The Growth2Exit Podcast with Jeff Kalil

Partnership Agreements, Leases & Being a Great Client with Jeff Wax of Aegis Law

Jeff Kalil — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Attorney Jeff Wax of Aegis Law in St. Louis spent years as a litigator watching clients pay dearly for problems that a little upfront planning could have prevented. In this episode, Jeff and host Jeff Kalil dig into why partnership agreements matter before trouble starts, what business owners consistently overlook in commercial leases—like default scenarios and attorney's fees clauses—and why the best legal advice in the world is worthless if a client won't follow it. Jeff also shares how he evolved from litigation to transactional work, and why happy clients on the front end of a deal beat unhappy ones in a courtroom every time. You'll also hear practical guidance on what to expect when you first walk into an attorney's office as a business buyer, how to build a productive relationship with your legal team, and why surrounding yourself with experienced advisors—attorney, CPA, broker—can shine a light around corners you didn't even know were there. Plus, Jeff and Jeff tackle a real client email about a partner dispute and play a rapid-fire round that may or may not involve a long-forgotten breakfast cereal. Guest: Jeff Wax, Aegis Law. Host: Jeff Kalil, VR Business Brokers of St. Louis. Learn more at growth2exit.com.

6 Areas of Life, 6 Areas of Business with Brian Lunt | Seed Level Creativity Labs

Jeff Kalil — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Brian Lunt, Chief Creative Strategist at Seed Level Creativity Labs in St. Louis, walks Jeff through his practical framework of 6 areas of life and 6 areas of business — a holistic lens that helps entrepreneurs identify where they're stuck and where to focus their energy. Brian and Jeff dig into the difference between coaching and consulting, why accountability inside peer groups drives real change, and how skilled facilitators read and manage the energy in a room to make sure everyone walks away with something useful. The conversation gets honest about the pressure business owners feel to look like they have it all together — and why lowering that expectation is actually a competitive advantage. Brian shares why the three words 'tell me more' unlock more breakthroughs than any advice ever could, and why admitting 'I don't know, but I'll find out' is a mark of strong leadership rather than weakness. If you're a business owner who wants to grow with more clarity and less isolation, this episode is a great place to start. Guest: Brian Lunt, Seed Level Creativity Labs. Host: Jeff Kalil, VR Business Brokers of St. Louis. Learn more at growth2exit.com.

Building a Business Around Your Passion with David Elias of Elias Mortland & Company

Jeff Kalil — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0500

David Elias, principal of Elias Mortland and Company in St. Louis, shares the story of stepping into a multi-generational family accounting practice and transforming it through strategic mergers and acquisitions—all in a single year. He and Jeff unpack why not all accountants are created equal, what business owners should look for in a tax professional, and why detailed work papers can make or break a business sale or IRS inquiry. The conversation digs into one of the most common pitfalls Jeff sees as a business broker: commingling personal and business expenses. David explains how separating those costs early—and keeping organized records—directly impacts how a buyer perceives profitability and value. Whether you're thinking about selling someday or simply want cleaner books, this episode delivers straightforward, practical advice from two professionals who work with small business owners every day. Guest: David Elias, Elias Mortland and Company. Host: Jeff Kalil, VR Business Brokers of St. Louis. Learn more at growth2exit.com.

Managing Risk & Building Business Resilience with Paul Ronzio | Synergy Wealth Solutions

Jeff Kalil — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Paul Ronzio—MBA, former multi-location restaurant owner, and financial professional with Synergy Wealth Solutions in St. Louis—brings a rare dual perspective to the Growth2Exit table. Drawing on hard-won lessons from running and ultimately closing his own restaurants, Paul walks Jeff through why so many small business owners unknowingly carry dangerous blind spots around valuation, buy-sell agreements, and succession planning. He makes a compelling case for scheduling an independent business review every three to five years—not just when things go sideways—and explains why the price a proud owner puts on their business often looks very different to a buyer who still has debt to service. The conversation digs into real-world risk scenarios, including a sobering story about a $50-million-revenue business thrown into chaos when its sole owner died without a succession plan. Paul and Jeff also explore how the discipline of military wargaming can translate directly into smarter contingency planning for entrepreneurs. From protection planning and cash-flow strategy to the emotional challenge of making objective decisions about your own company, this episode is packed with practical guidance for any business owner who wants to be prepared for whatever comes next. Guest: Paul Ronzio MBA, Synergy Wealth Solutions. Host: Jeff Kalil, VR Business Brokers of St. Louis. Learn more at growth2exit.com.

