17 Business Tax Returns & Why I Cultivate Genius
17 Business Tax Returns
& Why I Cultivate Genius
A gentleman reached out to me recently to connect and build a business relationship, as we are prone to do. As we talked, I found myself sharing a part of my story, and I realized that you may not be aware of how—and why—this journey began.
I founded The Genius Cultivator for two primary reasons: one rooted in the science of prosperity, and the other born from the administrative fires of running too many businesses at once.
1. The Neuroscience of Prosperity
I am an armchair student of neuroscience and wealth. I have spent years looking at research that indicates clearly that humans are both happier and significantly more prosperous when they have the opportunity to spend as much time as possible in their personal "Zones of Genius" — doing the things they are uniquely wired to do best. Their work happens with greater depth, breadth, and quality. Efficiency skyrockets, and compensation naturally follows.
The Genius Cultivator is not named so because I am the genius, but because YOU are. My mission is to help entrepreneurs achieve clarity around their best work, then prune, delegate, or automate the extraneous. I help you grow the genius that is innate in you so that you can achieve prosperity and freedom. And I know it’s there because it is in everyone, despite the many objections I have heard from business owners that they are not a genius in any way – and then we find it together.
2. The "17 Entities" Reckoning
From a personal standpoint, I was overwhelmed. There was a year in which I filed tax returns for 17 different business entities. To put it mildly, I did not enjoy that. Keeping up with all of these businesses ate up tremendous chunks of my time, the administration and bookkeeping was incredibly expensive, and it kept me away from my own Zones of Genius for far too long. The burden of filing all of those tax returns forced me to analyze why I had accumulated 17 different businesses.
They had grown organically over time, each with a different business partner. I realized that while I didn't love the paperwork, I did love the chaos of structuring them. I thrive on:
Developing standard procedures and databases.
Fleshing out raw ideas and bringing them to life.
Navigating transition periods—whether growth, rebranding, or transfer of ownership.
These are the parts of business that most people hate, but I love them like my Labrador retriever loves the water – just try and keep us away! In fact, I am right now working on two DSCR loans for a business that still has my name on the original federal EIN letter from when I formed the company years ago. I’ve done this enough times that I keep a standard letter of explanation ready for underwriters to show I was once a member and have since exited. (Note: my former business partners still want to work with me, so that’s nice.)
Professionalizing the Pivot
I eventually asked myself: “What if I had one business that helped other owners do the parts they struggle with, but I love?” But I didn't want to just "hang a shingle" and call myself a coach. Literally anyone can call themselves a coach and take your money. I wanted my clients to have confidence that they were spending their resources with someone who was qualified and independently certified by an accredited organization. I spent nine months earning multiple certifications in coaching, and specializing in Entrepreneurs, before officially launching The Genius Cultivator.
Embracing the "Weird"
I mentioned earlier that I study neuroscience as a hobbyist. This interest stems from the fact that I have always known I am "different." Throughout my life, I’ve been called "weird." Even recently, as an adult, I have encountered people who seemed to want me to be apologetic for my differences.
I like who I am. While I strive to improve certain things about myself — to be healthier (I finally quit smoking!), to be more compassionate, and a better citizen — changing my "weirdness" is not on the list. In 2023, I first heard the term "Neurodivergent." The Cleveland Clinic defines it as:
"Neurodivergent describes people whose brains function, learn, and process information differently than what is considered typical (neurotypical). It is a non-medical umbrella term for conditions like Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and OCD, emphasizing natural neurological variation rather than deficits. It highlights unique strengths such as creativity, hyperfocus, and innovative thinking." [emphasis added]
I pursued self-employment largely because I couldn’t fit into the mold required by traditional employers. I didn’t even realize how unhappy I’d been until I quit trying to contort myself to conform, and I wasn’t unhappy anymore.
Some studies suggest that the incidence of neurodivergence among entrepreneurs is 7 to 10 times that of the general population. I suspect this is because so many of us aren’t allowed to work in ways that suit us, so we build our own work.
Support for Your Effort
Most small businesses fail not because their quality is poor, but because their management is overwhelming.
The Genius Cultivator exists because I can’t be the only one. In fact, I know to my bones that I am not. I am here to help you succeed in ways designed to optimize your innate zones of genius. I support building your business to “fit,” so that you achieve financial prosperity and a life you want to live. This is absolutely, 100% not more hustle. This is coaching and insight for those of us who have the courage to step away from the mold and build work that actually serves us. You are not the only one and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
How can I support your current efforts?
