Our podcast is engineered by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs helping them to pay the RIGHT amount of taxes using proprietary artificial intelligence technology.
In this episode of Vast Voice, R. Kenner French and Liliana Falconer dive into the essentials of tax planning for entrepreneurs. Lily comes in unaware of the topic, adding spontaneity to the discussion, while Kenner emphasizes that this quick episode is designed to deliver powerful insights in under three minutes. Their goal: help business owners understand why tax planning should never be an afterthought.They begin by highlighting a common truth—most people don't prioritize taxes until the last moment. Lily points out that many individuals scramble to gather receipts, while Kenner explains that this reactive approach almost always leads to higher tax liabilities. Waiting until April 15 leaves taxpayers with little flexibility to make useful changes. Simply put, last-minute filing often results in writing a larger check to the IRS.Kenner stresses that true tax reduction happens throughout the year, not at the deadline. Planning as early as January 1 allows entrepreneurs to structure strategies, adjust cash flow, review employee numbers, and evaluate past liabilities to project forward. Quarterly meetings with a tax professional can significantly reduce tax burdens by catching opportunities proactively rather than retroactively.The conversation also contrasts two types of tax professionals: those who “drive using the rear-view mirror” and those who look ahead. Lily summarizes the lesson perfectly with an analogy, entrepreneurs should “rip off their rear-view mirrors” and focus on the road ahead. Proactive tax planning removes obstacles before they become problems and ensures a smoother, more predictable financial journey.Kenner closes by reinforcing that entrepreneurs need advisors who plan forward. If a tax provider can't help you strategize before tax season, it may be time to find one who can. VastSolutionsGroup.com aims to add value by guiding entrepreneurs toward better decisions year-round. With that, Kenner and Lily wrap up another concise yet impactful episode on financial clarity and smarter tax planning.Takeaways• Most people fail to prioritize taxes until the last minute.• Tax planning works best when started on January 1, not April 15.• Proactive planning can significantly lower tax liability.• Quarterly meetings with a tax professional provide major advantages.• Tax professionals who only “look backward” limit your savings potential.• VastSolutionsGroup.com focuses on projecting forward, not reviewing the past.• Early planning allows adjustments in cash flow and employee numbers.• Entrepreneurs should remove obstacles early through strategic planning.• A good tax advisor should guide you all year—not just during filing season.• Forward-focused tax strategy leads to smoother finances and less stress.Sound Bites• Rip off your rear-view mirrors and look ahead.• We don't look backward; we project forward.• If your tax pro can't save you early, you've got issues.Listen & Subscribe for More:
Many people do not realize that defined benefit plans can really truly help entrepreneur to save a bunch of money for retirement, while also mitigating or lowering tax liability. These differ from 401(k) plans in that you get to put away huge amounts of money, and in many cases, that is a very very good thing.
R. Kenner French sits down with “coach of coaches” and real estate leader Eric Brewer to break down how entrepreneurs and investors can elevate their businesses, assets, and mindset. Kenner opens by asking Eric for one major piece of advice, and Eric reveals a shift that every entrepreneur must make: stop doing the work yourself and start developing the people who do the work. Scaling isn't about grinding harder—it's about building teams, processes, and leaders.Eric shares his personal journey, which didn't begin with big credentials. He was nearly a high school dropout, uninterested in college, and unsure of his direction. Joining the U.S. Army gave him structure, but when he returned home, he lacked civilian skills. He took a basic job parking cars at a dealership and worked his way into sales through discipline and consistency. He eventually became the #1 salesperson for 30 straight months before transitioning into mortgages, and later real estate, after a former boss invited him to partner in 2006. From there, they scaled quickly—flipping 70 houses their first year, then hundreds annually—eventually building one of the most active operations in their region.Eric describes how the 2008 crash shaped him. Real estate had felt easy in 2006, but when the market collapsed, many investors disappeared. Eric's team pushed forward, thanks to a liquid and fearless mentor. Buying during the downturn taught them lessons that would guide every future year. Eric emphasizes that the best real estate deals begin long before the purchase—they begin with strong systems.The conversation shifts to coaching. Eric and his partners are known as the “funnel fixers”, helping business owners repair broken sales pipelines. He shares a story of a company overwhelmed with low-quality leads, burned-out staff, and poor conversion. By eliminating bad leads and training the team properly, they cut their leads in half but doubled their income in 90 days. Eric's long-term mission is to teach entrepreneurs how to prevent funnel failures instead of reacting once revenue declines.Looking ahead, Eric shares the future for both sides of his business. Through RampREI, they provide sales training, leadership development, and “growth partner” arrangements where they operate key parts of a business—marketing, leadership, sales management—so entrepreneurs can focus on what they do best. On the real estate side, his company Integrity First Homebuyers plans to expand into 10 markets by 2027, targeting 1,000 annual deals and approximately $20 million in net profit. His message stays consistent: when you build people and systems, you build wealth, opportunity, and a meaningful life.Takeaways• In 2006, early challenges in real estate felt like a curse.• Overcoming challenges has made subsequent years easier.• The speaker has completed over 5,000 real estate deals.• The focus is on central PA, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia markets.• Expansion into Baltimore has broadened market reach.• Each market has its unique characteristics and opportunities.• Learning from setbacks is crucial for growth.• Building a diverse portfolio is essential in real estate.• Networking and local knowledge are key to success.• Resilience in the face of adversity leads to long-term success.Sound BitesHome of the SteelersHome of the EaglesWe have a pretty broad reachListen & Subscribe for More:
In this session, R. Kenner French interviews Bob Bluhm—one of America's top asset protection attorneys—about how entrepreneurs can safeguard their wealth. Bob explains that business success requires both offense (making money) and defense (protecting money). Most entrepreneurs focus only on offense and end up vulnerable to lawsuits, taxes, and poor structuring—risks that can wipe out decades of hard work in a single legal battle.Bob begins by outlining the three pillars of asset protection: tax reduction, estate planning, and lawsuit protection. While tax and estate planning are crucial, the talk focuses on lawsuits—specifically how entities like LLCs, corporations, and partnerships can either protect you or fail you entirely. He highlights that LLCs are not created equal, and the state, structure, members, and documentation determine whether an LLC truly protects assets or collapses under legal scrutiny.He emphasizes privacy as the first line of defense, showing how privacy trusts, privacy LLCs, and land trusts make your wealth invisible to predators. Since plaintiff attorneys run asset searches to determine if suing you is worth it, appearing “broke on paper” dramatically reduces the chances of opportunistic or frivolous lawsuits. Privacy, in short, prevents you from becoming a target.The second line of defense is building a strong asset protection structure—using properly designed LLCs, holding companies, family limited partnerships, and sometimes land trusts. Bob stresses that real protection requires separating business and personal assets, avoiding single-member LLC weaknesses, never putting all properties in one LLC, and maintaining layered entities that frustrate plaintiff attorneys. A properly built structure often causes lawyers to drop the case entirely.Finally, the third line of defense is the corporate veil. Bob warns that in more than 50% of lawsuits, courts pierce the veil of weak LLCs—usually because of commingling funds, missing records, lack of minutes, missing agreements, or using cheap DIY templates. He explains that only well-documented, well-maintained, professionally structured entities hold up in court. Bob concludes by reminding entrepreneurs that true asset protection brings peace of mind, financial security, and freedom from fear—and he offers his team's help for anyone serious about safeguarding their wealth.Takeaways• Asset protection is crucial for safeguarding hard-earned wealth.• Lawsuit protection is a key component of asset protection.• Privacy is the first line of defense against frivolous lawsuits.• Not all LLCs provide the same level of protection.• Properly structured LLCs can lower taxes and protect assets.• The corporate veil is essential for shielding personal assets.• Maintaining separate records and accounts is vital to protect the corporate veil.• Frivolous lawsuits can happen to anyone, regardless of wrongdoing.• A strong defensive structure can deter potential lawsuits.• Consulting with a professional is essential for effective asset protection.Sound Bites• The first line of defense is privacy• You want to have enough privacy• All LLCs are not the sameListen & Subscribe for More:
The conversation centers on how niching down transformed both a law firm and a marketing agency into a highly scalable, efficient business. Anthony Karls, president of Rocket Clicks, explains that instead of serving “everyone,” they chose a very specific market: family law firms. That extreme focus gave them major advantages—clearer messaging, streamlined operations, easier hiring, and stronger culture. Rather than being a generalist agency working with all kinds of businesses, Rocket Clicks focuses almost entirely on helping family law practices grow.Anthony shares the origin story: their law firm originally launched as a general practice and grew quickly, but the results were mediocre. Customer service scores were average, the team didn't feel proud of the impact they were making, and the business felt scattered. Surprisingly, even in that transition year, revenue stayed at around $1.3M. After that, the power of the niche kicked in: the firm grew to roughly $3M, then $6M, then $9M in subsequent years, simply by getting very good at one thing and repeating the same playbook in more territories.From a marketing standpoint, Anthony emphasizes starting with organic traffic rather than jumping straight into paid ads. For a typical $2M family law firm living off referrals, he would first focus on local search: making sure the firm shows up in Google Maps and top organic listings. That starts with getting listed correctly in key data aggregators and building consistent NAP citations across the web.Once the organic foundation is solid and the intake team knows how to handle non-referral leads, then it makes sense to layer on paid ads.When it comes to paid advertising, Anthony says the real power comes from data feedback. Most firms only track phone calls and web form submissions, which produces a lot of junk leads and wasted spend. Rocket Clicks instead tracks leads all the way through the funnel to the “quote” or similar high-value stage, then sends that conversion data back to Google and Meta. That allows the ad platforms' AI to optimize toward the right kind of client, not just anyone who fills out a form. Finally, Anthony highlights two big underused levers: artificial intelligence and website performance. On the law firm side, they use AI agents to handle unanswered calls, collect intake details, and assist attorneys with inbox management. Fixing speed and mobile usability alone can significantly boost leads. Overall, the message is clear: niche down, build systems, respect your data, and treat your website and marketing as strategic assets if you want to grow from “just a job” into a scalable, valuable business.Takeaways• Niching down allows for more efficient messaging and operations.• Specialization can lead to significant business growth.• Investing in marketing is crucial for scaling a business.• Organic traffic should be prioritized before paid advertising.• Data infrastructure is essential for effective ad campaigns.• Social media content should be part of a comprehensive marketing strategy.• Website speed is a critical factor in lead generation.• Systems and processes create passive revenue opportunities.• Continuous learning and adaptation are key to business success.Sound Bites• Niching down gives you a bunch of advantages.• Systems equal passive revenue.• AI has changed the way we think about SEO.Listen & Subscribe for More:
R. Kenner French opens by talking about his book ModernMillions.ai, which is currently ranked #4 in Amazon's retirement planning category on Kindle. He shares how the book actually came from a 2015 AI presentation he did in Vegas, which he later cleaned up with the help of his team and AI tools. The surprising part: the ranking has been almost entirely organic—no big ad spend, no mass self-purchasing, just a small launch team, a press release that got picked up by AP, and word of mouth.Dhaval, a marketer with nearly 20 years of experience, explains that old tricks like buying $100,000 of your own book don't really work anymore because algorithms now favor authenticity. He highlights that AI is having its “dot-com boom” moment and that a serious, robust AI + finance/tax book is well-positioned to rank. He validates Kenner's approach of educating instead of gatekeeping, pointing out that most business owners want to understand the process—even if they'll still hire someone else to do the heavy lifting.The discussion then shifts to AI-powered bookkeeping and automation. Kenner shares that VastSolutionsGroup.com has built an AI model called Einstein and a platform called Vastbookke / Vast Bookie, offering free AI bookkeeping so business owners don't have to rely on QuickBooks or expensive bookkeepers. A lot of what's in the book centers on exactly these kinds of tools—how AI can lower tax, streamline finances, and make real-world business operations more efficient.From there, they dive into marketing strategy for the book. Deval suggests a mix of Amazon ads + Google/YouTube ads + social, with YouTube being especially powerful because people can see Kenner and the book together. He emphasizes the need for a strong landing page and simple but clear ad copy. Later in the conversation, they zoom out into AEO vs traditional SEO. Deval talks about AI models scraping the web, the rise of LLM tags so sites can be better read by ChatGPT/Gemini, and the importance of FAQ sections and question-based content to rank in AI answers. They also touch on Reddit and Wikipedia as authority sources, and the growing value of data-driven surveys + press releases to build credibility and get media exposure. Kenner mentions plans to run surveys related to the book and publish the results on ModernMillions.ai as a continually updated companion hub—turning the book into a living, evolving AI + finance resource instead of a static, one-and-done manual.Takeaways• AI-focused books and content now dominate shelves and search results, and titles with real substance rise especially fast.• By not bulk-buying his own book to game rankings, Kenner builds deeper trust and long-term credibility with readers.• A dedicated 48-person launch team amplified awareness, demonstrating how collaboration and community dramatically boost organic book momentum.• Running Amazon, Google, YouTube, and Instagram ads together creates strong, multi-channel reinforcement that can push rankings even higher.• Freely sharing knowledge, offering signed copies, and showing up generously for others builds powerful long-term brand equity.• Combining real survey data with strategic press releases strengthens perceived authority and increases the odds of viral coverage.Soundbites• Authenticity always wins now.• AI evolves every day.• Knowledge must stay updated.• Transparency builds real credibility.Listen & Subscribe for More:
R. Kenner French of VastSolutionsGroup.com begins by addressing brand-new real estate investors—especially W-2 employees—who are looking to break out of the corporate rat race. During a recent conversation with a couple in this exact situation, he explains why real estate is a powerful vehicle for increasing net worth and reducing tax liability. While traditional employees have limited tax-saving tools, such as contributing to a 401(k), owning a business entity that holds real estate opens the door to significantly more deductions and strategic opportunities.Kenner emphasizes that U.S. tax law is generally friendly toward business owners and real estate investors. By forming an LLC or similar entity, new investors gain access to deductions for expenses like board meetings, computers, and operating costs—all of which support the business operations of a real estate entity. More importantly, real estate ownership unlocks major tax advantages, particularly through depreciation and bonus depreciation, which allow investors to accelerate deductions and reduce taxable income in the early years of ownership.The couple Kenner spoke with was particularly interested in bonus depreciation, especially for commercial property. Kenner explains that through cost segregation and asset analysis, portions of a building can be depreciated much faster, creating substantial tax savings now rather than waiting decades. These accelerated deductions help offset income and significantly reduce personal tax burdens—something extremely appealing to W-2 earners trying to transition into real estate full-time.Beyond real estate, Kenner highlights that the couple's interest in artificial intelligence and workflow automation may qualify them for government-funded research and development (R&D) tax credits. These credits reward innovation and can dramatically lower tax liability. He also notes the couple's potential path to achieving real estate professional status—requiring more than 750 qualifying hours—which offers even deeper tax benefits by allowing real estate losses to offset active income.Finally, Kenner mentions that this couple plans to diversify internationally by investing in lower-cost global properties. Because they love to travel, acquiring real estate abroad at much lower prices allows them to build assets quickly and spread their investments across different markets. He closes by encouraging other W-2 employees considering real estate to explore similar strategies—diversification, entity structuring, tax planning, and innovation—so they can gradually shift away from traditional employment and build long-term wealth.Takeaways• Real estate can help increase net worth and lower taxes.• W-2 employees have limited options for tax deductions.• Setting up an entity for real estate can provide more deductions.• Bonus depreciation allows for accelerated tax deductions.• Investing in AI can enhance business efficiency.• Research and development tax credits can lower tax liabilities.• Global investing can provide opportunities for cheaper properties.• Diversification in real estate can mitigate risks.• Understanding tax strategies is crucial for new investors.• Real estate investing can lead to financial freedom.Sound Bites• It's a big component of their strategy.Listen & Subscribe for More:
Megan Huber joins R. Kenner french to share a major shift she's making in her business: a bold 10-posts-per-day for 30 days visibility challenge on her personal Facebook profile. With 14 years in the coaching and consulting industry, Megan specializes in helping online educators and coaches turn followers into community members, buyers, and long-term clients. Her work focuses on community, client success, and retention—key elements that keep people invested after the initial sale.The idea for the challenge came after Megan saw a friend dramatically increase her monthly Facebook views by posting ten times a day. Intrigued by the simplicity and potential impact, Megan decided to test it herself. However, she emphasizes that the challenge isn't just about numbers—it's about discipline, consistency, creativity, and visibility, traits she believes every entrepreneur must develop to succeed.Megan explains that her strategy is not random posting. She rotates only a few types of posts so she can clearly see what works and what doesn't. She's tracking everything inside an extensive spreadsheet: post type, timing, content category, performance, and engagement. This level of tracking allows her to understand exactly what actions produce results—something many entrepreneurs overlook. She views these 30 days as Phase 1: “visibility.” Phase 2 will focus on “connection,” and Phase 3 on “conversion,” making the challenge a full 90-day growth experiment.The challenge has stirred some controversy, with people questioning quantity vs. quality, motivations, and whether this approach is “vanity metrics.” Megan disagrees. She sees it as a commitment to mastering the skills needed for long-term success—showing up boldly, being seen, creating conversations, and translating attention into meaningful business outcomes. She also plans to evaluate whether adding stories and reels will amplify results, though for now she is focusing solely on posts.Kenner and Megan agree to reconnect in 30 and 60 days to track her progress. Megan believes she can double or triple her reach—from an average of ~50,000 monthly views to 150,000–200,000 or more. She invites people to connect with her on Facebook at Megan J. Huber, where she personally responds to all DMs. Kenner highlights that intentional visibility leads to opportunity—and both believe this challenge may become a powerful case study in audience growth, community building, and business expansion.Takeaways• The 10-Posts-a-Day Challenge is Megan's intentional push to increase visibility through high-volume content.• Not About Trends — It's Strategy highlights that her approach is based on discipline and a structured plan, not following hype.• Data-Driven Content Creation means she tracks every post to understand what works and to repeat her successes.• The Three-Month Game Plan outlines her phases of visibility, connection, and conversion for long-term impact.• Early Results show significant increases in views and engagement within just the first 24 hours.• Mindset: Be Seen reflects her belief that entrepreneurs must show up consistently to grow.Soundbites• People buy for results — they stay for community.• Visibility is the first domino. Without it, nothing else moves.• I'm not following a trend. I'm following discipline.• If you don't track it, you can't repeat it.Listen & Subscribe for More:
Nathan Garcia is a serial entrepreneur, certified financial planner, angel investor, and founder of the Pocket Plan app. In his conversation with R. Kenner French, he explains how he bridges “old-school” financial services with modern technology to better serve clients and scale as an entrepreneur. He holds designations like CFP and Series 66, runs a digital marketing agency, manages investments, and has built a vertically integrated business where every piece—advice, marketing, software—works together to grow his brand and client base.Nathan shares how the idea for Pocket Plan came from a real client experience: a business owner who had multiple advisors—CPA, estate planner, financial advisor, insurance agent—each giving different recommendations. Nathan had to build around 300 financial plans to model all the scenarios, and he realized there was no central, collaborative platform for everyone to work from. Pocket Plan was created to solve that: a secure, real-time personal financial model where a client can see net worth, cash flow, investments, and share that same data with multiple advisors so everyone is finally working off the same “recipe” instead of separate spreadsheets.He explains that Pocket Plan is accessible via pocketplan.io (and ranks for “pocket plan”), connects through Plaid to pull in live financial data, and pre-populates standard financial reports. The app has helped grow his business by around 20–25% over the past few years and, more importantly, gives him global scalability—expanding versions for the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and more. It also differentiates him in a crowded advisory space and creates recurring, leverageable value.On the planning and tax side, Nathan focuses heavily on shifting income from earned income to long-term capital gains, using structure, entities, and strategy. He looks at a client's operating agreements, ownership structure, and how multiple LLCs or entities can be used for legal protection, asset protection, and tax efficiency—like owning a building in a separate LLC and renting it back to the operating company. His goal is to make the business a true asset that can function without the owner, so they can work because they want to, not because they have to, while also ensuring proper estate planning so assets smoothly pass to family.Toward the end, Nathan emphasizes the importance of learning from and serving the younger generation, who think differently about business models and are driving new markets—much like how Airbnb disrupted hospitality. He encourages entrepreneurs and advisors to act as bridges between generations: passing down wisdom while staying open to new ideas and tech-driven models.Takeaways• Technology integration is crucial for modern business success.• The financial services industry is evolving with technology.• Creating a personal financial model can simplify decision-making.• Understanding different advisors' incentives is key for entrepreneurs.• The Pocket Plan app helps clients manage financial information effectively.• Business structure impacts income and tax efficiency.• Long-term capital gains are more advantageous than earned income.• Younger generations have different business perspectives worth considering.• Building a global business is possible with the right technology.• Positioning entrepreneurs to work for choice, not necessity, is essential.Listen & Subscribe for More:
Chad Brown, founder of CBB.Services, has spent 23+ years in healthcare and now specializes in helping med spa owners streamline operations and scale. Originally supporting corporate healthcare, his consulting grew organically as friends in the med spa space sought his guidance. With the med spa industry projected to jump from $18.5B to $49B by 2030, Chad decided to niche down—seeing massive growth potential and a rising global focus on health, weight loss, and hormone balance.The conversation highlights the debate between casting a wide net versus niching down. Both Chad and Kenner agree that focusing deeply on a specific audience builds authority faster. Kenner shares how being known as the AI tax expert elevated his brand—just as Chad's med spa focus positions him uniquely in a booming industry. They note that niching creates stronger content, clearer messaging, and deeper client trust.Chad openly shares that one of his biggest struggles early on was trying to do everything alone—something many entrepreneurs experience. Both he and Kenner emphasized the importance of community, mentorship, and collaboration. Kenner mentions their own group, The Vast Vault, and how mentorship from leaders like Sharon Lechter and Ron LeGrand accelerates success by helping entrepreneurs avoid costly mistakes and gain clarity.Looking ahead, Chad's focus is building scalable processes and documenting everything—key steps for long-term growth. Kenner reinforces this with the idea of creating AI-powered knowledge bases, SOP libraries, and workflows that future employees can easily adopt. They discuss how simple recordings of daily tasks can be transformed into written SOPs using AI, saving time and enabling smoother onboarding and operations.Chad is leaning heavily into affiliate partnerships and podcast guesting as his main marketing strategies. Being featured on targeted podcasts extends his reach, creates long-tail content for SEO, and allows audiences to hear his expertise firsthand. They also discuss how podcast appearances generate dozens of social media clips through AI, building authority at scale. Chad's ability to listen deeply to clients, understand their pain points, and build customized blueprints is ultimately what makes him unique in the med spa consulting world.Takeaways• Chad Brown helps med spa owners grow their businesses.• Niche marketing can lead to greater success.• Mentorship is vital for overcoming business challenges.• Documenting processes is essential for scalability.• AI can assist in creating knowledge bases.• Affiliate marketing can expand reach and revenue.• Podcasts are a powerful marketing tool.• Authenticity builds trust with clients.• Understanding pain points is key to consulting.• Community support can alleviate the struggles of entrepreneurship.Sound Bites• Mentorship can help you avoid pain• I'm a big fan of affiliates• Authenticity cannot be fakedListen & Subscribe for More:
R. Kenner French interviews Chance McClain, founder of Heritage Films, a company based in Houston that creates documentary-style films for families and founders. Chance shares how he enters projects with no expectations because people's lives are always far more complex than they appear “on paper.” He illustrates this with a story about a seemingly ordinary grandfather who, in the late 1960s and early 1980s, secretly ran a major drug operation before turning his life around and building a successful structural steel business. That experience taught Chance never to assume anything before hearing someone's full story.Chance explains how Heritage Films has grown over ten years from a passion project into a serious, thriving business. Beginning with a background in radio, sports radio, and creative filmmaking, he slowly discovered the emotional power of capturing real stories for families. What started as a Houston-based operation expanded nationwide and globally as clients hired him to film parents or grandparents living in other states or countries. He and his team have now produced around 800 films, many deeply emotional—filled with humor, hardship, and pride in genuine “rags to riches” journeys.He shares memorable projects, including a large multigenerational film for a retired dentist's family. In another example, he travels to upstate New York expecting a historic, picturesque family bar only to find a rundown building. These experiences reinforce Chance's belief that meaningful storytelling comes from listening, not assumptions.Chance also discusses how he incorporates AI into his filmmaking. During pre-production, families send large volumes of documents and notes, which he processes through tools like Notebook LM or Claude to build a detailed “producer guide.” In post-production, he uses tools such as 11Labs to enhance clarity or provide missing context by recreating a subject's voice. Kenner notes that these innovations may qualify for R&D tax credits—a key theme of VastSolutionsGroup's focus on AI and entrepreneurial tax strategy.Toward the end, Chance reflects on how obsessing over quality transformed his business—both in client experience and the final product. He wants filming day to feel fun, special, and cinematic, and he ensures the finished film is something families value for generations. He ends with a powerful story about an elderly man who confesses on camera to a 25-year affair he had never told his family about. For Chance, moments like this show that his work doesn't just record history—it helps families process truth, healing, legacy, and connection.Takeaways•Investing in real estate is straightforward and effective.• Eight out of ten millionaires made their wealth in real estate.• Filmmaking allows for deep personal connections with subjects.• Every film has intimate moments that may not make the final cut.• The importance of sharing personal stories and legacies.• Clients often seek to honor their loved ones through film.• Forgiveness can be a crucial part of personal stories.• Understanding family dynamics is key in filmmaking.• Real estate offers a common recipe for success.• Entrepreneurship often stems from a desire to create something unique.Sound Bites• Every film has stuff we edit.• I wish he would just tell us.• He needs to be forgiven.Listen & Subscribe for More:
R. Kenner French opens the presentation with a bold promise: real estate entrepreneurs, agents, and business owners can literally get paid for watching because the activities they already perform—using tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, or other AI platforms—may qualify for federal Research & Development (R&D) tax credits. VastSolutionsGroup.com, founded in 1969 and led by Kenner since 2006, specializes in tax reduction, finance, and artificial intelligence to help entrepreneurs lower their tax liabilities legally, ethically, and effectively. The message is simple: if you are applying AI to improve your operations, you may be leaving significant federal dollars on the table.Kenner explains the relationship between AI usage and R&D tax credits by breaking down the pillars the government looks for: creating something new or better, solving technical uncertainty, performing trial-and-error testing, and using science or technology in your process. AI is not just a business tool—it is a potential revenue source through tax incentives.He highlights practical real-world examples from VastSolutionsGroup.com itself. Their internal automations—AI-driven phone systems, AI-powered tax projections, nationwide scaling, property-analysis tools, automated customer service workflows, and even their Vast Vault community—were all developed through R&D and now qualify for substantial tax credits. Kenner stresses that these innovations made it possible for the company to operate nationally, expand faster, cut labor costs, and provide more accurate tax planning tools, reinforcing the direct connection between AI adoption and business growth.Beyond taxes, Kenner outlines the broader benefits of integrating AI: faster decision-making, stronger competitive advantage, scalability, time freedom, professional-level output, and a streamlined customer experience. Business owners can automate repetitive tasks, reduce operational errors, process leads more efficiently, and make more informed decisions thanks to AI's analytical power. All of these improvements contribute to both business expansion and eligibility for R&D credits. Ultimately, AI transforms entrepreneurs into more agile, efficient, and profitable operators.The presentation closes with a clear call to action: consult your tax professional immediately to determine whether your AI usage qualifies for R&D credits. His final message is simple—AI + R&D = profit. Entrepreneurs who adopt AI today not only improve their businesses but may also receive federal dollars for the innovation they're already doing.Takeaways• You're going to get paid for watching this presentation.• If you're doing anything technical to advantage your company, you're going to get paid for this.• You could be getting some federal tax credits.• You're probably leaving money on the table.• It's just smart business to leverage AI.• Your work must involve either science, technology, engineering, or math.• You can make quicker decisions with AI.• You can automate all your stuff, which is huge.• It's free money if you qualify for R&D tax credits.• Consult with a tax professional to maximize your savings.Sound Bites• It's just smart business.• Are you doing the research?• It's free money, right?Listen & Subscribe for More:
