Jennifer Forte is a Professional EOS Implementer at EOS Worldwide, an organization that helps entrepreneurs implement a system to build stronger businesses. Drawing on expertise in finance, HR, and team development, she coaches leadership teams on vision, execution, and healthy workplace culture. Before becoming an EOS implementer, Jennifer helped grow Lakeview Dental Care from one practice to a $17 million, multi-location business with more than 100 employees, before leading it through an eight-figure exit.

Growing a successful business takes more than increasing revenue or expanding to new locations. As a company scales, managing cash flow, developing strong leaders, and maintaining a healthy workplace culture can become increasingly challenging. How can entrepreneurs build the right systems and teams to support sustainable growth while creating a business that thrives beyond their daily involvement?

Entrepreneur and leadership expert Jennifer Forte understands that sustainability requires financial discipline, clear roles, and effective delegation. After helping scale a family-owned dental business to multiple locations and an eight-figure exit, she learned that increasing revenue alone doesn't guarantee profitability. Instead, Jennifer emphasizes empowering employees, developing strong managers, and establishing core values that guide decision-making. By building a culture of accountability and investing in leadership development, business owners can overcome growth challenges, improve profitability, and create lasting value.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Susan Kearney sits down with Jennifer Forte, Professional EOS Implementer at EOS Worldwide, to discuss scaling a business through effective leadership and sustainable growth. Jennifer shares strategies for improving profitability, strengthening team accountability, and creating a positive workplace culture. She also discusses the challenges of running a family business and lessons from achieving an eight-figure exit.

Dave Pike is the Founder and former CEO of New York Trolley Company, an event transportation business serving New York City. A strategy and operations leader with 17 years of experience, Dave has built, scaled, and successfully sold three companies spanning apparel, transportation, and AI-powered personalized music. He is also the author of The New Startup and a mentor to early-stage founders through the Founder Institute.

Building a successful business is less about finding one perfect idea and more about testing, adapting, and knowing when to move on. Entrepreneurs who validate demand early, stay close to customers, and prepare for an eventual sale can make smarter decisions as they grow. What does it take to build, scale, and successfully exit multiple businesses?

For serial entrepreneur and strategy and operations leader Dave Pike, the answer starts with testing an idea before investing too heavily in it. Across three successful businesses, that approach helped him learn what customers actually wanted, adjust his strategy, and grow with greater confidence instead of relying on assumptions. Dave carried that same mindset through each stage of entrepreneurship, using what he learned from the market to decide where to invest, when to adapt, and when it was time to sell. His experience proves that disciplined testing can become the foundation for smarter growth and stronger business decisions.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Heather Bennett talks with Dave Pike, Founder and former CEO of New York Trolley Company, about building, scaling, and selling businesses. Dave shares how to validate business ideas, identify the right customers, and prepare for a successful exit. He also discusses marketing lessons, due diligence, entrepreneurship, and the inspiration behind The New Startup.

Thomas William Deans, PhD, is a best-selling author and globally recognized expert on family business succession and intergenerational wealth transfer, helping families and business owners navigate ownership transitions and long-term wealth planning. He has delivered more than 2,000 keynote presentations worldwide. Dr. Deans is the author of Every Family's Business, Willing Wisdom, and The Happy Inheritor, books that guide families, advisors, and leaders through business exits, estate planning, and preserving family wealth.

Building and transitioning a business requires more than strong operations and financial performance. Owners should also consider how ownership, wealth, and leadership will evolve over time. What steps can business owners take to create a successful exit and prepare for the future?

Family business succession and intergenerational wealth transfer expert Dr. Tom Deans explains that ownership succession and management succession are separate issues; preparing someone to run a company does not automatically mean they are prepared to own it. Business owners shouldn't simply give a company to the next generation, but instead have honest conversations about whether heirs are willing and able to invest their own capital and take on ownership responsibility. Dr. Deans also highlights the importance of family meetings and advisors in creating a plan that protects both the business and family wealth. Smooth transitions require clarity, preparation, and intentional decision-making.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Heather Bennett chats with Thomas William Deans, PhD, best-selling author and family business succession expert, about creating a business transition strategy. Dr. Deans discusses why owners should build with the end in mind, why the next generation must be prepared for ownership responsibility, and how thoughtful planning can protect family wealth. He also shares lessons from selling his own family business.