Provide: The Path to Owning It

For some entrepreneurs, the idea of ownership doesn't come from a lifelong dream. It comes from a conversation, a transition, and a willingness to bet on yourself when the road ahead isn't clear. In this episode, we sit down with Sean McIlroy, West Point graduate, former U.S. Army Green Beret, and owner of MP Copiers in Northern Virginia, who discovered entrepreneurship through acquisition after a decade of military service. What started as a passing suggestion from a friend evolved into an 18-month search, a disciplined acquisition process, a business that checked every box, and a deal that closed in March 2026. Together, we discuss: What ten years of military service really teaches you about risk, chaos, and leading people How he discovered entrepreneurship through acquisition and why it felt like the right fit What 18 months of searching actually looks like and how he stayed the course The criteria he used to evaluate businesses and why he looked past the "trendy" options The financial trade-offs of the search and what made it survivable The leadership adjustment every new owner has to make about the people already on their team If you've ever stood at a transition point and wondered whether ownership could be your next chapter, Sean's story offers an honest and grounded look at what it really takes. Are you ready to take control of your future and start building your legacy? Visit ⁠⁠getprovide.com⁠⁠ to pre-qualify for financing in as little as two minutes, with no impact on your credit score. Provide is a division of Fifth Third Bank, National Association. All opinions expressed by the participant are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions of Provide, its affiliates, or Fifth Third Bank. The participant’s opinions are based on information they consider reliable, but neither Provide, its affiliates nor Fifth Third Bank warrant its completeness or accuracy and should not be relied upon as such. This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute the rendering of legal, accounting, tax, or investment advice, or other professional services by Provide or any of its affiliates. Please consult with appropriate professionals related to your individual circumstances. All lending is subject to review and approval.

For some entrepreneurs, building a business isn't just about what they're creating — it's about who they're becoming in the process. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Kate McGowan, DVM, owner of The Healthy Pet Veterinary Clinics in the Atlanta area, who built a boutique veterinary hospital from the ground up while raising a family and carrying six figures of student loan debt. What began as a late-night conversation on the couch evolved into two thriving locations, a debt-free life, and a business designed intentionally around the people she loves most. Together, we discuss: What it really feels like to leave a safe job for something uncertain The honest conversations she had at home before taking the leap The shift in family dynamics that made the business possible Designing a schedule, culture, and team around family — not in spite of it The Profit First method and the financial habits that fueled long-term stability Learning to let go, hire slowly, and trust the people around you If you've ever wondered whether you can build something meaningful without losing yourself in the process, Dr. Kate's story offers a candid look at what it really takes. Are you ready to take control of your future and start building your legacy? Visit ⁠getprovide.com⁠ to pre-qualify for financing in as little as two minutes, with no impact on your credit score. Provide is a division of Fifth Third Bank, National Association. All opinions expressed by the participant are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions of Provide, its affiliates, or Fifth Third Bank. The participant’s opinions are based on information they consider reliable, but neither Provide, its affiliates nor Fifth Third Bank warrant its completeness or accuracy and should not be relied upon as such. This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute the rendering of legal, accounting, tax, or investment advice, or other professional services by Provide or any of its affiliates. Please consult with appropriate professionals related to your individual circumstances. All lending is subject to review and approval.

