Are You Stuck in the Day-to-Day Grind?
You started your business to create financial freedom and independence—but instead, you’re stuck managing operations, putting out fires, and constantly making reactive decisions.
Signs You’re Stuck in the Grind:
➡️ The solution? It’s time to step into the role of an owner.
There is a Better Way...
Scaling your business doesn’t mean just working harder—it means making ownership‒driven decisions that create freedom, financial clarity, and long‒term wealth.
The Independence by Design™ Framework helps you:
➡️ See how the iBD Framework™ guides this process.
The workshop, I guide your audience through a transformative journey—from understanding the challenges of ownership to embracing a proven framework that builds time, cash flow, and wealth.
Through the Independence by Design™ Framework, I introduce the critical shift to an Ownership Mindset and the Ownership Flywheel—a simple model that connects the decisions business owners make to their ultimate goals. The Ownership Flywheel focuses on three essential elements: Time, Cash Flow, and Wealth. But understanding the Flywheel is just the start—knowing how to make it work requires mastering The Five Pillars of Ownership:
These pillars ensure every owner has a clear roadmap for moving from the grind of day-to-day operations to strategic ownership. By the end of the keynote, your audience will understand not only why these concepts matter but also how to implement them in their businesses, creating sustainable cash flow, building equity value, and achieving true independence.
Achieve Independence of Time, Cash Flow, and Wealth
Four Steps to Independence:
Build a Business That Runs Without You
The Independence by Design™ Framework provides a structured path to achieving true ownership freedom. Instead of being trapped in the daily grind, this framework helps business owners create a financially independent, owner-optional company by focusing on four key steps:
- Ownership Education – Clarify what you want from your business and align your decisions with your long-term goals.
- Financial Roadmap – Build a three-statement financial model that supports growth and sustainable cash flow.
- Value Growth Strategy – Implement strategies that increase cash flow, reduce risk, and drive enterprise value.
- Leadership Team & Pay – Develop a leadership team and compensation structure that reduces founder dependency.
Each step moves you closer to Escape Velocity—where your business creates time freedom, financial clarity, and long-term equity growth on your terms.
iBD Owner's Workshop Overview
This workshop focuses on Step One—Owner Education, helping you understand the game and master the Five Pillars of Ownership.
Why? Because clarity on these pillars is the key to better decisions making that allows you to break free from the day-to-day grind and design a business that aligns with your long-term goals.
The Five Pillars of Ownership
As part of the workshop, you'll recieve access to the iBD Ownership Scorecard™, where you’ll evaluate your strengths, uncover key areas for growth using the Five Pillars of Ownership, This will help you gain confidence to move from operator to owner by focusing on what matters most
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
8:00
Kickstart Your Day: Registration, Coffee, and Connections
Arrive early to check in, pick up your workshop materials, and enjoy freshly brewed coffee and light breakfast options. This is the perfect time to meet fellow attendees, start building connections, and set the tone for an impactful day ahead.
8:30
Workshop: Uncover the Path to Independencebwith the iBD Framework
Discover how the Independence by Design™ Ownership Framework can help you take control of your business and your future. In this session, you'll learn to align your business with the life you want—one that’s defined by sustainable cash flow, growing equity value, and the freedom to focus on what truly matters.
Ryan Tansom
Workshop Facilitator
12:30
Lunch Break: Recharge, Connect, and Reflect
Enjoy a curated lunch that accommodates dietary restrictions and provides an opportunity to recharge while fostering meaningful connections. Take time to reflect on the morning’s insights and share your thoughts with fellow business owners.
2:30
Panel: Real Stories, Real Strategies: Learn from Those Who’ve Been There
Join Ryan Tansom as he facilitates an interactive panel featuring business owners and advisors who have navigated the full life cycle of business ownership—from growth and scaling to stepping back or selling. This is your opportunity to gain invaluable insights, ask pressing questions, and learn firsthand how to align your business with your ownership goals.
Mike Formmelt, Tracy Bech, Corey Tansom, Ken Sanginario, Roger Roundy, Adam Webb
Business Owner & Expert Panelists
4:30
Happy Hour: Unwind, Connect, and Build Lasting Relationships
Wrap up the day by connecting with business owner workshop participants, the owner panel, and the advisor panel in a relaxed, casual setting. Enjoy drinks and light snacks as you deepen relationships, exchange ideas, and reflect on the day’s key takeaways.
Grab Your Spot Now
There are only 30 spots available for the event. Please grab your spot now or email info@ryantansom.com if you have any questions.
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Over 2,000 Owners & Executives Have Attended the iBD Workshop
Hear from Business Owner Attendees
"Been only exciting so far"
We transformed an experience, digitalizing the whole process to the point when customer's team were completely able to manage it themselvers
Joan Siewert-Cardona
Partner & CFO/Sales of Ideal Printers
"Would definitely recommend it"
We transformed an experience, digitalizing the whole process to the point when customer's team were completely able to manage it themselvers
Jimmy Fritz
CEO/Owner of the Wedding Shoppe & Kennedy Blue
"Price / quality ratio is unbeatable"
We transformed an experience, digitalizing the whole process to the point when customer's team were completely able to manage it themselvers
Dave Hoeffel
Owner of Endurance Technologies
Owner & Advisor Panel
Learn from seasoned experts who’ve been in your shoes. Each owner and advsior has been in the trenches and understands what it means to own and operate a business. They have "been there before" and tell real stories of successes and failures that are hard to come by.
Mike Frommelt
Mike Frommelt brings over 30 years of experience helping business owners transform their companies through strategic leadership hires and talent consulting. As the Founder and Co-Owner of Strategic Talent Partners (STP) and previously the owner of KeyStone Search for 22 years, Mike has worked with hundreds of privately held businesses, guiding them through critical transitions and the hiring of C-level leaders.
His expertise lies in helping owners hire Presidents and CEOs who can step into operational leadership roles, allowing business owners to step back from day-to-day responsibilities while retaining ownership. This approach has empowered countless entrepreneurs to achieve personal freedom, focus on long-term goals, or transition into retirement—without sacrificing the integrity or success of their businesses.
Mike’s deep understanding of privately held companies and his hands-on approach to leadership transitions make him a trusted advisor for owners navigating the challenges of growth and succession planning.
With a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Business Administration from the University of St. Thomas, Mike combines behavioral insights with business acumen to deliver exceptional results. His decades of experience and personalized methods have made him a go-to expert for business owners who want to align their leadership team with their ownership vision.
Corey Tansom
Corey Tansom is an accomplished entrepreneur and the founder of CBT Group, a company dedicated to helping business owners navigate the complexities of tax strategy, risk management, and long-term wealth building. Corey's entrepreneurial journey began in the 1990s when he started an office technology company from scratch, growing it to $21 million in revenue, earning spots on the Inc. 5000 and Fastest 50 lists, and ultimately selling the business for eight figures to a competitor.
While the sale was a significant milestone, Corey’s journey taught him invaluable lessons about the critical role tax strategy plays in business growth, cash flow, and exit options. Reflecting on his own experience, he realized how much more he could have achieved with the right tax planning and strategic advice. This insight ignited his passion to ensure other entrepreneurs don’t face the same challenges he did.
Through CBT Group, Corey combines his real-world entrepreneurial experience with advanced tax strategies to help business owners protect and grow their wealth. His mission is to empower entrepreneurs to make informed decisions that not only optimize their tax planning but also align with their broader goals for growth, risk management, and legacy building.
Adam Webb
Adam Webb is a Managing Partner and Owner at Quazar Capital, where he specializes in leading the sale and acquisition process for privately held businesses in the lower middle market. With decades of experience, Adam has successfully negotiated and closed transactions totaling hundreds of millions of dollars, delivering exceptional outcomes for his clients through a collaborative and results-driven approach.
Adam is deeply passionate about advocating for privately held businesses, a sector he believes has been underserved by traditional investment banks. His mission is to bridge this gap by providing tailored guidance to business owners navigating the complexities of mergers, acquisitions, and exit strategies. By aligning his clients’ goals with market opportunities, Adam ensures they maximize their business value while maintaining the integrity of their legacies.
Known for his ability to simplify complex deals, Adam is committed to getting deals done while maximizing value for his clients. His hands-on approach, deep understanding of the lower middle market, and focus on fostering trust make him a sought-after advisor for business owners preparing to sell, grow, or transition their companies.
Frequently asked Questions
Who should attend this workshop?
The Independence by Design™ Workshop is great for partners and key executives so everyone can get on the same page. This workshop is designed for business owner-operators who feel stuck in the day-to-day grind of running their company. Whether you’re looking to step back from daily operations, gain clarity around cash flow, or create a long-term equity strategy, this workshop will provide the tools you need to succeed.
What if I’m new to the Independence by Design™ Framework?
No problem! The workshop is designed to meet you where you are, whether you’re completely new to the framework or already familiar with the concepts. We’ll guide you step by step through the process and provide actionable strategies you can start implementing right away.
This workshop is ideal for business owner-operators, their partners, and key executives. This material is geared toward people who own some or all of their company and want to learn how to generate more sustainable cash flow while growing the equity value of the company. This is not a workshop for startups who want to raise money.
What will I walk away with after the workshop?
By the end of the workshop, you’ll have:
- A clear understanding of your ownership goals.
- A personalized Ownership Scorecard to evaluate your current standing.
- A roadmap to align your business operations with your long-term goals.
- Tools and strategies to build consistent cash flow and grow equity value.
- Confidence and clarity in making ownership decisions.
Can I bring a team member or business partner?
Yes! Bringing a team member or business partner can help align your team’s vision and accelerate implementation. We also offer discounts for group registrations—reach out to learn more.
What makes this workshop different from others?
Unlike generic business workshops, the Independence by Design™ Workshop is tailored to owner-operators. It combines proven strategies with real-world examples and focuses on aligning your business operations with your personal ownership goals for time, cash flow, and equity. You’ll leave with a clear, actionable plan to break free from the day-to-day grind and build a business that works for you.
Are meals included in the ticket price?
Yes! Your registration includes light breakfast, lunch, and refreshments during the day, as well as drinks and snacks at the Networking & Happy Hour.
What is the dress attire?
Business casual is perfect! We want you to feel comfortable and ready to engage in meaningful conversations and activities.
What if I can’t attend in person?
Currently, the workshop is only offered in person to maximize networking opportunities and hands-on learning. However, we’re exploring virtual options for the future. If you’d like to stay updated, let us know!
Will there be any hard sales pitches?
Absolutely not. This workshop is focused on delivering value, not selling services. Our goal is to provide you with actionable insights and tools to take your business to the next level—no strings attached.
What is the ideal audience size for this workshop?
We intentionally limit attendance to 30 participants per session to ensure a personalized and interactive experience. This smaller group size allows for deeper discussions, real-time feedback, and meaningful networking.
How can I learn more about sponsorship opportunities?
If you’re interested in sponsoring the workshop or collaborating, email us at amber@ryantansom.com, and we’ll be happy to provide more details.