Starting from scratch is one thing. Starting with debt, doubt, and no safety net is another.

In this powerful replay from Tycoons of Small Biz, real estate entrepreneurs Ryan Zolin and Steve Trang open up about the moments they nearly walked away. Steve shares how he racked up $45,000 in credit card debt during the 2008 crash. Ryan talks about being 18, underestimated, and how he earned trust despite his age.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why early mistakes can cost you if you don’t learn fast
• How to earn trust when you’re the youngest professional in the room
• Why confidence and consistency beat credentials every time
• What hiring looks like when the stakes are personal

Want to know where you really stand when it comes to wealth beyond your business?

Grab your free copy of The Business Owner’s Wealth Scorecard - a powerful self-assessment tool to help you spot the gaps between your business success and personal wealth strategy.

Access Your Free Scorecard Here: bit.ly/backbone-score

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About Backbone Planning Partners

Backbone Planning Partners helps blue-collar business owners in trades, construction, and manufacturing turn day-to-day success into lasting wealth.

Founded by Austin Peterson and Landon Mance, Backbone works exclusively with self-made founders doing $5M–$20M in revenue who are legacy-minded and ready to take control of their future.

Listen in for real stories, real talk, and guidance built for business owners like you.

Ready to see what’s possible? Schedule a call at BackbonePlanning.com.

In this episode of Tycoons of Small Biz, hosts Austin Peterson and Landon Mance explore the common misconception among small business owners that their business alone will fully fund their retirement. They discuss the importance of creating a diversified retirement roadmap and aligning personal wealth-building efforts outside of the business. The hosts emphasize the significance of planning ahead, including the implementation of buy-sell agreements and keyman insurance, and delve into strategies like using SEP IRAs, 401(k)s, and other investment vehicles. They also highlight the difference between exit readiness and retirement readiness, urging business owners to consider both their business's sale value and their personal financial independence. Austin and Landon share real-life examples and stress the need for entrepreneurs to have a strategic plan to ensure a comfortable and secure retirement.

03:32 Main Topic Introduction: Is Your Business Your Retirement Plan?

04:37 Challenges of Relying Solely on Your Business for Retirement

05:51 Importance of Early Planning and Diversification

15:55 Building a Retirement Plan Outside Your Business

23:18 Aligning Personal and Business Goals

In the milestone 200th episode of 'Tycoons of Small Biz,' hosts Austin Peterson and Landon Mance discuss the crucial intersection of physical health and business performance. They share personal experiences and practical tips on how maintaining physical well-being—through sleep, nutrition, exercise, and biohacking—can lead to better business outcomes. The conversation also highlights how incorporating wellness into company culture can benefit teams and leadership. They close with a challenge for listeners to set small health goals and track improvements in energy and clarity.

00:00 Welcome to Episode 200!

01:44 Working from Home: Experiences and Adjustments

03:23 The Health Performance Loop

04:02 Physical Health and Business Outcomes

05:37 Mental and Physical Health Interconnection

06:27 Adjusting Routines for Better Health

07:41 The Importance of Sleep and Movement

12:52 Nutrition and Healthy Eating Habits

19:46 Creating a High Performance Health Dashboard

28:26 Incorporating Wellness into Company Culture

29:49 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Episodes