For some entrepreneurs, starting a business isn’t just a leap of faith — it’s a leap taken together. In this episode, we sit down with husband and wife Bob and Jan Gibbons, who built their commercial real estate business over time — first as a solo venture, and eventually as a shared commitment. What began as a response to a layoff evolved into a long-term partnership rooted in trust, specialization, and a willingness to grow together. But working together didn’t come with a blueprint. Together, we discuss: What it feels like to build a business after unexpected job loss The leap from “helping out” to fully committing as co-owners The tension of giving each other responsibility and authority Learning to define roles, stay in your lane, and let go of control How outside mentorship helped them align around a shared vision If you’ve ever wondered whether you could build something meaningful with your spouse — without sacrificing the relationship in the process — this conversation offers an honest look at what it really takes. Are you ready to take control of your future and start building your legacy? Visit getprovide.com to pre-qualify for financing in as little as two minutes, with no impact on your credit score. Provide is a division of Fifth Third Bank, National Association. All opinions expressed by the participant are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions of Provide, its affiliates, or Fifth Third Bank. The participant’s opinions are based on information they consider reliable, but neither Provide, its affiliates nor Fifth Third Bank warrant its completeness or accuracy and should not be relied upon as such. This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute the rendering of legal, accounting, tax, or investment advice, or other professional services by Provide or any of its affiliates. Please consult with appropriate professionals related to your individual circumstances. All lending is subject to review and approval.

For some entrepreneurs, starting a business isn't a lifelong dream. It’s a moment of clarity, a calculated leap, and a willingness to build before they feel ready. In this episode, we’re speaking with Dusty Weis, founder and president of Podcamp Media, a boutique podcast production agency that helps brands tell better stories and build long-term trust with their audiences. Dusty shares how his corporate career in journalism and strategic communications led to a lightbulb moment, some quick back-of-the-napkin math, and the bold ask that helped launch his business — turning his employer into his first client. Together we’ll discuss: How Dusty knew it was time to leave corporate and bet on himself The fears and doubts he had starting a business with a young family at home How he carved out a niche in a crowded industry by going boutique What it really takes to build client trust and keep relationships for the long haul Why uncertainty and impostor syndrome don’t go away and how to keep building in spite of them Are you ready to take control of your future and start building your legacy? Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠getprovide.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Provide is a division of Fifth Third Bank, National Association. All opinions expressed by the participant are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions of Provide, its affiliates, or Fifth Third Bank. The participant’s opinions are based on information they consider reliable, but neither Provide, its affiliates nor Fifth Third Bank warrant its completeness or accuracy and should not be relied upon as such. This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute the rendering of legal, accounting, tax, or investment advice, or other professional services by Provide or any of its affiliates. Please consult with appropriate professionals related to your individual circumstances. All lending is subject to review and approval.

For some entrepreneurs, the time and energy it takes to start a business from scratch is a welcome challenge. And for others, it makes more sense to buy their way into business ownership — and it’s more accessible than ever thanks to game-changing, government-backed SBA 7(a) loans. So in this episode, we're speaking with Matthias Smith, founder and owner of Pioneer Capital Advisory LLC, a consulting firm that helps entrepreneurs secure SBA 7(a) financing to acquire a business. Since launching in May 2022, his firm has helped 115 business buyers close on more than $250 million of SBA 7(a) financing. And together, we'll discuss: What types of businesses do well in an entrepreneurship-through-acquisition (ETA) transaction How SBA 7(a) financing works What new business owners should consider when structuring an acquisition What due diligence mistakes small business buyers often make How small business buyers can prepare to apply for financing Are you ready to take control of your future and start building your legacy? Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠getprovide.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Provide is a division of Fifth Third Bank, National Association. All opinions expressed by the participant are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions of Provide, its affiliates, or Fifth Third Bank. The participant’s opinions are based on information they consider reliable, but neither Provide, its affiliates nor Fifth Third Bank warrant its completeness or accuracy and should not be relied upon as such. This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute the rendering of legal, accounting, tax, or investment advice, or other professional services by Provide or any of its affiliates. Please consult with appropriate professionals related to your individual circumstances. All lending is subject to review and approval.

"It's my life." "It's my identity." "It's my baby." Many entrepreneurs think of their businesses in one or more of these ways. But when it’s time to build an exit strategy, that kind of thinking can create complicated feelings, making decisions more difficult. When selling your business is on the horizon, it's important to define your priorities, plan well in advance, and ensure that you get top dollar for your asset. Enter Alex Vantarakis, founder of The Vant Group, a leading mergers and acquisitions firm. Alex has spent more than 25 years helping business owners with more than 700 business transactions. In this episode, you’ll learn: When a business owner should start planning their exit How to get the best price for your business How to protect your legacy when selling Why fewer businesses are transitioning to family members Are you ready to take control of your future and start building your legacy? Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠getprovide.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Provide is a division of Fifth Third Bank, National Association. All opinions expressed by the participant are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions of Provide, its affiliates, or Fifth Third Bank. The participant’s opinions are based on information they consider reliable, but neither Provide, its affiliates nor Fifth Third Bank warrant its completeness or accuracy and should not be relied upon as such. This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute the rendering of legal, accounting, tax, or investment advice, or other professional services by Provide or any of its affiliates. Please consult with appropriate professionals related to your individual circumstances. All lending is subject to review and approval.

If you’re a business owner, there’s one acronym you need to know: SBA. The Small Business Administration is your gateway to funding, growth, and opportunity. In this episode, we sit down with our very own Brett Howden, Director of Credit, SBA at Provide, a division of Fifth Third Bank. He's a pro at connecting entrepreneurs with the right financial products to level up their businesses. We’ll cover: How SBA loans stack up against conventional loans The SBA programs that could fuel growth Who qualifies — and what it takes to get approved How to decide if an SBA loan is the right move for your business Are you ready to take control of your future and start building your legacy? Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠getprovide.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Provide is a division of Fifth Third Bank, National Association. All opinions expressed by the participant are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions of Provide, its affiliates, or Fifth Third Bank. The participant’s opinions are based on information they consider reliable, but neither Provide, its affiliates nor Fifth Third Bank warrant its completeness or accuracy and should not be relied upon as such. This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute the rendering of legal, accounting, tax, or investment advice, or other professional services by Provide or any of its affiliates. Please consult with appropriate professionals related to your individual circumstances. All lending is subject to review and approval.

As a small business owner, you often experience exciting growth and success — and when your top employee decides to move on, it’s an opportunity to adapt and strengthen your team even further. With the right plans and procedures in place, you can navigate transitions smoothly and come out even more resilient. Paul Edwards has guided many businesses through these moments with confidence. As the founder and CEO of CEDR HR Solutions, he works with over 3,000 companies that employ more than 46,000 people. His expertise in human resources for small businesses helps entrepreneurs turn challenges into opportunities for growth and success. So in this episode, we're going to ask him: What should small business owners do when a top employee quits? How can small business owners use exit interviews to improve? How quickly should employers try to fill a vacancy? How to talk to your employees when someone quits or is fired? What are common reasons that employees quit? Are you ready to take control of your future and start building your legacy? Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ getprovide.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Provide is a division of Fifth Third Bank, National Association. All opinions expressed by the participant are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions of Provide, its affiliates, or Fifth Third Bank. The participant’s opinions are based on information they consider reliable, but neither Provide, its affiliates nor Fifth Third Bank warrant its completeness or accuracy and should not be relied upon as such. This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute the rendering of legal, accounting, tax, or investment advice, or other professional services by Provide or any of its affiliates. Please consult with appropriate professionals related to your individual circumstances. All lending is subject to review and approval.

The time to prepare for a crisis is before it strikes. Having a plan to protect both your reputation and your business is important. So why is it that a shocking number of small business owners don’t have a crisis communications plan in their public relations contingencies? In this episode, we're speaking with Lauren Parker, co-owner and CEO of Slide Nine Agency, to explore effective crisis communications for small businesses. With more than 15 years of experience in strategic communications and crisis management, Lauren has invaluable insights on how small businesses can prepare for and navigate unexpected reputational challenges. We'll discuss: Common misconceptions about public relations for small businesses Why small business owners should prioritize crisis preparedness Key elements to a successful PR strategy What small business owners should do about fake or malicious reviews online The role social media plays in navigating a reputational crisis Are you ready to take control of your future and start building your legacy? Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠ getprovide.com⁠⁠⁠⁠. Provide is a division of Fifth Third Bank, National Association. All opinions expressed by the participant are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions of Provide, its affiliates, or Fifth Third Bank. The participant’s opinions are based on information they consider reliable, but neither Provide, its affiliates nor Fifth Third Bank warrant its completeness or accuracy and should not be relied upon as such. This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute the rendering of legal, accounting, tax, or investment advice, or other professional services by Provide or any of its affiliates. Please consult with appropriate professionals related to your individual circumstances. All lending is subject to review and approval.

For many small business founders, their business is their life's work — and their livelihood. If the unexpected were to happen like a cyber attack or natural disaster, these companies would likely experience a significant financial setback and difficulty returning to normal operations quickly. Selecting the right small business insurance for your industry, location, and risk tolerance can set your business up for stability and security — no matter what surprises life throws your way. That's why in this episode we're talking to Matt Martin, vice president at BSBD Insurance in Texas. Together, we'll cover: The key components to include in a small business disaster preparedness plan How business interruption insurance works How business owners should assess their insurance needs Common coverage gaps that small businesses often overlook A real-world example of a small business that was saved by proper insurance coverage Are you ready to take control of your future and start building your legacy? Visit⁠⁠⁠ getprovide.com⁠⁠⁠. Provide is a division of Fifth Third Bank, National Association. All opinions expressed by the participant are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions of Provide, its affiliates, or Fifth Third Bank. The participant’s opinions are based on information they consider reliable, but neither Provide, its affiliates nor Fifth Third Bank warrant its completeness or accuracy and should not be relied upon as such. This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute the rendering of legal, accounting, tax, or investment advice, or other professional services by Provide or any of its affiliates. Please consult with appropriate professionals related to your individual circumstances. All lending is subject to review and approval.

A well-designed website needs to do more than just look good. It needs to be intuitive. It needs to be useful. It needs to anticipate your customers' needs, even their state of mind, and shepherd them along the path from prospect to patron. And the solution to those challenges is different for every small business. There's no one-size-fits-all answer for User Experience (UX for short). So in this episode, we're speaking with TWO experts from ZoCo Design, a healthcare-focused UX product studio centered on understanding people and what to build for them. Lacey Picazo is the founder and CEO, and Shane Richardson is a senior designer. Together, they'll help us understand: Why is User Experience important when designing a website? What are common UX mistakes that small business websites make? How should your website's audience contribute to its UX? How do visuals and graphics contribute to website UX? Why should small business websites be mobile friendly? Are you ready to take control of your future and start building your legacy? Visit⁠⁠ getprovide.com⁠⁠. Provide is a division of Fifth Third Bank, National Association. All opinions expressed by the participant are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions of Provide, its affiliates, or Fifth Third Bank. The participant’s opinions are based on information they consider reliable, but neither Provide, its affiliates nor Fifth Third Bank warrant its completeness or accuracy and should not be relied upon as such. This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute the rendering of legal, accounting, tax, or investment advice, or other professional services by Provide or any of its affiliates. Please consult with appropriate professionals related to your individual circumstances. All lending is subject to review and approval.

Paying for goods and services in today’s modern world is as easy as swiping your credit card, tapping your phone, or even waving your smart watch. It looks so simple! But, the merchant services infrastructure and technology that enable electronic payments require substantial setup, careful attention, and ongoing coordination. Keeping your customers' experience both convenient and secure can be a daunting task for small business owners without the right merchant services provider by their side. In this episode, we're talking to Regional Sales Manager Cris Agenter from Worldpay, a global payments leader trusted by more than one million merchants and counting. Together, we'll explore questions like: What are merchant services and what do they entail? Why are merchant services important for small businesses? What is the process for setting up a merchant services account? What factors should business owners consider when selecting a merchant services provider? What does it cost to maintain a merchant services account? Are you ready to take control of your future and start building your legacy? Visit⁠ getprovide.com⁠. Provide is a division of Fifth Third Bank, National Association. All opinions expressed by the participant are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions of Provide, its affiliates, or Fifth Third Bank. The participant’s opinions are based on information they consider reliable, but neither Provide, its affiliates nor Fifth Third Bank warrant its completeness or accuracy and should not be relied upon as such. This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute the rendering of legal, accounting, tax, or investment advice, or other professional services by Provide or any of its affiliates. Please consult with appropriate professionals related to your individual circumstances. All lending is subject to review and approval.

