Category: Financial
From Seminary to Success: David Yep on Faith, Freedom, and Leading with Purpose (Ep. 86)

From Seminary to Success: David Yep on Faith, Freedom, and Leading with Purpose (Ep. 86)

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Are you part of the 70% of business owners who struggle with ensuring the long-term growth and sustainability of their company?

This week, Brent Mekosh and David Yap explore David’s transformative journey from almost becoming a Catholic priest to leading as the Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer at TRIUNE Health Group.  

Tune in as David shares his 13-year stint in the seminary, his thoughts on true freedom and spirituality, and how these experiences shape his approach to business and life.

Talking points include: 

  • The challenges and revelations of embracing celibacy and spirituality
  • The transition from religious life to thriving in the business world
  • Insights into fostering a strong company culture and effective leadership
  • The role of authentic living in achieving success and fulfillment
  • And more!

Resources:

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About Our Guest:

David Yep earned an associate’s degree in classical humanities in Salamanca, Spain, completing his bachelor’s degree in philosophy and liberal arts from Regina Apostolorum in Rome, Italy. Living in Europe for 10 years, he became fluent in Spanish, Italian, and German. He completed his education with a Master’s in Business Administration from the Acton School of Business in Austin, Texas. 

His determination to gain outside perspective from the family business and healthcare brought him to leadership roles in both the non-profit and manufacturing sectors, always tasked with and successfully executing company growth strategies. David rejoined TRIUNE with the task of continuing and accelerating their growth trajectory, assuming responsibility for all business development initiatives and the company’s financial success. In 2019, with his parents’ blessing, David led TRIUNE as Vice-President and Chief Revenue Officer.

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The Power of Stories in Shaping Economics and Society with Bill Tucker (Ep. 85)

The Power of Stories in Shaping Economics and Society with Bill Tucker (Ep. 85)

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Contrary to popular belief, the media isn’t just about news — it’s about shaping our entire worldview. 

Are you ready to uncover the evolving landscape of journalism in these tumultuous times?

Brent Mekosh sits down with award-winning journalist Bill Tucker to delve into the intricacies of contemporary media, its accountability, and the profound impact of economic stories on our lives. Bill shares his views on the media’s role in holding power to account and the stark interactions between economic policy and societal well-being.

Bill discusses:

  • The influence of media biases and the role of citizen journalism
  • The dynamic shifts in political landscapes with new presidential candidates
  • The shift from traditional media to digital platforms and its effect on news consumption
  • The role of journalism in maintaining democratic values during contentious political times
  • And more!

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About Our Guest:

Bill’s media journey began in a small FM Radio station in Texas and is now a podcast producer at ProudMouth.

His experience is vast in the world of media including, a television news producer, (George Foster Peabody winner),  a television news reporter (Emmy award winner and three-time nominee)

As a news executive, he co-led the team that built and launched television’s first digital network, CNNfn, blogged on energy for forbes.com, interviewed CEOs for the NASDAQ CEO Signature Series, and hosted radio shows on religion, faith, and business.

His experience does not end there. He has written for print media, served as executive producer and host for network shows, and created stories for social media posts that have garnered hundreds of thousands of views.

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Who Holds the Truth: Citizen Journalism vs. Mainstream Media with David Martin (Ep. 84)

Who Holds the Truth: Citizen Journalism vs. Mainstream Media with David Martin (Ep. 84)

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It’s ironic, but the place you go to for the latest news might be shaping reality more than you think. 

What is ‘citizen journalism?’ How does it compare to mainstream media?

This week on Smart. Money. Simplified, Brent Mekosh dives into the trust crisis between mainstream media and citizen journalism with guest David Martin. 

Tune in as they explore how the disparity between mainstream and citizen-driven media impacts our perception of reality and the role digital platforms like X (formerly Twitter) play in shaping the news landscape. 

David discusses:

  • The role of mainstream media versus citizen journalism in reporting major events
  • Ways CNN and Fox approach digital media strategies
  • Security failures during Trump’s assassination attempt
  • Ways media bias impact the rise of alternative news sources
  • And more!

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About Our Guest:

David Martin, an Irish entrepreneur from Coolock, Dublin, founded Fantasy Interactive, a renowned human-based design agency. Fantasy is known for helping clients “think beyond the ordinary” by combining digital strategy and user experience design. The company boasts an impressive client list, including Facebook, HP, USA Today, and Twitter. In 2008, Fantasy was named one of Imagine Publishing’s 21 Most Inspiring Companies, alongside Apple, Virgin, and Pixar. Despite early academic and employment challenges, David’s innovation and leadership have impacted over 2 billion users worldwide. Based on the US West Coast, he enjoys substantial success and has formed notable friendships, including with Elon Musk.

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Understanding the Value of Precious Metals with Pete Thomas (Ep. 83)

Understanding the Value of Precious Metals with Pete Thomas (Ep. 83)

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Despite what many financial advisors overlook, recent market trends show that precious metals like gold and silver are far from being relics of the past. 

Are precious metals the key to securing your financial future?

This week on Smart. Money. Simplified, Brent Mekosh dives deep into the often-overlooked world of precious metals with gold expert Pete Thomas. Together, they explore the historical significance and current relevance of gold and silver, especially in light of recent global economic trends. 

Pete discusses:

  • The historical role of gold and silver during major geopolitical events
  • Recent trends and breakouts in the precious metals market
  • The renewed status of gold as a tier-one reserve asset
  • Central banks’ increasing appetite for gold and silver investments
  • And more!

Connect with Pete Thomas:

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About Our Guest:

Pete Thomas stands at the helm of Pete’s Picks, a curated selection of precious metal products recommended for their potential performance and safety. With a keen eye for market trends and a deep understanding of investment dynamics, Pete handpicks items that resonate with both the novice investor and the seasoned collector. His selections are not just products but a portfolio of opportunities, each reflecting his 50-year legacy of market expertise and a commitment to quality.

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Here’s What Rising Mortgage Rates Mean For Homebuyers with Kim Harris (Ep. 82)

Here’s What Rising Mortgage Rates Mean For Homebuyers with Kim Harris (Ep. 82)

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What do rising mortgage rates and low housing inventory mean for your largest investment? 

How are rising mortgage rates reshaping the housing market today?

This week on Smart. Money. Simplified, Brent Mekosh sits down with Kim Harris, Real Estate Lending Manager at Colorado Credit Union, to discuss the current state of the mortgage market. From rising interest rates to housing affordability, Kim brings over two decades of experience to shed light on these critical issues. 

So, listen in as Brent and Kim explore the differences between now and the 2008 financial crisis while navigating the federal and state policies impacting real estate and examining the role of credit unions in today’s lending environment.

Episode talking points include: 

  • Today’s market conditions compared to the 2008 financial crisis
  • Insights on the current lending restrictions and mortgage rates
  • Ways institutional investors impact housing affordability
  • When might mortgage rates decrease, and its impact on housing prices
  • And more!

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Optimizing Life: Blake Jones on Health, Fitness, and Wellness (Ep. 81)

Optimizing Life: Blake Jones on Health, Fitness, and Wellness (Ep. 81)

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Are you ready to transform your health and optimize your performance in all aspects of life?

Brent Mekosh sits down with Blake Jones, a former nurse turned personal trainer, to discuss the importance of prioritizing health and wellness, even amidst life’s hectic schedules and stress. 

Tune in as Blake unveils his personal journey from dealing with pre-diabetes at 10, battling the COVID-19 crisis in the ICU, to helping professionals and entrepreneurs achieve holistic health through personalized plans. 

Talking points include: 

  • Blake’s journey from a pre-diabetic childhood to becoming a health advocate
  • Challenges faced by healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • The transition from nursing to personal training and holistic health coaching
  • Practical advice on nutrition, exercise, and sustainable health practices
  • And more!

Connect with Blake Jones:

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About Our Guest:

As a registered nurse with a passion for promoting health and wellness, Blake Jones embarked on a unique journey that encompasses a diverse range of roles and responsibilities. Blake began a career in nursing while simultaneously pursuing personal training, combining a love for healthcare and fitness.

When the pandemic emerged, Blake answered the call to serve on the front lines and transitioned into the intensive care unit (ICU). This experience allowed Blake to directly impact the lives of critically ill patients, employing skills to provide exceptional care during challenging times.

However, Blake’s unwavering passion for health coaching and community outreach eventually guided Blake back to where the heart truly lies. Recognizing the importance of preventative care, education, and empowerment in promoting overall well-being, Blake refocused efforts on health coaching and community outreach initiatives, working diligently to empower individuals and communities to lead healthier lifestyles.

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Episode 80 Special: Leveraging AI to Transform Public Safety with Oracle’s Steve Seoane

Episode 80 Special: Leveraging AI to Transform Public Safety with Oracle’s Steve Seoane

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Are you curious about how technology is revolutionizing public safety and law enforcement?

In this milestone episode, Brent Mekosh welcomes Steve Seoane, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Oracle State and Local Government, to discuss the evolving landscape of public safety technology. 

They explore the challenges experienced by law enforcement, the advancements made by Oracle, and the vision for a more efficient and effective public safety system.

Talking points include:

  • Introduction to public safety challenges and the role of technology in addressing these issues
  • Steve’s career journey from the Naval Academy to leading Oracle’s public safety solutions
  • The implementation and benefits of real-time data and AI in law enforcement
  • The future vision of public safety with drones, real-time situational awareness, and advanced command center
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Steve Seoane:

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About Our Guest:

Steve Seoane is senior vice president and general manager of Oracle’s State and Local business unit.  He is responsible for leading a worldwide team in sales, services, product development, R&D, industry strategy, marketing, and support for mission-critical applications and services designed for local government.

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Our Firm’s Evolution: From Broker-Dealer to RIA (Ep. 79)

Our Firm’s Evolution: From Broker-Dealer to RIA (Ep. 79)

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Many believe that the broker-dealer channel and the Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) space are the same, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. 

The real difference lies in their core focus — while one is geared toward sales, the other is deeply rooted in advice, impacting your investment journey vastly.

Brent Mekosh walks you through their strategic move from the broker-dealer world to becoming a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) in this week’s episode of Smart. Money. Simplified.

Listen in and discover the challenges, insights, and unexpected benefits of making such a significant shift in the financial advisory landscape, directly from someone who’s navigated the complexities firsthand.

Brent discusses:

  • His transition from being a broker-dealer to a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) and what is the reasoning behind it
  • The value of merging teams for growth and expanded capabilities
  • How do alternative investments diversify a portfolio beyond traditional stocks and bonds
  • How his clients reacted to this business change
  • The crucial aspects of client communication during these transition times
  • And more!

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Unlocking Human Potential: How Jiu-Jitsu Shapes Character and Mindset with Adam Ideson (Ep. 78)

Unlocking Human Potential: How Jiu-Jitsu Shapes Character and Mindset with Adam Ideson (Ep. 78)

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Did you know that the principles of jiu-jitsu not only apply to martial arts but can also transform your approach to personal and financial growth? 

Through discipline, continuous improvement, and strategic planning, the art of jiu-jitsu mirrors the pathway to achieving financial success.

This week on Smart. Money. Simplified, Brent Mekosh sits down with Adam Ideson, a seasoned jiu-jitsu practitioner and an entrepreneur shaping lives through martial arts. 

Tune in and discover how the principles of jiu-jitsu extend into entrepreneurship, mental health, and character building, offering insights that resonate well beyond the dojo.

Brent and Adam discuss:

  • The roots and philosophy of jiu-jitsu 
  • Ways jiu-jitsu differs from other martial arts
  • How does jiu-jitsu empower individuals to develop self-confidence, discipline, and resilience
  • Perseverance, strategy, and community-building: Lessons martial arts can offer to entrepreneurs
  • How can martial arts education address and combat modern challenges like bullying
  • And more!

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About Our Guest:

Adam Ideson has been practicing Gracie Jiu-Jitsu® since 2010. Since his first class, Adam has been captivated by the art. He has dedicated himself to the study of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and sharing this art and lifestyle with others. Adam graduated from the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy Instructor Certification program in 2013.

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Exploring the RIA Space with Nate Lenz (Ep. 77)

Exploring the RIA Space with Nate Lenz (Ep. 77)

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Many believe that the transition from a broker-dealer to a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) space is deeply complex and risky, possibly jeopardizing client relationships. 

However, this move can actually open up a world of opportunities for personalized client service, technology advancement, and business model autonomy,

This week, Brent Mekosh is joined by Nate Lenz, the CEO of Concurrent, to explore the significant advantages this change can bring to your financial planning. 

Brent and Nate delve into the intricate world of financial advising, particularly focusing on the transition from broker-dealer models to the RIA framework.

Episode talking points include:

  • The fundamental differences between broker-dealer models and the RIA setup
  • The enhanced opportunities for personalized financial planning and investment options in the RIA space
  • The role of technology in revolutionizing client service and operational efficiency
  • Strategies for business succession and growth in the evolving landscape of financial advisement
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Nate Lenz:

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About Our Guest:

With over a decade of experience in the financial industry, Nate Lenz is a prominent figure for advisors seeking to unlock their potential as entrepreneurs. Currently serving as the CEO and Co-Founder of Concurrent, an OSJ turned RIA valued at $7 billion, the company was honored as an InvestmentNews Best Place to Work in 2023. Nate and his team are dedicated to collaborating with advisors to facilitate the growth of their independent enterprises.

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