Empowering Entrepreneurs

Learn the strategic moves Dave Behar and the ION Network made to launch major brands, lead media networks, and succeed in entrepreneurship.Glenn Harper and Julie Smith sit down with serial entrepreneur Dave Behar, founder and CEO of Behar Brands and ION Network. This episode is perfect for aspiring business owners, creative professionals, and anyone interested in building and scaling brands across multiple industries.In this episode:Dave Behar shares how growing up in a family of entrepreneurs shaped his mindset and the early lessons he absorbed about work ethic, opportunity, and pursuing your own path.Learn the inside story of building Team Greek and iDig, scaling from college startups to nationwide apparel and licensing brands, and the decisions behind lucrative business exits.Get an unfiltered look at the reality of selling a business: what went right, what Dave Behar wishes he’d done differently, and lessons in dealing with post-exit valleys.Hear how Dave Behar launched ION Network, his vision for enabling others to share their message, and why continual innovation, fun, and supporting a great team are key to long-term success.Take away actionable insights about recognizing market voids, maintaining a work-life balance as an entrepreneur, and crafting a brand that resonates with millions.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.Top Takeaways:The power of spotting overlooked market opportunities and acting quicklyHow entrepreneurial resilience means learning from both peaks and valleysStrategies for successful exits—and avoiding common pitfalls when sellingBuilding sustainable businesses with passion, purpose, and playThe importance of evolving from doing it all yourself to enabling others to succeedGlenn 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 travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.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 successOur 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.https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/Copyright 2026 Glenn HarperMentioned in this episode:Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs PlusRunning a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner. At Harper & Company CPAs Plus, we don’t just crunch numbers—we empower entrepreneurs. From proactive tax strategy and accounting to business advisory services, our team helps you keep more of what you earn and scale with confidence. Whether you’re launching, growing, or preparing for exit, Harper & Company is in your corner with expert guidance built for business owners like you. Visit www.harpercpaplus.com to book a complimentary discovery call today - or call us at 614-456-7222. Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Struggling with your bookkeeping process? Discover how to transition to a professional accounting team without fear or hassle.Ever had those moments where your numbers just aren’t making sense, or things don’t show up on time?Julie Smith talks about that “uh-oh” feeling and what it’s like to realize you might need help. Glenn Harper reassures us that embarrassment is totally normal, but it shouldn’t stop you from making the change you need. They break down what the transition really looks like. From evaluating your current setup (no judgment!) to how their team does all the heavy lifting so you don’t have to stress.You'll hear stories about what it means for entrepreneurs to actually hand off the books, how a professional team can be a real partner for your business, and why, according to Glenn Harper, no one regrets finally getting their finances organized. If you’ve ever wondered what switching accountants is really like, or just want to spend more time doing what you love in your business, this episode is for you!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.Key takeaways for entrepreneurs:Don’t let embarrassment hold you back. As Glenn Harper shared, recognizing issues in your bookkeeping is common. When you know better, you can do better. For yourself, your team, and your clients.You don’t have to figure it out alone. The transition to a new system isn’t as daunting as it seems. Our team picks up the heavy lifting, giving you clear expectations and minimal to-dos for a seamless change.Focus on your strengths. Let professionals handle the numbers, so you can spend your valuable energy on what you do best and grow your business with confidence.Moments00:00 Organized onboarding and change management03:47 Value of hiring a professional CPA06:50 Benefits of professional bookkeeping servicesRunning 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 successOur 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 travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/Copyright 2026 Glenn HarperMentioned in this episode:Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs PlusRunning a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner. At Harper & Company CPAs Plus, we don’t just crunch numbers—we empower entrepreneurs. From proactive tax strategy and accounting to business advisory services, our team helps you keep more of what you earn and scale with confidence. Whether you’re launching, growing, or preparing for exit, Harper & Company is in your corner with expert guidance built for business owners like you. Visit www.harpercpaplus.com to book a complimentary discovery call today - or call us at 614-456-7222. Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Learn how effective bookkeeping, accounting, and proactive financial strategies can transform your small business from the inside out.Ever wondered if bookkeepers are just folks with pocket protectors and stacks of green paper? Julie Smith and Glenn Harper bust that myth wide open, talking through how bookkeepers do way more than just punch numbers. They’re the ones making sure your money is in the right places, your expenses actually make sense, and no one’s accidentally (or not-so-accidentally) shopping for themselves on the company card.They also dig into what happens when business owners wait till the last minute to figure out their finances (hint: it’s not good). And why getting proactive with your bookkeeping and working with accountants all year can help you actually grow instead of just stressing every tax season. Glenn Harper shares insider tips on turning those “write-offs” into real savings. No weird “girl math” or sitcom-level confusion required.Whether you’re googling bookkeeping for the first time or trying to level up your systems, this episode breaks everything down in a way that’s easy to get, with plenty of laughs along the way.