Whether it’s lessons learned from product lifecycles, navigating family and personal setbacks, or his passion for giving back to the entrepreneurial community, David Stowers offers wisdom, humor, and a candid look at what it truly takes to grow, scale, and thrive.

On this episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs, hosts Glenn Harper and Julie Smith sit down with David Stowers, principal owner of Smash Success and a business development specialist for FreedomDev Sensible Software. Known for his engaging sales style and entrepreneurial drive, David Stowers shares the twists and turns of his career—from hustling as a teenager and launching infomercial products, to facing financial challenges and reinventing himself multiple times over.

With stories ranging from selling foam airplanes at flea markets to making national television appearances on QVC, David Stowers opens up about the peaks and valleys that shaped his journey. He discusses the importance of mentorship, balancing integrity with ambition, and why authenticity matters in business. Get ready for inspiring insights, entertaining anecdotes, and practical advice that every entrepreneur can relate to.

Moments

00:00 "David Sowers: Growth Enthusiast"

03:16 Entrepreneurial Roots and Aspirations

08:53 "Parenting with Trust and Independence"

09:40 "Lessons from Early Amway Days"

15:14 "Weekend Hustles to Rolling Rulers"

18:49 "Finding Purpose Through Hardship"

21:01 "Entrepreneur's Shift to Network Marketing"

25:14 "Transition, Tech, and Opportunity"

28:21 "From Selling Invisible to Consulting"

31:09 QVC On-Air Training Experience

33:01 "Entrepreneurship: Choose Fun Over Stress"

36:51 "Recreating Success with Ginsu Knives"

41:41 "Need vs. Want in Sales"

44:47 "Marketing Lessons from Rich"

46:12 "Entrepreneurship, Travel, and Family"

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Here are 3 key takeaways for entrepreneurs and business builders:

Embrace the peaks and valleys: David’s experience with early financial success followed by a tough downturn (and bankruptcy) highlights that our biggest lessons—and eventual successes—often come from the challenging valleys, not the easy peaks.
Authenticity & Integrity Matter: Whether selling products on QVC or consulting for software firms, David stresses the importance of authentic connection and doing business the right way, even when it means turning away a sale that doesn’t serve the customer.
Mentorship and data-driven decisions: Surround yourself with people who challenge you and supply you with the right tools (including data!). David credits his partners and mentors with teaching him the importance of operational excellence and making marketing decisions based on real numbers—not just gut instinct.

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

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

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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