I turned around and sold a family business and spent over a decade trying to figure out what we could have done differently.
My mission is to help business owner-operators break free from the grind and achieve true independence of time through sustainable cash flow, and lasting wealth, so they can focus on what matters most to them.
Working with Ryan has been revolutionary. I have more clarity and less anxiety regarding the financial health of my business. I’m so grateful that I can now use my new mindset, tools and knowledge to grow my company’s equity value.
Steve Schaffer
Owner, Schaffer Manufacturing
The most concrete business practice I learned and adopted in Ryan's workshop was starting to think about our company as a financial asset and realizing we can forecast the business’s value into the future. We now understand that the future cash flow and equity value are the real metrics behind the health of the company.
Anne Dougherty
Owner, ILLUME Advising
As a business owner, I sometimes get into a rhythm or maybe a rut and do things in a certain way, almost methodically. Ryan's workshop allowed me to intentionally disrupt the rhythm and look at things through a different lens.”
Jamie Gmach
Owner, Evolving Solutions
An incredible resource for M&A pros
Ryan's podcast is a weekly ritual for my team. The insights and conversation topics. Ryan and his guests touch on issues that are highly relevant and actionable. We even find ourselves simply forwarding episodes to our clients to help them navigate the exit process. Thanks for the thought leadership!
Steve Gerten
Partner & Advisor, Paradise Capital LLC
Purposeful and Authentic
Ryan never fails to deliver excellent content that is useful and helpful. He asks questions that draw the best out of his guests. Ryan is motivated to help people achieve their purpose and his enthusiasm is tangible. He brings experience and authenticity to every episode.
Jenna Fromm
CEO, Palmer Bus Service
“Ryan Tansom walks the talk. He is incredibly dedicated to helping business owners and leaders ‘grow the value of their business with an end in mind’. My Vistage Members, EOS Clients and Coaching Clients leverage Ryan’s tools, education, workshops, and podcasts. My only regret about Ryan, is that I did not meet him earlier in my professional career.”
Katina Koller
Vistage Chair and EOS© Implementor
Working with Ryan has been revolutionary. I have more clarity and less anxiety regarding the financial health of my business. I’m so grateful that I can now use my new mindset, tools and knowledge to grow my company’s equity value.
Steve Schaffer
Owner, Schaffer Manufacturing
The most concrete business practice I learned and adopted in Ryan's workshop was starting to think about our company as a financial asset and realizing we can forecast the business’s value into the future. We now understand that the future cash flow and equity value are the real metrics behind the health of the company.
Anne Dougherty
Owner, ILLUME Advising
As a business owner, I sometimes get into a rhythm or maybe a rut and do things in a certain way, almost methodically. Ryan's workshop allowed me to intentionally disrupt the rhythm and look at things through a different lens.”
Jamie Gmach
Owner, Evolving Solutions
An incredible resource for M&A pros
Ryan's podcast is a weekly ritual for my team. The insights and conversation topics. Ryan and his guests touch on issues that are highly relevant and actionable. We even find ourselves simply forwarding episodes to our clients to help them navigate the exit process. Thanks for the thought leadership!
Steve Gerten
Partner & Advisor, Paradise Capital LLC
Purposeful and Authentic
Ryan never fails to deliver excellent content that is useful and helpful. He asks questions that draw the best out of his guests. Ryan is motivated to help people achieve their purpose and his enthusiasm is tangible. He brings experience and authenticity to every episode.
Jenna Fromm
CEO, Palmer Bus Service
“Ryan Tansom walks the talk. He is incredibly dedicated to helping business owners and leaders ‘grow the value of their business with an end in mind’. My Vistage Members, EOS Clients and Coaching Clients leverage Ryan’s tools, education, workshops, and podcasts. My only regret about Ryan, is that I did not meet him earlier in my professional career.”
Katina Koller
Vistage Chair and EOS© Implementor
Unlock the Power of Being a Business Owner
While countless systems help us "work in" the business, few focus on how to "work on" the business and truly “win” the game of ownership.
Ownership Framework
Independence by Design™
Running a business shouldn’t mean sacrificing your time, cash flow, or peace of mind. That’s why I created Independence by Design™ —an "Ownership Framework" to help owner-operators align their business operations with their personal goals for time, cash flow, and wealth. It’s designed to help you make better decisions, grow sustainable cash flow, and create a business that works for you—not the other way around.
Ownership Framework
Independence by Design™
Running a business shouldn’t mean sacrificing your time, cash flow, or peace of mind. That’s why I created Independence by Design™ —an "Ownership Framework" to help owner-operators align their business operations with their personal goals for time, cash flow, and wealth. It’s designed to help you make better decisions, grow sustainable cash flow, and create a business that works for you—not the other way around.
Ownership Coaching
iBD Ownership Coaching
My iBD Ownership Coaching is designed for owner-operators who are ready to move beyond the daily grind of operations. Whether you're seeking clarity, strategy, or accountability, coaching provides the shortcut to achieving true independence. By leveraging the Independence by Design™ Framework, you’ll gain access to personalized guidance, proven tools, and expert insights that empower you to make better decisions, grow sustainable cash flow, and create a business that aligns with your personal goals.
