Read Time: 10 minutes

In Part 2 of our interview with Joe Arcangelo, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of inSeption Group, we explore his strategies for long-term business success. Joe delves into his approach to financial planning, work-life balance, and personal growth. He also shares how he incorporates philanthropy into his business model and his vision for leaving a lasting legacy. With his unique perspective, Joe offers valuable insights on navigating challenges and creating a positive impact through entrepreneurship.

Thanks again for being here, Joe—it’s always great to continue our conversation with leaders like you. To kick things off, let’s dive into how you approach financial planning and management to secure the long-term success of your business: How do you ensure your business remains financially strong and positioned for growth?

My approach to financial planning and management is to create a clear financial roadmap with both short-term and long-term goals, taking into consideration a balance of prudence, foresight, and flexibility. I make sure to maintain a healthy cash flow by carefully managing expenses, optimizing operational efficiency, and keeping an eye on opportunities for cost savings without sacrificing quality. Strategic investments in technology, talent, and infrastructure are key components of our financial strategy, as they drive innovation and long-term scalability. By maintaining a disciplined yet flexible approach to financial management, I can secure the long-term health of the business while positioning it for sustainable growth.

What advice would you give to fellow entrepreneurs about protecting their wealth and planning for future growth?

My advice to fellow entrepreneurs would be to regularly review your cash flow, minimize debt, and maintain a healthy reserve fund to weather unexpected challenges. Additionally, surround yourself with a trusted team of financial advisors who can guide you in making informed decisions.

How do you balance reinvesting profits back into the business versus taking profits out for personal use?

My partner and I distribute to ourselves a fair compensation with clear financial boundaries. Otherwise, we prioritize keeping the business healthy and sustainable by reinvesting a significant portion of profits into growth initiatives, such as expanding operations, investing in technology, hiring talent, and exploring new markets. This reinvestment fuels the business’s future potential and ensures its competitive edge in the long run.

How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance as a business owner, and what practices do you recommend to others?

I really cannot recommend to others as this is a weakness of mine. I love my job, and my job is also my hobby. I have sacrificed much to get into a position of independence; and yet, I also ensure that I delegate effectively and trust my team to handle responsibilities. It is just that I so enjoy what I am doing, it has been hard for me to get away from it.

Can you share any personal development practices that have contributed to your success as an entrepreneur?

As far back as I can remember, even into elementary school, personal development has played a crucial role in my success as an entrepreneur. One of the key practices I’ve embraced is continuous learning. I make a habit of reading books, attending seminars, and listening to podcasts that focus on business, leadership, and personal growth. This keeps me informed, sharp, and open to new ideas that I can apply to my business. I also seek out mentors who provide valuable guidance and challenge me to think critically about my decisions.

However, I have learned to embrace a mindset of resilience, and I believe that has been vital to our success. Entrepreneurship is full of challenges, and it’s easy to become discouraged. I’ve learned to view setbacks as opportunities for growth and to stay focused on long-term goals rather than short-term obstacles.

Your focus on continuous learning and resilience has clearly been key to your success, Joe. With that in mind, how do you think entrepreneurs can make a positive impact on society, and how do you weave philanthropy into your business model?

By using the business as a platform for positive change, entrepreneurs can create a ripple effect—making a meaningful difference not only through products and services but also by supporting and giving back to the communities that help make their success possible. For me, it is about weaving social responsibility into the very fabric of the business. Aligning philanthropy with business objectives ensures that giving back is an integral part of the company’s operations. Additionally, I believe in encouraging employees to get involved in volunteer opportunities and community service projects. Providing time off for volunteering or matching employee donations to charitable causes fosters a culture of giving and engagement within the company.

What legacy do you hope to leave through your business, and how do you envision your impact on future generations?

The legacy I hope to leave through my business is one of innovation, integrity, and positive social impact. I want to be remembered not only for building a successful company but for creating an organization that values people, fosters growth, and makes a tangible difference in the world.

As for future generations, I hope to instill a sense of purpose in both my employees and the entrepreneurs who come after me. I want to show that success isn’t just about financial gains but also about leaving a positive mark on the world. By building a company culture that values integrity, collaboration, and social responsibility, I aim to set an example for others to follow. The impact I hope to create extends beyond business success—it’s about creating opportunities, nurturing talent, and fostering an environment where both individuals and communities can flourish.

Ultimately, I want my legacy to reflect the idea that businesses, when built with a vision that aligns with the greater good, can not only change lives but shape the future for the better.

What common mistakes do you see aspiring entrepreneurs make, and how can they avoid them?

I would say to stop chasing that “next shiny object.” Create a purpose, be committed to that purpose, and drive a culture that delivers on what you believe is worthy of starting a company.

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self when you were just starting out?

If I could go back in time, I would tell my younger self to embrace patience and resilience. Early in my entrepreneurial journey, I was eager to move quickly and make things happen, often feeling frustrated when things didn’t unfold as fast as I hoped. I’d advise myself to trust the process, understanding that success doesn’t come overnight, and that setbacks are often part of the learning curve.

I’d also remind myself that the world has a perfect accounting system. Once I learned that it wasn’t about me—but rather, the more I did for others, the greater success I experienced. Stay steadfast to that commitment, and you will be able to identify opportunities that so many others cannot see.

Be a constant learner. Read, seek guidance from mentors or peers, and look for learning opportunities. There’s wisdom in experience, and having a support system early on would have helped me navigate some of the tougher challenges more efficiently.

Looking back, Joe, it’s evident that patience, resilience, and continuous learning have played a significant role in your journey. So, as you’ve navigated your entrepreneurial path, what resources—whether books, courses, or mentors—have had the greatest influence on your success?

Anything by Zig Ziglar. “Good to Great” by Jim Collins.

What emerging trends in your industry do you believe will shape the future of entrepreneurship?

At the moment, I believe the limited availability of capital has hindered entrepreneurship, though I see this as a cyclical trend that will eventually resolve over time. On the other hand, the swift adoption of digital transformation and automation is undoubtedly here to stay, as it streamlines operations and improves customer experiences across various industries. Additionally, remote and hybrid work models are reshaping how businesses function and teams collaborate, emphasizing flexibility and the use of digital tools. These evolving trends point to a future where innovation, purpose, and adaptability will be crucial drivers of entrepreneurial success.

How do you envision your business evolving over the next five years, and what steps are you taking to prepare for that future?

I believe we are on the brink of significant growth. The industry is beginning to recognize our value, and there’s growing frustration with many of our competitors’ inability to deliver. We are poised to capture a piece of the market that can propel us to 10x of our current state. To prepare for this future, I have made strategic investments in infrastructure, hired individuals who will continue to cultivate a culture of innovation, and will integrate additional technology—all while continuously refining our processes to ensure we stay adaptable and ahead of the curve.

As you prepare for significant growth, Joe, it’s inspiring to see the strategic steps you’re taking for the future. To wrap up, what final thoughts or key takeaways would you like to share with our readers who aspire to be successful entrepreneurs?

Go for it and learn to fail forward! Remain patient, stay resilient, and embrace continuous learning. Success doesn’t happen overnight—it’s a journey that requires persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from both your successes and failures. Surround yourself with a strong support network of mentors, peers, and a team that shares your vision, and never underestimate the power of relationships in building a successful business. Focus on delivering value to your customers, and always stay true to your core values, even when the road gets tough.

Thank you, Joe, for taking the time to share your journey and insights with us. Your story is a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience, innovation, and staying true to your values in building a successful business. Your approach to leadership and growth offers valuable lessons, and we truly appreciate your openness. We look forward to seeing the continued success of inSeption Group and the impact you’re making in the industry.

Marc J. Bernstein JD, ChFC®, CLU®, CAP®

Financial Planner and Consultant, Bestselling Author, and Creator of the Forward Focus Forums

Marc helps high performing entrepreneurs and business owners create a vision for the future, accomplish their business and personal goals, financial and otherwise, and assists them in following through on their intentions.  Marc recently co-founded March, a forward-looking company with a unique approach to wealth management.  He captured his philosophy in his #1 Amazon Bestseller, The Fiscal Therapy Solution 1.0.  Marc is also the founder of the Forward Focus Forum, a suite of resources tailored specifically to educate and connect high performing entrepreneurs, and to help them realize their vision of true financial independence. The forum includes;

• the Founders’ Forward Focus Forum: a series of articles focused on entrepreneurship
• the Founders’ Forum Radio Show and Podcast: featuring interviews with some of the area’s top founders and their experiences in business
• the Manufacturers’ Forward Focus Forum: a specialized resource group for owners/founders of manufacturing companies, including a private Facebook group; a private discussion group for high performing leaders of manufacturing companies to share resources, news, network with each other, and collaborate