The conversation introduces Tino Dietrich, a serial entrepreneur known for his involvement in Ashley Madison and early disruption in the energy drink and online dating industries. He begins by emphasizing that the most valuable asset for any entrepreneur is the quality of their relationships—starting with themselves and extending outward to family and community. His background is rich: raised by entrepreneurial parents, he helped launch an early European energy drink that paralleled Red Bull's rise, later entered global shipping and trading, and eventually became influential in digital ventures, particularly online dating.Tino's journey took a dramatic turn during COVID when he became severely ill and was placed on ECMO, with doctors unsure if he would survive the night. After receiving last rites and confronting the possibility of death, he reflected deeply on what he had accomplished versus what truly mattered. He realized that although he had achieved business success, his relationships and personal legacy were not aligned with the life he had envisioned. That near-death experience pushed him to reevaluate his priorities and commit to rebuilding the relational areas of his life.This transformation led Tino to his current mission: coaching men—especially entrepreneurs—to strengthen their relationships with their spouses, children, and themselves. For him, infidelity is not a cause but a symptom of deeper relational fractures. He argues that men often pour their best energy into business while neglecting their homes, ultimately sabotaging the very life they're trying to build.Tino challenges excuses like “I don't have time,” calling them limiting beliefs or “crappy rules.” He teaches that the solution is to consciously reorder priorities and recognize that business success can only reach its full potential when supported by a healthy home life. He shares a powerful success story of a father who, after completing the program, finally reconnected with his son—transforming a distant relationship into meaningful father-son bonding over a car project and a shared road trip.To guide others, Tino created a data-driven coaching program and authored the upcoming book False Kings. He encourages people to start by reading the book and visiting DietrichInstitute.com to explore whether his philosophy aligns with their needs. The message of the interview is clear: true success is not measured only by money or achievements, but by the strength of one's relationships and the legacy built at home.Takeaways• The ECMO machine is crucial for supporting heart and lung function.• Facing a life-threatening diagnosis can be overwhelming.• Conversations with medical professionals can be life-changing.• Spiritual guidance can provide comfort in times of crisis.• The uncertainty of health can lead to profound reflections on life.• Communication with loved ones is essential during medical emergencies.• Understanding one's condition is vital for emotional processing.• The role of faith can be significant in coping with illness.• Support systems are crucial during health challenges.• Mortality is a topic that often surfaces in medical crises.Sound Bites• We have to put you on an ECMO.• Why is he saying this to me?• Call your wife or your family.Listen & Subscribe for More:
Chris Miles, the “anti–financial advisor,” joins Kenner to celebrate the launch of his new book, The Work-Optional Blueprint, which officially launches today. The core idea of the book is escaping the traditional “slave and save” mindset: endlessly stuffing money into 401(k)s and IRAs, aggressively paying off all debt, and hoping one day there's enough left to retire. Instead, Chris teaches entrepreneurs how to free up cashflow, get liquid, and redirect money into passive income so they can work because they want to, not because they have to.He shares real client stories to show what this looks like in practice. One chiropractor was making good money but constantly felt, “Where is it all going?” By examining his cashflow, restructuring loans, and moving “lazy” stock market money into more productive uses, Chris helped him free up $6,000 per month. The client immediately bought a $6,000 four-wheeler—not just as a toy, but as a symbol of freedom: he began taking weekends off, spending more time with his wife and kids, and avoiding burnout. Another client in California had $800,000 trapped in a low-cashflow rental. By selling that property and redeploying the equity into multiple rentals in better markets, his passive income jumped from $200/month to over $8,000/month using the same money.A big section of the conversation dives into infinite banking and how Chris uses properly structured whole life insurance as a tool—not just for death benefit, but as a tax-advantaged cash reservoir. He explains that when designed with lower costs, these policies can earn around 4–6% tax-free while also serving as collateral. Instead of withdrawing cash and losing growth, clients can borrow against the policy, keep their money compounding, and simultaneously invest in their business or real estate. He cites examples from everyday entrepreneurs to big names like Walt Disney and Jim Harbaugh, showing how this kind of strategy can create a powerful leverage effect.To close, Chris returns to his bigger mission: through his company Money Ripples, he wants to help at least 1,000 families become financially independent by 2030. He emphasizes that for newer entrepreneurs, the best investment is still their own business, not chasing passive income too early. But as profits grow, owners must learn to take money out of the business and build diversified passive income streams so they're not at the mercy of economic shocks like shutdowns. For Chris, financial freedom isn't just about comfort—it's about having the resources and time to bless more lives, serve others, and live on your own terms.Takeaways• The experience of facing mortality can be transformative.• Community support is crucial during health crises.• Books should provide actionable insights, not just theory.• Small business owners often face unique challenges.• Resilience can be cultivated through adversity.• Personal growth often stems from difficult experiences.• Understanding one's health situation is vital.• Communication with loved ones is essential during crises.• The importance of having a plan for unexpected events.• Sharing experiences can help others navigate similar challenges.Sound Bites• What do they get?• I didn't know what to say.• I said, what's happening?Listen & Subscribe for More:
In this episode, R. Kenner French sits down with Brad Englert, author of Spheres of Influence, to talk about the one thing that never goes out of style in business — authentic relationships. Brad shares wisdom from his 22 years at Accenture, where he learned that success isn't just about strategy or systems — it's about people. His simple yet powerful advice? “Get out of your office and tell people you give a damn.”
R. Kenner French dives deep into how artificial intelligence can transform the way entrepreneurs grow and manage their businesses. He explains that AI isn't just a buzzword — it's a financial advantage waiting to be tapped. From improving efficiency to lowering taxes, AI is the modern entrepreneur's secret weapon. Kenner emphasizes that those who ignore it risk being left behind in the next wave of innovation.
In this episode, R. Kenner French of VastSolutionsGroup.com reveals how business owners — especially in the real estate and entrepreneurial space — can literally get paid by the government for using artificial intelligence in their business. He explains how combining AI and Research & Development (R&D) tax credits can turn innovation into real dollars, often money business owners didn't even know they were entitled to.
In this episode, R. Kenner French sits down with Brad Englert, author of Spheres of Influence, to talk about the one thing that never goes out of style in business — authentic relationships. Brad shares wisdom from his 22 years at Accenture, where he learned that success isn't just about strategy or systems — it's about people. His simple yet powerful advice? “Get out of your office and tell people you give a damn.”
R. Kenner French interviews trader/author Chris Vermeulen about a practical approach to making money in both rising and falling markets. Chris's core tip is simple: don't hold assets that are declining, and don't “over-diversify” across similar stock/bond assets that all sink together in bear phases. After trying nearly every trading style since age 16, he now focuses on a clean, rules-based approach using highly liquid ETFs and taking only a few high-probability trades each year.His method blends two pillars: technical analysis and sentiment. Technically, he rides established trends (higher highs/higher lows) and treats markets like ocean sets—catch the strong wave, raise stops as momentum fades, then exit and wait. On sentiment, he tracks flows across ~11 asset classes to see where money is moving (risk-on vs risk-off). When both price and flows align, he enters; when they don't, he steps aside.The audience “avatar” is typically 45+ investors who prioritize capital protection and steady growth over thrill-seeking. Many are entrepreneurs and real-estate owners. Chris doesn't manage client money directly; instead, subscribers can mirror his allocations via alerts. The team is distributed (operations, support, education) with daily videos and mentoring to keep members informed without complexity.Results and resources: since the 2007–08 peak, Chris cites ~14.3% average annual returns with a max drawdown under 6%, compared with far larger declines for buy-and-hold benchmarks during crises. He trades instruments like SPY, QQQ, and TLT, and often sits in interest-bearing cash ~40% of the year when conditions aren't favorable. He's written two books—Technical Trading Mastery and Asset Revesting—the latter outlining the “own what's rising; hold cash when nothing is” approach. Subscriptions run about $2,500/year and include a members area, mobile alerts, daily market videos, and twice-monthly live mentoring.Takeaways• Smart investing isn't just about growing wealth — it's about protecting what you already have, especially in bear markets.• Move away from declining positions instead of hoping they recover — that mistake ruins portfolios.• Spreading money across similar assets like stocks and bonds won't save you if they crash together.• Rather than reacting to news, focus on price trends that show where money is really flowing.• Like surfing — wait for the right wave, ride it strong, then step off when it weakens. • Tracking where money flows between assets helps spot fear or greed before big moves.• Own what's rising, shift to cash when nothing is — earn interest while waiting for better setups.• Level-headed investors know chasing quick gains usually leads to losses.• Steady discipline with low drawdowns outperforms risky, high-chase strategies.• Don't wait for a crash to act — prepare early to protect and grow your wealth.Soundbites• Don't hold assets that are going down. • When the tide rises, all boats go up — but you need to know when it's going out.• Technical analysis isn't about predicting; it's about reacting intelligently.• It's not about making 50% a year — it's about never losing 50% in one.Listen & Subscribe for More:
R. Kenner French opens the discussion by introducing David Flores Wilson, a financial advisor and Wall Street veteran, to share insights on finance, retirement, and exit planning for entrepreneurs. Wilson emphasizes the importance of planning an exit strategy early—even years or decades before selling a business. He explains that thinking ahead allows business owners to align their personal, financial, and business goals, leading to a smoother and more profitable exit process.David shares his personal background, explaining that his passion for financial planning came from witnessing his grandparents lose their business due to poor estate planning and risky real estate decisions. This experience motivated him to help entrepreneurs avoid similar pitfalls by guiding them through key areas such as tax, real estate, and estate planning. He eventually transitioned from investment banking to entrepreneurship, founding his own advisory firm during the pandemic.The conversation dives into exit planning strategies—how entrepreneurs can prepare their businesses to be more valuable and attractive to potential buyers. David highlights that a crucial step in maximizing value is making the business less dependent on the owner. This involves developing management systems, defining roles, and establishing efficient processes for sales, marketing, and operations. Doing so increases the company's valuation, whether it's sold to private equity, a strategic buyer, or through family succession.Both experts discuss the significance of financial literacy and tax strategy in wealth growth. Wilson outlines five key levers of financial literacy: saving, investing, protecting assets, managing debt, and minimizing taxes. He explains four major areas of tax efficiency—entity structure, tax deferral plans (like 401(k)s or cash balance plans), credits and deductions, and tax optimization across income types. These strategies, he says, can significantly reduce liabilities and boost long-term financial health.David concludes by stressing the value of building a strong advisory team. As entrepreneurs grow, their financial needs evolve, and sometimes their current advisors may not grow with them. He encourages business owners to continually evaluate and “level up” their professional team—tax experts, financial planners, and legal advisors—to match their increasing sophistication. The discussion ends with French reminding viewers about resources like taxcreditintel.com for R&D tax credits, reinforcing their shared mission of helping entrepreneurs protect and grow wealth through smart planning and proactive strategy.Takeaways• Investing in crypto is a popular alternative to real estate.• Real estate investments can be understood through simple math.• Many millionaires have built their wealth through real estate.• Tax strategies are crucial when considering investments.• Working with CPAs can help maximize tax benefits.• Timing your investment sales can impact tax liabilities.• Real estate offers a common recipe for success.• Understanding leverage is key in real estate investing.• Cash balances can influence investment decisions.• The entrepreneurial journey often begins with a desire for independence.Sound Bites• Work with your CPAs for tax credits.• It's really seventh grade math.• There is a common recipe for success.Listen & Subscribe for More:
R. Kenner French in partnership with Xcel University and Jeff Lenning, explains that U.S. federal and many state governments offer Research & Development (R&D) tax credits—even for work involving artificial intelligence (AI) like ChatGPT, Claude, or custom models. Vast Solutions Group has worked with AI since 2010/2018 and routinely helps small business owners reduce tax liabilities through these credits, noting that his own AI and quantum-computing research time has been effectively “paid for” via credits.He defines R&D simply: research is investigating how to create something new; development is actually building it. To qualify, activities generally must meet four criteria: aim to make something new or substantially improved; be grounded in science/technology/engineering/math; involve a process of experimentation or trial-and-error; and address technical uncertainty or risk. These rules can apply to many Excel University–style projects and AI initiatives, and some states offer refundable benefits even without state income tax.Kenner gives practical examples: building a new marketing or analysis system, creating a property/project management tool, and automating workflows. He shares Vast's own use cases—AI-driven “causations” (workflows), an AI-enabled phone system, a Tax Projection Plus system that forecasts liabilities and suggests legal mitigations, new mobile apps, a client community, and AI-powered customer service/content—much of which earned R&D credits. Claims can often reach back up to three years.The benefits extend beyond refunds: AI plus R&D credits can confer faster decision-making, competitiveness, time savings, professionalism, and better finances. In a simple illustration, qualifying R&D spending can produce larger savings than a standard deduction and may generate carryforwards. The practical process is: document R&D activities, identify eligible expenses, optimize going forward, and repeat annually. He expects R&D incentives to remain, with bipartisan support and periodic updates.Kenner closes with a call to action: ask a tax professional whether you've been missing out on credits and consider Vast's resources. He offers a free book to Xcel University participants via email, reiterates that the filing is paperwork-heavy but typically worth it, and emphasizes a broader mission—supporting U.S. competitiveness and human progress by rewarding innovation that many attendees are already doing.Takeaways• The government provides funding for innovative projects through R&D tax credits.• Many businesses are unaware of the potential benefits of R&D tax credits.• Qualifying for R&D tax credits requires demonstrating innovation and improvement.• Trial and error in development can still qualify for R&D tax credits.• Investing in R&D can lead to significant financial savings for businesses.• Artificial intelligence plays a crucial role in modern business innovation.• R&D tax credits can be claimed retroactively for up to three years.• The financial benefits of R&D tax credits often outweigh standard deductions.• The R&D tax credit is a permanent fixture in the tax code, encouraging ongoing innovation.• Utilizing R&D tax credits can enhance a business's competitive edge in the market.Sound Bites• You could be getting paid by the government.• Are you doing something new or better?• The federal government has no cap on it.Listen & Subscribe for More:
