Finding Unique Value: Recent Episodes

Jay Sparks

Discover unique perspectives on entrepreneurship, investing for business owners, and key insights for recognizing and profiting from unique and little know opportunities in business.

Your job title should never limit what you do to best serve your clients.

A sound piece of advice from Michael Chase, the managing director of the Boston regional office for NorthMarq, which provides capital solutions for commercial real estate owners.

It’s lessons like that that he first learned as a kid in the family business… and then later at a small real estate firm. These are places where the company culture encourages problem-solving, taking responsibility, suggesting a company-wide change that could have a positive impact, and doing whatever needs to be done to keep the business thriving.

He found the same philosophy in his current position and added something else: It’s key to understand your client’s business plan and needs and then structure the best capital for their investments.

We get into all the details on that, as well as…

What an early mentor taught him that changed his career
The traits he looks for in his clients (he doesn’t take just anybody)
Parts of a real estate loan’s structure that many borrowers ignore at their peril
The true value of win-win deals
And more

After working for others in her industry for many years, Svetlana Shnayder opened her own skincare studio 10 years ago… and has never looked back.

For providers of technical or professional services, starting a business can be intimidating. But, by drawing on her work experience and closely watching how other entrepreneurs ran their operations (including what they were doing wrong), Svetlana was able to make it work.

That’s not to say there weren’t any hiccups along the way. We talk about how she overcame the challenges she faced, what she considers to be the key elements to steady business growth, and more.

Tune in to find out…

The strategy she used to transition from employee to manager
The value of continuing education – and where she finds it
Why she says she’s not a “boss”
How she uses social media and live events to connect with mentors
And more

If you’re squeamish about needles, you’ll be delighted to know that Portal Instruments is developing technology that will allow needle-free injections of important medications through the skin. It’s especially important for people with chronic conditions that require constant injections.

Portal’s CEO and co-founder, Dr. Patrick Anquetil is DOING THIS. He’s a scientist and engineer who is also able to see the world through the lens of business, allowing him to spot opportunity in a very important industry.

It’s a great example of how business – and even profit – can drive the development of technology with the potential to help millions of people.

We talk about it, how they got to this point, and much more, including...

How to protect breakthrough inventions with the government’s help
The hardest part of running a startup – and how to overcome it
Fundraising tips for getting the capital you need
Why his education takes a backseat, even in this highly specialized industry
And more

Money management has traditionally been focused on securing returns for clients. That’s still important. But, says investment advisor Max Osbon, in recent years that approach has evolved to include stellar customer service, at least for those advisory firms seeking to differentiate themselves from the competition.

In his work with a select group of families, Max says the most important factor in finding solid investments and keeping clients happy is being flexible. Startups… crypto-currency… private companies… and more – it’s all worth research and a closer look.

It’s an approach larger, traditional firms would never be allowed to try. We talk about what that allows Max to do for his clients, as well as…

The fundamental mistakes he sees individual investors making
Balancing the right level of risk with lifestyle
Details on a rational way to charge for investment advisory services
The right way to react to the economy – and the market – with your investments
A look at how Max established his firm as a uniquely-valued agency with staying power among a plethora of investment firms

Ambitious, bold, and hard-working 24/7, Silvia aka VIA™️ is a one-woman powerhouse in the world of interior design, art, fashion, poetry, music, marketing, branding, and special events.

She often combines several of those elements together in the work she does for her clients, who have included professional athletes, boutique hotels, former presidents, sports teams, musicians, and more.

VIA says her lack of fear is one of the most essential elements of her success. It brought her from an unconventional upbringing to the worlds she navigates today with ease. At the same time, she’s never been able to ask questions… and seek out help from mentors.

We talk about her whirlwind entrepreneurial journey, including…

The biggest influences and experiences in her early life that shaped her career
Why she doesn’t dwell on the past and what she focuses on instead
How to combine a business mindset with artistic vision
The business ventures she has in the works right now – and how she’ll get them off the ground
And more

Real estate investing today seems to be about fixing-and-flipping or putting a property up on Airbnb. But Ryan Short, the founder of Title Town Acquisitions, is all about disrupting that idea and creating real value with his investments for himself and the wider community.

Ryan specializes in multi-family, commercial rental properties. And over the years, he’s developed a knack for finding “diamonds in the rough” that others don’t recognize. We talk about what makes for a good value property that yields returns for years to come.

We talk about his strategy, as well as…

How real estate marketing can trick you – and what to watch out for
5+ ways to reduce risk in real estate investing
The least competitive real estate market for investors
Beyond the background check - a process for finding ideal tenants
And more

When Ryan Amin was growing up, the family business was hotels. It’s no surprise, then, that Ryan got into the hospitality industry after college.

But, although he learned a lot from them, he didn’t go back to work for his parents… he struck out on his own in a very unusual way for a recent graduate.

He’s learned a lot over the years about the industry – including ways to overcome endemic labor shortages. But more importantly, he’s developed guiding principles to influence every decision he makes.

His number one priority: always do the right thing. A business owner in any industry – even executives – can learn a lot from his philosophy.

Tune in to find out…

How he thrives in such a crowded and competitive market
The three common characteristics of great managers
What he learned from early mentors that still guide his business – and why he still has mentors today
The value of “real talk” with your employees
And more

Susan Hardy, of the Hardy Insurance Agency, says that too many people focus on the cost of insurance instead of closely examining what’s actually in their policy. She’s seen a lot of cases where that backfired in a big way when a claim was filed and what the policyholder assumed was covered… was not.

That’s why she is passionate about helping people find the right coverage with the right insurance company for their specific situation. There’s no one-size-fits-all in this industry.

It’s a philosophy that has served Susan well as she’s built her business from the ground up. We talk about how she got started and the critical things she did at the beginning to propel growth, as well as…

Why she’s happy to share information with her competition
How to make sure your business doesn’t own you
The type of insurance people do without but shouldn’t – and you can get it for free
What you should ask an insurance agent before you work with them
And more

We all know it’s important to diversify our investments. But, says Vitaly Veksler, founder and CEO of Beyond Borders Investment Strategies, most people don’t have enough exposure – if any – to overseas markets.

It might seem counterintuitive, but having 40% to 50% of your portfolio in overseas markets actually minimizes the volatility of your portfolio.

Vitaly explains how you can experience significant returns if you put your money into frontier, emerging, and even developed markets around the world. There are dozens of places to potentially invest, but Vitaly shares the systematic approach he uses to determine the best places to invest and when… and how to mitigate risk.

He also shares…

The best places to invest in times of economic crisis
Why you shouldn’t buy individual stocks overseas and the investment vehicle you should use instead
Differentiating between long-term and short-term obstacles to your gains
A systematic approach for accounting for unknown unknowns in your portfolio
And more

Morten Haderup, of PIER Marine Interiors, which creates customized ship interiors for cruise ships, yachts, and more, has done business from China to Norway and seemingly everywhere in between.

Now, he sees opportunity in the U.S. and is starting a whole new company in the country, in a sector where he says there is a distinct lack of competition yet a strong need for the product.

With this new venture, he’s following the same approach that he always has. We talk about his simple yet effective client-centered attitude, as well as…

Why closing the deal is not a matter of price
How current U.S. trade policies could backfire in the next few years (and how he’s preparing now)
A must-have for any company doing business in China
How to create value where others can’t even recognize opportunity
And more

You’re not just the owner of a business, says Terrence Lomax, founder of Journi. Whether you like it or not, in this digital age, everybody and everything is a brand, too.

That means building community around content will lead to more and faster success rather than relying on direct selling and advertising. If you’re a professional service provider or small business owner he says you can’t avoid being in the content business these days.

We talk about what content to create, where to put it, and how to ensure it’s the most effective. Terrence says it’s definitely not just about posting to social media or shooting some cool videos.

He shows us how to cut through the online noise and reach your ideal audience, as well as…

The one fear every entrepreneur must overcome
Why he turned down a high-paying client – and you should, too
How too many companies spin their wheels on social media
Exploiting your business’s biggest asset
And more

It’s been a whirlwind career path for Gjergj Demiraj. His education as a software developer who adopted a smart business sense has allowed him to excel as CEO of Gutenberg Technology.

Using unique educational tools, Gutenberg is rapidly transforming the way you can upgrade your employees with needed skills to make your business more competitive in today’s increasingly digital world.

With 7 million jobs left unfilled in the U.S. because of a lack of qualified employees, it’s a must-use approach.

We talk about…

Why learning on-demand is vital
The importance of user-centric design and how to create it
Why being uncomfortable – but curious – can lead to your biggest successes
The most daunting obstacle to growing cost-effectively
And more

The digital media landscape is crowded – with so many tactics, technology, and tools out there. And, it’s changing all the time. Like right now, video has become an essential marketing channel for many businesses.

David Reske, founder and president of NowSpeed, talks about how to cut through the clutter to find the digital marketing techniques that attract and nurture your audience – and how to integrate them to make the biggest impact.

We also talk about how to link strategy to results, as well as…

The foundation of every digital marketing effort
4 necessary elements of a website – and how it fits into your marketing
The biggest mistake companies make on social media
How to use different channels for targeting different information about your prospects

Peter Maglathlin has a vision. To help workers with highly specialized skills connect with each other for support and mentorship, as well as get in front of potential employers.

It’s an industry where traditional written resumes just don’t work. And this social network - with an app - will allow the workers to show off their stuff in a visual way – like a digital storefront.

We talk about how he identified this market and grew the network to 50,000+ members in just five months, as well as…

The two ways they can monetize the network – and why they haven’t done it yet
How to identify the priorities that will grow your business – and the tasks that don’t matter
An unexpected strategy for policing inappropriate content
The people you need at work and at home when starting a business
And more

The insurance industry is complicated, to say the least. Murray Durham specializes in helping companies and individuals get the best coverage for the lowest cost possible.

He takes a different approach than most agents. He doesn’t go with the simple or easiest solution. Murray digs deep to find what works best for each client… even if it’s a bit unconventional.

Listen in to find out…

What the typical business owner must know about insurance that nobody else will tell them
Why your financial planner shouldn’t plan your insurance coverage
How to save $4,000 to $5,000 on insurance costs next year
The health insurance agents you should avoid – and those you should embrace
And more

When you start a business, you will struggle. No surprise there.

But you can’t push through unless you can answer one fundamental question, says Steve Berlack, creator of The Berlack Method.

Steve has a knack for uncovering the root causes of obstacles to success in individuals and teams. The self-awareness that comes when you answer that question is just the start.

We explore that process, as well as…

What you must understand to have a productive team and stop unnecessary conflicts
A lost ability from your childhood you need to get back
Strategies for finding those people who will help you excel
Why different backgrounds, beliefs, and attitudes are not barriers to connecting with others
And more

What is the point of life if you don’t fight hard for what you get? That’s been Ralph Strzalkowski’s philosophy since childhood and has guided him through many challenges he’s faced in business and his personal life.

We talk about growing up behind the Iron Curtain, how he came to the U.S. (it wasn’t a smooth process), and why he became a lawyer… an unusual lawyer at that who is unlike any you’ve probably ever met before.

Listen in to find out…

Why legal work should be a collaborative process
The attitude most attorneys are missing
The key to flexible problem solving
How to get the most out of your relationship with your lawyer
And more

Mark Elliott was at a beach party in San Diego right before the housing bubble burst in 2008. He had seen the signs of collapse… he knew it was imminent. It wasn’t the last time he’s shouted into the wind.

But this med student turned investment advisor, who founded Elliott Asset Management, took advantage of that downturn and others to benefit himself – and those clients who would listen. He explains the painstaking research and analysis that has allowed him to spot trouble – and opportunity – well before it hits the mainstream.

We also talk about how it’s guiding his investment plays now, as well as…

Why you can only trust independent research – and where to get it
What to do now so you have the advantage in a liquidity crunch
Where to invest in oil today (it’s not oil companies)
Strategies for spotting undervalued investments in bad economic times
And more