Show Me The Way

About Show Me The Way

Show Me The Way: How To Lead Your Business to a Successful Exit, presented by Spencer Fane LLP, is an outgrowth of David Seitter’s 2020 book “Quiet Plans – Exciting Results.” The podcast offers assistance, hope and direction to those business owners who have the goal of growing their business so they can achieve the best possible exit for their company. In one-on-one interviews with successful business owners who have been exactly where you are — dealing with the everyday challenges of owning and operating their business — they share their experiences on the way to their planned business exit. The show will often explore how acquiring business(es) or merger and acquisitions played a role in those exits, what ways to make those decisions and how to finalize the deals. www.davidseitter.com.

Publisher

David Seitter

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

22 Aug 2022

Latest episode

20 May 2025

Latest episodes

71 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   20 May 2025

   Ep. 69 — Million Dollar Embezzlement to Rebuilding Her Empire with Cheryl Obermiller

   Welcome to the "Show Me The Way" podcast with David Seitter In this episode of "Show Me the Way," Dave and Cheryl Obermiller, President of Obermiller Construction Company, Inc. This episode shines a light on her remarkable journey dealing with embezzlement, financial fraud prevention, and her resilience to build a multi-million dollar business. Cheryl’s story is not just about her successful venture into the construction industry but also a testimony to her resilience in the face of significant adversity. Ep. 69 — Million Dollar Embezzlement to Rebuilding Her Empire with Cheryl Obermiller Cheryl Obermiller's journey is not a typical one. Born in Grandview, Missouri, Cheryl’s eclectic career path began in the world of modeling. She shares candidly about her experiences with promotional modeling work, which primarily involved engaging with various cosmetics companies and working at bridal shows. However, she explains that despite the glamor often associated with the modeling world, the job was rooted in humility and reality – balancing between appearing elegant while tackling mundane life chores. The Unexpected Leap into Business Cheryl’s foray into entrepreneurship came almost by accident. Initially assisting her husband with bookkeeping tasks in his engineering office, she inevitably stepped into the construction business. The aim was simple: to build a small part-time venture from various inspections and testing that her husband could not accommodate under his engineering license. However, Cheryl proved more adept at business than anticipated, transforming the side hustle into a thriving operation. Within seven years, the business burgeoned into a multi-million dollar enterprise. Rising Above Financial Turmoil Cheryl's journey wasn't without its setbacks. She recounts a harrowing experience of falling victim to embezzlement, leading to nearly a million-dollar loss. Her diligence and commitment prevailed as she sent her accountant to federal penitentiary, fought through severe financial and emotional turmoil, and emerged stronger. Cheryl wrote "Fraud Points," a guide for small business owners to detect and prevent financial fraud. Lessons in Overcoming Adversity The publication of "Fraud Points" not only served as a cathartic release but also turned Cheryl into a beacon of knowledge for those battling similar issues. Her book fills a crucial gap by laying down practical strategies for small business owners to safeguard against fraud, emphasizing that understanding the nuances of financial systems is critical for survival. Cheryl candidly shares essential advice for business owners: Get Your Own Mail: To avoid unchecked financial discrepancies. Secure Financial Instruments: Have sole control over checks and credit cards. Daily Financial Vigilance: Regularly review online bank and credit card statements to thwart potential fraud. A Journey of Grit and Resilience Cheryl’s story encapsulates the indomitable spirit required to navigate the peaks and troughs of business ownership. Her survival and eventual success pivoted on her ignorance of industry absolutes – she simply didn’t know small businesses weren't supposed to bounce back from such devastating losses, so she did it anyway. Reflections and Forward Momentum Reflecting on her journey, Cheryl embodies perseverance and resilience. Her business now boasts revenue significantly higher than its humble beginnings, and her approach to managing it has transformed. Today, every penny is meticulously monitored under her scrutiny, ensuring her business's fortified defense against any kind of financial fraud. Final Words of Wisdom For business owners, Cheryl offers two cardinal pieces of advice: Dismiss Discrimination Perceptions: Focus on goals rather than perceived slights, knowing one’s worth and capability. Give Generously: The joy of contribution enriches one's journey far beyond the accumulation of monetary wealth. Cheryl’s narrative is a testament to overcomin

2. 

   6 May 2025

   Ep. 68 — Why Selling to an Insider Might Be Your Best Business Move Yet

   Welcome to the "Show Me The Way" podcast with David Seitter In this episode of "Show Me the Way," Dave and Casey Coffman, Founder of Sandler Training by Coffman Group, to discuss the journey of business succession planning, particularly focusing on Casey's experience of selling his business to his long-time partner. This episode is perfect for business owners considering their own succession plans, as it provides invaluable lessons on the intricacies of business exits, the emotional and psychological aspects of selling a business, and the personal evolution that follows. Ep. 68 — Why Selling to an Insider Might Be Your Best Business Move Yet Casey Coffman begins by recounting his upbringing in Missouri and his early educational endeavors, which set the stage for a career in personal computer hardware. His experiences in the dynamic environment of Silicon Valley during the tech boom highlight the unpredictability and excitement of the technology sector. Casey’s career eventually led him to become a crucial part of the Sandler sales training franchise, where he spent the majority of his working life. The Decision to Sell a Business One of the most compelling parts of Casey’s story is his decision to sell his company to his long-time partner, Eric, in what Dave calls an "insider sale." Casey’s thought process emphasizes the importance of trust and appreciation for the contributions of valued employees. He candidly shares how this decision was not just about exiting the business, but also about rewarding loyalty and ensuring a smooth transition for the company he helped build. Lessons Learned from Insider Sale of a Business Casey’s approach to selling his business reveals crucial lessons for anyone considering a similar path. He stresses the importance of understanding the true valuation of your business rather than relying solely on personal assumptions. Engaging professionals like accountants and business advisors helped Casey overcome his initial misconceptions about the saleability and value of his company. This process ultimately led to a successful transition funded through an SBA loan, which was a pleasant surprise for Casey. Life After Selling After a year out of ownership, Casey reflects on the challenges and opportunities of transitioning out of a long-term business role. He stresses the importance of finding new purposes and passions after leaving a business and recognizes the difficulty many people face in defining who they are beyond their professional identity. Casey’s journey highlights the need for reflection and the “rewiring” process necessary to embrace a new phase of life, fostering continued personal growth and fulfillment. Key Takeaways for Future Business Exits For those considering selling their business, Casey offers insightful advice: Prepare Yourself Mentally: Understand your motivations for selling and be sincere in wanting to sell, not just curious about the idea. Seek Professional Guidance: Engage with experts to gain clarity on your business’s true value and the realistic opportunities available for exit. Build Trust in the Process: Whether selling to an insider or a third party, trust is crucial in ensuring a smooth transition. Rewire, Don’t Retire: Post-sale life is an opportunity to explore new passions and contributions; it’s not the end, but a pivot to a new beginning. Casey’s journey is a compelling testament to the complexity and rewards of business succession planning. His thoughtful approach to both his personal and professional life provides valuable lessons for anyone looking to make a similar transition. As we continue to explore different facets of business success and exit strategies, Casey's story remains a definitive guide for navigating the path ahead. To reach out to Dave for advice or consultation, please visit www.davidseitter.com or email him at dseitter4@gmail.com Disclosure This podcast is provided for educational purposes. It does not constitute legal a

3. 

   22 Apr 2025

   Ep. 67 — From Succession to Success: Emotional Intelligence in Business Transitions with Charis Santillie

   Welcome to the "Show Me The Way" podcast with David Seitter In this episode of "Show Me the Way," Dave and Charis Santillie, a fearless transition coach and Founder of Charis Your Life®, dive deep into the emotional, intellectual, and spiritual sides of business succession, continuity, and exit planning. From young entrepreneurs recognizing the pitfalls of workaholism to seasoned professionals redefining their purpose post-retirement, Charis provides valuable guidance for business owners navigating challenging transitions. Ep. 67 — From Succession to Success: Emotional Intelligence in Business Transitions with Charis Santillie Charis explains the significance of the owl in her logo and tagline. The owl, an emblem of wisdom and guidance, symbolizes the advising role she embodies. Her approach intertwines personal development with business acumen, fostering environments where individuals can thrive both professionally and personally. The Heart of Transition Charis shares her personal story, a poignant narrative that deeply influences her work. Witnessing her parents' entrepreneurial journey—rising to success, yet facing adversity when unforeseen circumstances struck—shaped her understanding of resilience. Charis recounts the profound impact of her father's paralysis and her mother's subsequent struggles, experiences that catalyzed her path to guiding others. Coaching Across Ages: Unique Connections Charis's clients span ages and backgrounds, from ambitious thirty-year-olds seeking balance to seasoned business owners nearing retirement. For younger clients, she emphasizes the importance of not letting work define their existence. Her advice serves as a caution against the seductiveness of equating identity with professional achievement. For those in their fifties or sixties, Charis emphasizes planning transitional phases, highlighting the psychological challenges tied to identity shifts. These transitions, she notes, must incorporate emotional readiness alongside strategic planning to ensure a smooth passage into new life chapters. Lessons from Successful Transitions Charis shares compelling success stories, such as a client who meticulously planned his business transition over several years. By phasing back work responsibilities and engaging in spiritual and emotional preparation, he ensured a seamless exit, embracing retirement as an opportunity for personal growth and fulfillment. Her stories emphasize the critical nature of redefining purpose beyond professional titles. Charis advocates for identifying intrinsic motivations and cultivating activities that genuinely light up individuals, regardless of societal expectations. Redefining Purpose in Business and Life Together they reflect on the importance of internal motivation and the quest for authenticity. Charis urges listeners to look beyond external achievements and discover a purpose that harmonizes professional endeavors with personal joy. Dave highlights the significance of considering Charis's insights, pushing the audience to think deeply about their own transitions. For those seeking guidance, Charis Santillie's coaching offers a beacon of wisdom in navigating complex business and life transitions. Her approach, rooted in personal experience and profound understanding, provides a roadmap for individuals striving for a fulfilling life beyond their professional endeavors. Visit Charis's website or listen to her podcast, "Charis Your Life," to delve deeper into these essential life lessons. To reach out to Dave for advice or consultation, please visit www.davidseitter.com or email him at dseitter4@gmail.com Disclosure This podcast is provided for educational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice and is not intended to establish an attorney-client relationship. The recommendations contained in this podcast are not necessarily appropriate for every individual or business. In determining the best course of action, business owners should consult

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 57 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

90

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

60

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.