Category: Investing
True Entrepreneurship: Scaling a Business for Meaningful Impact with Kristen Shroyer (Ep. 76)

True Entrepreneurship: Scaling a Business for Meaningful Impact with Kristen Shroyer (Ep. 76)

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Many believe that quality wine and philanthropy are paths that rarely cross.

ONEHOPE Wine challenges this misconception head-on, proving that every sip can indeed contribute to a greater cause. 

This week on Smart. Money. Simplified, Brent Mekosh is joined by Kristen Shroyer, Co-Founder and Chief Impact Officer at ONEHOPE Wine. Together they uncork the journey of turning a passion for wine into a powerful force for global change. 

Tune in and explore Kristen’s entrepreneurial adventure in the wine industry, the challenges and breakthroughs of scaling a business, and how each bottle of wine sold contributes to meaningful causes worldwide.

Talking points include: 

  • The origins and mission of ONEHOPE Wine
  • Overcoming industry challenges and the transition to an independent RIA space
  • The importance of aligning business with philanthropy
  • Insights into entrepreneurship and growing a purpose-driven brand
  • And more!

Connect with Kristen Shroyer:

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About Our Guest:

Kristen Shroyer is a highly accomplished and committed executive with over 16 years of extensive experience in the wine industry. As the Co-Founder of ONEHOPE Wine, Kristen has a proven track record in building and nurturing partnerships, empowering women through wine, leading marketing initiatives, and driving sales strategies. She is passionate about combining business growth with positive social impact, with over $10 million donated to over 40,000 nonprofits to date. 

Kristen is skilled in leading diverse teams and managing national accounts. Dedicated to giving back to the community, she serves in various volunteer roles and has been recognized with numerous honors and awards for her contributions to the industry and community.

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Dream Big: Transforming Vision into Market Leading Products with Victor Mason (Ep. 75)

Dream Big: Transforming Vision into Market Leading Products with Victor Mason (Ep. 75)

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Have you ever wondered how one dream can transform into a revolutionary product, changing industries from sports to law enforcement? 

This week on SMART MONEY. SIMPLIFIED, Brent Mekosh is joined by visionary inventor and entrepreneur Victor Mason, the CEO of PowerZone. 

Their discussion unfurls around Victor’s journey from conceiving an idea inspired by a dream to bringing complex and innovative products to the market. 

Tune in as they also reflect on the intersections of invention, entrepreneurship, and the broader financial landscape that supports or inhibits breakthroughs!

Episode talking points include:

  • Victor’s transition from sound-based mini basketball backboards to wearable tech for sports injuries
  • How has PowerZone’s tech evolved and what are its applications
  • Insights into entrepreneurship and product development
  • What’s the philosophical view on fostering and financing industry-redefining inventions
  • And more!

Connect with Victor Mason:

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About Our Guest:

Victor Mason is a creative entrepreneur who recognizes opportunities and develops successful businesses and products that bring enjoyment to life whether toys for kids or high-end luxury vehicles for adults. Victor is experienced in creating, engineering, and manufacturing original products and in developing sales in the domestic and international markets. He’s a well-established connector of people who brings value to others through his personal motivation and energy as well as by facilitating relationships among like-minded professionals.

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The Impact of Financial Landscapes on Global Economies with Brad Rutan (Ep. 74)

The Impact of Financial Landscapes on Global Economies with Brad Rutan (Ep. 74)

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How do changing financial landscapes impact global economies and individual investors? How can understanding economic trends lead to better-informed financial decisions?

Listen in as Brent Mekosh speaks with Brad Rutan, Managing Director and Market Strategist at MFS Investment Management. This week, Brad covers the intricacies of bond markets, interest rates, and inflation while unveiling the profound influence these factors have on economic landscapes and investment strategies. 

Brent and Brad discuss:

  • Ways central bank policies influence bond markets and economic stability
  • The opportunities and challenges associated with different types of bond investments
  • How can understanding economic trends enhance the effectiveness of financial decision-making
  • The impact municipal bonds have upon local economies and investment strategies
  • And more!

Connect with Brad Rutan:

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About Our Guest:

Bradford T. Rutan, CFA, is an investment product specialist and managing director leading the retail fixed-income product effort on a global basis at MFS Investment Management.  He works closely with the portfolio management teams and is responsible for communicating the investment philosophy, process, and positioning of MFS fixed-income investment strategies, as well as communicating investment perspectives to financial advisors, institutional clients, and MFS’ sales force and relationship managers.

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The BrEpic Transformation: Embracing Change in Careers and Relationships with Justin & Sarah Breen (Ep. 73)

The BrEpic Transformation: Embracing Change in Careers and Relationships with Justin & Sarah Breen (Ep. 73)

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Have you been considering a career change? Looking to turn your vision of entrepreneurship into a reality? Discover the considerations to take when transitioning to a new career path from someone who has already done it.

Listen in as Brent Mekosh and his guests Justin Breen, founder and CEO of BrEpic, and Sarah Breen, COO of BrEpic, share their backgrounds and how they transitioned from divergent fields to create a powerful network, BrEpic.

 From Justin’s background in journalism and marketing to Sarah’s medical expertise, the couple’s journey is a testament to adaptability and fearlessness in pursuing new opportunities. 

Justin and Sarah discuss:

  • The importance of adaptability when navigating challenges and seizing opportunities
  • How strong family ties and balanced dynamics can impact your professional endeavors
  • Benefits of real human relationships regardless of physical proximity
  • Traditional gender roles and financial dynamics within relationships
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Justin and Sarah Breen:

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About Our Guests:

Justin Breen is the Founder and CEO of BrEpic Communications LLC, a PR firm that works exclusively with visionaries and exceptional businesses around the world. He’s built an international network of extraordinary people because he strongly believes in the power of introductions and the importance of creating relationships through networking.

Justin is the author of Epic Business and Epic Life. He enjoys running, fishing, and watching baseball with his two sons and his wife, Sarah.

Dr. Sarah Breen is a board-certified pediatrician who’s been practicing general pediatrics in the north suburbs of Chicago since 2011. After being fully immersed in the entrepreneur world by her husband (co-founder, Justin Breen), Sarah fell in love with BrEpic Network and became its Chief Operating Officer in 2023.

Sarah enjoys spending time with her two sons, exercising her three doodles, and traveling the world with her husband, Justin.

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Beyond the Sale: Finding Purpose After Exiting Your Business with Jerome Myers (Ep. 72)

Beyond the Sale: Finding Purpose After Exiting Your Business with Jerome Myers (Ep. 72)

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Are you financially and emotionally prepared for life after selling your business?

What strategies can you implement to design a life that aligns with your values and aspirations beyond business success?

This week on SMART MONEY. SIMPLIFIED, Brent Mekosh speaks with Jerome Myers, America’s Leading Exit Authority and founder of Exodus, The Myers Development Group, and Dream Catchers. 

Jerome recounts his transition from corporate life to a period of deep self-reflection and the subsequent discovery of a meaningful path forward as he advises those exiting their own business.  

Listen in as Jerome underscores the significance of nurturing love, maintaining faith, and intentionally crafting a life of fulfillment beyond the business realm.

Brent and Jerome discuss:

  • The psychological challenges of successful business owners after an exit
  • How does one transition from being a business owner to a newly exited operator
  • Jerome’s personal experience with exiting a business and the journey to finding a purposeful life afterward
  • The value of finding a greater purpose and positively impacting others after exiting a business
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Jerome Myers:

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About Our Guest:

Jerome Myers is a developer of people and places. He is the founder and Chief Inspiration Officer of DreamCatchers and The Myers Development Group.

Through these entities, he gets to live out his childhood dreams of helping people manifest the things they imagine and create social proof that dreams should be real.

Since leaving corporate America after building a 20MM division at a Fortune 550 company, J has become one of the most sought-after thought leaders in the multifamily development space. His company, The Myers Development Group, built a multi-million-dollar portfolio following the principles of Myers Methods.

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Rethinking What Leadership Means with Geoff Hudson-Searle and Lieutenant Colonel Oakland McCulloch (Ep. 71)

Rethinking What Leadership Means with Geoff Hudson-Searle and Lieutenant Colonel Oakland McCulloch (Ep. 71)

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What is good leadership? 

Do you have someone in your company whom you admire and believe embodies the qualities of a great leader?

Dive into all things leadership and trust across various sectors, including the military, government, and business areas, with Brent Mekosh, Geoff Hudson-Searle, and Lieutenant Colonel Oakland McCulloch. 

Tune in as Oak recounts his observations of self-serving leaders during his military deployment while Geoff reveals the need for integrity and accountability in leadership. 

Brent, Geoff, and Oak discuss:

  • Reasons leadership, accountability, and trust are important in organizations
  • What professions are experiencing a lack of leadership and trust
  • The impact of social media on leadership
  • How does the silent majority hold power, and why there’s a need for unity
  • Steps to create a positive work environment and foster innovation
  • And more!

Resources:

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About Geoff Hudson-Searle:

Geoff Hudson-Searle is an independent non-executive director across regulation, technology, and internet security, a C-Suite executive on private and listed companies, and a serial business advisor for growth-phase tech companies.

With more than 30 years of experience in international business and management, he is the author of five books and lectures at business forums, conferences, and universities. He has been the focus of TEDx and RT Europe’s business documentaries across various thought leadership topics and his authorisms.

About Lieutenant Colonel Oakland McCulloch:

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Oakland McCulloch is the author of the 2021 release, “Your Leadership Legacy: Becoming the Leader You Were Meant to Be.”

Based on 40+ years of leadership in the U.S. Army and subsequent civilian positions, Oak highlights principles that will benefit today’s leaders and inspire the leaders of tomorrow.

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Global Events and Growth Mindset: Navigating Uncertainty with Brent Mekosh (Ep. 70)

Global Events and Growth Mindset: Navigating Uncertainty with Brent Mekosh (Ep. 70)

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What are the implications of a royal family member’s health crisis on public discourse and media coverage? 

And when it comes to immigration, what are the challenges we face in creating compassionate and pragmatic policies?

What do all these news articles on challenging times mean for our personal and financial growth?

Consider how news stories such as King Charles’ diagnosis and immigration issues impact our view of the world with Brent Mekosh in this week’s episode of SMART MONEY. SIMPLIFIED.

Listen in as the conversation sheds light on Tony Robbins, a motivational speaker, his views on staying motivated and hungry for personal growth during periods of uncertainty such as 2020 with COVID-19, and the impact of reframing challenges as learning experiences for personal (and financial) growth.

Talking points include:

  • How does news about the Royal Family relate to history and culture
  • The current immigration landscape 
  • How does reframing challenges as learning experiences impact personal growth
  • Why financial plans rely as much on overcoming challenges as it does on money
  • And more!

Resources:

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Music Therapy To Address Addiction and Mental Health with Andrew Sossin (Ep. 69)

Music Therapy To Address Addiction and Mental Health with Andrew Sossin (Ep. 69)

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What songs do you listen to that help you feel energized, excited, or loved?

Do you think music can heal the mind? 

Join Brent Mekosh and his guest, Andrew Sossin, co-founder of Recovery Unplugged, as they discuss how music can positively impact personal well-being. Andrew unveils his transformative journey from the beats of the music industry to the heart of co-founding a revolutionary center where melodies become therapy for addiction and mental health. 

Episode talking points include:

  • Music’s unique approach to facilitate therapy for addiction and mental health issues
  • Ways Recovery Unplugged overcame financial challenges and contentious partnerships to ensure its survival
  • Andrew’s focus on ensuring the success of his business
  • Why should employers and organizations reach out for support for their employees’ mental health and addiction issues
  • And more!

Connect with Andrew Sossin:

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About Our Guest:

Over the past 20 years, it has been Andrew Sossin’s enduring pleasure to grow as a South Florida business leader and community advocate. His professional focus on financial services and business development has allowed him to establish multiple successful ventures in a wide array of fields, including addiction care, customer service, music management, and insurance.

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From Wealth to Well-being: An Inspiring Journey with Mark Fujiwara (Ep. 68)

From Wealth to Well-being: An Inspiring Journey with Mark Fujiwara (Ep. 68)

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Mental health struggles can often be overshadowed by the glitz of financial accomplishments. 

It’s time to bridge the gap between professional achievement and emotional well-being!

In an effort to destigmatize mental health challenges, Brent Mekosh sits down with Mark Fujiwara, Director at Baird Private Wealth Management, who courageously shares his personal battles with depression and anxiety. This episode offers listeners a unique perspective on the intersection of mental health and financial success, promoting open dialogue around mental well-being.

Mark discusses:

  • The power of vulnerability
  • The 100-day challenge of moving out of your comfort zone
  • Common pressures faced by high achievers and entrepreneurs
  • An effective visualization exercise that helped him battle panic attacks
  • His upcoming movie “Big Stages” where aspiring public speakers go on a journey of deep transformation
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Mark Fujiwara:

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About Our Guest:

In addition to being a Certified Portfolio Manager® and Director at Baird Private Wealth Management, Mark is a strategic investor in over a dozen high-character and high-alignment companies. He is an international speaker, recently speaking on the Private Wealth Reset at Oxford Union in England. He is the executive producer and a featured speaker in the award-winning documentary Big Stages.

Mark is also a dedicated supporter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the National Alliance on Mental Health, and To Write Love on Her Arms. Mark is a life-long student of optimizing his longevity, mental health, and fitness. He enjoys running marathons and is currently training for the World Senior Games track and field 200-meter sprint. His most recent charity is called The Ikigai Court, which supports the mental well-being of entrepreneurs by providing a safe space to speak openly about their mental health.

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Beyond Sickcare: Achieving Longevity Through Functional Medicine & Early Detection with Lisa Brooking (Ep. 67)

Beyond Sickcare: Achieving Longevity Through Functional Medicine & Early Detection with Lisa Brooking (Ep. 67)

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Have you considered planning your health care the same way you plan your long-term financial care? 

Setting up preventative measures and early testing could help avoid major health problems in the future.

This week, Brent Mekosh speaks with Lisa Brooking, CEO of Healthcode Medical, to explore the difference between sick care and health care. They highlight the importance of pinpointing the underlying reasons for health concerns and the role of technological advancements in early diagnosis. 

Lisa discusses:

  • What is functional medicine
  • Healthcode Medical’s approach to providing personalized care
  • The role of technology when it comes to disease detection and prevention 
  • Ways genetic makeup and environmental factors influence health decisions
  • And more!

Connect with Lisa Brooking:

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About Our Guest:

Lisa Brooking is a dynamic and engaging healthcare leader with a proven track record in both the private and public sectors, spanning tertiary acute, primary, and specialty care. Lisa holds a deep understanding of the healthcare sector rooted in a progressive career, starting as a critical care nurse. She is passionate about the provision of high-quality person-centered care and keeping our promise to patients. Through stakeholder engagement and tactful negotiation, Lisa crosses the finish lines. An independent thinker and transformational leader, Lisa leans into complex problems, offering innovative solutions while staying attuned to ROI & potential risks.

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