Success looks different depending on what you’re chasing.Some chase recognition. Some chase relevance. And a few — the rare few — chase excellence, quietly and relentlessly, until it becomes their reputation.I’ve seen people try to build their credibility by borrowing someone else’s words, or by belittling the work of others. It’s a poor long-term strategy. … Continue reading Success Looks Different
Author: Certified Business Appraiser
Experience Speaks Loudest
I’ve learned that those who can, do — and those who can’t, comment.When someone you’ve never met takes time out of their day to tell others that you’re “replaceable,” it says more about them than it ever could about you.Experience, consistency, and results speak louder than insecurity. Always have. Always will.
Let Your Work Define Your Reputation
In every industry, there will always be a few who try to elevate themselves by tearing others down.I recently learned that someone I’ve never met chose to criticize me and my work in a public setting — not based on facts, experience, or results, but on personal opinion.After 25+ years and over 10,000 business valuations, … Continue reading Let Your Work Define Your Reputation
Maturity in Business
Maturity in business isn’t just about knowledge — it’s about respect.I was told recently that a competitor, whom I’ve never even met, took it upon themselves to publicly question my place in the profession. I suppose that’s one way to deal with professional insecurity.The truth is, our industry isn’t a zero-sum game. There’s room for … Continue reading Maturity in Business
I’ve Been Around a Long Time
One of the unexpected milestones in your career is realizing your work has become “reference material” — sometimes without attribution.I recently discovered a years-old blog post by a competitor built directly from one of my copyrighted books. No credit, no permission; just copy and paste.I suppose when original thinking is hard, borrowing someone else’s work … Continue reading I’ve Been Around a Long Time
The Longer You’re In Business
The longer you’re in business, the more you realize: authority doesn’t need to argue.I recently heard that someone I’ve never met — a competitor in name only — chose to disparage me at a professional event. Not based on my work, not on my results, but on their perception of my role and worth.After 25+ … Continue reading The Longer You’re In Business
How Leadership Decisions Quietly Become Value Destruction
Leadership, risk management, due diligence, integration, and goodwill are often discussed as separate disciplines. In practice, they form a single system. When that system breaks, value erosion isn’t random — it’s predictable. Over time, I’ve written a series of posts exploring these themes from different angles. This article brings them together into one integrated framework: … Continue reading How Leadership Decisions Quietly Become Value Destruction
đź“š Valuation Myth: CPA = Business Valuation Expert
The Myth:If my CPA says it’s worth $X, that’s all I need. The Reality:While CPAs are excellent at accounting, business valuation requires specialized training, professional standards, and experience in applying appraisal methodologies. Not all CPAs are qualified to perform formal, credible valuations. Why It Matters:Relying on an unsupported CPA estimate could lead to regulatory issues, … Continue reading đź“š Valuation Myth: CPA = Business Valuation Expert
The Unexpected Source of Leadership Lessons
Over the coming weeks, I’m going to share a short series of reflections inspired by someone who has quietly reshaped how I think about strength, leadership, and perseverance. Her name is Charlotte. Charlotte weighs about five pounds. I adopted her in 2019 after she had been in foster care with significant health issues. She needed … Continue reading The Unexpected Source of Leadership Lessons
Someone Has to Say She’s Worth Fighting For
In 2019, Charlotte weighed five pounds and came with a warning label. Mega colon. “Are you sure?” was the tone. Not unkind — just cautious. Clinical. She was in foster care. Small. Fragile. High maintenance. Not the obvious choice. But when I looked at Charlotte, I didn’t see a liability. I saw a life. So … Continue reading Someone Has to Say She’s Worth Fighting For
Highland Global Business Valuations 