In this episode of Power Up Your Practice, host Ruby Powers talks with Ben Hokema, founder of Illuminate Wealth Management and the Owner’s Financial Office.

Ben works with law firm owners to bring structure, clarity, and calm to their finances—from daily cash flow to long-term retirement planning. He explains why so many lawyers fall into “owner’s poverty,” what the Profit First model actually changes, and how to shift your mindset from just surviving to building real profit.

🔹 What "Owner’s Poverty" is—and how to escape it

🔹 The Profit First model (and why it works)

🔹 Why your CPA isn’t enough

🔹 Building retirement plans before it's too late

🔹 Daily decisions that lead to long-term financial clarity

🎧 This episode is sponsored by Lawfully Pro: https://www.lawfully.com/pro

📌 Connect with Ben Hokema: ownersfinancialoffice.com

📌 Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers — each week we feature firm leaders, legal innovators, and expert guests sharing tools and strategies to help you grow a smarter, healthier, and more profitable law practice.

🌐 Website: powersstrategygroup.com

📺 YouTube: @powersstrategygroup

💬 Skool Community – Power Hub: skool.com/powerupyourpractice

📚 Power Up Your Practice — available now on Amazon

Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit

• Stafi • Lawmatics • Filevine • Candle AI

In this episode of Power Up Your Practice, host Ruby Powers sits down with Phillip Hogan, Founder and President of Signing Services of America, a nationwide notary company based in Atlanta.

Phillip shares how he scaled from being a solo signing agent to leading a national operation by focusing on one timeless principle — responsiveness builds trust.

They discuss the art of client communication, the importance of admitting mistakes, and how to develop a team culture rooted in service, transparency, and adaptability.

🔹 How responsiveness directly impacts client retention and reputation

🔹 What true leadership looks like when things go wrong 🔹 Training, cross-training, and empowering teams to deliver consistency

🔹 How adaptability became his secret to scaling sustainably

If you’re a business owner or law firm leader who wants to strengthen relationships, improve client experience, and grow through trust — this episode is for you.

📌 Connect with Phillip Hogan:

🔹 LinkedIn: Phillip Hogan

📌 Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers — your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing entrepreneurs, and experts who share actionable advice and fresh perspectives to help you grow your firm effectively and sustainably.

🌐 Website: powersstrategygroup.com

📺 YouTube: @powersstrategygroup

💬 Join our Skool Community – Power Hub: skool.com/powerupyourprac

📚 Ruby’s Book: Power Up Your Practice — available now on Amazon (Paperback + eBook)

Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit • Stafi 

• Lawmatics 

• Filevine 

• Candle AI

In this episode of Power Up Your Practice, host Ruby Powers sits down with Tara Landes, Founder & CEO of Bellrock, who has spent over 25 years helping more than 300 business leaders unlock their potential through practical management and leadership systems.

A certified Change Management Practitioner and licensed Influence Trainer from the Cialdini Institute, Tara has dedicated her career to helping professionals turn ambition into structure and strategy into growth.

Ruby and Tara unpack the real difference between management and leadership —and why mastering both is the key to scaling any law firm without burning out. Together, they dive into practical frameworks for delegation, time-blocking, team engagement, and the mindset shift every lawyer-turned-leader must make.

🔹 Why lawyers need to think like CEOs—not just practitioners

🔹 How to build a mid-management layer that prevents bottlenecks and burnout

🔹 The leadership habits that keep firms sustainable and teams motivated

🔹 How “climbing the tree” helps leaders see the bigger picture

🔹 Why rest, reflection and “shower time” are part of the job

If you’re ready to move from busy to brilliant and build a firm that runs without you, this conversation is your roadmap to becoming the leader your practice needs.

📌 Connect with Tara Landes: 🔹 Website: www.bellrock.ca 🔹 LinkedIn: Tara Landes

📌 Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers — your guide into the world of law practice management. Each week, Ruby interviews leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys and expert guests who share actionable advice and fresh perspectives to help you grow your firm with clarity and confidence.

Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level.

🌐 Website: powersstrategygroup.com

📺 YouTube: @powersstrategygroup

💬 Join our Skool Community – Power Hub: skool.com/powerupyourprac

📚 Ruby’s Book: Power Up Your Practice — available now on Amazon (Paperback + eBook)

Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit:

• Stafi

• Lawmatics

• Filevine

• Candle AI