George Luz Jr. on Legacy, Persistence & the Band of Brothers Lessons for Entrepreneurs

Jeff Kalil — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Jeff Kalil sits down with George Luz Jr., a speaker and lecturer who travels the world sharing the story of his father George Luz Sr. and the men of Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, immortalized in the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers. George Jr. opens up about how his father's passing in 1998 became a turning point that inspired him to carry on a legacy of honor, connection, and service. Along the way, Jeff and George draw vivid parallels between the resilience of the Greatest Generation and the grit every entrepreneur needs to survive and thrive. From the trenches of Bastogne to the daily hand-to-hand combat of building a business, this conversation surfaces timeless lessons: persistence is an underestimated characteristic, adversity demands creativity with limited resources, and purpose is what keeps you going when everything says stop. Whether you're growing, buying, or planning to exit a business, the spirit of never giving up, leaving no stone unturned and no one behind, is a mindset that translates directly to the boardroom and the bottom line. Guest: George Luz Jr. Host: Jeff Kalil, VR Business Brokers of St. Louis. Learn more at growth2exit.com.

Mitigating Risk When Buying or Selling a Business | Brian Rogers, Blue Maven Law

Jeff Kalil — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Jeff Kalil sits down with Brian Rogers, owner of Blue Maven Law in St. Louis, to tackle the legal side of buying and selling a business. Brian explains why exit planning should start at least three years out, why trying to sell your business solo is a costly mistake, and how seller financing is showing up more often—and in bigger amounts—in today's Main Street deals. He also shares how buyers are arriving at the table far more sophisticated than most sellers expect, and what that means for your documentation, your financials, and your asking price. The conversation shifts to post-closing risk, a topic Brian says sellers consistently underestimate. He walks through how a well-structured purchase agreement can limit indemnification exposure and help sellers truly walk away clean. Whether you are thinking about selling in three years or three months, this episode delivers clear, practical guidance on building the right team, negotiating smarter, and protecting yourself long after the ink dries. Guest: Brian Rogers, Blue Maven Law. Host: Jeff Kalil, VR Business Brokers of St. Louis. Learn more at growth2exit.com.

Finding Clarity, Team Alignment & Business Value with Jeanet Wade of Business Alchemist

Jeff Kalil — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Jeanet Wade, owner of Business Alchemist and expert EOS implementer, shares how she has spent 30-plus years helping entrepreneurial companies harness human energy to drive real results. She and Jeff dig into why so many privately held businesses stall when everything runs through the owner, how healthy conflict and accountability strengthen a team, and why the Entrepreneurial Operating System gives founders a practical framework to gain clarity and traction without sacrificing culture. The conversation covers the hidden costs of a founder-dependent business when it comes time to sell, how remote teams can stay genuinely connected, and the powerful idea that what a business owner tolerates is what they effectively endorse. Whether you are trying to grow, preparing for an eventual exit, or simply trying to stop being the bottleneck in your own company, this episode delivers honest, actionable perspective from someone who has guided hundreds of leadership teams through exactly that journey. Guest: Jeanet Wade, Business Alchemist. Host: Jeff Kalil, VR Business Brokers of St. Louis. Learn more at growth2exit.com.

No Sweat Public Speaking: How to Communicate, Connect & Be Memorable | Fred Miller

Jeff Kalil — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Fred Miller — author of No Sweat Public Speaking and No Sweat Elevator Speech — shares his core belief that speaking opportunities are business, career, and leadership opportunities. Fred and Jeff explore why so many talented entrepreneurs avoid the spotlight, how a simple conversation with an OB-GYN illustrates that fear of public speaking is learned (not innate), and why the ability to communicate clearly is often the difference between who gets promoted, recognized, and referred — and who doesn't. The conversation digs into Fred's 'Magic of 3' framework for crisp, compelling messaging, the real purpose of an elevator speech (hint: it's to start a conversation and disqualify bad fits fast), and the discipline of not wasting major time on minor possibilities. Jeff draws on his own military background to show how small public acts — like calling cadence in formation — build the leadership confidence that carries into every business setting. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur, a franchise buyer, or a seasoned business owner preparing to exit, this episode delivers concrete, no-hype communication tools you can put to work today. Guest: Fred Miller. Host: Jeff Kalil, VR Business Brokers of St. Louis. Learn more at growth2exit.com.

