Tough Empathy™

A unique and proven component of our Microbusiness Growth Tactics™ process that ensures the business and business owner moves forward.
Our Tough Empathy™ is used to grow you into the CEO of your organization.

“We take ownership of our outcomes and make things happen.”

“We listen and adjust for effective communications.”

“We are purposeful while working as a team.”

“We utilize creativity and flexibility in everyday workflow.”

“We have fun while making a difference.”

Empowering entrepreneurs to reach their potential and changing the perceived value of entrepreneurship.
Equipping entrepreneurs with the tools to think strategically, educating the community on the needs of microbusinesses.
Ideation

Creativity

Strategy

Visionary

Adaptability

OUR TEAM

Mary McCarthy

Small business advocate and guru



Mary has not only learned to succeed as an entrepreneur, she has thrived. With over 20 years of experience as a business owner and consultant, Mary has taken those experiences and turned them into YMT Consultants. The rich offering of services and programs YMT provides assists other microbusiness owners to navigate their own challenges and opportunities with expert resources, rather than by trial and error. Watching entrepreneurs begin, grow, and flourish is her lifelong passion.

Although she no longer rides a bike, she encourages her clients to “get back on the bike” when they stumble as their business grows. She has been heard saying, “What sets us apart is our tough empathy.” While she acknowledges the daily challenges and fears entrepreneurs face, she does not allow these excuses to prevent a microbusiness owner from gaining control and growing their business.

Another fearless woman, Maya Angelou, sums up Mary’s perspective on life:
“I can do things you cannot; you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.”

Stephanie Heckert

CPA and small business advocate extraordinaire



Stephanie has helped small businesses with their finances for over 20 years, including volunteering as an auditor with her church. In her nearly 20-year tenure at Bohler & Company, she has helped many clients grow from micropreneurs to millions in revenue, juggling aspects of finances, cash flow, and reporting.At YMT, she has acted as Treasurer for nearly a decade. In addition, she has dedicated her life to her husband, two grown children, her adorable grandson, Noah, and her equally adorable grand-dogs Kalel, Cassidy, and Lexie. In her more energetic days, she loved to dance, play the piano, and stroll the beach. Currently, she is trying to learn to garden, something she has never done before, and her thumb gets greener every year. An advocate for charities, some of her favorites are foodbanks and homeless shelters.

Stephanie lives by the Mother Teresa’s wise words:
“I can do things you cannot; you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.”

Ryan McCarthy

Facilities manager aficionado



Ryan leads the team in a long list of duties that keep YMT inspired, smiling, and able to work productively. He is the oil in the machine, as he does all the maintenance and upkeep of the facilities, manages EventSpace, and any and all odd jobs as needed. His resourcefulness and dependability could perhaps be traced back to his days as a kid when he camped, hiked, and ran or biked everywhere. Now he runs every day to keep YMT going smoothly.

Ryan, a dad of three, believes that fatherhood and fun go hand in hand, and he has dedicated himself to raising his kids with joy and laughter. The McCarthy gang can be found at the park, riding bikes, hiking, and all-out adventuring.

An advocate for kindness, Ryan is inspired by Buddha’s words:
“When words are both true and kind, they can change the world.”

“Mary McCarthy is a tenacious outside the box thinker.  You know that when she is committed to get the job done, remarkable things happen.  Best of all is that Mary approaches work with a heart.  A heart to help businesses go the next level and the heart to see new entrepreneurs make their dreams come true. Mary is a gift to Columbus and the business community.”

Merry Korn, CEO, Pearl Interactive Network