Tag: SMART MONEY. SIMPLIFIED.

A Deep Dive into Cattle Ranching with Ethan Lane (Ep.27)

A Deep Dive into Cattle Ranching with Ethan Lane (Ep.27)

The cattle industry is one of the fastest-growing exports of beef across the world, with higher selling rates each year. 

However, with climate change affecting the production of cattle and the global response to Ukraine, several changes have impacted these markets.

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by Ethan Lane, the vice president of government affairs at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). Ethan unpacks all things cattle, from the production, the genetic composition they have been able to maintain, and what goes into managing farms all year long. 

Ethan discusses:

  • What you should know about cattle harvest within the United States and across the world 
  • How the loss of Ukrainian exports has affected our markets 
  • Reasons the United States is the best market in the world to sell beef  
  • Ways climate change is impacting beef production in the Southwest areas 
  • NCBA’s role in the exchange of beef
  • The age factor within the farming and ranching industry 
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Ethan Lane:

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About Our Guest:

Ethan Lane is the Vice President of Government Affairs at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Ethan is a 5th generation Arizonan with more than 20 years of experience in natural resources, land use issues, and advocacy on behalf of the cattle industry.

Before his role as the Vice President of Government Affairs, Ethan was the Executive Director for the Public Lands Council and Senior Executive Director of the NCBA Federal Lands portfolio. Before joining PLC and NCBA, Ethan operated a consulting firm where he worked on multiple high-profile political campaigns and advised a variety of private companies and industries on regulatory and legislative issues impacting their businesses.

Before moving to Washington, Ethan spent ten years helping to grow and manage a large real estate and ranch portfolio in Arizona. His diverse background gives him a unique perspective on the challenges producers face daily.

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:

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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:

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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.

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:

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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:

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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 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.

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

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

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:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

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.

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

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

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

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

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:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

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.