Podcasts about Asset

This Friday Q&A tackles a familiar voice: Bitcoin Bob tries again to make the case for crypto as protection against currency debasement. Don breaks down what “debasement” actually means, why inflation gradually reduces purchasing power, and why Bitcoin's extreme volatility makes it a poor replacement for the U.S. dollar. Productive assets remain the historically reliable hedge. Then: a comparison of target-date funds vs. a DIY three-fund portfolio, guidance for a couple aiming for early retirement with multi-account withdrawal planning, a discussion of equity/bond allocation in personal portfolios, and what might happen to the small China exposure inside global funds if geopolitical tensions escalated into war. 0:04 Friday Q&A intro and request for more listener questions 1:33 Bitcoin Bob returns: what “currency debasement” means 4:34 Bitcoin vs. the dollar: volatility and why stability matters 6:59 The real hedge: productive global assets over speculative tokens 8:29 Target-date funds vs. a three-fund portfolio in retirement 10:32 Asset allocation control vs. glide path defaults 11:20 Early retirement scenario: withdrawal sequencing, 72(t), and risk tolerance 14:55 When to add bonds and why emotional behavior matters 16:00 Don's and Tom's current equity/bond allocations 17:07 If the U.S. and China went to war: what happens to VT's China exposure? 20:26 Why global diversification limits catastrophic loss Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apple last week reported its fiscal fourth quarter, so Dave and I take a quick look at numbers and see where the revenue is coming from. We also talk about the reasons GM is ending support for CarPlay and Android Auto for future cars and reports that the next version of Siri will be powered by Google's Gemini. Brought to you by: CleanMyMac: Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use my code DALRYMPLE for 20% off at clnmy.com/DALRYMPLE Show Notes: World Series Apple reports fourth quarter results Enjoy CarPlay while you still can CarPlay Seems Essential for Rental Fleets Canva buys Affinity, Adobe should be worried Siri and Gemini Shows and movies we're watching The Asset, Netflix A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs Mr. Scorsese

Self-Storage Returns & Value Add PivotsInterest rates remain high and there is uncertainty in the market ranging from tariffs to labor costs. Deals today don't pencil the same way they did a few years ago and those who are thriving in this economy are those who have pivoted and adapted. If you want to learn - How real estate investors are still controlling returns amid market uncertainty- Why adding self storage to your portfolio may be a smart move - How to capitalize on Consumer landscape changesJoin me and Clint Harris of Nomad Capital as we deep dive into: - Pros and cons of asset classes from STRs to self storage - Risk Return profile & Due diligence of Self storage Investments- Value add pivots in the current economy including Asset class conversions ....

In a Halloween-themed discussion, Mike and Brian talk about the “scary” consequences of not properly maintaining an LLC, focusing on a real-life case where an owner lost personal liability protection.

In this episode we break down credit cracks—from bank charge-offs to rising consumer delinquencies and private-credit liquidity—what matters, what’s noise, and why this systemic…at least yet. To read this week's Sight|Lines, click here. The views expressed in this podcast may not necessarily reflect the views of Stifel Financial Corp. or its affiliates (collectively, Stifel). This communication is provided for information purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Asset allocation and diversification do not ensure a profit or protect against loss. © Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated | Member SIPC & NYSE | www.stifel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"No trucking company in the history of trucking companies has ever made money if their wheels aren't moving basically all the time." - Sean Devine, Founder and CEO, XBE When costs are high and competition is tight, how companies think about opportunities and challenges determines how successful they will be.  They must deal with the never-ending push and pull between procurement and sales, the role of operational planning, and demand that alternates between peaks and troughs, but the big question is always the same: Is your core business as profitable as it could be? Sean Devine is the Founder and CEO of XBE, and Sean Correll is their General Manager of Heavy Logistics. XBE is an operations platform focused on heavy materials, logistics, and construction. Their customers build and maintain roads, manufacture with concrete and asphalt, and mine and transport aggregate – expensive, asset-intensive activities. Starting with the need to maximize asset utilization, and then transitioning into how the most strategic business decisions are made, this conversation applies far beyond heavy logistics. Kelly, Sean, and Sean discuss:  How to optimize owned v. hired logistics capacity The many different levers that can turn a good operation into a great one  Understanding the cost of an opportunity, as well as buy-side competition Why we all need to resist the temptation to run towards even the best answers  

Most active investors are pretty good at making money: After all, if they were no good at it, then they would leave the work to someone else. But what about holding onto it? Does your investment success convert to long-term accumulation? Author Jacqui Clarke joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The hidden cost of 'expense creep' to your life plans Translating the principles of good management to investment choices Asset-rich and cash-poor - It doesn't have to be this way Cash ETF are worth a look See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Un webinar informativo per fare un po' il punto della situazione, comprendere come sta evolvendo e quali saranno le prospettive future in chiave di investimenti.Quanta parte investire e se investire i propri risparmi nel nucleare, o nel comparto energia nucleare? Ha senso, non ha senso, quali sono i rischi e quali sono le opportunità?Qual è lo "storico" del settore e quali strumenti sono disponibili?A chi conviene? Conviene?Con:Gian Luca Bocchi di Morkemindy.com,Fulvio Marchese, consulente / pensionato felice,Edoardo Passaretti, Regional Director di GlobalX ETFS Europe,Piergiacomo Braganti, Director, Macroeconomic Research di WisdomTree Europe, Alessandro Rollo, ETF Sales Associate di VanEck,Gabriele Turussini, Private Banker

The London Stock Exchange has launched a series of indexes to track private investment funds. "Private investment" is a phrase we've been hearing a lot — the Trump administration is trying to make it easier to add it to your 401(k). And the "private credit" market has been catching serious side-eye from Jamie Dimon and others. But what the heck does "private" even mean in these contexts? We have an explainer. Plus, a look at job creation and sentiment among farmers.

The London Stock Exchange has launched a series of indexes to track private investment funds. "Private investment" is a phrase we've been hearing a lot — the Trump administration is trying to make it easier to add it to your 401(k). And the "private credit" market has been catching serious side-eye from Jamie Dimon and others. But what the heck does "private" even mean in these contexts? We have an explainer. Plus, a look at job creation and sentiment among farmers.

Jason  champions a view of real estate as a "packaged commodities" investment, emphasizing the financial advantage of the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. They also stress the importance of adjusting financial figures for inflation, noting that reports of skyrocketing luxury home sales are misleading when not accounting for the dollar's diminished purchasing power. Furthermore, the discussion touches on the unusual trend of luxury home price growth outpacing non-luxury homes due to wealth concentration and the Cantillon effect. Finally, the speaker promotes the strategy of inflation-induced debt destruction and discusses the long-term upward pressure on rents, before briefly introducing the topic of long-term care insurance. The Jason welcomes Aaron Miller, a lawy specializing in long-term care insurance. They focus on long-term care planning and funding options, with Aaron Miller sharing his personal and professional experience as an attorney specializing in elder law. They cover various methods for paying for long-term care, including private pay, insurance, and government assistance programs like Medicaid, with emphasis on the importance of proper planning to avoid financial strain on families. Aaron concluded with insights on elder law abuse, particularly financial abuse by caregivers, and the benefits of long-term care insurance for protecting one's legacy and assets through proper estate planning. #PackagedCommodities #RealEstateInvesting #InflationInducedDebtDestruction #WealthConcentration #LuxuryHousingMarket #HomeSales #AdjustForInflation #CPILie #HousingAffordability #IncomeProperty #PassThroughAsset #RentIncreases #LinearMarkets #CyclicalMarkets #MortgageRates #GovernmentIntervention #LongevityBreakthroughs #LongTermCareInsurance #DieWithZero #FinancialAI  Key Takeaways: Jason's editorial 1:24 Be a packaged commodities investor 2:54 Hamptons housing, inflation and other news 9:55 International tourist trips 11:13 US home prices are up 13:53 House prices outpaced income growth 16:45 FED cuts US rates 17:30 BOA: Copper prices could rise 18:35 Teeing up long-term care insurance 20:10 Need help? Reach out to our investment counselors today! Check out our FREE Ai tool- JasonHartman.com/Ai Aaron Miller interview 21:54 3 Ways for Long-term care insurance 24:35 Government Insurance 29:47 A sword and shield   Follow Jason on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM & LINKEDIN Twitter.com/JasonHartmanROI Instagram.com/jasonhartman1/ Linkedin.com/in/jasonhartmaninvestor/ Call our Investment Counselors at: 1-800-HARTMAN (US) or visit: https://www.jasonhartman.com/ Free Class:  Easily get up to $250,000 in funding for real estate, business or anything else: http://JasonHartman.com/Fund CYA Protect Your Assets, Save Taxes & Estate Planning: http://JasonHartman.com/Protect Get wholesale real estate deals for investment or build a great business – Free Course: https://www.jasonhartman.com/deals Special Offer from Ron LeGrand: https://JasonHartman.com/Ron Free Mini-Book on Pandemic Investing: https://www.PandemicInvesting.com  

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Would you say your agency is truly profitable? Take a closer look and assess its structure, systems, and tools through the lens of business maturity. You may find you're still in the chaos stage, in need of structure and vision. Running an agency often starts with passion and talent, but keeping it running smoothly takes systems, leadership, and a strong operational backbone. This operational maturity doesn't happen overnight. As today's featured guest knows well, it's a process of reflection, restructuring, and relentless improvement. Harv Nagra is the Head of Brand Communications at Scoro and host of The Handbook: The Operations Podcast, where he explores how agencies and consultancies build scalable, profitable operations. As someone who has spent his career at the intersection of creativity, consultancy, and operations, he'll discuss the key stages of agency growth, the pitfalls of immature operations, and the leadership mindset required to scale sustainably. In this episode, we'll discuss: Understanding the agency maturity model. Evolving your agency from chaos to clarity. Growing your leadership to create framework. Data and the path to predictability. Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources E2M Solutions: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by E2M Solutions, a web design, and development agency that has provided white-label services for the past 10 years to agencies all over the world. Check out e2msolutions.com/smartagency and get 10% off for the first three months of service. Why Most Agency Founders Aren't Natural Operators Harv has been in the agency space for most of his career, working in marketing and design, and, although he currently works as Brand Communicator for Scoro, he keeps his finger on the pulse of the industry via his podcast The Handbook, where he talks to owners about running great agencies and consultancies. After speaking with so many founders, Harv is aware that operations is often the blind spot for first-time agency owners. They were very good at delivering a service and ended up being an "accidental founder". People start agencies because they're great at marketing, design, or development, not because they planned to manage P&Ls or build operational frameworks. As a result, growth often outpaces structure, and operations fall behind. Early on, these agencies prioritize sales and survival, just trying to land enough business to stay afloat. But as Harv emphasizes, there's a point where founders must transition from doing great work to running a great business. Without operational clarity, even the most talented teams end up winging it, leading to burnout, inefficiency, and missed profit. Understanding the Agency Maturity Model One of Harv's biggest turning points came when his COO introduced him to the concept of a business maturity model. It was an eye-opener. He thought the agency was doing fine, until the framework revealed gaps he didn't even know existed. It showed him that agencies, like people, evolve through stages, from chaotic startups to structured, data-driven organizations. The models vary, but there are usually 5 stages: 1. People challenges 2. process challenges 3. Data and metrics 4. Technology and tools 5. Growth strategy The early stage is where chaos reigns. Processes are tribal, training is informal ("just learn from whoever you sit next to"), and there is no consistent way of working. As the business grows, pockets of best practices emerge, but without unified systems or documentation. The most mature agencies reach a level where processes are standardized, data is reliable, and leaders can make decisions based on insights rather than gut feelings. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of agencies ever get there. From Chaos to Clarity: Building Operational Maturity When Harv stepped into an operations role, his agency was stuck between chaos and maturity. Multiple entities were working in silos with inconsistent tools and workflows. Financial reporting was messy, and onboarding was informal. Everything began to change when they hired a finance director who helped formalize budgeting and systemize financial operations. Together, they redefined how projects were quoted, tracked, and managed, bringing consistency and visibility that had been missing for years. It's a common growing pain for agencies that scale faster than their systems. As Jason recalls, before implementing time tracking, he believed all clients were profitable. The data told a different story: 60% of projects were actually losing money. That realization forced him to fix pricing, reposition the agency, and rethink sales and operations from the ground up. The Leadership Shift: From Fighting Fires to Frameworks Many agency owners reach a ceiling because they're still running their business as they did in the early days. As he moved up the ladder, Harv and his team tried to get the agency's leadership team to realize they were spread too thin, with each senior leader juggling multiple internal roles alongside client work. Once leadership saw the problem, the real work began; creating clarity, documenting systems, and assigning accountability. The key here was clarity, so Harv and this finance director documented everything from budgeting to time tracking, to reporting and resourcing. It was a huge leap in maturity and it consolidated when the founders brought an interim COO who audited operations, restructured the organization, and helped senior leaders focus on strategic leadership instead of firefighting. Finally, there was a clear understanding of where the agency is going, who it serves, and how it operates. Without that, leaders end up managing chaos rather than building growth. Data, Tools, and the Path to Predictability As Harv's agency matured, the next challenge was data and technology. Their systems were outdated, and reporting was cumbersome. Upgrading their tech stack allowed them to collaborate across borders, manage multiple entities, and gain visibility into key metrics like capacity and revenue forecasting. This shift toward being data-driven enabled proactive decision-making instead of reactive problem-solving. Alongside technology, restructuring played a key role. The agency had to make tough decisions about team composition, ensuring the right people were in the right seats. As Harv put it, "Just because someone's been there from the beginning doesn't mean they're the right fit for the next phase." It's a difficult but necessary mindset for sustainable growth. Letting Go — The Hardest Step in Agency Maturity For founders,  growth means letting go. Letting go of old habits, outdated systems, and sometimes even long-time team members. Many owners treat their agency like a baby, and it's a mistake. When leaders cling too tightly, they become the bottleneck. True maturity happens when they can trust the team, delegate decisions, and focus on leading rather than managing. As Harv summarized, agencies should think of themselves less like families and more like sports teams where each player has a role, and the lineup changes as the game evolves. The goal isn't comfort, it's performance. That's what separates agencies that evolve from those that plateau. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.

In his return to Masters of Moments, Sean Hehir joins Jake Wurzak for a deeper dive into the future of hospitality, technology, and investment strategy. Building on their first conversation, Sean shares how his firm has embraced AI to transform operations and asset management, using data to predict market shifts and enhance efficiency across a global portfolio. He also discusses the evolving landscape of hotel investing, from luxury experiential travel to large-scale renovations, offering candid insights into leadership, culture, and the importance of partnering with the right people. They discuss: • How AI and predictive data are reshaping hotel asset management • The rise of experiential travel and why it's redefining hospitality investment • Strategic lessons from major hotel renovations like The Diplomat and The White Barn Inn • The balance between people, culture, and technology in scaling a global firm • The future of hospitality investment, from Europe to experiential and wellness-driven models Links: Sean on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-hehir/ Trinity Investments - https://www.trinityinvestments.com/ Connect & Invest with Jake: Follow Jake on X: ⁠https://x.com/JWurzak⁠ 1 on 1 coaching with Jake: ⁠https://www.jakewurzak.com/coaching⁠ Learn How to Invest with DoveHill: ⁠https://bit.ly/3yg8Pwo⁠ Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:01:32) - AI in business: Transforming operations (00:04:06) - Asset management and predictive analytics (00:05:16) - Hospitality industry trends and adaptations (00:10:22) - Luxury vs. commodity hotels (00:14:12) - Strategizing hotel acquisitions (00:23:22) - Navigating challenges and maintaining culture (00:24:54) - Capital strategy and market dynamics (00:41:35) - Challenges of raising a first-time fund (00:42:15) - Finding a niche in hospitality real estate (00:43:17) - Balancing fundraising and deal focus (00:44:40) - Sourcing deals: Marketed vs. off-market (00:46:35) - Choosing the right partners (00:48:16) - The Standard in London deal (00:50:24) - Maintaining entrepreneurial culture (00:54:39) - Biggest mistakes and wins in asset management (00:57:40) - Impact of politics on investing strategy (00:58:38) - Innovative renovation strategies (01:00:52) - Exploring new opportunities in hospitality (01:03:39) - The importance of service in luxury hotels (01:09:12) - Future aspirations and gratitude (01:10:35) - Favorite hotels and unique experiences

Brian Skrobonja talks about the hidden trap of survival mode: that quiet, familiar mindset that keeps you safe but small. He explains why so many people in midlife mistake control for security, and how shifting from a scarcity mindset to a mentality of abundance changes everything about how you earn, spend, and live. Tune in to hear what it really takes to move from survival to strategy, from managing scarcity to creating abundance, and why your next level of wealth starts in your mind, not your bank account. Brian starts by explaining how time sneaks up on us. One day you're in your 20s, and before you know it, decades have passed and you're in your 40s and 50s. Brian reveals that survival mode can feel safe because it's familiar. It got you through the student loans, the mortgage, the chaos of raising kids. But staying there too long turns what once protected you into what now holds you back. Learn why survival mode isn't a wealth strategy, it's a coping mechanism. It helps you survive the storm, but it won't help you build the life you're meant for. Brian explains what survival mode sounds like — phrases like "let's just get through this month," or "I'll do it myself, why pay someone else." It's the mindset of always managing crisis instead of creating space. And over time, that mindset becomes a ceiling you can't see but always feel. According to Brian, the midlife shift begins when you realize your greatest assets aren't money or status. They're your time, your energy, and your ability to think beyond what used to be possible.  Brian reveals that in survival mode, every dollar has a job: pay bills, pay debt, save a little, repeat. But in strategy mode, every dollar has a mission: grow, create margin, and buy back time. How to see money differently: not as control, but as freedom.  Brian shares that when couples view money as a tool to create experiences and peace of mind, their entire relationship with it changes. Suddenly, money becomes connection, not conflict. Learn how to shift from scarcity to abundance thinking. From "there's never enough" to "I can create more." Brian reveals that scarcity doesn't always look like struggle. Sometimes it looks like the person who's debt-free but afraid to invest or try something new. It's protection disguised as prudence, and it keeps your potential locked away. Brian explains the danger of carrying your old survival habits into midlife. You might think you're being smart, but what you're really doing is protecting what you have instead of growing what's possible. You end up loyal to your limitations instead of your evolution. For Brian, abundance isn't fantasy thinking. It's confidence in your ability to generate value, attract opportunity, and recover from mistakes.  Learn how abundance thinking changes the questions you ask. Instead of "how do I save more," you begin asking, "how can I multiply this?" Instead of "what will this cost me," you start asking, "what could this create for me?" Brian explains that money is energy, it flows both ways. When you spend it to buy back time or peace of mind, that's not waste, it's wisdom. Your return isn't just financial, it's emotional, mental, and deeply human. Why buying back your time matters: it's not indulgent, it's stewardship. The moment you start using money to free your schedule, your mind expands. You make room for strategy, creativity, and joy — the real sources of wealth. Brian reveals that money doesn't change who you are, it amplifies you. If you lead with fear, more money only multiplies that fear. But if you lead with purpose, money becomes fuel for everything that truly matters. Brian explains that wealthy people don't do it all themselves. They hire experts, delegate complexity, and buy back focus. They understand that leverage isn't loss of control, it's how they multiply their capability. Why community matters: scarcity breeds more scarcity when you stay around people who think small. Brian urges you to surround yourself with those who think in terms of growth, possibility, and opportunity. Brian closes with a challenge: stop asking, "What will this cost me?" and start asking, "What can this create for me?"  That one question can open the door to your next chapter — a life that's not just about surviving, but thriving in full alignment with who you're becoming.     Mentioned in this episode: BrianSkrobonja.com SkrobonjaFinancial.com SkrobonjaWealth.com BUILDbanking.com Common Sense Financial Podcast on YouTube  Common Sense Financial Podcast on Spotify     Alternative investments may be subject to less regulation than other types of pooled investment vehicles. Alternative Investments may impose significant fees, including incentive fees that are based upon a percentage of the realized and unrealized gains and an individual's net returns may differ significantly from actual returns. Such fees may offset all or a significant portion of such Alternative Investment's trading profits. Incorporating alternative investments into a portfolio presents the opportunity for significant losses including in some cases, losses which exceed the principal amount invested. Also, some alternative investments have experienced periods of extreme volatility and in general, are not suitable for all investors. Asset allocation and diversification strategies do not ensure profit or protect against loss in declining markets. ---- BUILD Banking™ is a DBA of Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC. Benefits and guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the insurance company. Not FDIC insured. Results may vary. Any descriptions involving life insurance policies and its use as an alternative form of financing or risk management techniques are provided for illustration purposes only, will not apply in all situations, may not be fully indicative of any present or future investments, and may be changed at the discretion of the insurance carrier, General Partner and/or Manager and are not intended to reflect guarantees on securities performance. The term BUILD Banking™, private banking alternatives or specially designed life insurance contracts (SDLIC) are not meant to insinuate that the issuer is creating a real bank for its clients or communicating that life insurance companies are the same as traditional banking institutions. This material is educational in nature and should not be deemed as a solicitation of any specific product or service. BUILD Banking™ is offered by Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC only and is not offered by Madison Avenue Securities, LLC. nor Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC. ---- This content is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual's situation. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC are not permitted to offer and no statement made during this presentation shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firms are not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or any governmental agency. The information and opinions contained herein provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed by Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC. ---- Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC. (MAS), Member FINRA &SIPC. Advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through Skrobonja Wealth Management (SWM), a registered investment advisor. Tax services offered only through Skrobonja Tax Consulting. MAS does not offer Build Banking or tax advice. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC, Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC, Skrobonja Tax Consulting, and Build Banking are not affiliated with MAS. Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC is a registered investment adviser. 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Land isn't just dirt under buildings—it's the world's oldest, strangest asset, worth an estimated $180T, quietly steering credit cycles, politics, and who gets to build the future. Economist editor and Money Talks host Mike Bird joins us to decode the “land trap”: why superstar cities underbuild, how mortgages turned banks into land-collateral machines, and what Japan's 1980s super-bubble can (and can't) teach us about China's managed deflation today. We trace ownership from Babylonian stone ledgers to modern cadastres, ask whether America ever ran a de facto “land standard,” and explore pragmatic exits: build where demand is, deepen capital markets so homes aren't the only savings vehicle, and tax land value uplift to fund infrastructure. ---

Fuquan Bilal shares how he scaled NNG Capital Fund, raised $50M, and built systems, teams, and mindset to create freedom through real estate investing.In this episode of RealDealChat, Jack Hoss sits down with Fuquan Bilal, founder of NNG Capital Fund, to discuss how he built a $50M+ portfolio through multifamily, affordable housing, and luxury new construction—powered by systems, people, and purpose.Fuquan explains how he started from nothing, burned his bridges to corporate life, and learned the hard way how to scale sustainably. He shares his experience implementing EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), raising capital through transparency, and developing affordable housing in the Southeast while building luxury spec homes in New Jersey.You'll also hear how he uses AI for deal analysis, trains his team through systems, and helps investors earn passive income while providing quality housing for families in need.What you'll learn in this episode:How Fuquan started with one deal and scaled to raising $50M+ in capitalWhy transparency and communication build investor trustThe real work after closing: asset management & operational excellenceWhy self-managing properties can double profitabilityHow to implement EOS & Scaling Up to create real tractionLessons from right-sizing your team & aligning around core valuesFour pillars of business success: people, strategy, execution & cashWhy systems + mindset = scaleHow to use creative financing (seller carryback, bridge alternatives)How AI is transforming underwriting and deal review

Asset-backed investments have typically traded at higher yields and wider spreads than comparably rated corporate securities. Karthik Narayanan, Head of Structured Credit, explains why this relative value opportunity exists and where he sees value across asset-backed securities, collateralized loan obligations, and residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities. He also offers insights into the process for managing these complex investments.Related Content:The ABCs of Asset-Backed FinanceFinding value in complexity: The structure, risks, and investor-friendly features of asset-backed finance.Read the ReportInterest Rate Expectations Support Fixed Income Steve Brown, CIO for Fixed Income, joins Bloomberg TV to discuss monetary and fiscal policy, macroeconomic trends, and credit market opportunities. Watch Now Fourth Quarter 2025 Fixed-Income Sector ViewsRelative value across the fixed-income market.Read Fixed-Income Sector ViewsInvesting involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. In general, the value of a fixed-income security falls when interest rates rise and rises when interest rates fall. Longer term bonds are more sensitive to interest rate changes and subject to greater volatility than those with shorter maturities. High yield and unrated debt securities are at a greater risk of default than investment grade bonds and may be less liquid, which may increase volatility. Private debt investments are generally considered illiquid and not quoted on any exchange; thus they are difficult to value. The process of valuing investments for which reliable market quotations are not available is based on inherent uncertainties and may not be accurate. Further, the level of discretion used by an investment manager to value private debt securities could lead to conflicts of interest.This material is distributed for informational or educational purposes only and should not be considered a recommendation of any particular security, strategy, or investment product, or as investing advice of any kind. This material is not provided in a fiduciary capacity, may not be relied upon for or in connection with the making of investment decisions, and does not constitute a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities. The content contained herein is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and/or a legal opinion. Always consult a financial, tax and/or legal professional regarding your specific situation.This material contains opinions of the author but not necessarily those of Guggenheim Partners or its subsidiaries. The author's opinions are subject to change without notice. Forward-looking statements, estimates, and certain information contained herein are based upon proprietary and non-proprietary research and other sources. Information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but are not assured as to accuracy. No part of this article may be reproduced in any form, or referred to in any other publication, without express written permission of Guggenheim Partners, LLC. Past performance is not indicative of future results. There is neither representation nor warranty as to the current accuracy of, nor liability for, decisions based on such...

Edwin Mata is the CEO and Co-Founder of Brickken, a leading multi-chain tokenization platform that has already pioneered the tokenization of over $300 million in real-world assets across 16 countries. Under his leadership, Brickken was ranked #28 on Sifted's Top 100 Fastest-Growing Startups in France & Southern Europe 2025, one of only two blockchain-native companies featured, proving that Web3 infrastructure is no longer theoretical—it's being built, adopted, and deployed by real institutions.Edwin, a Mexican-Spanish blockchain lawyer, entrepreneur, and keynote speaker, is at the forefront of real-world asset (RWA) tokenization. He has shaped academic and legal programs on emerging technologies and continues to advocate for clear regulatory standards and scalable frameworks across Web3.He was recently recognized by Forbes Argentina as one of the “40 Under 40 Tech Leaders Revolutionizing the Digital Future,” highlighting his role among innovators driving the next wave of technology and finance globally.At Brickken, Edwin is creating compliant Web3 infrastructure that empowers institutions to tokenize, manage, and scale real-world assets efficiently, helping usher in a new era of global liquidity through decentralized finance.

Edwin Mata is the CEO and Co-Founder of Brickken, a leading multi-chain tokenization platform that has already pioneered the tokenization of over $300 million in real-world assets across 16 countries. Under his leadership, Brickken was ranked #28 on Sifted's Top 100 Fastest-Growing Startups in France & Southern Europe 2025, one of only two blockchain-native companies featured, proving that Web3 infrastructure is no longer theoretical—it's being built, adopted, and deployed by real institutions.Edwin, a Mexican-Spanish blockchain lawyer, entrepreneur, and keynote speaker, is at the forefront of real-world asset (RWA) tokenization. He has shaped academic and legal programs on emerging technologies and continues to advocate for clear regulatory standards and scalable frameworks across Web3.He was recently recognized by Forbes Argentina as one of the “40 Under 40 Tech Leaders Revolutionizing the Digital Future,” highlighting his role among innovators driving the next wave of technology and finance globally.At Brickken, Edwin is creating compliant Web3 infrastructure that empowers institutions to tokenize, manage, and scale real-world assets efficiently, helping usher in a new era of global liquidity through decentralized finance.

This time of year is critical. As sales leaders map out their budgets for the new year, the conversation always centers on a core conflict: How to cut expenses and, simultaneously, motivate teams to hit larger quotas. What's the first line item to feel the squeeze? Training and development. It is often incorrectly labeled a 'want' and not a 'need.' We hear leaders say, "It can wait until next quarter," or, "Once we stabilize revenue, we'll invest in the team."  This short-sighted thinking doesn't save money. Instead, it's costing organizations a significant, quantifiable amount of revenue and talent. When professional development is treated like a luxury, we undermine the foundational ability of our teams to perform consistently at a high level. Training is the Foundational Requirement for Peak Performance Sales leaders should consider peak performance in any high-stakes environment. In the military, or in elite professional sports, ongoing training is not a choice—it is a non-negotiable, daily priority.  So why is it that, in Sales, we view continuous development as optional or too expensive? The simple truth is that lack of training is the most expensive mistake you can make. Think about the rate of technological change. Most of us have upgraded our cell phones in the last three to five years because the old ones simply couldn't keep up.  The same principle applies to your sales team's skill set. If your representatives are still relying on techniques learned 5, 10, or 15 years ago, then they are operating at a competitive disadvantage. They will be outmaneuvered and outperformed by competitors who are strategically investing in modern sales frameworks every time. Henry Ford's famous quote still holds true: "The only thing worse than training employees and losing them is to not train them and keep them." If you believe training is expensive, you must take a moment to calculate the monumental loss of reps consistently missing their quotas. The True Cost of Inconsistency and Turnover Look at the numbers. Assume three of your representatives are consistently missing quota by just 20%. That deficit is lost revenue—but it also represents wasted leads, missed opportunities, and the corrosive ripple effect of deals that never even make it into your pipeline. The amount of potential revenue lost due to underperformance is often far greater than the entire annual budget you would allocate to comprehensive sales training. Action Plan for Sales Leaders & Managers To reverse this loss, you must treat coaching as a continuous operational requirement, not a perk. Calculate the 'Cost of Inaction' to Justify Budget: Reframe thinking of training as an expense and start focusing on the cost of the status quo. Calculate the annualized revenue loss from your bottom 20% of underperforming reps (e.g., missed quota * average deal size). Use that concrete number to justify and secure a budget for development, proving that not training is your biggest liability. Implement a Continuous Coaching Framework: Don't rely on annual training events. Transform your managers into daily coaches by mandating 30 minutes of structured, one-on-one coaching per week focused on skill development. This reinforcement is what locks in new behaviors and prevents the initial energy gained in training from fading. The Hidden Expense of Disengagement Talent turnover is another critical cost of lack of training that is often overlooked. A representative who feels unsupported, or who consistently misses quota because they don't have the necessary tools and coaching, is highly likely to seek opportunities elsewhere.  The cost of recruiting, onboarding, and ramping a replacement—which includes the loss of established customer relationships and the disruption to team morale—significantly outweighs the expense of proactive investment. How to Take a Struggling Rep From Liability to Asset

The allegations surrounding Mary Erdoes, the CEO of JPMorgan Chase's Asset and Wealth Management division, focus on what she knew—and when—about Jeffrey Epstein's criminal conduct while the bank continued doing business with him. Epstein remained a JPMorgan client from the late 1990s until 2013, despite his 2008 sex crime conviction and repeated internal warnings about his activities. Internal compliance emails revealed that by 2006, Epstein's accounts were already raising red flags for suspicious activity, and by 2011, Erdoes was directly alerted to legal developments confirming his sex-offender status—she reportedly responded with a short “Oh boy.” Testimony and internal records suggest that Erdoes and then–general counsel Stephen Cutler held the authority to terminate Epstein's banking relationship but did not exercise it, even as other staff raised serious concerns. Multiple reports indicate she continued corresponding about Epstein's status and compliance reviews, demonstrating a level of awareness inconsistent with the bank's later public claims that knowledge of his misconduct was confined to lower levels.Critics argue this places Erdoes near the center of JPMorgan's failure to cut ties sooner, implying that the decision to keep Epstein as a client was not a mere oversight but a conscious choice by top management to preserve a lucrative relationship. During litigation brought by the U.S. Virgin Islands and Epstein's survivors, JPMorgan's internal communications were unsealed, showing that Epstein's financial activity had been reviewed annually and still cleared for continuation under Erdoes's division. Jes Staley, Epstein's primary contact within the bank, later testified that Erdoes “had full authority” to drop him but chose not to. Erdoes herself has denied any knowledge of Epstein's sex-trafficking operations, stating that her involvement was limited to compliance oversight and that Epstein was eventually off-boarded once risk assessments changed. Nevertheless, the accumulated evidence—from internal memos to executive testimony—has left a troubling picture of institutional willful blindness at the highest level of the world's largest bank.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com

How can a century-old family tradition from Greece successfully disrupt the competitive U.S. snack aisle. I sat down with OLYRA President and CEO Yannis Varellas to discuss his fascinating journey transforming a fifth-generation flour mill into a modern consumer brand. He details his approach to market entry, the distinction between Amazon and D2C strategies, and how his vision started with a single shipping container filled with Greek cookies.

In this episode of Gimme Some Truth, Clint and Nate dive into the world of pledged asset lines—also known as securities-backed loans. They break down how these loans work, when investors might consider using them, and how they compare to traditional lending tools like home equity lines of credit (HELOCs).You'll learn:

In this episode we answer emails from Jess, Phil and Scott.  We discuss an experience of setting up a sample RPR portfolio for one's self, using asset swaps to manage cash, and fun with the low bar standards and other inadequacies of many financial advisors.And THEN we our go through our weekly and monthly portfolio reviews of the eight sample portfolios you can find at Portfolios | Risk Parity Radio.Additional Links:Father McKenna Center Donation Page:  Donate - Father McKenna CenterHow To Do An Asset Swap Video from Risk Parity Chronicles:  How to Do an Asset SwapBigger Pockets Money Test Risk Parity Style Portfolio:  We Built a 5% SWR Retirement Portfolio Using Fidelity in 48 Minutes (Golden Ratio Portfolio)Excess Returns Podcast With Rick Ferri (forward to minute 49):  Most Never Escape Stage 3 | Rick Ferri on How You Can Beat the Complexity TrapBreathless Unedited AI-Bot Summary:Tired of being told that everything beyond a three-fund portfolio is “too hard”? We pull back the curtain on practical tools that make DIY investing simpler in practice, not smaller in ambition. Starting with a listener's test portfolios, we show how hands-on experience beats theory, why diversification means loving today's winners and tomorrow's comebacks, and how to turn rebalancing into reliable cash flow.We go deep on asset location and the overlooked power of asset swaps. By “selling here, buying there,” you can keep your overall mix unchanged while moving ordinary income into tax-deferred accounts and positioning equities in taxable for qualified dividends and capital gains. If you've been parking big cash balances in a HYSA and wondering why your tax bill keeps creeping up, this segment is your blueprint for tax efficiency without extra risk.Then we tackle withdrawal rates with clear eyes. Many advisors still anchor to 3 percent for retirees in their 60s. We explain why diversified, risk parity style allocations can responsibly target closer to 5 percent over long horizons, especially when you harvest from strength. Case in point: trimming gold after a powerful run to fund November distributions across our sample portfolios. We share market snapshots, what's leading and lagging, and how a rules-based process keeps emotion out of the driver's seat.If you want an investing plan that funds a life—relationships, experiences, generosity—rather than an accounting hobby, this conversation is your on-ramp. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a nudge to start that test portfolio, and leave a review telling us your target withdrawal rate and why.Support the show

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training How would you go about making acquisitions to accelerate your growth? Would you buy for revenue, culture fit, or client roster? Would you be willing to fire big clients that are holding your agency back? Most agency owners chase growth by saying "yes" to everything, from new services, new clients, and every new opportunity. Today's featured guest built one of the fastest-growing mobile and digital agencies in the world by narrow focusing, firing bad-fit clients, and mastering the art of strategic acquisitions. Today he'll unpack how his agency evolved from a small mobile startup in Tel Aviv to a global digital powerhouse working with brands like Google, Uber, Samsung, and Microsoft. Gilad Bechar is the CEO and founder of Moburst, a mobile-first marketing and digital transformation agency with offices in Tel Aviv, New York, and San Francisco. Since 2013, Moburst has helped startups and Fortune 500s alike scale their reach through creative, data-driven, and tech-forward strategies. Under Gilad's leadership, the agency has raised capital, acquired multiple specialized firms, and built proprietary technology that keeps them ahead of the curve in AI, mobile UX, and cross-platform performance. In this episode, we'll discuss: The similarities between the mobile boom and the new AI era. Raising capital without losing control. Using acquisitions as a growth strategy. The power of saying no and focusing on fit. Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources This episode is brought to you by Wix Studio: If you're leveling up your team and your client experience, your site builder should keep up too. That's why successful agencies use Wix Studio — built to adapt the way your agency does: AI-powered site mapping, responsive design, flexible workflows, and scalable CMS tools so you spend less on plugins and more on growth. Ready to design faster and smarter? Go to wix.com/studio to get started. From A Mobile-First Niche Focus to Global Agency Powerhouse When Moburst launched in 2013, the agency world was flooded with "digital experts" who claimed to understand mobile. Most didn't. Gilad noticed that agencies were simply repurposing desktop experiences for smaller screens without real mobile UX thinking, no data-driven optimization, and definitely no understanding of how users behaved differently on apps. That insight became Moburst's edge. Instead of trying to compete as another full-service digital shop, they doubled down on mobile-first marketing. They mastered app store optimization (ASO), performance tracking, and mobile UX design. That focus helped them land early wins with major clients who were desperate for expertise in a fast-changing environment. As Gilad puts it, "When you show big clients that a critical piece of their marketing is being ignored, and you can fix it, that's your entry point." The AI Parallel: Most Agencies Talk, Few Deliver Gilad sees history repeating itself with AI. Just like the early mobile days, everyone's suddenly an "AI expert." But the difference between hype and real expertise shows up fast in a conversation. He believes the proof lies under the hood. Real experts can answer deep implementation questions: which tools integrate best, how to handle data security, and what AI models perform for specific tasks. Pretenders can't. For agencies, this is a reminder that credibility is earned through insight, not jargon. Clients see through the buzzwords. And the ones who don't will eventually learn when the work doesn't deliver. Raising Capital Without Losing Control Unlike most agency founders, Gilad took venture funding, not once, but three times. But he did it differently. Instead of giving away huge equity chunks, Moburst only diluted small percentages (around 6% each round). The investors came to them after seeing how fast their clients were growing. Without that, his agency wouldn't have its current success in the US market and would probably still be a very local agency in Israel. That capital gave him the means to hire a team in New York and then eventually move there to lead that office. It was the start of many new opportunities for the agency, like building internal tech tools that set them apart. It was also the way his team has stayed ahead of the curve from competitors that are not investing in the future and stay too focused on the right here and now. Furthermore, despite having 11 investors, Moburst kept full control. Only one board seat represents all investors, and it can't override the founders' decisions. According to Gilad, that control is what allowed them to make hard but smart moves, like firing clients and cutting costs in 2017 when growth was strong but profitability wasn't. The Hard Reset That Saved the Agency and Restored Profitability In 2017, Moburst was scaling fast but losing money just as quickly. The agency was adding clients and headcount, but without the right systems to manage profitability. At one point, they were bleeding up to $70,000 a month. So Gilad made the tough call: he cut unprofitable clients, reduced staff, and rebuilt the agency around systems that supported healthy margins. "It was brutal," he admits. "We let go of big, well-known clients we loved working with. But it didn't make sense to keep losing money just to say we worked with them." That painful reset worked. By 2018, the agency was profitable again and positioned for sustainable growth. That reset set the stage for their next evolution: acquisitions. How to Use Acquisitions as a Growth Strategy (Not a Gamble) Moburst's acquisition strategy wasn't about buying revenue or chasing vanity growth. It was about buying capabilities that solved their biggest operational gaps. Their first acquisition was a video production studio they had already worked with for over a year. The partnership was strong, the culture aligned, and the collaboration was smooth. So they brought them in-house in 2019 and the agency's offerings instantly expanded. Then they looked at their next biggest outsourced expense: web and app development. So in 2022, they acquired a dev shop after a successful collaboration period. In total, Moburst has made five acquisitions, each one following a simple rule: test first, integrate later. As Gilad says, "We don't buy to solve problems. We buy what already works and multiply it." When asked about whether or not these brands keep their names after acquisition, Gilad says it all depends on their brand authority. If they do great work and have a solid team but their brand isn't as strong, then it's best to just bring it under the Moburst umbrella. In case they do have a strong brand, then they'll just make sure their website reflects they are part of a larger group. How to Structure an Agency Acquisition Deal the Smart Way For agency owners eyeing their own M&A moves, Gilad shared his preferred deal structure. Each acquisition has four key components: Cash upfront - Rewards founders for their hard work. Equity - Gives them a stake in the larger vision. Dividends - Paid yearly so they benefit from the agency's profits. Performance bonuses - Tied to the profitability of their specific business unit. This structure keeps founders motivated and aligned for years to come, without the traditional burnout that comes from rigid earnouts. Everyone wins when growth is sustainable and collaborative. Why Firing Bad Clients Helps Scale Smarter One of the biggest lessons Gilad takes away from journey is the courage to say no: to clients, deals, or directions that don't fit. Agencies often cling to bad accounts out of fear of losing revenue, but simply put, that's a silent killer. If you're not profitable on a client, you're not just breaking even; you're paying for the privilege of overworking your team. Moburst's growth didn't come from doing more — it came from doing what mattered most. By focusing, pruning, and strategically acquiring, Gilad turned a niche mobile startup into a global digital powerhouse. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.

As equity markets grind higher and trend strategies navigate sharp reversals, Moritz Siebert welcomes Nick Baltas of Goldman Sachs for a conversation that moves beyond performance to examine structure. Together they unpack the machinery of the $1.3 trillion QIS industry - from index design and client behavior to the subtle forces shaping capacity and crowding. They discuss how trading speed has become a key axis of dispersion, why volatility remains the hidden cost in systematic portfolios, and what resilience in markets might really be masking. This is not just about strategy. It's about how products scale, and how ideas hold.-----50 YEARS OF TREND FOLLOWING BOOK AND BEHIND-THE-SCENES VIDEO FOR ACCREDITED INVESTORS - CLICK HERE-----Follow Niels on Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube or via the TTU website.IT's TRUE ? – most CIO's read 50+ books each year – get your FREE copy of the Ultimate Guide to the Best Investment Books ever written here.And you can get a free copy of my latest book “Ten Reasons to Add Trend Following to Your Portfolio” here.Learn more about the Trend Barometer here.Send your questions to info@toptradersunplugged.comAnd please share this episode with a like-minded friend and leave an honest Rating & Review on iTunes or Spotify so more people can discover the podcast.Follow Nick on Twitter.Follow Moritz on LinkedIn. Episode TimeStamps:00:23 - Moritz opens the show and introduces Nick01:16 - Nick's quick life update and setting the tone02:45 - Market resilience vs. fragility in 202504:18 - Performance rundown: CTAs, trend, equities, bonds06:10 - October reversals: metals and livestock giveback07:32 - What's working: equities, gold, copper; sugar shorts08:58 - Trend speed, April V-shape, and dispersion10:40 - Position exits, re-entries, and neutral zones11:55 - How QIS differs and why it's opaque from the outside14:40 - How big is QIS? Asset class split and caveats18:05 - Who uses QIS: from asset owners to hedge

As 2025 wraps up, so does your chance to make smart, proactive tax moves before the year is over. In this episode of Wise Money, we walk through your 2025 fall tax planning playbook and checklist for you to follow. We cover Roth conversions, RMDs and QCDs, topping off Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and how the tax law changes passed this summer should shape what you do before year-end. Season 11, Episode 11 Download our FREE 5-Factor Retirement guide: https://wisemoneyguides.com/    Schedule a meeting with one of our CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS™: https://www.korhorn.com/contact-korhorn-financial-advisors/ or call 574-247-5898.   Subscribe on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/c/WiseMoneyShow Listen on podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/WiseMoney  Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9hmqkEvVptc  Submit a question for the show: https://www.korhorn.com/ask-a-question/   Read the Wise Money Blog: https://www.korhorn.com/wise-money-blog/    Connect with us: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/WiseMoneyShow  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wisemoneyshow/    Kevin Korhorn, CFP® offers securities through Silver Oak Securities, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Kevin offers advisory services through KFG Wealth Management, LLC dba Korhorn Financial Group. KFG Wealth Management, LLC dba Korhorn Financial Group and Silver Oak Securities, Inc. are not affiliated. Mike Bernard, CFP® and Joshua Gregory, CFP® offer advisory services through KFG Wealth Management, LLC dba Korhorn Financial Group. This information is for general financial education and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations. All investing and investment strategies involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Asset allocation & diversification do not ensure a profit or prevent a loss in a declining market. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.

  On The KE Report Weekend Show this weekend we discuss what's really driving the metal-stock resilience, copper's setup, and the next table-pounding entry in...

Cresce l'appeal per credito e azioni non quotate. Ma spesso le controindicazioni non sono ben ponderate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reeve Collins is a serial tech entrepreneur. He co-founded Tether in 2013 — the world's largest stablecoin to date. He is currently the co-founder and chairman of Stable | WeFi, and the incoming chairman of ReserveOne.

Reeve Collins is a serial tech entrepreneur. He co-founded Tether in 2013 — the world's largest stablecoin to date. He is currently the co-founder and chairman of Stable | WeFi, and the incoming chairman of ReserveOne.

In this episode of the Events Demystified Podcast, host Anca Platon Trifan discusses the strategic and transformative aspects of writing a book as a business decision. Joined by guest Steve Martile, founder of Boutique Publishing Agency, this episode explores how entrepreneurs and event professionals can turn their stories into powerful business assets. Steve shares his journey from being a mechanical engineer to founding a successful publishing agency, offering insights on the transition, leveraging personal experiences, and monetizing non-fiction books. They also delve into practical strategies for writing, publishing, and marketing a book, including the use of AI tools and the importance of audiobooks. Whether you're contemplating writing your first book or seeking ways to effectively monetize your expertise, this episode provides valuable guidance and motivation.00:00 Introduction: Writing a Book as a Business Decision01:57 Meet the Host and Guest: Anca and Steve03:59 Steve's Journey: From Engineer to Publisher05:42 The Transition: Marketing to Publishing07:44 Monetizing Books: Strategies and Success Stories11:23 Writing and Publishing Process: Tips and Insights20:24 Marketing Your Book: Launch and Beyond24:44 Adapting to Modern Readers: Attention Spans and Formats27:38 The Power of Audiobooks27:59 Engagement Through Audible29:24 The Impact of Meditation Downloads29:49 The Transition to Life Coaching30:42 Spotify's Changing Landscape32:04 Common Myths About Publishing38:01 The Role of AI in Writing41:20 The Importance of Authenticity in Audiobooks42:45 Publishing Trends and AI Tools43:53 The Value of Personal Stories in Business Books45:33 The Perception Shift from Doer to Leader48:39 The Power of Your Own Voice49:36 Conclusion and Resources

Colette Temmink is a corporate real estate, facilities and operations leader at Voxel committed to making a positive impact championing safe, efficient and sustainable workplace technology. Mike Petrusky asks Colette about how asset and facility management has evolved from a purely tactical focus to a more strategic and technology-oriented profession, influenced by trends such as digital twins, AI, and sustainability. They discuss how FM professionals should not be afraid to embrace new technologies and innovations, but they need to ask what they are solving for and explore technologies that align with their organization's needs and data requirements. A holistic asset lifecycle approach to managing buildings and assets can provide multiple benefits and insights, not just for FM departments but for the entire organization. Colette believes that human connections and professional relationships remain critical in an increasingly AI-driven industry and she emphasizes the importance of being a lifelong learner and staying informed about technological advancements to maintain relevant in the field. FM professionals should shift from reactive maintenance models to more data-informed, AI-driven decision-making processes, so Mike and Colette agree offer the practical advice and encouragement you need to be an Asset Champion in your organization! Connect with Colette on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colettetemmink/ Learn more about Voxel: https://www.voxelai.com/ Explore Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/asset-champion/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/

In this episode we discuss how the U.S. labor market is cooling — not collapsing. The Fed cut rates again, citing a softening jobs picture, but the data tell a more balanced story. We look at why layoffs at major companies don’t signal crisis, how AI will reshape (not erase) work, and why a post-pandemic equilibrium may finally be taking shape. To read this week's Sight|Lines, click here. The views expressed in this podcast may not necessarily reflect the views of Stifel Financial Corp. or its affiliates (collectively, Stifel). This communication is provided for information purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Asset allocation and diversification do not ensure a profit or protect against loss. © Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated | Member SIPC & NYSE | www.stifel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brendon Sedo is a serial entrepreneur and blockchain innovator whose journey began early, scaling a service company to over 100 locations by the age of 19. He went on to co-found Joist, the world's largest contractor platform, which now generates more than $18 million in annual recurring revenue and processes over $1 billion in payments each year. Driven by a passion for innovation and real-world impact, Brendon entered the cryptocurrency and blockchain space as an initial contributor to Core and Core Ventures. There, he champions user-centric development, focusing on sustainable utility and self-reliance rather than short-term hype. At Core, Brendon leads Web2 business development partnerships, oversees Core Ventures and the Core Venture Network to fund builders and accelerate ecosystem growth, and has secured key integrations with over 10 major blue-chip projects. A true global citizen with experience living in Winnipeg, Mexico City, and Lisbon, Brendon bridges the gap between sophisticated blockchain technology and everyday user needs. His work reflects a community-first mindset, blending entrepreneurial vision with a mission to make blockchain innovation both practical and accessible. During the show we discussed: Bitcoin as a lasting financial force, not a trend. Why Bitcoin outlasts other cryptocurrencies. Decentralization as Bitcoin's shield from control. Bitcoin's role as digital gold and store of value. How scarcity drives Bitcoin's long-term worth. Global adoption signaling Bitcoin's permanence. Misconceptions about Bitcoin's legitimacy. Institutional adoption validating Bitcoin's role. Key risks and why Bitcoin can endure them. Bitcoin's shift from digital gold to active capital. Earning yield, borrowing, and transacting with BTC. DeFi and Layer 2 innovations boosting Bitcoin utility. How active capital strengthens Bitcoin's ecosystem. Bitcoin's rise as a dynamic, multi-use asset. Resources: https://coredao.org/

What if we stopped investing like bystanders and started investing like owners and “neighbors” in the story of our finances?When you invest like an owner, our portfolios can reflect faithful stewardship and create real-world impact. Robin John joins us today to share practical ways to move from passive investing to purposeful ownership.Robin John is co-founder and Chief Executive Officer at Eventide Asset Management, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. He's also the author of the book, The Good Investor: How Your Work Can Confront Injustice, Love Your Neighbor, and Bring Healing to the World.Investing vs. SpeculatingMany people confuse investing with speculating. Speculating—like day trading—is often no different than gambling. It's focused on short-term gains, trying to predict what the market will do tomorrow. But investing is about ownership. When you buy a stock, you're buying a piece of a company. You become a co-owner.That means your money is participating in real work—serving customers, employing people, and creating products that impact lives. As Christians, we should invest in companies we believe are doing good for the world, not just generating profits.Speculation is reactive and anxious. Investing, when done faithfully, allows us to rest in the knowledge that our capital is working toward purposes aligned with God's design for flourishing.The Responsibility of OwnershipOwnership changes everything. It confers ethical responsibility.If you owned a neighborhood store, you'd care deeply about how it serves your community, treats employees, and impacts the environment. In the same way, being a shareholder means you share in both the profits and the moral implications of what that company does.That's why Eventide Asset Management believes that Christians must think like owners, not traders. Ownership means engaging thoughtfully with the companies we invest in—voting proxies, engaging in dialogue with management, and ensuring that our capital is stewarded with integrity. Our investing isn't just about earning; it's about embodying our faith in the marketplace.Why Passive Investing Deserves a Closer LookIn recent years, many investors have turned to index funds or “passive” strategies. While these offer simplicity and diversification, I believe we should pause and ask: What are we actually owning?As Christians, we can't do anything passively—not even investing. Romans 12:2 calls us to avoid conforming to the patterns of this world, to renew our minds, and to discern what is good. That means we can't blindly invest in every company just because it's part of a market index.Do we really want to profit from industries like pornography, abortion, gambling, or tobacco? Our calling is to pursue good profits—profits that come from serving others and honoring God.To meet that need, Eventide has created systematic ETFs—investment funds that provide broad market exposure while intentionally excluding harmful industries. They're designed for believers who want to participate in the market without compromising biblical conviction.The Neighbor Map: Loving People Through InvestingIn his book, The Good Investor, Robin shares something he calls the Neighbor Map—a framework that helps us see all the “neighbors” affected by a business.God's command to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19) isn't abstract. It applies to the business world. At Eventide, they have identified six key neighbors every company should serve:Customers – Are the company's products truly good for those who use them?Employees – Are they treated with dignity, fairness, and care?Suppliers – Are business relationships ethical and respectful?Communities – Does the company create meaningful jobs and contribute positively to local life?The Environment – Is creation being stewarded well? Caring for creation is one of the most direct ways to love the poor, because it's the poor who suffer most from pollution and neglect.Society – Is the company contributing to the flourishing of the broader culture?Faithful investing isn't only about avoiding harm—it's also about embracing good. When we invest in companies that love their neighbors well, we participate in God's ongoing work of restoration.As investors, we're not distant spectators. We're partners. At Eventide, they engage directly with the companies we invest in—raising concerns, asking hard questions, and encouraging leadership to act with wisdom and compassion.Their goal isn't confrontation—it's collaboration. Whether it's addressing supply chain ethics, employee safety, or corporate philanthropy, we approach these conversations as co-owners who want to see good companies become even better.Clarity for Every Christian InvestorMany believers are unaware of what their money supports. That's why the team at Eventide created GoodInvestor.com—a free tool that allows you to screen your portfolio and see exactly what you're investing in. You can also connect with advisors who understand faith-based investing and can help you align your portfolio with your convictions.We hope that Christians everywhere would invest with joy, clarity, and confidence—knowing that their capital is serving God's purposes in the world. When we invest, we're not just moving money—we're shaping the world. Every dollar we deploy carries moral and spiritual weight.Our prayer is that more believers would see investing as a form of worship—a way to love God and neighbor through the stewardship of capital. Together, we can build a world that rejoices, where profits are good, people are valued, and creation is honored.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:Back in 2010, my parents set up a life estate warranty deed for their home, adding my siblings and me to the deed. My mom passed away eight years ago, and my dad passed in December 2024. We're preparing to sell the house now, but I keep hearing that we need to use a “life expectancy table” to calculate the home's value for capital gains or losses. Can you explain how that works and what steps we'll need to take for the taxes?I've saved up three months' worth of income—about $2,300 in total—and I still owe around $500 on a HELOC and another $500 on a credit card with interest rates of about 7% and 8.9%. My question is: Should I treat my savings separately from my three-month emergency fund? For example, if something unexpected happens—like a car repair—I don't want to touch my emergency fund. Is there a certain percentage or guideline for how much should be in an emergency fund versus regular savings?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)The Good Investor: How Your Work Can Confront Injustice, Love Your Neighbor, and Bring Healing to the World by Robin C. JohnEventide Asset ManagementGoodInvestor.com (Investment Screening Tool and Advisor Search)Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Discover how to transform your life insurance into a valuable retirement asset with Ben Mohr's expert guidance. Learn the strategies and techniques to maximize your policy's potential and create a secure financial future. From understanding the basics of life insurance to advanced retirement planning, this video will provide you with the knowledge and insights to make informed decisions about your financial well-being.BEN MOHR is a trusted leader in retirement and income planning, with a strong focus on alternative investments and life settlements. As founder and CEO of Ben Mohr LLC, he leads one of the top firms specializing in life settlement solutions, offering expert guidance for navigating complex financial decisions. Ben works closely with clients to uncover hidden value in their financial portfolios, often helping them turn unwanted or unneeded life insurance policies into powerful retirement assets. Driven by his passion for empowering professionals in the field, Ben launched Life Advisor Solution - a cutting-edge platform providing mentorship, marketing tools, and business development strategies for agents. This initiative empowers advisors to achieve unparalleled success in their careers. Ben also plays a key role as part of the RMO Insurance & Retirement team, where he continues to help clients secure financial stability through personalized strategies and in-depth knowledge of life settlements.Ben's goal is to help individuals approaching retirement make confident, well-informed financial decisions without the confusion or pressure. His clear, practical guidance and proven results have made him a trusted resource for those seeking security and peace of mind in retirement.CONTACT DETAILS:Email: ben@lifeadvisorsolution.com Business: Life Advisor SolutionWebsite: https://lifeadvisorsolution.com/ Social Media:LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-mohr-004652270/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lifeadvisorsolution/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lifeadvisorsolution/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lifeadvisorsolution?lang=en Remember to SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss "Information That You Can Use." Share Just Minding My Business with your family, friends, and colleagues. Engage with us by leaving a review or comment on my Google Business Page. https://g.page/r/CVKSq-IsFaY9EBM/review Your support keeps this podcast going and growing.Visit Just Minding My Business Media™ LLC at https://jmmbmediallc.com/ to learn how we can help you get more visibility on your products and services. 

Your database is your legacy. In this episode of the Loan Officer Leadership Podcast, Steve Kyles and Frank Garay break down the one thing most loan officers neglect—yet it holds the power to generate $9K to $27K per month when stewarded correctly. You'll learn: Why your database is the most valuable asset you own How to back it up, protect it, and monetize it (even if you've let it slide) How Steve pulled 500+ agent contacts from past deals using Model Match The exact monthly rhythm to turn your list into a money machine Need help organizing, cleaning, and marketing to your list? Book a free strategy call at FreedomPlanningCall.com

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training How are the new technologies and tools shaping the future of agencies? How can you create an agency that outlasts trends? When you've been around for 75 years in the ad world, you've seen it all, from Mad Men, media buying by fax, the rise of the internet, and now, AI. Today's featured guest runs an agency that has been doing full-service marketing since 1950. What's impressive isn't just their longevity but also how they've stayed relevant and human in a business that changes faster than a TikTok trend. Jennifer Spire is the CEO of Preston Spire, an independent Minneapolis-based creative agency that's been helping brands grow with full-service marketing since 1950. She's the agency's fourth CEO, starting in small independent agencies, rising through global holding companies, and bringing both worlds' lessons to how she leads today. That mix of experiences shaped her leadership style grounded in independence, driven by creativity, and fiercely protective of agency culture. In this episode, we'll discuss: Building a culture that lasts seven decades and beyond. Why independence still matters in the agency world. The future of agency talent and AI. Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources E2M Solutions: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by E2M Solutions, a web design, and development agency that has provided white-label services for the past 10 years to agencies all over the world. Check out e2msolutions.com/smartagency and get 10% off for the first three months of service. How One Agency Has Stayed Relevant for 75 Years Preston Spire started as a design shop in 1950 and quickly grew to a full service advertising agency, which differs from what we think of as full service today. Over the decades, it's evolved continuously, reinventing itself with every shift in marketing. Jennifer says the real secret to their longevity is adaptability. "It's really hard to continue to evolve and stay strong, but I think there's a lot to be said for an agency that can evolve and still grow while being relevant." Now they're 25 years away from a century, which is both impressive and humbling, as well as something they want to highlight more. Surprisingly, some advisors have actually told Jennifer it'd be best to not mention their 75-year run, since some might assume a 75-year-old agency should be bigger by now. However, Jennifer has a different perspective. For her, you don't have to be one of the biggest agencies to be better and longevity isn't a weakness but rather proof of resilience and reinvention. From Big Agency Bureaucracy to Small Agency Freedom Before joining Press Inspire, Jennifer spent years inside the machine of large agencies, where shareholder-driven decisions often overshadowed what's best for clients or teams. There, she learned that you don't have to be bigger to be better, a philosophy that now fuels how she runs Press Inspire, as she has chosen to keep it small enough to stay personal but strong enough to compete with anyone. Once she left the big-agency world for an independent shop, Jennifer cut her teeth doing everything from answering phones, assisting on shoots, starting media departments, and running PR. That early experience taught her the one skill every agency leader needs — resourcefulness — something she now encourages young people to develop early in their careers. Her time at big agencies, though, showed her what not to do. "You end up making decisions that are best for shareholders, not clients," she said. "At a smaller agency, I wanted everyone to be able to chart their own path and make decisions that serve both the client and the team." Building an Agency Culture Keeps People for Deacades People stay for decades at Preston, some for 37 years, others 30, and three just recently celebrated 25-year anniversaries. That kind of loyalty is nearly unheard of in today's agency churn cycle. So what's the secret? Balance. Jennifer encourages collaboration between long-time employees and newer hires with fresh perspectives. The agency operates in a hybrid setup, with three days in-office to keep creativity flowing while maintaining flexibility. It's a rhythm that keeps collaboration alive without burning people out. "Being together helps," she said. "That human connection is something you can't replicate over Zoom." Their internal compass is guided by what they call COOP values: Courage, Originality, Openness, and Positivity. The team is encouraged to take risks, fail fast, learn, and keep moving forward. Leading with Clarity: Building Alignment and Growth Paths Jennifer may be CEO, but being at a smaller agency she's not above the grind. She manages operations, oversees HR and finance, and still maintains direct relationships with every major client. That visibility matters because, as she explains, clients need to know leadership is invested in their business. Her team structure also breaks down roles by what percentage of their time is spent leading, managing, or making. This clarity helps people grow without being shoved into management if it's not something they want for their careers. This way, they get to build their unique path within the agency, a key to keeping them happy with their work. Quarterly goals, regular feedback, and individualized growth paths keep everyone aligned and fulfilled — a framework that scales culture without micromanagement. Furthermore, constant feedback, quarterly goals, and individualized growth paths help keep everyone aligned and fulfilled. Why Staying Independent Still Wins for Some Agencies Does a 75-year-old independent agency get offers from the big holding companies? They do, actually; all the time. Jennifer says M&A emails land in her inbox daily. But she's not interested. "We've had serious talks with other agencies," she said, "but we've said no every time. Staying independent is critical to our success." If they sold, they'd probably start making decisions for investors instead of their people and be back in the big agency world she escaped. For Jennifer, independence isn't just about control, it's about protecting the culture that makes their agency different. The freedom to put clients and people first is what keeps the agency thriving. Preparing for the Future: AI's Impact on Agency Talent Jennifer's not blind to the future. She's already planning staffing and financial strategy through 2030, a move that would make most agencies sweat. One question she's wrestling with: how AI will change entry-level roles and career paths. "AI has been an incredible tool and has allowed us to be more efficient," she said. "But if it takes away too much of the junior work, where do mid-level people come from five years from now?" The truth is that the jobs won't vanish, they'll evolve. Junior people using AI can perform at mid-level. Mid-level people can perform like senior leaders. You'll just need fewer of them. Still, Jennifer sees it as a call to action for colleagues and agency leaders alike: train people not just in the AI tools, but in critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, and the human side of marketing. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.

Text a question to Victoria!Your website might be costing you clients without you even realizing it. Discover how to tell if your website is a true brand asset or if it's actually a brand liability. As a female entrepreneur, your website is often the first impression your clients have and it can either build trust and credibility or create hesitation that keeps potential clients from booking with you.In today's episode, Victoria is sharing valuable information to teach you how to make your website work for you, not against you. From designing with user experience in mind, to creating consistent branding, and using storytelling and messaging that speaks directly to your ideal clients, you'll gain strategies to turn your website into a conversion-driving, trust-building tool. Be sure to listen all the way through because Victoria is giving you a six step framework to help you do a self audit of your website! If this still feels daunting to you, don't worry! Keep listening because there may even be a special offer to help you get personalized guidance on how to optimize your website!Like Victoria always says, you don't get a second chance at a first impression, so get ready to take notes and let's turn your website into your brand's strongest asset! Give Your Website a Self-Audit! Ask Yourself These Six Questions!1.  Can a stranger understand who you serve and how in less than five seconds when they land on your website?2. Do your visuals and messaging feel like the same brand across all platforms? 3. Would you be proud to send a high ticket customer to your website right now?4. Do you think your friends are excited to send out your website URL when they are referring someone to you?5.  Does your site guide users towards one clear action?6. Does it communicate authority and professionalism equal to your expertise?Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Get a FREE Website Audit by VictoriaWork With BrandWell DesignsLooking for Brand Clarity? Join The Branding Business School!Follow BrandWell on InstagramFor show notes, head to www.thebrandingbusinessschool.com/thepodcast/ Show notes for episodes 1-91 can be found at www.brandwelldesigns.com/thepodcast/ Follow BrandWell on Instagram. Follow The Branding Business School on Instagram. Save on your first year of Honeybook using this link! Save 50% off your first year of Flodesk using this link! Get $30 off your first month of Nuuly using this link!Get up to $150 off your first box of Factor Meals using this link!

The allegations surrounding Mary Erdoes, the CEO of JPMorgan Chase's Asset and Wealth Management division, focus on what she knew—and when—about Jeffrey Epstein's criminal conduct while the bank continued doing business with him. Epstein remained a JPMorgan client from the late 1990s until 2013, despite his 2008 sex crime conviction and repeated internal warnings about his activities. Internal compliance emails revealed that by 2006, Epstein's accounts were already raising red flags for suspicious activity, and by 2011, Erdoes was directly alerted to legal developments confirming his sex-offender status—she reportedly responded with a short “Oh boy.” Testimony and internal records suggest that Erdoes and then–general counsel Stephen Cutler held the authority to terminate Epstein's banking relationship but did not exercise it, even as other staff raised serious concerns. Multiple reports indicate she continued corresponding about Epstein's status and compliance reviews, demonstrating a level of awareness inconsistent with the bank's later public claims that knowledge of his misconduct was confined to lower levels.Critics argue this places Erdoes near the center of JPMorgan's failure to cut ties sooner, implying that the decision to keep Epstein as a client was not a mere oversight but a conscious choice by top management to preserve a lucrative relationship. During litigation brought by the U.S. Virgin Islands and Epstein's survivors, JPMorgan's internal communications were unsealed, showing that Epstein's financial activity had been reviewed annually and still cleared for continuation under Erdoes's division. Jes Staley, Epstein's primary contact within the bank, later testified that Erdoes “had full authority” to drop him but chose not to. Erdoes herself has denied any knowledge of Epstein's sex-trafficking operations, stating that her involvement was limited to compliance oversight and that Epstein was eventually off-boarded once risk assessments changed. Nevertheless, the accumulated evidence—from internal memos to executive testimony—has left a troubling picture of institutional willful blindness at the highest level of the world's largest bank.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

Your database is your legacy. In this episode of the Loan Officer Leadership Podcast, Steve Kyles and Frank Garay break down the one thing most loan officers neglect—yet it holds the power to generate $9K to $27K per month when stewarded correctly. You'll learn: Why your database is the most valuable asset you own How to back it up, protect it, and monetize it (even if you've let it slide) How Steve pulled 500+ agent contacts from past deals using Model Match The exact monthly rhythm to turn your list into a money machine Need help organizing, cleaning, and marketing to your list? Book a free strategy call at FreedomPlanningCall.com

Catrina Craft is a CPA, tax strategist, and real estate investor with over 20 years of experience in applying the tax code to maximize wealth for investors and entrepreneurs. As the founder of Craft CFO Advisory Services, she supports real estate professionals, creative agencies, and business owners with proactive planning to reduce tax obligations and build long-term wealth. A frequent speaker and educator, Catrina brings a unique blend of compliance, strategy, and investment knowledge—helping her clients go beyond tax preparation and into true financial empowerment. Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here. Key Takeaways Start tax planning early—waiting until tax season puts you in reactive mode Don't structure appreciating assets in a C corp—it can lead to unnecessary tax penalties Asset protection is more than just forming an LLC; structure and exposure matter A tax strategist is proactive—meeting regularly and guiding decisions throughout the year The IRS rewards those who build and invest—use the code to your advantage Topics 1. From Debt to Wealth Building Catrina lost 80% of her income when a major client left and found herself $100K in debt This challenge drove her to learn real estate investing and the tax strategies behind wealth building Paid off her debt in 2 years while building a rental portfolio 2. The CPA vs. Tax Strategist CPAs focus on compliance and reporting what already happened Tax strategists plan proactively to reduce your tax bill before decisions are made Working with a strategist who knows your industry—especially real estate—is critical 3. Avoiding Common Structure Mistakes Many investors set up LLCs without understanding tax treatment options Holding real estate in a C corp is a costly and often irreversible mistake Asset protection includes entity structure, insurance, and understanding exposure risk 4. Planning Beats Panic Most deductions and deferrals (like cost segregation and 1031s) require advance planning Catrina meets monthly or quarterly with clients to stay ahead of key decisions Tax planning should start at the beginning of the year—not at filing time 5. Questions to Vet a Tax Professional Ask about their industry experience and how often they meet with clients Determine whether they offer strategy or just compliance services Ensure they understand your specific investing model (e.g. syndication vs. flipping)

Paul Kromidas didn't just pivot a startup—he changed the vehicle mid-race and still pulled ahead. Summer began as an asset-heavy “own an STR without the risk” model: Summer found the house, bought it with their capital, operated it for two years, and sold it back with a book of business. It worked—until the capital stack and rate environment made venture-scale returns incompatible with real estate velocity. So Paul did the brave thing founders talk about but rarely do: he sold the homes, kept the brains, and rebuilt Summer around the software that had quietly powered V1. That software—Summer OS, now supercharged by Sunny AI—acts like a true asset-management layer for short-term rentals. It stitches market underwriting to unit-level P&L, pipes into your PMS, flags issues before they become reviews, and guides both pros and serious first-timers from “where should I buy?” to “how do I out-operate the comp set?” It's not a wrapper around generic answers; it's a working analyst that shows its work. Today on the show, I'm joined by Paul Kromidas—founder of Summer—on building tools that help operators decide, buy, and perform.In this episode, we: Explore why venture returns and deed-on-title don't rhyme—and how an honest boardroom conversation led to selling the portfolio and doubling down on software. Discuss what an STR “asset management system” really is—linking market selection, underwriting, expense modeling, and live ops into one pane of glass. Explore how Sunny AI turns fuzzy intent into investable action—guiding you through clarifying questions, surfacing the right comps, and recommending markets you didn't have on your radar. Discuss the difference between high-level market data and operator-grade decisions—and why posting performance back to the model is where comp-set truth lives. Explore who it's for today (multi-market PMs and serious operators) and how the roadmap invites the rising class of under-20-door owners without dumbing anything down. Discuss the next frontier: using predictions to fix tomorrow's dip today—so hosting feels less like firefighting and more like running a dialed business. If you're building a portfolio—or rebuilding your ops stack—this one will sharpen how you underwrite, staff, and scale.

In this episode of Trends with Benefits, Ed Lopez sits down with Larry McDonald, Founder of the Bear Traps Report, to discuss the current state of financial markets. Larry dives into signals pointing to potential economic turbulence, from mounting consumer credit pressures to persistent inflation. He shares insights on the growing investor shift toward hard assets amid de-dollarization and global tensions and weighs in on how demographics are reshaping asset allocation. The conversation also touches on the future of AI, energy infrastructure, and the changing dynamics of passive investing, highlighting why reading market signals is more critical than ever.

Ever think about what would happen if your family suddenly had to figure out your insurance, bills, or assets - without you there to explain it? It's not fun to imagine, but it's one of the most loving things you can prepare for. In this episode of Financially Ever After Widowhood, Stacy and Natalie dive into the less-than-glamorous side of legacy planning: getting your insurance and financial details in order so no one's left guessing in a crisis. Along the way, they share real-life stories, personal slip-ups (yes, including a lost engagement ring), and plenty of practical advice you can actually use. You'll hear them discuss: - Why it's not just about what happens after you're gone, it's also about being ready if you're ever incapacitated - How to make sure your health, property, and long-term care insurance are documented and paid up - What COBRA really means when you leave a job or go through a divorce - How long-term care policies work, and what details families often forget to track - What your homeowners, auto, and umbrella insurance *really* cover (and what they don't) - The simple, yearly habit that keeps your assets and account info easy for loved ones to find - A true story that shows exactly why all this planning matters Resources As you listen to this podcast, you can click here to view slides and follow along visually: Legacy Planning Webinar 2 ⁠Because I Love You Planning Companion⁠ Natalie Colley on⁠ FrancisFinancial.com⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Stacy Francis on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ |⁠X(Twitter)⁠ | stacy@francisfinancial.com⁠stacy@francisfinancial.com⁠ ⁠FrancisFinancial.com⁠ ⁠See All Podcasts

Can your retirement account buy real estate? Startups? Alpaca farms?! Yes. And in this episode, Dana Udumulla from Madison Trust breaks down how self-directed IRAs actually work, what they can (and can't) invest in, and why more commercial real estate investors should be using them to raise capital.Whether you're an accredited investor or a confused podcast co-host (cough Timmy), this conversation is packed with practical takeaways, tax strategies, and jaw-dropping scenarios (like turning $7K/year into $4.75M tax-free).We also get into:Roth vs Traditional IRA pros & consCommon mistakes investors make (and how to avoid getting disqualified)How to structure deals to receive retirement dollarsReal estate, bonus depreciation, and... Brazilian sugar?Don't invest another dollar until you listen. Your future self will thank you.

As investors have become frustrated over the complexity, the legacy issues, and opacity of funds, many have gravitated to investing in single asset deals. Single assets are easier to underwrite, require less due diligence, and great deals are starting to emerge with distress in the market. Mike Zlotnik, CEO of TF Management Group, is offering investors opportunities to invest in single asset deals in Industrial, Outdoor Retail, and select Multifamily. Mike also manages conservative debt funds that he's run for several years.

What does it really take to bring a crumbling historic building back to life—and turn it into a thriving, income-producing community space? In this episode, Brian Hamrick sits down with Brad Andrus, commercial real estate investor, broker, and developer behind the ambitious restoration of the Fine Arts Theater in Denton, Texas. Brad shares the full story: from its beginnings as an undertaker's shop in the early 1900s, to its heyday as a bustling single-screen theater, to decades of vacancy after fire damage—and now, its rebirth as a live performance, film, and event venue. You'll learn: The hidden challenges of historic renovations—from roof failures to unexpected structural issues. How federal and state historic tax credits can make or break the capital stack. Why city and community partnerships are essential in adaptive reuse projects. How to balance profitability with legacy-minded investing. The role of AI tools in Brad's real estate business and his new podcast Weeks Ahead AI. Whether you're passionate about historic preservation, curious about adaptive reuse, or an investor exploring creative real estate strategies, this conversation reveals the opportunities—and the pitfalls—of breathing new life into old buildings.