In this special roundtable episode of Pay Play Profit, host Jessica Mae Stafford, former Visionary of TBL and now Head of Sales & Partnerships at Stellar Brands, is joined by key leaders from both organizations to share the story behind TBL’s acquisition by Stellar Brands and what it means for the future.

• Marilyn Adkerson, CPA, Founder of TBL, reflects on her transition into retirement and the journey that led to this pivotal moment.
• Bobby Hoyt, Founder and Visionary of Stellar Brands, shares why acquiring TBL aligned perfectly with Stellar’s mission and long-term vision.
• Ariel Bash, Integrator™ of Stellar Brands, speaks to how she is balancing the preservation of TBL’s culture while ensuring alignment with Stellar’s growth vision.
• Ashley Travis, Head of Finance/HR and TBL Operations at Stellar Brands, offers insight into the smooth integration process and the stability it has brought to both teams.
• Jessica Mae Stafford leads the conversation and adds her own perspective on legacy, leadership transitions, and the heart behind choosing Stellar as TBL’s new home.

Together, this leadership team reflects on the past, shares behind-the-scenes details from the transition, and casts a shared vision for the future of TBL within Stellar Brands.

• Marilyn reflects on her retirement and passing the torch.

• Bobby discusses the organic nature of the acquisition and its alignment with Stellar’s mission.

• Ariel highlights the importance of cultural integration without losing identity.

• Ashley emphasizes operational alignment and new energy for the future.

• Jessica shares the leadership transition from TBL’s Visionary to her current role at Stellar.

• The team shares a united vision of growth, client care, and meaningful community building.

00:00 – Introduction to the Stellar Brands Acquisition
02:43 – Marilyn’s Transition and Reflections
05:41 – Bobby’s Perspective on the Acquisition
08:53 – Integration Process and Team Dynamics
11:43 – Ariel’s Approach to Culture and Integration
17:46 – Client Experience and Future Improvements
20:41 – Vision for Success in 12 Months
26:44 – Closing Thoughts and Reflections

🎙️ Jessica Mae Stafford
“Even though it was an acquisition, it felt like combining forces.”

🎙️ Marilyn Adkerson, CPA
“It was just the right time.”
“Where there is no vision, the people perish.”

🎙️ Bobby Hoyt
“I didn’t feel like it was a business I needed to fix. I knew it was already a great business.”
“It just made so much sense.”

🎙️ Ariel Bash
“How do we protect what TBL has built while staying true to Stellar’s vision?”
“When people care this much, it means you’re doing something right.”

🎙️ Ashley Travis
“We’re not sacrificing or changing our soul—it’s like we’re building on it.”
“Everything went smoother than I imagined—and the team didn’t feel the weight of it.”

If you’re a business owner looking for clarity, confidence, and a true partner in your back office success—we’d love to connect.

Book a Discovery Call with Jessica Mae Stafford and explore how TBL powered by Stellar Brands can support your next big move.

👉 Schedule Your Call Here

Let’s build something brilliant—together.

Summary

In this episode of the Pay Play Profit podcast, Jess Stafford discusses the essential roles within a financial team for small businesses, including CPAs, EAs, bookkeepers, and accountants. She emphasizes the importance of understanding each role and how they contribute to a business's financial health. The conversation also introduces the Profit First system, a cash management strategy that prioritizes profit to ensure sustainable growth. Jess shares insights on navigating business growth, the importance of hiring the right financial professionals, and the evolving landscape of financial management in the age of AI.

Takeaways

• Understanding the roles of financial professionals is crucial for business success.
• Profit First flips the traditional profit equation to prioritize profit first.
• Hiring the right financial team can lead to better decision-making and profitability.
• AI can assist in financial tasks, but human oversight is essential.
• Bookkeepers can provide more than just data entry; they can offer valuable insights.
• Planning for financial growth should start early in the business lifecycle.
• Not all CPAs are equipped to handle small business needs effectively.
• Investing in financial systems early can lead to greater clarity and control.
• The complexity of bookkeeping is increasing, requiring skilled professionals.
• Every financial decision impacts overall business profitability.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Your Financial Team
11:25 The Profit First System
20:31 Debunking Myths in Financial Management
23:25 Navigating the Changing Financial Landscape

Summary

In this episode of Pay Play Profit, Jessica Mae Stafford discusses the complexities small businesses face in today's tax and trade environment. She emphasizes the importance of adaptability, strategic planning, and the role of technology, particularly AI, in enhancing business operations. The conversation covers various topics including tax strategy, the impact of tariffs, sales tax shifts, and the resilience required to thrive in uncertain economic times. Jessica encourages entrepreneurs to leverage tools like Profit First for better cash management and to maintain a human touch in their business interactions.

Takeaways

1. It's essential to stay flexible and adapt to changes every two weeks.
2. Small businesses are crucial to the economy and should not be overlooked.
3. Tax strategy involves planning and compliance, and it's vital to have a knowledgeable partner.
4. Tariffs are a significant concern for many small business owners today.
5. Understanding sales tax shifts is crucial for compliance and business operations.
6. Resilience in business is intentional and requires grit.
7. AI should be used as a helper tool, not a replacement for human interaction.
8. Profit First is an effective cash management strategy for small businesses.
9. Every decision made in business should be viewed through the lens of profitability.
10. Maintaining a strong client experience is key to successful marketing.

Sound Bites

"Tax is strategy, planning, and compliance."
"Tariffs are hurting small business owners."
"Resilience is intentional."
"Your client experience is your marketing."
"AI is a helper tool, not a replacement."
"Don't remove the humans from your business."
"Every decision is a profit decision."

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back to Pay Play Profit
03:01 Navigating Small Business in a Complex Tax World
05:54 Understanding Tax Strategy and Compliance
09:11 The Impact of Tariffs and Trade on Small Businesses
11:50 Sales Tax Shifts and Economic Nexus
14:57 Resilience and Opportunity in Uncertain Times
18:04 The Role of AI in Business
21:08 Tactical Playbook for 2025 and Beyond
23:58 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Call To Action

Schedule a Discovery Call with The Bottom Line® today - yes, Jess actually hosts the calls with our client prospects to ensure we have the best fit. Let's talk! Schedule your call now.