The majority of deal conversations focus on big cities and private equity groups, but small towns have businesses too. Many of these companies are facing transition challenges because the buyers and advisors they need aren't there.

This is what Dane Chapman and Joe Rust of SPARK Capital are working to solve. They are building a model designed to keep legacy businesses in their communities by collaborating with local partners and committed operators. Their work brings needed attention to the succession challenges rural business owners face.

Dane and Joe discuss rural valuation gaps, personal goodwill risk, and how owners can prepare before value slips. If you are an owner in a small community or someone who advises one, this episode offers a clear look at how rural businesses can transition successfully.

In this episode, you will:

• Learn how rural businesses can stay locally owned instead of closing or relocating

• Understand why rural buyers take a different view of growth and risk compared to urban buyers

• See how sellers can make their businesses more attractive to mission-driven buyers

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Dane Chapman and Joe Rust

(02:28) The origin story of SPARK Capital

(06:11) Why rural owners struggle to sell their companies

(11:04) The role of local advisors, operators, and community partners

(17:02) How SPARK Capital approaches valuation and risk

(28:13) How owners can prepare for succession

(33:54) Community-based capital may shape the future of rural business

(35:53) Mindset shifts for a more saleable business

Resources:

For past guests, please visit https://www.defendersofbusinessvalue.com/

Follow Dane:

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danechapman/

Follow Joe:

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joerust/

Learn more about SPARK Capital: https://sparkcapitalin.com/

Follow Ed:

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edmysogland/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defendersofbusinessvalue/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bvdefenders

Entrepreneurship isn't just for adults, and Hunter Beale is proof that it's never too early to start.

Hunter is the Executive Director of High School Hustle, a fast-growing movement that helps students across Indiana build real businesses and learn through hands-on experience. In just one year, the program has grown from 17 to over 2,000 students, generating nearly $1 million in revenue. What began as a handful of high schoolers mowing lawns and washing cars has turned into a statewide mission to awaken the next generation of entrepreneurs.

In this episode, Hunter shares how he helps students find purpose, earn income, and gain confidence through small business ownership.

In this episode, you will:

• Learn how High School Hustle is helping students build real businesses

• Hear how mentorship and incentives keep young entrepreneurs accountable

• Understand how failure builds confidence and leadership at an early age

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Hunter Beale

(06:13) Finding purpose in mentoring

(10:25) How High School Hustle turns students into real business owners

(17:47) Hands-on learning for young entrepreneurs

(21:21) The role of parents and communities

(25:44) Life lessons and improved confidence from doing business

(30:42) Expanding High School Hustle beyond Indiana

Resources:

For past guests, please visit https://www.defendersofbusinessvalue.com/

Follow Hunter:

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunterjbeale/

Learn more about High School Hustle: https://highschoolhustle.org/

Follow Ed:

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edmysogland/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defendersofbusinessvalue/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bvdefenders

In a business appraisal, the numbers will always matter — but how they're communicated can have just as much impact on value.

Charlie Stanton, CFA and founder of Stanton Valuation Advisors, believes every valuation tells a story. Drawing from his work in estate planning, litigation, and succession, he explains how storytelling can transform the way a business's worth is understood.

This episode explores the eight elements every appraisal story should include, why owning your narrative builds buyer trust, and how a clear, consistent story can make your business more saleable.

In this episode, you will:

• Learn how to communicate risks without hurting your valuation

• Understand the impact of transfer restrictions and illiquidity on appraisal outcomes

• Understand why regulatory appraisals differ from deal-market valuations

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Charlie Stanton

(03:01) Why every valuation is really a story

(09:31) Building trust with a transparent narrative

(14:52) Valuation for different purposes

(17:14) Fair market value vs. market value explained

(21:00) Understanding control and marketability discounts

(27:44) The difference between appraisers and deal advisors

(33:22) Advice for owners who want to increase business value

Resources:

For past guests, please visit https://www.defendersofbusinessvalue.com/

Follow Charlie:

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-stanton-cfa-b8172591/

Email: charlie@stantonvalue.com

Learn more about Stanton Valuation Advisors: https://stantonvalue.com/

Follow Ed:

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edmysogland/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defendersofbusinessvalue/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bvdefenders