Episode Summary

In this episode of the Make Space for More podcast, host Melissa Swink chatted with tax expert Carmine Guida Jr. to explore the intricacies of tax planning and strategy for business owners. You don’t want to miss this conversation about the importance of proactive tax planning, the evolution of Carmine's business, and the impact of recent tax law changes.

Carmine shared about the need for strong communication between accountants and clients, common misconceptions about tax deductions, and best practices for hiring employees. He also provided valuable insights on audit readiness and the importance of maintaining proper documentation. Stay to the end; you don’t want to miss helpful resources for business owners seeking to enhance their financial strategies.

Key Highlights:

• Discover why waiting until tax season to talk to your accountant might be costing you thousands in missed opportunities.
• Learn how proactive tax planning can transform your business from reactive to strategic when it comes to financial decisions.
• Understand the crucial difference between tax preparation and tax planning - and why it matters for your bottom line.
• Find out why showing more income (not less) might actually be the smart move for your business growth.
• Get the inside scoop on commonly overlooked deductions that could be game-changers for your business.
• Learn how to build a relationship with your accountant that goes beyond annual tax returns to create real financial strategy.

About Our Guest:

Carmine Guida Jr. is a Partner at Basso & Guida, bringing over 15 years of experience in individual and business tax planning. Known for providing top-level professional advice in a clear and approachable manner, he helps clients navigate complex financial decisions with confidence. Under his leadership, Basso & Guida has been recognized as a Dan’s Papers Hall of Fame winner for Best Accounting Firm on the North and South Fork of Long Island, NY, solidifying its reputation for excellence.

About Melissa:

Melissa Swink, Founder & CEO of Melissa Swink & Co., has a team of virtual assistants who provide administrative and marketing support for small businesses and non-profits.

Since 2012, Melissa and her team have helped more than 100 businesses grow through the services they offer, and she is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs create profitable, scalable businesses they love.

Her work is all about doing what works (and eliminating what doesn’t) and driving real, measurable results. Visit www.melissaswink.com to learn more!

Thanks for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

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Episode Summary

In this episode of the Make Space for More podcast, host Melissa Swink speaks with Ashly Hartmann, Vice President of R-Value Insulators, about scaling a business in the building trades industry, and the importance of aligning that business with your personal values and lifestyle.

Tune in to hear a discussion about the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, the significance of team dynamics, and the necessity of delegating responsibilities. Ashly shares insights on hiring, the role that coaching has played in the business’s growth, and how having support at home can enhance productivity. The conversation also touches on the importance of networking and building relationships in business, as well as the joys of traveling and living life on one's own terms.

Key Highlights:

• Discover why aligning your business with your personal values is essential for sustainable success.
• Learn how strategic delegation and hiring support (both at work and home!) can transform your business from overwhelming to organized.
• Understand why investing in coaching might be the game-changer your business needs to reach the next level.
• Find out how successful entrepreneurs are redefining work-life balance in the construction industry.
• Get the inside scoop on building a team culture that supports both business growth and personal freedom.
• Learn why embracing failure as feedback might be your fastest path to success in the building trades.

About Our Guest:

Ashly Hartmann, VP of R-Value Insulators serves her family and the building trades industry from her home in Northern Wisconsin. RVI provides building science education to tradespeople and homeowners by delivering efficient solutions that maximize home performance, provide overall comfort, and bring peace of mind. With an entrepreneurial spirit, Ashly continually seeks opportunities to extend the educational reach of RVI to builders and tradespeople eager to understand the science of building. Family and exploration are the cornerstones of Ashly's heart, propelling her on adventures across the globe.

About Melissa:

Melissa Swink, Founder & CEO of Melissa Swink & Co., has a team of virtual assistants who provide administrative and marketing support for small businesses and non-profits.

Since 2012, Melissa and her team have helped more than 100 businesses grow through the services they offer, and she is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs create profitable, scalable businesses they love.

Her work is all about doing what works (and eliminating what doesn’t) and driving real, measurable results. Visit www.melissaswink.com to learn more!

Thanks for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are really valuable and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave

Episode Summary

In this special episode of “Make Space for More,” host Melissa Swink interviews Lisa Susen-Sullivan, a seasoned real estate broker and multi-passionate entrepreneur. Tune in to hear a frank discussion of Lisa's journey into real estate, the impact of COVID-19 on the housing market, and the emotional aspects of real estate transactions.

You’ll learn about Lisa’s experiences with outsourcing and delegation in her business, as well as her passion for travel and how she manages her side business. This episode is for you if you want to absorb wisdom about work-life balance, effective communication, and the value of seeking help to grow and scale a business.

Key Highlights:

• Discover why emotional intelligence might be your most valuable asset in building a successful real estate business.
• Learn how strategic outsourcing can transform your business from overwhelming to organized (while actually improving client service!)
• Find out why the most successful real estate professionals are choosing collaboration over competition in today's market.
• Understand how embracing technology and automation can give you the freedom to focus on what truly matters: Building relationships.
• Get the inside scoop on building multiple revenue streams while maintaining work-life balance.
• Learn why setting boundaries with technology might be the key to both better client service and personal peace.

About Our Guest:

Lisa Susen-Sullivan is the Owner and Broker of Integrity Real Estate Team — a local, independent agency in Wisconsin. She is also President of the Lakeshore Realtors Association (LRA) and the Broker of Choice for Stepping Stone Homes, southwest Wisconsin’s largest new home builder. Colleagues and clients alike have described her as enthusiastic, communicative, and responsive — with a ‘get the job done’ attitude and great sense of humor.

About Melissa:

Melissa Swink, Founder & CEO of Melissa Swink & Co., has a team of virtual assistants who provide administrative and marketing support for small businesses and non-profits.

Since 2012, Melissa and her team have helped more than 100 businesses grow through the services they offer, and she is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs create profitable, scalable businesses they love.

Her work is all about doing what works (and eliminating what doesn’t) and driving real, measurable results. Visit www.melissaswink.com to learn more!

Thanks for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are really valuable and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.