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.In this episode, you’ll learn:The core functions of a bookkeeper versus an accountant, and when you need eachWhy internal controls are essential for protecting your business from errors and fraudThe real story behind business write-offs and how to maximize legitimate tax deductionsThe pitfalls of once-a-year bookkeeping and how monthly financial statements empower better decisionsHow investing in professional advice can dramatically improve your company’s financial healthMoments00:00 Delegating financial tasks in a company05:21 Maximizing tax write-offs in business08:27 Importance of proactive bookkeeping10:34 Understanding the value of feedbackRunning 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 successOur 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 travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/Copyright 2026 Glenn HarperMentioned in this episode:Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs PlusRunning a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner. At Harper & Company CPAs Plus, we don’t just crunch numbers—we empower entrepreneurs. From proactive tax strategy and accounting to business advisory services, our team helps you keep more of what you earn and scale with confidence. Whether you’re launching, growing, or preparing for exit, Harper & Company is in your corner with expert guidance built for business owners like you. Visit www.harpercpaplus.com to book a complimentary discovery call today - or call us at 614-456-7222. Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Are your business financials a mess? Learn the basics of bookkeeping and when to call in the pros.Glenn Harper and Julie Smith tackle a topic most people find a little boring, but trust us, it’s way more important than you think: bookkeeping. Whether you’re running a new side hustle out of your garage or you’ve got a team behind you, how you handle your books sets the tone for your whole business.Glenn Harper starts off with a quick trip back in time (hello, Leonardo da Vinci’s accountant buddy!) to show how bookkeeping is the OG business tool. And then he brings it right back to today’s realities.You’ll hear why categorizing your expenses matters, what can go wrong if you skip proper reconciliation, and how choosing the right system (like QuickBooks) can save you serious headaches down the road.Why do so many owners start out doing their own books? When should you call in a pro? And what are the classic mistakes that trip people up before they even realize there’s a problem? With real talk about how bookkeeping mess-ups can lead to bad decisions and unnecessary stress, this episode is packed with tips on setting up your system right, knowing when to ask for help, and actually understanding what your financial statements are telling you.PureTax, LLCIn this episode, you’ll learn:The origins and purpose of bookkeeping—and why every business needs it (00:00)How to properly categorize income and expenses to avoid costly mistakes (01:32)The role of reconciliation and why it’s essential for accurate financial statements (03:10)When to handle bookkeeping internally, when to hire a bookkeeper, and when to bring in an accountant (04:13, 12:32)Red flags that signal it’s time to get professional help—and the real costs of getting it wrong (11:13, 14:25)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 successOur 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 travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/Copyright 2026 Glenn HarperMentioned in this episode:Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs PlusRunning a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner. At Harper & Company CPAs Plus, we don’t just crunch numbers—we empower entrepreneurs. From proactive tax strategy and accounting to business advisory services, our team helps you keep more of what you earn and scale with confidence. Whether you’re launching, growing, or preparing for exit, Harper & Company is in your corner with expert guidance built for business owners like you. Visit www.harpercpaplus.com to book a complimentary discovery call today - or call us at 614-456-7222. Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Discover how behavioral science expert Kurt Nelson helps entrepreneurs master mindset, team leadership, and motivation in this insightful episode.What sets thriving entrepreneurs apart? We look into the multifaceted world of entrepreneurial success with Kurt Nelson, PhD, founder of the Lantern Group, podcast co-host, and behavioral science expert.From humble Midwestern beginnings and ice cream shop lessons to advising Fortune 500 companies and solo entrepreneurs alike, Kurt shares eye-opening perspectives on how the right mindset and emotional intelligence drive lasting impact.In this episode, you’ll get:Key lessons from Kurt’s journey. Why understanding human behavior is essential for business successReal-life stories tackling burnout, uncertainty, and how to reset your entrepreneurial driveThe science of motivation: why non-cash incentives can outperform cash, and how leaders can build high-performing, resilient teamsPractical strategies for developing self-awareness, overcoming limiting behaviors, and building supportive company culturesThe rising importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) in the age of AI and remote workPacked with practical insights for entrepreneurs at every stage, this conversation will help you simplify challenges, improve decision-making, and become a better leader, no matter your business size.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.Three key takeaways for entrepreneurs and leaders:Human behavior is the heart of business. Whether working with a Fortune 500 or a five-person startup, success depends on understanding how people think, feel, and make decisions. Behavioral science isn’t just theory, it’s your competitive advantage.Self-awareness unlocks growth. The best leaders don’t just manage others, they reflect deeply on their own actions, biases, and communication patterns. Bringing a mirror to your habits may be the most challenging step, but it’s the foundation for meaningful change and leadership impact.EQ will set you apart in an AI-powered world. As technology levels the playing field on technical intelligence, emotional intelligence (EQ) becomes the new differentiator. Building trust, connection, and empathy is more critical than ever. Your team and clients can feel the difference.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 successOur 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 travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/Copyright 2026 Glenn HarperMentioned in this episode:Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs PlusRunning a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner. At Harper & Company CPAs Plus, we don’t just crunch numbers—we empower entrepreneurs. From proactive tax strategy and accounting to business advisory services, our team helps you keep more of what you earn and scale with confidence. Whether you’re launching, growing, or preparing for exit, Harper & Company is in your corner with expert guidance built for business owners like you. Visit www.harpercpaplus.com to book a complimentary discovery call today - or call us at 614-456-7222. Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus