Category: Investing
Steel is at the Heart of a Renaissance in US Manufacturing with Jeremy Flack (Ep.16)

Steel is at the Heart of a Renaissance in US Manufacturing with Jeremy Flack (Ep.16)

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Long gone are the days of smokestacks in manufacturing steel. 

Our current technology allows us to access environmentally conscious productions along with tools to reduce carbon emissions.

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by Jeremy Flack, the founder and CEO of Flack Global Metals. Jeremy unpacks the steel manufacturing industry while revealing the changes to steel production and how technology has helped develop environmentally-conscious steel in the modern world.

Jeremy discusses:

  • The history behind steel manufacturing
  • The role of exportation when it comes to companies producing their products
  • Ways steel is produced
  • The environmental changes to manufacturing
  • And more!

Connect with Jeremy Flack:

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About Our Guest:

Jeremy Flack is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Flack Global Metals (FGM). FGM is an innovative domestic flat-rolled metals distributor and supply chain manager, an international commodities trader, and a global hedge fund. As CEO, Jeremy has been an industry leader in bringing the physical steel market and the derivatives markets together within one organization. FGM is the first flat-rolled metals distributor business platform to combine physical material with financial futures to create certainty for its customers as well as FGM itself.

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Buying Insurance For A Lifetime of Possibilities with Robyn Haun (Ep.15)

Buying Insurance For A Lifetime of Possibilities with Robyn Haun (Ep.15)

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There are many preconceived notions about what insurance can and should cover.

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by Robertson Ryan and Associates’ Robyn Haun. Robyn explains the details around insurance purchases — focusing on specific scenario coverage you may not have thought about. She also provides examples of insurance coverage while sharing tips for first-time insurance buyers.

Robyn discusses:

  • How your location impacts coverage requirements
  • What you as a homeowner are liable for 
  • Exclusions in personal property coverage
  • The latest insurance for digital and identity theft
  • And more!

Connect with Robyn Haun:

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About Our Guest:

Robyn Haun is a Phoenix native who studied elementary education in college. While attending school full time, she had a part-time job filing paperwork at a local insurance agency in Arizona. Upon graduation, Robyn parlayed her love of education into insurance and has since moved up from filing insurance papers. She now educates affluent clients about their personal insurance protection.

Robyn spent 15 years at the 6th largest agency in the nation and most recently worked at the 3rd largest agency in the nation. She understands the diverse needs of highly successful clients. Throughout her 25 years in the industry, Robyn has built strong relationships with premier insurance companies such as Chubb, AIG, Pure, Safeco, Travelers, and Cincinnati. She has earned her CISR designation and is very close to earning her PRIMA certificate.

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A Conversation On Global Decision-Making with Sami Chowdhury (Ep.14)

A Conversation On Global Decision-Making with Sami Chowdhury (Ep.14)

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From pandemic-related videos going viral in China to many outraged at NATO’s refusal to include Ukraine and the shook of countries still doing business with Russia.

What are these decisions about? Why are these being made? 

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by the director of Royal Capital in Bangladesh, Sami Chowdhury. Together, they explain how these conflicts reveal the truth of those in power, diving into the lack of food in China and the economic and political impact of global decisions made in response to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Sami discusses:

  • How the current Chinese government differs from past  governments
  • Reasons India continues trading with Russia
  • The impact of removing Russia from the global financial system
  • Why does Russia refuse to let Ukraine join NATO
  • And more!

Resources:

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The Curvature of Commodities with Pierre Lapan (Ep.13)

The Curvature of Commodities with Pierre Lapan (Ep.13)

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When you think of commodities in the current market, you first think of oil and wheat due to Russia and Ukraine. What you may not think about are commodities such as fertilizer and their future impact.

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by the President of General Holdings, Pierre Lapan. Together, they explore the current commodities impacted by Russia and Ukraine while revealing the impact of decreased exports from Russia and Ukraine on farmers and the agricultural industry.

Pierre discusses:

  • How decreased imports of fertilizer will impact future crops
  • The geopolitical ramifications of the current gas market
  • The truth about gold as a commodity 
  • How other metals are fairing in the market
  • And more!

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Maximizing Life Insurance For You And Your Beneficiaries with Steven Moore (Ep.12)

Maximizing Life Insurance For You And Your Beneficiaries with Steven Moore (Ep.12)

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Life insurance policies can provide peace of mind and monetary benefits to individuals and their beneficiaries.

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by the Vice President of Highland Capital Brokerage, Steven Moore, to unveil all things life insurance. Steven recounts the variety of reasons someone would buy life insurance, its use as a death benefit and cash accumulation, and how to divert a portion of your life insurance policy towards long-term care.

Steven discusses:

  • The difference between maximizing death benefits and maximizing cash accumulation
  • The impact of the emerging market crisis on life insurance growth
  • Life insurance protection when facing lawsuits
  • How to contribute a portion of death benefits toward retirement planning
  • And more!

Connect with Steven Moore:

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About our Guest:

Steven J. Moore, CLU®, serves as a Vice President for Highland Capital Brokerage.

Steve joined Highland in February 2008. He is responsible for assisting financial advisors in meeting the wealth management needs of their trusted clients, and he focuses on insurance-based strategies.

With 25 years of experience, Steve has extensive knowledge of the companies, products, and sales techniques available within the life insurance industry. Before joining Highland, Steve was a Regional Estate Planning Consultant with Morgan Stanley. His planning expertise Includes estate and charitable strategies.

Steve graduated from The University of Washington and is a Chartered Life Underwriter®. He holds the following FINRA licenses: Series 7 (General Securities Representative) Series 63 (Uniform Securities Agent State Law Examination).

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A Second Chance At Life With Judith Pearson (Ep.11)

A Second Chance At Life With Judith Pearson (Ep.11)

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When faced with the news of being cancer-free, patients have a second chance at life. 

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by award-winning author and breast cancer survivor Judith Pearson. Judith shares the story of her friend’s journey with cancer and her own experiences that led to her novels and building A 2nd Act, a nonprofit organization that helps guide female cancer survivors to their second act in life.

Judith discusses:

  • The story of her friend’s journey with cancer
  • Reasons she started A 2nd Act
  • What the term ‘survivor’ means for former cancer patients
  • How past experiences led to the present person and writer she is today
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Judith Pearson:

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About our Guest:

Judy Pearson’s career began in a tree: a wonderful old maple in her parents’ backyard, with a perfect branch on which to sit and write. Now hundreds of thousands of words later, this Michigan native’s voice is still inspiring! She is a best-selling author, an accomplished presenter, and a graduate of Michigan State University. But her favorite title is “story teller.”

Judy is also the founder of A 2nd Act, a nonprofit organization that helps guide female cancer survivors to their second act in life.

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What You Should Know About Artificial Intelligence (AI) Part 2 With David Martin (Ep. 10)

What You Should Know About Artificial Intelligence (AI) Part 2 With David Martin (Ep. 10)

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While improvements in technology create opportunities for many people, adverse reactions are equally abundant. From fear of competitors to transforming medical technology into recreational tools, there is a reality to accept when talking about artificial intelligence.

In this episode, Brent Mekosh and David Martin, founder, and president of Fantasy Interactive, continue their conversation on Artificial Intelligence (AI). They dive back into AI technology, discussing the current applications of technology and how advancement will change our interactions within the medical and entertainment fields. David shares examples of his interactions with virtual reality, and why AI technology advancements will move into recreational use.

David discusses:

  • What cybersecurity is from a technical standpoint
  • The perceived threat from competitors’ advancements in technology
  • How virtual reality provides opportunities for experiences
  • Why advancement in medical technology will also advance recreational opportunities
  • And more

Resources:

  • What You Should Know About Artificial Intelligence (AI)  with David Martin (Ep. 9)

Connect with David Martin:

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About Our Guest:

David Martin is the president and founder of Fantasy Interactive. Fantasy is a human-centered product innovation team that ships premium products and ecosystems for the world’s biggest.

Since launching the company in 1999, David has worked with some of the world’s most important companies, including Netflix, X-Box, Google, Facebook, Twitter, Spotify, MTV Ford, Samsung, Tinder, and Masterclass.  

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What You Should Know About Artificial Intelligence (AI) with David Martin (Ep. 9)

What You Should Know About Artificial Intelligence (AI) with David Martin (Ep. 9)

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We’ve all seen or heard of at least one rogue artificial intelligence movie, where the main character rises and stops the machines from taking over or destroying humanity. 

But the reality of the technology is a little different from the silver screen. 

In this episode, Brent Mekosh sits down with the founder and president of Fantasy Interactive, David Martin. David shares his experience in the digital world, what current AI looks and acts like, and what the future holds for the technology. 

He also reveals the importance of a democratic system established to maintain the morality and ethics of technology and the value of including such aspects in future advanced AI technologies.

David discusses:

  • Artificial intelligence technology outside of movies
  • The struggles of morality as technology evolves
  • What you should know about Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI)
  • How humanity evolves as technology takes over jobs
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with David Martin:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

David Martin is the president and founder of Fantasy Interactive. Fantasy is a human-centered product innovation team that ships premium products and ecosystems for the world’s biggest.

Since launching the company in 1999, David has worked with some of the world’s most important companies, including Netflix, X-Box, Google, Facebook, Twitter, Spotify, MTV Ford, Samsung, Tinder, and Masterclass.  

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Transforming Tax Credit Into Education with Katie Charles and Kristie Berg (Ep.8)

Transforming Tax Credit Into Education with Katie Charles and Kristie Berg (Ep.8)

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You want the best education possible for your child. Sometimes that education costs more than you can afford, regardless of how high above the poverty line you are.

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by Katie Charles, the director of annual giving and stewardship, and Kristie Berg, the director of financial aid at Phoenix Country Day School. Together they outline the mechanics and benefits surrounding the Arizona Private School Tax while revealing the role of donations for students in financial need.

Katie and Kristie discuss:

  • How individuals and corporations can redirect a portion of their income tax 
  • Who benefits from the Arizona Private School Tax Credit
  • Potential concerns around the Arizona Private School Tax credit program
  • How the program works compared to other financial aid programs
  • And more!

Connect with Katie Charles and Kristie Berg:

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About Our Guests:

Katie Charles:

When Katie arrived at Phoenix Country Day School in 2014, she brought many years of fundraising experience and expertise to her position of director of annual giving and stewardship. Mrs. Charles says she feels so blessed to be part of the PCDS family and is truly grateful for all the ways the PCDS community supports its students, teachers, and staff. In her free time, Mrs. Charles enjoys spending time with her husband, kids, and lovable boxer dog.

Kristie Berg:

For over two decades, just about every PCDS family has received a warm welcome from Kristie, as she works closely with families during the admissions process and also handles all financial aid. She especially loves the Lower School Garden, and she is not afraid of getting a little dirty during the annual Kindergarten Mud Mania, which happens to be one of her most anticipated events. When she is not at school, Ms. Berg enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, and going on travel adventures, especially ones that include beachcombing.

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An Unlucky Yet Successful NBA Career with Tom Van Arsdale (Ep. 7)

An Unlucky Yet Successful NBA Career with Tom Van Arsdale (Ep. 7)

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We know stories about the Hall of Famers and the Superstars of the sports world. 

However, the truth is the world of sports is filled with so many professional players that don’t quite get the same spotlight.

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by former professional basketball player Tom Van Arsdale. Tom shares his personal experience in an unlucky yet successful career as a basketball player and his memoir “Journey Man.” He also reveals some behind the scenes of professional athletes, from his views on racism while playing for the NBA to the financial side of sports.

Tom discusses:

  • What led him to write his story
  • The importance of sharing one’s life with the next generation
  • The impact of racism within the NBA
  • The financial risk and rewards taken by sports team owners
  • And more!

Resources:

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About our Guest:

Tom Van Arsdale was born in the great state of Indiana, the heartbeat of the game of basketball. He and his twin brother became Co-Mr. Basketball in the state, at Indianapolis Manual High School. Tom was an All-American at Indiana University and spent 12 years in the NBA, becoming a three-time NBA All-Star. 

Tom holds two NBA Records: He’s played the most games without a playoff appearance and scored more points than anyone without a playoff appearance. It was rotten luck to break those records, but Tom’s career is more than those unwitting accomplishments.

At the age of 77, Tom wrote “Journey Man: Celebrating an Unlucky, Unpredictable, and Undeniably Successful NBA Career,” a  book dedicated to his reflections of his time in the NBA.

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