For most entrepreneurs, building a business is the dream — but exiting successfully is often an afterthought. Most business owners pour their lives into creating a company only to face regret, financial gaps, or a lack of purpose when it’s time to transition. Today, we’ll uncover what it takes to align your business, personal, and financial goals, so your exit leads not just to financial security, but to significance and fulfillment.

​Joining me is Scott Snider, President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) and a nationally recognized leader in exit planning. Scott started his first business at 17, sold it by 24, and now helps entrepreneurs create transferable value and prepare for life after business ownership. He and his father have grown EPI into a global organization that educates thousands of advisors and empowers business owners to look beyond profit.

​In our conversation, Scott shares his entrepreneurial journey, including the lessons learned from selling his first company, the emotional hurdles of defining identity outside of business, and why so many owners fail to prepare for what comes next. We discuss the Value Acceleration Methodology™, the importance of building enterprise value through structural, human, social, and customer capital, and why personal planning is just as critical as business strategy.

​Whether you’re years away from a sale or facing one sooner than expected, this episode will help you reframe your approach to leadership, value creation, and long-term wealth. 

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn: 

• The three “legs of the stool” that every business owner needs to align before an exit.

• How CEPAs help business owners prepare for a successful and profitable exit.

• Why many business owners grow profitable companies but fail to create transferable value.

• The Four Intangible Capitals that account for 80% of a company’s value and how to improve them.

• How Scott uses the Family Business Blueprint to encourage communication in family owned businesses.

• Why Scott believes Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) is an emerging trend for exiting a business.

• How AI will be a net positive for the advisor industry if you’re willing to learn and adapt.

Find All Interview Resources Here - www.bayntree.com/116

Download your copy of The Entrepreneur's Financial Planning Checklist!

AI is transforming business at breakneck speed and most entrepreneurs are struggling to keep up. From clunky chatbots to overwhelming tech stacks, many founders and CEOs are wasting time and money chasing trends instead of building real, scalable solutions. And today’s guest is here to explain how the future of AI is already reshaping the way we do business—and how to stay ahead of the curve.

Andrew Amann is a serial entrepreneur who has founded 14 companies and successfully exited three of them. He’s the CEO and co-founder of NineTwoThree Studio, an award-winning AI agency serving major brands like Consumer Reports, SimpliSafe, and Experian. With a background as a nuclear submarine engineer, Andrew brings a unique systems-thinking approach to helping business owners cut through the noise and implement AI solutions that drive real results.

In this conversation, we explore why most companies are missing the mark with chatbots, the evolving landscape of content creation, and how leaders can harness AI agents to streamline operations, personalize services, and build lasting value. From managing global development teams to staying ahead of emerging trends, Andrew shares what it truly takes to scale with purpose in today’s rapidly changing digital world.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn: 

• The four phases of AI—and why most businesses are stuck in the wrong one.
• How workflow automation is replacing chatbots and changing the future of work.
• Why the most valuable skills come from working for someone else first.
• How CEOs should think about integrating AI to avoid costly mistakes.
• Why every CEO needs to understand MCPs and how to integrate them in their business.
• What the rise of AI means for content authenticity, deepfakes, and future-proofing your brand.

Find All Interview Resources Here - www.bayntree.com/115

Download your copy of The Entrepreneur's Financial Planning Checklist!

Entrepreneurship is a rewarding yet challenging journey. Entrepreneurs often feel isolated when working long hours, solving problems, and trying to grow their businesses. Many suffer from a lack of sleep and both mental and physical fatigue, which ultimately can lead to burnout. That's why I'm thrilled to have Jodi Hume on the podcast today.

Jodi Hume is the Founder and CEO of At the Core. For over 20 years, she's used neuroscience and performance psychology to help first-time founders and Fortune 150 companies overcome decision fatigue, leadership challenges, and self-sabotage. Jodi focuses on finding a balance between business goals and personal well-being and empowers leaders to unlock their potential while fostering healthier, more productive work environments.

In our conversation, Jodi provides tips and strategies for entrepreneurs to create spaces for reflection. If you're looking for ways to recharge your creative energy, build a cohesive leadership team, or overcome imposter syndrome and self-sabotage, this episode provides actionable advice to help you grow both personally and professionally.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn: 

• How reflection and celebrating wins fuels team motivation and growth.
• How to overcome decision fatigue by using breaks and routines to recharge.
• The value in aligning work with personal energy and planning tasks around peak focus times.
• Collaboration often leads to better strategic decisions and creates buy-in.
• How retreats allow creativity to thrive when you create time and space to let ideas percolate.
• Why curiosity is a superpower to combat procrastination and self-sabotage.

Interview Resources

• At The Core
• Jodi Hume on LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
• Download the Free Gift: Essential Recharge Guide for Entrepreneurs
• Asana
• Microsoft Outlook
• Practice
• HoneyBook
• Entrepreneurs’ Organization

Over the years, we’ve received more questions about Required Minimum Distributions (RMD) than just about anything else - and because there’s so much information out there, I’m tackling this topic in a three-part series.

In today’s episode (Part 1), I dive into the basics of the required minimum distributions, how they relate to your IRA, Roth IRA, and 401(k), as well as how to calculate this amount. If you’re not careful, the required minimum distribution can become a ticking tax time bomb. However, you can effectively utilize the benefits of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, as well as smart financial strategy, to ultimately reduce the total amount of taxes you have to pay.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

• Why you have to take money out from your qualified retirement accounts (401k, IRA, SEP IRA, etc) - and how to calculate what you're going to need to withdraw.
• What happens if you delay your required minimum distribution - and why it likely doesn't make a lot of tax sense.
• The one benefit the IRS gives you when it comes to withdrawing from multiple accounts - and what the IRS really cares about.
• When you may want to roll a 401(k) into an IRA, to take better control over where your money is being pulled from.
• Why you can't rely on your custodian - and the penalties you may face by failing to take minimum distributions.
• How to use the joint life expectancy table to reduce your required minimum distribution if your partner is 10 years younger than you.

If you enjoyed this episode, stay tuned for Part 2 of this series, as I’m going to dive deep into strategies for reducing your required minimum distributions.

And if you’d like to calculate your RMD, Click here to download a table that makes as easy as 1-2-3!  

Complete Show notes: bayntree.com/16

As the owner of a financial planning firm that has helped hundreds of families plan their retirement, it’s clear that many people overlook how Social Security can fit into their financial and income planning puzzle - and there’s a lot of misinformation out there.

A lot of so-called "financial advisors" or CPAs don’t educate their clients about the pros, cons and specific options that are available to you. As a result, few people know how to truly utilize it to hedge against longevity, healthcare costs, and inflation.

To make matters worse, Social Security won't give you advice. If you say a wrong word, you're setting yourself up to lose tens - if not hundreds - of thousands of dollars. That’s why you need to know how to invest, get out efficiently, and avoid feeling like you need to constantly beat the market. In short, I want you to create a game plan with a purpose - which is what today’s episode is all about.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

• Why a law that took effect in 2016 made us change many of our clients' financial plans - and what we can do to make sure your Social Security stays funded.
• What you should be looking for in a financial advisor to help you manage your retirement - especially as you approach the age at which you have to begin taking withdrawals.
• The many issues caused by filing early - and how to maximize your withdrawal for the long term.

Interview Resources

• The Heartful Retirement
• Ed Slott's Elite IRA Advisor Group
• Get What's Yours: The Secrets to Maxing Out Your Social Security

Most people aren’t born great leaders. However, there’s one organization that often produces incredible entrepreneurs and startup power players in the private sector - the Navy SEALs - and Jeff Boss is living proof.

After serving as a SEAL for 13 years, Jeff uses the principles he learned to help people build businesses, become better leaders, and find their purpose through leadership and team coaching.

Jeff knows how to persevere through challenges and adversity - even when faced with setbacks, do-overs, and disappointments. He helps team players thrive under chaos, position themselves for success, and build organizations that are efficient, powerful, and positioned to grow. He is a regular contributor to Forbes, the author of a new book called Navigating Chaos, and the host of a new podcast called Shut Up and Show Up - all of which are incredible resources for anyone looking to transform their business.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

• Why great leadership skills are so hard to learn, no matter who you are or what your background is AND how to work together as an organization—even when faced with chaos.
• How the Mission, Team, Individual flow system works in business to help teams become more efficient and use less resources.
• What so many employees need from a leader in order to stay motivated. Don’t miss what Jeff’s own coach does for him and how he turned his fear of public speaking into a superpower!

If you enjoyed this podcast, click here to read the first chapter of Jeff’s book, Navigating Chaos, or click here to subscribe to his podcast, Shut Up and Show Up.

If you’re a business owner or a solo entrepreneur, you have a variety of options when it comes to planning your retirement, paying your taxes, and avoiding penalties along the way.

With over 25 years’ experience working with business owners and CPAs, Brian Hartstein, Director of Corporate Development at Bayntree Wealth Advisors, helps his clients utilize their pre-tax dollars as effectively as possible.

Using his background in the pension business (he’s worked in his parents’ third-party administration firm starting in middle school) and with his knowledge of finance and taxes, Brian develops effective retirement plans to meet the specific needs of businesses of all sizes. We talked in-depth about different plan options available to entrepreneurs, corporate employees with side hustles, and everyone in between - and the major reasons why you should consider them.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

1. Why the SEP and Solo 401k are great starting points for many business owners - and which may be best for you.
2. The reason so many CPAs are more reactive than proactive when it comes to retirement planning, why this often leads to missed opportunities, and the importance of finding an advisor or broker who takes a high-level approach.
3. Why you should explore other retirement options that may be available to you, including the Roth 401k and defined benefit pension plans.

Complete Show Notes: http://bayntree.com/13

In 2010 Michael Messinger faced an extraordinary challenge; continue his successful career at a large institutional financial firm that paid well, provided fantastic benefits and gave him the flexibility to control his schedule or leave it all behind to start his own firm Redwood Investment Management.

Based in Beverly Hills, CA  and working almost exclusively with financial advisors, Redwood now manages over $1.2 billion in assets between their Mutual Funds, SMA and Hedge Fund strategies. Additionally, the firm is creating a lineup of ETFs that will allow them to run their strategies across even more platforms.

This amazing growth would not have happened if Michael hadn’t been willing to take risks - and if he hadn’t been able to build a sustainable, win-win model for himself and his clients. Today, we spoke about how he achieved this, what holds so many businesses back, and why passion is so crucial to success.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

1. Why Michael walked away from a comfortable and highly lucrative job to build his own firm.
   
2. How to stop yourself from going off the rails in the face of a challenge—and how boost your productivity in the process!
   
   
3. Why Michael doesn’t think in terms of numbers when he thinks about growth—and why it’s so important to take the emotion out of investing.
   
4. If you enjoyed this podcast and want to learn more about Redwood Investment Management, click [here].

 Complete Show Notes: http://bayntree.com/12

No matter what kind of business you run, finding your purpose - and bringing your company into alignment with it - is key to long-term, sustainable success.

Adam Goodman knows this better than almost anyone else. As the 3rd-generation leader of Goodmans Interior Structures, he initially had no desire to become part of the family business - but then realized that he could do more than just sell cubicles. In fact, he discovered how to use the business to make a meaningful impact on his community.

Today, Adam and I talk about creating environments to achieve objectives, the power of focusing on a higher purpose, and what happens when you think of everyone - not just shareholders - as stakeholders in your business.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

1. What Adam did to make his mark when taking over the reins of the family business 
2. The key event that transformed Goodmans - and made it much easier to attract and retain top talent.
3. What we can learn from how the Grateful Dead built a business, community, and legacy over the last 50 years

Episode Notes: http://bayntree.com/11

As you grow your firm, there’s a very good chance that you will eventually need to reach out to your community—or the whole world—in order to find great clients.

That’s where PR comes in, and few people know more about PR than Alana Kohl. After working for a Fortune 500 company and a career in corporate finance, she used her know-how and talent to succeed in large-scale national marketing campaigns to build AdvisorPR in 2005.

Alana is known for innovative, all-inclusive marketing communications programs designed to help her clients stand out in a crowded field and become prominent voices in their communities. We spoke about what exactly PR entails, when and why financial advisors need it, creative ways to reach your prospects, and much more.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

1. Common myths and notions that many business owners have about PR—and putting together a strategic plan to get your message out into the world.
2. How to prepare for your first live TV appearance.
3. What Business Owners can do to stay relevant and on-message—even in a cluttered social media landscape.

Discover how building your company is about more than just generating leads! CLICK HERE to download Alana’s whitepaper, “Define, Support, Promote and Capture Your Way to a Successful Financial Advisory Firm.”

Episode Notes: http://bayntree.com/10

At some point in your life, you will face a fork in the road: do you want to stay on a career track that simply pays you, or do you want to follow your true passion, build something of your own, and write your own story?  

Melissa L. Hart did just that. She mastered human resources working at Fortune 50 companies all over the United States, then quit to start her own firm, The HumanVantage® Consulting Group, where she helps to bridge the gap between corporate executives and the teams they manage.

But that’s not all.. Melissa is also the Founder of The HART of CHANGE™, which was her answer to a corporate lifestyle of poor eating habits, lack of sleep, endless travel, and stress associated with juggling career and family. When she realized the impact it was having on her health, she knew things had to change.

Today, I’m speaking with Melissa about finding your purpose in life and how to share it with the people around you as you work toward your greatest good, no matter what you do.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

1. Why there’s more to life than 80 hour workweeks—and how to evaluate your work-life balance.
2. That Human Resources isn’t just about benefits and compensation—and why HR specialists are psychologists, mediators, and confidants—often all at once
3. The biggest thing that millions of people overlook when thinking about retirement—and how to turn this potential drawback into a major benefit.

Few people live and breathe accounting like Liz Mason.

She graduated college early and got her CPA by the age of 22, then spent several years in the corporate world. During this time, she learned how to automate some of the most grueling tasks that occupied so many accountants’ time, then discovered her vision to make people truly enjoy - rather than dread - accounting.

At High Rock Accounting, Liz was one of the first to move her clients into the cloud, creating solutions designed to make their numbers correct from the moment they’re entered - not when they’re fixed at tax time. Today, she joins the podcast to talk about her unique journey, how to find your perfect accountant, and tools to make your life exponentially easier.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

• Why the relationship between business and accountant is often adversarial—and how Liz envisioned a better way to do things
• Tools your business can use to make managing cash flow, bill payments, and other aspects of your day-to-day operation much easier
• Why High Rock is benefiting from unconventional marketing - and ways you can succeed by marketing differently

Show Notes: bayntree.com/008

At some point in their history, virtually every successful company has needed to raise money—and there are now more ways than ever to do it. Do you rely on your friends and family? Do you bring in outside investors? If so, who? Are you looking for an infusion of cash, or a long-term partner to help you grow and sustain your vision?

Kevin Fechtmeyer knows these tough situations and questions very well. With 25 years of experience in private equity both on Wall Street and at his own firm, Cave Creek Capital, he has helped fund over $1 billion in equity and made countless acquisitions, empowering a number of modern leaders in their respective industries, including Dell Computer, Qualcomm, and Hickory Farms.

Today, we spoke about his journey, the risks and rewards of entrepreneurship, and why company culture—and being able to cultivate great talent—is key to long-term success.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

1. When and if you should partner with a private equity firm—and what to avoid in the process.
2. Why so many companies hit a plateau or experience stunted growth after initial successes—and what almost every entrepreneur needs to do in order to scale from $10 to $100 million in revenue, no matter what industry you’re in.
3. Why creating, nurturing, and maintaining great company culture is essential to bringing in (and keeping) the talent you’re going to need to succeed in the long-term—and why most investors would rather have a B company with an A team than an A company with a B team

If you’re an entrepreneur, a typical day can feel like you’re juggling a million things and being pulled in a hundred directions. Dealing with marketing, team building, client acquisition… the list goes on. But if your financial planning isn’t dialed in, all that hard work could be for nothing.

In this episode, we’re breaking down The Entrepreneur’s Financial Planning Checklist for 2025—a step-by-step guide to ensuring your business is profitable, your taxes are optimized, your cash flow is strong, and your personal wealth is growing.

Today, I’ll walk you through some actionable tips and strategies to take control of your finances, avoid the most common pitfalls, and set yourself up for long-term success. Whether you’re just starting out or have been in the game for years, this episode will help you run your business efficiently, save money, create healthy habits to scale your business, and prepare for your exit when you’re ready to retire.

Download your copy of The Entrepreneur's Financial Planning Checklist!

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn: 

• Tax tips and strategies that could save you thousands each year.
• Tools that can optimize your cash flow management to keep your business and payroll afloat.
• The smartest way to build wealth beyond your business
• Manage risk by reviewing your insurance and cybersecurity needs to protect yourself, your business and your clients.
• Strategies to scale your business and prepare your exit strategy for retirement.
• Healthy habits that help entrepreneurs avoid burnout.

Interview Resources

• The Entrepreneur's Financial Planning Checklist
• SEP IRA
• Solo 401(k)
• QuickBooks
• Xero
• HSA
• SBA
• Warren Buffett

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 is the most sweeping overhaul of the US tax code since 1986. While its creators insist that it’s going to make filing easier for many Americans; the bill itself is hugely complicated, changes what benefits you may be eligible for and has led to some surprising outcomes.

To help you navigate the new legislature as we gear up for tax season, Jeffrey Levine, CEO and Director of Financial Planning at Blueprint Wealth Alliance, joins me on the podcast after appearances on CNBC and CBS to talk about key takeaways and what you and your financial advisors need to watch out for.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

1. The goals of tax reform, the new tax brackets and why you need to look at the tax bill in full to truly understand how it will affect your taxes.
2. A number of different ways that high earners may be able to save money under the new tax code—as well as what deductions have changed or are no longer available.
3. Child Tax Credit increases
4. Roth IRA changes
5. How the Pass-Through Deduction will work for small businesses

Show Notes: bayntree.com/006

Intellectual property law can be scary – but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, just a few hours of an expert’s time can protect you from costly legal headaches down the line, and no one knows this better than Suzann Moskowitz. 

Suzann is the Founder of The Moskowitz Firm, a boutique law firm specializing in helping individuals and businesses protect their intellectual property – trademarks, branding, logos, domain names, and more – in essence, everything businesses need to nurture in order to grow.

Suzanne and I spoke about her journey, her passion for intellectual property law, how to protect yourself as an entrepreneur, and the major issues all business owners need to watch out for as they start, grow, and scale their companies.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

1. The clear differences between trademarks, copyrights, and patents—and when it makes sense to use each.
2. Common mistakes that entrepreneurs make when starting businesses, the potential legal issues you may face, and how to stop problems from becoming costly and time-consuming when you want to focus on growth.
3. The best ways to protect your content, even as technology keeps changing, as well as strategies and plans to address potential issues with theft or infringement

Show Notes: bayntree.com/005

Why is it that some websites rank on page #1 of Google, while others  fail to get attention and attract an ideal audience? Today, you’re going to find out!

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

1. The biggest digital marketing mistakes entrepreneurs are making and how you can avoid and/or fix them!
2. A 6-part SEO framework to improve your Google website ranking, increase credibility and position yourself as an industry expert.
3. Learn how to tap into the power of video so you can generate leads and turn prospects into buyers.

Show notes: bayntree.com/004

There’s no question that technology has the ability to help us create solutions that improve how we operate and do business.  

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

1. How technology can help you streamline, scale & serve your clients better.  
2. The exact tools that we’ve used to improve company workflow and take our business to that next level.
3. What you should know about hiring 3rd party tech support, the benefits of app integrations, and how to beef up security so your business is protected!   

Show notes: http://www.bayntree.com/003

As an entrepreneur, you simply cannot do it on your own. You need a skilled team. One that will free you up from wearing a million different hats and can give you the support to finally focus on scaling your business.

But how do you hire employees that can take you from where you are to where you need to go? Find out in today's episode!

For a FREE Consultation on How to Efficiently and Cost Effectively Improve Your Hiring Practices visit our show notes: http://www.bayntree.com/002

Welcome to Your Wealth and Beyond! My name is Andrew Rafal and I am the founder of Bayntree Wealth Advisors.

I started this podcast as a way to empower YOU, the entrepreneur, with the insight and information you need to effectively manage and control your personal and professional finances.

Far too often as entrepreneurs, we focus so much of our energy on serving our clients, that we neglect to handle our own internal business needs. I get it… it’s not easy. You’re probably wearing a million different hats and finding the time to manage all the moving pieces can be difficult.

After building 2 successful Investment Advisory firms from the ground up, and facing many challenges along the way, my goal is to help you simplify the complex and arm you with the information you need to protect your biggest and most important asset—your business.

This is NOT just another podcast about money! My focus is to help you grow your business, build your personal wealth and find purpose in what matters most.

I’ll be interviewing leading industry experts and entrepreneurs, who not only share their stories of success and failure, but provide actionable financial advice that can be used to get your ‘fiscal house’ in order, so you can take your business to the next level.

What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing with your business? Hit me up @AndrewRafal and let me know how I can help. I’ll answer your questions in an upcoming episode!

We’ve all been there: you’re at a business conference or a dinner. You get introduced to a handful of people, you introduce yourself, you hear their names, and within two minutes, you completely forget all of them.

One person who hasn’t had this problem for years is Chester Santos. Chester won the US Memory Championship over a decade ago and has spent the last 15 years training individuals, business owners, and executives how to use simple tips and strategies to remember names, information, and even entire presentations without notes. You don’t need any innate talent for memorization to be great at it - you simply need to spend a little bit of time training this muscle.

Today, Chester joins the podcast to share and demonstrate tactics you can use right now to improve your mind and your memory.

‍In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

• Why anyone can develop a powerful memory with practice - and why Chester says he was merely “above average” when he first learned about the US Memory Championship.
• The proven framework Chester uses to memorize over 200 names in a matter of minutes when he walks into a room - among many other things.
• The three principles that make every memorization technique work.
• How our dependency on digital tools affects our memory and creates a massive business opportunity for people with memory skills.
• How Chester has pivoted his business (and his techniques) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Memory School - $200 off to first 50 listeners who use coupon code “bayntree” at checkout!
• Follow Chester Santos on Twitter, Facebook, Insta, LinkedIn & YouTube
• How To Win Friends and Influence People
• The $14 Billion Man: Why Nike Lost NBA Superstar Stephen Curry to Under Armour

Entrepreneurs are always looking for an edge to stand out from their competition. One of the best ways to do this is by attracting and retaining driven talent and building a culture and atmosphere that the teams and customers enjoy working with. And that’s precisely what today’s guest has been doing for over two decades.

Veronique James is the CEO and founder of the James Agency, a full-service integrated marketing agency in Scottsdale, Arizona, where she’s worked with clients like USA Pickleball, Northern Arizona University, Travel Costa Mesa, and the Phoenix Children’s Foundation, to name just a few. She prides herself on building a respectful, honest, and ego-free environment and helps clients connect their brand to their audience with authenticity.

In our conversation, she shared how she finds moments of calm in her hectic schedule, the hard lessons that helped her build a high-performance luxury agency that retains clients and talent, and the mistakes that so many businesses make when trying to find their ideal customers.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

• How Veronique’s first job at a marketing agency showed her what not to do as she started to build and grow her business.
• Why the James Agency avoids churning employees, stays lean, and maintains a strong culture even when scaling.
• Why customers are hungrier than ever for authenticity.
• How Veronique is using AI as a supplement–not a replacement–at work.
• What Veronique did during the COVID pandemic to avoid cutting a single employee, maintain culture, and keep up morale during what was otherwise a very challenging year for her business.
• How to screen prospective clients early on–and help a client that isn’t a good fit leave on their own.

Interview Resources

• The James Agency
• The James Agency on LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X/Twitter
• Veronique James on LinkedIn | Instagram | X/Twitter
• EO
• Rim to Rim to Rim
• Brené Brown
• Megan Simoes
• Audible
• Scaling Up Compensation: 5 Design Principles for Turning Your Largest Expense into a Strategic Advantage by Verne Harnish, Sebastian Ross

In some ways, building the business of your dreams is like building your dream home. It starts with a concept and vision to create a place where everyone can relax, enjoy themselves, and make great memories in a beautiful space they can't wait to return to. But how do you turn your vision and your story into reality? That's where a professional like today's guest comes in to help.

Dala Al-Fuwaires is responsible for some of the most iconic spaces you'll see here in Arizona and around the world. She's the founder, CEO, and principal designer of House of Form, an interior design firm in Phoenix that Dala describes as "experience design" that activates all five senses, helping clients become a go-to hospitality space. Their mission revolves around crafting an accessible form of luxury with an intangible vibe that's ethereal and elusive, all achieved through the medium of impeccable interior design. 

In our conversation, Dala shares how House of Form has set itself apart from typical design firms and how she helps her clients tell their stories through design. You'll also hear how her clients become clients for life instead of a "one and done" and what she's doing to inspire others, especially women with a passion for entrepreneurship. 

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

• How a chance encounter with a fortune teller as a child inspired Dala to follow her passion for architecture and design.
• The unconventional technique Dala uses with new clients to help them design spaces based on intuition and feeling.
• How Dala uses equity, “reverse reviews,” and team research trips to build a loyal team and company that can grow and scale together.
• How Dala’s experience with the gender pay gap prompted her to take the leap into entrepreneurship in 2015.
• The activities and competitions Dala hosts to empower innovators in the Valley. 

Interview Resources

• House of Form
• House of Form on LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | YouTube | Pinterest
• Dala Al-Fuwaires on LinkedIn | Instagram |Facebook | X/Twitter
• Pulitzer Amsterdam
• Clockwork: Design Your Business to Run Itself by Mike Michalowicz
• Donald Miller
• StoryBrand
• Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman
• Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect by Will Guidara
• Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine by Mike Michalowicz

One of the best ways for a business owner to obtain new business is through referrals. It’s really hard to put a value on marketing from word of mouth. Now, imagine the possibilities if most of your clients were singing your company’s praises like fans at a Taylor Swift concert. And that’s why I’m thrilled to share this conversation with Brittany Hodak.

Brittany has spent her entire career building superfans. She’s an award winning entrepreneur, author of Creating Superfans, a former Shark Tank participant, Guinness World Record holder, and someone who has helped countless business owners connect with their clients and customers on a deeper level. 

In today’s episode, you’ll learn all about Brittany’s journey from the music business to corporate branding, what it really means to be a superfan, and her powerful model for creating deep connections that instill confidence to drive referrals, repeat business and growth. 

Interview resources, including show notes and links to resources mentioned, can be found on the episode page: https://www.bayntree.com/101

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

• Lessons every business owner can learn from Taylor Swift.
• Key differentiators that create deep brand loyalty for companies like Trader Joe’s.
• Three things that define a superfan–and why these people are most likely to turn people into more customers.
• The big mistakes that so many business owners make when it comes to finding and nurturing customers–and how AI and automated personalization can make them worse.
• The power of intentionally elevating the customer experience.  

Interview Resources:

• Brittany Hodak
• Brittany Hodak on: Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook | X/Twitter | YouTube
• Creating Superfans: How To Turn Your Customers Into Lifelong Advocates by Brittany Hodak
• Shark Tank
• Taylor Swift
• Dr. Tony Alessandra
• ChatGPT

Though many simply think of them as a jam band, the Grateful Dead are one of America’s longest-enduring, most unique, and best-performing businesses. Throughout a career that has lasted over five decades, they have created a culture, a highly profitable business, and a mindset out of organized chaos. Furthermore, they have survived as a leaderless organization and cemented their legacy in the decades following the death of founding guitarist and effective bandleader Jerry Garcia in 1995. 

If you want to look at numbers for proof, consider the fact that the band made over $50 million almost exclusively from touring and merchandise sales in 1994. Also consider that Dead & Co., the band’s current incarnation led by John Mayer, grossed over $40 million from ticket sales in 2019 and recently wrapped up a residency at the Las Vegas Sphere that grossed over $130M in gross revenue.

Joining me on today’s podcast is fellow Deadhead Brian Mohr. Brian is on the national Board of Directors of Conscious Capitalism, Inc., and is the co-founder of anthym, where they use music to help culture-driven organizations create and nurture meaningful relationships amongst their people. 

So, even if you’ve never connected with their music, throw your preconceived notions out the door as we dive into a conversation about how to develop prestigious brands, create customers for life, and build small businesses thinking seriously about conscious capitalism into massive, life-changing organizations. 

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn: 

• Why the Grateful Dead letting fans tape and share recordings of their concerts was an early and extremely effective form of content marketing.
• How Jerry’s death and the subsequent infighting between band members mirrors when founders exit - and how John Mayer has stepped into Jerry’s role in a leaderless way while breathing new life into the band and its business. 
• How the Grateful Dead used their mailing list to create an extraordinarily effective marketing machine that fostered a massively inclusive community and treated them right.
• Why psychological safety and feeling connected is crucial to being vulnerable enough to take risks and achieve the biggest successes in business. 
• How technology leaves us feeling both more connected and isolated than ever before - and what business leaders and managers can do to address these issues. 
  
  

Interview Resources

• Brian Mohr
• anthym.life
• anthym on LinkedIn | X/Twitter | Facebook
• Brian Mohr on LinkedIn 
• Feed My Starving Children
• Habitat for Humanity
• Monday.com
• Trello
• Slack
• WhatsApp
• Elton Mayo’s Human Relations Movement
• Gallup Q12 Employee Engagement Survey

Over the last 30 years, Genevieve Pitturo has had an extraordinary journey. She established herself as a television executive in New York City, but soon found herself looking to do something more with her life. 

This led her to create the Pajama Program, a nonprofit that helps kids that are facing tremendous adversity with housing insecurity and ensures they have equitable access to healthy sleep so they can thrive. Since 2001, they have provided pajamas and books to more than 8 million kids nationwide. 

In our conversation, you’ll hear why Genevieve’s career in television was leading to feelings of emptiness and why she made the leap to charitable work, how she built a network around her to turn her vision into a thriving charity, and the beauty of giving back to our communities. 

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn: 

• How a little voice in her head inspired Genevieve to look for something more in life, break from her workaholic lifestyle, and follow her passion by giving back. 
• How Genevieve bootstrapped her charity from the ground up–and the critical mistakes she made along the way. 
• The four truths leaders need to embrace when pursuing their passion.
• How Genevieve balanced purpose and profit as she transitioned out of her television career and launched the Pajama Program.
• The difference between having–and being–a boss. 

Interview Resources

• Pajama Program
• Pajama Program on LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X/Twitter 
• Genevieve Piturro
• Genevieve Piturro on LinkedIn | Instagram | X/Twitter
• Mary Tyler Moore
• McDonald’s
• Oprah Winfrey
• Jamie Dyce

Discover how to build a thriving business while cultivating a life of purpose and joy. In this episode, I sat down with Lexi Godlewski, a successful entrepreneur who traded the corporate world for the beaches of Oahu. Lexi's journey is a compelling blend of personal transformation and business acumen, offering valuable insights for anyone seeking a more fulfilling path. From overcoming crippling anxiety and self-doubt to building a thriving, values-driven business, Lexi shares her inspiring story with honesty and practical advice.

Lexi is a TEDx speaker, a trained business coach, and a certified master marketer who works with business owners to develop a "soultpreneur" mindset. She shares actionable strategies for authentic marketing, building strong communities, and navigating the inevitable challenges of entrepreneurship. Her insights extend beyond the business world, offering a blueprint for a life filled with purpose, joy, and adventure.

Lexi's story and practical advice will inspire you to create a life and business you truly love. Her story shares with us a roadmap for a more fulfilling and intentional life and business.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

• How Lexi moved from a seemingly successful corporate career to a life driven by purpose and passion.
• Why community is essential for support and growth.
• Lexi's strategies for marketing a business authentically, focusing on storytelling and building genuine connections with your clients and community.
• The “Soulpreneur” mindset and how leading with your soul in all you do can bring success and purpose.
• Insights on overcoming common entrepreneurial obstacles, offering practical advice for navigating fear, self-doubt, and the pressure of external expectations.

Interview Resources:

• Lexi Godlewski
  • Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | TikTok
• Building My Empire Podcast
• Lexi’s TEDx Talk 
• TEDx
• ICF (International Coaching Federation)
• Jen Sincero Author of “You Are a Badass”
• Outwitting the Devil by Napoleon Hill 
• I Am by Howard Falco

No matter how big or small your business is, if you’re an entrepreneur, at some point or another, you’re probably going to need a lawyer. It’s easy to overlook important details as you build and scale a business, especially when focused on growing and scaling quickly.

Today’s guest, Andy Contiguglia, is a seasoned business attorney from Denver. He has tons of experience working with entrepreneurs of all sizes, and, as an entrepreneur himself, he brings a unique perspective to the value a great attorney can add to your team.

In this episode, we get into why you need a great lawyer on your side, the common mistakes entrepreneurs make as they chase their dreams, and how these issues play out across a wide variety of stories from Andy’s 20+ years in this field. 

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn: 

• Why so many entrepreneurs are scared of bringing on lawyers–and how Andy works to allay these fears from the first time he meets with a client. 
• How a lawyer can help you build your business properly from the ground up and protect you from intellectual property, patent, naming, and other potential issues before they ever arise.  
• The questions Andy asks potential clients before he takes them on. 
• How legal counsel can help to resolve a wide array of common conflicts that arise as a business grows and achieves success.
• What aspiring entrepreneurs should know about buying a retiree’s business.

Interview Resources

• Contiguglia Law Firm
• Contiguglia Law Firm on Facebook | YouTube
• Andy Contiguglia on LinkedIn | Instagram
• 24 Assets: Create a digital, scalable, valuable and fun business that will thrive in a fast changing world by Daniel Priestley

With 80% of new businesses seemingly destined to fail, the odds are stacked against most entrepreneurs. But today’s guest is on a mission to shift that equation. From overcoming financial hardship and a lawsuit that nearly bankrupted him to reshaping his leadership style and creating a winning team culture, today’s conversation is all about what it takes to build and scale a thriving business.

Mike Konrad is the founder and CEO of Aqueous Technologies, a public speaker, podcast host, and author of The Reluctant Entrepreneur. Mike shares his 40-year journey in the electronics manufacturing industry, from leaving his corporate job in the early 90s to create an innovative business through dedication and a core belief that reliability matters.

In this conversation, you’ll hear how Mike navigated the operational challenges of entrepreneurship and underwent a profound transformation as a leader. He shares how building a sustainable company required evolving from naivety to knowledge, from arrogance to savvy, and from poor risk assessment to awareness. 

One of his biggest breakthroughs came when he recognized the need to set aside his ego—the very trait that helped launch the business—to empower others, hire smarter, and scale with intention.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

• Why the traits that help start a business often sabotage its long-term growth.
• The costly lawsuit that nearly ended Mike's company—and how his ego and tenacity helped survive it.
• How naivety and bad risk assessment fueled his early success.
• Why company culture and team fit are critical for new hires in a growing company.
• How counterintuitive ideas from a mentor helped shift his mindset and achieve greater success.

Find All Interview Resources Here - www.bayntree.com/114

Download your copy of The Entrepreneur's Financial Planning Checklist!

When entrepreneurs launch their businesses, their branding and website often leave little to be desired. Creating a website that is functional and is both pleasing to the eye and easy to navigate takes a lot of time and resources that many business owners don’t have when they first get started. 

And after a few years, the website can start to feel stale and dated. That’s when it’s time for a refresh and to reach out to a professional, like today’s guest.

Jamie Windell  is the Founder of KHULA™ & Fractional Design PM & Consultant. A self-taught brand and web designer, Jamie has successfully guided over 100 business owners worldwide in transforming their brand image and online presence into something they can be proud of. His goal is to impact and assist 1000 small business owners in their transformation and thrive. 

In our conversation, you’ll learn the steps that KHULA walks their clients through when it’s time for a brand transformation, some do’s and don’ts for anyone who attempts to create or manage their own website, and why he believes in helping business owners migrate and transfer their domain so they take ownership and improve the security of their website.

Interview resources, including show notes and links to resources mentioned, can be found on the episode page: https://www.bayntree.com/96

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn: 

• Why taking a DIY approach to branding and web design is often a mistake.
• The key steps that KHULA uses to help clients with a branding refresh. 
• Jamie’s advice for finding the right balance of text/copy on your website.
• How Webflow has been a game changer for former Wordpress users.
• The biggest mistakes that entrepreneurs make with CTA on the website.
• The importance of owning your own domain and improving the security of your website.

Interview Resources

• KHULA Studio
• KHULA on LinkedIn | Instagram
• Jamie Windell
• Jamie Windell on LinkedIn
• SMART Board
• WordPress
• Webflow
• Skyrocket Digital
• Diane Windell
• Hungry for Life
• LinkedIn
• Lexi Onishenko
• Vlad Magdalin
• Squarespace
• Wix
• Jasper AI

In today's episode, I'm thrilled to be joined by Michael Spangenberg, CEO and co-founder of State Forty Eight–one of Arizona's most recognizable local apparel brands. Since 2013, Michael and his partners have been sharing clothing for all, inspired by Arizona, through collaborations, screen printing, embroidery, art & branding, and their work. 

In our conversation, Mike and I dig into the "why" behind his brand, his love for Arizona, and how this side gig turned into a full-time pursuit with fans in Bruce Arians and the Arizona Cardinals, the Diamondbacks, and the Suns organizations. 

You'll also hear what he's doing now with the State Forty Eight Foundation to empower everyday people with dreams like his. Enjoy!

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn: 

• How Michael and his friends turned business partners envisioned their brand, quickly learned how to tell their story, and used unconventional methods to quickly build momentum. 
• The moment Mike realized this side hustle could become a full-time career. 
• Why it’s so important to invest–and keep investing–in yourself as an entrepreneur. 
• What inspired the State Forty Eight Foundation–and what they’ve learned since helping to fund 32 businesses in their community. 
• The toughest challenges State Forty Eight faced as they built and scaled their business. 

Interview Resources

• StateFortyEight.com
• State Forty Eight on Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X/Twitter | YouTube
• State Forty Eight Foundation
• State Forty Eight Foundation on Instagram | YouTube | Facebook
• Michael Spangenberg on LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook
• Stephen Polando on LinkedIn
• Phoenix Fashion Week
• Arizona Cardinals
• Arizona Diamondbacks
• Phoenix Suns
• Phoenix Mercury
• Arizona State University
• Marina Sandoval

When building a brand, everyone talks about the power of storytelling. These days, however, it’s not as simple as starting a blog and expecting your audience to explode overnight.

That’s why people turn to today’s guest, Dan Curran. Dan is a founding partner at Chapters.io, where he works to eliminate the anxieties of book writing through a process that helps people finish manuscripts in 100 days or less, connect with amazing editors, and preserve their wisdom for generations to come. 

Dan has over a decade of experience working with editorial teams for large financial institutions, especially with financial advisors, and has a deep understanding of how to bring new life to so-called unsexy topics in this complex field. 

In today’s episode, Dan and I discuss the chaotic state of modern content marketing, how to stand out in a world where everyone has 10,000 notifications and zero attention span, and the technology–including AI–he’s using to help people share their stories and grow audiences right now. 

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn: 

• How content marketing has changed over the last decade. 
• Why authenticity matters–and why so many people are scared to be authentic. 
• Why there’s a place for entrepreneurs over the age of 40 on TikTok.
• How Chapters is using a combination of AI and human talent to kickstart books when the words don’t just magically flow from an author’s fingers. 
• Ways to get your story told without running the gauntlet of the traditional publishing model. 
• How to craft a legacy book for your loved ones. 

Interview Resources

• Chapters.io
• Dan Curran on LinkedIn 
• Chapter.io on LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
• Climbing the Retirement Mountain: And Getting Safely Down the Other Side by Andrew Rafal
• ChatGPT
• Gemini
• Python
• OpenAI
• The Entrepreneurs’ Organization
• 90 Minute Book by Dean Jackson

Today, I’m talking to Megan Greenwood, founder of Greenwood Brewing, where she’s making woman-owned, woman-inspired real beer for all. 

Megan was an enthusiast and a homebrewer before venturing on her own as an entrepreneur. So, how did she get from Boston to Phoenix and from 8 taps in a garage to 14 taps downtown? 

In this episode, Megan shares the story of her entrepreneurial journey, the challenges she faced along the way, and why beer has to be better than good to succeed in an ever-crowded industry.    

Key takeaways:

• How homebrewing went from a hobby to a profession for Megan–and why her backgrounds in industrial engineering and manufacturing proved hugely helpful.  
• The steps Megan took to get her product into bars and to customers when she didn’t have her own facility. 
• How Megan found power in telling her business’s unique story in a male-dominated industry. 
• What happened when Megan was finally ready to open at the height of the COVID pandemic. 
• How Megan navigated growing pains as her business grew, manages an ever-growing staff, and continues to create opportunities for herself and her staff.   

Interview Resources

• Greenwood Brewing
•  Greenwood Brewing on Facebook  | X/Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
• Megan Greenwood on LinkedIn | Instagram
• Samuel Adams
• Boston Lager
• Sierra Nevada
• Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
• Fat Tire
• First Draft Book Bar
• Fresh Start Women’s Foundation 

Please enjoy this relaunch of one of our favorite episodes with Terri Sjodin.

Whether you’re an executive speaking in front of your colleagues, an entrepreneur leading a sales presentation, or even just talking with your friends, at some point or another, you’re going to have to speak in public. If you’re like a lot of people, it might terrify you.

Fortunately, there are self-proclaimed speech geeks like Terri Sjodin out there in the world to help us improve. Terri has spent the last 30 years working to help people and businesses build and deliver more polished, persuasive, and effective presentations – and, since March, has focused her work on the tools and technologies you can use right now to forge more authentic connections.

Today, Terri and I are talking about the shocking mistakes that tons of professionals make when they speak in public, as well as sharing some techniques you can use right now to become a better speaker, no matter where or how you’re meeting. 

In this episode you’ll learn: 

• Everyone can benefit from improving their presentation skills, even if you don’t work in sales or ever have to get up on a stage
• The three benchmarks people use to measure the effectiveness of a presentation
• Why storytelling is such a big component of almost every successful presentation
• Three things you can do right now to improve your presentations - and the tools and technology that can help you deliver higher-quality virtual presentations
• What makes someone a great presenter. 

 Interview Resources

• Sjodin Communications
• Scrappy: A Little Book About Choosing to Play Big
• Logitech BRIO
• Rode Microphones

When celebrities, musicians, and the ultra-wealthy want toget their time back and become more productive, they call Tarra Stubbins. Tarra made a career providing concierge services and assistance to artists like the Rolling Stones, Lady Gaga, Kiss, and Drake–and now supports a wide range of business owners at the highest level at Take It Easy Personal Concierge. 

In our conversation, Tarra and I dig into how her pursuit of success as an artist helped her find her lane behind the scenes and what she’s learned about time management and routines from her time around the world’s biggest superstars. 

You’ll also hear how the most successful people in the world are laser-focused on their goals, projects, and pursuits and how having the right people in executive assistant roles make huge contributions to the success of both CEOs and rock stars, even remotely or virtually.

Interview resources, including show notes and links to resources mentioned, can be found on the episode page: https://www.bayntree.com/91

Key Takeaways:

• How Tarra launched her career by hopping on a tour bus with Kenny Rogers and doing the behind-the-scenes work that needed to be done. 
• Tarra’s approach is to build trust and credibility with VIP clients and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. 
• Why is no celebrity or CEO’s daily routine going to be the single thing that makes you as successful as they are, and how can you meaningfully start taking back your time?
• The power of controlling your schedule, building discipline in your practice, and simply showing up.
• How remote, hybrid and virtual executive assistants can continue to add value without being in the same place as their clients.

Interview Resources:

• Tarra Stubbins
• Tarra Stubbins on LinkedIn | X/Twitter
• Take It Easy Personal Concierge Inc. on LinkedIn
• The Rolling Stones
• Lady Gaga
• Kenny Rogers
• Mick Jagger
• Drake
• Keith Richards
• Jack Daniel’s
• Jerry Seinfeld
• Tim Ferris

Today's guest is none other than Bayntree's Director of Corporate Development, Brian Hartstein. If you're a business owner looking for advice and strategies on tax planning or creating pensions, Roth IRAs and 401(k) plans, you've come to the right place. 

In our conversation, Brian and I are exploring different ways business owners can start preparing–especially with our pretax dollars–to create the best possible financial outcomes not just for themselves but also for their employees. 

We'll cover some of the big mistakes business owners make when it comes to pretax spending, how Brian analyzes a prospective client's business to recommend solutions, and why it's so important for entrepreneurs to have a solid financial education of their own. 

Interview resources, including show notes and links to resources mentioned, can be found on the episode page: https://www.bayntree.com/90

Key takeaways

• The common issues business owners face when it comes to paying themselves out, creating a great company culture, and avoiding tax pitfalls. 
• Why so many business owners lack the proper guidance when it comes to financial planning and especially taxes.
• How a third-party administrator can fit into your business structure to help meet your financial goals. 
• The ABCs of employee benefits and contribution matching and how to find the sweet spot that works best for you and your employees. 
• Why tax planning is only going to get more important over the next 10-15 years–and why there’s no better time to get started than right now. 

Interview Resources

• Bayntree Wealth Advisors
• Bayntree Wealth Advisors on YouTube | LinkedIn | Instagram | X/Twitter
• Brian Hartstein, MSFS, CLU, ChFC on LinkedIn

Life as a business owner doesn't come without daily challenges to overcome. The marketplace is constantly changing with new competition and technology, in addition to managing your team, inbox, and voicemail.

So, today's episode is all about the obstacles that most entrepreneurs face in 2024 and the strategies I've used to overcome them.

I'll focus on navigating the relentless bombardment of information overload, overcoming perfectionism, and preventing the fear of failure from limiting growth in your business and stunting progress. You'll learn how confronting challenges and being adaptable and resilient are critical to entrepreneurial success in today's fast-paced economy. 

Key takeaways

• Stay focused and organized when dealing with information overload with emails and social media. Overcome perfectionism and embrace progress.
• Waiting for perfection limits business growth.
• Resist the temptation to chase new technologies like AI and ensure new tech is a fit for your business.
• Never be afraid to fail. Embrace failures as learning opportunities.
• Adapting to economic uncertainty and focus on the things within your control.
• Comparison is the thief of joy.
• Creating a great culture will retain top talent. 

Interview Resources 

• Entrepreneur's Organization
• Slack
• Blackberry
• Apple

Today's guest is Derrick Kinney. For over 20 years, Derrick has been helping people build wealth and find purpose in life by being better with money. 

He's the author of the bestseller Good Money Revolution, host of the Good Money Podcast, and creator of the Good Money Framework, where he shares seven easy steps to help people earn more, save more, and give more money to the causes they care deeply about.

In the conversation, Derrick shares his story of starting his own financial planning business at the age of 26, the hard lessons he's learned over the 20+ years he's been in the financial industry, and what's changed since shifting his focus to coaching other financial advisors over the last four years. 

Key Takeaways

• The difference between scarcity and abundance mindset – and why there’s no reason to reinvent the wheel when something works. 
• Why it’s good to be misunderstood as an innovator or entrepreneur.
• How Tik-Tok, LinkedIn, and Instagram influencers are misleading us when it comes to how hard it is to achieve real success. 
• Why your core values matter when you build a business and choose who you want to work with.
• What Derrick learned from his conversations with Daymond John and Matthew McConaughey–and why he’d never consider canceling on someone, even if they don’t have A-list status. 

• Good Money Framework
• Good Money Framework - LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | X/Twitter
• Derrick Kinney - Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube | X/Twitter‍
• Good Money Podcast‍
• Good Money Revolution: How to Make More Money to Do More Good by Derrick Kinney, Donald Miller‍
• Simple Teen Success‍
• GettheRaiseYouWant.com
• ‍Ameriprise Financial‍
• Sam Houston High School‍‍
• The White House‍
• Daymond John‍
• Dan Fleyshman‍
• Jon Gordon‍
• Jamie Kern Lima

Today, I’m talking to my good friend and serial entrepreneur Aaron Chamberlin. Aaron is a well known chef here in the Phoenix area who has owned a number of restaurants, including Saint Francis, Taco Chelo, and Phoenix Public Market, diversified across industries, and achieved success in a field notorious for its extraordinary challenges. 

In our conversation, Aaron shares lessons from his 37 years in the restaurant business. You’ll hear the story of how he honed his skills under Jean-Georges Vongerichten, why it’s so common for “successful” restaurants to barely turn a profit, and the hard lessons he learned that helped him experience remarkable growth, personally and professionally, since 2018. 

Key takeaways:

• How Aaron discovered his passion for cooking and survived 70+ hour weeks while earning very little money in New York City.
• What inspired Aaron to open Saint Francis in his home state of Arizona, why the business was an immediate public success, and what drove him to sell it. 
• How Aaron shifted his mindset as he opened Taco Chelo and the Phoenix Public Market to improve his profit margins and his growth.
• What Aaron has done to diversify his investing, share his passion with his family, and weather the storms along the way. 

