Month: February 2026
The Business Owner’s Guide to a Successful Exit (Ep. 11)

The Business Owner’s Guide to a Successful Exit (Ep. 11)

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What does life look like after selling the business you’ve poured decades into building? How do you prepare for one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make?

In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy are joined by Mark Bradford, Director of Wealth Planning at Bryn Mawr Trust Advisors, to explore the critical process of exit planning for business owners. They discuss why understanding enterprise value matters more than cash flow, the importance of assembling the right advisory team, and the stark differences between internal and external transitions. The conversation also covers common pitfalls, emotional challenges of letting go, and what happens when business wealth suddenly converts to liquid assets.

Key takeaways:

  • Why 70-80% of small businesses put up for sale fail to sell, and how proper planning changes outcomes
  • The difference between building a job versus building transferable enterprise value in your business
  • How internal family transitions require different strategies than selling to private equity or third parties
  • Why the personal side of exit planning often creates more challenges than the financial aspects
  • What to do before the sale to maximize value and avoid costly mistakes during due diligence

Connect with Bryn Mawr Trust: 

Connect with Kate Duffy: 

Connect with Jamie Hopkins: 

Connect with Mark Bradford: 

About our Guest: 

Mark Bradford is the Director of Wealth Planning, where he leads the wealth planning team. He collaborates closely with advisors to develop and implement the company’s long-term vision for wealth planning, which focuses on enhancing client relationships by providing an exceptional client experience through comprehensive and personalized planning.

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How to Reduce Tax Season Stress (Ep. 10)

How to Reduce Tax Season Stress (Ep. 10)

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Why does tax time feel so overwhelming, and what can be done throughout the year to avoid those stressful moments in April?

In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy are joined by Michael W. Valenti, CPA, CFP®, CEPA®, MAcc, Tax Director at Bryn Mawr Trust Advisors, to break down why taxes feel emotional and how proactive planning can ease that burden. They explore common causes of under-withholding, challenges for high earners, small business owners, and retirees, and how simple adjustments can reduce surprises. 

The conversation also covers bonus income, equity compensation, crypto reporting, and when it makes sense to work with a CPA.

Key takeaways:

  • Why tax-season stress usually stems from uncertainty rather than the final bill
  • How estimated payments and smarter withholding can help households and business owners avoid surprises
  • Key tax pitfalls for high earners navigating bonuses, equity compensation, and multiple income streams
  • When DIY tax filing makes sense and when bringing in a pro can save time, money, or headaches
  • Tax planning strategies to make April more predictable and manageable

Connect with Bryn Mawr Trust: 

Connect with Kate Duffy: 

Connect with Jamie Hopkins: 

Connect with Michael Valenti: 

About Our Guest: 

Michael Valenti serves as the Director of Personal Tax Services, where he leads a team of tax professionals specializing in individual tax compliance and planning.  Additionally, Mike serves as a financial advisor. He joined the company in 2025.

Specializing in planning for high-net-worth individuals, Mike provides a unique tax perspective to the wealth management and financial planning arena. Mike holds the CPA, CFP®, and CEPA designations and approaches financial planning through a holistic lens. 

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