The old saying is “people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” So when the time comes to design your office and build your brand, it's important to consider more than just your color scheme and furniture. You need a deep understanding of your customers and employees, how they will use the space, and what story you're telling them. And that's where the practice of experiential design comes into play. In this episode, we're speaking with Alicia Orlando, the director of experiential design at MA Design. With a background spanning advertising, marketing, and environmental graphics, she has worked with clients like Bed Bath & Beyond, the University of Georgia, and White Castle. She focuses on creating designs that resonate on a human level by crafting thoughtful, purposeful environments that inspire and leave lasting emotional connections. Together, we'll discuss things like: How is experiential design different from regular office design? How can small business owners utilize experiential design to create a strong first impression on customers? Why is the atmosphere of an office space crucial for employee morale and productivity? How can small business owners enhance their office’s welcoming energy on a budget? What are some measurable impacts that small business owners can look for after implementing experiential design? Are you ready to take control of your future and start building your legacy? Visit getprovide.com. Provide is a division of Fifth Third Bank, National Association. All opinions expressed by the participant are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions of Provide, its affiliates, or Fifth Third Bank. The participant’s opinions are based on information they consider reliable, but neither Provide, its affiliates nor Fifth Third Bank warrant its completeness or accuracy and should not be relied upon as such. This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute the rendering of legal, accounting, tax, or investment advice, or other professional services by Provide or any of its affiliates. Please consult with appropriate professionals related to your individual circumstances. All lending is subject to review and approval.

They'd rather put money in savings than see a concert. They expect brands to share their worldviews. They will forgive mistakes, but NOT inauthenticity. These are just a few of the broad generalizations that Dr. Corey Seemiller has found in her studies of Gen Z. A professor and researcher at Wright State University, her insights have been featured in NPR, The New York Times, and Time Magazine, and she has published numerous works, including the acclaimed books Generation Z Goes to College and Generation Z Leads. In the global Gen Z study she led, Dr. Seemiller and her team engaged over 30,000 participants from 81 countries, making it one of the largest studies on this demographic. Typically defined as those who were born between 1995-2010, these young people aged 15-30 constitute a growing percentage of consumer spending. And, as Gen Z comes of age, small businesses must tailor their marketing and branding to court this demographic. In this episode, we'll ask Dr. Seemiller: What are the core values and beliefs that define Gen Z? How does technology impact Gen Z’s interactions with brands? How can small businesses create memorable interactions that foster loyalty? How should brands approach issues that are important to Gen Z? How will Gen Z evolve as consumers in the years ahead? Are you ready to take control of your future and start building your legacy? Visit getprovide.com. Provide is a division of Fifth Third Bank, National Association. All opinions expressed by the participant are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions of Provide, its affiliates, or Fifth Third Bank. The participant’s opinions are based on information they consider reliable, but neither Provide, its affiliates nor Fifth Third Bank warrant its completeness or accuracy and should not be relied upon as such. This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute the rendering of legal, accounting, tax, or investment advice, or other professional services by Provide or any of its affiliates. Please consult with appropriate professionals related to your individual circumstances. All lending is subject to review and approval.

Whether it's the launch of a second location or a new budgeting system, implementing change in any small business can feel daunting. Institutional inertia is real, and not everyone might be on board with your vision at first. So, it's absolutely imperative that business owners rely on tried-and-true techniques in planning, communicating, and implementing change. In this episode, we're talking to Dr. Scott Leune, the founder of scottleune.com. He's a trailblazer in the field of dentistry, with a remarkable career in opening, building, and selling numerous dental practices and businesses. He has played a pivotal role in launching over 200 startups nationwide and has provided invaluable purchasing, marketing, and consulting support to more than 20,000 dentists. His highly acclaimed seminars serve as a source of advanced practice management insight for dentists across North America. We'll discuss: How to plan for major and minor changes within a small business Why communication is critical in change management What to do if there is organizational pushback to change How to track and measure the success of business change What resources business owners can use to plan for change Are you ready to take control of your future and start building your legacy? Visit getprovide.com. Provide is a division of Fifth Third Bank, National Association. All opinions expressed by the participant are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions of Provide, its affiliates, or Fifth Third Bank. The participant’s opinions are based on information they consider reliable, but neither Provide, its affiliates nor Fifth Third Bank warrant its completeness or accuracy and should not be relied upon as such. This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute the rendering of legal, accounting, tax, or investment advice, or other professional services by Provide or any of its affiliates. Please consult with appropriate professionals related to your individual circumstances. All lending is subject to review and approval.

We've all heard the news stories about massive cybersecurity breaches costing big companies millions of dollars. However, the majority of cybersecurity attacks each year actually target small businesses. If you don’t have a cybersecurity plan in place or know how to properly protect your data, you and your staff are easy marks for hackers to target. In this episode, we're speaking with Jim Bennett, CTO at Legend Networking, where they specialize in small business IT needs, from turnkey network infrastructure, network security, data backup and recovery, and more. We'll discuss: How the digital landscape has evolved to make cybersecurity a top issue for small business owners Which cybersecurity threats can affect small business owners What tools are available to help small business owners manage cybersecurity How small business owners can evaluate their cybersecurity risks How small business owners can create strong passwords to protect their data Are you ready to take control of your future and start building your legacy? Visit getprovide.com. Provide is a division of Fifth Third Bank, National Association. All opinions expressed by the participant are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions of Provide, its affiliates, or Fifth Third Bank. The participant’s opinions are based on information they consider reliable, but neither Provide, its affiliates nor Fifth Third Bank warrant its completeness or accuracy and should not be relied upon as such. This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute the rendering of legal, accounting, tax, or investment advice, or other professional services by Provide or any of its affiliates. Please consult with appropriate professionals related to your individual circumstances. All lending is subject to review and approval.

Most entrepreneurs begin their ownership journey with a business plan. The effectiveness and specificity of that plan can vary greatly, frequently reflecting a lack of clarity or insight. Common pitfalls include attempting to cater to a broad audience, harboring excessive optimism, or failing to thoroughly research the target market. Ultimately, a well-defined business plan is critical to establish the trajectory of your future, including influencing your financing options. In this episode, we'll help you craft an effective business plan alongside Sean Simon, head of credit, Provide and small business. He has over a decade of experience in small business financing, both for startups and established healthcare practices, including acquisitions, additional locations, and more traditional small business financing. We'll discuss: What purposes a business plan should serve How often you should be checking and adjusting your business plan What sort of market research you should conduct What tools and resources can help you draft a business plan Why it's crucial to identify a unique value proposition, and how to do it Are you ready to take control of your future and start building your legacy? Visit getprovide.com. Provide is a division of Fifth Third Bank, National Association. All opinions expressed by the participant are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions of Provide, its affiliates, or Fifth Third Bank. The participant’s opinions are based on information they consider reliable, but neither Provide, its affiliates nor Fifth Third Bank warrant its completeness or accuracy and should not be relied upon as such. This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute the rendering of legal, accounting, tax, or investment advice, or other professional services by Provide or any of its affiliates. Please consult with appropriate professionals related to your individual circumstances. All lending is subject to review and approval.

