In this conversation with Chris Everett, Tom tells the story of two $100 million staffing companies led by two very different CFOs — and what happened to each of them two years later.

He and Chris dig into why long-term business success can quietly become its own obstacle, what Tom looks for first when a company's culture is breaking down, why "revenue solves all ills" is a dangerous myth, and the most common financial planning mistake he sees as staffing firms scale past their bookkeeper's capabilities.

Connect with Tom and Visus Group at visusgroup.com.

Everett Wealth Solutions is a Registered Investment Adviser in the State of Illinois providing fiduciary financial planning and asset management across the nation.

In this conversation with Chris Everett, Bill explains why organizations that invest heavily in new platforms so often see the same disappointing results: the real gap usually isn't the software, it's adoption, operational discipline, and data clarity. They talk through what a genuine technology assessment looks like, how nonprofits should think about "responsible AI" without losing the human element donors trust, and what Bill learned about his own financial architecture after leaving a stable corporate career to build an independent practice.

Connect with Bill and IBW Solutions at ibwsolutions.com.

Everett Wealth Solutions is a Registered Investment Adviser in the State of Illinois providing fiduciary financial planning and asset management across the nation.

In this conversation, Patrick shares the financial lessons of growing a creative business from two people to a working studio — including the missed invoice that pushed him to invest in real systems — and walks through how C2 helps brands discover their authentic positioning instead of chasing trends.

He and Chris talk through why branding ROI looks different from a pay-per-click campaign, how brand equity becomes real financial value (using Starbucks and Red Bull as examples), and what it means to measure success by legacy rather than just revenue.

Connect with Patrick and C2 Creative Studio at c2creativestudio.com.

Everett Wealth Solutions is a Registered Investment Adviser in the State of Illinois providing fiduciary financial planning and asset management across the nation.

Everett Wealth Solutions is a Registered Investment Adviser in the State of Illinois providing fiduciary financial planning and asset management across the nation.

In this episode, fiduciary financial planner Chris Everett breaks down why retirement plans fail: underestimated healthcare costs (often exceeding $300,000 for a couple), ignored inflation, and longevity risk that turns "the number" into mile 20 of a 26-mile race, not the finish line.

Chris walks through three questions that reveal whether you have an actual income strategy or just a savings balance.

Grab the free Pre-Retiree resource here: everettwealthsolutions.com/knowledge-vault/

Book a Pre-Discover Session (30 min, no cost): https://calendly.com/ews407/30min?bac...

Everett Wealth Solutions is a Registered Investment Adviser in the State of Illinois providing fiduciary financial planning and asset management across the nation.

In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, she joins Chris for an unusually candid conversation about navigating a meaningful relationship later in life — including a partner whose adult children are still struggling to accept it — while building a financial plan that supports the life she actually wants to live.

Susanna's story weaves together a decades-long scarcity mindset she's still working to release, a creative renaissance through writing, and the deeply personal, often unromantic conversations that come with blending two lives — homes, inheritance, and what happens when one partner passes first.

What You'll Learn:

• Why scarcity mindset doesn't disappear with wealth — and how Susanna is working through hers
• The unexpected challenge of later-in-life relationships: adult children who can't accept a parent's new partner
• Why a stepchild's grief often runs far deeper than it appears — and isn't really about the new partner at all
• How couples counseling, prayer, and persistence carried Susanna and her partner through their hardest season
• The practical financial conversations every blended-family couple needs to have, long before the romance fades into the background
• Why Susanna let go of a beloved lake house that no longer served her, even though it was a sound investment
• Susanna's biggest takeaway: you have to ask for what you need — nobody in your life is a mind reader

Resources:
Everett Wealth Solutions: https://everettwealthsolutions.com/

Free resource + Pre-Discover Session (30 min, no cost): https://calendly.com/ews407/30min?back=1&month=2026-06

Subscribe to Beyond the Numbers for conversations where money meets meaning and purpose.

Everett Wealth Solutions is a Registered Investment Adviser in the State of Illinois providing fiduciary financial planning and asset management across the nation.

Most people in their fifties and sixties know long-term care exists. They just don't plan for it — because thinking about it is uncomfortable. So they put it off. And putting it off is itself a decision. Just not the one they'd make if they were thinking clearly.

In this solo episode of Beyond the Numbers, fiduciary financial planner Chris Everett breaks down why long-term care is the financial risk with the highest probability of wiping out everything a couple spent 30 years building — and what a real strategy to protect against it actually looks like.

What You'll Learn:

• Why long-term care is the most avoided and most consequential financial decision most pre-retirees never make
• The reframe that changes everything: this isn't planning for sickness — it's protecting the retirement you built
• Why the average private nursing facility costs over $90,000 a year — and why Medicare won't save you
• How one long-term care event can erase 30 years of savings with no bad investment decisions involved
• Why waiting doesn't give you more time — it gives you fewer options at a higher cost
• The unique risk business owners face when this is missing from their plan
• Where to start building a real strategy before the window closes

Resources:
Everett Wealth Solutions: https://chris-everett.knowledgevaultpress.com/long-term-care

Free resource + Pre-Discover Session (30 min, no cost): https://calendly.com/ews407/30min?back=1&month=2026-06

Subscribe to Beyond the Numbers for conversations where money meets meaning and purpose.

Everett Wealth Solutions is a Registered Investment Adviser in the State of Illinois providing fiduciary financial planning and asset management across the nation.

In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, she joins host Chris Everett for a wide-ranging conversation about what data privacy really means for business owners, what the regulatory landscape looks like right now, and how to protect your business without drowning in legal fees.

Donata's story starts with a Target data breach notice, a first date that turned into a business plan, and a career-long mission to democratize privacy compliance for the businesses that need it most but can least afford the lawyers to get there.

What You'll Learn:

• Why most businesses assume they're too small for privacy laws to apply — and why that assumption is dangerous
• The first step every business owner needs to take to understand their compliance obligations
• Why your privacy policy must match your actual practices — and the legal exposure when it doesn't
• The growing state-by-state privacy patchwork in the US and what it means for your business in the next 3-5 years
• The shocking license plate reader story — and what it reveals about how personal data is being shared without consent
• Why compliance always has to come from the top of the organization to actually stick
• How Termageddon is expanding globally — and what different countries' privacy laws reveal about their culture

🔗 Links & Resources:
Termageddon: https://termageddon.com/
Follow Donata on LinkedIn:   / donata-stroink-skillrud  

Subscribe to Beyond the Numbers for conversations where money meets meaning and purpose — bringing together voices from business, finance, law, and leadership to talk about the moments that shape us and the strategies that sustain us.