Ownership Coaching
iBD Ownership Coaching
My iBD Ownership Coaching is designed for owner-operators who are ready to move beyond the daily grind of operations. Whether you're seeking clarity, strategy, or accountability, coaching provides the shortcut to achieving true independence. By leveraging the Independence by Design™ Framework, you’ll gain access to personalized guidance, proven tools, and expert insights that empower you to make better decisions, grow sustainable cash flow, and create a business that aligns with your personal goals.
Independence by Design™
iBD Ownership Workshop™
The Independence by Design™ Workshop is designed for owner-operators who are ready to take the first step to getting out of the daily grind of their operations. This hands-on, in-person event focuses on proven strategies to increase sustainable cash flow, build equity value, and create a business that works for you—not the other way around. With over 2,000 participants to date, these workshops provide the tools, insights, and clarity needed to shift from operator to owner. Whether you’re preparing for growth, succession, or more freedom, this workshop gives you the roadmap to achieve your goals.
Independence by Design™
iBD Ownership Workshop™
The Independence by Design™ Workshop is designed for owner-operators who are ready to take the first step to getting out of the daily grind of their operations. This hands-on, in-person event focuses on proven strategies to increase sustainable cash flow, build equity value, and create a business that works for you—not the other way around. With over 2,000 participants to date, these workshops provide the tools, insights, and clarity needed to shift from operator to owner. Whether you’re preparing for growth, succession, or more freedom, this workshop gives you the roadmap to achieve your goals.
Hey 👋🏼, I'm Ryan Tansom
In 2009, when I started in our family business, it was doing $21 million in revenue and lost close to a million dollars. After five of the hardest years I’ve been through, in 2014, I helped lead our company through an eight-figure exit. Since then, I’ve spent every waking minute learning what we could have done differently.
That journey inspired me to create multiple businesses, start a podcast, travel around the U.S. speaking on hundreds of stages (Vistage, EO, CEO Nexus, industry associations, etc.), and build an ownership framework for owner-operators. Over 1,500 people have experienced the material I created to help entrepreneurs achieve the independence they deserve—independence in their time, cash flow, and wealth.
When I’m not coaching or speaking, I’m spending time with my twin girls, geeking out over economics, business, finance, psychology, podcasting, or creating content for the Independence by Design Framework™ to help business owners just like you.
Hey👋🏼, I'm Ryan Tansom
In 2009, when I started in our family business, it was doing $21 million in revenue and lost close to a million dollars. After five of the hardest years I’ve been through, in 2014, I helped lead our company through an eight-figure exit. Since then, I’ve spent every waking minute learning what we could have done differently.
That journey inspired me to create multiple businesses, start a podcast, travel around the U.S. speaking on hundreds of stages (Vistage, EO, CEO Nexus, industry associations, etc.), and build an ownership framework for owner-operators. Over 1,500 people have experienced the material I created to help entrepreneurs achieve the independence they deserve—independence in their time, cash flow, and wealth.
When I’m not coaching or speaking, I’m spending time with my twin girls, geeking out over economics, business, finance, psychology, podcasting, or creating content for the Independence by Design Framework™ to help business owners just like you.
Independence by Design™ Podcast
The Independence by Design™ Podcast is where business ownership meets inspiration. With over 425 episodes since 2017, I’ve interviewed industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and authors to uncover the secrets of building and exiting a successful business while living life on your terms. Join me as I sit down with visionaries like Gino Wickman, Mike Michalowicz, and Dan Martell, along with other top-tier experts and owners who share practical advice, hard-won lessons, and actionable strategies for your ownership journey.
Speaking & Guest Podcasting
I bring the Independence by Design™ framework to life on stage, sharing real stories, actionable insights, and strategies that empower owner-operators to regain control of their time, cash flow, and wealth. Whether it’s keynotes, panels, or podcast guest spots, I tailor my message to inspire and equip audiences with the tools they need to build a business that works for them—not the other way around.
Ownership Strategy Call
Take the first step toward designing the life and business you’ve always envisioned. In this personalized strategy call, we’ll discuss your goals, challenges, and how the Independence by Design™ framework can help you create sustainable cash flow, equity growth, and time freedom. Whether you're exploring coaching, speaking opportunities, or want a tailored plan for your business, this call is the perfect starting point.
Independence by Design™ Podcast
The Independence by Design™ Podcast is where business ownership meets inspiration. With over 425 episodes since 2017, I’ve interviewed industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and authors to uncover the secrets of building and exiting a successful business while living life on your terms. Join me as I sit down with visionaries like Gino Wickman, Mike Michalowicz, and Dan Martell, along with other top-tier experts and owners who share practical advice, hard-won lessons, and actionable strategies for your ownership journey.
Speaking & Guest Podcasting
I bring the Independence by Design™ framework to life on stage, sharing real stories, actionable insights, and strategies that empower owner-operators to regain control of their time, cash flow, and wealth. Whether it’s keynotes, panels, or podcast guest spots, I tailor my message to inspire and equip audiences with the tools they need to build a business that works for them—not the other way around.
Ownership Strategy Call
Take the first step toward designing the life and business you’ve always envisioned. In this personalized strategy call, we’ll discuss your goals, challenges, and how the Independence by Design™ framework can help you create sustainable cash flow, equity growth, and time freedom. Whether you're exploring coaching, speaking opportunities, or want a tailored plan for your business, this call is the perfect starting point.