Do you have Intellectual Property? Is it protected? Dan Shulman, Intellectual Property attorney and my guest on this episode of the Maximize Business Value podcast, and I wholeheartedly agree on the importance of protecting this important company asset and how it impacts the value of your business. Find out what qualifies as intellectual property and how and why you should protect it. We also discuss common mistakes business owners make when it comes to protecting or failing to protect Intellectual Property and how creating a culture of innovation drives business value. Reach out to Dan via email at [email protected] to get a questionnaire that will help you determine if you have Intellectual Property that needs to be protected. - Tom mentioned our Culture of Innovation Presentation: HERE IT IS Daniel Shulman is a Shareholder at Vedder Price and a member of the firm’s Intellectual Property group in the Chicago office, who focuses on all aspects of intellectual property acquisition, monetization, and enforcement, including complex patent litigation, trademark litigation, copyright litigation, trade secret litigation and all aspects of patent and trademark prosecution and portfolio management. He also advises clients on intellectual property transactions including technology development agreements, confidentiality, and joint development agreements, licensing, and mergers and acquisitions. As an in-house attorney, Mr. Shulman developed a keen insight into the challenges businesses face, what constitutes quality service from outside counsel, and how to meet or exceed a client’s budget expectations. Mr. Shulman was named one of the Top Forty Lawyers Under 40 in Illinois in 2013 by the Law Bulletin, Managing IP Top In House IP Star every year from 2015 through 2018 and received the First Chair Award Top In-House Intellectual Property Counsel in 2015, 2016, and 2018. Reach out to him at [email protected]. Tom Bronson is the founder and President of Mastery Partners, a company that helps business owners maximize business value, design exit strategy, and transition their business on their terms. Mastery utilizes proven techniques and strategies that dramatically improve business value that was developed during Tom’s career 100 business transactions as either a business buyer or seller. As a business owner himself, he has been in your situation a hundred times, and he knows what it takes to craft the right strategy. Bronson is passionate about helping business owners and has the experience to do it. Want to chat more or think Tom can help you? Reach out at [email protected] or check out his book,Maximize Business Value, Begin with The Exit in Mind (2020). Mastery Partners, where our mission is to equip business owners to Maximize Business Value so they can transition their business on their terms. Our mission was born from the lessons we’ve learned from over 100 business transactions, which fuels our desire to share our experiences and wisdom so you can succeed.

Bob Gibbons, Founder and CEO of REATA Commercial Real Estate joins us for today's episode of the Maximize Business Value podcast. Today, Bob and host, Tom Bronson, focus on real estate. Bob gives us the latest on how COVID has impacted real estate in DFW and across the nation. There is also practical advice on how business owners need to look at real estate and how to effectively manage their leases, ownership to maximize business value. Bob is an expert in the field with over 36 years in the industry. He is a wealth of information on this topic, as you will discover as you listen. Want to hear more from Bob? He has his own podcast - Confessions of a Recovering Landlord - check it out! Bob Gibbons is the founder and CEO of REATA Commercial Real Estate. Since starting his career in early 1984, Bob has been involved in all aspects of the commercial real estate business and held positions such as property manager, leasing agent, broker, construction manager, development project manager, and asset manager. He is a licensed Texas real estate broker, member of numerous trade associations, and holds a BBA in Finance from UT Arlington and an MBA from the University of Dallas. Bob has been married to Jan since 1986 and she now works with him at REATA. They have two grown kids who are successfully navigating the business world on their own. Bob enjoys water sports, mountain biking, and hiking, but would rather snow ski than anything else. Contact Bob through his website or email him at [email protected]. Tom Bronson is the founder and President of Mastery Partners, a company that helps business owners maximize business value, design exit strategy, and transition their business on their terms. Mastery utilizes proven techniques and strategies that dramatically improve business value that was developed during Tom’s career 100 business transactions as either a business buyer or seller. As a business owner himself, he has been in your situation a hundred times, and he knows what it takes to craft the right strategy. Bronson is passionate about helping business owners and has the experience to do it. Want to chat more or think Tom can help you? Reach out at [email protected] or check out his book, Maximize Business Value, Begin with The Exit in Mind (2020). Mastery Partners, where our mission is to equip business owners to Maximize Business Value so they can transition their business on their terms. Our mission was born from the lessons we’ve learned from over 100 business transactions, which fuels our desire to share our experiences and wisdom so you can succeed.

This week in the Maximize Business Value podcast we are talking to Michael Orr, principal at point-Z marketing company and Mastery Partners’ resident Marketing guru. Today, we are demystifying marketing for business owners. You are going to want to listen to this one in the car and then at home where you can take a lot of notes as Michael walks us through clarifying your message, the difference between marketing and branding, how small business owners should think about branding and outlines branding process. There are so many schools of thought on successful marketing but the way Michael explains it makes it simple and doable. Michael Orr is the founder and principal of point-Z marketing company. Founded in 2005 and working to delight our customers ever since. point-Z marketing successfully creates and nurtures desire for client’s products to drive sales through brand positioning, strategically creative marketing, and productive communications. A fast and flexible marketing company that does what they say they are going to do. They talk straight and work collaboratively. point-Z is equally excited to work on a project with your marketing team or become your outsourced marketing department. They do what it takes to create productive marketing and make their clients look good in the process. Check them out at pointzmarketing.com. Tom Bronson is the founder and President of Mastery Partners, a company that helps business owners maximize business value, design exit strategy, and transition their business on their terms. Mastery utilizes proven techniques and strategies that dramatically improve business value that was developed during Tom’s career 100 business transactions as either a business buyer or seller. As a business owner himself, he has been in your situation a hundred times, and he knows what it takes to craft the right strategy. Bronson is passionate about helping business owners and has the experience to do it. Want to chat more or think Tom can help you? Reach out at [email protected] or check out his book, Maximize Business Value, Begin with The Exit in Mind (2020). Mastery Partners, where our mission is to equip business owners to Maximize Business Value so they can transition their business on their terms. Our mission was born from the lessons we’ve learned from over 100 business transactions, which fuels our desire to share our experiences and wisdom so you can succeed.

On this week’s Maximize Business Value Podcast, Tom Bronson welcomes Gerald Parsons, CEO, and Rich Russo, VP of Corporate Development from Life Languages. They discuss Life Languages and the vital role communication plays in the effectiveness, profitability, and value of companies. Life Languages cracks the code to effective communication. The Life Languages Communication IQ system is a key indicator that will predict where inconsistent, inaccurate internal, and external messaging exists at every level in an organization. We all want to be seen, heard, and understood. Most relationships fail and most management problems are due to miscommunication and misunderstanding. Life Languages helps recognize and resolve conflict, reduce the cost of onboarding, build relationship equity, and increase the return on individual investment hands down. Find out more by visiting Life Languages website or checking out Gerald's book, Ties And T-Shirts here. Gerald R. Parsons is a forward-thinking strategic builder dedicated to character-driven communication as a core value. He has been affiliated with Life Languages International / Communication IQ for over 30 years and was appointed CEO in 2016. In his current role, Gerald strives each day to make a difference in the lives of his team and colleagues by creating equity within their relationships and the company. Gerald is a firm believer that when people learn their communication styles they learn how to speak and listen so more people will hear and understand them. Personal and professional development that involves improving himself as a leader worth following both in his family and organization are his top priorities. Living in constant reminder of how special his life is, Gerald is married to his wife of 42 years and enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren. Rich Russo is VP of Corporate Business Development and Managing Director of Build Connect, LLC. Much of his day includes helping teams create practical solutions to complex problems and then transitioning that solution into a sustainable operating model. He has a passion for enhancing Communication IQ at organizations of all sizes and he regularly volunteers and donates to organizations that support personal and professional growth. Find out more about Rich by connecting with him on LinkedIn. Tom Bronson is the founder and President of Mastery Partners, a company that helps business owners maximize business value, design exit strategy, and transition their business on their terms. Mastery utilizes proven techniques and strategies that dramatically improve business value that was developed during Tom’s career 100 business transactions as either a business buyer or seller. As a business owner himself, he has been in your situation a hundred times, and he knows what it takes to craft the right strategy. Bronson is passionate about helping business owners and has the experience to do it. Want to chat more or think Tom can help you? Reach out at [email protected] or check out his book, Maximize Business Value, Begin with The Exit in Mind (2020). Mastery Partners, where our mission is to equip business owners to Maximize Business Value so they can transition their business on their terms. Our mission was born from the lessons we’ve learned from over 100 business transactions, which fuels our desire to share our experiences and wisdom so you can succeed.

This week on the Maximize Business Value Podcast, our host Tom Bronson is talking with Dean Ash, Principal at 360 Consulting DFW. This week we are diving into the Sales Pool. One last dip before Summer is officially gone and hey, Q4 is among us which makes this the perfect time to talk about Sales Growth and having a Strategic Growth Plan in place to drive revenue and maximize business value. Dean is a sales strategy master and goes into detail about execution, the players needed, processes, training, and more. Listen in and then reach out! We'd love to help you in any way. Visit our website for more information: LINK Also check out 360 Consulting DFW's website, blog, and podcast. Dean Ash is co-founder of 360 Consulting DFW and President of Smart Sales Growth (a member of the SalesXceleration Network). With more than 20 years of sales leadership experience, Dean enables clients to grow sales revenue, improve profitability and implement comprehensive sales strategies. At 360 Consulting, our passion is to 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀. Our mission is to help companies transform their sales teams and processes to 𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗹-𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀. We take success personally. We perform like our own livelihood depends on your sales success, and we want to see you succeed. Dean is also on the Mastery Partners Team as our Sales guru. Tom Bronson is the founder and President of Mastery Partners, a company that helps business owners maximize business value, design exit strategy, and transition their business on their terms. Mastery utilizes proven techniques and strategies that dramatically improve business value that was developed during Tom’s career 100 business transactions as either a business buyer or seller. As a business owner himself, he has been in your situation a hundred times, and he knows what it takes to craft the right strategy. Bronson is passionate about helping business owners and has the experience to do it. Want to chat more or think Tom can help you? Reach out at [email protected] or check out his book, Maximize Business Value, Begin with The Exit in Mind (2020). Mastery Partners, where our mission is to equip business owners to Maximize Business Value so they can transition their business on their terms. Our mission was born from the lessons we’ve learned from over 100 business transactions, which fuels our desire to share our experiences and wisdom so you can succeed.

This week on the Maximize Business Value podcast, Tom welcomes our guest Jim Roddy, author of The Walk On Method to Career & Business Success (2020). Tom and Jim discuss the book and it's uplifting message that "Ordinary people will accomplish extraordinary feats when their energy is properly channeled." The book tells the story of 31 underdog athletes who parlayed their college experience into habits that led to career success. They also dive into the proven 5-step method outlined in the book for career and business success. Listen in to hear how you can maximize business value with the Walk-On Method. Resources mentioned in the podcast: The Walk On Method to Career & Business Success (2020) Hire Like You Just Beat Cancer ( The Trusted Advisor Podcast - found anywhere you find your podcasts. Connect with Jim on Twitter @jim_roddy or on LinkedIn www.jimroddycba.com [email protected] Follow The Walk-On Method on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWalkOnMethod/ RSPA (Retail Solutions Providers Association) Jim RoddySince 1999, Jim Roddy has educated business leaders through national magazine articles, online columns, webinars, podcasts, video interviews, and presentations at national conferences. He is author of the books Hire Like You Just Beat Cancer and The Walk-On Method To Career & Business Success. He has been a guest on the Read To Lead podcast and has been published by Entrepreneur and Nasdaq. Jim has interviewed best-selling business authors Chip Heath (Made To Stick, Switch, Decisive, The Power of Moments) and Michael Gerber (The E-Myth, Awakening The Entrepreneur Within), hosting with Mr. Gerber a series of webinars and podcasts that attracted 1,000+ executives. Jim is a popular keynote speaker and moderator because of his business knowledge and a presentation style that is “infotaining” — a combination of informational and entertaining. In 2016, Jim launched a business advisory program to serve partners of Worldpay, one of the world’s leading payment processing and technology providers. In 2019, Jim joined the RSPA (Retail Solutions Providers Association) as the Vice President of Sales & Marketing and as one of the association’s business coaches. He works with high-initiative, growth-oriented companies to help them uncover their blind spots with customers, employees, and business best practices. Then he applies his 25+ years of business management experience, executive leadership, and industry expertise to help them get better. Jim is a graduate of Gannon University in Erie, PA, where he was a walk-on member of the men’s basketball team for four years and sports editor of the student newspaper for three years. Reach out to Jim here: [email protected]. Tom Bronson is the founder and President of Mastery Partners, a company that helps business owners maximize business value, design exit strategy, and transition their business on their terms. Mastery utilizes proven techniques and strategies that dramatically improve business value that was developed during Tom’s career 100 business transactions as either a business buyer or seller. As a business owner himself, he has been in your situation a hundred times, and he knows what it takes to craft the right strategy. Bronson is passionate about helping business owners and has the experience to do it. Want to chat more or think Tom can help you? Reach out at [email protected] or check out his book,Maximize Business Value, Begin with The Exit in Mind (2020). Mastery Partners, where our mission is to equip business owners to Maximize Business Value so they can transition their business on their terms. Our mission was born from the lessons we’ve learned from over 100 business transactions, which fuels our desire to share our experiences and wisdom so you can succeed.

