Whether you’re contemplating your own leap into entrepreneurship or just looking for relatable advice and inspiration, this episode is full of honest stories, actionable lessons, and a healthy dose of encouragement.

Welcome to another episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs! Today’s show features a conversation with Tyler Davis, founder of DAT Finance, co-host of the Next Gen Strategies Podcast, and a self-proclaimed “entrepreneur extraordinaire.” Glenn Harper and Julie Smith talk about Tyler’s journey from his roots in Sidney, Ohio, to building his own thriving finance firm.

Tyler shares how growing up in a small town, his family’s traditional work ethic, and his own early side hustles lit his entrepreneurial spark. From making and selling fishing lures as a kid to pursuing advanced degrees in accounting, Tyler’s story is one of self-discovery, calculated risks, and embracing the unknown. The conversation covers the tough decision to leave a “safe” corporate job, navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, and the importance of building resilience, discipline, and a supportive network along the way.

You’ll also learn about Tyler’s experience balancing family life with business ambitions, the insights he’s gained working with a wide spectrum of clients, and his perspective on the evolving world of accounting and business strategy.

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Here are our top three takeaways from the episode:

Embrace the leap with preparation: Tyler shared how critical it was to plan financially before jumping from a stable corporate job to entrepreneurship. Building that “runway” gave him the freedom to take risks and pursue his vision.
Relationship-building is everything: Tyler’s story highlights the importance of connections—whether it’s forming a mastermind friendship, collaborating on a podcast, or helping clients beyond contracts. Positive relationships lead to growth, referrals, and long-term success.
Continuous reinvention: From starting with fishing lures as a kid to shifting his business model and even considering a return to teaching someday, Tyler shows that embracing change and keeping your “why” front and center is essential for any entrepreneur.

Tyler is the founder of DAT Finance and co-host of the NextGen Strategies podcast.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

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Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

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Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus

Running a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner. At Harper & Company CPAs Plus, we don’t just crunch numbers—we empower entrepreneurs. From proactive tax strategy and accounting to business advisory services, our team helps you keep more of what you earn and scale with confidence. Whether you’re launching, growing, or preparing for exit, Harper & Company is in your corner with expert guidance built for business owners like you. Visit www.harpercpaplus.com to book a complimentary discovery call today - or call us at 614-456-7222.

Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus