Why do so many entrepreneurs drag out their goals over 52 weeks instead of aiming to achieve them in 12? Is it fear of failure, fear of success, or just a lack of action?

This is a candid, motivating conversation that will help you move from talking about your goals to actually achieving them!

Welcome to another episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs! Today, Glenn Harper and Julie Smith pull back the curtain to talk about the real conversations that happen behind the scenes about goal-setting and timelines.

Glenn Harper and Julie Smith tackle these questions with honest debate, sharing insights on overcoming procrastination, setting actionable steps, and why respecting your own ideas is crucial for growth.

If you’ve ever found yourself pushing off your goals or forgetting about your plans by the end of the year, this episode will give you the tough love and practical tips you need to start taking meaningful steps—no matter how small.

PureTax, LLC

Key takeaways from our conversation:

1. Action beats intention: Without taking consistent steps (even small ones), goals remain nothing but words.
2. Compress your timeline: Don’t default to “someday.” Set shorter, focused periods to accelerate results, learn faster, and make success a habit.
3. Prioritize your vision: Add your goals to your calendar, give them your best energy, and put yourself at the top of your to-do list.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys...

If you’re looking to understand how the OBBBA can empower your business, this episode is packed with clear explanations and actionable insights for entrepreneurs everywhere.

Welcome to another episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs, hosted by Glenn Harper and Julie Smith. They talk about the real impact of the OBBBA—referred to as the "big beautiful bill"—on entrepreneurs and business owners.

With lots of chatter and confusion around what this legislation actually means, Glenn Harper breaks down the concrete benefits: from locking in permanent tax rates, to making long-term business planning easier, to allowing full write-offs for heavy vehicles and essential equipment purchases.

Julie Smith joins in with practical questions, making sure listeners know how these changes could directly affect their buying decisions and tax strategies.

PureTax, LLC

Top 3 Takeaways:

1. Locked-in Tax Rates: The OBBBA makes the current tax rates permanent, allowing entrepreneurs to plan for the future with more certainty. No more worrying about sudden tax hikes after sunset clauses expire!
2. Permanent Qualified Business Income Deduction: Most flow-through entities can continue to benefit from this deduction. That means more money stays in your pocket and less goes to taxes.
3. Immediate Asset Write-Offs: Need new equipment, vehicles, or even a factory upgrade? Purchase qualifying assets and write off 100%—right away, with no long depreciation schedules.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses

Learn why talking to your advisor before you act isn’t just smart—it’s essential for entrepreneurial success!

Welcome to another enlightening episode of the Empowering Entrepreneurs Podcast! In this conversation, Glenn Harper and Julie Smith talk about a topic every entrepreneur needs to hear: “What entrepreneurs should be asking their CPA right now.”

If you’ve ever made a big financial move for your business—like selling stock, making a large purchase, or considering a Roth conversion—without looping in your tax advisor, you’re not alone.

Glenn Harper and Julie Smith share their candid insights on why a quick phone call to your CPA can be the difference between an average outcome and an optimal one.

They discuss the importance of tax planning, avoiding knee-jerk decisions, and how even small tweaks can have a big impact on your bottom line.

PureTax, LLC

Here are 3 key takeaways for entrepreneurs and decision-makers:

1. Don’t Go It Alone: Before making any material financial move, reach out to your CPA or advisory team. A quick call could dramatically improve your results.
2. Proper Planning = Better Outcomes: Acting on impulse might get the job done, but strategic planning can help you minimize taxes and maximize your benefits.
3. It’s Easier to Ask for Permission: Give your CPA a heads up before acting, because sometimes “asking for forgiveness” means missed opportunities that can’t be undone.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus,...

Glenn Harper and Julie Smith offer strategies for writing down action plans, building momentum with small wins, and making sure those 2026 goals don’t end up as next December’s leftovers.

Welcome back to another episode of "Empowering Entrepreneurs." In this week’s conversation, Glenn Harper and Julie Smith dig into one of the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face at the turn of the year: setting growth goals that actually stick.

As the buzz of New Year’s resolutions fades, Julie Smith shares her insights on why lofty ambitions often get lost by mid to late January, and how breaking big-picture objectives into daily, manageable action steps is key to real progress. If you’re ready to trade reactionary fire-fighting for intentional, rewarding growth, this episode is your blueprint for the year ahead.

PureTax, LLC

Here are 3 key takeaways for anyone looking to turn resolutions into real results:

1. Break big goals into daily wins: Huge visions need to be broken down into actionable steps you can check off every day. Small, consistent progress is what leads to big outcomes.
2. Write down both your goals and your action plan: As Glenn Harper shares, if you don’t map out your action steps, your goals are just dreams. Make your path clear and hold yourself accountable.
3. Learn to act from growth, not just from pain: Entrepreneurs often react to challenges—but planning and executing for positive growth is far more rewarding than simply avoiding setbacks.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their...

Whether you're in the trenches or taking time to reflect on your business journey, this episode is packed with advice and reflections to help you make informed decisions for 2026 and beyond.

Welcome back to another insightful episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs. I'm your host, Glenn Harper, joined by my co-host, Julie Smith.

Today, we're diving into a subject that many entrepreneurs grapple with: Is bigger always better, or is better just better? We'll explore the delicate balance between scaling a business and maintaining quality, how to decide which path aligns with your goals, and the crucial role of intention in growth strategies.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

1. Regular Reflection: Make it a part of your business routine to step back and evaluate where you are and where you want to be.
2. Intentional Planning: As the year comes to a close, use this period for setting clear, deliberate intentions for 2025.
3. Opportunity Cost Evaluation: Consider what you might have to give up in order to achieve your desired growth. Is it worth it?

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how

Whether it’s lessons learned from product lifecycles, navigating family and personal setbacks, or his passion for giving back to the entrepreneurial community, David Stowers offers wisdom, humor, and a candid look at what it truly takes to grow, scale, and thrive.

On this episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs, hosts Glenn Harper and Julie Smith sit down with David Stowers, principal owner of Smash Success and a business development specialist for FreedomDev Sensible Software. Known for his engaging sales style and entrepreneurial drive, David Stowers shares the twists and turns of his career—from hustling as a teenager and launching infomercial products, to facing financial challenges and reinventing himself multiple times over.

With stories ranging from selling foam airplanes at flea markets to making national television appearances on QVC, David Stowers opens up about the peaks and valleys that shaped his journey. He discusses the importance of mentorship, balancing integrity with ambition, and why authenticity matters in business. Get ready for inspiring insights, entertaining anecdotes, and practical advice that every entrepreneur can relate to.

Moments

00:00 "David Sowers: Growth Enthusiast"

03:16 Entrepreneurial Roots and Aspirations

08:53 "Parenting with Trust and Independence"

09:40 "Lessons from Early Amway Days"

15:14 "Weekend Hustles to Rolling Rulers"

18:49 "Finding Purpose Through Hardship"

21:01 "Entrepreneur's Shift to Network Marketing"

25:14 "Transition, Tech, and Opportunity"

28:21 "From Selling Invisible to Consulting"

31:09 QVC On-Air Training Experience

33:01 "Entrepreneurship: Choose Fun Over Stress"

36:51 "Recreating Success with Ginsu Knives"

41:41 "Need vs. Want in Sales"

44:47 "Marketing Lessons from Rich"

46:12 "Entrepreneurship, Travel, and Family"

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Here are 3 key takeaways for entrepreneurs and business builders:

• Embrace the peaks and valleys: David’s experience with early financial success followed by a tough downturn (and bankruptcy) highlights that our biggest lessons—and eventual successes—often come from the challenging valleys, not the easy peaks.
• Authenticity & Integrity Matter: Whether selling products on QVC or consulting for software firms, David stresses the importance of authentic connection and doing business the right way, even when it means turning away a sale that doesn’t serve the customer.
• Mentorship and data-driven decisions: Surround yourself with people who challenge you and supply you with the right tools (including data!). David credits his partners and mentors with teaching him the importance of operational excellence and making marketing decisions based on real numbers—not just gut instinct.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the

This episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice for entrepreneurs ready to invest in their well-being and become the best version of themselves.

Welcome to another episode of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast! In this edition, hosts Glenn Harper and Julie Smith sit down with Dr. Will Haas, the founder and CEO of VIVE Wellness. Dr. Haas is no ordinary physician—he brings a unique blend of expertise with both an MD and an MBA, combining deep medical knowledge with sharp business acumen.

With a dynamic background as a competitive athlete and a relentless curiosity for optimizing human health, Dr. Haas has dedicated his career to treating the root causes of illness rather than just addressing symptoms. Growing up watching Olympic heroes and learning the value of hard work from his academic parents, he forged his own path—one that challenges the norms of traditional Western medicine.

In this conversation, Dr. Haas shares his entrepreneurial journey, from personal training and athletic coaching in college to pivoting away from conventional medicine’s “treat the symptom” approach. He explains his bio regenesis method and how he tailors cutting-edge wellness strategies for high-performing entrepreneurs whose drive and energy often come at the expense of their health.

Moments

03:05 Body Fat Increase Warning Signals

07:58 Balancing School, Work, and Athletics

12:40 "Discovering a Passion for Wellness"

16:51 Triathlete Turned Trainer Insights

19:19 Cycling: Clarity and Peace Time

23:01 "Holistic Approach to Helping Others"

26:28 Disenchantment with Conventional Medicine

28:07 "Balancing Success and Well-being"

33:39 "Achieving Pain Relief and Performance"

36:12 "Relentless Curiosity for Optimization"

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Here are 3 KEY TAKEAWAYS for anyone looking to drive both their business and personal wellness:

• Treat the Cause, Not the Symptom: Dr. Haas explains how most issues stem from underlying cellular dysfunctions, emphasizing the importance of advanced testing and a personalized approach.
• Don’t Ignore the Foundation: Entrepreneurs often chase flashy wellness trends (like peptides or high-tech therapies) but overlook basic detox and repair systems. According to Dr. Haas, true health optimization starts here.
• Success Requires Self-Maintenance: One of the biggest traps for high achievers? Sacrificing healthy habits as things grow. Maintaining structure with nutrition, recovery, and mindset is crucial not just for business, but for lifelong energy and fulfillment.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us...

Get ready for a story of grit, giving back, and embracing opportunity, all served up with a side of cheeseburgers and community spirit.

On this episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs, we sit down with Ron Ladner, co-founder of Shaggy’s restaurants and a true embodiment of passion meeting purpose. Raised on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Ron Ladner shares his journey from humble beginnings, growing up in a small, crowded home, to building a thriving restaurant group known for its uplifting culture and commitment to putting both employees and guests first.

Throughout the conversation, Ron Ladner opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped his entrepreneurial path—including his realization that adversity, from economic downturns to hurricanes, can actually fuel opportunity and innovation. From lessons learned in the construction yard and on the sports field, to pioneering successful sales strategies and ultimately returning home to help rebuild his community after Hurricane Katrina, Ron Ladner offers listeners invaluable insights on resilience, leadership, and the importance of creating lasting impact.

Plus, you'll hear how his love for fishing became part of his business, the unique culture he’s built at Shaggy’s, and what truly drives him beyond profits.

Moments

00:00 "Ron: Business Meets Passion"

05:36 "Curiosity Drives Passion for Growth"

07:16 "Working Through School & Summer"

10:45 Switching Majors: Tech to Marketing

15:30 Informative Networking Secrets

20:16 "Life's Unexpected Journeys"

23:32 "Committed to People and Purpose"

25:10 Transforming Restaurant Employee Culture

30:27 Opportunity in Setbacks

34:54 From Cleanup to Business Partnership

37:47 Fishing Boat Intern to Captain

40:53 Holistic Employee Support Solutions

45:20 "Shaggy's Cheeseburger Story"

46:34 "Book Success and Audiobook Deal"

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Here are our top three takeaways from the episode:

• People-First Culture Fuels Growth: Ron’s ethos of surrendering 100% to both his team and his guests has revolutionized what it means to be in the restaurant business. His team’s average tenure is four years, compared to an industry average of just 75 days. That is the true power of valuing your people.
• Turning Catastrophe into Opportunity: Ron’s journey is a masterclass in resilience. After Hurricane Katrina devastated his community, he prioritized rebuilding not just his business, but the heart of his town. Out of challenges, opportunity—and Shaggy’s—was born.
• Legacy Beyond Profit: True entrepreneurial success isn’t just about the bottom line; it’s about lifting others up. Ron’s dedication to mentoring his employees, helping them grow professionally and personally, shows that impact outlasts income.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our...