R. Kenner French delivers an insightful presentation on how entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and business owners can profit by combining Artificial Intelligence (AI) with Research and Development (R&D) tax credits. He emphasizes that many professionals are unknowingly leaving money on the table because they are not leveraging these government incentives. French explains that the U.S. government provides tax credits to businesses that innovate, experiment, and develop new technologies—including those using AI systems like ChatGPT and Claude.He outlines the basic criteria for qualifying for R&D tax credits: creating something new or improved, taking measurable risks in development, and engaging in trial and error. These criteria apply broadly—from designing new marketing systems to building innovative property management tools or data analysis platforms. Essentially, any business improving its processes through AI could be eligible for these credits, allowing them to reduce taxable income and receive direct financial benefits for their innovation efforts.Kenner also highlights how practices what it preaches. His company has developed its own AI systems, such as “Einstein,” which automates workflows, customer service, phone systems, and content creation. These innovations not only make operations more efficient but also qualify for significant R&D tax credits. He further shares that their AI tools—like Vast Vault and Vast Voice—are built to enhance both tax management and client engagement through automation and predictive analysis.Beyond the tax savings, Kenner underscores the strategic advantages of AI for real estate investors and business owners. AI enables faster decision-making, scalability, and automation, creating competitive advantages over those not yet using the technology. He explains that adopting AI reduces costs, frees up time, and allows entrepreneurs to focus on growth and innovation. Businesses that integrate AI into their systems, he suggests, will be the ones leading their industries in efficiency and profitability.In conclusion, Kenner reiterates that “AI + R&D = Profit.” By adopting artificial intelligence and documenting innovation efforts properly, businesses can claim tax credits for up to three years retroactively. He encourages entrepreneurs to consult with tax professionals—or VastSolutionsGroup.com directly—to explore their eligibility. Ultimately, this approach not only strengthens a business's technological edge but also rewards innovation through tangible financial returns.Takeaways• AI and R&D can significantly increase profitability.• Many entrepreneurs are unaware of available tax credits.• The government incentivizes R&D in AI.• Testing and innovation are key to qualifying for tax credits.• AI tools can streamline business operations and decision-making.• Real estate professionals can benefit greatly from AI.• Automation can free up time for entrepreneurs.• Consulting with tax professionals is crucial for maximizing benefits.• R&D tax credits can lead to substantial tax savings.• Continuous engagement with tech professionals is essential.Sound Bites• We're here to help you make money.• AI plus R&D equals profit.• R&D tax credits save more money.Listen & Subscribe for More:
R. Kenner French sits down with Jim Sheils, a seasoned real estate investor and author of The Passive Income Playbook and The Family Board Meeting. Sheils shares his core philosophy on real estate success—“own less of better quality.” Over his 26 years in the industry, he's learned that investing in fewer, higher-quality properties yields better cash flow, equity, and freedom than managing numerous low-end assets. His approach prioritizes time and lifestyle balance over quantity, emphasizing that true wealth comes from smarter—not harder—investing.Jim explains how he transitioned from rehabbing foreclosures to new construction projects, which allowed him to scale efficiently and achieve more consistent returns. This partnership enables them to pre-buy mortgage rates and build thousands of homes in Florida without relying on bank financing—a major advantage in today's uncertain lending environment. Their focus remains on affordable workforce housing, a sector still seeing strong demand due to Florida's population and job growth.For aspiring investors, Jim's advice is clear: resist the temptation to chase cheap properties that look good on paper but come with high maintenance and turnover costs. Instead, he encourages beginners to save and invest in stable, mid-range markets with solid fundamentals and favorable landlord laws. Jim's strategy aims to help investors avoid burnout and create lasting wealth through smarter property choices.Beyond real estate, Sheils' second book, The Family Board Meeting, highlights the importance of work-life balance for entrepreneurs. Drawing from his experience as a father of five, he promotes simple family-focused habits that prevent professionals from losing connection at home while building their businesses. The book's success—even hitting #1 on the Wall Street Journal business list—proves that his message resonates with driven people seeking harmony between professional and personal success.Throughout the conversation, Kenner and Jim align on the idea that real estate should serve as the foundation of a diversified wealth strategy. They discuss how its tangible nature, tax advantages, and leverage potential make it one of the most reliable paths to financial freedom. Jim concludes by encouraging investors to develop proficiency in whatever investment they choose—but reminds them that “eight out of ten millionaires made their wealth in real estate.” His story and philosophy together reveal a roadmap to wealth that balances profit, freedom, and family—an ethos both he and Kenner champion through their respective ventures.Takeaways• Investing in real estate is straightforward and accessible.• Real estate has a proven track record of wealth creation.• Eight out of ten millionaires in the US made their money in real estate.• Understanding the basics of real estate can lead to success.• Crypto investments come with higher volatility and risk.• Real estate offers stability compared to other investment options.• Entrepreneurship often begins with a desire to create something new.• Financial literacy is crucial for successful investing.• The market can be unpredictable, unlike real estate.• A common recipe for success exists in real estate investing.Sound Bites• It's really seventh grade math• The levers are very straightforward• Crypto is a volatile investmentListen & Subscribe for More:
Artificial intelligence (AI) has undoubtedly revolutionized the way we live, work, and interact with technology. However, November 30, 2022, marked a significant milestone in the history of AI, reshaping not only the field of computer science but also the entire human race. This article will explore the world of AI before and after this momentous date, highlighting the transformative impact it has had on our lives.AI Before November 30, 2022: Building the FoundationBefore November 30, 2022, AI had already made significant strides in various fields, including machine learning, neural networks, and natural language processing. Some notable achievements and developments from this period include: Machine Learning: Machine learning is a subset of AI that focuses on teaching computers to learn from data rather than being explicitly programmed. Key advancements in this field, such as the invention of Support Vector Machines and deep learning, laid the groundwork for modern AI systems. Neural Networks: Inspired by the human brain's structure, neural networks consist of interconnected nodes or “neurons” that can process complex data and recognize patterns. These networks enabled AI systems to perform tasks like image recognition and natural language processing. Virtual Assistants: AI-powered virtual assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant had become increasingly popular, helping users with tasks such as answering questions, setting reminders, and playing music. Self-driving Cars: AI had made significant progress in the development of self-driving cars, which use sensors, cameras, and AI algorithms to navigate roads, avoid obstacles, and make driving decisions.AI After November 30, 2022: A New EraThe turning point on November 30, 2022, marked the beginning of a new era for AI, leading to unprecedented advancements in technology and its integration into our daily lives. Key developments and achievements since this pivotal date include: Human-level AI: The development of AI systems capable of matching or surpassing human intelligence in various tasks revolutionized industries and the way we interact with technology. These AI systems could understand context, emotions, and nuances, enabling seamless communication between humans and machines. General AI: Prior to November 30, 2022, AI systems were mostly specialized, focusing on specific tasks or domains. The advent of general AI allowed for the creation of versatile AI systems that could learn and adapt to various tasks and environments, making them more efficient and effective. AI in Healthcare: The post-November 30th era saw AI playing a crucial role in healthcare, from early diagnosis and personalized treatment plans to drug discovery and robotic surgery. These advancements dramatically improved patient outcomes and revolutionized medical research. AI and the Environment: AI began to play a significant role in addressing environmental challenges, such as climate change and pollution, by optimizing energy consumption, monitoring ecosystems, and even discovering new sustainable materials and practices. AI Ethics and Regulation: With the rapid advancements in AI came a renewed focus on ethics and regulation, ensuring that AI systems were developed and used responsibly, fairly, and transparently.Conclusion: The Future of AIThe world of AI before and after November 30, 2022, is markedly different, with the turning point ushering in a new era of unprecedented technological advancements and human progress. As we continue to explore the vast potential of AI, we must remain mindful of the ethical and societal implications of these powerful technologies. The future of AI holds both incredible opportunities and challenges, and it is up to us to ensure that we harness its potential responsibly and for the benefit of all.
What is the “Blockchain?” Blockchain is a relatively new technology that has the potential to change the way we do business. It's taking over in some areas, like finance and government services, but what is it? Blockchain can be defined as an online ledger of transactions that are secured by cryptography. It's essentially a decentralized database with records organized into “blocks” which cannot be altered without changing all subsequent blocks. If you do a transaction, it is recorded forever and can not be redone. Is blockchain technology growing? Blockchain technology is growing at an exponential rate. It's projected that blockchain will be worth $60 billion by 2024. That's a huge jump from about $1 billion in 2017! If you're not familiar with blockchain, it can be daunting to try and wrap your head around what blockchain is — let alone why it matters for the future of our society. Don't worry, in the not too distant future, your everyday life will be somewhat based upon the blockchain. You will see. Are blockchain and cryptocurrency the same thing? Blockchain is a type of database that can store digital data in a way that makes it difficult for people to tamper with it. Cryptocurrency is money created by encryption techniques as opposed to being printed or minted like regular currency. For example, Bitcoin was the first blockchain-based cryptocurrency ever made. Crypto uses the blockchain as a foundation. Without the blockchain, there is no cryptocurrency, generally speaking. Can I get rich by investing in blockchain domains? Just like getting into real estate can get you rich, buying blockchain domains are a great way to get rich. Blockchain domains are the newest form of asset available on the blockchain. Not only do blockchain domains potentially provide high financial returns, but they also provide high utility returns for blockchain application developers, blockchain service providers and blockchain project owners. The number of blockchain projects is expected to grow dramatically in 2022 with an expected increase of more than $9 trillion market capitalization in 2022. Blockchain domain investors will benefit from this massive growth in blockchain services because it creates demand for blockchain domain names much the same way that internet domains were all the rage in the 1990s. The result was that some investors made tremendous amounts of money. It is not too late to be before the crowd. Do I have to worry about taxes as it relates to cryptocurrency, blockchain, etc? As an investor, one of the most important things you can do is to plan for your taxes especially when it comes to cryptocurrency, NFTs, etc. It's not something that should be overlooked or ignored. With Tax Day coming up this spring, now is the time to start thinking about how you will approach this year's tax season and what strategies may work best for you as a new blockchain-based company
R. Kenner French begins by challenging a common misconception among financial advisors — that qualified plans like 401(k)s, profit-sharing plans, and defined benefit plans cannot invest in alternative assets such as real estate, private offerings, or crypto. He clarifies that these investments are indeed allowed, provided they follow IRS and plan rules. Vast Solutions Group has been enabling this for decades and was among the first to allow crypto investments in defined benefit plans. The goal, he says, is to empower trustees to diversify their retirement portfolios beyond traditional markets.He explains the process in detail: plan assets can be directed into alternative investments through proper custodianship and documentation. The ownership documents and investment paperwork should always reflect the plan—not the individual personally. This ensures the asset remains sheltered under the qualified plan umbrella and retains its tax advantages.Kenner then outlines the key benefits of this strategy. Investing in alternatives offers diversification, potentially higher returns, inflation protection, and reduced exposure to stock market volatility. Assets like real estate, venture capital, or even gold can serve as inflation hedges while producing attractive, risk-adjusted returns. By broadening their portfolios, business owners can achieve a more balanced financial position, provided they approach these investments strategically and within compliance parameters.However, Kenner cautions that alternative investing inside qualified plans comes with serious responsibilities and risks. Since the trustee is effectively their own financial advisor, they assume all responsibility for due diligence and outcomes. Administrative tasks are more complex and costly, and certain investments can be illiquid or volatile. He recounts examples where clients lost large sums due to poor real estate or crypto investments. Therefore, while VastSolutionsGroup.com can provide logistical and compliance support, it does not assume investment risk — that lies with the trustee.In closing, Kenner emphasizes that alternative investments can be a powerful tool for diversification and tax efficiency, but they must be handled with care. Income or gains generated from these investments flow back into the qualified plan, maintaining their tax-deferred status until withdrawal. Just like an umbrella shields you from rain, the plan shields you from taxes — until you step outside it. Ultimately, he advises business owners to consult their actuaries, plan administrators, and compliance experts before proceeding. With the right structure and discipline, these investments can create significant long-term benefits within qualified retirement plans.Takeaways• You can invest qualified plans in alternative assets.• Financial advisors may not be aware of all options.• Clients have the authority to choose their investments.• Alternative investments can provide diversification.• Higher returns are possible with alternative assets.• Investments must be held in the plan's name.• Administrative responsibilities increase with alternative investments.• There are risks involved in alternative investments.• Compliance is crucial when investing in alternatives.• Alternative investments can hedge against inflation.Sound Bites• You need compliance.• It could totally backfire.• A lot of people don't know.Listen & Subscribe for More:
Tracy Gapin, MD opens with a clear thesis: longevity and high performance come from prioritizing foundational habits — especially sleep — and pairing those habits with precise diagnostics and a strong team. Early in the conversation he stresses that poor sleep is a major health disruptor, and that simple, intentional routines can make a huge difference to energy, recovery, hormones, and long-term health.He gives practical, concrete sleep advice: plan your schedule backward from wake time to guarantee 7–8 hours; eliminate blue light and heavy meals before bed; and focus the last couple hours on five calming routines — reading a physical book, journaling/gratitude, mindfulness or breathing exercises, sauna, and intimacy. For supplements he recommends magnesium glycinate/threonate, L-theanine, GABA, while warning against sedative pharmaceuticals that reduce sleep quality.Dr. Tracy shares his personal transformation: after 25 years in urology he hit burnout and poor health, then went back to study functional medicine, hormones, peptides, and epigenetics. That period of retraining helped him recover his health and passion, and taught him to combine medical rigor with lifestyle coaching. He emphasizes that diagnostics, data, and coaching turned his own recovery into a repeatable business model.His Peak Launch program is described as an integrated, six-month precision-medicine offering that combines advanced diagnostics, longevity-trained medical providers, functional-medicine coaches, concierge support, and an intuitive client app. The program tracks outcomes with wearables, labs, and body composition scans; gives clients direct text access to their team; and plans to include a personalized AI agent (PLX) trained on clinical knowledge plus the client's own metrics to provide tailored, actionable recommendations.Toward the end he pivots to entrepreneurship and marketing: know the exact problem you solve, who you solve it for, and how you're faster/better/cheaper — usually “better” for high-ticket healthcare. Meet the client where they are in the awareness journey, test and track outcomes, and lead with service and education rather than pushing products. For anyone interested, he directs listeners to gapininstitute.com (and gapininstitute.com/launch) for resources and to connect with his team.Takeaways• Look at how much new business has emerged due to technology.• AI is integrated into every aspect of our team's operations.• The future of AI will create unimaginable innovations.• Health diagnostics are essential for understanding personal health.• Many people overlook the importance of comprehensive testing.• Inflammation and hormone issues can affect daily performance.• Entrepreneurs should identify blind spots in their health.• Testing is crucial for both health and business strategies.• Longevity health is a key focus for entrepreneurs.• Engaging with professionals can lead to better health outcomes.Sound Bites• everyone on our team uses AI• get tested• check us out. Happy to jump on a callListen & Subscribe for More:
R. Kenner French welcomes Tom Allen, founder of The AI Journal, and sets the tone: this is a practical, experience-driven conversation about AI, entrepreneurship, and building a media platform. Tom explains his background in marketing and how, frustrated by the lack of thoughtful places to share AI perspectives, he started The AI Journal as a passion project nearly five years ago. Early struggles and learning from failures shaped the platform more than overnight success ever could.Tom outlines what The AI Journal actually is and how it operates: an inclusive publishing platform that invites contributors from many domains — from tax and self-care to quantum computing and education — to share strategies, tools, frameworks, and long-form insight rather than chasing daily fast news. The site's mission is to elevate expert voices, encourage healthy debate, and provide deep dives that help readers understand and apply AI meaningfully.A recurring theme is the power of collaboration and community. Tom credits partnership-building and human networking as the most important drivers of his progress: connecting people, amplifying their work, and helping contributors get visibility that led to speaking gigs, mentions in major outlets, and real business relationships. Both hosts emphasize that community and collaboration compound value — one plus one often becomes much more than two.Tom gives straightforward advice to entrepreneurs: be customer-centric and build for real problems. He warns that media and platform businesses are particularly hard — you must focus on serving the reader/customer, not chasing features or flashy product bells. He stresses the importance of knowing who you're building for, fostering partnerships, and designing offerings that genuinely help users, which in turn creates advocates and sustainable growth.Looking ahead, Tom shares a hopeful but pragmatic vision: expanding media brands into focused verticals, exploring a first non-media startup, and continuing to help people build careers and connections through the platform. Both host and guest close on an optimistic note about AI's role in creating new jobs and markets, while reminding entrepreneurs that human connection, collaboration, and customer-first thinking remain the core ingredients for long-term success.Takeaways• Tom Allen emphasizes the importance of collaboration in business.• The AI Journal started as a passion project, not a business.• Content creation is vital for engaging audiences in the AI space.• Learning from failures is crucial for growth and success.• The reader is considered the number one customer at the AI Journal.• Healthy debates and diverse opinions are encouraged on the platform.• Tom's background includes a mix of marketing and engineering insights.• Future aspirations include expanding into various tech sectors.• AI is seen as a tool for creating new opportunities, not job losses.• Building a community around a product is essential for long-term success.Sound Bites• You learn from your downs.• People get bored very easily.• It's going to better humanity.Listen & Subscribe for More:
R. Kenner French opens by positioning tax planning as a core strategy for building real estate wealth — not a once-a-year chore. He stresses that many real estate entrepreneurs overpay because they either don't use proper entities, don't track their activity, or don't plan proactively. He combines tax, finance and AI to help clients project tax exposure and work backwards to reduce liability ethically and legally.He counts down ten “easy” tax hacks, starting with the right entity structure to optimize taxes and protection, and the powerful “real estate professional” status that lets high earners offset active income with real estate losses. Maximizing and accelerating depreciation is another core lever he emphasizes — it's technical, but can materially reduce taxable income when handled correctly.French highlights income-shifting and family payroll as simple, effective moves, and promotes self-directed retirement plans for investing in real estate tax-deferred or tax-free. He also covers practical deductions many miss — business travel, due diligence trips, seminars — and the importance of clean, AI-powered bookkeeping to keep records tidy, reduce errors, and surface tax opportunities.He explains the tax differences between flipping and long-term rentals, mentions installment-sale strategies to spread tax bills, and reminds listeners about everyday deductions like home-office and vehicle rules or Section 179. Above all, he pushes for a proactive, repeatable tax plan — set it early, review it quarterly, and stick to it to capture ongoing savings.As a final bonus, French flags R&D tax credits as high-value, often-overlooked dollar-for-dollar savings, and closes by outlining paid offerings — a tax strategy roadmap, free AI bookkeeping for a year, access to the Vast Vault community, and coordinated asset-protection review with counsel — inviting listeners to visit for help.Takeaways• Cutting taxes legally is possible with the right strategies.• Many real estate entrepreneurs are unaware of their overpaid taxes.• Wealthy individuals strategize their tax planning effectively.• Setting up an LLC or S-Corp can significantly reduce tax liabilities.• Real estate professionals can deduct losses against active income.• Maximizing depreciation can lead to substantial tax savings.• Income shifting to family members can lower overall tax burdens.• Investing in real estate through IRAs can yield tax-free growth.• Travel expenses related to business can be deducted.• Proactive tax planning is essential for financial success.Sound Bites• Setting up an LLC can help you with taxes.• Shift income strategically to save money.• Have a proactive tax plan in place.Listen & Subscribe for More:
Mark Miller, known as “The Money Man,” discussed his work as a business financial consultant and his partnership with Brad Hilton of the Hilton family—grandson of Conrad Hilton. Together, they manage Hilton Tax and Wealth Advisors and the Hilton Family Office, focusing on bringing high-level, institutional wealth strategies to everyday investors. Their goal is to bridge the gap between Wall Street and Main Street, giving average entrepreneurs access to the same sophisticated tools the ultra-wealthy use to build and preserve wealth.Miller explained the concept of a family office, which originated with the Rockefellers as a way to unify financial advisors, attorneys, and wealth managers under one coordinated structure. Over time, this evolved into the virtual family office (VFO) model, which outsources top experts across different fields rather than hiring a large in-house staff. This approach allows clients—whether in large cities or small towns—to access the best professionals globally through modern technology, without the massive overhead or management challenges of traditional offices.The discussion then shifted to common challenges family offices face, based on a Vast Vault community survey: hiring, succession planning, and tax mitigation. Miller shared that virtual family offices eliminate many hiring issues since they outsource to “best-in-class” experts rather than recruiting internally. This ensures clients get top-tier service without the risks of turnover or mismatched talent, which often plague traditional family offices.On succession planning, both Miller and Kenner agreed it's one of the most complex and emotionally charged parts of wealth management. It often takes years to coordinate among multiple generations and advisors. Miller emphasized the importance of including spouses and younger heirs early in the planning process to maintain harmony and prevent disputes. Communication, he noted, is the key to avoiding future conflict—especially as family dynamics evolve and new decision-makers step in.Finally, they addressed tax mitigation, which Miller ranked as the most critical element of wealth building. He stressed that proactive and advanced tax planning can dramatically increase net worth, citing examples where clients saved millions in a single year. Both agreed that focusing on tax efficiency allows families to grow their wealth faster and more sustainably. Takeaways• Mark Miller is a financial consultant with extensive experience in family offices.• Family offices originated from the Rockefellers to manage wealth cohesively.• Virtual family offices offer boutique services with outsourced expertise.• Communication among advisors is crucial for effective wealth management.• Succession planning is complex and requires inclusive communication.• Tax mitigation is essential for building and preserving wealth.• Advanced tax strategies can significantly reduce tax liabilities.• AI can enhance efficiency in wealth management and tax planning.• Wealth management should focus on safety before seeking high returns.• Education on wealth strategies should be accessible to all, not just the wealthy.Sound Bites• What is a family office?• The original was an individual family office.• Succession planning is very complex.Listen & Subscribe for More:
Franchising isn't just a business move — it's a wealth strategy.
Justin Lawrie joined VastSolutionsGroup.com to explain why live virtual events are a must for modern entrepreneurs. He framed virtual events as a cost-effective way to expand reach beyond local boundaries, turning a local audience into a national or global one. Justin stressed that a great virtual event is an experience — not just “another meeting” — and that treating it like a production, not a routine call, is the key to keeping attention and converting attendees.On the tech side, Justin walked through his core stack: a dedicated event platform called Obvio/Avio built around Zoom that provides a full dashboard — registration, magic-link one-click login, CRM integration, attendance tracking, and built-in email/sales pages. The platform includes Zoom meetings, not webinars, so attendees can be seen, breakout rooms can scale, and hosts can spotlight speakers while attendees can revert to gallery view. Justin emphasized that the right platform and CRM hookup make follow-up, segmentation, and automation straightforward.Operation and attendee experience are supported by a concierge model: every client is paired with an event specialist who shepherds weekly calls from planning through post-event. Justin recommends tech checks, moderator tools for question submission, and strict host controls to maintain professionalism and prevent interruptions. Chat is used for community and engagement, while structured forms funnel actual questions for moderated answers.Engagement techniques Justin recommends include gamification, breakout rooms sized for meaningful interaction, live cameras encouraged for connection, and transparent use of pre-recorded content only when labeled as such. He prefers live where possible but recognizes replays and replay events with a live host for connection have strong value. He also stressed recording everything so clients can create microcontent for social and marketing after the event — and pointed out the team helps with editing and content repurposing.Results and practical guidance rounded out the discussion: a case study, Land Geek's Bootcamp, showed a 110% increase in virtual-to-virtual revenue and nearly a million dollars difference when reformatted and run through Justin's system. Typical timelines are six to eight weeks for a comfortable build; the sooner you engage a specialist, the better. Justin's final advice: don't “f with the formula” — use best practices, start early, treat the event as a curated experience, and lean on experts so you can focus on content and conversion.Takeaways• Online events expand your reach beyond local audiences.• Using the right tech stack is crucial for success.• Engagement strategies like breakout rooms enhance attendee experience.• Marketing strategies should be tailored to your audience.• Post-event follow-up is key to maintaining relationships.• Common mistakes include treating online events like traditional webinars.• Live interactions foster a stronger connection with attendees.• Pre-recorded content can be effective if presented transparently.• Client communication is essential for successful event planning.• Understanding your audience's needs leads to better event outcomes.Sound Bites• We create the Frank Sinatra mentality.• We can meet you wherever you're at.• We are there with you every step of the way.Listen & Subscribe for More:
R. Kenner French introduces himself as the author of ModernMillions.ai: Make Millions, Save Millions, Protect Millions, describing the project as a live, behind-the-scenes look at writing the book and his journey as an author and entrepreneur. He frames the book as a practical guide showing how artificial intelligence can be applied by business owners—especially solopreneurs and real-estate investors—to grow income, reduce taxes, and strengthen asset protection. This is his fourth book, but unlike past titles, this one has a deliberate launch strategy and a 25-person launch committee to help scale awareness.Kenner traces his AI involvement back to research in 2010, early use in 2014, and heavier adoption in 2018 with his company VastSolutionsGroup.com and their tax model called “Einstein.” He emphasizes that AI isn't limited to hype: when combined intelligently with human advisors it reduces error rates and improves decision making across fintech, taxes, investments, bookkeeping, and automation. He repeatedly stresses that AI is a tool best used with intent and skilled human oversight—not a magic bullet—and that it has already delivered meaningful client savings for his team.A key product and example Kenner mentions is VastBookie.ai, a bookkeeping app intended to lower costs for entrepreneurs by automating bookkeeping and learning a business's expense/revenue patterns to suggest tax-saving moves. He explains the book is practical and action-oriented: readers should be able to take steps immediately that could improve net worth, tax outcomes, or operational efficiency. He also describes ModernMillions.ai as a “living, breathing” project—the printed book is the foundation, and the accompanying website will be updated frequently with new AI tools, workbooks, audiobooks, and resources so readers don't get left behind.Kenner talks about the challenges of writing a timely AI book—mainly keeping content current and ensuring recommendations are responsible and actionable—while acknowledging he used AI to help write parts of the book but kept his own voice central. He thanks team members (notably Princess) and invites readers to support the launch through reviews, recommendations, and joining the launch committee. He also offers signed copies while supplies last and encourages readers to reach out via ModernMillions.ai or VastSolutionsGroup.com contact channels.Looking ahead, Kenner says he plans more books—eventually focusing on quantum computing as a transformative force for fintech and small business—and commits to speaking and promoting the book broadly.Takeaways• Writing a book can help others achieve their goals.• AI can significantly reduce mistakes compared to human efforts.• The book is designed to be a living document, continuously updated.• Community engagement is crucial for the book's success.• AI can help entrepreneurs save money and protect assets.• The writing process involved combining old school methods with AI.• AI applications can enhance business efficiency and decision-making.• Quantum computing is the next frontier for business technology.• The book aims to provide actionable insights for readers.• Continuous learning and adaptation are essential in the AI space.Sound Bites• This is a living breathing book.• You have to act on it.• AI makes a mistake 14% of the time.Listen & Subscribe for More:
In this episode, R. Kenner French dives into the core pillars every real estate investor should master: asset protection, tax strategy, and estate planning.It begins with a discussion on asset protection, emphasizing that properly structured legal defenses make investors less appealing targets for lawsuits. Beyond basic umbrella insurance, tools such as LLCs, corporations, and trusts can be used to separate and shield assets, making it more difficult and costly for potential plaintiffs to reach them. Core principles include diversification, limiting exposure, and organizing ownership so that risks are isolated rather than concentrated.Next, Kenner highlights tax reduction strategies that help investors retain more of what they earn. These include identifying overlooked deductions, projecting annual tax liabilities in advance, deferring income strategically, and using tax-advantaged accounts and qualified plans such as defined-benefit options. The goal is to make tax planning proactive instead of reactive—reducing liabilities and increasing net income through foresight and structure.The final section focuses on estate planning, encouraging investors to treat it as both a financial safeguard and a personal responsibility. Establishing wills and trusts not only streamlines asset transfers but also minimizes family disputes and potential estate taxes. Proper planning ensures that investments, properties, and other assets are distributed according to one's wishes while maintaining privacy and control.Kenner concludes by reminding listeners that the key to lasting financial success lies in combining these three areas—asset protection, tax efficiency, and estate planning—into one cohesive, long-term strategy. By doing so, real estate investors can safeguard their wealth, minimize risk, and build a legacy that endures across generations.Takeaways• Real estate investors must prioritize asset protection to limit liability.• Effective asset protection involves diversifying and structuring assets properly.• Maximizing deductions is crucial for reducing tax liabilities.• Proactive tax planning can significantly improve cash flow for investors.• Understanding evolving tax regulations is essential for compliance and strategy.• Wills and trusts are vital for effective estate planning.• Early estate planning can prevent family disputes over assets.• Artificial intelligence can enhance tax mitigation strategies.• Investors should regularly consult with tax strategists and asset protection attorneys.• A well-structured asset protection plan can safeguard personal and corporate assets.Sound Bites• You're in the right place.• Maximize your deductions.• We're here to help you.Listen & Subscribe for More:
Alex's story starts humbly and honestly: born in England, moved to the U.S. at nine, and pushed into responsibility early by family hardship. He tried vocational training as a boat mechanic and a string of teenage hustles like lawn care and flipping cars, but a serious knee injury nudged him back toward real estate and working with his dad at tax-deed auctions. Those early, small-score deals—cheap houses and mobile homes on land—became the foundation for his scaling mindset: find overlooked demand, offer a practical solution, and reinvest to grow.From fix-and-flip roots Alex scaled into systems and lead generation. He built an efficient cold-calling operation, turned that into a service during COVID, and even landed an endorsement from Kevin Harrington — showing how operational excellence plus credibility can turbocharge growth. That experience taught him the value of controlling parts of the sales funnel such as data, lead quality, and marketing so outputs are predictable and scalable.Alex's major pivot is into oil & gas, where he's targeting an underserved middle market. He explained a buy-and-bolt strategy: acquire independent producers, centralize management, keep local teams and brand where useful, and use modern tech including AI to rejuvenate mature fields and extract deeper pay zones. He's launching a lending division to fill financing gaps for smaller oil assets and set an aggressive acquisition target with a goal to be the largest buyer of independents by 2030.On mindset and practical advice, Alex emphasizes realistic, demand-driven entrepreneurship over social-media-driven overnight success fantasies. For young people he advises small, actionable risks, finding supply-and-demand edges in less crowded verticals, and building recurring revenue—especially subscription-style AI products for mom-and-pop businesses. Operational simplicity and customer experience matter a lot to Alex: reduce friction in the buying process, make onboarding dead-simple, and stack recurring revenue even modest monthly fees add up fast. He's also a big believer in hiring “A” players—even at higher wage cost—because quality hires produce outsized results. Finally, he couples growth with giving: every oil load sold contributes to drilling clean-water wells, a program he hopes will scale into substantial philanthropy tied to the business.Overall, the conversation weaves together grit, tactical systems, strategic pivots, and long-term thinking: start lean, prove demand, scale with predictable systems and AI where it fits, hire well, and don't confuse short-term status purchases with durable wealth creation.Key Takeaways• Alex turned simple flips into a blueprint for spotting hidden demand and building lasting systems.• Mastering your data, leads, and marketing means predictable growth—every time.• From real estate to oil & gas, Alex proves that efficiency, tech, and AI can power any industry.• Modern AI tools uncover profit zones others miss and simplify even the toughest operations.• The best talent costs more—but multiplies your success tenfold.• Recurring revenue beats one-time wins, whether you're in real estate or energy.• Every oil load funds clean-water wells—because true wealth lifts others, too.Sound Bites• I'm excited to be here.• I was born in England.• You need to make more.Listen & Subscribe for More:
In this discussion, R. Kenner French and Liliana Falconer dive into an often-overlooked but crucial topic for entrepreneurs and investors — registered agents. Kenner opens by clarifying that registered agents aren't federal agents but rather entities or individuals responsible for receiving legal and official documents on behalf of a business. He explains that VastSolutionsGroup.com serves as a commercial registered agent in all 50 states, helping clients who form entities in states other than where they live. For example, someone in Washington investing in Florida property would need a registered agent in Florida to receive legal notices or mail — a service VastSolutionsGroup.com offers for an affordable annual fee of $300.Liliana raises an important question about the consequences of not having a registered agent, prompting Kenner to emphasize the serious legal risks involved. Without a registered agent, businesses could face what's known as “piercing the corporate veil,” allowing courts to go after personal assets if the company is found noncompliant. Kenner underscores how failing to maintain a registered agent — even for a single day — can open the door to lawsuits, asset seizures, and the loss of limited liability protection. He stresses that the small cost of a registered agent is minimal compared to the potential financial and legal fallout.Kenner and Liliana also explore the real estate investor perspective, highlighting that investors often become easy targets for lawsuits due to perceived wealth. If tenants or others discover that an investor doesn't have a registered agent or is using an unqualified one, it makes it easier for them to sue. Maintaining a legitimate, professional registered agent through a company like VastSolutionsGroup.com signals that the business is properly structured and compliant, reducing vulnerability to litigation and protecting long-term financial interests.To wrap up, Liliana reinforces the takeaway: every business needs a registered agent. Skipping this requirement or cutting corners can lead to costly legal exposure. Kenner invites listeners to visit VastSolutionsGroup.com or email info@vastsolutionsgroup.com to set up or renew their registered agent service. Through their partnership with VastAssetDefense.com, they can also assist with forming LLCs, correcting past compliance gaps, and ensuring future protection. The discussion concludes with a reminder that compliance isn't just a box to check — it's a strategic move for long-term business and asset security.TakeawaysRegistered agents are essential for business compliance.Not having a registered agent can lead to severe legal consequences.The cost of a registered agent is minimal compared to potential risks.Professional registered agents provide peace of mind and legal protection.Client-attorney privilege can make it harder to sue a business.It's crucial to have a registered agent in the state of operation.Ignoring the need for a registered agent is risky for business owners.Registered agents help maintain compliance with state requirements.Vast Solutions Group offers comprehensive services for registered agents.Business owners should prioritize asset protection strategies.Sound BitesIt's worth the peace of mind.It doesn't make sense.Get a registered agent.Listen & Subscribe for More:
Joe Cipollini opens by sharing how he “stumbled” into coaching after nearly two decades in real estate. Repeatedly placed in sales leadership roles, he discovered his “genius zone” is building and developing sales teams across both retail and investment real estate. A turning point was taking over a struggling brokerage and launching a book club to sharpen agents' skills—an organic path that led to coaching and education.He highlights a standout client story: a solo agent he met at a mastermind happy hour who asked him to coach her—even before he considered himself a coach. Working together, she 5x'd her productivity in two years, crossing the $100M threshold and surpassing 100 units in their first year of coaching. Joe frames this as evidence that disciplined systems and focused development can unlock outsized growth without gimmicks.Reflecting on regrets, Joe wishes he had stepped sooner into “the deep water” of clients' work–life balance. He cautions that coaches (and agents) often keep the conversation on tactics and numbers while ignoring the inner life—values, goals, health, relationships—that sustains long-term performance. His lesson: live by intention, with written goals and a clear vision for the next 10–20 years, rather than living by accident.On barriers to success for agents and entrepreneurs, Joe forbids the easy answer of “myself” and drills into specifics: limiting beliefs, lack of discipline, and weak calendar control. Success, he says, is deciding—hour by hour—what you'll do and then honoring that commitment. He agrees that AI can be a force multiplier for prioritization and efficiency, and notes many agents still underuse it.For newer agents (1–2 years in), Joe's advice is refreshingly un-fancy: show up. Treat it like a job with a place to “clock in and out,” and embrace the “boring” work—lead generation and lead conversion—for two hours each, daily. For high earners aiming to scale (e.g., moving from $3M to $5M), he suggests diversifying into investing to capture larger margins and, if building a team, do it “like a business” with real structure and accountability—not a blob that passes leads around.He closes with mindset. Quoting Tim Ferriss—“Do the inner work before the outer work”—Joe urges entrepreneurs to journal, set long-horizon goals, and build gratitude into daily rhythms. His family's “High–Low–Buffalo” dinner ritual (the day's high, low, and something funny) is a simple practice that keeps perspective, resilience, and joy at the center of a demanding career. For coaching and programs, he directs listeners to RampREI.com.Takeaways• Joe Cipollini has nearly 20 years of experience in real estate.• He emphasizes the importance of coaching and mentorship in sales.• A significant barrier to success is often one's own limiting beliefs.• New agents should focus on lead generation and conversion.• Consistency in work habits is crucial for success in real estate.• Scaling a business requires strategic planning and diversification.• Mindset plays a critical role in achieving business success.• Journaling can help clarify goals and intentions.• Daily gratitude practices can enhance personal and professional life.• Building a supportive team is essential for long-term success.Sound Bites• She not only was my first coaching client• I would encourage you to journal today• This guy taught me high low BuffaloListen & Subscribe for More:
Sean opens by framing his value: he's not just an agency owner; he and his wife also run multiple local service businesses. That means every strategy he recommends is field-tested on his own companies. He sets the stage with a simple truth: in today's digital world, even referrals still walk through your “digital storefront” first—your website. If it looks sketchy, credibility and conversions suffer, regardless of how good you are at your craft.He outlines his core framework: Build → Fill → Optimize a sales funnel. “Build” means getting three things right: (1) clear messaging that answers three questions above the fold—What do you do? How will you make my life better? What do I do next?; (2) a website that embodies that clarity; and (3) a transitional call-to-action (lead generator) for visitors not ready to book now. That lead should flow into follow-up (email/SMS/sales team) to nurture and convert. Only after the funnel is solid should you “Fill” it, and finally “Optimize” using data, not opinions.Sean then audits site at a high level. Wins: strong positioning around modern tax strategy. Gaps: too many competing CTAs up top; unclear primary action; and lead magnets that lack specific benefit copy and persuasive landing pages. He stresses adding compelling social proof with specific outcomes and even pre-writing testimonial drafts clients can approve to avoid vague praise. He flags UX basics too: logo should link home, pop-ups/links must work, and the blog/podcast pages should retain global navigation for easy return paths.On SEO, Sean calls out common technical misses: page titles and meta descriptions written for clicks and keywords, and—most crucial—the heading structure. The audit revealed dozens of H1s on key pages—likely from designers using headings as styling rather than structure—which confuses Google and hurts rankings. He recommends fixing broken links, consolidating navigation to keep buyers focused, and moving utility links to the footer. For traffic and content, Sean loves video podcasts because they create multi-use assets: YouTube video embeds, long-form transcripts, blog posts derived from the conversation, and high-quality backlinks from guests. He urges publishing full transcripts for maximum organic and LLM surface area. Finally, he emphasizes owning your data: build a CRM/pipeline that captures names, emails, and phone numbers. Social media reach can vanish overnight; a growing first-party database compounds revenue over time. The conversation closes with a clear CTA to Sean's custom resource page for Vast listeners and a mutual takeaway: nail the fundamentals, publish rich content consistently, then layer paid channels and optimization—guided by data, not gut feel.Takeaways•Marketing is essential for business growth.• Sales funnels are a relationship-building framework.• Clarity in messaging is crucial for conversions.• Lead generation strategies should be clear and compelling.• Testimonials should highlight specific results.• Website structure impacts user experience and SEO.• SEO basics include site titles and meta descriptions.• Content marketing can enhance SEO efforts.• Paid advertising should complement organic strategies.Sound Bites• Clarity always wins.• Stop paying too much in taxes.• Success stories build trust.Listen & Subscribe for More:
R. Kenner French and Bob Bluhm's discussion revolves around helping entrepreneurs protect their businesses, stay compliant, and ultimately reduce their tax burden through smart systems and professional guidance.The presentation highlights the importance of bookkeeping, which serves as the foundation of accurate tax reporting and business legitimacy. Both Kenner and Bob emphasize that maintaining proper books is not just about record-keeping—it's a legal requirement that determines whether an LLC or corporation is recognized as a legitimate business. Clean books support better tax filings, accurate deductions, and full compliance with IRS standards. Without them, business owners risk “piercing the corporate veil,” which could expose personal assets to business liabilities.The discussion also underscores the value of registered agent services and entity maintenance, both essential for legal and tax compliance. Properly maintained entities allow business owners to benefit from favorable tax classifications, such as LLCs taxed as S-corporations, while avoiding penalties or dissolution due to noncompliance. By managing minutes, resolutions, and annual reports, Vast Solutions Group and Asset Defense Team ensure that clients remain in good standing with both regulators and the IRS.Another key point is the integration of artificial intelligence in tax and financial systems. Vast Solutions Group leverages AI tools to streamline financial organization, automate categorization, and identify tax-saving opportunities for small business owners. This combination of technology and expert oversight empowers entrepreneurs to make smarter, data-driven decisions that directly improve profitability and long-term tax efficiency.Finally, the VAST Vault education platform ties it all together by offering curated, easy-to-understand content on tax planning, asset protection, and estate management—specifically tailored for real estate investors, crypto investors, and small business owners. In short, every element of the collaboration supports one overarching goal: to help entrepreneurs operate smarter, protect their assets, and legally minimize their taxes through knowledge, structure, and innovation.Takeaways• These services are designed to help businesses grow significantly.• The VAST Vault offers curated information for specific investor needs.• Free bookkeeping can save significant costs for entrepreneurs.• Registered agent services are essential for legal compliance.• Maintaining an entity requires ongoing attention and care.• Asset protection is about freedom from liability concerns.• The extended service program helps ensure compliance with legal requirements.• Business owners should not overlook the importance of bookkeeping.• Having a professional registered agent protects your business.• The conversation emphasizes a supportive community for business owners.Sound Bites• Free bookkeeping is a huge cost savings.•Y ou cannot set it and forget it.• We're here to help you.Listen & Subscribe for More:
This episode centers on wealth-building and financial growth, as host R. Kenner French and guest Natalia Zacharin explore how business owners can increase their net worth through better systems, profitability, and planning. Natalia emphasizes that many entrepreneurs are passionate but lack financial clarity. Her main advice is to “run your business as if you're going to sell it,” because this mindset encourages stronger systems, more organized processes, and better decision-making that leads to long-term wealth.A central theme of the conversation is money management and profitability. Natalia explains that it's not enough to simply track revenue — true success comes from understanding profit margins, expenses, and cash flow. She recommends keeping a personal net worth statement to measure growth over time, which helps business owners stay aware of their financial direction and spending habits. Building wealth, she adds, requires intentional action and continuous tracking.Another key highlight is the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in modern financial operations. Natalia and Kenner discuss how AI can automate bookkeeping, organize data, and even generate systems or training documents. By integrating AI, business owners can save time, reduce costs, and focus on high-level strategies that directly impact profitability. Natalia notes that AI is not something to fear—it's a powerful ally for those seeking efficiency and smarter decision-making.They also touch on the importance of accountability and data-driven strategy. Natalia explains how a fractional CFO helps business owners make clear, unemotional financial choices while staying accountable to their goals. She shares a case where a client shifted from a one-time sales model to a subscription model, which dramatically improved profits. The lesson: sustainable wealth comes from strategy, not guesswork.In the final part of the discussion, Natalia discusses acquisitions and valuation, pointing out that buying a business means inheriting not just assets but also its culture and systems. She advises understanding both the numbers and the people involved. The episode concludes with a strong message — true wealth comes from combining financial discipline, AI-powered efficiency, and smart, consistent decision-making.TakeawaysWealth building starts with understanding your business numbers.Running a business as if you're going to sell it leads to better practices.Systems and processes are crucial for business scalability.Artificial intelligence can streamline operations and save time.Measuring team efficiency is key to improving performance.Creating a personal net worth statement helps track financial health.A fractional CFO can provide valuable insights and accountability.Emotional support is important for entrepreneurs navigating challenges.Building a community can provide collaboration and support for business growth.Acquisitions require understanding the culture of the business being bought.Sound BitesDo you want to get wealthy?It's hard to be an entrepreneur?You need to do it yourself now as the owner.Listen & Subscribe for More:
Amanda Webster—dubbed the “relationship queen”—shares how her life as a mother of five and military spouse shaped her adaptability and drive. After 17 years running law firms, burnout during COVID prompted a pivot into the financial space, where she quickly excelled. Her core belief: everything in business begins and ends with relationships—employees, clients, and partners all want to be seen, heard, and valued. Long-term trust beats short-term transactions.She underscores that authenticity and generosity compound over time. Amanda admits early missteps, especially during her industry transition, but reframed conflict by asking, “What can I do for you?” Listening, making others feel human, and being willing to walk away from mismatches turned tense moments into loyalty. She avoids burning bridges and maintains ties across past careers and networks, which continually open new doors and referrals.Masterminds are Amanda's growth engine. She argues a true mastermind gathers people in a similar vertical with varied experience levels and a shared intent to help, learn, and mentor. By showing up to give—arriving early, volunteering, and contributing—she's made millions indirectly and directly through these rooms. She participates in multiple groups (e.g., Investor Fuel, invite-only “Family,” Coaching Inc), values in-person deep dives, and is in the process of acquiring a women-focused mastermind to expand its reach beyond real estate.Complementing masterminds, she champions communities and local meetups. Communities (often on Facebook) let you educate, engage, and nurture a pipeline with content you control, evolving from free hubs into paid, recurring-revenue offerings. Meetups, while more social and informal, keep her visible in the local Tampa Bay market and sustain a grassroots network. The host echoes this, noting his own community grew from zero to nearly a thousand members and fuels both marketing and paid offerings.Amanda's closing playbook: make “relationship first” a core value inside and outside the company. Treat employees like people to grow long-term talent; cultivate external networks to catalyze high-value matches (like pairing a CMO candidate with a hiring founder). She cites Tom Kroll's “Top 40” ritual—weekly touchpoints with your 40 most important contacts—as a practical cadence. For entrepreneurs, especially real estate pros and high net worth operators, her message is consistent: lead with giving, stay authentic, build communities, join (or start) masterminds, and the results—and revenue—follow.Takeaways• Everything comes down to relationships.• Don't make it about the transaction.• Keep relationships forever; they are valuable.• Always approach situations from a place of giving.• Masterminds are essential for learning and networking.• You should always be in a mastermind.• Meetups help in getting out of the home office.• Creating free communities can be beneficial.• Investing in relationships leads to long-term success.• Authenticity and giving back are key to building trust.Sound Bites• Don't make it about the transaction.• Always come from a place of giving.• It's all about the relationship.Listen & Subscribe for More:
Richard Wilson explains what sets billionaires apart: they lean into contrarian bets, push forward when others say “that's not how it works,” and avoid crowd consensus. He notes that this mindset shows up as niche focus, intolerance for best-practice complacency, and an eagerness to build where others doubt. Wilson positions himself as a practical insider—working closely with two billionaire clients and completing dozens of transactions—rather than a theorist.He outlines his background: early entrepreneurial attempts, a stint in risk consulting that funded his MBA, then a pivot to capital raising. Discovering the “family office” niche, he scaled authority by publishing useful content, buying premium domains (familyoffices.com, billionaires.com), writing books, and hosting hundreds of events. Today he's interviewing 100 billionaires (46 done), reading books authored by billionaires (130/245 so far), and training AI on 950 billionaire talks to distill “collective intelligence.”For listeners who want to “think like a billionaire,” Richard offers resources: the free Billionaire Collective Intelligence AI tool and a reading list at billionaires.com/books (including Buffett's shareholder letters). He emphasizes sharpening strategy through niche domination, contrarian brand positioning, and tech leverage. He suggests identifying the most profitable customer segments, exploring competitor acquisition (especially founder retirements), and getting ahead of industry shifts (e.g., flat-fee, tech-enabled real estate models).Wilson then describes what successful family offices actually do: manage diversified public markets with a small team, build a cash-flow-oriented real estate bucket, and “play offense” in a focused operating niche via control or significant minority stakes. The throughline is concentrated excellence in one to three games, compounding skill and advantage over years. He also stresses environment and peers—surrounding yourself with top performers raises standards, courage, and velocity (his “Orange Theory vs. CrossFit” analogy).Finally, Richard explains how his Family Office Club helps founders and investors: 22 annual events in major U.S. hubs (masterminds and larger summits), a mobile app with 1,200 investor talks, and ~40 AI tools that match opportunities to investor profiles. In-person trust is pivotal; digital funnels exist to create handshakes. Ideal contacts include founders forming or improving a family office, medical/dental practice leaders, and robotics ventures. Takeaways• Billionaires think differently and embrace unconventional ideas.• Richard Wilson has interviewed 46 billionaires to gather insights.• Niche focus can lead to exponential business growth.• Family offices manage significant assets and provide investment opportunities.• Networking and relationships are crucial for investment success.• AI tools can enhance business strategies and decision-making.• Free content is an effective way to attract an audience.• In-person events foster valuable connections and collaborations.• Understanding the billionaire mindset can help entrepreneurs scale their businesses.• Surrounding yourself with successful individuals can elevate your own success.Sound Bites• A billionaire thinks differently.• Free content gets you eyeballs.• We host 22 live events a year.Listen & Subscribe for More:
Nancy Steidl is an international business consultant and intellectual property (IP) specialist, Canadian-born and UK-based for 25 years. She runs The Business Mission and blends practical business structuring with deep IP expertise. She emphasizes education (two completed master's degrees—Business Law and an MBA—and a third in International IP Law) and has a forthcoming book titled The Art of Analogies in Business: How to Start a Business Using Layman's Terms (pre-order via her site), designed to make business concepts simple through analogies.For new entrepreneurs (e.g., a real estate agent in New York), Nancy's core playbook starts with a real business plan—turning ideas into a validated model with actual revenue. She urges early attention to IP—trademarks, patents, copyright, and trade secrets—because brand and know-how are central assets. Employment law and freelancer agreements matter, too; you must define wages/benefits compliantly and ensure contracts assign IP to the company.On AI and IP, Nancy notes the legal landscape is fast-moving and jurisdiction-specific. Patentability standards differ country-to-country, so founders should conduct prior-art searches and plan filings per jurisdiction (US, UK, Canada, etc.). Copyright is automatically granted upon original creation, but AI-generated content raises authenticity and ownership questions—and current doctrines don't allow robots to own IP. Trademarks remain human/company-owned, while trade secrets require strong confidentiality controls. Founders must also meet data-protection obligations like GDPR and CCPA .Trademarks take time: UK filings can complete in ~6 months, India can take ~3 years, and the US is heavily backlogged . You can usually use “TM” while an application is pending to build history—but there's risk if opposition arises. Because IP can dwarf all other assets, some larger companies park it in a separate holding entity (e.g., Nike/IKEA-style arrangements), depending on circumstances. Nancy shares cautionary tales—small firms forced to rebrand after conflicts with powerful rightsholders—underscoring why early trademark searches and filings are crucial.Philosophically, Nancy reframes “failures” as redirections. Her guidance: over-protect rather than under-protect contracts; ensure all employee/contractor IP is assigned to the company; and remember that brand (your name, marks, and story) is your moat. Couple a thoughtful plan with strong IP hygiene, respect for data/privacy rules, and cultural intelligence, and you dramatically improve a business's odds—from launch, through growth, to a valuable exit.Takeaways• A business needs to prove its model before it's classified as a business.• You must start with a business plan.• Intellectual property is a very big asset.• Understanding the logistics of any country is crucial for business.• Cultural aspects are important when starting a business in a new country.• You need to secure your IP rights to protect your business.• Business planning should include an exit strategy from the start.• AI innovations present new challenges for intellectual property laws.• Contracts should clearly define IP ownership to avoid disputes.• There are no failures, only redirections in business.Sound Bites• You must start with a business plan.• You need to give that time to grow.• You have to secure your IP rights.Listen & Subscribe for More:
R. Kenner French kicks off with “Tax Hack Time,” aiming to share practical, low-effort strategies to legally, morally, and ethically reduce taxes—especially for entrepreneurs and real estate investors. He emphasizes proactivity: the IRS won't tell you you're overpaying, so plan ahead and use simple moves that don't demand heavy CPA time. He also teases bonuses at the end to sweeten the learning.He introduces VastSolutionsGroup.com, founded in 1969 and now headquartered on Bainbridge Island, with national reach and a sister asset-protection firm (vastassetdefense.com). The team blends tax pros, attorneys, an actuary, and AI—via their in-house model “Einstein”—to forecast a client's tax liability early in the year and then “reverse-engineer” strategies to minimize it before filing season. Kenner highlights his background as an author, speaker, and contributor, as well as the firm's deep experience with AI.Among the top hacks, several stand out: setting up the right entity to split reasonable salary from distributions, which can cut payroll taxes substantially; using self-directed retirement plans to hold real estate or other assets for tax-deferred or tax-free growth; maximizing depreciation in real estate; and shifting income strategically to lower-bracket family members while coordinating with Roth contributions for long-term benefits.He also explains the value of qualifying as a Real Estate Professional (REPS) to deduct real estate losses against active income, deducting travel tied to business activities with proper documentation, and leveraging AI-powered bookkeeping for cleaner books, fewer errors, and faster tax optimization—spotlighting their “vastbookie.ai” bookkeeping tool. Two “bonus” hacks top it off—claiming R&D tax credits for AI or innovation work many businesses already perform (like using ChatGPT or Gemini), and exploring 831(b) captive insurance for larger risk management, noting its complexity but immense potential for high earners.He closes by offering free AI bookkeeping for one entity (via waitlist), a tax strategy roadmap package, and access to the Vault community for resources and connections. He also previews his book ModernMillions.ai—a playbook for making, saving, and protecting wealth using AI, tax strategy, and asset protection. His final call-to-action: visit VastSolutionsGroup.com, claim your bonuses, and share the knowledge with others who want to keep more of what they earn—legally.Takeaways• Tax hacks can significantly lower tax liability for entrepreneurs.• Setting up the right entity can provide asset protection and tax benefits.• Self-directed IRAs can be used to invest in real estate without immediate tax implications.• Maximizing depreciation is crucial for real estate investors.• Income shifting to family members can reduce overall tax burden.• Travel expenses related to property tours are deductible.• AI-powered bookkeeping can streamline financial management and reduce errors.• Understanding short-term vs long-term capital gains is essential for tax planning.• Home office deductions can provide substantial tax savings.• Proactive tax planning is key to minimizing tax liabilities.Sound Bites• This is tax hack time with Kenner.• Consult with a professional.• Use AI-powered bookkeeping tools.Listen & Subscribe for More:
Real estate has long been considered one of the strongest vehicles for building wealth, but not every investor has the time, knowledge, or patience to deal with tenants, renovations, and property management. That's where Lindsay Davis, CEO of Spartan Invest, comes in. Her company offers turnkey rental properties in Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee—markets where housing prices are still accessible, and cash flow remains strong. For investors living in high-cost areas like California, New York, or Hawaii, Spartan Invest provides a way to diversify portfolios and enjoy steady returns without the hassle of day-to-day management.The model is simple: Spartan purchases properties, renovates them to strict standards, places tenants, and then sells the properties to investors while continuing to manage them. This means that investors can earn what Davis calls “mailbox money”—passive rental income deposited into their accounts each month. By handling everything from tenant placement to maintenance and even evictions if necessary, Spartan allows busy professionals to enjoy the financial benefits of real estate investing without the operational headaches.What sets Spartan Invest apart is not just the process, but the alignment of incentives. The entire staff is on performance-based compensation, meaning property managers only maximize their pay when occupancy and rent collection remain strong. This unique structure ensures that the success of Spartan's team is tied directly to the financial success of its investors. Combined with aggressive renovation standards—such as replacing roofs, HVAC systems, and water heaters when they are more than five years old—the company strives to minimize surprises for property owners.Of course, no investment is without risk. She is transparent about the downsides, including the reality that DIY investors who find and manage properties themselves may capture more equity and higher returns. But the tradeoff is time, risk, and expertise—things many busy professionals don't have. By offering full-service property management and a clear investment path, Spartan Invest gives its clients the chance to grow wealth steadily while avoiding common pitfalls of the real estate industry. As Lindsay notes, real estate isn't a quick win, but as history proves, it's a powerful foundation for wealth that can be passed on for generations.Takeaways• Mailbox money is a term for passive income from real estate investments.• Spartan Invest provides a one-stop shop for property management and investment.• Investors can achieve positive cash flow in the Southeast U.S.• Real estate can be a long-term investment strategy for financial freedom.• Understanding market dynamics is crucial for successful investing.• Property management is key to maintaining investment value.• Investors should be aware of fair housing regulations.• Transparency in investment processes builds trust with clients.• Real estate investing is not a quick path to wealth.The shift towards renting is increasing in today's market.Sound Bites• Lindsay Davis will make you rich!• We make real estate investing accessible.• It's not a get rich quick scheme.Listen & Subscribe for More:
Defined benefit plans are powerful retirement and tax-saving tools for business owners, yet they can seem highly technical and overwhelming. Unlike 401(k)s where employees contribute individually, defined benefit (DB) plans are employer-sponsored, with the company making large contributions on behalf of the participant—often the business owner. This structure allows much higher contribution limits, sometimes hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, providing significant tax deferral and accelerated retirement savings.To operate correctly, a DB plan requires the involvement of an actuary. The actuary determines contributions based on factors like participant age, expected rate of return, and retirement goals. These calculations ensure that the plan can deliver a guaranteed monthly benefit during retirement. While this makes DB plans more complex and costly to administer compared to 401(k)s, the advantages—larger contributions, lower tax liability, and higher long-term retirement savings—often outweigh the costs.Plan sponsors must be mindful of investment risk. If portfolio performance falls short, additional contributions may be required to “true up” the plan, especially when employees are involved. For solo entrepreneurs, this risk is less concerning, but it still requires careful investment oversight. DB plans are generally aligned with more conservative investment strategies and long-term liability matching, ensuring that assets and future retirement obligations remain balanced.Compliance and administration are critical. Sponsors must ensure accurate benefit calculations, proper contribution strategies, and adherence to IRS regulations, including annual reporting and actuarial evaluations. Consultants like Kenner French and his team play a key role in guiding sponsors through these responsibilities, optimizing tax strategies, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Regular plan design reviews, funding adjustments, and communication with participants (when applicable) are essential for smooth plan management.Ultimately, defined benefit plans can be an exceptional retirement and tax strategy, particularly for entrepreneurs who want to maximize savings quickly. They offer higher contribution limits, substantial tax deductions, and long-term wealth-building opportunities. However, they require ongoing oversight, proper plan design, and collaboration with actuaries and consultants to remain compliant and effective. With the right guidance, DB plans can significantly strengthen both retirement readiness and business financial planning.Takeaways• Defined benefit plans are employer-sponsored retirement plans.• Actuaries play a crucial role in calculating retirement benefits.• Tax deferral is a significant advantage of defined benefit plans.• Plan sponsors must ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.• Investment strategies must align with the plan's long-term goals.• Effective communication with participants is essential for plan success.• Regular plan design optimization is necessary for effectiveness.• Market resilience is a key consideration in investment management.• Proper administration can lead to substantial tax savings for business owners.Sound Bites• You have to have an actuary, really smart person• You can put away a lot for savings• You could put away a ton of money, a ton of moneyListen & Subscribe for More:
Liz Brooks, a PR pro turned podcast marketing specialist, explains why podcasting is a powerful complement to traditional PR: it delivers authentic “voice,” builds trust faster than filtered press quotes, and reaches busy audiences on the go. She stresses blending—don't ditch TV/print—but use podcasts to expand share of voice and thought leadership, especially for entrepreneurs and real estate pros aiming to grow from six to multiple six figures.Tracing her path from Silicon Valley agencies (and musician roots) to Interview Valet, Liz highlights how podcasting's relaxed format fosters real connection. Interview Valet supports both veteran and first-time guests: equipment setup, messaging, talking points, mock interviews, tone-of-voice alignment, and interview analytics—constantly iterating with new tools to sharpen delivery and brand consistency.On strategy, Liz's mantra is “better is better”: know your why, define the specific audience, and prioritize niche shows that actually convert over massive general shows. Be flexible—she cites a client who pivoted from “big” wellness shows to smaller longevity podcasts and immediately saw multiple qualified leads, easily covering campaign costs. ROI often hinges on the right fit, not sheer reach.Tactically, she recommends building a 10–12-episode backlog to maintain consistency, repurposing each recording into short clips for a month of content, and—where possible—adding video to boost discoverability and repurpose options. For engagement, don't just post; tag relevant voices (not only the host), add polls or questions, include clear CTAs (ratings/reviews, Google or Apple), and post at peak times using platform insights. Guests should also promote episodes vigorously and follow up thoughtfully (even simple thank-you cards).For newcomers: listen to the shows you want to be on, study what resonates, track market trends so your talking points stay fresh, and avoid letting your message go stale. Kenner closes by underscoring daily consistency and community building, while Liz shares contact details (InterviewValet.com/Liz and her LinkedIn handle) for those interested in guesting or launching a show. Overall takeaway: podcasting, done strategically and consistently, compounds authority, relationship-building, and revenue.Takeaways• Podcasting can significantly enhance brand authority.• Engaging with your audience personally is crucial.• Repurposing content can maximize reach and effectiveness.• Building a catalog of episodes before launching is essential.• Niche audiences often yield better results than larger ones.• Consistency in publishing is key to retaining audience interest.• Understanding your marketplace is vital for effective messaging.• Video podcasting is becoming increasingly important.• Engagement strategies should include calls to action.• Listening to other podcasts can provide valuable insights.Sound Bites• Better is better.• Build your catalog.• Start listening to podcasts.Listen & Subscribe for More:
R. Kenner French introduces a discussion on the new tax bill and its significant implications for business owners. He emphasizes that the changes will allow many entrepreneurs to save substantial amounts of money, particularly through the use of federal and state research and development (R&D) tax credits. This is especially relevant to small business owners and communities focused on lowering tax liabilities using legal and ethical strategies.Kenner highlights that many business owners are unaware of the tax savings available to them, especially those leveraging modern tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude in their operations. He stresses that using innovative technologies often qualifies as R&D activity, which can unlock additional tax credits. This is an opportunity often overlooked by entrepreneurs, who may not realize that their everyday efforts in innovation and problem-solving could reduce their tax burdens.He also introduces himself and his expertise. Kenner is a three-time author with a forthcoming book titled Modern Millions.ai. He has written for Forbes.com and the AI Journal, and has spent years working in the fields of tax, finance, and artificial intelligence. Over the years, he has built a reputation for helping business owners legally, morally, and ethically lower their tax liability through innovative strategies.Turning back to the tax bill itself, He outlines the main changes, with a strong emphasis on expanded eligibility and simplified processes for claiming R&D tax credits. He notes that both federal and state governments are making it easier for companies to apply and benefit from these credits. Importantly, even in states without income tax, businesses may still be able to access refunds or savings through state-level R&D incentives, broadening the opportunities for entrepreneurs across different regions.Kenner concludes by stressing the urgency for business owners to take advantage of these tax opportunities, as many are unknowingly "walking over dollars." By understanding and applying for R&D credits, companies can reclaim significant financial resources. He encourages listeners to seek guidance from tax professionals, reminding them that experts such as tax attorneys, CPAs, and consultants can help maximize savings. The key message: innovation not only drives growth but can also directly lower tax liability under the new bill.Takeaways• The new tax bill has significant implications for business owners.• R&D tax credits are now more accessible and beneficial.• Immediate expensing allows for better cash flow management.• Bonus depreciation enables full deduction of asset purchases in the year of service.• Simplified accounting regulations will ease the burden on business owners.• Cross-border tax considerations are crucial for international clients.• Proper documentation is essential to avoid penalties.• Tax planning is vital for maximizing savings under the new bill.• Artificial intelligence can aid in lowering tax liabilities.• Business owners should leverage community resources for tax advice.Sound BitesThis is big.• It's going to be easier for tax planning.• You can do them now instead of later.Listen & Subscribe for More:
Shane Carter opens with one big lesson: focus. In his early years he chased shiny objects, made some money, but not “real” money—and burned relationships in the process. Getting calm and centered changed everything: better relationships, more income, less grind, and genuine work–life balance.
The discussion opened with Kenner introducing Carolyn Lowe, founder of ROI Swift, as a proven expert in helping brands grow on Amazon. Carolyn shared her ambitious goal of helping 500 brands profitably scale, noting she has already guided over 200. A standout success story involved a father-and-son team who grew from six figures to seven figures per month under her guidance and eventually achieved a nine-figure exit with just four employees.Carolyn traced her career back to the late 1990s when she worked at Dell, helping expand their consumer e-commerce business to billions in sales. After stepping back to raise her children, she later joined a small mom-and-baby brand, scaling their Amazon sales from $10,000 a month to $400,000 a month. This experience inspired her to launch ROI Swift in 2015, where she has since dedicated her efforts to helping consumer brands grow strategically and profitably.The conversation explored why Amazon remains such a powerful platform for entrepreneurs. Carolyn emphasized Amazon's constant reinvention, from books to A-to-Z retail to becoming a major advertising powerhouse. She explained her firm's process: every brand they work with gets a five-person team specializing in account management, advertising, copywriting, design, and organic growth. Their focus is simple—drive more traffic and increase conversion rates, while ensuring profitability and protecting brands from common pitfalls on Amazon.Carolyn shared insights from client engagements, such as reimagining packaging for a floss-pick brand that saved 25% on fulfillment costs, equating to an additional $1 per unit in profits. She described the importance of SKU-level profitability analysis, as some products may look successful but generate little return after fees and advertising. Carolyn also touched on “product cloning,” where analyzing customer reviews led to new market opportunities, such as repositioning grip tape as “chef's grip tape,” which doubled revenue without cannibalizing the original product line.Beyond Amazon strategy, Carolyn encouraged entrepreneurs to think big, start earlier in life, and embrace risk before family and obligations make risk-taking harder. She recommended books like 10X Is Easier Than 2X and Die With Zero for mindset shifts around growth and legacy. Kenner added his perspective on AI-related tax credits, underscoring how innovation can bring hidden financial advantages. Carolyn closed by highlighting ROI Swift's business model—retainer plus a percentage of growth, aligning agency incentives with client success. She left listeners with a clear takeaway: Amazon growth is possible and profitable when approached with strategy, data, and long-term vision.Takeaways• Carolyn aims to help 500 brands grow profitably.• Data is crucial for understanding market potential.• Traffic and conversion are key to Amazon success.• ROI Swift provides a holistic approach to brand growth.• Innovative product strategies can significantly increase revenue.• Engagement with clients includes a dedicated team of experts.• Understanding market size is essential for growth.• Entrepreneurs should start their businesses early.• Books can serve as a powerful marketing tool.• The right decisions can prevent businesses from failing.Sound Bites• Help you grow your brand.• Data wins arguments.• We do an assessment.Listen & Subscribe for More:
R. Kenner French begins by explaining what a qualified plan is—retirement savings vehicles like 401(k)s, IRAs, profit-sharing plans, and defined benefit or cash balance plans. He emphasizes that these aren't just for large corporations; even solopreneurs and entrepreneurs without employees can establish them. The appeal lies in their ability to lower taxes, build long-term wealth, and create financial stability in retirement. Without planning, many business owners risk running out of money and being forced to work well past retirement age.Kenner compares qualified plans to non-qualified investing, showing how the former often results in significantly more money over time because of tax deferrals and compounding. For instance, he cites an example where a $5,000 annual investment over 25 years yields roughly 25% more in a qualified plan than in a non-qualified account. He stresses that entrepreneurs should think of qualified plans as a financial umbrella shielding them from taxes until withdrawals are made.One misconception Kenner addresses is that qualified plans are limited to stocks and bonds. In reality, investors can diversify into real estate, crypto, tax liens, and even insurance products through certain structures. He also notes that rollovers between IRAs, 401(k)s, and profit-sharing plans are common, and in many cases, qualified plans even allow loans—providing liquidity while keeping funds growing for retirement.Kenner highlights several underappreciated benefits of qualified plans. They provide significant tax advantages, protect assets from lawsuits, and give trustees direct control over investments. This control allows entrepreneurs to align retirement assets with their personal financial strategies while still enjoying the protections built into the plan structure.In closing, Kenner encourages entrepreneurs to explore qualified plans as powerful tools for both tax planning and wealth creation. He warns that while the opportunities are vast, rules can be complex—making professional guidance critical. VastSolutionsGroup.com, with decades of experience, helps business owners structure and manage these plans effectively, ensuring maximum tax savings and long-term security. His central message: qualified plans are not just about retirement—they're about taking control of your financial future today.Takeaways• Qualified plans can significantly enhance retirement savings.• Entrepreneurs can benefit from various types of qualified plans.• Investment options in qualified plans include real estate and crypto.• Tax advantages of qualified plans can lead to substantial savings.• Control over qualified plan assets allows for personalized investment strategies.• Loans can be taken from certain qualified plans, providing liquidity.• Understanding the differences between qualified and non-qualified plans is crucial.• Consulting with a financial advisor is essential for maximizing benefits.• Qualified plans can protect assets from lawsuits in many cases.• The convenience of managing a single qualified plan can simplify financial planning.Sound Bites• What is a qualified plan?• You can take loans out of them.• You have control over your assets.Listen & Subscribe for More:
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