward to developing that in the coming year.

To learn more, visit:
https://papinspeaks.com/

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In this episode of the BLABO Podcast, host Chris Papin speaks with Ryan Gleghorn, a firefighter and entrepreneur who owns Blaze Pest Control. They discuss the mindset required for business ownership, the evolution of Ryan's pest control business, and the importance of customer service and team culture. Ryan shares his journey from being a firefighter to becoming a successful entrepreneur, emphasizing the significance of listening to his team and building personal relationships with customers. The conversation also touches on overcoming fear, the value of starting without a perfect plan, and the role of personal experiences in shaping business success.

Firefighter, entrepreneur, and owner of Blaze Pest Control. Ryan believes business success starts with discipline and mental toughness, and he brings that mindset to everything he does. Ryan is also a proud husband and dad to three amazing daughters who inspire him to show up as his best every day. Whether it’s leading his team, serving customers, or pushing himself through challenges like 75 Hard, He's all about growth, grit, and doing what it takes to win – in business, in life, and at home.

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In this episode of the BLABO podcast, host Chris Papin speaks with former NFL athlete and business coach Marques Ogden about the importance of mindset in business. They discuss the 'Victory Mindset,' which emphasizes not just personal growth but the growth of the entire team and organization. Active listening, visioning, and the balance between discipline and dedication are highlighted as key components for success. The conversation also touches on the necessity of embracing failure, the importance of adaptability, and the dangers of staying in the comfort zone. Ogden shares insights on leadership and the need for business owners to cultivate a mindset that prioritizes collective success over individual achievements.

Marques Ogden is a former NFL player who is now an inspirational keynote speaker. He's also the founder and CEO of Ogden Ventures LLC, five -time best-selling author (Sleepless Nights; The Success Cycle), business coach and consultant and the podcast host of Get Authentic With Marques Ogden; although his journey didn't come easy or without unrelenting adversity.After retiring from football, Marques pursued a career in construction and contracting.

At 27, he founded a construction company with fast growth but eventually went bankrupt, losing almost two million dollars on one project in 90 days. He pulled himself together during his darkest hours and got a part-time job as a custodian.Marques rose to the top again with hard work and determination, using his struggles as inspiration to blaze his own trail forward.

Now, he shares his powerful story to help others learn how to fail forward and achieve success in their lives. Marques' story and insights as a thought leader have been featured in top publications such as USA Today, Forbes, News Nation, Cheddar News and Authority Magazine. As a speaker, he's landed jobs with over 85 Fortune 500 companies and over 20 Fortune 100 companies like Amazon, Goldman Sachs, Intel, JPMorgan Chase and Home Depot.

Marques hopes to continue reaching new levels in his professional career and positively impacting as many people's lives as possible through doing what he loves; speaking on stage and sharing his experiences and knowledge with others.

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In this episode of the BLABO podcast, host Chris Papin and guest Kimberly Schreiber discuss the multifaceted nature of business ownership, emphasizing the importance of mindset, time management, and the integration of technology, particularly AI, in legal practice. They explore the balance between leveraging new tools and maintaining the human element in client interactions, as well as the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the legal field. The conversation also touches on the importance of consistency in branding and the need for business owners to adapt and behave like true entrepreneurs.

Kimberly Schreiber is a seasoned attorney and mediator with over 25 years of experience helping clients navigate complex legal and emotional transitions. Known for her practical, compassionate approach, Kimberly empowers clients to find clarity, resolution, and a path forward—both in and out of the courtroom. She’s also the founder of Training Resolved a professional training company.

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In this episode of the BLABO podcast, host Chris Papin and guest Jim Hasler discuss the importance of a business mindset, building a strong vision and culture, setting goals, and navigating change. They emphasize the significance of accountability, client relationships, and the value of peer support in business. The conversation also touches on evaluating advice and mentorship, highlighting the need for collaboration and community in achieving success.

Jim has been a licensed CPA for over 30 years. Becoming a partner in 2010, Jim has worked with business partner Greg since January 2003 and has been instrumental in the growth of the firm’s tax, advisory and accounting practices. Like his partner, he began his career in the tax department of a big-eight accounting firm. He served as chief financial officer of an international nonprofit organization for ten years. He has experience with tax return preparation, tax planning, business advisory, small business accounting and operational issues. When not serving clients, Jim enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and riding horses.

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