How Ron Ameln Accidentally Bought a Magazine & Built a Business on Fundamentals

Jeff Kalil — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Ron Ameln didn't set out to own St. Louis Small Business Monthly — a chance dinner conversation and a deal that fell through landed him in the owner's seat in 2007. In this episode, Ron walks Jeff through what it really takes to turn around a struggling publication, including swapping out the wrong people for the right ones, diversifying a revenue stream that was 98% print advertising, and reframing the entire company from "magazine" to "business-growth resource." Ron also shares a memorable analogy about why business owners need to "cross the street" to get honest perspective on their own operations — and why a coach, a peer group, or even a breakfast at Denny's can make all the difference. The conversation gets practical fast. Ron outlines the four fundamentals he's seen drive success across 35 years of covering St. Louis entrepreneurs: a clear written vision, a deep understanding of your margins, a culture people want to work in, and relentless focus on the customer. Jeff connects those fundamentals to business valuation, explaining how intangible assets like brand reputation and a strong team directly affect what a buyer will pay. Whether you're running a media company or a landscaping business, the takeaways here are timeless. Guest: Ron Ameln, St. Louis Small Business Monthly. Host: Jeff Kalil, VR Business Brokers of St. Louis. Learn more at growth2exit.com.

From Bankruptcy to 700% Growth: Chris Kuban on Building a Sellable PR Business

Jeff Kalil — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Chris Kuban started Chemistry PR & Multimedia out of necessity during the 2008 recession and spent 16 years learning hard lessons—including a bankruptcy that cost him his car and nearly everything else. In this episode, Chris opens up about the 700% revenue surge that forced him to rethink how the business was structured, why joining the Entrepreneurs' Organization accelerator changed his mindset, and how implementing EOS (Traction) helped him create clear decision-making levels, the right accountability chart, and a team empowered to keep the business running even when life demanded he step away. Jeff and Chris also explore the real cost of being a solopreneur who never delegates, and why a business where the owner is irreplaceable is rarely sellable at the number they imagine. The conversation covers team-building from solo independent contractor to a staff of 16+, the psychology of paying employees more than yourself, bootstrapping vs. external capital, reinvesting profits into equipment to chase bigger clients, and a candid look at why Chemistry PR's growth was stalled for years before the mindset shift. Jeff introduces the Army concept of "taking a knee"—and Chris reflects on the first time in 16 years he could step away for a family funeral without the business missing a beat. The episode wraps with a rapid-fire game and a breakdown of earnout terminology for listeners considering a future acquisition or exit. Guest: Chris Kuban, Chemistry PR & Multimedia. Host: Jeff Kalil, VR Business Brokers of St. Louis. Learn more at growth2exit.com.

SBA Lending Secrets for Buying a Business with Brian Phillips | Growth2Exit S1E2

Jeff Kalil — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Brian Phillips has spent 28 years in banking, and he became an SBA specialist for the best reason: he once had a terrible experience applying for one himself. In this episode, Brian and Jeff walk through the two main SBA loan types (7(a) and 504), how banks set their own policies on top of SBA's standard operating procedures, and why a seller carryback note can make or break a deal. They also dig into what it really means to "tell the story" of a business to an underwriter—both the organic story and the financial one—and why negative cash flow is the one thing no lender can work around. The conversation turns practical fast: how much cash a buyer typically needs to put down, which industries are facing tighter scrutiny right now (restaurants and hospitality top the list), and why due diligence is always the buyer's responsibility—not the broker's, not the lender's. Brian and Jeff also answer a listener email from Doug in Memphis about choosing the right loan structure and selecting a business broker. If you're thinking about buying a business, this episode is the prep work you didn't know you needed. Guest: Brian Phillips, SBA Lender, U.S. Bank. Host: Jeff Kalil, VR Business Brokers of St. Louis. Learn more at growth2exit.com.

Welcome to Growth2Exit (Trailer)

Jeff Kalil — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 14:12:56 -0500

Welcome to Growth2Exit — the podcast for business owners who want to grow, value, and one day exit their business on their own terms. Host Jeff Kalil (VR Business Brokers of St. Louis) interviews entrepreneurs about the real journey. Learn more at growth2exit.com.

Sara Stock (Stock Legal): Checklists, Casting Your Vision & Building a Sellable Business

Jeff Kalil — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 20:13:32 -0500

In the debut episode of Growth2Exit, host Jeff Kalil sits down with Sara Stock, business attorney and owner of Stock Legal in St. Louis. Jeff (a former Army helicopter pilot) and Sara draw parallels between flying and running a business: pre-flight checklists, weight-and-balance, and planning your route all the way to the exit. They dig into why legal shouldn't be a gating item that keeps owners from scaling, how to cast your vision and plan the end at the beginning, why incentive equity and your early tax election matter more than most founders realize, and how death by a thousand cuts quietly bleeds your profits, plus the rapid-fire game, a listener's challenge, and what goat yoga and gooey butter cake have to do with your business. Guest: Sara Stock, owner of Stock Legal (St. Louis). Host: Jeff Kalil, VR Business Brokers of St. Louis, business broker and certified business appraiser. Learn more at growth2exit.com.