In this episode of the Maximize Business Value podcast, Tom welcomes John Gorbutt, Principal of The Gorbutt Group and a Mastery Partners Partner. John and Tom take a deep dive into the operational and financial best practices of maximizing your business value. John is a master at understanding businesses from start to finish, what makes companies unique, and the scalability of that company then he can tell you the best ways to measure it to be able to take action. It’s all about focusing on the details. Listen in to learn what you can do today to maximize business value operationally and financially. Want to hear more? Join Tom and John for a FREE live webinar on this topic. Click here for details. Tom referenced the Maximize Business Value podcast with Charlene Aldridge and Todd Hunter. Here is the Link. John Gorbutt, Principal of the Gorbutt Group and a Mastery Partners Partner, has been making a daily difference for businesses for over 35 years. A hands-on resource with extensive experience in accounting, financial, and operational leadership roles encompassing financial and operational analysis, integrations, system conversions, bank and financial reporting, accounting diligence, cost controls, mergers and acquisitions, and project management. He has executed all aspects for more than 75 mergers and acquisitions. He has also developed best practice manuals for operations, playbooks for due diligence and integration, and training for leadership on business analysis and performance. His experience and skills are unmatched and transferable to any industry. Tom Bronson is the founder and President of Mastery Partners, a company that helps business owners maximize business value, design exit strategy, and transition their business on their terms. Mastery utilizes proven techniques and strategies that dramatically improve business value that was developed during Tom’s career 100 business transactions as either a business buyer or seller. As a business owner himself, he has been in your situation a hundred times, and he knows what it takes to craft the right strategy. Bronson is passionate about helping business owners and has the experience to do it. Want to chat more or think Tom can help you? Reach out at [email protected] or check out his book, Maximize Business Value, Begin with The Exit in Mind (2020). Mastery Partners, where our mission is to equip business owners to Maximize Business Value so they can transition their business on their terms. Our mission was born from the lessons we’ve learned from over 100 business transactions, which fuels our desire to share our experiences and wisdom so you can succeed.

In this episode of the Maximize Business Value podcast, Tom welcomes our guest Cleve Clinton, who is a partner at Gray Reed law firm in Dallas. Tom met Cleve through a mutual friend several years ago, and they’ve become great friends. He has presented at our V90X Lunch & Learn series (before COVID) and he is a master storyteller who, as a corporate attorney with a broad spectrum of clients, has “been there, done that” in almost every legal situation. As Cleve says he represents Mavericks who Dare Big, Plan Big, Think Big, and get into Big Trouble! Today, we talk about some of the legal considerations business owners really should be thinking about relating to building long term value and ultimately transitioning their business. Cleve Clinton, Partner - Gray Reed - [email protected] With a client list full of family businesses, Fortune 500 companies, and maverick risk-takers who won’t take “no” for an answer, Cleve Clinton knows what it takes to develop creative solutions when big ideas result in big problems. Whether he’s serving as lead counsel in one of the growing number of fiduciary litigation claims within family businesses, advising a family in transition, or helping a developer sidestep a legal and public relations disaster in a new residential community, Cleve’s focus is always the same – achieve the client’s goals, either in or out of the courtroom. His clients span nearly every industry, including beverage distribution, real estate, manufacturing, telecommunications, and transportation. After 40 years of litigation practice, Cleve has learned one absolute truth – there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. His starting point with every client is to fully understand their motivations and concerns so he can mirror their judgment. When the initial legal answer won’t solve the problem or is too costly, he seeks practical solutions that reveal new legal paths that minimize both the financial and emotional impact. And most important – if it’s not simple, it’s not the best solution. Cleve is dedicated to keeping clients informed about the latest legal and industry trends that impact their businesses. As a regular contributor to the firm’s blog, Tilting the Scales, he focuses on analyzing new and interesting business issues from a legal perspective. Reach out to Cleve with your questions at [email protected]. Tom Bronson is the founder and President of Mastery Partners, a company that helps business owners maximize business value, design exit strategy, and transition their business on their terms. Mastery utilizes proven techniques and strategies that dramatically improve business value that was developed during Tom’s career 100 business transactions as either a business buyer or seller. As a business owner himself, he has been in your situation a hundred times, and he knows what it takes to craft the right strategy. Bronson is passionate about helping business owners and has the experience to do it. Want to chat more or think Tom can help you? Reach out at [email protected] or check out his book, Maximize Business Value, Begin with The Exit in Mind (2020). Mastery Partners, where our mission is to equip business owners to Maximize Business Value so they can transition their business on their terms. Our mission was born from the lessons we’ve learned from over 100 business transactions, which fuels our desire to share our experiences and wisdom so you can succeed.

