Your Wealth & Beyond

Choosing the right CPA is one of the most important decisions a business owner will ever make, yet it's also one of the most misunderstood. Many entrepreneurs assume their CPA is proactively looking for opportunities to reduce taxes and improve efficiency throughout the year, only to realize too late that most planning happens in hindsight. Today, I'm joined once again by Bayntree's Director of Corporate Development, Brian Hartstein, for a deeper conversation about how business owners can evaluate whether their CPA is truly the right fit. We break down the different types of CPA firms, the services they provide, and the gaps that often exist between expectations and reality. We also discussed how entity structure, compensation planning, retirement strategies, and long-term business goals all intersect and why silos between professionals often lead to missed opportunities. Whether you're questioning if your current CPA is serving you at the right level, considering a change, or simply want to understand how th

Many business owners reach a point where sheer grit and hard work are no longer enough to keep growing. What once fueled success can eventually become a ceiling if structure, systems, and leadership don't evolve alongside the business. In this episode, I'm sitting down with Brad Levkowitz, co-owner of Sun Lighting, to explore his journey of growing a multi-generational family business. Brad shares how early lessons from working alongside his father and grandfather shaped his work ethic, leadership style, and approach to long-term growth. We dive into the realities of building through economic cycles, wearing every hat in the early years, and learning when to let go of control. Brad shares the mindset shift required to move from survival mode to intentional scaling, including investing in systems, people, and professional leadership. Whether you're running a family business, leading a growing team, or trying to break through the next growth plateau, this conversation offers practical insights into building str

Many entrepreneurs reach a point in their careers where the traditional corporate path no longer aligns with their values, energy, or passions. For today's guest, that moment came when he realized the culture surrounding him no longer reflected the performance-driven lifestyle that fueled his passions and motivated him.  Today, I'm sitting down with my longtime friend and serial entrepreneur, Blake Uptain, founder of  Moxie Bike Shop and Caffeine & Watts. Blake shares how his journey began with a passion for fitness, a talent for building relationships, and an instinct for creating environments where people feel like they belong.  From growing a small race team into a powerful marketing engine and turning a business that started in his garage into a high-end performance retail brand, Blake reveals the pivotal decisions that shaped his entrepreneurial path.  Whether you're an entrepreneur searching for direction or someone considering turning a personal passion into a professional pursuit, this conversati

As another tax year comes to a close, many successful business owners are undoubtedly asking themselves the same question: How do I keep more of what I've earned away from Uncle Sam this year?  In this episode, I'm sitting down with Bayntree's Director of Corporate Development, Brian Hartstein, to break down year-end strategies to help entrepreneurs and high-income earners make the most of their pre-tax dollars and reduce their biggest expense: Taxes. With over 30 years of experience collaborating with business owners, CPAs, and plan administrators, Brian has seen firsthand how many companies wait until the fourth quarter to address tax planning. He emphasizes the benefits of proactive planning and how it leads to significant savings and long-term wealth creation through strategies such as SEP IRAs, 401(k)s, profit-sharing plans, and cash balance pension plans. We'll also walk you through the Retirement Plan Pyramid, and demonstrate which tools make the most sense for different business stages—from solo entre

The stress and anxiety of high-pressure careers can take a heavy toll on mental health, relationships, and physical well-being. Many business owners and professionals live with constant overwhelm, numbing themselves through long days instead of finding actual relief. But what if there was a practice that could calm the nervous system, ease stress, and even spark personal transformation without years of training or expensive therapy?​ After decades of working in demanding corporate roles, Cary Ballou experienced burnout, loss, and a sense of disconnection from her authentic self. Her turning point came when she first experienced a sound bath, a centuries-old healing practice using vibration and frequency to restore balance. That moment set her on a new path, founding Shanti Sound and dedicating her life to helping others heal, reset, and reconnect with purpose.​ In our conversation, Cary shares her journey of reinvention, the science behind sound healing, and how practices once dismissed as “alternative” have

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 de

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

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 fr

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, Mi

After years of service in the U.S. Navy, and a successful career in the corporate world, Michael Roviello found himself battling crippling neck and back pain. This led to a less-than-successful surgery and self-medicating with alcohol and prescription pain meds.  When faced with the prospect of having another surgery, he embarked on a healing journey that didn't come with more prescriptions or procedures, but through nature, ancient healing traditions, and deep introspection.  Today, Michael is the co-founder of Optimyze, a wellness studio in Phoenix, Arizona. Optimyze has become a community that empowers others to take personal responsibility for their physical, mental, and emotional health through natural healing methods. In our conversation, Michael shares how his search for answers led him to meet Wim Hof and leave his corporate job to explore plant medicine, the science, and the benefits of cold plunges, breathwork, and energy practices. This experience ultimately reshaped his view of wellness and how th

Are you feeling stuck in your personal or professional life, unable to break free from limiting beliefs that hold you back? Many high achievers struggle to find balance and fulfillment, often feeling overwhelmed by stress and self-doubt. In this episode, we dive into proven strategies for transforming your mindset and taking control of your future. Michael Kohan, a certified life coach, speaker, and host of the Your Wellness Yogi podcast, has spent years helping individuals shift their perspectives and cultivate meaningful success. With a background in yoga, mindfulness, and personal development, Michael specializes in guiding entrepreneurs and professionals toward greater clarity and purpose. His work has empowered countless individuals to implement daily habits that drive lasting change. In this conversation, we explore how self-awareness plays a critical role in personal growth, the science behind habit formation, and practical techniques to overcome self-imposed limitations. You’ll also learn how to devel

Many professionals and entrepreneurs struggle with burnout, imposter syndrome, and the challenge of aligning their daily actions with their true passions. Without a clear vision and strategy, it’s easy to lose momentum and feel disconnected from what truly matters. But today’s guest has a proven track record of helping entrepreneurs and business leaders clarify their purpose and build lives that inspire them.  Carly Pepin is the Founder and Senior Advisor at West Coast Growth Advisors, a human behavior specialist, coach, and speaker who has spent years helping individuals and business leaders break through mental barriers and unlock their full potential. With a background in behavioral psychology and mindset coaching, Carly has worked with high-level executives, entrepreneurs, and organizations to refine their leadership, streamline their operations, and amplify their impact. In our conversation, Carly shares actionable insights on overcoming self-doubt, applying core values to your decision-making, and avoid

In a rapidly evolving business landscape, customer experience is no longer just a department—it’s a company-wide mindset. How can leaders create a customer-first culture that drives loyalty, improves engagement, and fuels long-term success? Today’s guest, Blake Morgan, is a globally recognized customer experience futurist, keynote speaker, and best-selling author. She has worked with some of the world’s top brands, helping them redefine the customer journey in an era shaped by technology, AI, and changing consumer behaviors. In our conversation, Blake shared insights from her latest book, The Eight Laws of Customer-Focused Leadership, and explained why customer experience is not just about service—it’s about mindset, culture, and operational efficiency. We also discussed the impact of AI on customer relationships and practical strategies that businesses of any size can implement to stay ahead. In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:  How customer experience has evolved over the last 20 years—and where it’s

What does it take to scale a business from the ground up, navigate male-dominated industries, and build a company culture that thrives? As you’ll hear from today’s guest, leaders provide inspiration and remove obstacles to empower their teams. Kristin Steele is a serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Doozy Solutions and Crafted ERP, which are revolutionizing tech solutions for the beverage alcohol industry. With a background in ERP consulting and a keen eye for inefficiencies, she saw an opportunity to modernize an industry still reliant on outdated systems. She took the leap from corporate stability to entrepreneurship, building two companies that transformed operations for craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries across the country. In this episode, Kristin shares how she and her co-founders bootstrapped their companies, the lessons learned while scaling, and why fostering a strong leadership mindset is key to sustainable success.  In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:  The unexpected path that led

What if the thing you thought was holding you back was your biggest strength? We’ve learned that over 62% of successful entrepreneurs have some form of ADHD. Struggling with distraction, impulsivity, and the constant pull of new ideas is something many people deal with on a daily basis, but what if they were the keys to your success? That’s why I’m thrilled to be speaking with John Torrens. John is an entrepreneur, professor, and author of Lightning in a Bottle: How Entrepreneurs Can Harness Their ADHD to Win—to explore how neurodiversity can be a superpower in business.  With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience and a deep passion for teaching, John shares his journey of building successful businesses, coaching the next generation of leaders, and optimizing performance while managing ADHD. In our conversation, you’ll learn how to harness ADHD and hyperfocus as a superpower and build a team that balances your strengths. We’ll also dig into the latest science-backed strategies for improving energy, deci

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

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 Checkli

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 prove

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 thei

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 help