More interview resources can be found on the episode page: https://www.bayntree.com/87

Interview Resources:

• Watch Episode on YouTube
• Aaron Chamberlin on LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook 
• Taco Chelo
• Taco Chelo on Instagram | Facebook
• Phoenix Public Market Cafe
• Tempe Public Market Cafe
• Ghost Ranch
• Michel Richard
• Jean-Georges Vongerichten
• Daniel Boulud
• Restaurant DANIEL
• La Grande Orange Grocery
• Robert Lynn
• Craig DeMarco
• Postino
• Chelsea's Kitchen
• Radio Milano
• Gennaro Garcia
• Fife Symington
• Scott Barker
• Copperstate Farms

Big-box pet stores may offer convenience, but they often fall short when it comes to personalized service, expert nutrition advice, and a deeper overall commitment to pet wellness. 

Today’s guest recognized this gap in the industry and set out to build a franchise model that delivered on all fronts—without sacrificing community values or sustainability. His goal: to empower local pet store owners with the tools and support to thrive in a competitive market where natural food and nutrition are expected from pet owners.

Michael Seitz is the CEO and Chairman of EarthWise Pet, one of only four national pet retail franchisors in the United States. Since joining his family’s business in 2005, Michael has grown the brand from a handful of stores into a nationwide operation with over 200 retail locations and a rapidly growing mobile grooming platform. His unconventional journey has shaped a unique, people-first approach to scaling a multi billion dollar franchising business in the pet industry.

In this episode, Michael shares how EarthWise Pet has differentiated itself through holistic nutrition, pet services, and sustainable sourcing. He shares his expertise on what it truly takes to scale a successful franchise, why mobile grooming services are now a multi-million-dollar growth engine.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn: 

• Why Michael left dental school to rejoin the family business.
• How EarthWise scaled from 3 stores to over 200 locations.
• The evolution from natural pet food to sustainable sourcing.
• How grooming services have become a huge growth driver, especially for new franchises.
• How EarthWise Pet uses AI to improve marketing and efficiency.

Find All Interview Resources Here - www.bayntree.com/113

Download your copy of The Entrepreneur's Financial Planning Checklist!

Today, I’m talking to Ryan Madrid, co-founder of Bison Ventures and host of the Into The Storm Podcast. 

After leaving corporate America, he joined VIP Mortgage as the Director of Business Development. Before long he was bringing in one billion in mortgage loan sales on his way to being in the area's top 1% of mortgage lending.

In this conversation, Ryan talks about his entrepreneurial journey with deep family roots, how Bison Ventures’ corporate culture has helped them become one of Phoenix’s leading mortgage companies, and the power of building a culture to create great client experiences. 

Key takeaways:

• Why incredible customer service is key to weathering tough times in any industry.
• The advice Ryan’s uncle gave him to help him leave corporate America and find his true calling. 
• How Ryan survived tough personal times, left the corporate world, found his business partner, and got on a new track to success.
• What differentiates Bison Ventures from other mortgage firms.
• The humbling business challenges Ryan has faced in the last several years–and how he got through them. 

Interview Resources

• Bison Ventures
• Bison Ventures on LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook
• Ryan Madrid on LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram
• Into the Storm Podcast on YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Instagram
• Abbott
• Johnson & Johnson
• VIP Mortgage
• Fantasy
• Stuart M. Crawford
• Breanna Burton
• Jeremy West
• Jay Barbour
• Keith Teegardin
• Anthem
• Brian Moore
• Liz Kleven
• Trisha Madrid
• Lana Ambrose

If you’re growing a business and a family, you’re probably more than a little familiar with moments of chaos. And if you’re listening to this podcast, you probably know how it feels to have too much on your plate and perhaps wondered how to make positive, powerful shifts in the face of big challenges. 

Today, I’m excited to introduce you to my friend and mentor Elizabeth Winkler. Elizabeth is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Meditation Teacher, and her work has helped thousands of people all over the world.

In today’s episode, we dig into the power of mindfulness, how to start (and stick to) a meditation practice of your own, and how to use these incredible tools to declutter your mind, tap into your superpowers, and approach everything in your life in flow. 

Key takeaways:

• What it means to practice mindfulness and live with intention. 
• What stops people from having a meditation practice.
• How to help unwind the Type-A mind to harness your energy more effectively. 
• Why fear is at the root of your perfectionism–and what to do about it. 
• Why there’s never been a better time to start meditating than right now. 
  

Interview Resources

• Elizabeth Winkler
• Elizabeth Winkler on Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | TikTok
• The Shadow & the Light Podcast
• davidji.com
• Calm
• Insight Timer
• Dr. Andrew Huberman
• Michael Singer
• The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael A. Singer
• The Surrender Experiment: My Journey into Life's Perfection by Michael A. Singer
• Jamar Rogers
• The Voice

For many people, election years bring a lot of stress. That’s especially true in the most recent elections. Media coverage is 24/7, and there are new polls and promises in the headlines, which can cause uncertainty among investors.

So today, I’m jumping on the mic with John Gengle, a Financial Advisor at Bayntree Wealth, to discuss what history has taught us about previous election years and what to expect from this one. 

In our conversation, you’ll hear how changes to which party is in power rarely lead to a significant impact on the economy, how fixed-income investments have been undervalued, and how Congress plays a more critical role in our tax laws and economy than a new President.

Key takeaways:

• What to expect if a Democrat or Republican President is elected.
• Why campaign promises don’t always lead to sweeping economic changes.
• The benefits that a divided congress has on economic policy.
• How fixed income investments have been undervalued in recent years.

🎯 Are You on Track for Retirement? Take Our Free Quiz to Find Out https://www.bayntree.com/quiz

🚀 Download Your Free Dream Plan Retire Toolkit https://www.bayntree.com/dpr-toolkit/

📞 Schedule a 15-Minute Call & Start Planning for the Retirement of Your Dreams https://calendly.com/bayntreeteam/dream-plan-retire

Music: The Whole World Crashes Down – Astral Orange

Building a successful career in an incredibly competitive real estate market doesn’t happen by accident, especially when your area of expertise is luxury residential real estate. Today’s guest has climbed to the top and is recognized as one of Arizona’s top real estate advisors. As you’ll hear, tremendous success doesn’t happen without developing great partnerships and long-term relationships.

Adrian Heyman is a Real Estate Advisor at The Agency, a luxury real estate firm in Scottsdale, AZ. Adrian was The Agency’s top-producing agent from 2018-2021 and reclaimed the title in 2023. In addition to succeeding in Arizona’s real estate markets, he’s also passionate about the Surfrider Foundation and has built a thriving 25-year partnership with his wife.

In this conversation, Adrian shares the story of how he came from Australia’s fitness industry to American real estate, how he achieved success in an incredibly competitive industry with a very high failure rate, and what lies ahead in Arizona’s hot luxury real estate market. 

‍

Key takeaways:

• How Adrian kept his business growing and his family stable even through brutal market downturns and cross-continental moves. 
• How a huge real estate deal in Paradise Valley in 2017 changed the trajectory of Adrian’s career. 
• The critical mistakes Adrian sees homeowners and agent advisors make that stop them from getting top dollar. 
• How technology has transformed the landscape for home buyers and sellers.
• Factors that attract high-end homebuyers to the Paradise Valley. 
  
  

Interview Resources

• AdrianHeyman.com
• Adrian Heyman on LinkedIn | Instagram |  Facebook
• The Agency
• The Agency on Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | LinkedIn | X/Twitter
• Mauricio Umansky
• Billy Rose
• Surfrider Foundation

Making the entrepreneurial leap and leaving Corporate America to create your own business is more than a leap of faith. Most new business owners face trials and tribulations along the way. But those who stick with it and believe in themselves can achieve the growth that makes them a success story worth celebrating. 

Today’s guest is Shannon Breen, and he has a success story that is definitely worth celebrating. Shannon is the Co-CEO and founder of FreightVana, a digital logistics partner powered by technology and built on trust and transparency. 

In this conversation, Shannon tells the story of how he fell in love with logistics, the two core components that have led to rapid and exponential business growth, and the power of building a great culture with employees who are empowered to be authentic on social media.

Key takeaways

• What makes the logistics industry so uniquely fragmented and complicated.
• Why Shannon took the entrepreneurial leap and left corporate America.
• The importance of trust, transparency and authenticity in a company with a great culture. 
• Why some people can launch their company as a side business, why Shannon needed to go all-in, and why so many entrepreneurs fail to even take the first step. 
• Shannon’s advice on creating a thriving company culture and the benefits of empowering staff to be authentic at home and at work.

Interview Resources

• FreightVana
• FreightVana on LinkedIn | Instagram | TikTok | X/Twitter | Facebook
• Shannon Breen on LinkedIn
• John Gamero
• Denzel Washington
• Denzel Washington - Deathbed
• Swift Transportation
• Entrepreneurs’ Organization
• State Forty Eight Foundation
• Michael Spangenberg
• Joshua Brees
• Trainual

It’s very easy to rack up credit card debt. It’s much more difficult to pay it off and considerably tougher to set yourself up for long-term financial success, to make good long-term decisions, or to avoid falling into classic pitfalls managing debt–especially for younger generations entering the workforce. 

I’m thrilled to share this conversation with Anne Lester. Anne is a retirement expert, speaker, media commentator, and author of a new book titled How to Save Smart Now for the Future You Want. Anne was the Head of Retirement Solutions for JPMorgan Asset Management for 20 years, where she traveled the country and spoke to tens of thousands of investors.

In this episode, Anne shares how she fell in love with the world of finance, why poor financial decisions are often made, and the importance of automating your savings with a 401(k) and creating an emergency savings plan.

Key takeaways:

• How we’re programmed to spend, spend, spend–even when we already have debt we need to pay off and don’t need more stuff. 
• Why we’re so afraid of getting it wrong when it comes to retirement planning–and how doing nothing sets us up for failure most of all. 
• Why now’s a great time to build a robust emergency fund. 
• How to get your credit cards under control, centralized, and easily tracked. 
• How our peers’ luxury spending tricks us into spending more on things we don’t need. 
• Simple things you can do right now to start bringing down your spending. 

Interview Resources:

• AnneLester.com
• Anne Lester on LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube
• Your Best Financial Life: Save Smart Now for the Future You Want by Anne Lester
• J.P. Morgan
• The Crash of 79 by Paul Emil Erdman
• The Silver Bears by Paul E. Erdman

Today, I’m joined by Joe Apfelbaum. Spoiler alert! This episode is jam-packed with energy and passion. If you’re interested in how AI, ChatGPT and LinkedIn can be used to its full potential to grow your businesses, this episode is for you..

Joe Apfelbaum is an accomplished author, speaker, Certified Google Trainer, and the Founder and CEO of Ajax Union. Joe is a B2B marketing and LinkedIn Expert who has helped over 1,100 clients with digital marketing and getting the most out of LinkedIn. 

In our conversation, you’ll hear why Joe believes all business owners should get to know how to use AI to their advantage, as well as the free tool he’s developed to increase your exposure and connections on LinkedIn. Above all else, you’ll also hear how passionate Joe is about why it’s important to show up with energy and enthusiasm and how the first step to making a positive change, personally and professionally, is making the commitment to yourself and finding ways to hold yourself accountable.

Key takeaways:

• The power and rewards of putting yourself out there and being vulnerable and authentic.
• The importance of leveraging the power of AI in your business so you don’t get left behind.
• How Joe used ChatGPT and AI to create a course which is used by thousands on LinkedIn.
• How to communicate effectively and prompt AI to get better responses.
• How evyAI helped a user increase their LinkedIn profile views by 1800%
• Why Joe believes that not reaching out to the authors of your favorite books is a huge mistake.
• Joe’s tips for achieving work/life balance and the importance of prioritizing yourself and your health above anything else.

Interview Resources

• Ajax Union
• Ajax Union on Facebook | X/Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn
• JoeApfelbaum.com
• Joe Apfelbaum on LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X/Twitter | YouTube
• evyAI
• High Energy Networking: Get anything you want in life while building meaningful relationships that last a lifetime by Joe Apfelbaum
• Evyrgreen AI
• Office Moving Alliance
• The 6 Pillars of Self-Esteem by Nathaniel Branden
• ChatGPT
• OpenAI
• Google Bard
• Pi.AI
• Reid Hoffman
• LinkedIn
• Anthropic
• Claude.AI

Anyone living in Arizona, Nevada, or Utah has likely seen the TV commercials and the billboards for Andrew The Home Buyer. Today, you’ll get a glimpse of the man who created the company that keeps growing year after year.

Kyle Wyloge is a serial entrepreneur and the Founder of Andrew the Home Buyer. After several years of grinding in real estate and building his sales team, he decided to create a TV commercial in 2019. This became a pivotal moment in their growth and marketing strategy with more leads coming to them versus the outbound sales model. Fast forward to today, Kyle has scaled the business to where he could purchase 318 properties last year without speaking to a single seller. 

In our conversation, you’ll hear how valuable it was to get started before the recession in 2008, how they use CRM to forecast future sales with a scoreboard for sales results in real-time, and why saunas and cold plunges have elevated the culture they’ve built, reduced stress and fosters a healthier and happier lifestyle. 

Key takeaways:

• The monumental decision to create a TV commercial as part of their marketing strategy.
• How their process was streamlined to make selling a home simple for homeowners.
• How increasing their inbound call answer rate to 94-96% led to more appointments and closed deals.
• Create the culture you want by listening to feedback and suggestions that incentivizes your team and allows them to thrive.
• The impact that elections have on the cost of marketing with TV commercials.
• The incredible results sauna and cold plunges have on reducing stress and building culture within the team.

Interview Resources

• Andrew the Home Buyer
• Andrew the Home Buyer on LinkedIn | Facebook
• Kyle Wyloge on Instagram | YouTube | TikTok
• The Big Short
• Lerner & Rowe
• Follow Up Boss
• Phoenix Open
• Ring
• The Price is Right
• Zapier
• Optimyze

It’s fair to say that our education system is flawed, but that’s especially true when it comes to educating kids about money. Financial literacy still isn’t being taught in schools no matter how much we talk about it–and what you do learn is the same stuff that was being taught 20 or 30 years ago. 

Today’s guest, Vince Shorb, is on a mission to change that. He’s the CEO of the National Financial Educators Council. After spending 15 years in financial services, he’s developed over 2500 financial education programs and is empowering students through financial literacy. 

Vince’s work has been featured in publications on USA Today, CNBC, Yahoo Finance, Forbes, CNN Money, MarketWatch, Fox Business, Huffington Post, NASDAQ, and Business Insider.

In today’s episode, we explore why we have this problem with our education system, how families can teach financial literacy before their kids make major mistakes later in life, and why financial education is so much more than management and budgeting. 

Key Takeaways:

• Why financial education programs aren’t changing or improving. 
• The mistakes Vince made in his early twenties showed him the need for his life’s work.
• How to teach young people to shake the influence of advertising and live in alignment with their values. 
• What Vince is doing to take financial education beyond simply knowing how to balance a budget. 
• How moving to a cashless society encourages bad decisions. 

Interview Resources:

• Vince Shorb
• National Financial Educators Council
• National Financial Educators Council on Facebook | X/Twitter | LinkedIn
• Vince Shorb on LinkedIn
• The Psychology of Money: Timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness by Morgan Housel

Building online businesses is tough–and closing that first deal can make or break your business. So many of us have been there, but today’s guest found a way through–and he’s here to talk about how he did it. 

Brian is the co-founder of Rotive, a Salesforce partner that helps small businesses automate their processes through the power of Sales Cloud & Pardot. Brian started with Salesforce in his college days, working in sales and eventually becoming an account executive. 

In today’s episode, we get into how Brian positioned himself, with a unique focus on YouTube, to become an expert in the Salesforce space–and how you can use the same tactics to become an online expert in your field as you grow (or scale) your business.  

Key takeaways:

• What Brian learned from Salesforce’s sales-forward corporate culture. 
• How Brian broke through the noise to find his first clients after launching Rotive.
• How to incorporate YouTube into a marketing funnel to reach prospects.
• The tools Brian used to help Rotive cultivate authority in his niche. 
• Why a relatively small YouTube channel can still drive extremely high-quality leads–and why Brian has chosen to sell video courses instead of trying to succeed by monetizing his content on YouTube. 

Interview Resources

• Rotive
• Rotive on LinkedIn | YouTube
• Salesforce
• Dreamforce
• Loom
• Semrush
• Marketing Cloud Account Engagement (formerly Pardot)
• MrBeast
• Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear