Category: Investing

The Future of Human Interaction will be Based on Trust with Geoff Hudson-Searle (Ep.26)

The Future of Human Interaction will be Based on Trust with Geoff Hudson-Searle (Ep.26)

Technology has advanced almost to the point of doing our jobs for us. What will happen to human interaction without the human part?

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by Geoff Hudson-Searle, Independent Digital Non-Executive Director, C-Suite Executive, Serial Business Advisor for Growth-Phase Tech Companies, and best-selling author. Together, they unpack the value of using technology to connect and not separate while detailing technology’s impact on human interaction and communication from a personal and professional perspective. 

Geoff discusses:

  • How technology impacts trust within the workplace
  • Ways the pandemic advanced the use of technology
  • Why going fully digital isn’t a great idea
  • What does Gen Z look for in a business after growing up with technology
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Geoff Hudson-Searle:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

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.

Geoff is a member and fellow of the Institute of Directors, an associate of The International Business Institute of Management,  a co-founder and board member of the Neustar International Security Council (NISC), and a distinguished member of the Advisory Council for The Global Cyber Academy. He holds a master’s degree in business administration.

Does Gold Have a Role in the Future Global Economy? Part 2 with Andy Schectman (Ep.25)

Does Gold Have a Role in the Future Global Economy? Part 2 with Andy Schectman (Ep.25)

The global currency is shifting away from the US dollar and gravitating towards gold and other currencies.

What does it mean for future investment options? Do you know?

In this episode, the President of Miles Franklin Precious Metals Investments, Andy Schectman, is back with Brent Mekosh to explain how world events impact gold and silver investment options and their future in investment portfolios. 

Andy discusses:

  • Reasons behind countries moving away from the US dollar
  • How BRICS nations influence the market 
  • Digital currency and its transparency factor 
  • The role of gold as a world currency 
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Andy Schectman:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Before starting Miles Franklin, Ltd. in 1989, Andy Schectman became a Licensed Financial Planner specializing in Swiss Franc Investments and alternative investments. At Miles Franklin Ltd., a company that has eclipsed $5 billion in sales, Andy has developed an operation that maintains trust, collaboration, ethical behavior, superior customer service, and satisfaction to better serve its clients. He is responsible for overseeing the firm’s operations and business functions, including strategy and planning, account management, finance, and new business.

Precious Metals & What Makes the Dollar the World’s Reserve Currency with Andy Schectman (Ep.24)

Precious Metals & What Makes the Dollar the World’s Reserve Currency with Andy Schectman (Ep.24)

Gold has been considered a solid investment option by many, having lasted several centuries and survived market rise and fall. 

But is gold still a solid investment in today’s market?  

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by the President of Miles Franklin Precious Metals Investments, Andy Schectman. Andy explains everything you need to know about precious metals, their role in investment planning, and why they have remained a solid long-term investment. Andy also reveals the current state of gold and silver markets and what that means for the future.

Andy discusses:

  • Why do individuals choose alternative investments
  • Where gold and silver fit within investment planning
  • What makes the dollar the world reserve currency
  • How have world events changed the way gold and silver are valued and traded
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Andy Schectman:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Before starting Miles Franklin, Ltd. in 1989, Andy Schectman became a Licensed Financial Planner specializing in Swiss Franc Investments and alternative investments. At Miles Franklin Ltd., a company that has eclipsed $5 billion in sales, Andy has developed an operation that maintains trust, collaboration, ethical behavior, superior customer service, and satisfaction to better serve its clients. He is responsible for overseeing the firm’s operations and business functions, including strategy and planning, account management, finance, and new business.

Building Connections Through Social Media with Ella Mae (Ep.23)

Building Connections Through Social Media with Ella Mae (Ep.23)

Social media has become a staple in society, from young children to corporate executives. How can you build relationships with the people who can push you further through social media?

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by Ella Mae, CEO of One Degree, on developing relationships through social media and connection building. Ella reveals how to start creating connections, tips to build relationships through direct messaging, and how to increase your viewer base. 

Ella discusses:

  • How she became a Super Connector
  • The key to starting business relationships
  • Why relationship building is essential for young entrepreneurs
  • How she decompresses from technology with a social media-based business
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Ella Mae:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Ella Mae is the founder of One Degree where she helps entrepreneurs who are scaling by connecting them with vetted vendors. She’s the host of The One Degree Show Podcast and loves spending time in nature in sunny Phoenix, AZ.

Environmental Politics in Oil and Gas with David Blackmon (Ep.22)

Environmental Politics in Oil and Gas with David Blackmon (Ep.22)

The environment has become the latest trend in society over the past few decades, resulting in a shift away from crude oil and gas development.

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by David Blackmon, Principal of DBEnergy Advisors to cover all things energy development and consumption from oil and gas. David dives into the economic impact of environmentally focused developments and the science behind the struggle to reduce carbon emissions.

David discusses:

  • Why oil and gas companies need to do a better job at showing the positive impact they have on the country
  • How climate change politics impact oil and gas investments
  • Why current environmental changes to oil and gas production aren’t as impactful as you may think
  • What you should know about ESG investments 
  • And more!

Connect with David Blackmon:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

David Blackmon is an energy-related public policy analyst/consultant based in Mansfield, TX. David enjoyed a 40-year career in the oil and gas industry, the last 23 years of which were spent in the public policy arena, managing regulatory and legislative issues for various companies. During this time, David led numerous industry-wide efforts to address a variety of issues at the local, state, and federal levels, and from April 2010 through June 2012, he served as the Texas State Lead for America’s Natural Gas Alliance. David also maintains a growing media communications practice and is a frequent guest on television, radio, and podcasts.

From Prison to a Path 2 Redemption with Lester Young (Ep.21)

From Prison to a Path 2 Redemption with Lester Young (Ep.21)

Once you enter the prison system, a stigma becomes a part of your life no matter where you go or what you try to do. 

Why aren’t prison systems trying to change that?

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by Lester Young, renowned author and Re-Entry Expert Coach. Lester shares his life in prison, the ways he has created opportunities for himself once released, and the mental and physical obstacles faced by those who have been incarcerated.

Lester discusses:

  • How one moment can change your entire life
  • How he reclaimed himself despite everyone else
  • The definition of being paid under the table 
  • The stigma of incarceration
  • Why programs benefiting inmates aren’t encouraged within the prison system
  • The foundation of Path2Redemption
  • And more!

Connect with Lester Young:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Lester Young Jr. is a native of Hilton Head Island, SC. At the age of 19, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole until 20 years had been served. Entering prison without the proper education was Lester’s biggest struggle. With the support of family and friends, he was able to obtain his G.E.D. and then later enroll in a Business Management Course (via mail) as a student at Ashworth College. 

Lester began drawing attention from prison chaplains, correctional officers, as well as wardens for the interest he expressed in NOT only educating himself but encouraging others to educate themselves as well. 

With permission from the warden, Lester began meeting with Chaplain Gerald Potoka to create templates, course outlines, programs, and classes to instruct and mentor those incarcerated along with him. This is where the idea of “Path2Redemption” was born.

Some Hard Truths About Law Enforcement with Deon Joseph (Ep.20)

Some Hard Truths About Law Enforcement with Deon Joseph (Ep.20)

Law enforcement plays an essential role in keeping everyone safe. 

But who would want to become a police officer if the entire system is labeled racist?

This week, Brent Mekosh is joined by Deon Joseph, a law enforcement consultant, and an LAPD Officer with over 25 years of experience. Deon shares the changes in public perception of law enforcement due to technology, specific events, and weakened laws.

Deon discusses:

  • How the perception of police officers has changed overnight
  • The fall of belief in law enforcement
  • The difference between police officers and other careers 
  • Ways the law has negatively impacted police officers and their job
  • The lack of future for law enforcement
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Deon Joseph:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Officer Deon Joseph is a law enforcement consultant who has worked for the LAPD for over 25 years, twenty-three of those years in downtown Los Angeles’ Skid Row community. From patrolling the streets or providing a shoulder for the community to lean on to meeting with public figures and advocating for change, Deon is all about creating an environment for the homeless and those trying to reclaim their lives from the grip of addiction.

A Deep Dive into Multi Family Housing and Real Estate in Arizona with Bill Hahn (Ep.19)

A Deep Dive into Multi Family Housing and Real Estate in Arizona with Bill Hahn (Ep.19)

Phoenix, Arizona, has grown to become one of the most active deal velocity states, increasing both the number of transactions and the cost of rent. 

This is good and bad for the state.

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by Bill Hahn, executive vice president of Northmarq. Bill unveils the real estate market,  dissecting the impact of rent increases and financing options on the current market.

Brent and Bill discuss:

  • Ways rent impacts housing options for local residents
  • Loan options for multifamily investors
  • The role of  insurance companies when it comes to multi-family real estate investments
  • How downtown Phoenix has changed within the last few years
  • And more!

Connect with Bill Hahn:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Bill Hahn is a senior vice president with Colliers International and a senior member of the Colliers HSK Multifamily Specialists team. Utilizing his extensive market knowledge of multifamily assets and their ever-changing transaction market, Bill develops strategic plans for the disposition and acquisition of properties and portfolios. His extensive knowledge base and industry expertise lead to successful and tailored real estate solutions for the team’s clients. Bill has 30 years of experience in the commercial investment real estate market, which includes managing the operations and strategic planning for a 35-agent commercial real estate office in Phoenix, Arizona. 

A Conversation on Baby Goods & International Production with Ashley Andrews (Ep.18)

A Conversation on Baby Goods & International Production with Ashley Andrews (Ep.18)

Since the world has reopened shipping routes, the cost of transporting products has dramatically increased. 

In this episode, Ashley Andrews, Chief Executive Officer of Tiny Twinkle, joins Brent Mekosh to explore the baby goods industry and her journey as a businesswoman. Ashley details how the pandemic shutdown has impacted supply and transportation costs between China and the US.

Ashley discusses:

  • Her experience as a businesswoman in China
  • How she started in the baby goods industry
  • Why freight costs have increased since 2019
  • Advice she would give to her younger self 
  • And more!

Connect with Ashley Andrews:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Ashley Andrews is the Chief Executive Officer of Tiny Twinkle. A U.S.-based company focused on creating high-quality, safe products for babies and parents. Based in Arizona, Ashley uses her keen sense of business and creative eye for Tiny Twinkle’s silky soft swaddles, silicone bibs, teething products, and dishware for babies.

Looking Back To Predict The Future (Ep.17)

Looking Back To Predict The Future (Ep.17)

Reviewing history reveals consistent trends in why events happen, how long they last, and what starts the upward swing. 

And with this same information, experts can look forward and predict how future events unfold.

In this episode, Brent Mekosh dives into history’s reflection on current events. Brent shares his personal experiences along with some world history to compare our relationship with inflation, money, and the economy.

Brent discusses:

  • How his experience in Zimbabwe changed his perspective on financial markets
  • The limitations of world economies
  • Why certain government solutions have failed to solve inflation 
  • The biggest difference between the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic 
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Brent Mekosh: