Many business owners reach a point where sheer grit and hard work are no longer enough to keep growing. What once fueled success can eventually become a ceiling if structure, systems, and leadership don't evolve alongside the business.

In this episode, I'm sitting down with Brad Levkowitz, co-owner of Sun Lighting, to explore his journey of growing a multi-generational family business. Brad shares how early lessons from working alongside his father and grandfather shaped his work ethic, leadership style, and approach to long-term growth.

We dive into the realities of building through economic cycles, wearing every hat in the early years, and learning when to let go of control. Brad shares the mindset shift required to move from survival mode to intentional scaling, including investing in systems, people, and professional leadership.

Whether you're running a family business, leading a growing team, or trying to break through the next growth plateau, this conversation offers practical insights into building structure without losing culture and creating a business that can thrive for generations.

In this podcast interview, you'll learn:

• Why grit alone eventually limits business growth without structure and systems.
• How Brad expanded a legacy family business into new markets and industries.
• Lessons learned from scaling through economic downturns and market shifts.
• The importance of hiring, investing in your team, and letting go to grow.
• The challenges of navigating family dynamics while growing a multi-generational business.
• How clarity, culture, and long-term vision drive sustainable success.

Find All Interview Resources Here - www.bayntree.com/120

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Many entrepreneurs reach a point in their careers where the traditional corporate path no longer aligns with their values, energy, or passions. For today's guest, that moment came when he realized the culture surrounding him no longer reflected the performance-driven lifestyle that fueled his passions and motivated him.

Today, I'm sitting down with my longtime friend and serial entrepreneur, Blake Uptain, founder of Moxie Bike Shop and Caffeine & Watts. Blake shares how his journey began with a passion for fitness, a talent for building relationships, and an instinct for creating environments where people feel like they belong.

From growing a small race team into a powerful marketing engine and turning a business that started in his garage into a high-end performance retail brand, Blake reveals the pivotal decisions that shaped his entrepreneurial path.

Whether you're an entrepreneur searching for direction or someone considering turning a personal passion into a professional pursuit, this conversation offers valuable lessons in resilience, authenticity, and embracing the unknown.

In this podcast interview, you'll learn:

• Why following your passion often reveals business opportunities others overlook.
• How performance-driven communities create trust, loyalty, and long-term brand growth.
• Lessons Blake learned transitioning from corporate sales to entrepreneurship.
• The challenges of scaling a retail business and adapting to industry changes.
• Why authenticity, consistency, and community remain the foundation of his success.

Find All Interview Resources Here - www.bayntree.com/119

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As another tax year comes to a close, many successful business owners are undoubtedly asking themselves the same question: How do I keep more of what I've earned away from Uncle Sam this year?

In this episode, I'm sitting down with Bayntree's Director of Corporate Development, Brian Hartstein, to break down year-end strategies to help entrepreneurs and high-income earners make the most of their pre-tax dollars and reduce their biggest expense: Taxes.

With over 30 years of experience collaborating with business owners, CPAs, and plan administrators, Brian has seen firsthand how many companies wait until the fourth quarter to address tax planning. He emphasizes the benefits of proactive planning and how it leads to significant savings and long-term wealth creation through strategies such as SEP IRAs, 401(k)s, profit-sharing plans, and cash balance pension plans.

We'll also walk you through the Retirement Plan Pyramid, and demonstrate which tools make the most sense for different business stages—from solo entrepreneurs to companies with dozens of employees.

Whether looking to shelter high income before year-end or looking for ways to use retirement plans as a competitive advantage to recruit, retain, and reward top talent, this episode will help you identify smart, actionable ways to keep more of what you earn and build your retirement wealth strategically.

In this podcast interview, you'll learn:

• Why most business owners wait too long to plan—and how to avoid the "fourth-quarter fire drill."
• The most overlooked pre-tax opportunities that can save tens of thousands in taxes.
• How to choose between a SEP, SIMPLE, 401(k), or cash balance plan based on your business structure.
• The power of the Retirement Plan Pyramid and how each layer fits your financial goals.
• How to use retirement plans as recruitment and retention tools for key employees.
• Why being proactive—not reactive—with your CPA and advisor can make all the difference.

Find All Interview Resources Here - www.bayntree.com/118

Download your copy of The Entrepreneur's Financial Planning Checklist