Episodes

In this episode of the Finish Big Podcast, Mark Dorman is joined by Cal B. Parker and Kevin Saad from BizEquity — the world's largest online business valuation platform. The conversation explores how BizEquity has transformed business valuation from an expensive, time-consuming process into a fast, accessible planning tool for advisors and business owners. Cal and Kevin discuss the importance of proactive planning, understanding business value long before an exit, and how modern technology is r...

In Episode 20 of the Finish Big Podcast, host Mark Dorman welcomes Laura Bonnet, Founding Director of the Center for Family Business at the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University. Established in 2023, the Center for Family Business was created to connect and equip multi-generational family enterprises to build stronger legacies. Laura brings a powerful blend of strategy, corporate leadership, and advisory experience to the role — having held executive positions at A...

In this episode of the Finish Big Podcast, Host Mark Dorman sits down with longtime friend and exit strategist Robert "Bob" Hothem, founder of Exit with Satisfaction. After building one of the largest TAB (The Alternative Board) franchises in the world — growing to 68 members and seven boards — Bob strategically exited his own business and launched a new venture focused on helping owners prepare emotionally and strategically for their exit. Mark and Bob discuss: Self-limiting beliefs The emo...

In Episode 18 of the Finish Big Podcast, host Mark Dorman welcomes financial services veteran Rick Scruggs, founder of Financial Designs in Lynchburg, Virginia. Rick's journey into financial planning was shaped by tragedy. When his father passed away unexpectedly just days before ERISA legislation would have secured a lifelong pension for his mother, Rick experienced firsthand the importance of financial preparedness. That defining moment ignited a lifelong mission: helping business owners prot...

In this episode of the Finish Big Podcast, Host Mark Dorman sits down with serial entrepreneur Dee Vaidya. Born in Bombay and raised in Pune, Dee's journey spans continents, industries, and decades — from rubber and plastics to electronics, Dell manufacturing, geospatial intelligence, and building a $50M+ government contractor before a successful exit. From starting with just $5,000 and a dream in Mary's family home, to winning a $200M global geospatial intelligence contract for the U.S. gover...

In this episode of the Finish Big Podcast, host Mark Dorman sits down with Michael Carter — serial entrepreneur, venture investor and founder of BizEquity, and now founder & CEO of Entrepreneurs Management Group (EMG.AI). Michael has built platforms used by hundreds of thousands of businesses, created large shareholder value, and now aims to democratise entrepreneurship with an AI-driven roadmap and founders' co-pilot. Mark and Michael discuss: BizEquity origin — why business valuation needed...

In this episode of the Finish Big Podcast, host Mark Dorman sits down with food industry executive and entrepreneur Pat Viancourt, owner and CEO of Herman Pickle Company in Garrettsville, Ohio. With decades of leadership experience across Seagram, Nestlé Waters, Hospitality Mints, Paragon Foods, and multiple private-equity-backed businesses, Pat shares how he went from corporate CPG and private equity to owning a family-built pickle company with both beloved legacy brands and major national par...

In this episode of the Finish Big Podcast, host Mark Dorman sits down with Chris Cooper, Director of the Ohio Employee Ownership Center (OEOC) at Kent State University. For over 25 years, Chris has helped business owners across Ohio explore the power of employee ownership — guiding them through successful transitions, building strong ownership cultures, and creating legacies that last. Mark and Chris discuss: The OEOC Mission – How the Ohio Employee Ownership Center helps business owners trans...

In this episode of the Finish Big Podcast, Host Mark Dorman sits down with Professor Kimberly Eddleston of Northeastern University and Cornell University's Smith Family Business Initiative. Professor Edelston is one of the world's leading scholars in family business and entrepreneurship—ranked among the top 2% of scientists by Stanford University and recognized by Family Capital as one of the world's Top 25 Family Enterprise Academics. Mark and Kim discuss: The Fredo Effect – What it means, ho...

In this episode of the Finish Big Podcast, host Mark Dorman sits down with Roger Atkins, President of the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA). Roger shares his remarkable journey—from sweeping floors in his father's Houston machine shop to leading a national organisation of over 1,000 small and medium-sized manufacturers. Mark and Roger discuss:: Manufacturing Roots: Growing up in the shop, discovering purpose, and falling in love with the craft. Resilience in Business: Navigati...

