Meet Sean Lichterman

We recently connected with Sean Lichterman and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sean, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?

For self-care, I prioritize mental clarity and balance by focusing on regular routines that promote well-being, such as dedicating time to my professional work, hobbies, and physical and emotional health. This includes engaging in activities like water skiing, wakeboarding, working out, drafting fictional stories, producing music, and being present with my family. My natural curiosity keeps me interested in these areas, while my drive pushes me to pursue success in everything I do. Absorbing new knowledge keeps my mind sharp and energized, and I also make sure to ‘unplug’ when necessary, whether that’s to enjoy a beautiful sunset or simply recharge and return to tasks with a fresh focus.

The impact on my effectiveness is significant: these self-care habits help me stay calm, reduce stress, and maintain focus, which enhances my productivity. My creativity and physical pursuits also allow me to connect with people in different situations, empathize with their challenges, and approach roadblocks from unique angles. This combination of mental, physical, and emotional balance boosts my creativity and problem-solving abilities, helping me navigate both personal and professional challenges with greater clarity and insight.

My parents always stressed a ‘sound mind, sound body’ credo, which stays with me today. My great-grandfather once told me that success isn’t solely a monetary arrangement. To be truly successful, you need to succeed in your career, family, community, and heart. While he didn’t have the luxuries we have today, I believe he meant that to have success in your heart is to be happy and present in the moments that truly matter. These serve as great reminders that in order to be effective in any avenue, self-care is a crucial action item that grows through education and practice or refreshes through physical or emotional activities that clear the mind and fill the heart.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I became a Specialty Tax Incentive Consultant by following a long line of real estate entrepreneurs in my family. My grandfather was a city developer in Chicago, and my dad ventured into real estate as a fix-and-flipper. As a child, I spent countless hours on job sites, absorbing the ins and outs of real estate. This early exposure ignited my passion for real estate investing, and over time, I naturally gravitated toward the tax-saving side of the business, following in my dad’s footsteps.

Today, I focus on cost segregation, 179D, and R&D tax credits, finding great fulfillment in alleviating business owners’ financial burdens and driving growth in cities and industries. By helping clients maximize these tax incentives, I empower them to reinvest in their businesses, fostering innovation and stimulating local communities.

What sets me apart in the specialty tax incentive industry is my commitment to personalized consultation and education. I take the time to collaborate closely with clients and their CPAs, providing them with the guidance and insights needed to fully understand and leverage tax-saving opportunities. This partnership approach ensures that not only are strategies tailored to each client’s unique situation, but CPAs also receive the education necessary to integrate these studies into their clients’ broader financial plans.

I aim to make tax talks engaging and accessible for any audience, regardless of their level of expertise. Whether I’m presenting on podcasts or live at conferences, I focus on breaking down complex concepts into simple, relatable examples that resonate with listeners. From purchasing and renovating real estate to improving products, processes, or software, I provide actionable strategies that help keep more money in your pocket—and less in Uncle Sam’s.

Beyond benefiting individual businesses, these tax strategies promote broader economic growth. When businesses reinvest their savings into expansion, hiring, or innovation, it stimulates local economies, creates jobs, and drives development within communities. The ripple effect is profound—by helping business owners, we’re also contributing to the overall prosperity of the neighborhoods and industries in which they operate. It’s a win-win that not only supports growth but provides a meaningful good deed for the surrounding economy.

What excites me most about my work is the profound impact it can have—not just on individual businesses but also on the broader economy. I am dedicated to building awareness of these valuable strategies. If you’re interested in learning how these tax-saving opportunities can benefit you or your business, I would love to connect and explore the possibilities together!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three qualities and skills that have been most impactful in my journey are the art of making a strong first impression, the value of hard work and dedication, and the insights gained from travel and cultural experiences.

1. The Art of the Firm Handshake:
One of the first lessons I learned was the importance of a proper firm handshake. My grandfather was my biggest role model and supporter, particularly in my passion for water skiing and wakeboarding. From the age of 7 or 8, he would invite me out on the boat with accomplished individuals, insisting that I act the part. He taught me to extend my arm, grip their hand firmly, look them in the eye, and confidently introduce myself: “Hi, I’m Sean Lichterman, nice to meet you. What is your name?” This simple skill instilled confidence in me at a young age and served as one of the building blocks that helped mold me into the man I am today. It taught me that first impressions matter and that establishing a genuine connection can open doors and foster relationships.

2. The Power of Family and Hard Work:
The second vital skill I gained was from observing my parents, who exemplify the perfect partnership. They showed me the true meaning of hard work and dedication to family. Both faced hardships in their early lives, yet they worked as a team to provide my sister and I with a better life while instilling a strong work ethic. My mother moved to the U.S. at 14, not speaking the language and lacking a support system. Despite the obstacles, she became a beautiful mother and a shining example of resilience, showing me that perseverance is key to overcoming challenges. My dad, too, embodies the spirit of determination; having grown up in a fragmented household, he successfully built two businesses simultaneously one in real estate and the other serving as a regional manager overseeing many sales reps. Their examples taught me that success is rooted in commitment, adaptability, and the willingness to put in the effort, no matter the circumstances.

3. Insights from Travel and Cultural Experiences:
Lastly, my experiences traveling and living abroad have greatly expanded my worldview. Engaging with diverse cultures has emphasized my thirst for connection and new experiences. These travels have enriched my perception of people, teaching me the importance of empathy and understanding in both personal and professional interactions. By immersing myself in different environments, I’ve learned to appreciate the nuances of various cultures, which has enhanced my ability to relate to clients from all walks of life. Understanding cultural differences has also equipped me with the skills to navigate challenging conversations and foster collaborative relationships in my work.

Advice for Others:
For those early in their journey, I recommend focusing on building strong relationships through effective communication, observing the hard work of those around you, and embracing new experiences. Don’t underestimate the power of a confident introduction or the lessons learned from family and life experiences. Seek opportunities to travel or connect with people from different backgrounds; these experiences will deepen your understanding of the world and enhance your ability to relate to others. Additionally, be open to learning from every encounter—whether it’s a brief conversation or a long-term partnership—as each interaction holds valuable lessons that can contribute to your personal and professional growth.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

Many can probably relate to the fulfilling feeling that comes with finishing a new book—a feeling often accompanied by a new lesson learned, whether the book is fiction or non-fiction. Picking just one book that’s had the most profound impact on me is difficult, but there are three in particular that I often return to, even after many years.

Sweetness: The Enigmatic Life of Walter Payton
Growing up in Chicago, I may be a little biased, but Walter Payton has always had a profound influence both on and off the field. His semi-autobiography, Sweetness: The Enigmatic Life of Walter Payton, deeply impacted me during high school. Payton wasn’t just an incredible athlete; he exemplified perseverance, work ethic, and kindness. One quote that stands out to me is, “When you’re good at something, you’ll tell everyone. When you’re great at something, they’ll tell you.” This speaks to the importance of humility and leading by example. Payton’s relentless pursuit of excellence and his commitment to giving back to the community continue to inspire me to strive for greatness while staying grounded in a sense of responsibility to others.

Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
Another pivotal book in my journey is Shoe Dog, the memoir of Nike co-founder Phil Knight. It offers a raw and often turbulent story of how Nike came to be, highlighting the challenges and risks of entrepreneurship. A powerful quote from the book is, “The only time you mustn’t fail is the last time you try.” This resonates with me as I navigate my own professional journey, reminding me that failure is a part of the process and that persistence is key. Knight’s story has taught me the importance of resilience, creativity, and passion in pursuing one’s dreams.

The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
Lastly, The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom offers profound insights into the connections we make throughout our lives. The book illustrates that every person we encounter impacts our journey in meaningful ways. One poignant lesson is that “all endings are also beginnings. We just don’t know it at the time.” This perspective encourages me to view both good and bad experiences as opportunities for growth and understanding. It reminds me that every interaction shapes who we are and how we contribute to the world around us.

Together, these books have instilled in me a deep appreciation for hard work, resilience, and the value of human connections. They constantly remind me to embrace challenges, learn from my experiences, and strive for personal growth, all while making a positive impact on those around me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://everythingcostsegregation.godaddysites.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanlichterman/