Show notes
What does it take to build a business that is financially prepared for growth, opportunity, and eventually an exit?At the ATLVets Tampa Speaker Series, Ray Busler and Thomas Lind of CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) joined the conversation to break down the financial decisions business owners often overlook.From building strong accounting practices and choosing the right business structure to tax planning, QSBS opportunities, advisor alignment, due diligence, and exit preparation, this conversation is packed with practical insights for founders and privately held business owners.Chapter Segment:00:00 – Welcome and Thomas Lind’s Veteran Story02:15 – Meet Ray Busler of CLA03:44 – Why CLA Focuses on Privately Held Businesses05:40 – Supporting Business Owners Through Growth11:07 – What Small Businesses Actually Need From a CPA16:58 – Accounting Discipline and Planning Ahead18:25 – Choosing the Right Business Entity19:12 – Qualified Small Business Stock and Exit Planning21:03 – S Corporation vs. C Corporation22:55 – Why Your Professional Advisors Need to Be Aligned26:04 – Tax Credits and Business Incentives27:45 – Get Your Advisors in the Same Room30:16 – What Size Businesses Does CLA Work With?32:04 – Preparing for the Business Exit34:45 – Due Diligence and Protecting Business Value36:40 – Estate and Succession Planning37:22 – Audience Q&A39:06 – Why Financial Discipline Matters Long Term40:39 – Tax Strategy vs. Financing Readiness42:08 – Understanding What Your Business Is Really Worth42:40 – Turning Financial Data Into Better Decisions43:37 – Remote Employees and Multi State Tax Exposure45:52 – Closing Remarks The biggest lesson? The decisions you make early can have a major impact on the value you create later.Watch the full conversation and hear how experienced advisors think about building a stronger financial foundation for your business.
