Grow Your Business and Grow Your Wealth

What’s the real legacy of your business—just profits, or a thriving family and future-ready wealth? In this powerful episode, Gary Heldt welcomes Lori Van Dusen, founder of LVW Advisors and a trailblazer in fiduciary financial planning. Lori shares her extraordinary path from working in the South Tower of the World Trade Center with Lehman Brothers to leading a $6 billion independent advisory practice. She reveals the challenges and triumphs of creating a business that aligns with her values, mentoring the next generation, and serving multigenerational families. Lori also discusses personal growth, the importance of proactive financial planning, and the moving story behind her Wall Street Journal bestselling book, Born from Resilience after Personal Loss. 💡 Key Topics Covered: ➡ Lori’s career journey from Wall Street to entrepreneurship. ➡ Why she founded LVW Advisors to eliminate conflicts of interest. ➡ Common mistakes business owners make with planning and succession. ➡ The importance of aligning business strategy with personal values. ➡ How to handle family dynamics in multigenerational businesses. ➡ Selecting the right financial advisor for evolving needs. ➡ Proactive client communication during market uncertainty. ➡ The story behind Lori’s bestselling book and the power of resilience. 🔥 Featured Quote from Lori: "Being early often feels like being wrong. But staying true to your values—even when the path is hard—creates lasting impact not just for your business, but for your life." 📚 Mentioned: ✔ Lori Van Dusen’s Wall Street Journal bestselling book (available on Amazon). ✔ LVW Advisors: www.lvwadvisors.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you prepared to weather unexpected financial storms while building lasting wealth for retirement? In this enlightening episode, Gary Heldt sits down with Harry Abrahamsen, a leading financial strategist specializing in personal financial economics and retirement planning. Harry shares his journey from building a family business to founding the Abrahamsen Financial Group, inspired by the life-changing events of September 11, 2001. Drawing from his extensive experience working with clients at all stages of retirement planning, Harry reveals his philosophy on creating personalized financial strategies that protect against unexpected life events while building sustainable wealth. Key Takeaways: → Financial planning must be personalized to each individual's unique situation, whether they're thinking about retirement, preparing to retire, or already retired → Unexpected life events can derail financial plans - proper protection strategies are essential for controlling your financial destiny → Building a network of trusted experts (attorneys, CPAs, bankers) creates comprehensive financial plans that consistently over-deliver for clients → Entrepreneurial thinking and continuous reinvention are vital components of financial success and career growth → Financial strategies should focus on both wealth building and wealth protection to ensure long-term security Notable Quotes: "After September 11, 2001, I realized the critical importance of properly protecting oneself from unexpected life events and controlling one's own destiny." - Harry Abrahamsen "Throughout my career, my clientele has consistently shared one common objective: to receive expert advice and guidance from someone they trust." - Harry Abrahamsen Connect with Harry Abrahamsen: Book: "Money Rules - 9 Rules to Massive Wealth" Company: Abrahamsen Financial Group Location: Little Silver, New Jersey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🛑 80% of businesses don’t sell—they dissolve. Are you prepared to avoid that fate? In this episode of the Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth Podcast, Gary Heldt welcomes Adam Koós, a highly credentialed financial planner, portfolio manager, and exit planning advisor. Adam dives into his journey from pursuing a medical career to building his award-winning financial practice, Libertas Wealth Management Group. Adam shares actionable strategies for business owners, executives, and investors to protect and grow their wealth, explicitly focusing on exit planning, tax efficiency, and the importance of working with fiduciary advisors. 5 Key Takeaways ➤ Plan your business exit early. Waiting until you’re ready to sell your business is one of the biggest mistakes owners make. Start at least 3–5 years in advance to maximize value. ➤ Always work with a Fee-Only Fiduciary. Fiduciaries are legally obligated to put your interests first, eliminating the conflicts of interest common in commission-based financial advice. ➤ Capitalize on tax-efficient strategies. Tools like Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) can help defer or eliminate capital gains taxes while generating passive income. ➤ Focus on your company retirement plan first. Maxing out your 401(k) or similar plan is the smartest way to reduce your tax bill and build wealth before exploring other investment options. ➤ Build your business with buyers in mind. Buyers don’t want to purchase a job—they want to buy a well-structured, self-sustaining company. Create continuity plans, reduce owner involvement, and secure key employees. Quotes from Adam Koós "You can’t wait until you’re ready to sell your business to start planning. The time to prepare is years before the sale, not the day before.” “Fiduciaries don’t sell products—they sell advice. This eliminates conflicts of interest and ensures their clients’ best interests always come first.” How to Reach Adam Koós Website: Libertas Wealth Management Group Elevate and Exit LinkedIn: Adam Koós on LinkedIn Twitter: @AdamKoos Facebook: Libertas Wealth Management Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How Do Operating Environments Impact Business Risk and Investment Decisions? In this insightful episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, host Gary Heldt speaks with Ryan Zabrowski, Director of Investment Committee at Krilogy. Ryan shares valuable wisdom from his decades of financial experience, as outlined in his book "Time Ahead: The Investor's Guide to Prosperity and Impact," and explains why understanding operating environments is crucial for achieving business success. Key Takeaways: → The risk of starting a business varies dramatically based on timing and operating environment, just as walking down stairs is different when they're covered in ice versus when they're dry → Business owners often overestimate future cash flows due to natural optimism - creating realistic scenario analyses with probability assessments is critical for long-term success → Understanding accounting is fundamental for business owners - it's the language of business that allows effective communication with bankers, investors, and financial partners → Young professionals must take responsibility for their growth and be committed to putting in extraordinary effort - successful careers require sacrifice and dedication → Having the right financial team in place (financial advisor, tax preparer, and estate planning attorney) who communicate effectively with each other can dramatically impact long-term wealth preservation Quote from Ryan: "I think we're a bit in the hand-holding culture. What we need to explain to young professionals is they have to take responsibility, or the majority of the responsibility, for their professional growth. Those goals associated with large amounts of income are very hard to achieve, and they take sacrifice, commitment, and hard work." How to Reach Ryan: Book: Time Ahead: The Investor's Guide to Prosperity and Impact (available on Amazon) Company: Krilogy Follow on social media by searching for "Ryan Zabrowski" or "Equity Tree" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you create a financial plan that withstands market volatility and economic fears? Gary Heldt speaks with Melissa Bouchillon, Managing Partner at Sound View Wealth Advisors in this episode. With 21 years in wealth management and a background in psychology and education, Melissa shares insights on creating cohesive financial plans that connect all aspects of wealth management. She emphasizes the importance of having trusted professionals who communicate with each other to ensure your financial goals stay on track despite market fluctuations and economic uncertainty. Key Takeaways ➡️ Create a cohesive plan connecting all financial components ➡️ Build a "bomb shelter" with 3-5 years of accessible funds ➡️ Focus on controllable factors: spending, saving, debt management ➡️ Work with professionals who speak clearly, not in jargon ➡️ Have a cohesive team of advisors who communicate with each other Notable Quotes "After somebody's health, their family, their faith, their finances really allow them to do the things they want to do and help the people they want to help." "What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail?" How to Reach Melissa Phone: 912-844-7563 Email: Melissa@svadvice.com Location: Sound View Wealth Advisors, Skidaway Island, Savannah, Georgia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you protecting your business and your people, or are you one complaint away from chaos? 📌In this episode, Gary Heldt sits down with Desmond McIlwain, a seasoned management-side labor and employment attorney with over 30 years of experience. Desmond shares invaluable insights into how small business owners can avoid costly legal pitfalls, build workplace trust, and create environments where employees thrive. From the importance of proactive workplace policies to how to handle harassment allegations, Desmond delivers actionable advice with clarity and care. 🖋 5 Key Takeaways: 👉 Labor laws apply to you—even if you’re small. One employee is enough to trigger legal requirements. 👉 Have a plan—not just for growth but also for compliance. Don’t shelve your policies—live them. 👉 Treat investigations seriously. Every complaint deserves a response, structure, and closure. 👉 Free resources are your friend. Agencies like the EEOC and DOL provide guidance and even free training. 👉 Employees buy in when they feel valued. Your culture and mission matter—don't just train, build trust. 📬 How to Reach Desmond McIlwain, PC: 🔗 Connect on LinkedIn 📩 Reach out via Urbana Systems, where Desmond leads labor relations efforts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How Can Marketing Automation and AI Transform Your Small Business? In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, Gary Heldt interviews Chris Troka, founder of Focused-Biz, a marketing and automation agency helping small businesses access the same powerful tools and resources as large corporations. Chris Troka shares his entrepreneurial journey from running an award-winning wedding DJ business to pivoting during COVID-19 to launch Focused-Biz, a marketing and automation agency. With a background in marketing and a passion for helping small businesses compete with larger corporations, Chris explains how he's leveraging AI and marketing automation to level the playing field for entrepreneurs and solopreneurs. 