BLABO: Behave Like A Business Owner

Balancing Act: Working On And In Your Business

Chris Papin Episode 26

In this episode of the BLABO Podcast, Chris Papin and Mark Martukovich discuss the mindset required for successful business ownership. They explore the balance between working on and in a business, the transition from transactional to advisory services, and the importance of delegation and trust. Mark shares insights on hiring for business acumen, the role of AI in business, and how to value advisory services. The conversation emphasizes building strong relationships with clients and treating a business as an investment rather than just a paycheck.


About the Guest

Mark Martukovich is a Certified Public Accountant and Managing Partner of Business Advisory and Accounting Partners (BAAP), a firm known for turning accounting from an expense into a strategic investment. With over 25 years of business development and consulting experience — and a career that spans public accounting, corporate leadership, and commercial banking — Mark brings a board-level advisory perspective to every client relationship.

Mark began his career in 1989 as a staff accountant in Cleveland, Ohio, after graduating from The University of Akron with a degree in accounting. His early work in public accounting was followed by senior leadership roles in business development, where he helped organizations scale, implement technology solutions, and open new markets.

In 2004, Mark transitioned into commercial banking, spending a decade advising small and mid-sized companies in the Tampa Bay area. 
Since joining BAAP in 2010, Mark has been the driving force behind the firm’s business advisory consulting model, which combines:

  • Tax efficiency strategies designed around each client’s long-term goals.
  • Operational and financial analysis to improve profitability and resilience.
  • Succession and exit planning that helps owners turn their business into a true retirement asset.

Mark is a recognized leader in the accounting profession. He serves as a featured speaker for Thomson Reuters’ Partner Summit: Moving Your Practice Forward, where he trains other CPAs on transitioning from compliance-focused work to becoming proactive business advisors. He also served on the Board of Directors of the SPCA Tampa Bay from November 2019 until January 2025, reflecting his commitment to community leadership.

To learn more, visit:
https://papinspeaks.com/

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/chris-papin/