Tag: SMART MONEY. SIMPLIFIED.
Life’s Turning Points: Aric’s Farewell, Podcasting’s Rise, and the Mission of Boys Town (Ep. 52)

Life’s Turning Points: Aric’s Farewell, Podcasting’s Rise, and the Mission of Boys Town (Ep. 52)

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After 20 months of working with Brent Mekosh as his podcast host, Aric Johnson is passing the torch as he starts the next phase of his life with a not-so-new career path.

In this episode, Brent speaks with Aric as he prepares to embark on the next phase of life. Brent and Aric reflect on the joy and sadness of Aric’s departure while navigating the journey that led him to podcasting, including his involvement with Boys Town, an organization that helps at-risk youth and families. 

Aric and Brent discuss:

  • The background and purpose of Brent’s podcast
  • Why podcasting has risen in popularity
  • How Aric became involved in Boys Town
  • The value of family teachers 
  • The struggle many of the boys face and how Boys Town works to help them
  • The importance of self-worth for young men from challenging backgrounds
  • And more!

Connect with Aric Johnson:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Aric Johnson is extremely passionate about helping others find success and fulfillment in all they do. He has been coaching and mentoring for over 20 years and finds his greatest fulfillment when helping others achieve more. Aric started his own coaching and consulting company in 2015, a second company focused on teaching BRI to advisors and joined ProudMouth as one of their podcast producers.

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Here’s What’s Happening in the Commercial Real Estate Space with Andrew Cheney (Ep. 51)

Here’s What’s Happening in the Commercial Real Estate Space with Andrew Cheney (Ep. 51)

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While many people are focused on the cost of homes and residential real estate, many others are focused on commercial properties and office spaces. 

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by Andrew Cheney from The Coppola Cheney Group at Lee & Associates to explore the ins and outs of commercial properties and how they are driving the market in cities such as Phoenix, Arizona.

Listen in and find out how location, construction costs, and vacancy rates play a crucial role in determining the pricing of these spaces.

Andrew discusses:

  • What drives the real estate market growth
  • The value of office collaboration and reasons why real estate is cyclical 
  • Ways the amenities of a property add to the market pricing
  • A snapshot of commercial real estate across different cities in the United States  
  • Potential challenges in the commercial real estate market, including the impact of the pandemic, commute time, and upcoming debt
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Andrew Cheney:

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About Our Guest:

Andrew Cheney is an experienced commercial real estate broker who specializes in office & industrial sales and leasing. He became a Principal at Lee & Associates Arizona in 2009, the fastest Associate to complete this process in the Arizona office.

Within Lee & Associates, Craig Coppola, Gregg Kafka, and Andrew lead The Coppola-Cheney Group. The Coppola-Cheney Group is the number one office leasing and sales team in Lee & Associates’ history. They provide a higher level of brokerage skills, market knowledge, and the ability to negotiate our clients’ transactions.

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A Conversation on Civilizations and Civilizational Cycles with Daniel Hood (Ep. 50)

A Conversation on Civilizations and Civilizational Cycles with Daniel Hood (Ep. 50)

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What do ancient Rome, the 2008 financial crisis, and geopolitics all have in common?

Want to know?

In this episode, Brent Mekosh sits down with Daniel Hood, a multifaceted thought leader on civilizational cycles and geopolitics, to explore the cyclic nature of societies and their implications on today’s global landscape. 

This riveting interview brings together elements of history, psychology, and real-world geopolitics to dissect the state of Western civilization and its far-reaching impact on finance, business, and policy-making.

Brent and Daniel discuss:

  • The rise and fall of civilizations, with a particular focus on the parallels between ancient Rome and today’s Western society
  • A look at the Western powers, notably the U.S. and the UK, in dealing with Russia and how it could lead to broader geopolitical consequences
  • The implications of outsourcing vital industries, especially how it strategically weakens the West’s position against rising powers like China
  • The role of behavior and temperament when it comes to different civilizations and societies
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Daniel Hood:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Daniel Hood is a scholar in history and finance with a unique perspective on the mechanics of civilization. His first introduction to geopolitics began with military service in the renowned Parachute Regiment, formed by Winston Churchill himself. After serving during a pivotal era, Daniel transitioned into the world of finance, where he worked as an investment advisor right around the turbulence of the 2008 global financial crisis. He has also lived and worked in Israel, adding a third dimension to his understanding of civilizational cycles. 

With experiences spanning from 9/11 to the Middle East conflicts, Daniel brings a multi-disciplinary approach to his studies that explores the cyclical nature of civilizations. He is currently writing books that aim to decode the intricate mechanics of societal rise and fall.

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Startling Border Revelations with Todd Bensman (Ep. 49)

Startling Border Revelations with Todd Bensman (Ep. 49)

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With immigration constantly being a major topic and new strategies being rolled out, it can be confusing to try and understand everything that is happening. 

What are the regulations surrounding immigration, and how are the new strategies impacting potential immigrants? 

In this episode, Brent Mekosh speaks with Todd Bensman, renowned author, investigative journalist, and Texas-based Senior National Security Fellow for the Center for Immigration Studies. Todd dives into the United States border situation while breaking down what’s coming out of Washington.

Todd also explains the tactics the administration is using and the surge in individuals crossing the border in the US and around the world. 

Todd discusses:

  • How the administration is looking to control the American border
  • How is the administration handling abuse, trafficking, and drug issues at the border
  • What are the potential consequences of unchecked immigration
  • How could the country handle the influx of people crossing the border
  • The reality of different nations around the world when it comes to immigration 
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Todd Bensman:

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About Our Guest:

Todd Bensman is an acclaimed newspaper reporter and magazine writer who transitioned to a career as a national security intelligence professional for the Texas Department of Public Safety and then returned to the journalism trade. He currently serves as the Texas-based Senior National Security Fellow for the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS), a Washington, D.C. policy institute for which he writes, lectures, and grants media interviews about the nexus between immigration and national security.

Todd has testified before Congress as an expert witness and regularly appears on radio and television outlets for his national security and border security expertise.

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A Navy SEALs Entrepreneurial Journey with Mack Alexander (Ep. 48)

A Navy SEALs Entrepreneurial Journey with Mack Alexander (Ep. 48)

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Transitioning from the Navy SEALs to a civilian can be physically and emotionally hard. 

For some, finding a passion can help bring them a sense of peace and create a path toward their next phase in life.

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by Mack Alexander, the founder and CEO of Macks Belts™ and a retired Navy SEAL. Mack reveals his journey from a Navy SEAL to a business owner while diving into the life lessons he learned as a Navy SEAL, how they translated into his daily life, and how he helps others (like him) through his business. 

Mack discusses:

  • Why he decided to join the Navy SEALs
  • How his experience with the Navy SEALs impacted his motivation and perseverance
  • The financial and personal struggles he faced after returning home from duty
  • How he started selling dog collars and grew that business into a belt company
  • Why he markets his products on LinkedIn instead of other social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook
  • And more!

Connect with Mack Alexander:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Mack Alexander serves as the CEO, Owner, and Founder of Macks Belts™, headquartered in Tampa, FL. The company specializes in steel and leather manufacturing and is one of the largest producers of American-made belts. Previously, Mack served as a Navy SEAL Assaulter and Breacher deploying to Africa and Yemen. He retired early after sustaining a major TBI while deployed. He is devoted to supporting all who have served and has been an advocate for many military, first responder, and law enforcement charities and is an official partner and advisor to Support Our Troops®.

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Trailblazers: Jamil Coury’s Journey in Ultrarunning and Business (Ep. 47)

Trailblazers: Jamil Coury’s Journey in Ultrarunning and Business (Ep. 47)

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Organizing large events is already a task, but what about outdoor events? Have you thought about what it looks like to plan them out?

From public versus private properties as well as uncontrollable factors such as the weather. These are some of the items outdoor event planners need to be aware of when planning marathons.

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by Jamil Coury, the CEO and founder of Aravaipa Running. Jamil dives into the world of trail running and entrepreneurship while revealing what it really looks like to organize substantial outdoor events.

Jamil discusses:

  • His experience in building Aravaipa Running, an outdoor event-planning business
  • The logistics behind organizing trail-running events
  • The risks involved with outdoor events and the importance of flexibility
  • Ways his business grew despite the shutdowns of the pandemic
  • Risk management tools and insurance coverage when it comes to planning outdoor events 
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Jamil Coury:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Jamil Coury started running ultramarathons in 2005 and instantly fell in love with the sport. He took over the direction of the Javelina Jundred in 2008 and started Aravaipa Running in 2009. Jamil has been competing in ultras around the world since and is currently on a quest to finish five loops at the Barkley Marathons.

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Revolutionizing Estate Planning: AI, Digital Assets, and Beyond with Rilus Dana (Ep. 46)

Revolutionizing Estate Planning: AI, Digital Assets, and Beyond with Rilus Dana (Ep. 46)

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Estate planning has changed over the years, from writing client information on paper and filing it to sending emails and having meetings online. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is looking to take the next step in estate planning and change how the next generation will interact with their estate planners.

In this episode, Brent Mekosh speaks with Rilus Dana, an estate planning attorney at Rilus Law, about how AI will be incorporated into digital asset planning and creating estate plans for the next generation. Rilus shares his experience as a lawyer while revealing how estate planning and client communication have switched with the rise of technology and how it will continue to evolve.

Rilus discusses:

  • What estate planning looked like when he first became a lawyer in the early 2000s
  • Ways his generation understands and uses technology
  • The importance of creating a plan for digital assets as well as physical assets
  • Reasons the human element will always be necessary with the rise of AI 
  • And more!

Connect with Rilus Dana:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Rilus Dana is a sixth-generation native of Arizona and received a degree in business management from Arizona State University, all while working part-time as an estate planning law clerk for his dad. With over two decades of experience in the industry, Rilus recognizes that clients are busy and want a legal plan that just works and is easy to understand.

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Stakeholders Versus Shareholders: The Politics and Economics of ESG with Matt Cole (Ep. 45)

Stakeholders Versus Shareholders: The Politics and Economics of ESG with Matt Cole (Ep. 45)

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A few years ago, investors wanted to make sure their investments were in companies focused on positive environmental, social, and governmental (ESG) efforts. Today, that term has become politically charged, causing investors to shift their views.

In this episode, Brent Mekosh speaks with Matt Cole, the CEO and CIO of Strive, about ESG investing and how it shifted from one of the most important factors to a hot-button issue for investors and individuals. 

Listen in as Matt explores the difference between the public’s view of the term ESG compared to its role in investment planning and the reasons ESG investing will likely continue without any label.

Matt discusses:

  • How the shift between shareholder capitalism and stakeholder capitalism impacted investment planning for businesses
  • The importance of having values that allow investments to adapt to an increased need for profit
  • How the politicization of ESG has shifted investors away from the term while maintaining their values
  • Ways Strive continues to differentiate itself from other businesses without competition
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Matt Cole:

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About Our Guest:

Matt Cole is the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of Strive. He’s also the Portfolio Manager for Strive’s existing passive equity ETFs and will be the lead portfolio manager of the firm’s upcoming actively managed Fixed Income ETFs. 

Before joining Strive, Matt was a portfolio manager at CalPERS, where he oversaw more than $70 billion in actively managed and beta replicating fixed income portfolios. 

During his 16 years at CalPERS, the actively managed portfolios Matt directed were among the best performing in the investment industry and did not underperform their benchmark in any single year.

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Inside Arizona’s Property Market: A Conversation with Andrew Beardsley (Ep. 44)

Inside Arizona’s Property Market: A Conversation with Andrew Beardsley (Ep. 44)

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Everyone has similar questions when it comes to the real estate market:

“Should I buy?” 

“Should I sell?” 

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by Andrew Beardsley from Silverleaf Realty. Andrew reveals how the real estate market has shifted over the past five years due to a change in homeowner needs.

Andrew discusses:

  • How environmental and political factors impact homeowner needs when looking at the housing market
  • How retirement planning influences long-term real estate purchases
  • Why business planning matters as much as personal lifestyle when looking into real estate options
  • The future of housing and real estate
  • And more!

Connect with Andrew Beardsley:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Andrew Beardsley has been involved in real estate in Arizona for nearly two decades. Prior to joining Silverleaf Realty in 2010, he worked as a senior financial analyst for the Phoenix office of Johnson Capital, a commercial mortgage brokerage that specialized in retail, office, industrial, and multifamily financing. 

Having worked directly on over $500,000,000 in debt placement, Andrew brings with him extensive knowledge and understanding of both the financial and real estate aspects of every transaction, ensuring his client’s personal and financial needs are taken care of.

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Direct Indexing: The Next Big Thing in Investing? with Sirion Skulpone (Ep. 43)

Direct Indexing: The Next Big Thing in Investing? with Sirion Skulpone (Ep. 43)

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With tax season being over, you know how much your investments cost in terms of tax losses.

Thankfully, there are ways to mitigate those losses next year.

In this episode, Brent Mekosh speaks with Sirion Skulpone, the managing director at Goldman Sachs Asset Management. Sirion explains everything you need to know about direct indexing, tax management, investment planning, and capital gains.

Listen in as Sirion shares the strategies you need to leverage acceptable losses and focus on future gains while shedding light on the role of technology and data when it comes to supporting different investment alternatives.

Sirion discusses:

  • The truth about tax management
  • How investors can benefit from market volatility
  • Ways business owners can decrease the taxation on the future sale of their business through existing losses
  • Ways to incorporate existing stocks within your investment plan without a high taxation
  • And more!

Connect with Sirion Skulpone:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Sirion Skulpone serves as the managing director at Goldman Sachs Asset Management. She’s also the head of client portfolio management, custom equity, and direct indexing. 

Sirion is highly focused on client engagement and education, portfolio customization, business strategy, and product development.

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