Nabity on Business Thu, 11 Jun 2026 07:05:15 -0400 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2512427 en-us © 2026 Nabity on Business yes 5e2dfe49-d8f7-593b-9297-6983d6e6a732 David Nabity episodic false At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.



]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) David Nabity https://storage.buzzsprout.com/aos3uo4unzawupeqzpwfr1kq0vaj?.jpg Nabity on Business 26. Why "Running by Gut" Is Killing Your Profitability with Andy Wolfe 26. Why "Running by Gut" Is Killing Your Profitability with Andy Wolfe Most business owners have a sense or “gut feeling” when something is off in their operations, but they lack the tools to pinpoint exactly where the leakage is happening. They rely on fragmented systems like sales in one platform, accounting in another, and production in a third, which leaves them to manage multimillion-dollar companies based on intuition rather than integrated data. 

In this episode, I’m joined by my partner, Andy Wolfe, the architect behind War Room Technologies. We discuss how to build a "command and control center" for your business that eliminates data silos and provides real-time visibility into every division. Andy explains his "Strike Pay Dirt" philosophy, which aims to find 1% to 3% of gross revenue in hidden inefficiencies within the first 90 days of implementation.

We dive into the specific profitability busts that owners often miss, from outdated sales price sheets and supplier overcharges to underperforming management teams. Andy also shares how neutral, data-driven reporting can navigate the difficult conversations inherent in family-run businesses, allowing parents to see the objective performance of the next generation.

If you are an owner who is frustrated that your record sales aren't translating into record profits, or if you simply want to stop “running by gut” and see the status of your entire operation on one screen, this conversation is for you.

Connect with us:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> Most business owners have a sense or “gut feeling” when something is off in their operations, but they lack the tools to pinpoint exactly where the leakage is happening. They rely on fragmented systems like sales in one platform, accounting in another, and production in a third, which leaves them to manage multimillion-dollar companies based on intuition rather than integrated data. 

In this episode, I’m joined by my partner, Andy Wolfe, the architect behind War Room Technologies. We discuss how to build a "command and control center" for your business that eliminates data silos and provides real-time visibility into every division. Andy explains his "Strike Pay Dirt" philosophy, which aims to find 1% to 3% of gross revenue in hidden inefficiencies within the first 90 days of implementation.

We dive into the specific profitability busts that owners often miss, from outdated sales price sheets and supplier overcharges to underperforming management teams. Andy also shares how neutral, data-driven reporting can navigate the difficult conversations inherent in family-run businesses, allowing parents to see the objective performance of the next generation.

If you are an owner who is frustrated that your record sales aren't translating into record profits, or if you simply want to stop “running by gut” and see the status of your entire operation on one screen, this conversation is for you.

Connect with us:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> David Nabity Buzzsprout-19326127 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0500 1284 profitability, business operations, data silos, War Room Technologies, gross profit, asset utilization, construction management, succession planning, business intelligence, KPI dashboards, financial oversight, CFO performance, cost of goods sold, revenue full false 25. Modeling Your Business Exit Before It Happens 25. Modeling Your Business Exit Before It Happens Most business owners make major decisions based on a gut feeling or a static valuation. They hire the lawyers to draft the documents and the CPAs to check the math, and then they cross their fingers and hope the cash flow survives the transition.

In this episode, I’m talking about why you should never make a move without modeling it first. Whether you’re looking at a buyout, an estate plan, or an executive retention package, you need to see what "Option A" looks like ten years down the road versus "Option B." Most firms can tell you the tax consequences of a deal, but very few will actually map out the cumulative impact on your working capital, your retirement cash flow, and your family's future tax liability.

I dive into the specific laundry list of what every founder needs to be modeling right now. I also explain why a 10-year outlook is the sweet spot for practical planning and how to use these models to bridge the gap between your vision and the legal documents your advisors are drafting.

If you are a founder owner thinking about selling to your kids, rewarding a key management team, or simply wondering what your estate tax bill will look like in a decade, watch this before you sign anything.

Key takeaways:

  1. Making a decision about a buyout or a business transition without modeling the cash flow is like driving with dark glasses on. You might think a 10-year buyout is fair, but without seeing how it impacts working capital and the new management team’s ability to operate, you could be accidentally setting the company up to fail.
  2. You might not have an estate tax problem today, but with basic growth rates, a no-tax estate can turn into a multi-million dollar liability ten years from now. Modeling allows you to test gifting strategies and irrevocable trusts today so you can see the exponential difference they make for the next generation.
  3. Retention plans like Phantom Stock are great for keeping talent, but they create a massive cash demand down the road as shares accumulate and the company grows. You have to model the "what ifs" like death, disability, and retirement to ensure the business can actually afford the promises you're making to your key people.
  4. The "highest price possible" makes sense for an outside buyer, but it can be destructive when selling to family or long-term management. Modeling allows you to find the "Goldilocks" zone: a valuation that provides for the founder's retirement without stripping the company of its ability to grow and cash flow the buyout.
  5. A good model is a conversation starter. We use these projections to sit down with your lawyers and CPAs to ask, "What are we missing?" It ensures that by the time you start creating new LLCs or drafting legal structures, every advisor is aligned on a recommendation that actually works for your family and your bottom line.

Connect with us:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> Most business owners make major decisions based on a gut feeling or a static valuation. They hire the lawyers to draft the documents and the CPAs to check the math, and then they cross their fingers and hope the cash flow survives the transition.

In this episode, I’m talking about why you should never make a move without modeling it first. Whether you’re looking at a buyout, an estate plan, or an executive retention package, you need to see what "Option A" looks like ten years down the road versus "Option B." Most firms can tell you the tax consequences of a deal, but very few will actually map out the cumulative impact on your working capital, your retirement cash flow, and your family's future tax liability.

I dive into the specific laundry list of what every founder needs to be modeling right now. I also explain why a 10-year outlook is the sweet spot for practical planning and how to use these models to bridge the gap between your vision and the legal documents your advisors are drafting.

If you are a founder owner thinking about selling to your kids, rewarding a key management team, or simply wondering what your estate tax bill will look like in a decade, watch this before you sign anything.

Key takeaways:

  1. Making a decision about a buyout or a business transition without modeling the cash flow is like driving with dark glasses on. You might think a 10-year buyout is fair, but without seeing how it impacts working capital and the new management team’s ability to operate, you could be accidentally setting the company up to fail.
  2. You might not have an estate tax problem today, but with basic growth rates, a no-tax estate can turn into a multi-million dollar liability ten years from now. Modeling allows you to test gifting strategies and irrevocable trusts today so you can see the exponential difference they make for the next generation.
  3. Retention plans like Phantom Stock are great for keeping talent, but they create a massive cash demand down the road as shares accumulate and the company grows. You have to model the "what ifs" like death, disability, and retirement to ensure the business can actually afford the promises you're making to your key people.
  4. The "highest price possible" makes sense for an outside buyer, but it can be destructive when selling to family or long-term management. Modeling allows you to find the "Goldilocks" zone: a valuation that provides for the founder's retirement without stripping the company of its ability to grow and cash flow the buyout.
  5. A good model is a conversation starter. We use these projections to sit down with your lawyers and CPAs to ask, "What are we missing?" It ensures that by the time you start creating new LLCs or drafting legal structures, every advisor is aligned on a recommendation that actually works for your family and your bottom line.

Connect with us:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> David Nabity Buzzsprout-19244752 Thu, 28 May 2026 06:00:00 -0500 761 business modeling, company valuation, estate tax planning, succession strategy, phantom stock plans, executive retention, buyout cash flow, installment sales, business intelligence, financial forecasting, tax-defective trusts, working capital, management full false 24. Exit Plan: Selling Your Business to the People Who Built It 24. Exit Plan: Selling Your Business to the People Who Built It You could sell your company to the highest bidder in the open market, take the cash, and walk away. But for most founders, that isn't stewardship, it’s just a transaction. And in many cases, that transaction ends with a private equity firm gutting the culture and the team you spent decades building.

In this episode, Dave is diving into why your exit strategy should be about more than just the number in your brokerage account. He breaks down the mechanics of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): one of the most powerful, tax-efficient tools available for business owners today. 

He also gets into the hard conversations: how to identify the right leadership team, what to do when your children aren’t the "CEO type," and why a non-family member might be the essential buffer your business needs to survive the next generation.

Key takeaways:

  1. Selling to the open market often comes at the cost of your company’s soul. While a national consolidator might offer a higher price, they often gut the business, centralize management, and fire the loyal staff who built your success. Choosing an internal exit is an act of stewardship that protects the families on your payroll and ensures your legacy isn't dismantled for a quick profit.
  2. The ESOP is a powerful, tax-efficient tool for a clean exit. If you are a C-Corp and sell to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, you can potentially pay zero capital gains tax by reinvesting the proceeds into U.S. stocks and bonds. This turns the business into a tax-free growth engine, allowing funds that would have gone to the IRS to be reinvested back into the company and the people who run it.
  3. Be brutally honest about whether your children are "CEO types." Legacy can’t be forced, and having children on the payroll doesn't mean they are capable of carrying the torch. If your kids aren't fitted for leadership, or if sibling rivalry threatens the business, bringing in a non-family member as a shareholder can provide a buffer needed to keep the operation stable and the family intact.
  4. Internal buyouts are only as strong as the character of the new owners. You can’t put people around the table who feel entitled or whose personal lifestyles lack discipline. An internal sale requires a deep dive into the dedication and integrity of your management team; the wrong person in an ownership seat can sink the culture you’ve spent decades perfecting.
  5. When you are 80 years old, looking at a portfolio won't give you the same satisfaction as walking into an office and seeing the people you empowered to become owners. Transitioning from founder to mentor allows you to leverage your wealth to create a lasting impact on the next generation, providing a fulfillment that money alone can't buy.


Connect with us:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> You could sell your company to the highest bidder in the open market, take the cash, and walk away. But for most founders, that isn't stewardship, it’s just a transaction. And in many cases, that transaction ends with a private equity firm gutting the culture and the team you spent decades building.

In this episode, Dave is diving into why your exit strategy should be about more than just the number in your brokerage account. He breaks down the mechanics of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): one of the most powerful, tax-efficient tools available for business owners today. 

He also gets into the hard conversations: how to identify the right leadership team, what to do when your children aren’t the "CEO type," and why a non-family member might be the essential buffer your business needs to survive the next generation.

Key takeaways:

  1. Selling to the open market often comes at the cost of your company’s soul. While a national consolidator might offer a higher price, they often gut the business, centralize management, and fire the loyal staff who built your success. Choosing an internal exit is an act of stewardship that protects the families on your payroll and ensures your legacy isn't dismantled for a quick profit.
  2. The ESOP is a powerful, tax-efficient tool for a clean exit. If you are a C-Corp and sell to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, you can potentially pay zero capital gains tax by reinvesting the proceeds into U.S. stocks and bonds. This turns the business into a tax-free growth engine, allowing funds that would have gone to the IRS to be reinvested back into the company and the people who run it.
  3. Be brutally honest about whether your children are "CEO types." Legacy can’t be forced, and having children on the payroll doesn't mean they are capable of carrying the torch. If your kids aren't fitted for leadership, or if sibling rivalry threatens the business, bringing in a non-family member as a shareholder can provide a buffer needed to keep the operation stable and the family intact.
  4. Internal buyouts are only as strong as the character of the new owners. You can’t put people around the table who feel entitled or whose personal lifestyles lack discipline. An internal sale requires a deep dive into the dedication and integrity of your management team; the wrong person in an ownership seat can sink the culture you’ve spent decades perfecting.
  5. When you are 80 years old, looking at a portfolio won't give you the same satisfaction as walking into an office and seeing the people you empowered to become owners. Transitioning from founder to mentor allows you to leverage your wealth to create a lasting impact on the next generation, providing a fulfillment that money alone can't buy.


Connect with us:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> David Nabity Buzzsprout-19173618 Thu, 14 May 2026 06:00:00 -0500 759 esop, employee stock ownership plan, business succession, exit strategy, capital gains tax, c corp, s corp, business valuation, internal buyout, family business succession, stewardship, legacy planning, business leadership, tax efficient sale, employee eq full false 23. The “Soft Issues” That Wreck Family Business Succession 23. The “Soft Issues” That Wreck Family Business Succession Everyone brings in the lawyers. Everyone brings in the CPAs. They work through the valuation, the installment buyout strategy, the tax structure — and then they completely gloss over the thing that's most likely to blow the whole plan up.

In this episode, I'm talking about the soft stuff. The people dynamics, the family tension, the kids who feel obligated but don't really want to run the company, the ones who are chemically addicted and still on the payroll, the entitlement issues, and the management teams quietly deciding they won't stick around once the founder is gone.

These aren't edge cases. I see them constantly in the family-run businesses we work with.

I also get into what parents need to actually do before they sit down to build an estate plan — how to assess whether your kids are truly fitted for leadership, how to treat active and non-active children fairly, and why the founder's own ego and reluctance to exit can be just as destructive as anything the kids do.

If you own a family business and you're thinking about succession, watch this before you make any other move.

Key takeaways:

  1. The soft issues will sink your succession plan faster than any legal or tax mistake. Family drama, entitled kids, chemical addiction, sibling rivalry — the lawyers and CPAs aren't equipped to handle any of that. And glossing over it while you build documents is a guaranteed path to disaster.
  2. The game completely changes when the founder is gone. People who played nice, acted like team players, and kept the peace did it because of the founder's presence. Once that's gone, old loyalties evaporate and conflicts that were suppressed for years come out fast and hard.
  3. Management retention is a make-or-break factor that most families never discuss. The key people who helped build the company followed the founder — they didn't sign up to work for the founder's kids. If those people walk, the business value walks with them.
  4. Fairness to non-active children has to be planned for deliberately. A strong balance sheet in the business will make non-active heirs push to sell. Parents can get ahead of this by directing other assets — and life insurance — toward non-active children so active ones can keep running the company without a forced sale looming over them.
  5. Founders who wait too long to exit create as much damage as any family conflict. If you haven't prepared people to lead behind you, your absence becomes a crisis. Getting after your succession plan before 75, while you still have the energy and clarity to do it right, is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your family and your legacy.


Connect with us:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> Everyone brings in the lawyers. Everyone brings in the CPAs. They work through the valuation, the installment buyout strategy, the tax structure — and then they completely gloss over the thing that's most likely to blow the whole plan up.

In this episode, I'm talking about the soft stuff. The people dynamics, the family tension, the kids who feel obligated but don't really want to run the company, the ones who are chemically addicted and still on the payroll, the entitlement issues, and the management teams quietly deciding they won't stick around once the founder is gone.

These aren't edge cases. I see them constantly in the family-run businesses we work with.

I also get into what parents need to actually do before they sit down to build an estate plan — how to assess whether your kids are truly fitted for leadership, how to treat active and non-active children fairly, and why the founder's own ego and reluctance to exit can be just as destructive as anything the kids do.

If you own a family business and you're thinking about succession, watch this before you make any other move.

Key takeaways:

  1. The soft issues will sink your succession plan faster than any legal or tax mistake. Family drama, entitled kids, chemical addiction, sibling rivalry — the lawyers and CPAs aren't equipped to handle any of that. And glossing over it while you build documents is a guaranteed path to disaster.
  2. The game completely changes when the founder is gone. People who played nice, acted like team players, and kept the peace did it because of the founder's presence. Once that's gone, old loyalties evaporate and conflicts that were suppressed for years come out fast and hard.
  3. Management retention is a make-or-break factor that most families never discuss. The key people who helped build the company followed the founder — they didn't sign up to work for the founder's kids. If those people walk, the business value walks with them.
  4. Fairness to non-active children has to be planned for deliberately. A strong balance sheet in the business will make non-active heirs push to sell. Parents can get ahead of this by directing other assets — and life insurance — toward non-active children so active ones can keep running the company without a forced sale looming over them.
  5. Founders who wait too long to exit create as much damage as any family conflict. If you haven't prepared people to lead behind you, your absence becomes a crisis. Getting after your succession plan before 75, while you still have the energy and clarity to do it right, is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your family and your legacy.


Connect with us:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> David Nabity Buzzsprout-19101248 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:00:00 -0500 882 family business succession, succession planning, family business exit strategy, estate planning for business owners, family business conflict, business transition planning, passing business to children, business owner retirement, founder exit strategy, fa full false 22. Legacy, Land, and Next Gen: A Practical Guide for Farm Transitions 22. Legacy, Land, and Next Gen: A Practical Guide for Farm Transitions If your family operates a farm and the next generation wants to stay in the business while non-farming siblings see the land’s value and potential windfalls, this episode is essential. Dave walks through a practical, step-by-step approach to aligning family priorities, building a sustainable economic model for the operation, and designing a succession plan that preserves the farm across generations without tearing the family apart.

You’ll learn:

  • How to map out the family dynamic and understand what each member values beyond money
  • How to build a transparent, data-driven financial model that shows gross profit, cash flow, and the impact of different rent and price scenarios
  • Methods for balancing farming commitment with fair treatment of non-farming heirs
  • Estate planning tools that protect liquidity and minimize unnecessary land sales
  • Timing and practical steps to start planning now, so you maintain options and avoid costly decisions later


By the end of this episode, you’ll have a practical blueprint you can adapt to your family’s unique history and goals, plus actionable steps to begin conversations, create consensus, and implement a plan that keeps the legacy alive—without sacrificing family harmony.

Connect with us:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> If your family operates a farm and the next generation wants to stay in the business while non-farming siblings see the land’s value and potential windfalls, this episode is essential. Dave walks through a practical, step-by-step approach to aligning family priorities, building a sustainable economic model for the operation, and designing a succession plan that preserves the farm across generations without tearing the family apart.

You’ll learn:

  • How to map out the family dynamic and understand what each member values beyond money
  • How to build a transparent, data-driven financial model that shows gross profit, cash flow, and the impact of different rent and price scenarios
  • Methods for balancing farming commitment with fair treatment of non-farming heirs
  • Estate planning tools that protect liquidity and minimize unnecessary land sales
  • Timing and practical steps to start planning now, so you maintain options and avoid costly decisions later


By the end of this episode, you’ll have a practical blueprint you can adapt to your family’s unique history and goals, plus actionable steps to begin conversations, create consensus, and implement a plan that keeps the legacy alive—without sacrificing family harmony.

Connect with us:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> David Nabity Buzzsprout-19029370 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 17:00:00 -0500 766 Nabity on Business, farm succession, family farm, generational transition, estate planning, farm economics, liquidity planning, land inheritance, farm legacy, family mediation, business consulting, agriculture, rural business, family wealth, estate taxes, full false 21. Dirt, Debt, and Faith: The Unfiltered Truth About Running a Family Farm with Cale Carlson 21. Dirt, Debt, and Faith: The Unfiltered Truth About Running a Family Farm with Cale Carlson What does it actually cost to feed the world and who is bearing that risk?

Most people drive past fields without a second thought. But behind every pivot irrigator and tractor cab is a business owner managing millions in equipment debt, unpredictable weather, volatile commodity markets, and a global supply chain that makes American farmers their own worst competitors.

In this episode, Dave sits down with Cale Carlson, a fourth generation irrigated farmer from central Nebraska, to pull back the curtain on modern agriculture. Cale breaks down the real economics of farming, from the $100,000 price tag on a single irrigation pivot to the brutal reality that only two out of ten years are genuinely profitable. He shares how technology, soil stewardship, and smart risk management keep the operation alive, and why South American competition is quietly reshaping American agriculture.

But this conversation goes beyond business. Cale opens up about the emotional weight of farming alone, the family tensions that arise when farm assets get passed down unevenly, and the faith and family relationships that keep him anchored when the numbers do not add up. If you have ever wondered what it takes financially, physically, and spiritually to keep a century old family farm running, this episode is for you.

Key takeaways:

  • Equipment costs run into the millions, and only 2 out of 10 farming years are truly prosperous while 2 out of 10 are financially devastating.
  • American farmers face stiff global competition, particularly from Brazil and Argentina, which have lower costs, fewer regulations, and more land to expand.
  • Soil health and responsible chemical use are top priorities for serious farmers because the land has to last for future generations.
  • Family farm succession planning is critical, and unresolved estate plans are one of the most common sources of family conflict after a parent's death.
  • Strong support systems including family, faith, and community are essential for managing the psychological stress of farming.
  • Social media has become a valuable tool for farmers to share market information, connect with peers worldwide, and even build additional income streams.


Connect with us:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> What does it actually cost to feed the world and who is bearing that risk?

Most people drive past fields without a second thought. But behind every pivot irrigator and tractor cab is a business owner managing millions in equipment debt, unpredictable weather, volatile commodity markets, and a global supply chain that makes American farmers their own worst competitors.

In this episode, Dave sits down with Cale Carlson, a fourth generation irrigated farmer from central Nebraska, to pull back the curtain on modern agriculture. Cale breaks down the real economics of farming, from the $100,000 price tag on a single irrigation pivot to the brutal reality that only two out of ten years are genuinely profitable. He shares how technology, soil stewardship, and smart risk management keep the operation alive, and why South American competition is quietly reshaping American agriculture.

But this conversation goes beyond business. Cale opens up about the emotional weight of farming alone, the family tensions that arise when farm assets get passed down unevenly, and the faith and family relationships that keep him anchored when the numbers do not add up. If you have ever wondered what it takes financially, physically, and spiritually to keep a century old family farm running, this episode is for you.

Key takeaways:

  • Equipment costs run into the millions, and only 2 out of 10 farming years are truly prosperous while 2 out of 10 are financially devastating.
  • American farmers face stiff global competition, particularly from Brazil and Argentina, which have lower costs, fewer regulations, and more land to expand.
  • Soil health and responsible chemical use are top priorities for serious farmers because the land has to last for future generations.
  • Family farm succession planning is critical, and unresolved estate plans are one of the most common sources of family conflict after a parent's death.
  • Strong support systems including family, faith, and community are essential for managing the psychological stress of farming.
  • Social media has become a valuable tool for farmers to share market information, connect with peers worldwide, and even build additional income streams.


Connect with us:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> David Nabity Buzzsprout-18952767 Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:00:00 -0500 2690 family farm podcast, Nebraska farming, irrigated farming, Ogallala aquifer, center pivot irrigation, farm equipment costs, commodity market volatility, corn and soybean prices, farm succession planning, farm estate planning, farm family dynamics, soil hea full false 20. The Incentive Strategy Most Business Owners Never Think About 20. The Incentive Strategy Most Business Owners Never Think About What do you do when your best people help build the company… but the shares stay in the family?

Every successful family business runs into this tension at some point. Your leadership team drives growth, carries responsibility, and attracts attention from competitors. They deserve a path to build wealth alongside the company. At the same time, handing out equity can fracture ownership or complicate succession.

That tension led to one of the more clever tools in executive compensation: phantom stock.

In this episode, Dave walks through how phantom stock plans allow key employees to participate in the growth of a company without receiving actual shares. The structure mirrors the value of the business, ties rewards to performance, and creates a long-term incentive for leaders to stay and help build something bigger.


Key takeaways:

• Phantom stock rewards key leaders without giving up ownership.

• Phantom shares track the company’s value.

• Payouts happen at retirement, sale, or other liquidity events.

• Performance benchmarks can determine share awards.

• Planning helps manage the future payout liability.


Connect with us:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> What do you do when your best people help build the company… but the shares stay in the family?

Every successful family business runs into this tension at some point. Your leadership team drives growth, carries responsibility, and attracts attention from competitors. They deserve a path to build wealth alongside the company. At the same time, handing out equity can fracture ownership or complicate succession.

That tension led to one of the more clever tools in executive compensation: phantom stock.

In this episode, Dave walks through how phantom stock plans allow key employees to participate in the growth of a company without receiving actual shares. The structure mirrors the value of the business, ties rewards to performance, and creates a long-term incentive for leaders to stay and help build something bigger.


Key takeaways:

• Phantom stock rewards key leaders without giving up ownership.

• Phantom shares track the company’s value.

• Payouts happen at retirement, sale, or other liquidity events.

• Performance benchmarks can determine share awards.

• Planning helps manage the future payout liability.


Connect with us:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> David Nabity Buzzsprout-18869674 Thu, 19 Mar 2026 19:00:00 -0500 761 phantom stock plan, phantom stock explained, family business incentives, executive compensation strategy, employee retention strategy, phantom equity plan, family owned business management, rewarding key employees, phantom stock vs equity, executive incen full false 19. Inside Estate Planning for $10M+ Families with Zach Petersen 19. Inside Estate Planning for $10M+ Families with Zach Petersen You can build a serious company, stack real wealth, and still get tripped up by basic legal structure.

Dave sits down with Zach Petersen of Dvorak Law Group to walk through the mistakes they keep seeing in high-net-worth estate plans. Rental properties with no LLC protection. Revocable trusts that were never funded. Valuations that won’t survive an audit. Gifting strategies that quietly invite a 40 percent estate tax problem.

If you own a business and your estate is north of eight figures, this conversation hits close to home.

Key takeaways:

  • A trust that isn’t funded still sends your family through probate.
  • An LLC only protects you if you actually operate like an LLC.
  • A weak valuation invites a very strong IRS response.
  • An intentionally defective grantor trust can reduce your estate year after year when structured correctly.
  • The way you pass wealth shapes the character of the next generation.


Connect with us:


At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> You can build a serious company, stack real wealth, and still get tripped up by basic legal structure.

Dave sits down with Zach Petersen of Dvorak Law Group to walk through the mistakes they keep seeing in high-net-worth estate plans. Rental properties with no LLC protection. Revocable trusts that were never funded. Valuations that won’t survive an audit. Gifting strategies that quietly invite a 40 percent estate tax problem.

If you own a business and your estate is north of eight figures, this conversation hits close to home.

Key takeaways:

  • A trust that isn’t funded still sends your family through probate.
  • An LLC only protects you if you actually operate like an LLC.
  • A weak valuation invites a very strong IRS response.
  • An intentionally defective grantor trust can reduce your estate year after year when structured correctly.
  • The way you pass wealth shapes the character of the next generation.


Connect with us:


At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> David Nabity Buzzsprout-18707098 Thu, 05 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0600 2524 estate planning for business owners, irrevocable trust strategy, intentionally defective grantor trust explained, LLC asset protection mistakes, probate process explained, donor advised funds vs private foundation, estate tax reduction strategies, busines full false 18. Dad: Treating All Kids the Same Can Destroy The Family Business 18. Dad: Treating All Kids the Same Can Destroy The Family Business Running a family business comes with pride, pressure, and a whole lot of emotion. When parents try to show love by treating every child the same inside the company, the results can stack up into resentment, dysfunction, and eventually full-blown family fallout.

In this episode, Dave walks through a painfully familiar scenario using a fictional family business and shows how good intentions around fairness, payroll, and ownership can unravel everything once mom and dad step away. The lesson is simple but uncomfortable: business fundamentals have to come first, or the legacy you worked decades to build won’t survive the next generation.

Key takeaways:

  • Why equal ownership often creates unequal outcomes
  • The hidden resentment that builds when compensation isn’t tied to performance
  • How non-working owners can pressure a business into selling
  • The damage entitlement does to culture, morale, and family relationships
  • Clear rules for who should work in the business and who shouldn’t
  • Practical ways to fix the structure when it’s already gone sideways

Connect with us:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> Running a family business comes with pride, pressure, and a whole lot of emotion. When parents try to show love by treating every child the same inside the company, the results can stack up into resentment, dysfunction, and eventually full-blown family fallout.

In this episode, Dave walks through a painfully familiar scenario using a fictional family business and shows how good intentions around fairness, payroll, and ownership can unravel everything once mom and dad step away. The lesson is simple but uncomfortable: business fundamentals have to come first, or the legacy you worked decades to build won’t survive the next generation.

Key takeaways:

  • Why equal ownership often creates unequal outcomes
  • The hidden resentment that builds when compensation isn’t tied to performance
  • How non-working owners can pressure a business into selling
  • The damage entitlement does to culture, morale, and family relationships
  • Clear rules for who should work in the business and who shouldn’t
  • Practical ways to fix the structure when it’s already gone sideways

Connect with us:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> David Nabity Buzzsprout-18619748 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0600 1383 family business succession, family business ownership, succession planning mistakes, family business conflict, business inheritance planning, family business compensation, estate planning for business owners, generational wealth planning, family business full false 17. Why Most Buyouts Look Fine on Paper and Fail in Real Life 17. Why Most Buyouts Look Fine on Paper and Fail in Real Life When a founder steps away from a family business, the real question usually isn’t who takes over. It’s whether the buyout itself can carry everyone where they need to go. Retirement income, company cash flow, taxes, and human behavior all start pulling on the same rope, and if the math is off, someone feels it fast. Usually the kids. Sometimes the parents. Occasionally both.

In this episode, Dave Nabity walks through the mechanics behind a family business buyout and why “good intentions” don’t survive bad modeling. From valuation decisions to installment payments and catastrophe planning, this is a practical chalk talk on how to structure a transition that supports the seller’s retirement without putting the next generation in a financial chokehold.

Key topics covered

  • How valuation decisions shape everything that follows
  • Balancing seller retirement needs with buyer cash flow reality
  • Stock sales vs. asset sales and the tax tradeoffs on both sides
  • Modeling pre- and post-sale cash flow before anything gets signed
  • Why many retirements fall off a cliff around year eleven
  • Protecting the plan with leadership readiness and catastrophe planning

Connect with us:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> When a founder steps away from a family business, the real question usually isn’t who takes over. It’s whether the buyout itself can carry everyone where they need to go. Retirement income, company cash flow, taxes, and human behavior all start pulling on the same rope, and if the math is off, someone feels it fast. Usually the kids. Sometimes the parents. Occasionally both.

In this episode, Dave Nabity walks through the mechanics behind a family business buyout and why “good intentions” don’t survive bad modeling. From valuation decisions to installment payments and catastrophe planning, this is a practical chalk talk on how to structure a transition that supports the seller’s retirement without putting the next generation in a financial chokehold.

Key topics covered

  • How valuation decisions shape everything that follows
  • Balancing seller retirement needs with buyer cash flow reality
  • Stock sales vs. asset sales and the tax tradeoffs on both sides
  • Modeling pre- and post-sale cash flow before anything gets signed
  • Why many retirements fall off a cliff around year eleven
  • Protecting the plan with leadership readiness and catastrophe planning

Connect with us:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> David Nabity Buzzsprout-18537421 Thu, 05 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0600 1051 family business succession, business buyout planning, shareholder buyout, retirement income planning, cash flow modeling, business valuation, installment sales, tax planning for business owners, buy-sell agreements, succession risk management full false 16. The Big Beautiful Bill: What Business Owners Need to Know with Doug Morris 16. The Big Beautiful Bill: What Business Owners Need to Know with Doug Morris Doug Morris is a CPA who lives in the weeds so you don’t have to, and he joins Dave to talk through the “One Big Beautiful Bill” in plain English, with the kind of examples business owners actually care about. They get into what stayed in place from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, why the estate tax exemption jumping to $15M per spouse changes planning conversations, and how quickly things can get expensive when a business makes up most of the estate.

Key takeaways:

  • Estate tax exemption changes and planning implications
  • What business owners should know about the One Big Beautiful Bill
  • Bonus depreciation and how it affects cash flow decisions
  • Selling a business: stock deals vs asset deals
  • Capital gains considerations at the federal and state level
  • Where tax strategy quietly breaks down in succession planning


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At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> Doug Morris is a CPA who lives in the weeds so you don’t have to, and he joins Dave to talk through the “One Big Beautiful Bill” in plain English, with the kind of examples business owners actually care about. They get into what stayed in place from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, why the estate tax exemption jumping to $15M per spouse changes planning conversations, and how quickly things can get expensive when a business makes up most of the estate.

Key takeaways:

  • Estate tax exemption changes and planning implications
  • What business owners should know about the One Big Beautiful Bill
  • Bonus depreciation and how it affects cash flow decisions
  • Selling a business: stock deals vs asset deals
  • Capital gains considerations at the federal and state level
  • Where tax strategy quietly breaks down in succession planning


Connect with us:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> David Nabity Buzzsprout-18464139 Thu, 22 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0600 2424 family business tax planning, business succession planning, estate tax exemption, selling a business, bonus depreciation, capital gains strategy full false 15. Don’t Get Bamboozled By “Family Office” Professional Advisors 15. Don’t Get Bamboozled By “Family Office” Professional Advisors Some meetings remind you that true collaboration isn’t a myth after all, and then others make you wonder how certain professionals keep their licenses. Dave walks through both extremes in this episode, pulling back the curtain on what actually happens when CPAs, attorneys, advisors, and insurance agents gather around the table. From the rare moments when everyone shows up prepared and humble, to the far more common scenes where egos, sales pitches, and unread documents derail the entire plan, this episode shows you what a healthy advisory team looks like and how to spot a dysfunctional one before it costs your family time and money.

Key takeaways:

  • What a truly collaborative advisory meeting looks and feels like
  • How CPAs, attorneys, and advisors each contribute to strong planning
  • Why unread prep work is a massive red flag
  • The dangers of advisors who see collaboration as competition
  • When insurance agents push products instead of planning
  • Why “family office” often translates to “sell everything to everyone”
  • How to build a team that gives you clear, decision-ready management information

Connect with us:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> Some meetings remind you that true collaboration isn’t a myth after all, and then others make you wonder how certain professionals keep their licenses. Dave walks through both extremes in this episode, pulling back the curtain on what actually happens when CPAs, attorneys, advisors, and insurance agents gather around the table. From the rare moments when everyone shows up prepared and humble, to the far more common scenes where egos, sales pitches, and unread documents derail the entire plan, this episode shows you what a healthy advisory team looks like and how to spot a dysfunctional one before it costs your family time and money.

Key takeaways:

  • What a truly collaborative advisory meeting looks and feels like
  • How CPAs, attorneys, and advisors each contribute to strong planning
  • Why unread prep work is a massive red flag
  • The dangers of advisors who see collaboration as competition
  • When insurance agents push products instead of planning
  • Why “family office” often translates to “sell everything to everyone”
  • How to build a team that gives you clear, decision-ready management information

Connect with us:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> David Nabity Buzzsprout-18375055 Thu, 08 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0600 807 business succession, estate planning, family business transition, CPA collaboration, attorney collaboration, advisor red flags, family office pitfalls, insurance planning mistakes, whole life analysis, business strategy, trust planning, irrevocable trusts full false 14. The Tough Calls Parents Face in Family Succession 14. The Tough Calls Parents Face in Family Succession Parents want their children to thrive, especially inside the family business, but sometimes the role they hope their child will grow into doesn’t match who that child actually is. In this episode, Dave shares the patterns he sees when families try to force the wrong fit, and how quickly that can strain both the company and the relationships that hold it together. He walks through temperament, wiring, strengths, and the stories behind tough decisions parents often face, all with a tone that keeps things grounded and human.

Key Topics

  • Why parents often place children in roles that don’t match their wiring
  • How DISC profiles reveal natural strengths and blind spots
  • The danger of assigning CEO responsibilities to a support-oriented child
  • What unequal skill sets mean for future equity decisions
  • Ways to treat kids fairly without harming the business
  • How outside guidance protects long-term family unity

Connect with us:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> Parents want their children to thrive, especially inside the family business, but sometimes the role they hope their child will grow into doesn’t match who that child actually is. In this episode, Dave shares the patterns he sees when families try to force the wrong fit, and how quickly that can strain both the company and the relationships that hold it together. He walks through temperament, wiring, strengths, and the stories behind tough decisions parents often face, all with a tone that keeps things grounded and human.

Key Topics

  • Why parents often place children in roles that don’t match their wiring
  • How DISC profiles reveal natural strengths and blind spots
  • The danger of assigning CEO responsibilities to a support-oriented child
  • What unequal skill sets mean for future equity decisions
  • Ways to treat kids fairly without harming the business
  • How outside guidance protects long-term family unity

Connect with us:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> David Nabity Buzzsprout-18333277 Thu, 25 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0600 1135 family succession, business succession planning, family business challenges, choosing a successor, DISC profile, leadership fit, children in the business, succession strategy, generational transition, Nabity on Business, Dave Nabity full false 13. Leasing vs Owning: The Wealth Move Nobody Talks About 13. Leasing vs Owning: The Wealth Move Nobody Talks About Business owners reach a moment where paying someone else’s rent stops making sense and owning starts to look like a path to long-term wealth. 

Dave sits down with his son, Graham Nabity from CBRE, for a grounded, no-nonsense conversation about how business owners should think about buying, leasing, building, or expanding their space. They get into what the market looks like today, why industrial vacancies are basically nonexistent, and the factors that determine whether a purchase becomes an asset or a headache.

Key takeaways:

  • When business owners should shift from leasing to owning
  • How SBA loans actually work
  • The industrial space shortage and zoning limitations
  • What makes Class A vs Class B office properties different
  • How lease renewals can make or break your occupancy
  • Using real estate ownership as part of a retirement plan
  • Depreciation, appreciation, and the tax perks of owning
  • What to consider before buying land or building new

Connect with us:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> Business owners reach a moment where paying someone else’s rent stops making sense and owning starts to look like a path to long-term wealth. 

Dave sits down with his son, Graham Nabity from CBRE, for a grounded, no-nonsense conversation about how business owners should think about buying, leasing, building, or expanding their space. They get into what the market looks like today, why industrial vacancies are basically nonexistent, and the factors that determine whether a purchase becomes an asset or a headache.

Key takeaways:

  • When business owners should shift from leasing to owning
  • How SBA loans actually work
  • The industrial space shortage and zoning limitations
  • What makes Class A vs Class B office properties different
  • How lease renewals can make or break your occupancy
  • Using real estate ownership as part of a retirement plan
  • Depreciation, appreciation, and the tax perks of owning
  • What to consider before buying land or building new

Connect with us:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> David Nabity Buzzsprout-18260638 Thu, 11 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0600 1696 commercial real estate, business ownership, industrial space, leasing vs owning, SBA loans, building purchase, business planning, commercial leases, Omaha real estate, warehousing, business expansion, retirement income, real estate investing, small busine full false 12. The Questions Business Owners Pretend They Don’t Have 12. The Questions Business Owners Pretend They Don’t Have Every owner has that one thing that keeps poking at them. Sometimes it’s the business. Sometimes it’s the people. Sometimes it’s the “I’m-trying-to-sleep-but-my-brain-won’t-get-quiet”.

In this episode of Nabity on Business, Dave pulls out the itch list he’s seen across decades of helping owners plan their exits, calm the drama, and get their companies aligned for the next chapter. If you’re wondering how to sell, who to sell to, how to value the thing you built, how to deal with your kids fighting over stock, or how to keep your management team from evaporating… this is the episode you need.

It’s practical, yes, but it’s also a reminder that none of this is simple, and you don’t have to solve it alone.

Key takeaways:

• Selling a business takes real strategy, not guesswork
• Passing a company to kids or managers gets messy fast without a plan
• Valuation formulas and buy–sell agreements keep partners aligned
• Family dynamics and taxes shape every succession decision
• Diversifying protects your future beyond the business

Connect with us:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> Every owner has that one thing that keeps poking at them. Sometimes it’s the business. Sometimes it’s the people. Sometimes it’s the “I’m-trying-to-sleep-but-my-brain-won’t-get-quiet”.

In this episode of Nabity on Business, Dave pulls out the itch list he’s seen across decades of helping owners plan their exits, calm the drama, and get their companies aligned for the next chapter. If you’re wondering how to sell, who to sell to, how to value the thing you built, how to deal with your kids fighting over stock, or how to keep your management team from evaporating… this is the episode you need.

It’s practical, yes, but it’s also a reminder that none of this is simple, and you don’t have to solve it alone.

Key takeaways:

• Selling a business takes real strategy, not guesswork
• Passing a company to kids or managers gets messy fast without a plan
• Valuation formulas and buy–sell agreements keep partners aligned
• Family dynamics and taxes shape every succession decision
• Diversifying protects your future beyond the business

Connect with us:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> David Nabity Buzzsprout-18187762 Thu, 27 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0600 818 business succession planning, selling a business, family business transition, business valuation strategies, ESOP vs management buyout, estate planning for business owners, business exit strategy, passing a business to children, owner wealth planning, man full false 11. The Right Order for Your Business Planning 11. The Right Order for Your Business Planning Before you call your attorney or start drafting trusts, there’s one crucial question to answer: “What’s the right order to plan your company’s future?”

In this episode, Dave breaks down why every business owner should start with succession planning, not estate planning or management incentives. He explains how the structure of your succession plan sets the foundation for gifting, taxes, family fairness, and how to protect your company’s cash flow through the transition.

Key topics:

  • Succession planning must come first
  • Gifting and trust strategies depend on your succession structure
  • Retain and reward your management team after transition
  • Balance fairness between family members in and out of the business

Connect with us:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> Before you call your attorney or start drafting trusts, there’s one crucial question to answer: “What’s the right order to plan your company’s future?”

In this episode, Dave breaks down why every business owner should start with succession planning, not estate planning or management incentives. He explains how the structure of your succession plan sets the foundation for gifting, taxes, family fairness, and how to protect your company’s cash flow through the transition.

Key topics:

  • Succession planning must come first
  • Gifting and trust strategies depend on your succession structure
  • Retain and reward your management team after transition
  • Balance fairness between family members in and out of the business

Connect with us:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> David Nabity Buzzsprout-18132974 Thu, 13 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0600 636 succession planning, estate planning, business succession, family business, exit strategy, business owners, management incentives, gifting strategy, trust planning, legacy planning, estate taxes, wealth transfer, business transition, company valuation, re full false 10. Do You Own a Cow? The Smart Way to Pay Estate Taxes 10. Do You Own a Cow? The Smart Way to Pay Estate Taxes When you’ve spent decades building a business, it becomes the cow that feeds everything else. But what happens when the IRS shows up, and estate taxes threaten to take 40% of what you’ve built?

In this episode, Dave breaks down how to protect your family business from being sold off to pay estate taxes, using one of his trademark analogies: the cow, the milk, and the rat hole.

With a few bad dad jokes and a practical approach, Dave explains how life insurance trusts and informal underwriting can help families preserve what really matters, while keeping the business alive for the next generation.

In this episode:

  • Why your business is the “cow” that keeps generating income for your family
  • How estate taxes can force a sale if you don’t plan ahead
  • The role of life insurance trusts in protecting your business and heirs
  • How informal underwriting helps you get better life insurance offers
  • Why selling the business to pay taxes is often the worst financial move

Connect with us:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> When you’ve spent decades building a business, it becomes the cow that feeds everything else. But what happens when the IRS shows up, and estate taxes threaten to take 40% of what you’ve built?

In this episode, Dave breaks down how to protect your family business from being sold off to pay estate taxes, using one of his trademark analogies: the cow, the milk, and the rat hole.

With a few bad dad jokes and a practical approach, Dave explains how life insurance trusts and informal underwriting can help families preserve what really matters, while keeping the business alive for the next generation.

In this episode:

  • Why your business is the “cow” that keeps generating income for your family
  • How estate taxes can force a sale if you don’t plan ahead
  • The role of life insurance trusts in protecting your business and heirs
  • How informal underwriting helps you get better life insurance offers
  • Why selling the business to pay taxes is often the worst financial move

Connect with us:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> David Nabity Buzzsprout-18100761 Thu, 30 Oct 2025 08:00:00 -0500 966 estate planning, family business succession, business inheritance, life insurance trust, estate tax strategy, small business owners, legacy planning, wealth transfer, IRS estate tax, informal underwriting, business continuity, Nabity on Business, Dave Nab full false 9. What to Do with the Money: Smarter Cash Strategies for Business Owners with Randy Jensen 9. What to Do with the Money: Smarter Cash Strategies for Business Owners with Randy Jensen What should a business owner do with the money sitting on the balance sheet—or the proceeds after selling the company? That’s what Dave Nabity discusses with his longtime business partner, Randy Jensen of Nabity-Jensen Investment Management.

They talk through how to keep corporate cash working without taking unnecessary risks, what to consider when building bond ladders, and how ESOPs can help owners transition while rewarding employees. From timing and taxes to diversification and discipline, it’s a grounded look at how to make smart financial moves in every stage of ownership.

Key Takeaways:

  • How to decide when and where to invest business cash
  • Using bond ladders to balance yield and access
  • When municipal bonds make sense for S-corps and LLCs
  • Strategies for managing a payout after selling the business
  • Why diversification protects both freedom and legacy

Connect with us:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> What should a business owner do with the money sitting on the balance sheet—or the proceeds after selling the company? That’s what Dave Nabity discusses with his longtime business partner, Randy Jensen of Nabity-Jensen Investment Management.

They talk through how to keep corporate cash working without taking unnecessary risks, what to consider when building bond ladders, and how ESOPs can help owners transition while rewarding employees. From timing and taxes to diversification and discipline, it’s a grounded look at how to make smart financial moves in every stage of ownership.

Key Takeaways:

  • How to decide when and where to invest business cash
  • Using bond ladders to balance yield and access
  • When municipal bonds make sense for S-corps and LLCs
  • Strategies for managing a payout after selling the business
  • Why diversification protects both freedom and legacy

Connect with us:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> David Nabity Buzzsprout-18018056 Thu, 16 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0500 1433 business succession, corporate cash management, ESOPs, investing company profits, business sale planning, small business investing, bond ladder strategy, tax-free bonds, S corp investment, retirement planning, Dave Nabity, Randy Jensen, Nabity on Business full false 8. What’s Your Business Really Worth? with Greg Harr 8. What’s Your Business Really Worth? with Greg Harr What’s your business really worth? That’s the question Dave Nabity explores with Gregory Harr, CPA, Accredited Business Valuator, and Certified Exit Planning Advisor. The conversation gets into how buyers actually judge value, why family dynamics complicate transitions, and the financial planning steps that can protect both the company and the legacy behind it.

Gregory brings years of experience helping owners prepare for sales and successions. He shares why waiting for a health scare or life event often means selling at a discount, how to think about cash flow versus EBITDA, and what parents should consider before handing the reins to the next generation.

Key takeaways:

  • Why waiting too long to sell can cost millions
  • The difference between EBITDA and true net cash flow
  • How multiples, cap rates, and risk drive value
  • Estate planning strategies for gifting, taxes, and legacy goals
  • Preparing kids, balancing siblings, and keeping key managers on board

Connect with us:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> What’s your business really worth? That’s the question Dave Nabity explores with Gregory Harr, CPA, Accredited Business Valuator, and Certified Exit Planning Advisor. The conversation gets into how buyers actually judge value, why family dynamics complicate transitions, and the financial planning steps that can protect both the company and the legacy behind it.

Gregory brings years of experience helping owners prepare for sales and successions. He shares why waiting for a health scare or life event often means selling at a discount, how to think about cash flow versus EBITDA, and what parents should consider before handing the reins to the next generation.

Key takeaways:

  • Why waiting too long to sell can cost millions
  • The difference between EBITDA and true net cash flow
  • How multiples, cap rates, and risk drive value
  • Estate planning strategies for gifting, taxes, and legacy goals
  • Preparing kids, balancing siblings, and keeping key managers on board

Connect with us:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> David Nabity Buzzsprout-17941206 Fri, 03 Oct 2025 14:00:00 -0500 1844 business valuation, company worth, business value, selling a business, EBITDA vs cash flow, cap rates, family succession planning, estate planning, business exit strategy, business transition, generational wealth, legacy planning, selling to family, busin full false 7. Profits Don’t Lie: Finding the Hidden Problems in Your Company with Andy Wolfe 7. Profits Don’t Lie: Finding the Hidden Problems in Your Company with Andy Wolfe Every business owner wants to see more profit, but the real problems aren’t always obvious. Dave Nabity and Andy Wolfe share what they’ve seen inside family-run companies, from messy systems and siloed departments to the wrong people stuck in the wrong jobs. When you strip away the excuses and look at what’s really happening, that’s when the path forward gets clear.

For family businesses, profit has everything to do with whether the next generation can keep things going. When Gen 2 is stepping in — and taking on the responsibility of buying out mom and dad — the company has to be strong enough to support that transition. Dave and Andy talk about what it takes to build those systems, keep profitability steady, and give the next generation a fair chance to succeed.

Key takeaways:

  • Problems show up in the numbers, but they start with people and processes
  • Family businesses can’t survive if everything lives in dad’s head
  • Incentives only work when everyone is tied to gross profit
  • Smooth succession depends on strong systems and steady profitability

Connect with us:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> Every business owner wants to see more profit, but the real problems aren’t always obvious. Dave Nabity and Andy Wolfe share what they’ve seen inside family-run companies, from messy systems and siloed departments to the wrong people stuck in the wrong jobs. When you strip away the excuses and look at what’s really happening, that’s when the path forward gets clear.

For family businesses, profit has everything to do with whether the next generation can keep things going. When Gen 2 is stepping in — and taking on the responsibility of buying out mom and dad — the company has to be strong enough to support that transition. Dave and Andy talk about what it takes to build those systems, keep profitability steady, and give the next generation a fair chance to succeed.

Key takeaways:

  • Problems show up in the numbers, but they start with people and processes
  • Family businesses can’t survive if everything lives in dad’s head
  • Incentives only work when everyone is tied to gross profit
  • Smooth succession depends on strong systems and steady profitability

Connect with us:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> David Nabity Buzzsprout-17860676 Thu, 18 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0500 1980 business consulting, profitability, business growth, family business succession, fraud detection, financial statements, operations management, business diagnostics, leadership, team performance, business strategy, small business growth, middle market comp full false 6. How to Make Sure Your Kids Are Right for Running Your Business 6. How to Make Sure Your Kids Are Right for Running Your Business Passing a company down to your kids can be one of the most rewarding—and most dangerous—decisions you make. In this episode, Dave Nabity walks through the tough questions every family business needs to face. Who’s truly earned the right to lead? What standards are parents holding their kids to? Are the next leaders respected inside and outside the company?

Dave shares the tools and conversations he uses with families to cut through entitlement and get to the heart of succession. The goal isn’t just a smooth handoff of ownership. It’s building a future where the company thrives and the family still wants to sit around the same dinner table.

Key Takeaways:

  • Honest assessments set the foundation for a healthy transition
  • Leadership in a family business must be earned, not assumed
  • External work experience builds discipline and credibility
  • Questionnaires reveal blind spots for both parents and kids
  • Protecting the family bond is just as important as protecting the business

Connect with Dave:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> Passing a company down to your kids can be one of the most rewarding—and most dangerous—decisions you make. In this episode, Dave Nabity walks through the tough questions every family business needs to face. Who’s truly earned the right to lead? What standards are parents holding their kids to? Are the next leaders respected inside and outside the company?

Dave shares the tools and conversations he uses with families to cut through entitlement and get to the heart of succession. The goal isn’t just a smooth handoff of ownership. It’s building a future where the company thrives and the family still wants to sit around the same dinner table.

Key Takeaways:

  • Honest assessments set the foundation for a healthy transition
  • Leadership in a family business must be earned, not assumed
  • External work experience builds discipline and credibility
  • Questionnaires reveal blind spots for both parents and kids
  • Protecting the family bond is just as important as protecting the business

Connect with Dave:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> David Nabity Buzzsprout-17784093 Thu, 04 Sep 2025 10:00:00 -0500 1126 Nabity Business Advisors, Family-run business, legacy planning, succession planning, Professional business advisors, Transitioning your business, Professional advisory, busy executives full false 5. How to Make Sure Your Best Employees Want to Stay 5. How to Make Sure Your Best Employees Want to Stay If you have built a great business, you probably have even greater people working with you, and competitors might want to steal them right away. It’s what it takes to employ talented folks.

In this episode of Nabity on Business, Dave breaks down four strategies for executive retention that give your A-team real incentives to think twice before jumping ship. Here’s a spoiler: it’s not all about money.

Key takeaways:

  • Salaries are not enough to keep your best managers around
  • Phantom stocks are the golden handcuffs
  • Competitors might have a better plan than you
  • Reward performance is fuel for retaining the best players

Connect with Dave:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> If you have built a great business, you probably have even greater people working with you, and competitors might want to steal them right away. It’s what it takes to employ talented folks.

In this episode of Nabity on Business, Dave breaks down four strategies for executive retention that give your A-team real incentives to think twice before jumping ship. Here’s a spoiler: it’s not all about money.

Key takeaways:

  • Salaries are not enough to keep your best managers around
  • Phantom stocks are the golden handcuffs
  • Competitors might have a better plan than you
  • Reward performance is fuel for retaining the best players

Connect with Dave:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> David Nabity Buzzsprout-17705382 Thu, 21 Aug 2025 10:00:00 -0500 1025 Nabity Business Advisors, Family-run business, legacy planning, succession planning, Professional business advisors, Transitioning your business, Professional advisory, busy executives full false 4. Estate Planning and Why Entitled Kids Shouldn’t Own the Business 4. Estate Planning and Why Entitled Kids Shouldn’t Own the Business Welcome to one of the few estate planning talks that’s not going to put you to sleep.  

In this episode of Nabity on Business, Dave is again jumping into the chaos of family-run businesses, but this time with a focus on estate planning and how it can add even more fuel to the fire. Spoiler alert: it’s way more than paperwork and asset splits.

You’ll hear about how passing your business to the wrong person can be the end of what you have built, and why a spoiled kid, who remotes into work while backpacking through Europe, shouldn’t inherit your company. 

If you are a business owner who cares about your legacy (even more than your assets), this episode is for you. Get ready!

Key takeaways:

  • Estate planning without a succession plan is no plan at all
  • “Equal” might be the worst way to split the company
  • When your kid shouldn’t be next in line
  • What stewardship means when you’re not around

Connect with Dave:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> Welcome to one of the few estate planning talks that’s not going to put you to sleep.  

In this episode of Nabity on Business, Dave is again jumping into the chaos of family-run businesses, but this time with a focus on estate planning and how it can add even more fuel to the fire. Spoiler alert: it’s way more than paperwork and asset splits.

You’ll hear about how passing your business to the wrong person can be the end of what you have built, and why a spoiled kid, who remotes into work while backpacking through Europe, shouldn’t inherit your company. 

If you are a business owner who cares about your legacy (even more than your assets), this episode is for you. Get ready!

Key takeaways:

  • Estate planning without a succession plan is no plan at all
  • “Equal” might be the worst way to split the company
  • When your kid shouldn’t be next in line
  • What stewardship means when you’re not around

Connect with Dave:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> David Nabity Buzzsprout-17465296 Thu, 07 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0500 1086 Nabity Business Advisors, Family-run business, legacy planning, succession planning, Professional business advisors, Transitioning your business, Professional advisory, busy executives full false 3. Is Your Kid Ready to Be CEO? Dr. Kim Hoogeveen Doesn’t Think So (Yet) 3. Is Your Kid Ready to Be CEO? Dr. Kim Hoogeveen Doesn’t Think So (Yet) Some parents see potential, but most of them see what they want to see.

On this episode of Nabity on Business, Dave Nabity talks with Kim Hoogeveen, founder of BetterCulture, about what really matters when you're handing over your business—especially when family is involved. They get into how to spot whether your team (or your kids) are actually ready for leadership, and why too many business owners wait too long to make the hard calls.

A conversation that’s not about theory, but about what happens when loyalty clouds judgment, and culture gets treated like an afterthought. If you’re serious about your legacy, this one’s worth a listen.

Key takeaways:

  • Why the best culture work starts with your frontline supervisors
  • What happens when you promote a kid who's just not ready.
  • The biggest red flag your executive team might be waving without saying a word
  • How self-awareness makes or breaks a succession plan

Connect with Dave:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> Some parents see potential, but most of them see what they want to see.

On this episode of Nabity on Business, Dave Nabity talks with Kim Hoogeveen, founder of BetterCulture, about what really matters when you're handing over your business—especially when family is involved. They get into how to spot whether your team (or your kids) are actually ready for leadership, and why too many business owners wait too long to make the hard calls.

A conversation that’s not about theory, but about what happens when loyalty clouds judgment, and culture gets treated like an afterthought. If you’re serious about your legacy, this one’s worth a listen.

Key takeaways:

  • Why the best culture work starts with your frontline supervisors
  • What happens when you promote a kid who's just not ready.
  • The biggest red flag your executive team might be waving without saying a word
  • How self-awareness makes or breaks a succession plan

Connect with Dave:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> David Nabity Buzzsprout-17553595 Thu, 24 Jul 2025 08:00:00 -0500 1820 family business succession, executive coaching, company culture, leadership readiness, succession planning, Kim Hoogeveen, Better Culture full false 2. So God Made an Entrepreneur 2. So God Made an Entrepreneur Dave takes us to the heart of what it really means to be an entrepreneur on this episode of Nabity on Business. He asks tough questions, like why you’re doing what you are doing, and if you have a purpose for it beyond profit.

Dave opens up about emotional battles, spiritual journeys, and psychological challenges: they’re all part of being an entrepreneur, including the difficult job of finding balance between work and family.

Key takeaways:

  • Entrepreneurship is more than money and profit-hunting
  • Business owners have a social impact on their communities
  • No business success is worth a broken home

Connect with Dave:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> Dave takes us to the heart of what it really means to be an entrepreneur on this episode of Nabity on Business. He asks tough questions, like why you’re doing what you are doing, and if you have a purpose for it beyond profit.

Dave opens up about emotional battles, spiritual journeys, and psychological challenges: they’re all part of being an entrepreneur, including the difficult job of finding balance between work and family.

Key takeaways:

  • Entrepreneurship is more than money and profit-hunting
  • Business owners have a social impact on their communities
  • No business success is worth a broken home

Connect with Dave:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> David Nabity Buzzsprout-17360421 Thu, 10 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0500 1926 Nabity Business Advisors, Family-run business, legacy planning, succession planning, Professional business advisors, Transitioning your business, Professional advisory, busy executives full false 1. Welcome to Nabity on Business! 1. Welcome to Nabity on Business! Family feuds, trouble cousins, and boot camps. All these things in one podcast wouldn’t make sense, unless Dave Nabity is the host! In this first episode, he sets the tone for Nabity on Business, where he gets personal about helping business owners, whether they’re still running the business or looking to set up a succession plan.

Dave is honest about what professional advisors don’t usually mention on their sales pitch: the chaos, the tensions, and the elephant in the room (most likely a family member with a trust fund and zero business skills).

Key takeaways:

  • Navigating conflict before starting the transition
  • The key role of advisors during a transition
  • What to expect in this upcoming season

Get comfy and let the show begin!

Connect with Dave:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> Family feuds, trouble cousins, and boot camps. All these things in one podcast wouldn’t make sense, unless Dave Nabity is the host! In this first episode, he sets the tone for Nabity on Business, where he gets personal about helping business owners, whether they’re still running the business or looking to set up a succession plan.

Dave is honest about what professional advisors don’t usually mention on their sales pitch: the chaos, the tensions, and the elephant in the room (most likely a family member with a trust fund and zero business skills).

Key takeaways:

  • Navigating conflict before starting the transition
  • The key role of advisors during a transition
  • What to expect in this upcoming season

Get comfy and let the show begin!

Connect with Dave:

At Nabity Business Advisors, we help business owners handle the “big picture” issues so they can stay focused on building for the future. Learn more at Nabity.com.

]]> David Buzzsprout-17359748 Thu, 26 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0500 416 Nabity Business Advisors, Family-run business, legacy planning, succession planning, Professional business advisors, Transitioning your family business, Professional advisory, busy executives full false