Is your CPA a trusted advisor to you? They should be. In this episode, I'd like to welcome our guest Susan Bryant, CPA, who is a principal at the MB Group, a CPA firm, based in North Texas. I met Susan a few months ago in a professional networking group called ProVisors. Let me start out by saying that not all CPAs are cut from the same cloth. Some are bookkeepers, some do taxes, and then there are some who really look at accounting as a calling to help their clients be better. They take a surrogate CFO role in the businesses they serve, and they truly are trusted advisors. That’s how Susan and the MB Group work. I network with lots of CPAs because they are typically close to my prospective clients - business owners. I explain what we do, and offer my services for their clients thinking about transitioning their business. Susan is the first CPA who, after hearing what we do at Mastery Partners, who said “oh my gosh, my clients really need your help!” She really understands why every business owner needs to have a solid exit strategy. Want to watch our live webinar with Susan? Email Tom at [email protected] and we will send it to you. Building on her experiences as an auditor, Susan Bryant, CPA works with clients to bring efficiency and discipline to the accounting function in their businesses through the use of our outsourced services. She thrives in crafting personalized and innovative strategies that allow business owners the freedom to dream big, focus on growth, and plan for taxes. As principal for MB Group, Susan has helped MBG to steadily grow to serve over 600 business owners, solopreneurs, and high net worth individuals. Outside the office, you’ll often find her in the kitchen cooking up a new recipe or running to keep up with her two teenage daughters. Tom Bronson is the founder and President of Mastery Partners, a company that helps business owners maximize business value, design exit strategy, and transition their business on their terms. Mastery utilizes proven techniques and strategies that dramatically improve business value that was developed during Tom’s career 100 business transactions as either a business buyer or seller. As a business owner himself, he has been in your situation a hundred times, and he knows what it takes to craft the right strategy. Bronson is passionate about helping business owners and has the experience to do it. Want to chat more or think Tom can help you? Reach out at [email protected] or check out his book, Maximize Business Value, Begin with The Exit in Mind (2020). Mastery Partners, where our mission is to equip business owners to Maximize Business Value so they can transition their business on their terms. Our mission was born from the lessons we’ve learned from over 100 business transactions, which fuels our desire to share our experiences and wisdom so you can succeed.

Jason Forrest from Forrest Performance Group joins us this week on the Maximize Business Value podcast to talk about his successful sales and training techniques including the 4 traits to look for in hiring a salesperson, using the NLP method and winning sales formulas. Sales and growth are primary drivers of business value. When your sales engine is running swell, it helps you maximize your business value. Listen in and learn how to turbo- boost the sales engine in your organization. You can get a free copy of the book “The Mindset of A Sales Warrior” by visiting warriormindsetbook.com - you just pay shipping and handling. Jason Forrest is CEO of Forest Performance Group, a best-selling author and sought after speaker. FPG is a sales-training and recruiting company that is all about profitable results. While so many trainers focus on theoretical solutions, they provide relevant, tangible strategies that produce measurable results. They are the experts in increasing profitability through training programs, event-based speaking engagements, assessments, and one-on-one coaching programs. We transform employees into corporate gladiators and companies into high-performance organizations. Check out Jason’s latest book The Mindset of a Sales Warrior, which can be found at his website warriormindsetbook.com or on amazon. Reach out to Jason at [email protected]. Tom Bronson is the founder and President of Mastery Partners, a company that helps business owners maximize business value, design exit strategy, and transition their business on their terms. Mastery utilizes proven techniques and strategies that dramatically improve business value that was developed during Tom’s career 100 business transactions as either a business buyer or seller. As a business owner himself, he has been in your situation a hundred times, and he knows what it takes to craft the right strategy. Bronson is passionate about helping business owners and has the experience to do it. Want to chat more or think Tom can help you? Reach out at [email protected] or check out his book, Maximize Business Value, Begin with The Exit in Mind (2020). Mastery Partners, where our mission is to equip business owners to Maximize Business Value so they can transition their business on their terms. Our mission was born from the lessons we’ve learned from over 100 business transactions, which fuels our desire to share our experiences and wisdom so you can succeed.