In this episode of the Finish Big Podcast, host Mark Dorman welcomes back Corey Rosen, founder of the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO), for Part 2 of their conversation on alternative ownership structures—specifically, the Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). Following their earlier discussion on Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), Mark and Corey explore how EOTs differ, their origins, and why some business owners may choose them over ESOPs. They cover the practical, cultural, and p...

In this episode of Finish Big the Podcast, Host Mark Dorman is joined by Corey Rosen, founder of the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) and one of the world's leading experts on employee ownership. Corey shares his decades-long journey—from drafting the original ESOP legislation on Capitol Hill to helping thousands of business owners implement employee stock ownership plans. He and Mark explore the massive impact ESOPs can have on succession, company culture, employee wealth, and long...

In this episode of the Finish Big Podcast, Host Mark Dorman is joined by Sigi Loya—an entrepreneur with a remarkably diverse background spanning corporate America, real estate finance, healthcare entrepreneurship, and business coaching. Sigi Loya shares his evolution from a corporate employee benefits expert to founding multiple businesses, including a holistic medical practice and TAB Pittsburgh, a peer-to-peer advisory board franchise. He also discusses launching Affordable Business Valuation...

In this episode of the Finish Big Podcast, host Mark Dorman sits down with Brian Zawada—a seasoned business continuity and operational resilience expert, entrepreneur, author, and now boutique winemaker. Brian shares his incredible journey from serving as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Air Force to co-founding Evolution Consulting, scaling the business, and navigating a successful private equity-backed exit. Today, he's living a new chapter as the co-founder of Violet Vines, crafting excep...

In this episode of the Finish Big Podcast, Host Mark Dorman interviews Renee Russo, a dynamic CEO, coach, exit planner, and speaker from Melbourne, Australia, now based in Vancouver, Canada. Rene shares her journey from corporate accounting at KPMG to becoming a sought-after business coach and exit planner. She dives into how her personal challenges and professional pivots led her to develop an innovative approach to business freedom and growth. Renee's story highlights resilience, transformati...

In this episode of the Finish Big Podcast, Mark Dorman interviews Fred DiSanto, Chairman and CEO of Ancora Investments. Fred shares his inspiring journey from playing college sports to building a $10 billion investment firm. He discusses pivotal career moments, including his transition from institutional sales to founding Ancora, the challenges of scaling the business, and the strategies that have driven its success. Fred emphasises the importance of strong relationships, assembling top-tier ta...

In this episode of Finish Big, Mark Dorman engages with Brant Hammer, a finance professor and investment expert, to discuss the pressing economic challenges of inflation and their impact on businesses. They dive into Biden's economic policies, Trump's potential strategies for growth, and actionable insights for entrepreneurs to build strong succession plans. This conversation is packed with valuable takeaways for business leaders navigating a rapidly evolving economy. Mark and Robert discuss: ...

What are some of the most common pitfalls family business owners face when planning for "The Four D's," and how can they proactively address them? In this episode of the Finish Big Podcast, Mark Dorman sits down with James Aussem, a distinguished attorney specialising in succession planning, mergers, and acquisitions. Together, they explore the challenges of planning for "The Four D's"—Death, Disability, Departure, and Discord—and share actionable strategies for family businesses to navigate tr...

Why do some family businesses thrive for generations while others struggle with succession and longevity? In this episode of the Finish Big Podcast, Mark Dorman hosts Carol Butler, President of the Garing Center for Family and Private Business at the University of Cincinnati, North America's largest university-based family business center. Together, they discuss how the Garing Center supports family-owned businesses with resources that drive growth, resilience, and community. Carol shares her ...

Are you a business owner considering an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) or exploring succession strategies? In this episode of the Finish Big Podcast, Mark Dorman delves into ESOP financing, discussing how bank and seller financing typically work together, and the potential advantages of mezzanine loans. Gain insights into tax implications, the role of ESOP trustees, and how these plans can benefit both the business and the community. This week's guest, Kelly Finnell, President of Executi...

Are you a business owner looking to maximize the value of your enterprise and grow your client base? This episode of the Finish Big podcast offers actionable insights and practical advice to help you achieve your business goals. This week's guest, John D. Hanson, an award-winning author and expert in customer service, shares his journey from zero LinkedIn contacts to over 30,000. John discusses optimizing client relationships, leveraging LinkedIn for networking, and the power of video content....