Practicing dentistry can be a challenging pursuit under any circumstances. Practicing dentistry for the U.S. Army in Iraq, however, is another level of challenging. Dr. Benjamin Taylor shares how his experience as a combat dentist forged him into the professional servant-leader he is today and prepared him for the daily demands small business owners can face. Dr. Taylor is a general dentist and has owned Dunwoody Dental Care in Dunwoody, Georgia, for nearly three years. In this episode, we're going to explore some of the lessons he’s learned throughout his unique experience like: How the military influences his approach to problem-solving Strategies and frameworks that shape his approach to running a business Key lessons other entrepreneurs can incorporate from the world of military service Where small business owners can look for peer support How small business owners can learn from their mistakes Are you ready to take control of your future and start building your legacy? Visit getprovide.com. Provide is a division of Fifth Third Bank, National Association. All opinions expressed by the participant are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions of Provide, its affiliates, or Fifth Third Bank. The participant’s opinions are based on information they consider reliable, but neither Provide, its affiliates nor Fifth Third Bank warrant its completeness or accuracy and should not be relied upon as such. This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute the rendering of legal, accounting, tax, or investment advice, or other professional services by Provide or any of its affiliates. Please consult with appropriate professionals related to your individual circumstances. All lending is subject to review and approval.

By now, we've all seen videos about artificial intelligence (AI) writing poems, musing about philosophy, or even hosting podcasts. This made us wonder, what are the possible implications for small business owners? Are these AI chatbots just a new trend, or are there some capabilities that can be leveraged to make small businesses more productive? In this episode, we're hearing from Joseph Ours, leader of the AI Strategy Practice at Centric Consulting. He is a technology futurist, passionate about driving innovation and digital transformation to his clients with speed and scale. He's going to explain what small business owners need to know about AI and answer questions that we’ve received from customers like: What considerations should small business owners have when deciding whether they should implement AI tools in their businesses? What are some concrete examples of AI increasing business productivity? How should business owners weigh the potential cost versus benefit of AI tools? What resources are available to help train employees to use AI tools? What are some common challenges small business owners face when integrating AI tools? Are you ready to take control of your future and start building your legacy? Visit getprovide.com. Provide is a division of Fifth Third Bank, National Association. All opinions expressed by the participant are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions of Provide, its affiliates, or Fifth Third Bank. The participant’s opinions are based on information they consider reliable, but neither Provide, its affiliates nor Fifth Third Bank warrant its completeness or accuracy and should not be relied upon as such. This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute the rendering of legal, accounting, tax, or investment advice, or other professional services by Provide or any of its affiliates. Please consult with appropriate professionals related to your individual circumstances. All lending is subject to review and approval.

Finding a mentor to offer expert advice is key to successfully establishing a successful healthcare practice, but it can be a challenging and daunting step. That's why we're launching the Provide Advisory Network, a program that brings together healthcare practice owners and offers them a platform to share their experiences, perspectives, and expertise with other aspiring and established owners. This curated group of expert healthcare providers was selected based on their successes in the healthcare industry and entrepreneurship, as well as their ambition, creativity, and commitment to improving the industry's standard of care. They will serve as strategic content partners, contributing writers, and brand ambassadors for Provide. In this episode, we're meeting the inaugural class of seven Provide Advisory Network members to ask them the questions that our listeners most want answered, including: Tips for developing a business plan Critical steps to open a second location The biggest life lessons learned since opening How aspiring practice owners can prepare for upcoming trends Strategies for marketing a startup To learn more about the program, visit the Resources section at getprovide.com. Provide is a division of Fifth Third Bank, National Association. All opinions expressed by the participant are solely their current opinions and do not reflect the opinions of Provide, its affiliates, or Fifth Third Bank. The participant’s opinions are based on information they consider reliable, but neither Provide, its affiliates nor Fifth Third Bank warrant its completeness or accuracy and should not be relied upon as such. This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute the rendering of legal, accounting, tax, or investment advice, or other professional services by Provide or any of its affiliates. Please consult with appropriate professionals related to your individual circumstances. All lending is subject to review and approval.