Grow Your Business and Grow Your Wealth

In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, host Gary Heldt sits down with Gary Martoccio, founder of The Martoccio Firm and one of the nation’s leading employment law attorneys representing employees in disputes against their employers. With more than $50 million recovered and over 200 Federal cases handled, Gary brings firsthand insights into the legal landscape that every business owner must understand. Together, they discuss the real risks hidden in hiring, firing, and managing people—from wrongful termination and discrimination claims to misclassification and retaliation cases. Gary also shares what smart business owners can do to protect themselves legally, maintain ethical practices, and build workplaces that foster trust, compliance, and productivity. What You’ll Learn → The top 3 mistakes that trigger costly employee lawsuits→ How to document workplace issues before they escalate→ The role of the EEOC and what to expect during an investigation→ Steps small business owners can take today to minimize legal exposure→ Why understanding employment law is critical to long-term business success Gary Martoccio is an employment law attorney and the founder of The Martoccio Firm, which exclusively represents employees in legal disputes against their employers. With extensive experience in both State and Federal courts, as well as before the EEOC, Gary has recovered more than $50 million for clients. His mission: to level the playing field and educate both employees and business owners on their rights and responsibilities in today’s workplace. Connect with Gary on LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if your business could scale sustainably—without burnout or chaos? Viral financial expert and billion-dollar business coach Monica Garcia Duggal reveals how to achieve lasting wealth using her signature Financial BITES Method© and Whole Health Wealth System™. In this engaging conversation with host Gary Heldt, Monica shares how entrepreneurs can think like institutional investors, create systems that support freedom, and build profit-driven businesses that thrive in any market. Monica Garcia Duggal is a global financial strategist with over 30 years of experience in investment banking, mergers & acquisitions, and entrepreneurial finance. As the creator of the Whole Health Plan™ and Financial BITES Method©, she helps founders and leaders align their finances, strategy, and mindset for total-life success. In this episode, she joins host Gary Heldt, CPA and wealth strategist, to discuss why most business owners leave money on the table—and how a holistic approach to budgeting, investing, taxes, exit planning, and systems can change everything.🔑 5 Key Takeaways→ Think like an investor – Treat your business as an asset that must generate long-term returns, not just revenue.→ Follow the BITES framework – Budget • Invest • Taxes • Exit • Systems—five pillars that create lasting profitability.→ Build the right team – Surround yourself with professionals who understand your goals and speak your language.→ Adopt a growth mindset – Progress beats perfection; consistency compounds into extraordinary results.→ Measure what matters – Profitability and systems, not just top-line sales, determine a business’s true health.💬 Quote“You can’t do everything—but you can start thinking about your company holistically. Profit isn’t just numbers; it’s clarity, systems, and strategy working together.” — Monica Garcia Duggal Listen now on Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth with host Gary Heldt to learn how to use financial clarity and systems thinking to build a business that works for you—not the other way around. 👉 Visit https://www.monicagarciaduggal.com/ to download her free Financial BITES Method Guide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if your financial partner truly knew your name, understood your community, and fought for your long-term stability? In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, guest host Barry Goldwater sits down with Kevin George, CPA and President & CEO of New England Teamsters Federal Credit Union. Formerly CFO at Naveo Credit Union, Kevin shares how his background in accounting and community service led him to champion the credit union model. From helping members avoid financial pitfalls to strengthening union families with dignified retirements, Kevin reveals how credit unions provide the kind of personal service and objective advice big banks simply can’t match. ➡️ 5 Key Takeaways → Credit unions focus on people helping people rather than shareholders, giving members better rates and objective advice. → Kevin’s career journey shows how professional pivots—from aspiring FBI agent to CPA to credit union leader—can create impact. → Teamsters Federal Credit Union combines union strength with modern technology to compete with large banks. → Community outreach, from toy drives to youth sports sponsorships, is central to building trust and relationships. → Small businesses benefit from direct access to decision-makers in credit unions, ensuring tailored financial solutions. 💬 Quote from Kevin George "The best move I ever made was joining the credit union world—because every day, I get to help people, not just balance numbers." 📢 Reach out to Kevin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-george-cpa-6969128/ Subscribe to Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth for more expert insights on building financial stability and growth. Share this episode with your network and leave us a review to help others discover how credit unions can transform their business and personal finances. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if every workplace conflict could become a growth opportunity instead of a costly battle?💡 In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, Gary sits down with Ursula Taylor, a conflict resolution strategist with 17 years of experience as an attorney and business advisor. After years in litigation, Ursula saw how traditional legal systems often amplify disputes instead of solving them. Now, through her firm Conflict Reimagined, she helps leaders and teams resolve disputes efficiently and humanely—by addressing the real drivers behind conflict: fear, emotion, and miscommunication. Ursula shares how emotional intelligence, awareness, and honest dialogue can prevent lawsuits, protect relationships, and create stronger businesses. ➡️ Key Takeaways:→ Litigation is expensive, uncertain, and emotionally draining—most disputes stem from human emotion, not legal facts.→ True resolution begins by identifying what you really need instead of focusing on being right or wrong.→ Leaders can prevent conflicts by creating safe spaces for communication before issues escalate.→ Emotional intelligence and self-awareness are critical tools for business growth and team cohesion.→ The future of leadership lies in embracing what Ursula calls “the human age,” where emotional work meets strategy. 💬 Quote from Ursula:“Every dispute is driven by human emotion. When you can face that honestly, conflict becomes a beautiful opportunity to grow stronger as a leader.” 📞 Call to Action:Learn more about Ursula’s work: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ursula-taylor-b0ba4729/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if scaling your business wasn’t about chasing the next “big idea” but about applying math, discipline, and strategy to your sales process? In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, Gary welcomes Doug C. Brown, CEO of CEO Sales Strategies and a renowned expert who has built over 35 businesses and generated more than $900 million in sales. Doug has served as President of Sales and Training for Tony Robbins and Chet Holmes, boosting close rates by 143% and driving a 4,150% increase in product sales. He now helps entrepreneurs and business leaders implement predictable, math-based systems to dramatically increase revenue and profits. The conversation delves into why identifying your ideal buyer matters more than closing skills, how overlooked follow-up can lead to millions in lost revenue, and why anchoring your business in truthful numbers is non-negotiable. 5 Key Takeaways → Sales growth isn’t magic—it’s applying math to the right metrics. → The biggest mistake owners make is not identifying their ideal buyer. → Speed to follow-up can double conversion rates—sometimes within minutes. → Long-term success comes from relationship capital, not one-off transactions. → Anchoring goals to truthful numbers and measuring the right metrics prevents costly blind spots. Quote from Doug “Sales isn’t math, but sales revenue growth is how you apply math to the right metrics.” Ready to strengthen your sales strategy and grow your wealth? Connect with Doug on his website https://ceosalesstrategies.com/ Subscribe to Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth for more expert insights each week, and don’t forget to share this episode with a business owner who’s ready to scale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How did a commercial banker who lived just six blocks away from his future employer end up transforming a small investment firm from breaking even to nearly doubling its business in four years? Brad Wheeler, President of Shaker Investments, shares his journey from commercial banking to leading a growing investment firm. With over 25 years in financial services, Brad has grown Shaker from seven employees and breaking even to eleven employees while nearly doubling the business in four years. He discusses the challenges of scaling a business, the importance of client retention over acquisition, and practical strategies for business development and client communication. 5 Key Takeaways➤ Client retention is more valuable than acquisition because the hardest client to get is the one you lost. ➤ Balance sheet analysis reveals business blind spots that profit and loss statements miss. ➤ Strategic pivoting requires honest self-assessment and letting go of ego when strategies aren't working. ➤ Communication frequency must match individual client preferences to prevent attrition. ➤ Transparency during both market wins and losses builds stronger client relationships. Quote by Brad: "When we make a mistake, that's when you got to get on the phone, and it's when you can talk to people. And I would say most people, when you do that, they're unbelievable. They're understanding and they respect the fact that you picked up the phone and made that call."Connect with BradWebsite: https://www.shakerinvest.com/Email: brad@shaker-invest.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when your company’s processes are costing you more than they’re helping you?In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, guest host Jack W. Reeder, CLU, ChFC sits down with Hugh Glazer, Managing Director of Winterview Group. Hugh shares why businesses—whether start-ups or long-established firms—must step back from daily operations and map their transaction flows. From uncovering inefficiencies to improving cash flow and creating better decision-making frameworks, Hugh explains how visual workflows can save money, strengthen performance, and reveal opportunities for growth.Drawing on his decades of experience, including his work with the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, Hugh talks about the most common mistakes companies make, real-world turnaround stories, and why entrepreneurs need to invest in infrastructure, data analysis, and forward planning to thrive.📌 Key Takeaways→ Creating a visual workflow helps leaders see inefficiencies, duplication, and costs that add no value. → Start-ups benefit from mapping workflows early, aligning operations with financial data for smarter cash flow management. → Established businesses often underinvest in marketing and internal infrastructure—two areas essential for growth. → Family businesses and succession planning require clear processes to avoid costly breakdowns. → Data-driven decision making is critical: understanding how money is made (and lost) determines long-term success.🤝 Connect with the GuestHugh Glazer is the Managing Director of Winterview Group, where he helps organizations strengthen their business performance through process design, financial analysis, and operational improvements. With deep experience working with companies of all sizes, Hugh specializes in mapping business transaction flows that uncover inefficiencies, improve cash flow, and provide the clarity leaders need to make informed decisions.🌐 Website: www.winterviewgroup.com📧 Email: info@winterviewgroup.com 🎧 Call to ActionDon’t miss this insightful conversation on how visual workflows can transform your business operations. Subscribe to Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen—and share this episode with a colleague who’s ready to streamline and scale.John Reeder, Registered Representative and Investment Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS), 160 Gould Street, Suite 310, Needham, MA 02494. Securities products/services and advisory services are offered through PAS, a registered broker-dealer and investment advisor, 781-449-4402. Financial Representative, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Guardian. The Bulfinch Group is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. Life Insurance offered through The Bulfinch Group Insurance Agency, LLC, an affiliate of The Bulfinch Group, LLC. The Bulfinch Group, LLC is not licensed to sell insurance. The Bulfinch Group is not registered in any state or with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as a Registered Investment Advisor. John Reeder, CA Insurance License #OF11617; FL Insurance License #A216798. PAS is a member FINRA, SIPC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wondered why some small businesses thrive on LinkedIn while others struggle to get noticed?In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, Gary Heldt sits down with Justin Vajko, founder of Dialog and a seasoned marketing strategist, to uncover the secrets behind social media success. Justin’s journey began with a childhood hobby of designing logos, which evolved into a career managing multi-million-dollar marketing initiatives before launching his own firm. Today, he helps founders amplify their pipeline, strengthen their personal brand, and position themselves as thought leaders with smart video and LinkedIn strategies. Whether you’re a solopreneur or running a growing business, Justin’s insights will help you avoid marketing pitfalls, leverage your personal brand, and turn LinkedIn into a lead-generating machine. 🔑 Key Takeaways→ Why personal branding matters more than company branding on LinkedIn. → The most common mistakes business owners make with social media—and how to fix them. → How to use online reviews and testimonials to build trust. → Why consistency in posting (even once a week) is better than perfection. → A simple framework for creating LinkedIn content that connects with your audience.💬 Quotes from Justin Vajko"Businesses die on the altar of ‘more people should know about me’—but not enough people do." "Your audience doesn’t buy the drill, they buy the hole in the wall."📌 Connect with Justin Vajko LinkedIn: Justin Vajko Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

❓What if one small change each month could double your business revenue in two years? In this episode, Gary sits down with Karl Maier, a seasoned CFO and business growth advisor who has helped five companies double their sales in just 24 months. As the founder of Abunden, Karl reveals the surprising reasons companies stall—and how to fix them with smart systems, cash flow forecasting, and people-focused strategies. Forget the usual "cut costs" advice. Karl brings a fresh, empowering perspective for business owners looking to scale with sanity, strategy, and sustainability. From solving payroll chaos to securing the right kind of funding, this conversation is a must-listen for any entrepreneur ready to get out of the weeds and into growth mode. 🔑 Key Takeaways:➤ Your biggest bottleneck may be you: Many owners unknowingly block growth by refusing to delegate or improve their management style.➤ Cash flow is your oxygen: Karl shares his 12-week forecast method that prevents disasters before they happen.➤ Build the system before scaling: Without repeatable processes, every new client feels like chaos.➤ Your CPA isn’t your CFO: They serve different purposes—know the difference so nothing falls through the cracks.➤ AI isn’t scary—it’s your new assistant: From forms to forecasting, Karl shows how simple AI tools can boost productivity and decision-making. 🗣️ “If we make one change each month—even just nine in a year—the impact is phenomenal. Sales don’t move at first, but six months in, something clicks. And by year two? You’ve doubled revenue.”— Karl Maier, Founder of Abunden ✅ Call to Action:🎯 Want to find out how close you are to your first (or next) $10 million?Take Karl’s free $10 Million Growth Map Quiz and start building your roadmap today at abunden.com. 📲 Connect with Karl on LinkedIn for more insights and real-world business tips. https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlkmaier/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How are digital assets transforming the way entrepreneurs and business owners build wealth for the future? In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, host Gary Heldt welcomes Jake Claver, Founder and CEO of Digital Family Office. Jake’s firm specializes in bringing the sophisticated financial tools once reserved for ultra-high-net-worth families to business owners and professionals. With a tech-forward approach, he helps clients minimize tax liabilities, optimize financial operations, and build sustainable wealth in today’s digital economy..Key Takeaways➔ Digital assets are no longer fringe — family offices are using them as a serious wealth strategy.➔ Institutional custody and $100M+ insurance give clients peace of mind in a volatile market.➔ Smart portfolio allocation keeps crypto exposure low while still unlocking asymmetric upside.➔ Tax planning and regulatory awareness are critical as laws tighten around digital currencies.➔ Jake’s entrepreneurial journey proves that solving your own financial challenges can scale into solutions for others. Call to ActionDiscover how digital assets and family office strategies can help you grow and protect your wealth. Listen now to Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth with Gary Heldt for insights that blend innovation, security, and long-term financial success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you running your money like a great business—or is your business running you? This week, host Gary Heldt welcomes Greg Luken, founder of Luken Wealth Management and author of Unleash Your Financial Superpowers: How the First-Generation Wealthy Do It (and You Can Too). With nearly four decades in the industry, Greg shares how his unconventional path—from biology student and musician to math-based wealth advisor—shaped his fresh approach to financial management. Greg reveals the three financial superpowers every entrepreneur and wealth builder needs: purpose, planning, and disciplined execution. He also introduces the two villains sabotaging financial success—FinPorn (financial pornography) and the Lever Denier. This conversation is packed with stories, mindset shifts, and actionable wisdom for first-generation wealth creators navigating the balance between business, family, and life. Key Takeaways:→ Purpose is your North Star—without clarity, wealth drifts.→ A concrete, step-by-step plan saves mental energy and drives results.→ Discipline to execute turns theory into lasting wealth.→ Beware of “FinPorn”—financial noise that seduces with false certainty.→ First-generation wealth requires mindset shifts: serve your business, don’t become its servant. Quote from Greg Luken:"It’s not about intelligence. It’s not about having all the information. It’s about those simple disciplines—just being faithful and consistent with them." Learn More & Connect:🌐 Visit Greg’s website: www.luken.pro📖 Get the book: Unleash Your Financial Superpowers (available wherever books are sold) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you a family business owner who thinks you can just snap your fingers and sell your business for top dollar when you're ready to retire?In this eye-opening episode, Gary Heldt sits down with Lowell Mora, President of Impact CFO, who brings 35 years of financial leadership experience to small and medium-sized businesses. Lowell shares his journey from Arthur Andersen to helping family-owned businesses prepare for successful exits. Lowell reveals the shocking statistic that nearly half of all family-owned businesses end up in bankruptcy within two years of the founder's death due to lack of planning. Lowell discusses the critical differences between traditional accounting/tax services and strategic CFO work, emphasizing the importance of 3-5 year exit planning, building strong management teams, and viewing your business as an asset rather than just an income stream.Key Takeaways ➤ Nearly half of all family-owned businesses go bankrupt within two years of the founder's death due to lack of succession planning. ➤ Most family businesses suffer from dangerous customer concentration (often 70% with one client) and lack strong autonomous management teams - both major red flags for potential buyers. ➤ You need 3-5 years of strategic preparation before selling your business, including professionalizing accounting records, conducting margin analysis, and building operational systems. ➤ There's a crucial difference between your tax-preparing CPA and a fractional CFO - one looks backward for tax compliance, the other looks forward for business growth and exit strategy. ➤ Business owners must shift their mindset from viewing their company as an income stream to seeing it as an asset that needs to be optimized for maximum value.Notable Quotes from Lowell Mora"I've never met a business owner who thought their business was worth less than what it was. Typically, they are amazed that there's no real intrinsic value from an EBITDA perspective at a point in time - there's work that needs to be done.""What happens if you get hit by a bus? Your spouse will be okay because you have life insurance, but you have nobody to run this business. All these employees you treat as family will be grieving you AND dealing with a business crisis."How to Reach Lowell MoraEmail: Lowell@impact-cfo.netPhone: 847-212-4081Website: https://www.impactcfo.net/Visit his website for free consultation scheduling, 13-week cash flow samples, and additional resources for business owners planning their exit strategy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you playing checkers with your finances while the wealthy are playing chess?In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, host Gary Heldt dives into a wealth-building conversation with Freddie Rappina, founder of Opta Financial, Chartered Financial Consultant, Accredited Investment Fiduciary™, and Retirement Income Planning Specialist. With a rare background as both a retired Fairfax County police officer and seasoned wealth advisor, Freddie explains why traditional “just save and invest” advice keeps most people stuck in the middle class. He reveals how strategic debt, real estate, and business investments can transform your financial future, why taxes can be leveraged to your advantage, and how to shift your mindset from one of scarcity to one of abundance. This conversation challenges conventional wisdom and provides a blueprint for building wealth like the affluent. 5 Key Takeaways: Mindset Matters: The wealthy approach money like a chess game—strategically leveraging resources—while most people are taught to play checkers. Debt Can Be a Tool: When used to purchase income-producing assets, debt can enhance cash flow and reduce tax liabilities. Assets Over Hours: Wealth isn’t built by working more; it’s built by owning assets that work for you. The Tax Advantage: The tax code rewards those who invest in ways that benefit the economy, such as real estate and business ownership. Saving Alone Isn’t Enough: Savings are essential, but they should be a stepping stone to investments that generate income and wealth. Quotes from Freddie:“Saving money by itself is not a good idea—it won’t make you wealthy.” “The middle class is being taught to play checkers while the wealthy are playing chess.” How to Reach Freddie:Visit OptaFinancial.com and click the top right corner to schedule a consultation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you running your business like it will last forever—or planning for when it won’t?In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, host Gary Heldt welcomes Tom Dillon, founder of Frak Finance and a trusted expert in fractional CFO services, business valuation, and M&A strategy. With a background in investment banking and operational finance, Tom helps business owners avoid costly exit mistakes and drive growth with clear, actionable financial insights.Whether you're scaling, buying, or preparing to sell, Tom shares powerful lessons about what drives real business value—and how most owners miss it. 🧠 KEY TAKEAWAYS➡️ Most CPAs aren’t trained to guide you through an exit or acquisition.➡️ The less you're involved in daily operations, the more valuable your business becomes.➡️ Financial health planning should start five years before selling your company.➡️ A fractional CFO isn’t your bookkeeper—they’re your strategic co-pilot.➡️ Business value is built with systems, SOPs, and smart financial foresight.💬 GREAT QUOTES“The biggest myth? That your business isn’t sellable. You’d be shocked what it’s worth—if you plan right.” – Tom Dillon “A fractional CFO looks through the windshield—bookkeepers only look in the rearview mirror.” – Tom Dillon🔗 CALL TO ACTION📩 Connect with Tom at www.frakfinance.com or on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-dillon-cfa/✅ Don’t forget to subscribe and share the podcast with business owners who need to start planning before it’s too late. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it really take to scale your business? Host Gary Heldt sits down with Cliff Goins IV, co-founder of Scaleup—a startup launched within Amazon to help diverse-owned businesses grow into large enterprises. With deep experience in fintech, asset management, and private equity, Cliff brings an unfiltered, strategy-first perspective to business growth.In this episode, Gary and Cliff unpack what holds businesses back from scaling—and it’s not just about capital. From delegation and systems to social capital and financial metrics, this is a masterclass in how to level up with purpose.Key Takeaways:➤ The leap from small to scalable often starts with learning how to delegate and trust others—even when they do things differently than you would.➤ Many business owners get stuck doing tasks they can do, instead of focusing on what only they can do. Letting go is hard—but it’s the unlock to growth.➤ Access to capital isn’t the only barrier. Knowing what kind of capital you need—and when—is just as important.➤ Social capital can be more powerful than financial capital. The right introductions, advocates, and networks can change everything.➤ Business owners don’t need to be CPAs to master their numbers. But they do need to understand their gross margin, cash flow, and forward-looking metrics.Favorite Quotes:“It’s not exactly how you’d do it—but it’s done. And you didn’t have to do it.” “Scale is not just about size. It’s about structure, strategy, and sustainability.”Resources:🌐 CliffGoinsIV.com📱 Connect on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook: @CliffGoinsIV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Still following outdated investing advice?This week, Gary is joined by Lane Kawaoka, author of The Wealth Elevator, real estate syndication leader, and founder of SimplePassiveCashflow.com. With over 10,000 units under management, Lane shares how he went from civil engineer to full-time passive income expert—revealing why single-family rentals won’t scale, the importance of knowing your “floor” in the wealth journey, and how professionals can create cash flow without becoming landlords. This episode is your wake-up call to start investing smarter—not harder.🧠 KEY TAKEAWAYS➡️ Not all rental properties are created equal—Class B wins for stability and cash flow.➡️ Syndications offer true passive income with better scalability and legal protection.➡️ Understand what “floor” you’re on in your wealth elevator—and don’t skip the foundation.➡️ Accredited investors gain access to tax-smart, hands-off real estate deals.➡️ Building a tribe of smart investors is just as important as building your portfolio.💬 GREAT QUOTESLane Kawaoka: “You can’t take down a 200-unit apartment complex by yourself. Wealth is a team sport.” 🔗 CALL TO ACTIONVisit SimplePassiveCashflow.com to grab Lane’s free masterclass and download The Wealth Elevator. 📘 Send your book receipt to team@thewealthelevator.com for bonus content Subscribe to Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth for weekly expert insights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if your biggest business blocker isn't your bookkeeping—but your beliefs? This week, host Gary Heldt welcomes Audrey Faust, expert CFO, neuro coach, and author of the upcoming book She Grows Rich. Audrey empowers women entrepreneurs to build thriving businesses by combining strategic financial guidance with transformative mindset coaching. In this candid conversation, she shares how early money beliefs can sabotage success, why you should ditch the word “budget,” and what it really takes to grow from six to seven figures with clarity—not chaos. ➡️ 5 Key Takeaways: → Mindset First, Metrics Second: Audrey starts every client journey by clearing subconscious prosperity blockers—like the belief that rich people are greedy—that limit earning potential. → Blueprint Over Budget: Instead of restrictive budgets, Audrey co-creates a one-page financial blueprint that aligns with each business owner's goals and personal definition of success. → Know Your Numbers: Successful entrepreneurs review financial statements monthly. Audrey teaches clients to read their profit & loss, balance sheet, and cash flow like a pro. → You Are Not Your Business: Audrey encourages shifting from "my business" to "the business" to create team inclusion and a CEO mindset that supports scaling. → Right People, Right Roles: A small change in team structure led one client to nearly double her revenue—from $1M to $2M—by freeing the CEO’s time to focus on growth. 💬 Quotes to Remember: "Your subconscious brain will stop you from becoming rich if you believe wealth equals greed." – Audrey Faust "You don’t need a budget. You need a blueprint that moves you forward with intention." – Audrey Faust 🎁 Free Resource Mentioned: Download Audrey’s Profit Accelerator Workbook — “12 Secrets from an Expert CFO for Women Entrepreneurs” — at AudreyFaustConsulting.com 📚 Upcoming Book: She Grows Rich Book available now: https://www.amazon.com/She-Grows-Rich-Audrey-Faust-ebook/dp/B0DS66RPJM?&tag=us2025tag13-20 📣 Tune in to hear how Audrey helps business owners rewire their thinking, decode their finances, and double their income. Ready to redefine what’s possible? 📌 Listen to the full episode now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the same strategic thinking that shapes world history could transform how you handle your business disputes and protect your company's reputation? Jonathan Sherman, Partner and Vice Chair of Strategic Litigation at Sterlington Law, shares his journey from studying Cold War diplomatic history to becoming a nationally recognized commercial litigator. With over 30 years of experience, including work on the O.J. Simpson case and high-profile disputes involving Sony and Herbalife, Jonathan reveals how historical analysis has shaped his strategic approach to law and business. Key Takeaways ➤ Historical perspective enhances legal strategy. Major decisions are often practical rather than ideological, providing valuable insight for business litigation. ➤ Lawyers must function as strategic advisors. The best representation involves understanding your client's business context and helping navigate uncertainty. ➤ High-profile cases build valuable skills. Experience with media attention and public pressure develops crucial abilities for high-stakes business disputes. ➤ Listening trumps talking. Sherman's biggest career advice is to "shut up more" - intentional listening creates better outcomes than trying to impress with knowledge.➤ Legal profession is evolving rapidly. Modern law firms are adapting to remote work and building practices around individual expertise rather than just institutional brands. Notable Quotes"What made me want to become a lawyer was I wanted to find out how the world gets to be about big, sweeping ideas, when what happens on Wall Street every day are the same kinds of supply and demand and resource allocation questions that happen on Main Street every day." "The only interesting thing is what I do and what businessmen do is my job is to kind of look behind you... I can't use what I learn about you, which is privileged and protected... My job is to steer you in a direction where at least you understand the costs that your anger or your obsession may take you." Connect with Jonathan ShermanLearn more about Jonathan Sherman and his strategic litigation expertise at www.sterlingtonlaw.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you could use your retirement savings to invest in real estate, start a business, or buy cryptocurrency - all while keeping the tax advantages of your IRA or 401(k)? Tax attorney and entrepreneur Adam Bergman reveals the hidden power of self-directed retirement accounts that most Americans are unaware of. As the founder and CEO of IRA Financial Group, Adam shares how he discovered, by accident, that IRAs can invest in far more than just stocks and bonds—and how he built a $5 billion company helping business owners unlock these opportunities. From the ROBS strategy for funding businesses with retirement funds to the surprising tax advantages that even seasoned professionals may not be aware of, this episode reveals the retirement planning secrets that savvy individuals use to build substantial wealth. 5 Key Takeaways ➤ IRAs can invest in almost anything except three prohibited categories - collectibles like art, life insurance, and transactions that personally benefit you or your family members. ➤ Three ways to fund your business with retirement money: Own less than 50% of the business through a self-directed IRA, borrow up to $50,000 through a 401(k) loan, or use the ROBS (Rollover Business Startup Solution) strategy. ➤ The ROBS strategy enables tax-free, penalty-free access to retirement funds by setting up a C-corporation that adopts a 401(k) plan, which then purchases company stock—completely legal under Section 4970E of the tax code. ➤ Starting retirement savings at 24 vs 34 makes a massive difference - investing just $2,000 annually from age 24-72 at 8.5% returns yields $1.15 million vs. only $498,000 when starting at 34. ➤ Self-directed IRAs cost less than $500 annually to maintain, and the setup process takes just a few hours over a few weeks, giving you complete control over investment decisions. Notable Quotes"I had no idea that you can use an IRA to do alternative assets. I as a tax lawyer... worked at some of the biggest law firms in the world, and I honestly thought that you had to buy stocks and mutual funds, ETFs with your IRA." "The US retirement system is rigged in our favor... it's based off compounded returns, the eighth wonder of the world. Albert Einstein said it." How to Reach Adam BergmanIRA Financial Group Website: /https://www.irafinancial.com/lp/retirement-solutions/ YouTube Channel: IRA Financial (1000+ educational videos) Phone: Free consultations with 100+ tax professionals Resources: Extensive blogs and educational content on self-directed retirement accounts Adam has authored 9 books on retirement planning and continues to educate entrepreneurs on maximizing their retirement strategies through alternative investments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you missing out on the investment opportunities that institutional investors have been using for decades to build wealth? In this episode, Gary sits down with Kim Flynn, President of XA Investments and CFA charter holder, to explore the world of alternative investments and how they're becoming accessible to individual investors and business owners. Kim shares her journey from investment banking to founding her own business and reveals how interval funds are democratizing access to private markets. Kim Flynn discusses her entrepreneurial journey in asset management and explains how alternative investments—everything that's not a stock or bond—can provide diversification, income, and inflation protection. She breaks down the revolutionary concept of interval funds, which offer SEC-registered access to private market investments with improved liquidity and tax reporting compared to traditional private funds. The conversation covers direct lending opportunities, the importance of working with knowledgeable financial advisors, and why small business owners are particularly well-positioned to benefit from these sophisticated investment strategies. Key Takeaways: ➤ Alternative investments include anything beyond stocks and bonds - from private equity and real estate to infrastructure and farmland, offering diversification benefits and potential inflation protection that traditional portfolios may lack. ➤ Interval funds are game-changers for individual investors - these SEC-registered products provide access to institutional-quality investments with quarterly liquidity windows, 1099 tax forms instead of K-1s, and lower suitability requirements. ➤ Direct lending presents compelling opportunities in 2025 - with banks pulling back from lending, direct lending funds are filling the gap and offering yields of 9-11% while providing alternative financing options for business owners. ➤ Small business owners have natural advantages in alternative investing - they understand diversification risks better than most investors and can benefit from longer investment horizons to access institutional-quality strategies previously unavailable to individual investors. ➤ The right financial advisor is crucial for alternative investment success - investors should ask advisors about private market exposure and alternative offerings, as not all advisors understand interval funds and their unique liquidity structures. Notable Quotes: "We've got to be thoughtful about what we bring to market. The world doesn't need another large cap ETF, so we focus on creating cutting-edge products in alternative investments." "This is what the American business owner needs - an opportunity to deploy capital in a more sophisticated way alongside institutional investors, but have it be convenient with easy buying and selling and a 1099 instead of a K-1." Connect with Kim Flynn: Website: https://xainvestments.com/ LinkedIn: Kimberly Flynn at XA Investments Resources: Educational content, white papers, and interval fund index information available on website Kim Flynn is the President of XA Investments, where she leads product and business development specializing in closed-end funds, interval funds, and alternative investments. As a CFA charter holder with deep expertise in private market investing, she's passionate about making institutional-quality investments accessible to a broader audience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices