In today's episode of Fingerprints on Success, Bill Barrett interviews Stephen Goldberg, the founder of  Sun Mergers & Acquisitions and Sun Business Valuations, who has spent 25 years building one of the most successful middle-market brokerage and valuation companies in the country. In this episode, Stephen shares his guiding principles for success, including the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges, the value of diversification in business, and the significance of learning from mistakes to avoid repeating them. He also emphasises the importance of staying focused on your core competencies and not trying to be everything to everybody, a lesson he learned from his own experience. Additionally, Stephen discusses the influence of mentors on his success, particularly his father, Leonard Goldberg, and how their wisdom and guidance have shaped his journey. You will find out how Stephen and his team have used unique hiring techniques, such as an application questionnaire, to attract and retain top talent, ensuring the success of their business. Stephen's commitment to paying it forward is evident through his charitable efforts, including a donor-advised fund and a desire to provide both financial resources and his time to help those in need. He also talks about the importance of work-life balance and how it enhances both personal and professional satisfaction. Stephen shares how he uses negative experiences as incentives for positive change and growth, ultimately leading to his continued success. You'll also get to know his four-legged friend, Annie, who serves as their office's Chief Canine Officer and contributes to a positive office culture. And finally, Stephen delves into the driving force behind his work, the gratification he finds in helping entrepreneurs achieve their goals in major life transactions, and his excitement for the future, which includes expanding his companies and achieving a better work-life balance. Listen now and enjoy! What You’ll Learn in this Show: The guiding principles for business successThe importance of perseverance and diversificationThe value of mentors and their impactUnique hiring techniques for attracting top talentPaying it forward through charitable effortsBalancing work and personal lifeTurning negative experiences into positive growthThe driving force behind success and the excitement for the futureAnd so much more… Resources: Sunbusinessvaluations.com  Sunmerger.com  Get connected to Stephen Get connected to Bill