Everett Wealth Solutions is a Registered Investment Adviser in the State of Illinois providing fiduciary financial planning and asset management across the nation.

In this solo episode of Beyond the Numbers, fiduciary financial planner Chris Everett walks through the three financial decisions that carry the highest cost of delay and why if you're between 58 and 67, right now is the most important financial window of your life.

Markets don't pause. Tax laws don't wait. And the cost of inaction compounds just as fast as a bad move.

What You'll Learn:

• Why waiting for clarity is itself a financial decision — and often an expensive one
• The 3 decisions with the highest cost of delay: Social Security timing, retirement plan rollovers, and early retirement income structure
• Why the difference between claiming Social Security at 62 vs. 70 can exceed $100,000 in lifetime income
• What the "decision decade" (ages 58–67) really means for your retirement outcome
• Why treating your 401k as set-it-and-forget-it is not a strategy — it's hope
• What an honest fiduciary conversation actually looks like — and why it consistently leads to better outcomes

Resources:
Everett Wealth Solutions: https://chris-everett.knowledgevaultpress.com/long-term-care

Free resource + Pre-Discover Session (30 min, no cost): https://calendly.com/ews407/30min?back=1&month=2026-06

Everett Wealth Solutions is a Registered Investment Adviser in the State of Illinois providing fiduciary financial planning and asset management across the nation.

Subscribe to Beyond the Numbers for conversations where money meets meaning and purpose.

In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Chris Everett sits down with renowned industrial designer and entrepreneur Scott Summit — founder of Bespoke Innovations and Ethereal Matter — for a powerful conversation about empathy-driven design, entrepreneurship, and building technology that restores dignity.

After designing products for Apple, Nike, Sony, and Palm, Scott left a successful career behind to reinvent prosthetics using 3D scanning and 3D printing technology. His custom prosthetic fairings helped amputees reclaim confidence, identity, and self-expression while dramatically reducing costs compared to traditional custom prosthetics.

Scott also shares: • The story behind founding Bespoke Innovations • Why redefining “function” changed everything • The emotional impact of personalized prosthetics • Lessons from selling Bespoke to 3D Systems • The future of 3D printing in medicine, architecture, space, and manufacturing • His latest venture, Ethereal Matter, and the MEK VR fitness platform • Why solving meaningful human problems matters more than chasing trends • How money, meaning, and purpose intersect in entrepreneurship

This episode is about far more than technology. It’s about using innovation to improve human lives.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 — Show Introduction 00:35 — Meet Scott Summitt 04:04 — The 2008 Leap 05:31 — Redefining Function in Prosthetics 07:28 — How Fairings Changed Lives 09:30 — Scaling the Vision & Funding Challenges 11:54 — Life After the Acquisition 12:51 — The Future of 3D Printing 14:44 — The Mission Behind Ethereal Matter 16:08 — Inside the MEK VR Platform 21:28 — Where the Technology Will Launch 23:24 — Money, Meaning & Purpose 27:14 — Legacy & Open Innovation 28:49 — The “Skunkworks” Philosophy 32:27 — Advice for Designers & Entrepreneurs 34:34 — Closing Thoughts & Where to Connect

About the Guest: Scott Summit is an industrial designer, inventor, educator, and entrepreneur with more than 40 patents and work featured in the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum. He is the founder of Bespoke Innovations and Ethereal Matter and has taught at Stanford University, Carnegie Mellon, and Singularity University.

About the show

Beyond the Numbers is where growth-minded professionals talk strategy, legacy, and the financial decisions that shape their future. Hosted by fiduciary financial planner Chris Everett, the podcast explores how people align business growth with personal purpose through intentional wealth-building. Chris is also President of Everett Wealth Solutions, Inc. is a Registered Investment Adviser in the State of Illinois for fiduciary financial planning and asset management across the nation.

#ScottSummit #3DPrinting #IndustrialDesign #Prosthetics #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #VR #EtherealMatter #BespokeInnovations #DesignThinking #ChrisEverett #BeyondTheNumbers

In this episode of Beyond The Numbers, host Chris Everett sits down with John Szeder, a Fractional Chief Technology Officer and “zero-to-one” builder, to explore the intersection of engineering leadership, business performance, and long-term value creation.

From his early inspiration in online gaming to leadership roles at Zynga and beyond, John shares the real lessons behind building high-performing teams—and why keeping great talent is one of the most important financial decisions a company can make.

• What separates elite engineering teams from average ones • Why retention is a business value problem—not just HR • The “zero-to-one” mindset and building from scratch • Lessons from Zynga and live operations environments • How AI is reshaping hiring and engineering leadership • The rise of fractional CTO roles and portfolio careers • Equity, compensation, and the reality of startup incentives • Why your career is your most valuable financial asset • How to build meaningful, engaging team cultures

John Szeder is a Fractional Chief Technology Officer who works with companies like Seismic Studios and Tennex Networks, helping them build and scale elite engineering teams. Known as a “zero-to-one” expert, he specializes in taking ideas from concept to execution across industries—from gaming to startups.

He brings a unique perspective shaped by both technical and leadership experience, emphasizing retention, culture, and long-term value creation as core drivers of business success. John is also active in the Technology Executives Club, where he contributes to discussions on AI, leadership, and the future of engineering.

Beyond the Numbers is where growth-minded professionals talk strategy, legacy, and the financial decisions that shape their future. Hosted by fiduciary financial planner Chris Everett, the podcast explores how people align business growth with personal purpose through intentional wealth-building. Chris is also President of Everett Wealth Solutions, Inc. is a Registered Investment Adviser in the State of Illinois for fiduciary financial planning and asset management across the nation.

00:00 Show Intro 00:35 Meet John Szeder 02:38 Career Inflection Points 04:36 From Builder to Leader 05:35 Zynga Lessons & Live Ops 07:13 Zero to One Mindset 08:32 What Makes Teams Elite 11:04 Retention as Value 13:09 Career as Human Capital 15:29 Culture, Meaning & Joy 17:50 Leading in the AI Era 20:02 Fractional CTO Playbook 22:02 Money, Equity & Startups 24:32 Advice and Closing 28:28 Where to Find John 30:41 Final Outro

• Leadership and growth • Financial strategy for high performers • Building wealth with purpose

Brian reflects on his career journey, the mentors who shaped him, and the values that guided his leadership decisions over time. From personal accountability and operational excellence to the quiet strength of consistency, this discussion highlights the kind of leadership that isn’t flashy — but endures.

Throughout the conversation, Brian emphasizes the importance of trust, preparation, and showing up for people even when it’s uncomfortable. His perspective offers a refreshing reminder that sustainable leadership is built through habits, integrity, and a willingness to take responsibility.

This episode is especially valuable for leaders navigating growth, pressure, and long-term impact.

⏱ Timestamps

00:00 — Welcome and episode introduction

00:44 — Introducing Brian Becker

01:32 — Early career influences and discipline

03:18 — Learning leadership through responsibility

05:07 — Mentorship and earned trust

07:26 — The role of consistency in leadership

09:41 — Decision-making under pressure

12:05 — Accountability without ego

14:22 — Building strong teams over time

16:58 — Lessons learned from failure

19:31 — Leading through uncertainty

22:10 — Why preparation still matters

25:06 — Service-oriented leadership

27:44 — Staying grounded as responsibility grows

30:12 — Advice for emerging leaders

32:20 — Final reflections and closing

If this episode resonated with you:

👍 Like the video

💬 Comment with your biggest takeaway

🔔 Subscribe for more leadership conversations

📤 Share this episode with someone who values steady leadership

From emotional intelligence and brain science to faith, leadership, business, and personal growth, this conversation goes far beyond theory. You’ll hear how emotional disconnection happens, why traditional approaches often fall short, and how simple, practical tools can create profound change in relationships, teams, families, and organizations worldwide. Whether you’re a leader, entrepreneur, spouse, parent, or simply someone who wants deeper connection, this episode offers a powerful lens on what it means to truly understand yourself and others.

Website mentioned: connectioncodes.co

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to Beyond the Numbers

00:27 – Introducing the episode theme: connection and emotional intelligence

00:55 – Meet Phyllis and Dr. Glenn Hill, founders of Connection Codes

01:47 – How marriage struggles sparked a decade of research

04:00 – Why traditional therapy often misses the mark

07:49 – Shifting the focus from disconnection to connection

08:43 – Faith, emotions, and the brain

12:17 – Growing up with “choose joy” and the cost of suppressing emotion

15:16 – How unprocessed emotions impact the body and performance

18:25 – The origin of the Core Emotion Wheel

20:02 – Why the tool is intentionally simple and time-bound

22:56 – The eight core emotions explained

26:55 – Live demonstration of the Connection Codes

31:42 – Audible listening and why silence can feel painful

33:01 – From marriage tool to universal human framework

35:24 – Global expansion and applications in business and organizations

38:31 – Addressing narcissism and emotional dysregulation

40:54 – The School of Connection and future vision

42:01 – Final reflections on money, meaning, and connection

Everett Wealth Solutions, Inc. is a Registered Investment Adviser in the State of Illinois providing fiduciary financial planning and asset management across the nation.

👉 Subscribe, rate, and review to help more people discover conversations that go beyond the numbers.

📩 Share this episode with someone who could benefit from deeper connection.

In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, fiduciary financial planner Chris Everett sits down with Sean Patton — former U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Beret) commander, Novus Global executive coach, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and author of A Warrior’s Mindset: Six Keys to Greatness.

Sean breaks down why real leadership isn’t a checklist — it’s a way of being. From West Point to combat deployments to building businesses after leaving the military, Sean shares the hard-earned lessons behind self-leadership, identity, resilience, and the long game of success.

You’ll hear:

• Why self-leadership comes before leading anyone else • How trust is built through vulnerability and modeled feedback (not “open door” policies) • The reality of transitioning from military purpose to civilian uncertainty • Sean’s honest story of over-leverage, burnout, bankruptcy — and rebuilding • Why wealth without purpose still feels empty • How to align vision, strategy, and mindset — including money decisions • A practical way to reframe limiting beliefs by weighing the short-term payoff vs long-term cost • How to start building legacy today, not someday

If you’re a leader, entrepreneur, veteran, or anyone trying to build a life that actually works — this conversation will challenge you in the best way.

📌 Learn more about Sean: • Website: NoLimitLeadership.net • Book: A Warrior’s Mindset: Six Keys to Greatness (Amazon) • Podcast: No Limit Leadership • LinkedIn: Sean Patton

👍 If this episode resonates, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs it.

Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 Podcast Mission 00:35 Meet Sean Patton 02:10 West Point Leadership Lessons 03:51 Special Forces Team Trust 06:14 Culture of Feedback 09:11 Leaving the Military 11:38 Identity Beyond the Uniform 15:37 Entrepreneurship Burnout 20:43 Failure Builds Greatness 23:14 Wealth and Fulfillment 24:17 Fulfillment Through Service 25:39 Find Purpose Nearby 27:08 Mission First Business 32:10 Integrity With Money 34:35 Discipline And Patience 37:30 Rewrite Money Beliefs 42:54 Legacy And Next Steps

  #BeyondTheNumbers #Leadership #WarriorsMindset #SeanPatton #ChrisEverett #Veterans #ExecutiveCoaching #Entrepreneurship #Purpose #Legacy #Mindset #PersonalGrowth #FinancialPlanning

Ralph began studying Bitcoin in 2013, when it was increasingly being used to bypass anti-money laundering (AML) laws and financial regulations. Since then, he has dedicated his career to tracing stolen digital assets, helping fraud victims seek justice, and educating the public about the risks of cryptocurrency scams.

During the conversation, Ralph explains how crypto fraud affects real people, why recovery is so difficult, and why only 2–5% of cases result in recovered funds. He also walks through how blockchain tracing actually works, from transaction “hops” to AI-powered forensic tools used to follow funds across wallets and exchanges.

Chris and Ralph discuss:

• How investigators trace cryptocurrency across blockchains • Why law enforcement often struggles to pursue crypto cases • The rise of romance scams, tech-support scams, and AI impersonation fraud • The global networks behind modern financial crime • The risks of Bitcoin ATMs with high fees and weak identity verification • Emerging regulations designed to protect victims • Practical steps anyone can take to avoid becoming a fraud victim

If you’ve ever wondered whether crypto is truly anonymous—or how investigators recover stolen digital assets—this episode offers an inside look at the world of blockchain forensics and financial crime investigations.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Podcast Introduction 00:35 Meet Ralph Dahm 02:50 Early Bitcoin Origins 04:08 Victims and Law Enforcement 06:27 Romance Scam Story 07:43 Subpoenas and Recovery 10:20 First Call With Victims 12:04 Fake Recovery Firms 13:26 Tracing on the Blockchain 14:37 AI and Old Cases 16:03 Explaining Blockchain Evidence 17:20 Working With Law Firms 17:53 AI Voice Scam Example 18:48 Justice for Scam Victims 21:07 Bitcoin ATM Fraud 23:15 Career Advice and Fraud Red Flags 25:22 Resources and Prevention Tips 28:03 Closing and Call to Action

About Ralph Dahm

Ralph Dahm is a Certified Financial Crimes Investigator (CFCI) with more than 30 years of experience in technology, financial crime investigations, and executive recruiting.

He is the Founder of Twin Oaks Holdings, President of IT Audit Search, and Executive Managing Director at Smart Ballots, where he focuses on blockchain technology, election security, and fraud investigation.

Ralph works at the intersection of blockchain forensics, cryptocurrency fraud recovery, and financial crime prevention, helping victims, law firms, and law enforcement agencies trace stolen digital assets and pursue justice.

His professional network includes 10,000+ contacts across law enforcement, blockchain, and financial crime communities, and he frequently writes and speaks about the evolving risks of crypto fraud and digital asset security.

Connect with Ralph: • https://ralphdahm.com • https://twinoakscrs.com • https://linkedin.com/in/ralphdahm

About the Podcast

Beyond the Numbers is where conversations about wealth go deeper. Hosted by fiduciary financial planner Chris Everett, the podcast brings together leaders from business, finance, law, and technology to discuss the strategies, decisions, and purpose behind building lasting wealth.

Subscribe for more conversations about wealth, leadership, and purpose.

#blockchain #cryptofraud #bitcoin #financialcrime #cybersecurity #blockchainforensics #cryptoscams #wealthprotection #beyondthenumbers

His journey—from coining “digital marketing” in 1995, to authoring bestselling books, to guiding over 5,000 entrepreneurs through his Big Idea framework—offers a masterclass in thinking bigger than your circumstances.

This conversation explores the mindset shifts that transform hot dog stand businesses into gourmet chef empires. Bill breaks down why most founders unknowingly operate inside their “old factory,” how the penguin problem erases differentiation, and why the next era belongs to generalists who can orchestrate value instead of clinging to narrow specialties.

Key Topics

00:00 – The story of a 68-year-young disruptor

02:10 – How a brilliant mother ignited a lifelong mission

05:18 – Why patience (and tennis coaching) shaped Bill’s transformation philosophy

08:44 – Getting unstuck: The hotdog stand trap

12:10 – Think big. Start small. The 11% rule

16:25 – The gourmet restaurant analogy that rewires your approach

21:45 – The Penguin Problem: Why most businesses blend into the crowd

27:02 – Building a $50M “hyper-intelligent building” business

33:40 – AI as a dance partner, not a threat

38:50 – Why wellbeing—not metrics—is the new value proposition

42:10 – The rise of generalists and the death of narrow specialization

47:35 – Education, critical thinking, and fixing the old factory mindset

52:48 – Future-proofing yourself through intention

56:30 – Coaching the next generation of entrepreneurs

1:01:14 – Autonomous cars and finding opportunity inside disruption

1:05:20 – The lobster story that launched a movement

1:10:02 – How to discover your own Big Idea

For entrepreneurs with good intentions and a desire to build meaningful value, this conversation delivers a practical perspective wrapped in future-focused clarity. This isn’t theory—it’s transformation in real time.

If this episode sparks something for you:

👍 Like this video

🔔 Subscribe for more authentic, future-focused conversations

💬 Comment with your biggest takeaway

🔗 Share this with someone who’s ready to rethink what they’re capable of

#BigIdeas #BusinessTransformation #EntrepreneurMindset #ArtificialIntelligence #ThoughtLeadership #InnovationStrategy #FutureOfWork #DigitalMarketing #LeadershipDevelopment #BeyondTheNumbersPodcast

Stephen K. De Silva, founder of Prosperous Soul, joins host Chris Everett to explore the intersection of financial success and spiritual fulfillment. From overcoming imposter syndrome to understanding your identity as the foundation of prosperity, this episode challenges everything you thought you knew about wealth.

Key Frameworks Discussed:

The Five Knots of Life:

1. Identity (Who am I?) - Prepositional, attached to God
2. Purpose (Why am I?) - The verb that naturally leaks out of you
3. Vision (What do I see?) - The adjective describing your desired future
4. Strategy (How will I get there?) - Your roadmap across life's realms
5. Tactics (Daily yes/no decisions) - Alignment with everything above

The Capacity Triangle:

• Protection
• Provision
• Identity/Worth

Resources Mentioned:

📖 Book: "Money and the Prosperous Soul" by Stephen K. De Silva (Available on Amazon)

🎯 Free Financial Health Quiz: Get your capacity score and personalized insights here: ProsperousSoul.com/financial-health-quiz

Three Core Programs:

• Prosperous Soul - Education about money and identity
• Purpose Train - The pull system coaching
• Financial Sozo - Exchange of lies for truth tool

Chapters:

0:00 - Welcome to Beyond the Numbers

1:17 - Meet Stephen K. De Silva

1:35 - The Pivot from CPA to Meaning-Maker

2:46 - The Hunger for Purpose in Your 40s

3:43 - Success on the Outside, Empty on the Inside

10:23 - The Imposter Syndrome Story

11:55 - The Pull System Introduction

12:04 - The Rope Metaphor Explained

19:24 - Working Backward from Vision

20:05 - Identity: The Critical Top Knot

22:34 - Adopted vs. Orphaned Identity

24:21 - Stephen's Five Knots Revealed

26:11 - "Beside" - A One-Word Identity Story

28:06 - Purpose as Father (The Verb)

28:54 - Vision: Prosperous

29:27 - Strategy: Three-Generation Company

33:17 - Book: Money and the Prosperous Soul

34:05 - Money as Spiritual Power

35:00 - The Divided Heart Problem

35:24 - Roman, Greek, and Hebrew Lenses

38:20 - The Hebrew/Biblical Perspective

40:44 - Greek Perfection vs. Hebrew Excellence

44:23 - The Insidiousness of Perfection

44:55 - Free Financial Health Quiz

48:36 - The Capacity Triangle Explained

49:32 - Chris's Unique Approach to Financial Planning

50:15 - Closing Thoughts: Think of That Rope

After spending nearly four decades at the forefront of digital transformation, advising global organizations such as Google, Meta, IBM, Walmart, and JPMorgan Chase, Rashad shares why he believes the greatest challenge facing modern leaders isn't technology—it's preserving humanity, creativity, and purpose amid rapid change.

Together, Chris and Rashad explore the ideas behind Rashad's acclaimed books Restoring the Soul of Business and Rethinking Work, discussing the balance between data and intuition, the future of work in the age of AI, the rise of fractional careers, and why the most successful organizations combine digital innovation with authentic human connection.

Listeners will hear practical insights on leadership, vulnerability, organizational culture, lifelong learning, and navigating uncertainty in a world where the future no longer fits the containers of the past.

Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, advisor, or someone rethinking your own career path, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on building a life and business that align success with meaning and purpose.

Topics include: • Staying human in the age of AI • Leadership with honesty, empathy, and vulnerability • The future of work and career transformation • Balancing data, technology, and human connection • Creating cultures of trust and innovation • Learning, adaptability, and long-term relevance

Join us for an inspiring discussion on where money meets meaning—and why the soul of business matters now more than ever.

About the Guest:

Rashad Tabakawala is a globally recognized business strategist, bestselling author, speaker, and former Chief Strategist and Chief Growth Officer of Publicis Groupe, where he spent 37 years helping lead one of the world's largest organizations through the digital revolution while advising companies such as Google, Meta, IBM, Walmart, and JPMorgan Chase. He is the author of Restoring the Soul of Business and Rethinking Work, co-founder of the Athena Project, founder of the Tabakawala Foundation, and a trusted advisor to leaders worldwide on the future of work, leadership, and staying human in the age of AI.

About the show

Beyond the Numbers is where growth-minded professionals talk strategy, legacy, and the financial decisions that shape their future. Hosted by fiduciary financial planner Chris Everett, the podcast explores how people align business growth with personal purpose through intentional wealth-building. Chris is also President of Everett Wealth Solutions, Inc. is a Registered Investment Adviser in the State of Illinois for fiduciary financial planning and asset management across the nation.

Brad shares the unlikely origin story that started with him reading the financial section in 7th grade, the moment he realized the industry often prioritizes profits over people, and why he built Market Guard around three pillars: excellence, integrity, and innovation.

You’ll also hear the “cookies” framework behind Brad’s book Cookies and Retirement: A Recipe for Success—a simple way to understand portfolio construction, behavioral risks, and why “time and temperature” matter as much as ingredients.

If you’re an investor who wants clarity, or an advisor evaluating an investment partner, this conversation breaks down what to look for, what questions to ask, and how disciplined downside protection can help clients stay invested when markets get loopy.

🎙️ Guest: Brad Jenkins, CFP® — CIO & CEO, MarketGuard 🎧 Host: Chris Everett — Everett Wealth Solutions

In this episode, we cover: • Why Brad entered wealth management (and what nearly turned him away) • The 3 biggest threats to your money (and why “you” is #1) • What makes Market Guard different: returns with lower volatility • Why “Noah built the ark before it rained” is a risk-management blueprint • How to evaluate a money manager (track record, volatility periods, and skin in the game) • The Mastery Event with leadership strategist & American hero Sean Patton • What’s next: Market Guard’s new index + structured note conversations with major institutions

📌 About the show Beyond the Numbers is where growth-minded professionals talk strategy, legacy, and the financial decisions that shape their future. Hosted by fiduciary financial planner Chris Everett, the podcast explores how people align business growth with personal purpose through intentional wealth-building.

Everett Wealth

👍 If this episode helped:

Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who wants a smarter way to think about wealth.

#BeyondTheNumbers #ChrisEverett #BradJenkins #MarketGuard #EverettWealthSolutions #WealthManagement #FinancialPlanning #Investing #PortfolioManagement #RiskManagement #DownsideProtection #Volatility #BehavioralFinance #Fiduciary #RetirementPlanning #FinancialAdvisor #RIA #AssetManagement #Leadership #PurposeDrivenWealth #LegacyBuilding

What if the “water baby” dunking we see on vacation is actually teaching toddlers something dangerous—like believing an adult will always be there to pull them up for air?

In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, host Chris Everett sits down with Liz Hubbert, leader of the CAST Water Safety Foundation, to share the pivotal poolside moment that changed everything—and launched a mission to help children become aquatic problem solvers.

Liz explains how self-rescue swim instruction (including ISR and similar programs) uses six weeks of daily, private 10-minute lessons to teach even very young kids how to swim, float, find air, and practice fully clothed—skills designed to prevent drowning, the leading cause of death for children ages 1–4, with many incidents occurring during non-swim time.

CAST’s model is equally unique: ✅ Operates under the Innovative Lavin Family Foundation umbrella (connected to the Alberto Culver family) ✅ Works with ~35 partner instructors across the country ✅ Directs 100% of donations to swim lessons + safety education ✅ Offers scholarships for teachers, nurses, first responders, military families, children with special needs, and families with income-based need

Liz also shares CAST’s collaboration with the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Youth Safety Lab on a published study on 1-year-old water competency, plus practical safety guidance every caregiver should know—like proper pool fencing and checking water first if a child is missing.

Learn more, find programs, and locate instructors: castwatersafety.org

⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Podcast Intro 00:40 Poolside Wake Up Call 03:12 Discovering ISR Lessons 06:30 Six Weeks to Self Rescue 08:22 From Teacher to Founder 11:50 Lavin Foundation Model 14:46 Aquatic Problem Solvers 17:42 Confidence Beyond Water 20:14 Community of Swim Families 20:52 Scaling Instructor Quality 22:28 Nationwide Team Impact 23:36 Scholarships and Access 24:55 WGN Stories and Awareness 27:46 Balancing Mission and Family 32:16 Community Culture and Growth 35:02 Water Safety Call to Action 38:46 Closing Thanks and Outro

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations where money meets meaning and purpose. ⭐ If this episode resonated, please like, comment, and share—a share can save a life.

#BeyondTheNumbers #WaterSafety #CAST #DrowningPrevention #Parenting #ChildSafety #ISR #SwimLessons #NonprofitLeadership #FamilySafety

Bob brings a rare blend of deep tax expertise and an educator’s mindset, breaking down complex estate planning strategies into language everyday people can actually understand. From revocable trusts and special needs planning to asset protection and advanced tax-saving vehicles, this conversation goes far beyond documents and dives into why proper planning — and proper funding — makes all the difference.

You’ll hear why most estate plans fail, the dangers of outdated trusts, the critical role of trust funding, and why estate planning only works when attorneys and financial planners operate as a true team.

If you want to design a legacy that avoids confusion, unnecessary taxes, and missed opportunities, this episode is essential listening.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Welcome to Beyond the Numbers

00:27 – Meet your host, Chris Everett

00:35 – Introducing Robert J. Mondo

01:31 – Why Bob approaches law as an educator

02:43 – From tax attorney to estate planning specialist

03:56 – Helping clients truly understand their plans

05:11 – Why most estate plans fall short

06:16 – The danger of form-based and DIY trusts

07:17 – Core estate planning structures explained

08:19 – Why old trusts (pre-2012) can be problematic

09:12 – Reciprocal spousal trusts and hidden risks

10:29 – Step-up in basis explained simply

11:41 – Why simplicity often wins in estate planning

12:30 – Why trusts older than 2012 should be reviewed

13:16 – What a revocable trust actually does

14:20 – Probate avoidance and asset control

15:24 – Asset protection trusts and who really needs them

16:13 – Special needs planning mistakes to avoid

17:41 – Intentionally defective grantor trusts explained

18:56 – Removing assets from taxable estates

20:18 – How promissory notes preserve control

21:41 – When advanced trusts make sense

22:00 – Attorney + financial planner collaboration

23:14 – Retitling assets without triggering taxes

24:36 – Common planning breakdowns

25:21 – A real-world missed planning opportunity

26:46 – Fixing estate problems after death

27:58 – Why transparency matters in planning

28:22 – Current estate tax law considerations

29:34 – Succession planning for solo attorneys

31:04 – Trust funding as part of a fiduciary process

32:17 – Why documents alone aren’t enough

33:27 – Checklists, reminders & accountability

34:35 – The danger of last-minute planning

35:00 – Bob’s law school journey

36:18 – Why tax attorneys collaborate differently

37:39 – Creating proprietary estate planning categories

38:58 – Custom planning vs template documents

40:18 – Why other attorneys notice the difference

41:15 – What to look for in an estate planning attorney

42:09 – Avoiding generalists in complex planning

42:58 – How to research the right attorney

43:36 – How to contact Bob Mondo

45:43 – Building the right financial team

47:16 – Why financial planning comes first

48:18 – Final thoughts & closing

🎧 CALL TO ACTION

👉 Subscribe to Beyond the Numbers for deeper conversations about wealth and meaning.

👍 Like the episode and share it with someone reviewing their estate plan.

🔔 Turn on notifications so you don’t miss future episodes.

📩 Share this episode with a family member or advisor who needs to hear it.

What if one of the biggest risks to your financial future… had nothing to do with the stock market?

In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, host Chris Everett sits down with hearing care expert Adam Dell to explore the powerful—and often overlooked—connection between hearing health and financial wellbeing.

From relationships and career performance to cognitive decline and long-term healthcare costs, untreated hearing loss carries consequences far beyond what most people expect.

Adam shares insights from over 17 years in the field, breaking down how modern hearing care works, why hearing aids are a true investment (not just a device), and what people should know before making a decision.

If you’re thinking about retirement planning, supporting aging parents, or protecting your long-term quality of life—this conversation will change how you think about health and money.

🎯 What You’ll Learn:

• The hidden financial costs of untreated hearing loss • How hearing impacts relationships, career performance, and income potential • The connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline / dementia risk • Why hearing aids cost what they do—and what you’re really paying for • The truth about insurance, Medicare gaps, and financing options • Why early treatment leads to better long-term outcomes • How to choose the right hearing care provider

👤 About the Guest – Adam Dell

Adam Dell is a Board-Certified Hearing Aid Specialist with Audibel, serving patients in the Chicago area. With over 17 years of experience, Adam has built a reputation for combining clinical expertise with a deeply personalized, service-driven approach to hearing care.

He specializes in helping patients understand high-frequency hearing loss, improving speech clarity, and guiding individuals through the full journey—from testing and fitting to long-term care and support. His work focuses not just on hearing better, but on helping people reconnect with their lives, relationships, and confidence.

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to the Show 00:38 Meet Adam Dell 01:18 How He Got Started 02:35 Service and Patient Impact 05:08 Risks of Untreated Loss 07:02 Relationships and Work 09:17 Why Hearing Aids Cost More 13:08 Insurance and Financing Options 14:46 Don’t Wait to Treat 16:38 Advice for Patients and Families 18:08 Life Lessons and Purpose 21:21 How to Contact Audibel 23:03 Final Thoughts and Wrap Up 24:55 Subscribe and Take Action

📌 Connect with Adam Dell:

📍 Audibel Hearing Center (Chicago Area) 📞 630-968-4327

📈 About the Podcast

Beyond the Numbers is where growth-minded professionals talk strategy, legacy, and the financial decisions that shape their future. Hosted by fiduciary financial planner Chris Everett, the podcast explores how people align business growth with personal purpose through intentional wealth-building. Chris is also President of Everett Wealth Solutions, Inc. is a Registered Investment Adviser in the State of Illinois for fiduciary financial planning and asset management across the nation.

What started as a struggling marriage and two disconnected businesses turned into a redemption story marked by honesty, vulnerability, faith, and radical authenticity. After years of fear, hidden financial struggles, resentment, and emotional distance, one pivotal moment changed everything — a moment where truth surfaced, fear broke, and healing began.

Their marriage transformed…

And their business followed.

From stagnant revenue and broken trust to explosive growth, 40 employees, expansion into multiple states, and a second business in real estate — their journey proves that sometimes the biggest business problems require a spiritual solution.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your relationship, your business, or both, this conversation will challenge the way you think about success, partnership, and faith-driven transformation.

Learn more about the company Carlos & Julie run together: https://tmpjanitorial.com/

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Welcome to Beyond the Numbers

00:02 – What this podcast is REALLY about

00:27 – Meet your host, Chris Everett

00:36 – Introducing Carlos & Julie’s incredible story

01:02 – From $250K to $1.2M…and climbing

01:22 – The real reason their breakthrough happened

01:58 – Five years of separate lives & hidden struggles

02:26 – A moment of surrender, honesty & divine intervention

03:01 – Business grows as the marriage heals

03:31 – Welcoming Carlos & Julie

03:55 – How they all first met

04:23 – Early marriage, separate businesses, disconnect

05:00 – Love at first sight & their early story

06:21 – Carlos hides failures out of fear

07:37 – The moment everything came to light

08:01 – Julie’s surrender and spiritual awakening

09:07 – The emotional toll & the breaking point

10:16 – Fear, control & disconnection

11:29 – The supernatural moment at church

12:25 – The porch conversation that changed everything

13:25 – Confession, repentance & emotional honesty

14:10 – Modeling vulnerability using the Connection Code

17:05 – Fear, guilt, shame, sadness, hurt & joy — in real time

21:31 – Julie responds with honesty, hope & clarity

23:14 – Breakthrough and instant emotional shift

24:37 – Healing: what happened next

25:42 – How surrender changed their business

27:17 – Tripling the business in months

28:04 – Expansion, 40 employees & new businesses

28:34 – Carlos’ 3 commitments in every business meeting

29:34 – How Chris helped transform their financial life

30:02 – A marriage “made in heaven”

30:27 – Childhood roots & the entrepreneurial drive

31:49 – Purpose, impact & business as a tool

32:46 – How employees noticed the change

33:09 – Compassionate leadership & emotional safety

34:11 – Tools that shifted their company culture

34:28 – Working together with humility & vulnerability

35:04 – No longer faking strength — leading with truth

36:11 – Advice for struggling couples

37:15 – Rebuilding trust & emotional safety

37:38 – A message to men about passivity

38:25 – What bravery really looks like

38:45 – The next 5 years: legacy, expansion, community impact

40:25 – The legacy they’re building for their children

41:22 – A reminder that healing is always possible

42:03 – Final reflections & gratitude

42:28 – What TMP stands for

42:51 – Subscribe, rate, review & share

🎧 CALL TO ACTION

👉 If this story moved you, subscribe for more life-changing conversations.

👍 Like and comment to share how this episode impacted you.

🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss new episodes.

📩 Share this with someone who needs hope, healing, or clarity right now.

In this episode of Beyond the Numbers: Where Money Meets Meaning & Purpose, host Chris Everett sits down with authors and former journalists Nonna and Russell Working, a couple whose journey from the Soviet Union to the United States gave them a lived understanding of free speech, censorship, and the real cost of standing on principle.

Russell, a Pushcart Prize–winning writer and former Chicago Tribune journalist, and Nona, an academic research administrator and author, share firsthand experiences reporting under authoritarian systems, navigating corruption, witnessing state-controlled media, and ultimately choosing meaning over financial optimization. From covering mafia wars and North Korean forced labor to confronting ideological conformity in modern America, this conversation explores how wealth, freedom, and purpose intersect when speaking the truth comes at a price.

This is not a partisan debate—it’s a deep discussion about courage, incentives, personal responsibility, and what happens when people stop protecting comfort and start protecting values.

Timestamps: 00:00 – What Beyond the Numbers is really about 01:36 – Choosing principle over financial optimization 02:29 – Leaving Russia: what was at stake 06:53 – Reporting during the collapse of the Soviet Union 08:20 – Mafia wars, corruption, and forbidden journalism 11:31 – Covering North Korean forced labor in Russia 14:52 – Why English-language journalism mattered 18:06 – Seeing censorship and ideological pressure in America 23:20 – Why communism misunderstands wealth creation 28:43 – Writing The Insurrectionist and challenging modern journalism 35:18 – When journalism turns into activism 40:05 – When should people speak up—even if it costs them? 47:39 – Financial security vs. living by your principles 54:08 – The internal freedom that replaces fear

Call to Action: If this conversation challenged you, like the video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone who values free thought and honest dialogue. Comment below: When have you faced a moment where speaking up came with a real cost?

In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Numbers, host Chris Everett sits down with Randall Witte — a former punk rock vocalist turned creative director — for a powerful conversation about authenticity, recovery, and redefining success.

From screaming on stage to leading creative teams, Randall’s story proves that the most unconventional paths often lead to the most impactful careers. He shares how “being the weirdo” became his greatest strength — and how embracing who you are can transform your brand, your business, and your life.

⏱ Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to Beyond the Numbers: Wealth meets meaning and purpose

00:35 – Introducing Randall Witte: From punk rock to branding expert

01:02 – A journey from low-income beginnings to global record deals

02:05 – How punk rock turned pain into purpose

03:13 – Finding belonging in chaos and mentorship in unexpected places

05:14 – The life-changing advice that became Randall’s north star

06:45 – Choosing passion over practicality: From addiction to art school

08:19 – Facing doubt, rejection, and staying the course through adversity

09:49 – The power of authenticity in business and recovery

10:55 – Turning down six figures to stay true to personal values

13:14 – Manifestation, faith, and trusting your inner compass

16:29 – Why authenticity doesn’t always align with corporate definitions of success

17:58 – Keeping commitments even in toxic work environments

19:05 – Teaching authenticity to conservative industries

20:58 – How to vet your brand through storytelling and self-awareness

23:14 – Using your past — trauma, triumph, and truth — as brand power

25:36 – Breaking the rules: What’s holding people back in business

27:32 – Why being yourself is the best marketing strategy

29:57 – The psychology behind money, mindset, and communication

32:34 – The hidden emotional roots of financial behavior

33:54 – Building meaningful relationships in the digital age

35:49 – Authentic love: Why Randall and Holly built a partnership on honesty

37:17 – Recovery, resilience, and the gift of hard work

38:36 – Finding joy in everyday moments — from punk shows to mowing lawns

41:08 – What’s next: Randall’s dream to build a brand agency for trailblazers

43:09 – The story behind the job that changed everything

45:00 – How taking risks can lead to the most unexpected breakthroughs

46:15 – Closing reflections: Live and lead with authenticity

💡 Key Takeaways

• Authenticity is your greatest marketing tool — and your life’s compass.

• Success isn’t about status; it’s about alignment with your values.

• The “weirdos” often build the most relatable brands.

• Vulnerability creates connection — in business and beyond.

• Sometimes, saying no to money means saying yes to yourself.

🔔 Join the Conversation

If Randall’s story resonated with you:

✅ Subscribe to Beyond the Numbers for more episodes on purpose-driven success

💬 Comment what authenticity means to you

📢 Share this episode with someone who’s redefining their own path

Beyond the Numbers — where money meets meaning, and stories move us forward. 💬✨

personal purpose through intentional wealth-building. It’s a clear-eyed look at what it takes to build a financial life that actually works.

Guests include entrepreneurs, advisors, and industry experts who share how they protect assets, create income streams, and design wealth that lasts. If you’re ready to go beyond profit and build something that matters, this show is for you.

Chris shares her unique approach to wealth management that goes far deeper than spreadsheets and account balances, revealing how understanding the human story behind the numbers creates breakthrough financial outcomes.

What You'll Learn

· Why understanding your relationship with money starts with understanding your story

· The concept of knowing what you don't know (and how it creates breakthroughs)

· How childhood experiences shape our financial behaviors as adults

· The real meaning of building an empire versus just earning money

· Why financial planning should address everything in your life with a dollar sign attached

· Common wealth leaks that sabotage retirement and college planning

Episode Chapters

[00:00] Introduction & Welcome - What Beyond the Numbers is all about and meeting your host Chris Everett

[01:18] What Does "Beyond the Numbers" Mean? - Understanding clients beyond their financial statements and why knowing everything with a dollar sign matters

[03:06] The Circle of Wisdom - Discovering what you don't know you don't know and creating breakthrough moments

[04:30] Empire Building, Not Just Money Making - Understanding what money really means to you and leveraging resources to become who you're meant to be

[06:13] Who This Podcast Is For - Business owners, executives, entrepreneurs, and anyone building a legacy

[07:31] Benefits of Tuning In - Finding someone you can identify with and drawing inspiration from similar experiences

[09:38] The Guests You'll Meet - Business owners, entrepreneurs, multi-generational family businesses, and C-suite professionals

[12:28] Real Client Breakthrough Stories - The couple living high but saving nothing and the unhappy professional trapped by childhood trauma

[17:17] Numbers as Performance Measures - Why you shouldn't worry about the numbers and should focus on performance instead

[18:00] Financial Topics We'll Cover - Retirement planning, college funding, wealth leaks, insurance, tax, and estate planning

[20:21] Getting to Know Chris Everett - From rock and roll dreams to wealth management and early memories that shaped her approach

[23:20] Chris's Journey to Financial Planning - Life as a singer, the insurance agent encounter, and building a comprehensive practice

[26:49] How to Connect & Tune In - Contact information, website, and where to find the podcast

[27:38] Closing Thoughts - The power of action and collective wisdom, plus how to subscribe and share

About Your Host: Chris Everett

Chris Everett didn't take a traditional path to wealth management. A former rock and roll singer who performed five nights a week, Chris discovered her calling when an insurance agent sparked her curiosity about helping people understand the truth about their finances.

With experience spanning insurance, investments, property and casualty, and comprehensive wealth management, Chris brings a unique engineering mindset to financial planning. She describes herself as the CLO—Chief Listening Officer—because she knows that the real breakthroughs come from understanding the person behind the portfolio.

Connect With Chris Everett

Phone: 708-771-7777

Website: EverettWealthSolutions.com

Podcast: Available on all major podcast platforms and YouTube

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and review Beyond the Numbers on your favorite podcast platform. Share it with someone who would benefit from hearing Chris's unique approach to wealth and legacy building.

In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, host Chris Everett sits down with Paul Pacun, CEO and Founder of vablet, to explore how modern sales teams can operate smarter, stay compliant, and build real trust with clients.

Paul shares the story behind the “light bulb moment” sparked by the iPad—and how that idea evolved into a powerful sales enablement platform used by global enterprises. From managing complex content to enabling offline access and ensuring compliance in highly regulated industries, vablet is redefining how sales teams show up in the field.

But this conversation goes deeper than tools.

It’s about how the best salespeople don’t sell harder—they sell smarter, using technology to remove friction and focus on what actually matters: relationships.

• How Paul turned an early tech insight into a scalable business • Why video-first selling is changing the game for modern sales teams • The importance of compliance, security, and content control in enterprise sales • How great tools eliminate friction and enable authentic client relationships • Leadership lessons on building teams—and knowing when to make tough calls • The intersection of money, purpose, and long-term impact

00:00 Introduction 01:54 Meet Paul Pacun 02:30 Entrepreneurial Origins 04:25 The iPad “Light Bulb” Moment 06:12 Building vablet 08:54 Compliance & Security 10:52 Remote Training Workflows 13:07 Sales & Relationship Building 16:06 Leadership Lessons 17:46 Health & Balance 20:19 Money Meets Purpose 21:57 Legacy & Impact 23:35 Inspiring the Next Generation 26:52 Where to Find vablet 27:32 Closing

Paul Pacun is the CEO and Founder of vablet, a leading sales enablement platform designed to help teams deliver the right content—anytime, anywhere, even offline. Trusted by global organizations across healthcare, finance, and manufacturing, vablet empowers sales teams to stay organized, compliant, and effective in every client interaction.

About the show

Beyond the Numbers is where growth-minded professionals talk strategy, legacy, and the financial decisions that shape their future. Hosted by fiduciary financial planner Chris Everett, the podcast explores how people align business growth with personal purpose through intentional wealth-building. Chris is also President of Everett Wealth Solutions, Inc. is a Registered Investment Adviser in the State of Illinois for fiduciary financial planning and asset management across the nation.

Whether you're an entrepreneur considering a career change, building an insurance agency, or looking for inspiration on how to turn adversity into opportunity, this conversation delivers actionable insights on business transitions, financial planning, team leadership, and the power of strategic risk-taking. Learn how Sam went from mowing lawns and snow plowing to fund his insurance startup to building a referral-driven agency that prioritizes client education over sales—and why surrounding yourself with people smarter than you is the key to long-term success.

Timestamps

00:00 - Welcome to Beyond the Numbers

01:10 - Introducing Sam Rolph's Journey

04:06 - The Pivot from Aviation to Insurance

07:09 - Getting Started Without a License

09:13 - Mowing Lawns and Snow Plowing to Build a Business

10:00 - The Power of Falling Into Opportunity

10:25 - Leaving the Captive Agency: The $2.5M Decision

14:25 - Underwriting vs. Order Taking: The Erie Difference

16:03 - Projecting $700K, Tracking $1.6M in Year One

17:14 - Growing Up in a Trailer Park: Financial Lessons

19:22 - Taking Care of Your Team Through Transitions

20:18 - Military Service and Turning Down $10K

23:07 - The No Regrets Philosophy

24:13 - Why Sam Called Chris After Hearing Him on Radio

26:08 - Service Mindset: Leaving People with More Knowledge

28:16 - The Circle of Knowledge

30:16 - Building a Barn-dominium on 10 Acres

33:08 - Where Sam Sees Himself in 15 Years

33:57 - Advice for Making a Major Career Shift

🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs, business leaders, and wealth builders who are redefining success on their own terms.

👍 Like this video if Sam's story resonated with you

💬 Comment below: What's one major pivot you've made (or are considering) in your career or business?

📢 Share this episode with someone who needs to hear that it's never too late to reinvent yourself