Empowering Entrepreneurs

Whether you’re dodging your tax returns or dreaming of reviewing them from a beach, this episode will empower you to take control of your numbers.Welcome to another edition of the Empowering Entrepreneurs Podcast! In this episode, Glenn Harper and Julie Smith talk about the anxiety-inducing world of tax season. They candidly unpack why taxes are so stressful for many entrepreneurs and highlight the vastly different experiences between those who plan ahead with a tax advisor and those who avoid their numbers until the last minute.They share key insights on transforming tax-time dread into stress-free confidence and explain why knowledge truly is power when it comes to managing your finances.Here are their top 3 takeaways to transform your tax season stress into confidence:Choose an Advisor, Not Just a Preparer: Working with a tax advisor who collaborates year-round ensures you aren’t left guessing in April. An advisor helps you plan ahead and avoid unwanted surprises.Replace Fear with Curiosity: Taxes don’t have to be terrifying. When you gain knowledge and engage with your tax situation, you shift from anxiety to empowerment. Become a smarter taxpayer by asking questions and seeking to understand your numbers.Plan Ahead for Predictable Results: Proactive planning means no frantic scrambling or dread. Our clients who plan throughout the year often find themselves enjoying spring break stress-free, knowing their results are exactly as anticipated.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.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

Ever wondered what a tax extension actually means for your business? Here’s the scoop.Welcome to another episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs, where Glenn Harper and Julie Smith talk about one of the most common questions during tax season—what does it really mean to file a tax extension?You'll learn about the essentials of tax extensions for individuals and businesses alike, clearing up common misconceptions about what an extension covers (hint: it’s not extra time to pay your taxes!).You'll learn why you might need an extension, the importance of proactive planning, how penalties and interest work, and what you need to know if you live in a state with additional filing requirements.Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just navigating your first tax filing, Glenn Harper and Julie Smith make complex rules easy to understand and share practical tips to help you stay ahead—while sharing a few lighthearted moments about wardrobe changes and coffee breaks!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.Here are 3 key takeaways for entrepreneurs and individuals navigating tax season:An extension gives you more time to file, not more time to pay. If you owe taxes, the payment is still due by April 15th. Paying late leads to penalties and interest.Extensions also apply to states and local taxes. While a federal extension often covers your state or city, sometimes a separate extension is needed. Check your specific requirements to avoid surprises.Proactive planning makes all the difference. Working with a tax professional throughout the year can help you estimate taxes due and prevent last-minute shocks from missing forms or unexpected income.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

Whether you’re contemplating your own leap into entrepreneurship or just looking for relatable advice and inspiration, this episode is full of honest stories, actionable lessons, and a healthy dose of encouragement.Welcome to another episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs! Today’s show features a conversation with Tyler Davis, founder of DAT Finance, co-host of the Next Gen Strategies Podcast, and a self-proclaimed “entrepreneur extraordinaire.” Glenn Harper and Julie Smith talk about Tyler’s journey from his roots in Sidney, Ohio, to building his own thriving finance firm.Tyler shares how growing up in a small town, his family’s traditional work ethic, and his own early side hustles lit his entrepreneurial spark. From making and selling fishing lures as a kid to pursuing advanced degrees in accounting, Tyler’s story is one of self-discovery, calculated risks, and embracing the unknown. The conversation covers the tough decision to leave a “safe” corporate job, navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, and the importance of building resilience, discipline, and a supportive network along the way.You’ll also learn about Tyler’s experience balancing family life with business ambitions, the insights he’s gained working with a wide spectrum of clients, and his perspective on the evolving world of accounting and business strategy.Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs PlusHere are our top three takeaways from the episode:Embrace the leap with preparation: Tyler shared how critical it was to plan financially before jumping from a stable corporate job to entrepreneurship. Building that “runway” gave him the freedom to take risks and pursue his vision.Relationship-building is everything: Tyler’s story highlights the importance of connections—whether it’s forming a mastermind friendship, collaborating on a podcast, or helping clients beyond contracts. Positive relationships lead to growth, referrals, and long-term success.Continuous reinvention: From starting with fishing lures as a kid to shifting his business model and even considering a return to teaching someday, Tyler shows that embracing change and keeping your “why” front and center is essential for any entrepreneur.Tyler is the founder of DAT Finance and co-host of the NextGen Strategies podcast.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

Tune in for an episode packed with practical takeaways, inspiring stories, and actionable advice that will resonate with entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.Welcome to another episode of the Empowering Entrepreneurs Podcast, where hosts Glenn Harper and Julie Smith explore the journeys that shape successful business leaders.In this episode, we meet Mike Milligan—certified financial planner, author, podcast host, adjunct professor, and passionate baseball coach—whose entrepreneurial path is anything but ordinary.Growing up in Laurinburg, North Carolina, Mike Milligan’s childhood was shaped by strong family values, resourcefulness, and a firsthand view of survival through innovation.From selling collard sandwiches alongside his grandmother to avoiding the IRS with cash hidden in coffee cans and labeled “liver” in the freezer, his early life sparkled with lessons in grit and ingenuity. As the first college graduate and millionaire in his family, Mike’s story is a testament to forging your own way, inspired by the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit of those closest to him.Unpacking his career, Mike Milligan shares candid reflections on his time inside the banking industry, the pitfalls and opportunities of working in financial institutions, and his unwavering commitment to putting clients first—well ahead of Wall Street’s profit motives.He reveals how he pioneered unique business models within banks, eventually founding 1.oak Financial, and offers wisdom on leveraging connections, trademarks, and word-of-mouth to grow his business.Listeners will also discover the surprising tax-saving strategies available in places like Puerto Rico, where Mike Milligan now lives and runs his practice, and how geographic arbitrage and creative planning can help entrepreneurs pay zero federal income tax—legally.But beyond finance, the conversation is filled with heartfelt moments and powerful advice on embracing life's opportunities, never missing a moment, and building a meaningful legacy.Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs PlusHere are three key takeaways:Adaptability Breeds Opportunity: Mike’s childhood experiences taught him the value of hard work and creative problem-solving. When his family faced tough times, innovation and grit were the answer, setting the tone for his entrepreneurial journey.Tax Strategy Is a Gamechanger: Mike’s approach to leveraging the Puerto Rico tax code is a masterclass in thinking outside the box. Understanding and utilizing unique tax strategies can radically improve your bottom line—all it takes is planning and a willingness to learn.Never Miss a Moment: At the heart of entrepreneurship is the drive to craft a life with purpose. Mike’s “endgame” is not just about business success, but about living fully and intentionally—embracing every opportunity to create meaningful experiences.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

Get ready to be challenged, inspired, and equipped to define your own version of success!Welcome to another inspiring episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs! Today, hosts Glenn Harper and Julie Smith sit down with Mike Kelly, CFP, CPC, RLP—founder of Kelly Financial Planning, executive coach, and author of "Leaderfluence."Mike’s journey is a testament to grit, curiosity, and principled leadership. Growing up as the eldest of four in a small South Carolina town, he witnessed firsthand the hustle and resourcefulness of his parents—a janitor father and a mother who was a seamstress and hairdresser. These early experiences shaped his values of discipline, generosity, and the importance of giving back.Through basketball, Mike earned his way to college and developed vital skills in teamwork and perseverance. His impressive corporate career, spanning roles at Michelin and Macy’s, eventually led him to the realization that true success is defined by purpose, impact, and the freedom to serve others.After a pivotal moment in his early 30s, Mike shifted his focus from climbing the corporate ladder to aligning his work with his mission and passions.In this episode, Mike shares how his work as a financial planner and executive coach integrates his love for helping others lead themselves effectively, manage their finances wisely, and find clarity in their lives.He also opens up about the powerful role of accountability, the transition from corporate America to entrepreneurship, and the importance of giving back to the community.Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, seasoned business leader, or simply curious about personal growth, you’ll find wisdom and actionable insights in Mike’s story.Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs PlusHere are 3 key takeaways entrepreneurs and leaders won’t want to miss:Define Your Own Success: Mike reminds us that success isn’t one-size-fits-all. He encourages everyone to reflect deeply and define what success means personally, rather than chasing society’s “five Ps”—pleasure, prosperity, power, prestige, and position.Prioritize Personal Growth & Accountability: One of Mike’s favorite quotes is, “Work harder on yourself than your job.” He stresses that humility and seeking honest feedback are critical for transformation, whether you’re a leader or an aspiring entrepreneur.Building Community Makes All the Difference: From family, to mentors and coaches, Mike’s journey shows that surrounding yourself with supportive relationships and accountability partners is essential—especially when making big leaps, like leaving corporate life to pursue your passion.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