5 Key Takeaways → Marketing expertise is often what business owners lack most - they may excel at their craft but struggle with marketing and sales fundamentals. → When optimizing websites, focus on customer experience rather than keyword stuffing - reducing friction in the buyer's journey is essential. → AI tools can dramatically improve content creation, personalization, and customer service efficiency without requiring deep technical knowledge. → B2B (business-to-business) sales cycles typically take 8-15 months, while B2C (business-to-consumer) decisions happen within 3-4 weeks - requiring different marketing approaches. → Business owners don't need to understand everything about new technologies - partner with experts who can guide implementation while you focus on your core business. Quotes from Chris "I see AI as another great tool. The more training that we put into it, the better it will be... With that shift and disruption in the labor market, that just becomes a new opportunity for people to learn a new skill." How to Connect with Chris LinkedIn: Christopher Troka Website: focused-biz.com and christroka.com Podcast: "Brain Work Framework" - available on all podcast platforms Facebook Group: Join Chris's Facebook Community for entrepreneurs interested in sales, marketing, automation, and AI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could Your Business Benefit From Crowdfunding Beyond Kickstarter? In this episode of "Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth," Gary Heldt interviews Paul Jossey, principal attorney at Jossey, PLLC, who specializes in investment crowdfunding. Unlike traditional crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter or GoFundMe, Paul focuses on securities crowdfunding (Regulation CF), which allows businesses to raise capital by offering investors actual securities - whether equity, debt, or revenue share opportunities. This revolutionary funding avenue, which went live in 2016, enables businesses to turn their customers into investors and create a movement around their brand. Key Takeaways → Securities crowdfunding differs from platforms like Kickstarter in that it offers investors actual securities (equity, debt, or revenue shares) regulated by the SEC, creating investor-customers who are financially invested in your success. → The crowdfunding campaign approach turns your company into a "movement" with loyal customers who become investors and ambassadors for your brand, compelling for B2C businesses. → Anyone can invest in crowdfunding opportunities (not just accredited investors), with statutory limits based on income protecting smaller investors while allowing broader participation. → A successful crowdfunding raise requires the business owner to be the primary salesperson, actively engaging their existing network first before expanding outward - the campaign won't succeed by simply posting online. → The timeline from preparation to launch typically takes 30-45 days (working with financial and legal professionals), with campaigns ideally running for no more than 3 months to maintain momentum. Notable Quotes "You turn your company into a movement. You get people that are not just a loan officer, but a bunch of people who want to see you do well." - Paul Jossey "This is a campaign. It is not easy, and you can't just throw something on the internet and people will come. I don't care if you are the next Steve Jobs, it does not matter." - Paul Jossey How to Reach Paul Jossey Website: The Crowdfunding Lawyers LinkedIn: Paul Jossey | LinkedIn Free Consultation: Schedule a free 30-minute consultation through his website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you overwhelmed by tax debt and unsure where to turn? Stephen A. Weisberg, a dedicated tax attorney, joins the podcast to share expert strategies for resolving tax debt, avoiding IRS pitfalls, and confidently navigating audits. In this episode, Gary Heldt speaks with tax resolution attorney Stephen A. Weisberg, founder of The W Tax Group. With over a decade of experience in IRS tax debt resolution, Stephen provides invaluable insight into the myths surrounding tax settlements, the realities of dealing with the IRS, and how business owners and individuals can take control of their tax situations. 5 Key Takeaways ➡ Not everyone qualifies for an Offer in Compromise – It’s a selective process requiring a detailed financial assessment. ➡ IRS installment agreements can reduce your liability – Understanding options like partial pay agreements is crucial. ➡ Filing taxes, even if you can’t pay, is essential – Avoiding failure-to-file penalties can save thousands. ➡ The IRS has a 10-year statute of limitations – Knowing when the clock starts is critical for long-term tax planning. ➡ Work with a specialist, not just a tax preparer – Expertise in IRS collections, audits, and negotiations makes a huge difference. Navigating tax debt can be daunting, but with the proper guidance, it’s manageable. Contact Stephen Weisberg for expert assistance if you’re dealing with IRS issues. 📞 Direct Contact: 248-971-0885 (Call or Text) 📧 Email: SWeisberg@wtaxattorney.com 🌐 Website: https://www.wtaxattorney.com/stephen-weisberg/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What inspired a former Cincinnati Bengals employee to become an independent wealth manager and how did he build a successful practice focused on helping business owners? Peter Hiltz shares his journey from corporate finance to independent wealth management, highlighting how his early exposure to finance through his father's stock market interests shaped his career path. He discusses the challenges and rewards of transitioning to business ownership, the importance of building strong professional networks, and his client-first approach to wealth management. Key Takeaways → Time management is crucial for business owners - they need to build the right team of advisors to support growth → Successful business transitions require openness to change and willingness to adapt traditional practices → Building a coordinated team of professionals (CPA, attorney, insurance agent) is essential for comprehensive planning → The transition from employee to business owner requires wearing multiple hats and constant learning → Authentic relationships and professional networking from an early age are fundamental to long-term success How to Reach Peter LinkedIn: Peter Hiltz Email: philtz@kingsview.com Phone: 513-401-8513 Website: kingsview.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you a high-income earner, high-net-worth individual, or successful business owner looking to reduce your tax burden, protect your assets, and build a lasting legacy? In this episode, Terry DuPont, founder of DuPont Advisory Group, discusses the concept of a virtual family office and how it can benefit Main Street clients. He shares common financial mistakes, emphasizes the importance of tax reduction strategies, and explains how his firm's unique approach helps clients achieve financial success and significance. 5 Key Takeaways: 1. The benefits of a virtual family office for comprehensive financial planning. 2. Common mistakes high-net-worth individuals and business owners make. 3. The importance of tax reduction strategies in retirement planning. 4. How DuPont Advisory Group's unique process prioritizes client relationships and understanding. 5. Strategies for wealth preservation, asset protection, and legacy planning. Terry encourages listeners to reach out and explore how a virtual family office can help them achieve their financial goals and build a lasting legacy. Quote from Terry: Estate Planning and legacy planning are not all about money. It's about your values, family values, business values, etc., that you also want to pass on. How to reach the guest: Website: https://dupontadvisoryvfo.com/ Tel: (800) 234-4452 Podcast: Better Business, Better Life: Building on Your Success (available on Apple Podcasts and YouTube) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are You Ready to Transform Your Business with Tech-Enabled Accounting Solutions? In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, guest host Eli Mizrahi speaks with Lucas Matson, founder of LDC Financial and former Deloitte Tax professional. Lucas shares his journey from corporate accounting to entrepreneurship, offering valuable insights into modern accounting practices, the cannabis industry, and how technology reshapes financial services. Drawing from his extensive experience with major tech companies and M&A transactions, Lucas provides a unique perspective on building a location-independent practice while maintaining high professional standards. Key Takeaways: → The accounting industry is evolving toward tech-enabled solutions, with automated tools reducing the need for large departments while maintaining accuracy and compliance. → Starting at a big accounting firm provides invaluable experience and expertise that can be leveraged to serve diverse clients effectively as an independent practitioner. → Cannabis industry accounting presents unique challenges due to complex regulations and tax codes (like 280E), requiring specialized knowledge and careful structuring of financial statements. → Digital nomad entrepreneurship is possible in accounting, but proper system and technology setup is required to maintain efficient operations while working remotely. → Small businesses should prioritize proper accounting setup from the start. Investing in professional CPA services early can prevent costly mistakes and provide better financial insights. Notable Quotes from Lucas: "Don't let the tax tail wag the dog. You have to do what's best for your business. You shouldn't have less active control." "If you're trying to start a business and you're serious about it, make sure you're properly capitalized, and bring in a CPA to be your partner because a CPA will be invaluable to you." Connect with Lucas Matson: Website: https://www.ldc.financial/ Email: lucas@LDC.financial Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you struggling to talk about money, even with your financial advisor? In this episode, Nick Garofalo, founder and chief compliance officer of Openhanded Wealth LLC, discusses the importance of open communication in financial planning, common financial mistakes, and how to empower clients to make informed decisions. He emphasizes a faith-based approach, integrating Biblical wisdom into financial planning to help clients align their life goals and vision with their faith. 5 Key Takeaways: The importance of open communication in financial planning. Common financial mistakes people make. How to empower clients to make informed financial decisions. (This is a general theme throughout the interview.) The power of small steps in financial planning. Integrating Biblical wisdom into financial planning. Nick encourages listeners to schedule a discovery call with a fee-only financial advisor to discuss their financial goals and concerns. Quote: "I believe everything we have is a gift from God, entrusted to us to manage wisely—not just our money, but our time, attention, relationships, and all our resources." - Nick How to reach the guest: Website: openhandedwealth.com Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/one-degree/id1728707319 LinkedIn: (25) Nick Garofalo | LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered how to build a successful business empire? In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, Gary Heldt speaks with John Hewitt, a serial entrepreneur and franchising expert who has founded two of the top 100 retail brands in the country, including Jackson Hewitt and Liberty Tax. John shares his journey from building his first tax software for an Apple computer in 1981 to creating Loyalty Brands, a company with eight franchises in various industries. He discusses the common mistakes people make when getting into a franchise and the importance of following the system. John also talks about the importance of culture, attitude, and perseverance in achieving success as a franchisee. Key Takeaways: → John Hewitt, founder of Jackson Hewitt and Liberty Tax, shares his journey and insights on building successful franchises. → John emphasizes the importance of following the franchise system, stating that those who deviate often face challenges. → He highlights the significance of culture, attitude, and drive in achieving success as a franchisee. → John discusses the importance of perseverance and hard work in overcoming obstacles and achieving long-term success. → He shares his mission of having fun, improving lives, and creating opportunities for others through franchising. Quotes from guest: “My job as a franchisor is to give you the best system in the industry, and I've been doing that for 55 years, so that's what my expertise is.” “The journey is the joy, the the payment at the treasure at the end of the rainbow is anti climatic.” Visit website: https://loyaltybrands.com/ Relevant hashtags: #franchising #entrepreneurship #businesssuccess #loyaltybrands #podcastinterview Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, Gary Heldt speaks with Eli Mizrahi, President of Pacific Group Advisors and a seasoned fiduciary with over 40 years of experience in financial planning. Eli shares his personal journey into the world of finance, inspired by his parents' retirement challenges, and the lessons he's learned helping families navigate complex financial decisions. He provides valuable insights on retirement planning, investment strategies, wealth preservation, and long-term care solutions. Key Takeaways: → The importance of starting financial planning early, regardless of age or income. → Common mistakes people make in retirement planning include not having a plan, not considering long-term care, and not preparing for contingencies like taxes and market downturns. → Strategies for retirement planning include maximizing tax-advantaged accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs, considering insurance options with living benefits, and diversifying investments to protect against market volatility. → Long-term care planning is crucial, with 7 out of 10 people likely needing some form of care in their lifetime. Options like specially structured universal life insurance can provide living benefits for care needs. → Social Security planning is essential, including understanding when to start collecting benefits to maximize your income. Quotes from Eli → "Retirement is when you have more income than expenses, if you can get there young, great." → "Most people spend more time planning a two-week vacation than they spend on preparing for a 20-30 year retirement." More from Eli Mizrahi: Eli Mizrahi, President of Pacific Group Advisors, is a seasoned fiduciary with over four decades of experience in financial and estate planning. Inspired by personal experiences with his parents' retirement challenges, Eli is dedicated to helping families make informed financial decisions. His expertise spans retirement and income planning, investment strategies, wealth preservation, and long-term care solutions. Connect with Eli: (27) Eli Mizrahi | LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered why some financial advisors insist everyone needs a trust, even if you're not wealthy? In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, Gary Heldt speaks with Katherine Sheehan, Managing Director and Wealth Strategist at Crestwood Advisors LLC. With nearly 30 years of experience in estate planning, Katie shares her expertise on why everyone needs an estate plan, regardless of their wealth level, and breaks down common misconceptions about trusts and estate planning. Key Takeaways: → Estate planning is not just for the wealthy - everyone needs essential planning documents, including a will, revocable trust, power of attorney, and healthcare documents. → Revocable trusts offer multiple benefits, including probate avoidance, protection for minor children, and flexibility in asset management while maintaining complete control. → Don't let cost concerns prevent proper estate planning - while fees vary by location and complexity, the cost of improper or no planning can be much higher for families. → Healthcare documents (healthcare proxy, HIPAA authorization, living will) and power of attorney are essential for life planning, not just end-of-life planning. → Long-term care planning may involve special trusts and strategies like Medicaid trusts or life estate deeds, which require careful consideration of five-year lookback periods. Quotes from Katie: "Everyone needs estate planning, whether you have $2 or $200 million. Let's just talk about what you need and why you need it." "Life is uncertain. We want to protect our beneficiaries from themselves, from their creditors, from their potential spouses..." More from Katherine Sheehan: Katherine Sheehan is the Managing Director and Wealth Strategist at Crestwood Advisors LLC. With almost three decades of experience in estate planning, she helps families develop comprehensive estate plans that protect their assets and loved ones. Contact: ksheehan@crestwoodadvisors.com Website: https://www.crestwoodadvisors.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, Gary Heldt speaks with Kevin Quinn, Founder and President of Legacy Counsellors, P.C., an estate and business planning law firm. Kevin discusses the importance of estate planning and generational wealth, explaining his unique "My Family, My Wealth" process, which helps families understand and plan for their wealth. Key Takeaways: → Estate planning is not just about taxes but also about the impact of wealth on a family. → The "My Family, My Wealth" process helps families understand their wealth and its role in their lives. → Open communication about wealth and family values is crucial for successful estate planning. → Family meetings are essential for discussing and planning wealth transfer. → It's never too early to start planning for the future of your family's wealth. Quote from Kevin: "What we hope our inheritance does is create a little bit of a fallback, a little bit of a safety net." "The half a million dollar dollars that that I leave to my daughters is just as important as the half a billion dollars that someone else leaves to their daughters." More from Kevin Quinn: Founder and President of Legacy Counsellors, P.C. Creator of the "My Family, My Wealth" process Website: https://legacycounsellors.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you maximizing efficiency and user adoption in your IT projects? In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, Gary Heldt speaks with David Luria, author of "The Failure of I.T. Project Management: Why It's Broken and How to Fix It With 11 Ironclad Requirements You Have Never Heard Of." David shares his expertise on how to avoid costly IT project failures and ensure successful implementation. Key Takeaways: → The biggest mistake in IT projects is misalignment between business and IT objectives. → Define "adoption requirements" to ensure transparency and successful user onboarding. → Focus on "ready, willing, and able" users who understand the why, impact, and training needed for the new system. → AI tools like ChatGPT can help businesses with content generation, strategic thinking, and even automating tasks. → Re-skilling and prompt engineering are crucial to stay relevant in the evolving job market. More from David Luria: David's groundbreaking book, The Failure of I.T. Project Management: Why It’s Broken and How to Fix It With 11 Ironclad Requirements You Have Never Heard Of, offers a people-centric approach to IT project planning. His work focuses on solving the challenges that often derail enterprise software rollouts, such as low user adoption and inefficient onboarding processes. In addition to his role as a tech executive, David is a sought-after speaker and consultant, sharing his insights on how companies can transform their IT operations with practical, user-focused solutions. Connect with David on LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you paying too much for healthcare? This episode will change how you think about employee benefits! Summary: In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, host Gary Heldt speaks with Louis Bernardi, founder of Bright Path Benefits and known as The Benefits Whisperer. Louis shares his decades of experience in the healthcare benefits industry, helping business owners navigate high costs, complex regulations, and alternative healthcare solutions. From debunking myths about the Affordable Care Act to highlighting strategies like direct primary care, self-insurance, and telemedicine, Louis explains how business owners can provide top-tier benefits without breaking the bank. He also discusses his initiative, Benefit Champions Network, which empowers HR leaders and business owners with knowledge to make smarter decisions. Key Takeaways: → The hidden costs of traditional healthcare plans and how insurers profit. → Alternative healthcare models that provide quality care at a lower cost. → The power of direct primary care, telemedicine, and minimum essential coverage. → Why self-insurance might be a game-changer for some businesses. → How businesses can reduce healthcare costs by 20-25% while improving benefits. Louis C. Bernardi, CHFC®, CHVA, is the Founder of BritePath and "The Benefits Whisperer." He helps businesses cut healthcare costs by 20-30% while improving employee benefits. As a Certified Health Value Advisor and Healthcare Fiduciary Coach, he creates cost-effective, compliant health plans with CFOs and HR leaders. Through his podcast, LinkedIn newsletter, and Benefit Champions Network, Louis educates employers on navigating the healthcare system to enhance financial and human capital outcomes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Want to learn how to turn debt into wealth and achieve financial freedom? Discover alternative financial solutions and tax-efficient strategies with CFP, Mark Willis. In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, Gary Heldt sits down with Mark Willis, CFP and owner of Lake Growth Financial Services. Mark shares his incredible journey from struggling with student loan debt to becoming a financial expert who helps clients find more predictable and secure ways to reach their financial goals. Key Takeaways: Mark's personal experience with overcoming six-figure student loan debt and discovering a path to financial freedom. The importance of having a financial plan and seeking guidance from a qualified professional. Understanding alternative financial solutions and tax-efficient strategies that can help you achieve your goals faster. How to regain control of your financial future and make informed decisions about your money. The role of mindset and discipline in achieving financial success. Quote from Mark Willis: "You are perfectly designed to achieve the results you're currently achieving. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices