Traversing Entrepreneurship

In this episode, we are joined by Sairan Aqrawi as she shares her remarkable journey from Kurdish immigrant to successful business coach and mentor. After initially struggling to adapt to life in the US, Sairan discovered her true calling in coaching and personal development, transitioning from a decades-long engineering career. She emphasizes the importance of clarity, focus, and grit when pursuing entrepreneurial goals, drawing parallels between parenting and leading teams. Sairan's story underscores the value of progress over perfection, and how setbacks can ultimately shape one's path to success. Whether you're a young professional or an experienced entrepreneur, Sairan's advice on identifying your "hidden gems" and not being afraid to pivot will inspire you to reach new heights. Connect with Sairan on LinkedIn or Instagram for a free coaching consultation. This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship: [0:00 - 2:00] Introduction to Sairan Akrawi and her background as a Kurdish immigrant to the US [2:00 - 6:00] Sairan's initial struggles and challenges adapting to life in America, and the importance of having the right mindset [6:00 - 11:00] Sairan's transition from engineering to coaching and mentoring, discovering her "hidden gem" talents [11:00 - 16:00] The pivotal moment when Sairan decided to pursue coaching over continuing her PhD program [16:00 - 21:00] Sairan's perspective on progress over perfection, and the value of diverse experiences [21:00 - 26:00] Advice for young professionals and entrepreneurs: clarity, focus, and grit [26:00 - 31:00] The importance of self-belief, competence, and not being your own worst critic [31:00 - 36:00] Sairan's tips on handling disappointments and setbacks as an entrepreneur [36:00 - 41:00] Parallels between parenting and leading teams, the power of leading by example [41:00 - 47:00] Sairan's offer of free coaching consultations, and Derek's introduction of his own business Connect with Sairan: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sairan-aqrawi-m-sc-993bb61a3 Email: sairan28@gmail.com About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business. Derek is the owner of TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation. Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation. TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Google Podcasts | Amazon Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | Deezer | TuneIn If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

Ever wonder what it takes to build a successful business from scratch? Join us as we sit down with serial entrepreneur Brad Zapp to get the inside scoop on his journey from wealth management to founding a cutting-edge digital VC firm. You won't want to miss this eye-opening conversation! Brad Zapp is a CFP, was a former founder of an independent Wealth Advisory Firm, sold that, and founded a Digital Venture Capital firm that uses AI to vet opportunities. he is now bringing his private Strategy to the public by registering with the SEC and will be distributing his fund thru the independent Advisor channel he started his career in. This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship: 0:00:35 - Introducing Brad Zapp 0:02:08 - Brad Zapp discusses transition from wealth management to founding digital venture capital firm 0:05:00 - Differences between private equity and venture capital 0:10:00 - Role of venture capitalists in financing innovative, technology-driven companies 0:13:04 - Evolving entrepreneurship landscape and successful outcomes beyond IPOs 0:14:13 - Success in venture capital, shares examples of successful investments 0:19:24 - Importance of founder psychology, how firm uses it in due diligence 0:26:33 - Firm's digital approach to venture capital, especially during COVID-19 0:32:34 - Using AI and machine learning to enhance investment process 0:39:26 - Story behind "Wendell" name for firm's AI assistant 0:42:02 - Brad discusses biggest challenges in creating, growing VC firm in Midwest Connect with Brad: Website: www.conneticventures.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zapper/ Email: bzapp@conneticventures.com About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business. Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation. Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation. TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Google Podcasts | Amazon Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | Deezer | TuneIn If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

Christophe Dessaigne joins us to share his entrepreneurial journey, from starting a tech company helping blind people to co-founding the online grocery store Jack B. He talks about the challenges of the online grocery industry and how Jack B is tackling them. Christophe also opens up about his personal growth, dealing with childhood wounds, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. You do not want to miss this episode! Christophe Dessaigne is a co-founder of JackBe, a disruptive, online-only grocery store model based out of Oklahoma City that aims to serve people and build His Kingdom. Prior to that, Christophe spent seven years working for a faith-based private equity firm based in Indiana. Christophe’s previous business experiences spanned several sectors, from technology to media to retail, both in Europe and the US. For each of his previous posts, Christophe was responsible for providing strategic oversight and leadership. Christophe has been married to his wife, Melissa, for 16 years, and together, they have three children—ages fourteen, twelve, and eleven—to keep them busy. In 2022, Christophe and his family relocated to France for a short season but continued to work in the US. Christophe enjoys cooking and hosting family and friends (old and new), traveling, trail running, mountain climbing/hiking, and any outdoor activities. This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship: 0:00:38 - Introducing Christophe Dessaigne 0:01:45 - Speaker's background and early entrepreneurial journey, including a technology company. 0:03:31 - Transition to co-founding Jack B. 0:07:28 - Explanation of Jack B's unique online grocery model, focusing on curbside pickup. 0:09:47 - Comparison of Jack B's model to delivery-focused online grocery services. 0:12:30 - Approach to creating efficiencies in the online grocery industry. 0:15:19 - Top successes and failures with Jack B. 0:19:49 - Pivot towards partnering with big box stores as a solution provider. 0:24:23 - Explanation of Jack B's financial model and potential for market growth. 0:30:16 - Personal journey of addressing childhood wounds and seeking emotional healing. 0:35:59 - Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and high potential leaders. 0:46:02 - Opportunities for consulting, investment, and connecting. Connect with Christophe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophe-dessaigne-01085517/ Email: dessaigne@outlook.com About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business. Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation. Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation. TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Google Podcasts | Amazon Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | Deezer | TuneIn If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on...

Jenna Biancavilla, a multipreneur, joins me in this episode to discuss her journey from pre-med to finance, highlighting her dynamic career shift due to a career assessment. She founded Pearl Capital in 2016, aiming to provide unbiased financial advice. Jenna also launched Savvy, a tech company vetting financial advisors, and an online masterclass, Elevate Your Wealth. She emphasizes the importance of hiring early, delegating tasks, and maintaining a flexible work environment. Jenna advised aspiring entrepreneurs to find their passion, understand their limitations, and have a clear end game. She also stresses the importance of transparency in financial advice and the need for a succession plan. This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship: Jenna Biancavilla's entrepreneurial journey, from pre-med to finance advisor Challenges Jenna faced working in the finance industry at large firms Jenna's decision to start her own firm, Pearl Capital, to better serve clients Additional business ventures, including Savvy and an online course Challenges of managing multiple businesses and the benefits of a holding company Lessons Jenna learned, including mistakes with hiring and firing employees Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, including finding passion and defining an end game Importance of transparency and trust when working with financial clients Jenna's contact information and encouragement for listeners to reach out Connect with Jenna: Website: thepearlcapital.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennabiancavilla/ Email: admin@thepearlcapital.com About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business. Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation. Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation. TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Google Podcasts | Amazon Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | Deezer | TuneIn If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

In this episode, I sit down with Wes Matthews, the CEO and co-founder of Stealth Consulting. Wes shares his journey from the corporate world to the entrepreneurial realm, and how he's now helping other entrepreneurs succeed through his fractional CMO services. Learn about the power of the EOS system, the importance of finding the right team, and Wes' advice for those looking to start or grow their own business. This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship: 0:00:06 meet Wes Mathews 0:01:16 Discussing the start of Wes' entrepreneurial journey. 0:02:45 Transitioning out of the day-to-day operations. 0:05:13 Explaining the trust issues with marketing companies. 0:07:34 Achieving rapid growth with Stealth Consulting. 0:12:52 Comparing entrepreneurship to a boxer's mentality. 0:19:17 Avoiding delusion as a visionary entrepreneur. 0:24:47 Reflecting on the timing of business decisions. 0:33:51 Asking what you really, really want. Connect with Wes: Website: https://stealthconsulting.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleymathews/ Email: Wes@stealthconsulting.com About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business. Derek is the founder of TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients. Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation. TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Google Podcasts | Amazon Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | Deezer | TuneIn If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

Dr. Allen Lomax joins Derek to share his personal journey of overcoming struggles and setbacks through mindfulness, empathy, and personal growth. They discuss their experiences in real estate investing, including strategies for raising capital and sourcing properties, and the importance of relationships and validation. They also explore the challenges of providing affordable housing in rapidly growing cities and the rising costs of rent for college students. Through their stories and insights, they emphasize the power of empathy and mindfulness in achieving success and making impactful investments. This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship: [0:00] Introduction - Derek Dall'Olmo welcomes listeners and introduces Dr. Allen Lomax [5:30] Allen shares his personal story of struggles with identity and depression as a young person [10:20] Allen discusses finding fulfillment later in life through therapy, education, and helping others [15:00] Allen talks about his passion for horses and discovering empathy and mutuality in relationships [20:12] Allen explains his evolution from single-family real estate to commercial properties and capital raising for existing syndicates [25:36] Allen discusses how he builds connections through his podcast and relies on it to find potential partners [31:30] Allen talks about using mastermind groups for support and validation in real estate deals [34:46] Derek and Allen discuss lessons around leverage from Allen's past experiences [43:21] Allen bAllences his academic career with real estate investing by leveraging flexibility as a professor [46:03] Derek and Allen discuss affordable housing challenges for local workers in vacation towns [52:08] Derek expresses concerns about rising costs of college housing and its impact on students [55:00] Allen offers a free strategic consultation and wraps up the discussion Connect with Allen: Website: https://steedtalker.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allenlomax/ Email: steedtalker@gmail.com About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business. Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation. Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation. TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Google Podcasts | Amazon Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | Deezer | TuneIn If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

Derek Dall'Olmo interviews Matt Clark to discuss his experiences in leveraging AI and automation to build successful B2B marketing businesses. They emphasized the importance of finding the right people to hire and train, and highlighted the need for high-quality clients and the challenges faced by car dealerships in the current market. They also discussed their approaches to scaling sales and lead generation on LinkedIn, and prioritizing freedom and lifestyle in their businesses. Additionally, they discussed the importance of accountability in business, particularly in the context of marketing efforts, and emphasized the need for agencies and clients to work together to ensure timely responses, progress tracking, and responsible decision-making. This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship: Matt Clark, CEO of Virtual Edge, shares insights on B2B marketing with AI and automation. Automating sales processes using LinkedIn. Identifying ideal clients for B2B service providers. Using AI to enhance networking and sales on LinkedIn. Building systems for business success, personal freedom, and client success. Taking responsibility in business and creating a successful marketing strategy. Entrepreneurship, business growth, and tax strategy. Connect with Matt: Website: thevirtualedge.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattclarkrainmaker/ Email: matt@thevirtualedge.com About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business. Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation. Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation. TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Google Podcasts | Amazon Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | Deezer | TuneIn If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

This episode highlights the career journey of entrepreneur Gerald Rosengarten, from developing leisure suits to real estate projects, with an empire in solar energy. Gerald discusses his experience with dyslexia and efforts to help others with learning disabilities. The discussion provides advice on entrepreneurship, highlighted bureaucratic challenges, and generated action items around advocacy and new product launches. "I went to a men's manufacturer and I was showing the jacket with a woman named Clara Hancock who was the premier writer for menswear daily, which was the main paper, she looked at the jacket and said let’s call it leisure suit and that's how it was done.” - Gerald Rosengarten This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship: 0:25 - Exploring Entrepreneurship, Addressing Learning Disabilities, and Promoting Environmental Stewardship. 7:34 - Innovative Real Estate Development in New York City: A Focus on Unique Properties and Design. 16:25 - Insights into New York City Real Estate: Challenges and Key Lessons. 23:50 - Authoring a Book Amidst the Pandemic: Conquering Dyslexia and Emphasizing Resilience. 28:32 - Enhancing Accessibility: A Personal Journey Overcoming Dyslexia. 36:01 - Tackling Dyslexia: Utilizing Reading Overlays for Better Comprehension. 42:02 - Navigating Real Estate Development: Exploring Connections with Russia. 48:56 - Driving Success in Entrepreneurship: Book Promotion and Innovative Product Development. 55:42 - Strategies in Entrepreneurship: Tax Planning and Pioneering New Products. Connect with Gerald: Website: https://www.jumponthetrainbook.com/ Get his book: amazon.com/Jump-Train-Dyslexic-Entrepreneurs-50-Year/dp/1637556160/ About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business. Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation. Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation. TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Google Podcasts | Amazon Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | Deezer | TuneIn If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

In this episode Josh Traeger joins Derek Dall'Olmo to discuss his experience starting a law practice in Traverse City, Michigan. They share their perspectives on the challenges and rewards of starting a business in a small town, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and personalized service. They also discuss legal standards and procedures in military courts, and the difficulties and rewards of prosecuting child sexual assault cases. Additionally, they touch on the growing trend of individuals in small towns pursuing entrepreneurial careers, and share their insights on ethical dilemmas in business and the legal profession. “If I'm working with small business, not only do I want to get that small business in the right direction, from an entity formation perspective, from a trademark perspective, from a managerial perspective, but the reason I want to do that, and the conversations I have with that client are around how they can build successfully for the future, so that they can contribute back to the community in which we exist.” - Josh Traeger This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship: 0:00 Military legal career, from prosecutor to founding a law firm. 7:48 Military trials and the challenges of prosecuting child sexual assault cases. 13:57 Military members' criminal behavior and the legal firm representing them. 21:51 Entrepreneurial spirit in Traverse City, Michigan, with a focus on legal services. 25:47 Legal practice vision and values, with a focus on community building and rehabilitation. 31:16 The importance of personal connections and unique value in a business. 35:16 Launching a legal business in Traverse City, Michigan, with challenges related to cost, access to capital, and overestimating experience. 40:55 Lawyer's struggles with branding, marketing, and learning curve in a new practice area. 47:14 Prioritizing values and saying no to opportunities that don't align with them. 53:12 Seeking help and support in entrepreneurship. 58:11 The importance of collaboration and seeking outside validation in entrepreneurship. 1:02:43 Loneliness and community building in northern Michigan. Connect with Josh: Website: www.truenorthlegalgroup.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-traeger-349ab01a5/ Email: josh@truenorthlegalgroup.com About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business. Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation. Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation. TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Google Podcasts | Amazon Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | Deezer | TuneIn If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

Natasha E. Davis, affectionately known as “The Chief Visionary” is the CEO and founder of Impact Branding Consulting, Inc. and the CRM software platform The Profit Enhancer Analysis. Natasha specializes in positioning the daily operations of corporations and government agencies to perform in alignment with the vision of the leader through strategic planning and branding. Her specialty is helping entrepreneurs, companies and government create brands that have a sustainable & profitable impact. She believes that every business owner and leader should Think Big; Build Momentum and Scale Fast. In this episode Derek is joined by Dr. Tonya Robertson, founder of Focus Training Solutions, as she shares her journey from teen mom to entrepreneur and her expertise helping businesses streamline onboarding and training. Tonya discusses overcoming obstacles through perseverance and education. She shares tips for CEOs on letting go of control, auditing company needs, and hiring for culture fit over skills. Tonya also emphasizes the importance of developing employees long-term through clear career paths, continuous learning, and making work enjoyable. “You can't go that extra level, you can't scale without delegating. And let me tell you, people don't realize how hard it is, it's not as easy as we think. You think you're gonna delegate, you're not, it's not that easy." - Natasha E. Davis This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship: Our Favorite Quotes: “My goal within the first 12 months is to create a 10 10 10 experience and as 10% increase in revenue 10% decrease in waste and 10% increase in productivity.” - Natasha E. Davis “It took me about seven or eight years when I realized you need to get it together girlfriend because if this is what you're really doing, once you get a taste of true independence as a business woman and this is what you love, it is very hard to go back to work for people.” - Natasha E. Davis Connect with Natasha: About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business. Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation. Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation. TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Google Podcasts | Amazon Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | Deezer | TuneIn If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

Dr. Tonya Robertson, the learning and strategy specialist is the Founder and CEO of Focused Training Solutions, a company that is committed to curating instructional learning tools designed to optimize performance in the workplace. Dr. Robertson has worked with numerous C-Suite Executives of well-known companies to create training materials that will guide their team to success and establish good retention among their employees. Alongside working tirelessly to help others be productive in the workplace, Tonya also devotes her time to organizations such as the Association of Talent Development and Dell’s Women Entrepreneur Network. She has also received a Doctorate Degree in Education and eLearning. To learn more about Tonya and her work, visit www.focusedtrainingsolutions.com In this episode Derek is joined by Dr. Tonya Robertson, founder of Focus Training Solutions, as she shares her journey from teen mom to entrepreneur and her expertise helping businesses streamline onboarding and training. Tonya discusses overcoming obstacles through perseverance and education. She shares tips for CEOs on letting go of control, auditing company needs, and hiring for culture fit over skills. Tonya also emphasizes the importance of developing employees long-term through clear career paths, continuous learning, and making work enjoyable. "You've got to continue developing your people. You can never stop developing your people." - Dr. Tonya Robertson This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship: Our Favorite Quotes: "This is your baby, you built this thing from the ground up. And you know, it's like hey, how dare you come here and mess up what I built, you're not going to do that." - Dr. Tonya Robertson "I just had to completely fire myself, because I just had to fire myself from the process." - Dr. Tonya Robertson Connect with Dr. Robertson:

Nolan Miracle is the founder and owner of The Property Miracle, LLC, a raw land investment company. Since founding the business in January of 2021, Nolan and his team have acquired nearly 40 properties and have generated hundreds of thousands of dollars in profits. With a national remote business model, they've bought and sold land all over the country from the comforts of their desks. Nolan Miracle joins us to discuss his unconventional path from corporate tech job to founding a successful land investment company, Property Miracle LLC. He details his journey of learning the business through education programs, closing his first deal after six months of hard work, and pivoting his marketing strategy to rapidly scale his pipeline. Nolan also shares tactics for funding deals through private investors, overcoming headaches like unknown property issues, and his vision for incorporating new technologies like blockchain and AI assistants into the future of land investing. “I'm always looking to partner with additional folks, it is very much a relationship based thing, right? You want to do business with people that you like, and that you trust. And that's super important.” - Nolan Miracle This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship: Introducing Nolan Miracle Raw land investment vs traditional real estate. Real estate investing and the first deal. Building a real estate investing business with a team. Funding real estate deals using other people's money. Real estate investing and building relationships. Land real estate investing and its future. Entrepreneurship, finance, and technology. Our Favorite Quotes: “If you've got the entrepreneurial bug, and you're gonna start something, do not treat it like a hobby. Especially if it's going to be your bread and butter, and you want to do this full time. Be persistent, is the point, I don't care if you're sick, I don't care if you have a headache, get to your desk and get some work done, move the needle forward, every single day, especially in the beginning, as a solo entrepreneur” - Nolan Miracle “You do business with people you know, like and trust – that trust portion takes time to build, I don't care what business you're in, it takes time to do what you say you're going to do, by the time you said you're going to do it.” - Derek Dall’Olmo “I think the biggest thing was probably learning how to have the conversation with the seller to actually get it across the finish line” - Nolan Miracle “I feel like I’ve made every mistake possible I can make this year. But the one positive thing that I feel like I've done with starting a team.” - Nolan Miracle Connect with Nolan: Website: www.propertymiracle.com Email: Nolan@propertymiracle.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-miracle-49278351/ About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business. Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax...

Matt Lesser started his career leading his family’s struggling business. It quickly failed, and Matt experienced a suicidal depression. Out of the ashes, a new business emerged and grew from three people to nearly two hundred while experiencing a twenty-fold increase in revenue, before selling to trusted competitors. Matt then served in a C-Suite role in private equity for 12 years, before serving transitional C-Suite roles in banking and commercial uniforms. Matt founded Uniquely Normal, LLC in 2021 to equip leaders to solve their costly people-related challenges by building flourishing organizations on the pillars of Empathy, Empowerment, and Excellence, which is the focus of Matt’s second book, "unEngaged: Building Flourishing Organizations" (released 24 OCT 2023). Matt is the best-selling author of "unSatisfied: When Less is More" and has served as a keynote speaker as well as a facilitator of rooms packed with leaders around the world for more than twenty years now. In addition, Matt is a certified executive coach as well as certified in nearly twenty personality, preference, and leadership assessments. Matt married his elementary school sweetheart in 1996 and lives in northeast Indiana with his family. Derek Dall'Olmo welcomes Matt Lesser back to the podcast to discuss Matt's new book on building flourishing organizations. Matt provides an overview of the three pillars of empathy, empowerment, and excellence that are the focus of his book. He explains each pillar in detail and how they contribute to developing engaged team members. Derek digs into how leaders can implement these concepts within their own organizations. "Organizations do not become flourishing by accident. People do not become flourishing by accident. It requires intentionality." - Matt Lesser This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship: Our Favorite Quotes: "Empathy really boils down to two things, two practices, understanding and listening." - Matt Lesser "Empowerment is all about letting people do the job that you hired them to do." - Matt Lesser "Excellence is having a compelling vision that is aligned, supported, and communicated." - Matt Lesser Connect with Matt: www.uniquelynormal.com About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business. Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation. Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation. TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Google Podcasts | Amazon Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | Deezer | TuneIn If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

For over a decade Martin Salama, The Architect of The Warrior's L.I.F.E. Code has been helping entrepreneurs shift from worry and lack to abundance and being a L.I.F.E. Warrior! Why spend your time worrying when you can be Living Incredibly Full Everyday! In this episode Martin Salama shares his journey of overcoming bankruptcy and divorce to become a successful life coach and author. He discusses tools like stopping reactions and starting responses, focusing on strengths over weaknesses, and leveraging others' expertise. Martin also provides business advice around emotional intelligence, leadership, and finding one's zone of genius rather than trying to do everything oneself. Listen to this episode to understand how facing adversity can cultivate important skills and mindsets for running a resilient company. "Are you truly being a leader in your business? No matter what kind of management position you’re in, you’re a leader.” - Martin Salama This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship: Our Favorite Quotes: Connect with Martin: https://thewarriorslifecode.com About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business. Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation. Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation. TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Google Podcasts | Amazon Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | Deezer | TuneIn If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

Michael Begg is the Co-Founder and CEO of AMZ Advisers, a global digital marketing agency with locations in North America, Asia and Europe that provides Amazon services for brands and manufacturers looking to maximize their growth. Services include Amazon SEO, Advertising, Inventory Management, Marketing Strategy and Performance Reporting. This episode features Michael Begg, an expert in e-commerce and digital marketing. He shares his journey from real estate to building a successful Amazon agency, AMZ Advisors. This episode dives into topics such as understanding business motivations, scaling brands on Amazon, and the challenges and strategies involved in establishing a presence in Latin America. "We have clients that are already doing TikTok shops and they're going from doing $7,000 per day on Amazon to doing like $55,000 a day just from starting to publish content." - Michael Begg This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship: Our Favorite Quotes: Connect with Michael Begg: Connect on LinkedIn About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business. Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation. Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation. TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Google Podcasts | Amazon Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | Deezer | TuneIn If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

Marshall White, is CEO and founder of Unity Performing Arts Foundation and Director/Life Coach for the Voices of Unity Youth Choir. Marshall has three children Markeyta, Kamia, and Evan White and a stepson Chad Blackmon. He is married to Cynthia White. Mr. White has been shaping and molding young lives for more than 30 years. He is an accomplished musician, music and vocal coach, choral director specializing in teaching the soulful choral singing style and inspiring choir members to reach their ultimate potential by striving for excellence. In today’s conversation, Derek sits down with Marshall White to discuss his journey from church pews to classrooms. Marshall shares his unique journey in the music industry, starting at a young age in his father's church. Initially self-taught, he went on to receive formal training but found it lacking in cultural relevance. In response, Marshall took on roles in educational settings like Northrop High School and Purdue University to teach soulful choral music and other styles that resonate with communities of color. This led to the foundation of Unity Performing Arts Foundation, aimed at educating young people in various soulful genres while equipping them with life skills. Marshall shares his insight on the significance of preparation and resilience, citing the likes of Michael Jordan to underline that achieving greatness comes with its own set of challenges and sacrifices. "If you're not conditioned, and I say this skillful, knowledgeable, equipped, conditioned, prepared, if you don't go through that process, before you get in the realm of great things, you will be conquered." - Marshall White This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship: Our Favorite Quotes: Connect with Marshall White: Connect on LinkedIn About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business. Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation. Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation. TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Google Podcasts | Amazon Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | Deezer | TuneIn If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

Mike Zaccardi, CFA, CMT, provides expertise on analyzing investments and writing on personal finance, in addition to occasionally teaching at the University of North Florida. He loves to communicate financial information in a down-to-earth, easy-to-understand way. While he enjoys crunching the numbers and analyzing portfolios, Mike always keeps a focus on what it means for clients. In this episode, Mike Zaccardi shares his unique journey, from breaking into the financial sector to managing power generation during tumultuous times such as the Texas energy snafu. As he dives into his transition from teaching and trading to full-time freelance writing, Mike highlights the importance of balancing work and life. Storytelling emerges as a recurring theme, underpinning his teaching methods and adding depth to financial narratives. Through captivating tales, he underscores the power of narrative in finance and its potential to influence investors. Personal experiences, including a life-changing stroke in 2020, add a layer of introspection, emphasizing the true value of life beyond just money. “My advice would be, do what you can to identify what your passions are. What is it that when you're doing it, you lose all track of time? It doesn't have to be the most fun thing ever. But if it's something that really motivates you, and drives you, that'll be kind of a clue.” - Mike Zaccardi This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship: Managing power generation for a power company. How Mike broke into the financial industry. Behavioral aspects of trading. Transitioning from the working world to the retired world. Using stories to humanize teaching. The power of storytelling and how it helps investors. Advice to someone who wants to start their own business Our Favorite Quotes: “The fact that who we are today is shaped by our experiences. But our future, we own our futures, and those things can certainly be changed.” - Mike Zaccardi “I had a stroke back in 2020. That changed my perspective on life very quickly, I became mortal. I'm not gonna worry about whether I have my full emergency fund, – I'm still going to keep an emergency fund. But I'm not worried if I go 10 grand under my emergency fund, because we wanted to do something that is an experience.” - Derek Dall’Olmo “Storytelling is certainly powerful. Everything that we're wired for is, is geared towards stories.” - Mike Zaccardi “You don't want to be married to a job and you don't want your identity necessarily to be your job. Those are very hard things to negotiate as an individual.” - Derek Dall’Olmo Connect with Mike Zaccardi: Email: Mike@tremontefinancial.com About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business. Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation. Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one...

Matt Hodges is the Managing Broker and Owner of Kultura Real Estate. With over 16 years of experience, he specializes in residential listings and purchases in the greater Grand Traverse region. Matt is an industry leader, currently serving as a Director on the Michigan Association of Realtors Board of Directors. Matt has also served on Aspire North Realtors Board of Directors, the local association for over 4 years and was honored as board president in 2022. In addition to his work at Kultura Real Estate, Matt is a US Navy veteran who is passionate about helping his community. In this podcast transcript, real estate professionals Matt Hodges and Derek Dall'Olmo discuss the current state of the housing market and offer insights into how buyers and sellers can navigate this challenging environment. They touch upon the impact of rising interest rates, the lack of inventory, and the evolution of the housing market over the past few years. Matt discusses the similarity between the national and Michigan real estate markets, emphasizing the impact of rising interest rates and the persistent issue of low inventory. He draws a comparison to the housing market crash of 2008, explaining how the lack of construction during that time has led to a significant gap in new construction units today. "If you're going to buy your largest investment of your life, your first home or your move-up home, you want to be a student of that industry before you buy or before you sell, understand what's going on." - Matt Hodges This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship: Our Favorite Quotes: "We're not even touching the surface on the 1000s of units that we need, almost 10,000 units in this area that we need for housing, whether it's rental or single family." - Matt Hodges“Everything is predicated on supply and demand, right? It seems that there's not an overabundance of supply, at least here in northern Michigan. It's like a house comes on the market and you're gonna have 10 to 15 offers, because there are lots of people willing to buy, but not a lot of supply” - Derek Dall’Olmo"This is the time where you take advantage, find the deals where you can do something in this market because you're gonna make money 5 to 10 years from now." - Matt Hodges“With the younger generation of buyers of let's say the, you know, low to mid 30 Somethings right now, who are looking at maybe it's their first house. But oh, well, I want to wait until interest rates go back down. And to me, that's a mistake.” - Derek Dall’Olmo"If it's a competitive home, make sure you've got some things. And then from a listing agent standpoint, a lot of times from the seller standpoint they're looking at, if it's a Florida buyer using a Florida lender." - Matt Hodges"Just prepare to be disappointed, whether you're going to lose a multiple offer bid, whether your terms from a seller standpoint aren't exactly what you were hoping for." - Matt Hodges Connect with Matt Hodges : Kultura GroupKultura Group on InstagramKultura Group on FacebookKultura Group on TwitterKultura Group on YouTubeMatt Hodges on LinkedIn About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business. Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors...

In this episode we welcome Alex Repo, the newest member of the TreMonte team! Hear Alex’s story about how he went from working in a factory, to eventually serving as Derek’s caddy and ultimately joining the TreMonte family. We discuss the impact of NIL deals in college, highlighting the newfound opportunities for athletes to monetize their personal brand. We keep the conversation fun and lighthearted while we discuss the varying implications for athletes at different stages of their careers, from highly touted prospects to lesser-known talents. "A lot of athletic departments have boosters, very wealthy people who donate money to an athletic department. Now they're forming these collectives." - Derek Dall'Olmo This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship: Our Favorite Quotes: About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast: Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business. Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation. Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation. TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Google Podcasts | Amazon Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | Deezer | TuneIn If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

Kellie Sergent is a realtor based in Northern Michigan. Before becoming a realtor, Kellie worked in parks and recreation where she found the opportunity to combine three of her passions: people, community, and making an impact. Today, as a realtor for CENTURY 21, Kellie remains passionate about creating community by helping people find their perfect home, dream vacation retreat, or business venture. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation from Michigan State University and a Master’s degree from Central Michigan University. Kellie joins us today to share her passion for the real estate industry. She describes her professional background and how she pivoted from parks and recreation to real estate. She explains how she built her career in real estate after the 2008 financial crisis and highlights how being in a community of realty professionals helped her grow her business. Kellie also underscores why being humble and a good listener is essential to being a great realtor and offers advice to people who want to start a career in real estate. “Remain level-headed and professional. Don’t let other people’s emotions influence how you represent them, because they’re counting on you to be the intermediary looking out for their best interest.” - Kellie Sergent This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship: Our Favorite Quotes: “All of us in business struggle with our egos to some degree.” - Derek Dall’Olmo“For the last 12 plus years, my mantra has always been ‘It’s not about me. It’s always about the client.’ If you make it about the client, none of the other stuff matters.” - Derek Dall’Olmo“Our industry is constantly evolving; stay up-to-date, committed, passionate, and show up every day.” - Kellie Sergent Connect with Kellie Sergent: Century 21Kellie Sergent | Century 21Kellie Sergent on LinkedInKellie Sergent on Facebook About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business. Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation. Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation. TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Google Podcasts | Amazon Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | Deezer | TuneIn If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.