Traversing Entrepreneurship

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Welcome back to Traversing Entrepreneurship, the show for business owners who set out to do something different and didn't stop there. Coming to you from Traverse City, Michigan, host Derek Dall'Olmo sits down with Rich Kahn, serial entrepreneur and CEO/co-founder of Anura.

Episode Highlights

🧠 The Scope of Digital Fraud: Uncover how out of $750 billion spent on digital marketing globally, over $160 billion is lost to bots, malware, and human fraud farms. 🧠 The SaaS Pivot: Learn how Rich successfully transitioned from a dying ad-network business model to launching a highly profitable, self-funded SaaS company. 🧠 Protecting Your ROI: Discover the hidden costs of fraudulent leads, including TCPA violations, ruined brand reputation, and wasted sales resources. 🧠 AI vs. AI: Hear how ad fraud is rapidly evolving with Artificial Intelligence, and the exact strategies Anura uses to catch what tech giants like Google miss. 🧠 Advice for SaaS Founders: Rich shares his top advice for launching a SaaS product, emphasizing the importance of building a clear differentiator and getting to market quickly.

In this episode, Rich shares his fascinating journey from running an ad network processing 5% of the world's internet traffic to launching Anura—a standalone SaaS product dedicated to fighting digital ad fraud. With over $160 billion lost annually to fraudulent bot and AI traffic, Rich breaks down how his software exposes fake leads, saves companies millions, and stays steps ahead of sophisticated cyber threats. Whether you are scaling a SaaS business, spending money on digital marketing, or just love a great startup pivot story, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Connect with Rich:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/richkahn Website: https://www.anura.io/blog/author/richard-kahn

Connect with Derek Dall'Olmo, CFP®, EA: Email: Derek@tremontefinancial.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekdallolmo/ Website: https://tremontefinancial.com/about-us/

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall'Olmo sits down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek is the founder of TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as "TreMonte"). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte's goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall'Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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In this episode of Traversing Entrepreneurship, Derek Dall'Olmo interviews Katie Brinkley, founder of NextStep Social and Podcasting. They explore Brinkley's journey from aspiring sports reporter to agency owner, how she scaled her business from a solo venture to a team of eight, and the strategies that have helped her thrive in a competitive, male-dominated industry. Brinkley shares lessons on team building, company culture, leveraging social media for business growth, and defining success on her own terms.

Key Moments: • Katie Brinkley's Career Journey: From Denver to Sports Media • Transition from Radio to TV Marketing and the Birth of NextStep Social • Scaling from Solopreneur to Agency Owner • Standing Out in Male-Dominated Industries • Defining Success Through Freedom and Flexibility • Building a Strong Team and Company Culture • Evolution of Social Media: From MySpace to Modern Platforms • NextStep Social's Marketing Strategy and VIP Days • Sales Pipeline: Speaking, Networking, and Podcasting • Balancing Business Ownership with Personal Life • Advice for Entrepreneurs on Social Media Strategy

This episode provides actionable insights for business owners on scaling a business, managing a team, and creating a marketing strategy that drives real growth. Like, subscribe, and comment to join the conversation!

Connect with Katie Brinkley:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley/ Website: https://nextepsocial.com/

Connect with Derek Dall'Olmo, CFP®, EA:

Email: Derek@tremontefinancial.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekdallolmo/

Website: https://tremontefinancial.com/about-us/

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall'Olmo sits down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek is the founder of TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as "TreMonte"). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte's goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall'Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn

Subscribe:

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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In this episode of the Traversing Entrepreneurship podcast, Derek Dall'Olmo interviews Randy Martinez, a personal and cultural transformation specialist. Randy shares his journey from a successful corporate career to personal transformation, discussing the challenges he faced, including burnout and layoffs. He emphasizes the importance of finding purpose, writing a book, and developing tools for personal growth. The conversation explores the transition from the comfort zone of corporate life to the discomfort zone of entrepreneurship, highlighting the need for discipline, consistency, and persistence in achieving success. In this conversation, Randy Martinez shares his journey of transformation, discussing the challenges he faced, the importance of persistence, and the role of mindset in personal growth. He emphasizes the need for a supportive community and the power of self-discovery in achieving one's purpose. The discussion highlights that transformation is not for everyone, but for those willing to put in the effort, the rewards can be profound.

Key Takeaways:

• Randy experienced burnout during his corporate career.

• He realized the need for personal transformation after being laid off.

• Writing became a key focus for Randy after leaving corporate life.

• Discipline, consistency, and persistence are essential for success.

• The comfort zone can hinder personal growth and transformation.

• Finding passion is crucial for converting it into purpose.

• Randy developed tools to help track progress and accountability.

• The journey of transformation is not linear and requires resilience.

• Success is defined differently by each individual. The journey of transformation is ongoing and never truly ends.

• Persistence is key in overcoming challenges and setbacks.

• Building a supportive community is essential for personal growth.

• Mindset plays a crucial role in navigating life's transitions.

• Self-discovery is a vital part of finding one's purpose.

• Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.

• Your network can significantly impact your success.

• Transformation requires discipline, consistency, and persistence.

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Connect with Randy:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randyrmartinez/

Website: https://randyrmartinez.com/about

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Connect with Derek Dall'Olmo, CFP®, EA:

Email: Derek@tremontefinancial.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekdallolmo/

Website: https://tremontefinancial.com/about-us/

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About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall'Olmo sits down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek is the founder of TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as "TreMonte"). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte's goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall'Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn

Subscribe:

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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In this episode of Traversing Entrepreneurship, Derek Dall'Olmo sits down with Saul Marquez, founder and CEO of Outcomes Rocket, to unpack what it really takes to go from a secure corporate healthcare job to building a thriving business.

You'll hear how Saul made the leap into entrepreneurship with the support of his wife, why marketing in healthcare is non-negotiable, and how to use owned, earned, and paid media the right way. They dig into testimonials as earned media, using podcasting as a growth engine, and why you should never start with paid ads before you have a clear strategy.

If you're a healthcare entrepreneur, marketer, or business owner looking to grow through authentic, strategic marketing, this conversation is packed with practical insight.

In this episode, you'll learn:

How Saul went from corporate healthcare to starting Outcomes Rocket - Why having a strong support system matters when you launch a business - The difference between owned, earned, and paid marketing—and how they work together - How to turn testimonials into powerful earned media - Why podcasting is one of the best tools for building authority and trust - When procrastination is really a signal to delegate instead of push through - How to think about your unique selling proposition so your business stands out

Snag the resources mentioned in this episode:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1RzYzExLWxMjb-YYQozxfk-vl7rwTIUo3/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=101891485019874324456&rtpof=true&sd=true If you enjoy this episode, hit subscribe, drop a comment with your biggest takeaway, and share it with another entrepreneur who's building something in healthcare or professional services.

Connect with Saul:

Email: saul@outcomesrocket.com Website: www.outcomesrocket.com

Connect with Derek Dall'Olmo, CFP®, EA: Email: Derek@tremontefinancial.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekdallolmo/ Website: https://tremontefinancial.com/about-us/

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall'Olmo sits down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek is the founder of TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as "TreMonte"). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte's goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall'Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

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In this episode, Derek sits down with Lisa Even, a keynote speaker, bestselling author, and leadership coach known for her "Good Ripple Effect" philosophy. With roots in healthcare operations, Lisa now works with companies like ESPN, SHRM, and Disney to help leaders improve culture, build trust faster, and create more intentional teams.

She also hosts the Have a Good Ripple Effect Podcast.

The conversation covers leadership, culture, weather (your attitude), joy, resilience, parenting, entrepreneurship, and how to turn "crappy" into "happy" — even when life throws lightning bolts and literal house fires your way.

In this episode: * People prepare for you—your mood becomes the team's weather. * Culture shifts through small, repeatable actions, not huge overhauls. * "Crappy to Happy" is a mindset + micro habit: pair difficult tasks with small joy. * Joy must be intentional—if you wait for it, you'll wait forever. * Experimentation is essential to entrepreneurship: "I'm doing hard things — what are YOU doing?" * Tiny bursts of joy (15-minute meet-ups, quick rituals, micro breaks) can completely change team dynamics. * Your impact is shaped by how you show up, not by circumstances.

Thanks for tuning in — now take what you heard today and go make some noise, create your ripple, and keep building the life you actually want. See you next time.

Connect with Lisa:

Book: Joy Is My Job by Lisa Even
Website: LisaEven.com – speaking, workshops, resources
Podcast: Have a Good Ripple Effect

Connect with Derek Dall'Olmo, CFP®, EA:

Email: Derek@tremontefinancial.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekdallolmo/
Website: https://tremontefinancial.com/about-us/

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall'Olmo sits down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek is the founder of TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as "TreMonte"). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte's goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall'Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn

Subscribe:

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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In this inspiring episode, Molly Rose opens up about the real work of empowering individuals—especially women—who are trying to build a career without sacrificing family. She shares heartfelt stories from her program, the unexpected ways coaching changes lives, and the deep satisfaction that comes from helping people create more presence and more income at home. From learning to navigate entrepreneurship as a young professional to watching clients transform their families' lives, Molly's journey is full of meaning, humility, and impact. This is a conversation for anyone building a life that blends purpose, flexibility, and financial independence.

Key Takeaways Although her program is predominantly women, Molly has had men join—and thrive.

Hearing her clients' transformational stories continues to be one of the most rewarding aspects of her work.

Creating space for clients to be truly present with their families while still generating income is at the heart of her mission.

She never set out to become a coach—but the impact she's made has become undeniable.

Freedom and flexibility matter: being able to take the family to Disney World, drive kids to school, or simply be present is transformational.

The early lessons she learned as a young professional shaped the systems she now teaches.

Income is not optional—helping families earn sustainably is foundational to her program.

If Molly's story resonated with you—or if you're building a life where career and family actually work together—make sure to subscribe, leave a comment, and share this episode with someone who needs the encouragement. Your support helps us reach more people creating impact in their own lives and communities. #empowerment #women #career #family #coaching #transformation #income #impact #presence #stories

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Connect with Molly:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollyrosespeed/ Website: https://www.mollyrosespeed.com/

Connect with Derek Dall'Olmo, CFP®, EA:

Email: Derek@tremontefinancial.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekdallolmo/ Website: https://tremontefinancial.com/about-us/

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall'Olmo sits down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek is the founder of TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as "TreMonte"). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte's goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall'Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

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What does it really take to build a business that scales and sells itself?

In this episode of Traversing Entrepreneurship, Derek Dall'Olmo sits down with Mark Osborne, founder of Modern Revenue Strategies, to explore how systems, strategy, and clarity can turn chaos into predictable growth.

Mark shares his evolution from the music industry to marketing technology expert, revealing how entrepreneurs can create structure, consistency, and freedom inside their businesses.

You'll learn:

🎵 How Mark's creative roots led to a scalable marketing system 🧩 Why understanding customer needs is the foundation of every successful business ⚙️ How systems and processes set entrepreneurs free from daily firefighting 🎯 Why chasing more leads isn't the answer — focusing on the right leads is 🚪 How to think about exit planning from day one 💡 Why great ideas need great communication to actually sell

Whether you're a startup founder or an experienced entrepreneur, this episode will challenge how you think about growth, marketing, and success.

#Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #MarketingStrategy #LeadGeneration #SalesSystems #BusinessSuccess #MarketingTechnology #BusinessProcesses #StartupAdvice #EntrepreneurMindset #SmallBusiness #CustomerExperience #BusinessFreedom #ScalableSystems #ExitPlanning

Connect with Mark Osborne:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/remarkablemark/ Website: https://modernrevenuestrategies.com/

Connect with Derek Dall'Olmo, CFP®, EA:

Email: Derek@tremontefinancial.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekdallolmo/ Website: https://tremontefinancial.com/about-us/

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall'Olmo sits down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek is the founder of TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as "TreMonte"). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte's goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall'Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

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This week, Derek sits down with Chris Shihadeh, CEO of Skylab Digital, who shares his entrepreneurial journey, insights on navigating the competitive Medicare space, and the importance of financial literacy in business. Chris discusses the significance of building a strong team, identifying A, B, and C players in hiring, and empowering employees to solve problems. He emphasizes the role of data in digital marketing, managing cash flow in seasonal businesses, and leveraging debt for growth. The conversation concludes with key takeaways for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of understanding financials and learning to say no to distractions.

Takeaways:

Chris started his entrepreneurial journey at a young age. Financial literacy is crucial for business success. Building a strong team requires learning from painful lessons. Identifying A, B, and C players is key in hiring. Empowering employees to solve problems fosters ownership. Data-driven decision-making is essential in digital marketing. Managing cash flow is critical in seasonal businesses. Leveraging debt can be a powerful tool for growth. Saying no to distractions is vital for focus. Understanding your financials is non-negotiable for success.

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek is the founder of TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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In this episode of Traversing Entrepreneurship, Derek Dall’Olmo interviews Eric Stopper, an e-commerce expert and investor, to explore the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. From his early ventures in nanotechnology to his current success with Profitable, Eric shares candid insights into the challenges and triumphs of building a business. Discover how meditation, self-reflection, and a focus on family have shaped his journey.

Key Moments:

Eric's transition from nanotechnology to e-commerce and investing.
The importance of self-discovery and meditation in entrepreneurship.
How Eric balances business with family life.
Insights into creating cash-flowing assets and financial freedom.

Eric Stopper is an e-commerce entrepreneur and investor. Connect with him on LinkedIn or visit his websites: profitable.com, legendaryitems.com, and zealothealth.com.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your business-minded friends. For more insights, visit tramontetax.com to schedule a chat with Derek.

#Entrepreneurship #Ecommerce #BusinessSuccess #FinancialFreedom

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek is the founder of TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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In this episode Derek sits down with Beau Eckstein, owner of Business Ownership Coach and Emerge Lending Group. With over 26 years of experience, Beau shares his journey from a struggling student to a successful entrepreneur, offering insights into funding strategies, franchise consulting, and the importance of tax strategies. Discover how Beau's experiences, including a stint on HGTV, have shaped his approach to business and life. Key Topics: Beau's entrepreneurial journey and early challenges The role of SBA loans and franchise consulting in business growth Insights into tax strategies and financial planning The impact of social media on business development Beau's philosophy on lifelong learning and personal growth

Guest Information: Beau Eckstein: Business Ownership Coach and Emerge Lending Group Website: BeauEckstein.com Book a Call: BookWithBeau.com If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your business-minded friends. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and insights on the Traversing Entrepreneurship podcast. #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #SBAloans #FranchiseConsulting

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek is the founder of TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

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Join host Derek as he sits down with Kasim Aslam, founder of Solutions 8, to explore the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Kasim shares his journey from humble beginnings to building a successful Google ad agency, discussing the importance of talent acquisition, the impact of AI on business, and the lessons learned from his failures and successes. Key Takeaways:

Kasim's unique approach to hiring and retaining top talent.
Insights into the Pareto Principle and its application in business.
The role of AI in shaping the future of entrepreneurship.
Personal stories of resilience and growth from Kasim's career.
Kasim Aslam is the founder of Solutions 8 and Pareto Talent. He is an award-winning hiring expert and bestselling author. Learn more about his work at KASIM.me.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your entrepreneurial friends. For more insights, visit tramontetax.com to schedule a chat with Derek. #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #AI #TalentAcquisition

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek is the founder of TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

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In this episode, Derek chats with Kate Volman—CEO, speaker, and big believer in helping people dream bigger. From her early days at the Chamber of Commerce to leading Floyd Consulting, Kate shares what she’s learned about people, growth, and the messy (but rewarding) work of leadership. They talk about the real stuff—why most business problems are actually people problems, how leaders can create space for personal dreams at work, and why being creative isn’t optional anymore. Whether you lead a team or are part of one, this is the kind of conversation that makes you pause and think about how you show up—for your business and your people.

In This Episode:

Why “dream management” might be the leadership superpower no one’s talking about
How Kate’s experience at the Chamber shaped the way she builds relationships
What the “iceberg” analogy reveals about business challenges
Why most disengaged employees are really just unfulfilled people
How asking one simple question can change your team culture
The truth about partnerships—and what to know before diving in
Why good leaders care about more than just productivity
How to focus on strengths and still grow your business the right way

Connect with Kate: Connect with Kate: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katevolman Learn more about Floyd Consulting: floydconsulting.com

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek is the founder of TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

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Derek sits down with Sarah Noel Block, the brains behind Tiny Marketing and the Tiny Marketing Club—a go-to resource for indie consultants who want smart, simple marketing that actually drives business (without the overwhelm).

They unpack Sarah’s journey from the corporate world to building a business on her own terms. You’ll hear how she turned a layoff during the recession into a springboard for entrepreneurship, how she ditched the agency grind for a membership model, and why she believes less but better is the future of marketing.

This one’s packed with real strategies—like Sarah’s “biz dev blitz” to fill your pipeline fast, how to reverse-engineer your revenue goals, and why micro-yeses in your sales process can seriously boost conversions.

💡 What You’ll Learn * Why Sarah walked away from corporate marketing (and never looked back) * How the Tiny Marketing Club helps consultants design lifestyle-first businesses * What a “Biz Dev Blitz” is—and how you can run one to land more clients * The real reason most businesses struggle with offer creation * Why sales should feel collaborative, not manipulative * How to build trust through micro-commitments * What Sarah means when she says your offer should be like a staircase * The importance of simplifying your message to match how clients actually think * Why good marketing starts with understanding real pain points—not just catchy copy * How to test and tweak your offers without burning time or budget

Connect with Sarah: * Learn more about Sarah: sarahnoelblock.com * Join the Club: Tiny Marketing Club

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek is the founder of TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

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In this episode of the Traversing Entrepreneurship podcast, Derek Dall'Olmo interviews Corey Morris, founder of Voltage Digital Agency. They discuss Corey's journey from employee to business owner, the intricacies of digital marketing, particularly SEO, and the challenges and strategies involved in business acquisitions.

Corey shares insights on leadership, the importance of transparency in negotiations, and how he has personalized his agency's approach to better serve clients. In this conversation, Corey Morris discusses the evolution of his marketing agency, Voltage, emphasizing the importance of niching down to enhance service quality and client relationships. He shares insights on defining success, the challenges of decision-making, and the significance of recognizing when a client is not the right fit. Additionally, he introduces his book, 'The Digital Marketing Success Plan,' which outlines a structured approach to digital marketing strategy.

Key Moments: Corey's journey into digital marketing began with a passion for SEO. The landscape of SEO has evolved significantly over the years. Transparency in financials is crucial when transitioning to business ownership. Negotiation requires setting aside personal feelings for business success. Leadership involves adapting strategies to meet client needs. Recognizing when we are not the right fit is crucial. Learning how to say no is one of the most important lessons. Making decisions is key to moving forward. The Digital Marketing Success Plan provides a structured approach to marketing.

Connect with Corey:

Email: corey@voltage.digital Website: https://thedmsp.com

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek is the founder of TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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In this episode of the Traversing Entrepreneurship podcast, host Derek Dall'Olmo sits down with Brian Smith, an entrepreneur who’s seen it all—from humble beginnings washing boats and launching a college photography business to navigating the highs and lows of real estate. Brian’s story is one of grit, growth, and ultimately, reinvention.

Burnout pushed Brian to make a life-altering decision: selling his businesses and stepping back to reassess his purpose. That pivotal moment led him to coaching and founding the Founders Organization, where he now helps fellow entrepreneurs thrive.

Brian opens up about the emotional challenges of building a business and how critical decision-making is to long-term success. He dives into the culture shocks of moving to Mexico, the realities of starting a new agency during COVID-19, and how identifying market gaps can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Throughout the episode, Brian shares insights on building a resilient mindset, fostering a strong company culture, and why consistency is non-negotiable in the pursuit of business growth. If you’re an entrepreneur looking to learn from someone who’s been in the trenches, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and relatable stories. In This Episode:

Entrepreneurial Journey: Brian's early ventures included washing boats, starting a photography business, and later transitioning into real estate, leading to significant growth and community involvement. Overcoming Burnout: Burnout led Brian to reassess his life and ultimately pivot into coaching and supporting other entrepreneurs. Resilience and Decision-Making: Entrepreneurship requires emotional resilience, decisive action, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Team Building and Scaling: Successful business growth involves building a strong team, leveraging expertise, and fostering a positive company culture. Adapting to Change: COVID-19 prompted Brian to start a new agency, highlighting the importance of adaptability and seizing new opportunities. Mindset and Sales Discipline: Maintaining a resilient mindset and treating sales as a daily non-negotiable are crucial for sustained success.

Connect with Brian:

Email: brian@strategyladders.com

Website: http://strategyladders.com/

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business. Derek is the founder of TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation. Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation. TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn Subscribe:

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In this episode of Traversing Entrepreneurship, Derek Dall'Olmo sits down with Mike Shum, CEO of Cascade Debt, to unpack his journey from derivatives trader to fintech founder. Mike opens up about the risks, missteps, and breakthroughs that shaped Cascade’s rise in the private credit space.

They dive into how alternative credit scoring is reshaping lending, what most people get wrong about asset-based finance, and why economic shifts are forcing innovation in fintech. If you're building in the world of money—or thinking about it—this conversation is packed with firsthand insight.

Key Moments: 00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Cascade Debt

01:04 Mike Shum's Journey: From Banking to Entrepreneurship

03:01 The Birth of Cascade Debt and Its Mission

06:39 Understanding Private Credit and Asset-Based Lending

10:30 Innovations in Alternative Credit Scoring

12:56 Streamlining Asset-Based Lending Processes

17:24 Differences Between Private Credit and Equity

23:11 The Impact of COVID-19 on Lending Practices

26:01 Current Trends in Private Credit Returns

27:51 Accessibility in Capital Markets

30:12 Scaling Without Compromise

32:42 Navigating Uncertainty in Business

35:04 Headwinds in Private Credit

39:32 The Evolution of Private Credit

43:10 The Future of Private Credit

46:39 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Connect with Mike:

Email: mike@cascadedebt.com

Website: www.cascadedebt.com

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek is the founder of TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn

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This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship, Derek sits down with Rob Lee, co-founder and CEO of Swiss Passport and Visa Services, a company that expedites passports and obtains visas. Rob and his wife, Lori, started the business 17 years ago after living in Central America and encountering a need for such a service. Initially relying on paid ads, they shifted focus to business partnerships, particularly with Fortune 500 companies in the aviation, legal, and manufacturing sectors. They are now developing a software application to streamline travel document management. Rob emphasizes the importance of adapting to change and leveraging technology to improve efficiency.

Key Moments: * Embrace change and be comfortable with the unknown * The importance of delegating tasks and hiring experts * Balancing work and personal life as business partners * Adapting to evolving international travel regulations

Connect with Rob:

Email: rob@swiftpassport.com

Website: http://www.swiftpassportservices.com/

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek is the founder of TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn

Subscribe:

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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In this episode of Traversing Entrepreneurship, Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with Steve Miller, best-selling author and marketing consultant, to discuss the power of differentiation in business. Steve shares his journey from aspiring PGA Tour player to renowned marketing expert and explains why creating an uncopyable brand is essential for long-term success. He highlights the importance of personal branding, the credibility boost of writing a book, and why businesses should focus on understanding their target market—what he calls the "moose." Steve also explores innovation through observation, the dangers of competing on price, and why offline marketing strategies still hold immense value. If you're looking for practical strategies to stand out in a crowded marketplace, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Key Moments: 00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Unique Stories

02:53 Steve Miller's Journey: From Golf to Marketing

07:36 The Importance of Writing a Book for Credibility

10:46 Creating an Uncopyable Brand

11:35 Understanding Your Unique Value Proposition

22:50 Maintaining Uncopyableness in a Copycat World

34:32 Understanding the Box: The Manufacturing Mindset

38:00 Building Your Own Box: The Key to Un-copyability

42:14 The Power of Observation: Learning from Other Industries

47:59 Marketing on a Budget: The Importance of Offline Strategies

51:10 Common Mistakes: What to Avoid in Business

54:31 Authenticity in Branding: Standing Out in a Crowded Market

56:42 The Journey of Personal Branding: Lessons from Experience

Connect with Steve:

Email: steve@beuncopyable.com

Website: https://beuncopyable.com

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek is the founder of TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn

Subscribe:

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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In this episode of Traversing Entrepreneurship, Derek Dall’Olmo interviews Nick McEvily, head of product at XGen Ai. They dive into Nick’s journey from design to product leadership, his experiences with startup successes and failures, and the importance of testing assumptions in product development. Nick discusses how AI is transforming the retail landscape, the significance of user experience in software design, and why fractional product leadership can be a game-changer for early-stage companies. This episode offers valuable insights on decision-making, problem-solving, and the mindset required to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape successfully.

Key Moments: 00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurship and AI

01:24 Nick's Journey: From Design to Product Leadership

05:27 The Zero to One Concept in Product Development

09:23 Testing Assumptions: The Key to Validating Ideas

13:02 Learning from Failure: Insights from Past Ventures

16:04 XGen Ai: Merging AI with Retail Experience

21:24 Defining Success in AI-Driven Retail

25:21 Choosing the Right Path in Design

27:11 The Reality of Entrepreneurial Sacrifice

28:29 Defining Personal Success

29:41 Understanding Fractional Product Leadership

31:08 Common Mistakes in Software Development

33:34 The Importance of Focus in Entrepreneurship

34:22 Future Trajectories in Entrepreneurship

36:07 The Rise of Venture Studios

38:39 Transitioning from Time to Cash Flow

40:23 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

42:18 Exploring Problems Over Solutions

46:25 The Value of Process in Decision Making

47:25 Curiosity and Ego in Entrepreneurship

Connect with Nick:

Email: nickmcevily@gmail.com

Website: https://nickmcevily.com

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek is the founder of TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn

Subscribe:

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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In this episode of the Traversing Entrepreneurship podcast, Derek Dall'Olmo interviews Matt Theriault, the CEO and founder of Epic Real Estate. Matt shares his journey from the music industry to real estate, highlighting the challenges he faced and the valuable lessons he learned. He discusses creative financing strategies, the importance of finding profitable deals, and how to build wealth through real estate investment. Matt also explains the transition to turnkey real estate investments and how these can simplify the process for investors.

Throughout the episode, Matt and Derek cover key aspects of entrepreneurship and real estate, including the significance of legacy, the shift from employee to business owner, and how to set expectations with investors. They also touch on the strategies for making real estate a reliable source of passive income and preserving wealth in the long term. Matt offers practical advice for new investors, emphasizing the importance of understanding market trends and learning from mistakes.

Key Moments: 00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Talent Acquisition

01:00 Adam Feinberg's Journey to My Personal Recruiter

02:51 Navigating Technology in Recruitment

05:58 Building a Scalable Software Solution

08:59 Success Metrics and Client Success Rates

11:59 Understanding Client Demographics and Industries

14:55 Defining Success in Entrepreneurship

18:08 Overcoming Challenges and Growing Pains

21:00 Competitors and Corporate Espionage

23:50 The Importance of Online Presence and SEO

30:03 Future of SEO in the Age of AI

35:35 Building a Strong Online Presence

44:13 Navigating the Future of Entrepreneurship

58:32 Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs Connect with Adam:

Email: adam@mypersonalrecruiter.com

Website: www.mypersonalrecruiter.com

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek is the founder of TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn

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In this episode of the Traversing Entrepreneurship podcast, Derek Dall'Olmo interviews Matt Theriault, the CEO and founder of Epic Real Estate. Matt shares his journey from the music industry to real estate, highlighting the challenges he faced and the valuable lessons he learned. He discusses creative financing strategies, the importance of finding profitable deals, and how to build wealth through real estate investment. Matt also explains the transition to turnkey real estate investments and how these can simplify the process for investors.

Throughout the episode, Matt and Derek cover key aspects of entrepreneurship and real estate, including the significance of legacy, the shift from employee to business owner, and how to set expectations with investors. They also touch on the strategies for making real estate a reliable source of passive income and preserving wealth in the long term. Matt offers practical advice for new investors, emphasizing the importance of understanding market trends and learning from mistakes.

Key Takeaways: * Real estate is a proven path for creating wealth. * Creative financing can open doors to property acquisition without initial capital. * Networking and building a strong reputation are key to attracting opportunities. * Turnkey investments are a powerful way to simplify real estate investing. * Wealth preservation strategies are essential for long-term financial success. * The BRRRR strategy is an effective tool for growing wealth. * Passive income through real estate requires thoughtful management and planning. * Setting clear expectations with investors ensures smooth transactions. * Real estate is fundamentally a people-driven business that thrives on relationships.

This episode provides valuable insights into how real estate investment can lead to financial freedom and long-term wealth creation. Matt’s experience and strategies are a great resource for anyone looking to succeed in the real estate market.

Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Real Estate 01:07 - Matt Theriault's Journey from Music to Real Estate 08:06 - The Turning Point: Discovering Real Estate as Wealth Creation 10:48 - Creative Financing: Acquiring Properties Without Capital 12:04 - The First Deal: Learning by Doing 20:34 - The Second Deal: Building Reputation and Partnerships 27:55 - Transitioning to Turnkey Real Estate Investments 30:03 - Wealth Preservation Strategies in Real Estate 31:41 - The Importance of Legacy in Real Estate Investment 34:06 - Breaking the Cycle: From Employee to Entrepreneur 38:36 - Learning from Mistakes: The Value of Experience 39:32 - Regrets and Lessons: The Bigger Deals 44:43 - Setting Expectations with Investors 47:37 - Making Real Estate Passive Income 52:39 - Advice for Novice Real Estate Investors

Connect with Matt:

Email: matt@epicrealestate.com

Website: EpicRealEstate.com

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek is the founder of TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn

Subscribe:

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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In this episode of Traversing Entrepreneurship, we are extremely excited to be joined by Jake Wagner, CDMP as he shares proven strategies and insights to help financial professionals attract their ideal clients, deliver exceptional service, and grow a sustainable business. Whether you're a seasoned advisor or just starting out, you'll find actionable tips and real-world examples to take your practice to the next level. Tune in and start optimizing your marketing, operations, and client experience today.

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

0:01:55 Jake discusses what motivated him to start his own agency instead of continuing to work for other startups.

0:05:00 Jake explains his transition from technical advising to a full-stack marketing agency approach.

0:09:10 Jake and Derek discuss the importance of aligning marketing efforts with the advisor's unique personality and brand.

0:13:15 Jake shares how his upbringing in the financial planning profession influenced his focus on supporting that industry.

0:20:00 Jake emphasizes the importance of the "doctor frame" when working with clients, versus a "salesman" approach.

0:25:00 Jake outlines his three-part consulting process for helping financial professionals with their marketing.

0:32:44 Jake discusses the challenges of working in an oversaturated market and the importance of finding the right advisor-client fit.

0:40:45 Jake provides advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on focusing first on their offer and ideal client.

1:18:22 Jake shares how to get in touch with him and his key recommendations for financial professionals, including having a marketing plan, meaningful metrics, and the right tools and advisors.

Connect with Jake:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobbwagner/

Email: jake@4fp.co

Website: www.4fp.co

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn

Subscribe:

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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In this episode, we are joined by Sairan Aqrawi as she shares her remarkable journey from Kurdish immigrant to successful business coach and mentor. After initially struggling to adapt to life in the US, Sairan discovered her true calling in coaching and personal development, transitioning from a decades-long engineering career. She emphasizes the importance of clarity, focus, and grit when pursuing entrepreneurial goals, drawing parallels between parenting and leading teams. Sairan's story underscores the value of progress over perfection, and how setbacks can ultimately shape one's path to success. Whether you're a young professional or an experienced entrepreneur, Sairan's advice on identifying your "hidden gems" and not being afraid to pivot will inspire you to reach new heights. Connect with Sairan on LinkedIn or Instagram for a free coaching consultation. This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship: [0:00 - 2:00] Introduction to Sairan Akrawi and her background as a Kurdish immigrant to the US

[2:00 - 6:00] Sairan's initial struggles and challenges adapting to life in America, and the importance of having the right mindset

[6:00 - 11:00] Sairan's transition from engineering to coaching and mentoring, discovering her "hidden gem" talents

[11:00 - 16:00] The pivotal moment when Sairan decided to pursue coaching over continuing her PhD program

[16:00 - 21:00] Sairan's perspective on progress over perfection, and the value of diverse experiences

[21:00 - 26:00] Advice for young professionals and entrepreneurs: clarity, focus, and grit

[26:00 - 31:00] The importance of self-belief, competence, and not being your own worst critic

[31:00 - 36:00] Sairan's tips on handling disappointments and setbacks as an entrepreneur

[36:00 - 41:00] Parallels between parenting and leading teams, the power of leading by example

[41:00 - 47:00] Sairan's offer of free coaching consultations, and Derek's introduction of his own business Connect with Sairan:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sairan-aqrawi-m-sc-993bb61a3

Email: sairan28@gmail.com

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business. Derek is the owner of TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation. Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn

Subscribe:

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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Ever wonder what it takes to build a successful business from scratch? Join us as we sit down with serial entrepreneur Brad Zapp to get the inside scoop on his journey from wealth management to founding a cutting-edge digital VC firm. You won't want to miss this eye-opening conversation!

Brad Zapp is a CFP, was a former founder of an independent Wealth Advisory Firm, sold that, and founded a Digital Venture Capital firm that uses AI to vet opportunities. he is now bringing his private Strategy to the public by registering with the SEC and will be distributing his fund thru the independent Advisor channel he started his career in. This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

0:00:35 - Introducing Brad Zapp

0:02:08 - Brad Zapp discusses transition from wealth management to founding digital venture capital firm

0:05:00 - Differences between private equity and venture capital

0:10:00 - Role of venture capitalists in financing innovative, technology-driven companies

0:13:04 - Evolving entrepreneurship landscape and successful outcomes beyond IPOs

0:14:13 - Success in venture capital, shares examples of successful investments

0:19:24 - Importance of founder psychology, how firm uses it in due diligence

0:26:33 - Firm's digital approach to venture capital, especially during COVID-19

0:32:34 - Using AI and machine learning to enhance investment process

0:39:26 - Story behind "Wendell" name for firm's AI assistant

0:42:02 - Brad discusses biggest challenges in creating, growing VC firm in Midwest

Connect with Brad:

Website: www.conneticventures.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zapper/

Email: bzapp@conneticventures.com

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn

Subscribe:

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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Christophe Dessaigne joins us to share his entrepreneurial journey, from starting a tech company helping blind people to co-founding the online grocery store Jack B. He talks about the challenges of the online grocery industry and how Jack B is tackling them. Christophe also opens up about his personal growth, dealing with childhood wounds, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. You do not want to miss this episode! Christophe Dessaigne is a co-founder of JackBe, a disruptive, online-only grocery store model based out of Oklahoma City that aims to serve people and build His Kingdom. Prior to that, Christophe spent seven years working for a faith-based private equity firm based in Indiana. Christophe’s previous business experiences spanned several sectors, from technology to media to retail, both in Europe and the US. For each of his previous posts, Christophe was responsible for providing strategic oversight and leadership. Christophe has been married to his wife, Melissa, for 16 years, and together, they have three children—ages fourteen, twelve, and eleven—to keep them busy. In 2022, Christophe and his family relocated to France for a short season but continued to work in the US. Christophe enjoys cooking and hosting family and friends (old and new), traveling, trail running, mountain climbing/hiking, and any outdoor activities.

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

0:00:38 - Introducing Christophe Dessaigne

0:01:45 - Speaker's background and early entrepreneurial journey, including a technology company.

0:03:31 - Transition to co-founding Jack B.

0:07:28 - Explanation of Jack B's unique online grocery model, focusing on curbside pickup.

0:09:47 - Comparison of Jack B's model to delivery-focused online grocery services.

0:12:30 - Approach to creating efficiencies in the online grocery industry.

0:15:19 - Top successes and failures with Jack B.

0:19:49 - Pivot towards partnering with big box stores as a solution provider.

0:24:23 - Explanation of Jack B's financial model and potential for market growth.

0:30:16 - Personal journey of addressing childhood wounds and seeking emotional healing.

0:35:59 - Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and high potential leaders.

0:46:02 - Opportunities for consulting, investment, and connecting.

Connect with Christophe:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophe-dessaigne-01085517/

Email: dessaigne@outlook.com

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn

Subscribe:

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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Jenna Biancavilla, a multipreneur, joins me in this episode to discuss her journey from pre-med to finance, highlighting her dynamic career shift due to a career assessment. She founded Pearl Capital in 2016, aiming to provide unbiased financial advice. Jenna also launched Savvy, a tech company vetting financial advisors, and an online masterclass, Elevate Your Wealth. She emphasizes the importance of hiring early, delegating tasks, and maintaining a flexible work environment. Jenna advised aspiring entrepreneurs to find their passion, understand their limitations, and have a clear end game. She also stresses the importance of transparency in financial advice and the need for a succession plan.

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

Jenna Biancavilla's entrepreneurial journey, from pre-med to finance advisor

Challenges Jenna faced working in the finance industry at large firms

Jenna's decision to start her own firm, Pearl Capital, to better serve clients

Additional business ventures, including Savvy and an online course

Challenges of managing multiple businesses and the benefits of a holding company

Lessons Jenna learned, including mistakes with hiring and firing employees

Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, including finding passion and defining an end game

Importance of transparency and trust when working with financial clients

Jenna's contact information and encouragement for listeners to reach out

Connect with Jenna:

Website: thepearlcapital.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennabiancavilla/

Email: admin@thepearlcapital.com

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn

Subscribe:

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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In this episode, I sit down with Wes Matthews, the CEO and co-founder of Stealth Consulting. Wes shares his journey from the corporate world to the entrepreneurial realm, and how he's now helping other entrepreneurs succeed through his fractional CMO services. Learn about the power of the EOS system, the importance of finding the right team, and Wes' advice for those looking to start or grow their own business.

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

0:00:06 meet Wes Mathews

0:01:16 Discussing the start of Wes' entrepreneurial journey.

0:02:45 Transitioning out of the day-to-day operations.

0:05:13 Explaining the trust issues with marketing companies.

0:07:34 Achieving rapid growth with Stealth Consulting.

0:12:52 Comparing entrepreneurship to a boxer's mentality.

0:19:17 Avoiding delusion as a visionary entrepreneur.

0:24:47 Reflecting on the timing of business decisions.

0:33:51 Asking what you really, really want.

Connect with Wes:

Website: https://stealthconsulting.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleymathews/

Email: Wes@stealthconsulting.com

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek is the founder of TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn

Subscribe:

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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Dr. Allen Lomax joins Derek to share his personal journey of overcoming struggles and setbacks through mindfulness, empathy, and personal growth. They discuss their experiences in real estate investing, including strategies for raising capital and sourcing properties, and the importance of relationships and validation. They also explore the challenges of providing affordable housing in rapidly growing cities and the rising costs of rent for college students. Through their stories and insights, they emphasize the power of empathy and mindfulness in achieving success and making impactful investments.

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

[0:00] Introduction - Derek Dall'Olmo welcomes listeners and introduces Dr. Allen Lomax

[5:30] Allen shares his personal story of struggles with identity and depression as a young person

[10:20] Allen discusses finding fulfillment later in life through therapy, education, and helping others

[15:00] Allen talks about his passion for horses and discovering empathy and mutuality in relationships

[20:12] Allen explains his evolution from single-family real estate to commercial properties and capital raising for existing syndicates

[25:36] Allen discusses how he builds connections through his podcast and relies on it to find potential partners

[31:30] Allen talks about using mastermind groups for support and validation in real estate deals

[34:46] Derek and Allen discuss lessons around leverage from Allen's past experiences

[43:21] Allen bAllences his academic career with real estate investing by leveraging flexibility as a professor

[46:03] Derek and Allen discuss affordable housing challenges for local workers in vacation towns

[52:08] Derek expresses concerns about rising costs of college housing and its impact on students

[55:00] Allen offers a free strategic consultation and wraps up the discussion

Connect with Allen:

Website: https://steedtalker.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allenlomax/
Email: steedtalker@gmail.com

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn

Subscribe:

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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Derek Dall'Olmo interviews Matt Clark to discuss his experiences in leveraging AI and automation to build successful B2B marketing businesses. They emphasized the importance of finding the right people to hire and train, and highlighted the need for high-quality clients and the challenges faced by car dealerships in the current market. They also discussed their approaches to scaling sales and lead generation on LinkedIn, and prioritizing freedom and lifestyle in their businesses. Additionally, they discussed the importance of accountability in business, particularly in the context of marketing efforts, and emphasized the need for agencies and clients to work together to ensure timely responses, progress tracking, and responsible decision-making.

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

Matt Clark, CEO of Virtual Edge, shares insights on B2B marketing with AI and automation.

Automating sales processes using LinkedIn.

Identifying ideal clients for B2B service providers.

Using AI to enhance networking and sales on LinkedIn.

Building systems for business success, personal freedom, and client success.

Taking responsibility in business and creating a successful marketing strategy.

Entrepreneurship, business growth, and tax strategy.

Connect with Matt:

Website: thevirtualedge.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattclarkrainmaker/

Email: matt@thevirtualedge.com

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn

Subscribe:

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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This episode highlights the career journey of entrepreneur Gerald Rosengarten, from developing leisure suits to real estate projects, with an empire in solar energy. Gerald discusses his experience with dyslexia and efforts to help others with learning disabilities. The discussion provides advice on entrepreneurship, highlighted bureaucratic challenges, and generated action items around advocacy and new product launches.

"I went to a men's manufacturer and I was showing the jacket with a woman named Clara Hancock who was the premier writer for menswear daily, which was the main paper, she looked at the jacket and said let’s call it leisure suit and that's how it was done.” - Gerald Rosengarten

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

0:25 - Exploring Entrepreneurship, Addressing Learning Disabilities, and Promoting Environmental Stewardship.

7:34 - Innovative Real Estate Development in New York City: A Focus on Unique Properties and Design.

16:25 - Insights into New York City Real Estate: Challenges and Key Lessons.

23:50 - Authoring a Book Amidst the Pandemic: Conquering Dyslexia and Emphasizing Resilience.

28:32 - Enhancing Accessibility: A Personal Journey Overcoming Dyslexia.

36:01 - Tackling Dyslexia: Utilizing Reading Overlays for Better Comprehension.

42:02 - Navigating Real Estate Development: Exploring Connections with Russia.

48:56 - Driving Success in Entrepreneurship: Book Promotion and Innovative Product Development.

55:42 - Strategies in Entrepreneurship: Tax Planning and Pioneering New Products.

Connect with Gerald:

Website: https://www.jumponthetrainbook.com/
Get his book: amazon.com/Jump-Train-Dyslexic-Entrepreneurs-50-Year/dp/1637556160/

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn

Subscribe:

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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In this episode Josh Traeger joins Derek Dall'Olmo to discuss his experience starting a law practice in Traverse City, Michigan. They share their perspectives on the challenges and rewards of starting a business in a small town, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and personalized service. They also discuss legal standards and procedures in military courts, and the difficulties and rewards of prosecuting child sexual assault cases. Additionally, they touch on the growing trend of individuals in small towns pursuing entrepreneurial careers, and share their insights on ethical dilemmas in business and the legal profession.

“If I'm working with small business, not only do I want to get that small business in the right direction, from an entity formation perspective, from a trademark perspective, from a managerial perspective, but the reason I want to do that, and the conversations I have with that client are around how they can build successfully for the future, so that they can contribute back to the community in which we exist.” - Josh Traeger

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

0:00 Military legal career, from prosecutor to founding a law firm.

7:48 Military trials and the challenges of prosecuting child sexual assault cases.

13:57 Military members' criminal behavior and the legal firm representing them.

21:51 Entrepreneurial spirit in Traverse City, Michigan, with a focus on legal services.

25:47 Legal practice vision and values, with a focus on community building and rehabilitation.

31:16 The importance of personal connections and unique value in a business.

35:16 Launching a legal business in Traverse City, Michigan, with challenges related to cost, access to capital, and overestimating experience.

40:55 Lawyer's struggles with branding, marketing, and learning curve in a new practice area.

47:14 Prioritizing values and saying no to opportunities that don't align with them.

53:12 Seeking help and support in entrepreneurship.

58:11 The importance of collaboration and seeking outside validation in entrepreneurship.

1:02:43 Loneliness and community building in northern Michigan.

Connect with Josh:

Website: www.truenorthlegalgroup.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-traeger-349ab01a5/

Email: josh@truenorthlegalgroup.com

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn

Subscribe:

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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Natasha E. Davis, affectionately known as “The Chief Visionary” is the CEO and founder of Impact Branding Consulting, Inc. and the CRM software platform The Profit Enhancer Analysis. Natasha specializes in positioning the daily operations of corporations and government agencies to perform in alignment with the vision of the leader through strategic planning and branding. Her specialty is helping entrepreneurs, companies and government create brands that have a sustainable & profitable impact. She believes that every business owner and leader should Think Big; Build Momentum and Scale Fast.

In this episode Derek is joined by Dr. Tonya Robertson, founder of Focus Training Solutions, as she shares her journey from teen mom to entrepreneur and her expertise helping businesses streamline onboarding and training. Tonya discusses overcoming obstacles through perseverance and education. She shares tips for CEOs on letting go of control, auditing company needs, and hiring for culture fit over skills. Tonya also emphasizes the importance of developing employees long-term through clear career paths, continuous learning, and making work enjoyable.

“You can't go that extra level, you can't scale without delegating. And let me tell you, people don't realize how hard it is, it's not as easy as we think. You think you're gonna delegate, you're not, it's not that easy." - Natasha E. Davis

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

Delegating tasks and entrepreneurship. (0:05)
Transferring skills from trauma nursing to business ownership. (2:11)
Career transition from nursing to business. (8:14)
Business growth and strategy with a nurse-turned-consultant. (11:35)
Developing a software tool for consultants. (17:50)
Scaling a business through delegation and diversification. (20:13)
Entrepreneurship, business growth, and overcoming obstacles. (26:32)

Our Favorite Quotes:

“My goal within the first 12 months is to create a 10 10 10 experience and as 10% increase in revenue 10% decrease in waste and 10% increase in productivity.” - Natasha E. Davis

“It took me about seven or eight years when I realized you need to get it together girlfriend because if this is what you're really doing, once you get a taste of true independence as a business woman and this is what you love, it is very hard to go back to work for people.” - Natasha E. Davis

Connect with Natasha:

Website: www.ImpactBrandingConsulting.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/NatashaDavisVisionary

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn

Subscribe:

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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Dr. Tonya Robertson, the learning and strategy specialist is the Founder and CEO of Focused Training Solutions, a company that is committed to curating instructional learning tools designed to optimize performance in the workplace. Dr. Robertson has worked with numerous C-Suite Executives of well-known companies to create training materials that will guide their team to success and establish good retention among their employees. Alongside working tirelessly to help others be productive in the workplace, Tonya also devotes her time to organizations such as the Association of Talent Development and Dell’s Women Entrepreneur Network. She has also received a Doctorate Degree in Education and eLearning. To learn more about Tonya and her work, visit www.focusedtrainingsolutions.com

In this episode Derek is joined by Dr. Tonya Robertson, founder of Focus Training Solutions, as she shares her journey from teen mom to entrepreneur and her expertise helping businesses streamline onboarding and training. Tonya discusses overcoming obstacles through perseverance and education. She shares tips for CEOs on letting go of control, auditing company needs, and hiring for culture fit over skills. Tonya also emphasizes the importance of developing employees long-term through clear career paths, continuous learning, and making work enjoyable.

"You've got to continue developing your people. You can never stop developing your people." - Dr. Tonya Robertson

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

Entrepreneurship, onboarding, and control.
Overcoming obstacles and pursuing entrepreneurship despite naysayers.
Education, and training solutions.
Streamlining business operations through onboarding and training programs.
Delegating tasks and hiring for a business.
Leadership, retention, and employee onboarding.
Business growth and technology adoption.
Team building strategies.
Hiring and retaining employees with a focus on culture and career growth.

Our Favorite Quotes:

"This is your baby, you built this thing from the ground up. And you know, it's like hey, how dare you come here and mess up what I built, you're not going to do that." - Dr. Tonya Robertson

"I just had to completely fire myself, because I just had to fire myself from the process." - Dr. Tonya Robertson

Connect with Dr. Robertson:

Website: www.focusedtrainingsolutions.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focused-training-solutions

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Nolan Miracle is the founder and owner of The Property Miracle, LLC, a raw land investment company. Since founding the business in January of 2021, Nolan and his team have acquired nearly 40 properties and have generated hundreds of thousands of dollars in profits. With a national remote business model, they've bought and sold land all over the country from the comforts of their desks.

Nolan Miracle joins us to discuss his unconventional path from corporate tech job to founding a successful land investment company, Property Miracle LLC. He details his journey of learning the business through education programs, closing his first deal after six months of hard work, and pivoting his marketing strategy to rapidly scale his pipeline. Nolan also shares tactics for funding deals through private investors, overcoming headaches like unknown property issues, and his vision for incorporating new technologies like blockchain and AI assistants into the future of land investing.

“I'm always looking to partner with additional folks, it is very much a relationship based thing, right? You want to do business with people that you like, and that you trust. And that's super important.” - Nolan Miracle

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

Introducing Nolan Miracle
Raw land investment vs traditional real estate.
Real estate investing and the first deal.
Building a real estate investing business with a team.
Funding real estate deals using other people's money.
Real estate investing and building relationships.
Land real estate investing and its future.
Entrepreneurship, finance, and technology.

Our Favorite Quotes:

“If you've got the entrepreneurial bug, and you're gonna start something, do not treat it like a hobby. Especially if it's going to be your bread and butter, and you want to do this full time. Be persistent, is the point, I don't care if you're sick, I don't care if you have a headache, get to your desk and get some work done, move the needle forward, every single day, especially in the beginning, as a solo entrepreneur” - Nolan Miracle

“You do business with people you know, like and trust – that trust portion takes time to build, I don't care what business you're in, it takes time to do what you say you're going to do, by the time you said you're going to do it.” - Derek Dall’Olmo

“I think the biggest thing was probably learning how to have the conversation with the seller to actually get it across the finish line” - Nolan Miracle

“I feel like I’ve made every mistake possible I can make this year. But the one positive thing that I feel like I've done with starting a team.” - Nolan Miracle

Connect with Nolan:

Website: www.propertymiracle.com
Email: Nolan@propertymiracle.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-miracle-49278351/

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn

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Matt Lesser started his career leading his family’s struggling business. It quickly failed, and Matt experienced a suicidal depression. Out of the ashes, a new business emerged and grew from three people to nearly two hundred while experiencing a twenty-fold increase in revenue, before selling to trusted competitors. Matt then served in a C-Suite role in private equity for 12 years, before serving transitional C-Suite roles in banking and commercial uniforms.

Matt founded Uniquely Normal, LLC in 2021 to equip leaders to solve their costly people-related challenges by building flourishing organizations on the pillars of Empathy, Empowerment, and Excellence, which is the focus of Matt’s second book, "unEngaged: Building Flourishing Organizations" (released 24 OCT 2023). Matt is the best-selling author of "unSatisfied: When Less is More" and has served as a keynote speaker as well as a facilitator of rooms packed with leaders around the world for more than twenty years now. In addition, Matt is a certified executive coach as well as certified in nearly twenty personality, preference, and leadership assessments. Matt married his elementary school sweetheart in 1996 and lives in northeast Indiana with his family.

Derek Dall'Olmo welcomes Matt Lesser back to the podcast to discuss Matt's new book on building flourishing organizations. Matt provides an overview of the three pillars of empathy, empowerment, and excellence that are the focus of his book. He explains each pillar in detail and how they contribute to developing engaged team members. Derek digs into how leaders can implement these concepts within their own organizations.

"Organizations do not become flourishing by accident. People do not become flourishing by accident. It requires intentionality." - Matt Lesser

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

Building a successful business and overcoming challenges.
Leadership book with three pillars of empathy, empowerment, and excellence.
Leadership, empathy, and effective communication in business.
Empathy in leadership and its impact on employee retention.
Empowering employees with clear expectations and authority.
Leadership, empathy, and excellence in an organization.
Organizational excellence and team member motivation.
Identifying and developing top performers in an organization.
Acquisition strategies and addressing core fears and insecurities.

Our Favorite Quotes:

"Empathy really boils down to two things, two practices, understanding and listening." - Matt Lesser

"Empowerment is all about letting people do the job that you hired them to do." - Matt Lesser

"Excellence is having a compelling vision that is aligned, supported, and communicated." - Matt Lesser

Connect with Matt:

Website: www.uniquelynormal.com
Email: Matt@uniquelynormal.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-lesser

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn

Subscribe:

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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For over a decade Martin Salama, The Architect of The Warrior's L.I.F.E. Code has been helping entrepreneurs shift from worry and lack to abundance and being a L.I.F.E. Warrior! Why spend your time worrying when you can be Living Incredibly Full Everyday!

In this episode Martin Salama shares his journey of overcoming bankruptcy and divorce to become a successful life coach and author. He discusses tools like stopping reactions and starting responses, focusing on strengths over weaknesses, and leveraging others' expertise. Martin also provides business advice around emotional intelligence, leadership, and finding one's zone of genius rather than trying to do everything oneself. Listen to this episode to understand how facing adversity can cultivate important skills and mindsets for running a resilient company.

"Are you truly being a leader in your business? No matter what kind of management position you’re in, you’re a leader.” - Martin Salama

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

Introducing Martin Salama
Develop self-awareness over self-consciousness by focusing inward on strengths rather than outward on others' opinions.
Practice stopping reactions and starting thoughtful responses to difficult situations and conversations.
Identify your zone of genius and stay within it, leveraging others' expertise rather than trying to do everything yourself.
Build emotional strength through habits like self-coaching with tools like the 1-3-5 scorecard.
Lead from a place of serving others rather than expecting to be served as the sole decision-maker.
Face hardships with a growth mindset, knowing adversity can cultivate important leadership skills for business success.

Our Favorite Quotes:

"I was always an entrepreneur, even when I was 11- 12 years old.” - Martin Salama
“If I charge $350 or $500 an hour for professional services, that's kind of where I draw the line. But if I can go out and create revenue at this rate, why would I be doing something at a lower rate over here? It's way more beneficial for me to find the WHO to do XYZ. So I can do the how over here.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
"Are you acting as a boss? Are you barking out orders? Or are you being inclusive in the conversations?" - Martin Salama

Connect with Martin:

Website: https://thewarriorslifecode.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/martin-salama-cpc-eli-mp/

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn

Subscribe:

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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Michael Begg is the Co-Founder and CEO of AMZ Advisers, a global digital marketing agency with locations in North America, Asia and Europe that provides Amazon services for brands and manufacturers looking to maximize their growth. Services include Amazon SEO, Advertising, Inventory Management, Marketing Strategy and Performance Reporting.

This episode features Michael Begg, an expert in e-commerce and digital marketing. He shares his journey from real estate to building a successful Amazon agency, AMZ Advisors. This episode dives into topics such as understanding business motivations, scaling brands on Amazon, and the challenges and strategies involved in establishing a presence in Latin America.

"We have clients that are already doing TikTok shops and they're going from doing $7,000 per day on Amazon to doing like $55,000 a day just from starting to publish content." - Michael Begg

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

Introducing Michael Begg
Transition into selling products on amazon.
How do you scale a brand?
Steps to start a business in Mexico.
Strategic partnerships to grow their business.
How to scale on amazon.
Perceptions of e-commerce in Mexico.
Advice for people who are starting their own business.
How to build trust with clients.

Our Favorite Quotes:

"Within about five months of being in Mexico, we were making enough money to support ourselves." - Michael Begg
“I always tell clients exactly what's going on throughout the process, whether or not you think it affects you, or whether or not you like what's going on? Here's what's going to happen. So you understand why, you know, the what, why, how, etc. Because it builds trust. Really, in any business, there is a trust element.” - Derek Dall’Ollmo
"Investing in Amazon gives you a sales lift across all of your sales channels." - Michael Begg
"There's plenty of platforms that make it a lot more doable now, the fees are a lot more reasonable." - Michael Begg
"Essentially because we have a foreign business, a foreign controlled entity, we have to do our filing in Mexico first and then we have to translate it to English." - Michael Begg

Connect with Michael Begg:

Connect on LinkedIn
Website: https://amzadvisers.com/

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn

Subscribe:

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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Marshall White, is CEO and founder of Unity Performing Arts Foundation and Director/Life Coach for the Voices of Unity Youth Choir. Marshall has three children Markeyta, Kamia, and Evan White and a stepson Chad Blackmon. He is married to Cynthia White. Mr. White has been shaping and molding young lives for more than 30 years. He is an accomplished musician, music and vocal coach, choral director specializing in teaching the soulful choral singing style and inspiring choir members to reach their ultimate potential by striving for excellence.

In today’s conversation, Derek sits down with Marshall White to discuss his journey from church pews to classrooms. Marshall shares his unique journey in the music industry, starting at a young age in his father's church. Initially self-taught, he went on to receive formal training but found it lacking in cultural relevance. In response, Marshall took on roles in educational settings like Northrop High School and Purdue University to teach soulful choral music and other styles that resonate with communities of color. This led to the foundation of Unity Performing Arts Foundation, aimed at educating young people in various soulful genres while equipping them with life skills. Marshall shares his insight on the significance of preparation and resilience, citing the likes of Michael Jordan to underline that achieving greatness comes with its own set of challenges and sacrifices.

"If you're not conditioned, and I say this skillful, knowledgeable, equipped, conditioned, prepared, if you don't go through that process, before you get in the realm of great things, you will be conquered." - Marshall White

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

How Marshall got started in the music industry.
Minority children in the music community.
Setting the standard of excellence for the choir.
Singing at Carnegie Hall and the Lion King musical.
Creating a multi-faceted platform.
The philosophy behind the unity model.
What is a success plan?
The responsibility of being the target.
Three things to do to do nothing.
The importance of prioritizing your priorities.
The heart of the effort and effort.
Advice for people looking at starting a nonprofit.

Our Favorite Quotes:

“This could end up becoming a replicable model across the country, as an artistic and youth development platform, that it will be its first of its kind. And that will catch on, like the Boys and Girls Club and the Big Brothers Big Sisters in the YMCA of the 20th century. This will be the 21st century replicator.” - Marshall White
“That is inherently the line that we walk as entrepreneurs, to say, where is that line of, am I being consumed by the business? Or am I not spending enough time on that? You know, it's a very fine line that you can go down a rabbit hole both ways.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
"I started in my father's church around the age of 9-10 years old was when I actually had a desire to, to learn the instrument and the piano." - Marshall White
"I think there, that was a unique situation, because most people who go into music, for a degree usually have an educational focus for music." - Marshall White

Connect with Marshall White:

Connect on LinkedIn
Website: https://upaf.com/

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn

Subscribe:

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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Mike Zaccardi, CFA, CMT, provides expertise on analyzing investments and writing on personal finance, in addition to occasionally teaching at the University of North Florida. He loves to communicate financial information in a down-to-earth, easy-to-understand way. While he enjoys crunching the numbers and analyzing portfolios, Mike always keeps a focus on what it means for clients.

In this episode, Mike Zaccardi shares his unique journey, from breaking into the financial sector to managing power generation during tumultuous times such as the Texas energy snafu. As he dives into his transition from teaching and trading to full-time freelance writing, Mike highlights the importance of balancing work and life. Storytelling emerges as a recurring theme, underpinning his teaching methods and adding depth to financial narratives. Through captivating tales, he underscores the power of narrative in finance and its potential to influence investors. Personal experiences, including a life-changing stroke in 2020, add a layer of introspection, emphasizing the true value of life beyond just money.

“My advice would be, do what you can to identify what your passions are. What is it that when you're doing it, you lose all track of time? It doesn't have to be the most fun thing ever. But if it's something that really motivates you, and drives you, that'll be kind of a clue.” - Mike Zaccardi

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

Managing power generation for a power company.
How Mike broke into the financial industry.
Behavioral aspects of trading.
Transitioning from the working world to the retired world.
Using stories to humanize teaching.
The power of storytelling and how it helps investors.
Advice to someone who wants to start their own business

Our Favorite Quotes:

“The fact that who we are today is shaped by our experiences. But our future, we own our futures, and those things can certainly be changed.” - Mike Zaccardi
“I had a stroke back in 2020. That changed my perspective on life very quickly, I became mortal. I'm not gonna worry about whether I have my full emergency fund, – I'm still going to keep an emergency fund. But I'm not worried if I go 10 grand under my emergency fund, because we wanted to do something that is an experience.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“Storytelling is certainly powerful. Everything that we're wired for is, is geared towards stories.” - Mike Zaccardi
“You don't want to be married to a job and you don't want your identity necessarily to be your job. Those are very hard things to negotiate as an individual.” - Derek Dall’Olmo

Connect with Mike Zaccardi:

Email: Mike@tremontefinancial.com

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn

Subscribe:

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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Matt Hodges is the Managing Broker and owner of Kultura Real Estate, a real estate company that specializes in residential listings and purchases, foreclosures and purchases, and short sale representation, among others. With over 16 years of experience in the real estate business, Matt is an industry leader who was elected as the President of the Board of Aspire North Realtors in 2021. In addition to his work with Kultura, Matt is a U.S. Navy veteran passionate about helping his community and currently serves on the Board of Charlie Golf One, a community organization for veteran housing.

In this podcast transcript, real estate professionals Matt Hodges and Derek Dall'Olmo discuss the current state of the housing market and offer insights into how buyers and sellers can navigate this challenging environment. They touch upon the impact of rising interest rates, the lack of inventory, and the evolution of the housing market over the past few years. Matt discusses the similarity between the national and Michigan real estate markets, emphasizing the impact of rising interest rates and the persistent issue of low inventory. He draws a comparison to the housing market crash of 2008, explaining how the lack of construction during that time has led to a significant gap in new construction units today.

"If you're going to buy your largest investment of your life, your first home or your move-up home, you want to be a student of that industry before you buy or before you sell, understand what's going on." - Matt Hodges

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

The current state of the housing market.
The unique challenges facing the Michigan housing market.
How has the housing market evolved over the years?
Leadership in times of fear.
Pricing properly and getting offers.
How to get the most out of your house?
How can buyers and sellers manage expectations?
Check out our favorite newsletter.

Our Favorite Quotes:

"We're not even touching the surface on the 1000s of units that we need, almost 10,000 units in this area that we need for housing, whether it's rental or single family." - Matt Hodges
“Everything is predicated on supply and demand, right? It seems that there's not an overabundance of supply, at least here in northern Michigan. It's like a house comes on the market and you're gonna have 10 to 15 offers, because there are lots of people willing to buy, but not a lot of supply” - Derek Dall’Olmo
"This is the time where you take advantage, find the deals where you can do something in this market because you're gonna make money 5 to 10 years from now." - Matt Hodges
“With the younger generation of buyers of let's say the, you know, low to mid 30 Somethings right now, who are looking at maybe it's their first house. But oh, well, I want to wait until interest rates go back down. And to me, that's a mistake.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
"If it's a competitive home, make sure you've got some things. And then from a listing agent standpoint, a lot of times from the seller standpoint they're looking at, if it's a Florida buyer using a Florida lender." - Matt Hodges
"Just prepare to be disappointed, whether you're going to lose a multiple offer bid, whether your terms from a seller standpoint aren't exactly what you were hoping for." - Matt Hodges

Connect with Matt Hodges :

Kultura Group
Email: Matt@KulturaGroup.com
Kultura Group on Instagram
Kultura Group on Facebook
Kultura Group on Twitter
Kultura Group on YouTube
Matt Hodges on LinkedIn

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn

Subscribe:

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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In this episode we welcome Alex Repo, the newest member of the TreMonte team! Hear Alex’s story about how he went from working in a factory, to eventually serving as Derek’s caddy and ultimately joining the TreMonte family. We discuss the impact of NIL deals in college, highlighting the newfound opportunities for athletes to monetize their personal brand. We keep the conversation fun and lighthearted while we discuss the varying implications for athletes at different stages of their careers, from highly touted prospects to lesser-known talents.

"A lot of athletic departments have boosters, very wealthy people who donate money to an athletic department. Now they're forming these collectives." - Derek Dall'Olmo

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

Alex’s background.
What is NIL and what does it mean?
What is the impact of NIL on the college athletics landscape?
Looking at the female college athletes.
Advice for college athletes who need financial help.
Is there a runway for women’s basketball?
Derek’s introduction.

Our Favorite Quotes:

"They are forming these things called collectives and IO collectives, where they pool a bunch of money together for a specific school." - Derek Dall'Olmo
"I guess in theory, NIL was supposed to give every school an equal chance at convincing an athlete to attend. In practice, the field is far from level." - Derek Dall'Olmo
"One of the big names, LeBron James, his son is now going to be attending USC next fall. He has inked an NIL deal worth almost $7 million." - Derek Dall'Olmo
"It's been really good. I think it's more of working for Melissa. And Derek's here sometimes too, you know." - Alex
"I got an instapot this weekend, haggled on the marketplace, threatened in front of everything. Hashtag his is 30" - Melissa

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast:

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn

Subscribe:

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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Kellie Sergent is a realtor based in Northern Michigan. Before becoming a realtor, Kellie worked in parks and recreation where she found the opportunity to combine three of her passions: people, community, and making an impact. Today, as a realtor for CENTURY 21, Kellie remains passionate about creating community by helping people find their perfect home, dream vacation retreat, or business venture. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation from Michigan State University and a Master’s degree from Central Michigan University.

Kellie joins us today to share her passion for the real estate industry. She describes her professional background and how she pivoted from parks and recreation to real estate. She explains how she built her career in real estate after the 2008 financial crisis and highlights how being in a community of realty professionals helped her grow her business. Kellie also underscores why being humble and a good listener is essential to being a great realtor and offers advice to people who want to start a career in real estate.

“Remain level-headed and professional. Don’t let other people’s emotions influence how you represent them, because they’re counting on you to be the intermediary looking out for their best interest.” - Kellie Sergent

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

Kellie’s background and career path to real estate
Her process for real estate marketing
Why Kellie decided that real estate was a great career path for her
Building a business during an economic crisis
How a network and community of real estate professionals helped Kellie’s career
The value of integrating 3D house plans, videography, and photography into a realty business
Establishing concrete boundaries as a self-employed person
My experience buying our first house
How the real estate market has evolved over the years
What keeps Kellie motivated to work in the real estate industry
Kellie’s fairy hair and how she manages her wellbeing amid the stresses of being in business
Her advice to people who want to get into the real estate industry

Our Favorite Quotes:

“All of us in business struggle with our egos to some degree.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“For the last 12 plus years, my mantra has always been ‘It’s not about me. It’s always about the client.’ If you make it about the client, none of the other stuff matters.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“Our industry is constantly evolving; stay up-to-date, committed, passionate, and show up every day.” - Kellie Sergent

Connect with Kellie Sergent:

Century 21
Kellie Sergent | Century 21
Kellie Sergent on LinkedIn
Kellie Sergent on Facebook

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn

Subscribe:

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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John Smiddy is the founder and a managing partner of LeadPlan Marketing, a firm dedicated to guiding clients toward business success by helping them reach a larger audience. As a marketing consultant, John has helped market and scale over 200 companies in various industries over the past decade. He is the author of STOP Guessing, START Marketing and the creator of the 5 Pillars of Sales Conversions formula at LeadPlan Marketing. He is also the host of The Marketing Fundamentals Podcast and founder of NutraMarketers.

John joins us today to share his passion for marketing and outline LeadPlan Marketing’s P5 Marketing Strategy. He differentiates marketing from strategy and reveals common misconceptions about them. He describes the customer’s journey and why businesses need to put themselves in the minds of their target customers. He reveals the quickest way to lose money in marketing. John also explains why podcasts and books are powerful assets to build credibility and trust and highlights why doing a pre-launch is a powerful way to turn leads into customers.

“Most businesses don’t have marketing plans. Be intentional, plan out your marketing, and stick to it.” - John Smiddy

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

Common misconceptions about and struggles with marketing
The four P’s of marketing
Strategies for calls-to-action and understanding the traditional buyer’s journey
Using effective keywords on ads to attract traffic to your website
Common mistakes and weak points of businesses when it comes to marketing and advertising
The important role of KPIs and plans in marketing
LeadPlan Marketing’s five pillars of marketing and marketing plans
Building a connection with your target customers and creating a web landing page
The art of brand scripting
Selecting assets to build trust with customers and running retargeting ads
Mapping out value ladders and limited time offers
Using email lists as marketing tools
Turning customers into advocates for your business
Leveraging social media for marketing

Our Favorite Quotes:

“Advertising is like putting the cart before the horse—you have to first come up with product, pricing, and placement.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“Ordering is a skill a lot of people don’t have.” - Melissa Niedzielski
“It’s important to get your brand strategy in line before you get your marketing in line.” - John Smiddy

Connect with John Smiddy :

LeadPlan Marketing
NutraMarketers
P5Strategy
Book: STOP Guessing START Marketing: The Simple 5-Step Formula to Highly Effective Marketing Strategy
LeadPlan Marketing on LinkedIn
LeadPlan Marketing on Instagram
LeadPlan Marketing on Facebook
LeadPlan Marketing on Twitter
NutraMarketers on LinkedIn
John Smiddy on LinkedIn

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn

Subscribe:

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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Matt Lesser joins us to discuss the ups and downs entrepreneurs can face and the importance of resilience and support when navigating the unpredictable world of business. Matt is the Founder/CEO of Uniquely Normal, LLC, which exists to equip leaders to build flourishing organizations through empathy. Prior to launching Uniquely Normal, Matt owned and operated businesses, and served in several C-Suite roles across various industries.

Our conversation takes a deep dive into Matt's entrepreneurial journey, detailing the challenges he faced when taking over his family's oil business. From discovering over a million dollars in unpaid trade debt to dealing with the EPA and IRS, Matt shares how these obstacles led him to a dark place, both personally and professionally. With support from his family and a local businessman, Matt was able to rebuild the company and eventually pivot into the heavy oil industry, finding success and growth along the way.

"It's okay to ask for help; nobody is meant to face everything alone." - Matt Lessor

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

What’s the biggest contribution to GDP that family businesses make?
Growing up in a family business and learning9 the business.
The three biggest challenges Matt faced in his life.
How business is different from business school.
Working with leaders and developing healthy leaders.
How do you build empathy, excellence, and excellence into the culture of your organization?
What is it about family business that draws Matt to it?
How do you create an environment where people can lean into what they’re passionate about and contribute value?
When you talk about flourishing, do you see any commonalities between people who thrive and those who don’t?
What’s the difference between employee achievement vs employee development?

Our Favorite Quotes:

"You can't always control the hand you're dealt, but you can choose how to play it." - Matt Lessor

"Sometimes, the hardest decisions are the ones that lead to the most growth." - Matt Lessor

"My darkest moments eventually became the catalyst for my greatest achievements." - Matt Lessor

"Adapting to change is a key component of success in business and life." - Matt Lessor

"Don't be afraid to take a step back and reevaluate your goals and strategy." - Matt Lessor

"In entrepreneurship, resilience is often more important than the initial idea." - Derek Dall’Olmo

"There's a lesson to be learned in every failure, if we're willing to look for it." - Derek Dall’Olmo

Connect with Matt Lessor:

Uniquely Normal Website
Matt Lesser on LinkedIN
Email: matt@uniquelynormal.com

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn

Subscribe:

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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Stewart Townsend is the co-owner and Chief Revenue Officer of Podcast Hawk, a SaaS company created to automatically help people get booked as podcast guests. Stewart is also the founder of Channel as a Service, a consultancy firm that helps businesses accelerate B2B SaaS sales growth through every stage of the channel life-cycle. Before starting his career as an entrepreneur, Stewart worked in several tech and software development companies at varying capacities, including serving as the Director for Channel Development at ZenDesk and working with Oracle’s EMEA Business Development & Startup Essentials. He holds a BSC Hons in Business & Information Systems and an MA in Social Media from the University of Salford.

Stewart joins us today to share his journey from working in the corporate world to being a start-up entrepreneur, as well as the lessons he learned from the successes and failures he encountered along the way. He describes the ethos he strives to instill in his business and explains why running a business unit in a company is simpler and easier than running your own business. He discusses the inner workings of Podcast Hawk and how it helps people get booked as podcast guests on autopilot. Stewart also highlights why it’s important for guests to deliver value and insight to a podcast’s audience and underscores what small businesses should focus on as they reach the million-dollar mark in revenue.

“Through growing up and being a human being, you learn by failing—that’s how we’re designed.” - Stewart Townsend

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

What life was like for Stewart before PodcastHawk
The challenges he faced in the corporate world that helped him get to where he is today
Disconnecting from the grind and taking time out to think and evaluate your plans
Stewart’s beginnings as an entrepreneur and forays into investing
Why it’s difficult for British people to talk about challenges and failure
Building Channel as a Service and what kept Stewart motivated despite previous investment failures
What Podcast Hawk is and how it works
Using Podcast Hawk to achieve your podcast guesting goals this 2023
The importance of delivering value and insight to a podcast’s audience
Why it’s critical to get to know someone personally before getting into business with them
Building for contingency and other things small companies should focus on as they approach $1 million in revenue

Our Favorite Quotes:

“Spend the time to get to know somebody you’re going to get into business with personally; their personality is the one you’re going to deal with not only in good but also tough times.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“You have to be cognizant about who you’re employing, how you’re treating them, and what your competitors are looking for.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“Ensure that you have tight operational procedures in place. It’s all about operational processes, looking at the dependencies of your business, and de-risking it.” - Stewart Townsend

Connect with Stewart Townsend:

Stewart Townsend Website
Podcast Hawk
Channel as a Service
Big Data Week
Podcast Hawk on LinkedIn
Podcast Hawk on Facebook
Podcast Hawk on Twitter
Stewart Townsend on LinkedIn
Stewart Townsend on Twitter
Email: Stewart@StewartTownsend.com

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn

Subscribe:

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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A lot of changes have been made to retirement plans in 2022 and 2023. Specifically, changes in rules and regulations have been made in the contribution limits to IRA and 401k. With these new revisions, it’s more important than ever for business owners to be educated and empowered to make informed decisions about their retirement savings—ensuring they’re maximizing the benefits available to them.

In this episode, we discuss the recent changes to the 401K and IRA contribution limits for 2023. We explore how business owners can take advantage of those changes and maximize their retirement savings. We dissect the different rules for people over the age of 50 and for married employees in 2023. We also offer tips on deciding which retirement plan to use and explain how working with professionals can help you choose a retirement plan that works best for you.

“If I were a fledgling business, I might look into a simple IRA first to get myself and my employees in the process. After a year or two of business growth, I may consider a 401k plan and profit sharing.” - Derek Dall’Olmo

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

Contribution limits for 401k and other workplace retirement plans in 2023
Max contribution limits for people over the age of 50
401k match and profit sharing strategy
How having a retirement plan in place benefits business owners
Utilizing retirement plans to lower taxable income
What catch-up contribution limits are
Simple IRA retirement plans and their catch-up contribution limit for employees over 50 years old
Contribution limits for Roth and traditional IRAs
Different rules for Active Participants in workplace retirement plans
Roth IRA rules for married people in 2023
Deciding what retirement plan to use

Resources Mentioned:

IRS Notice 2022-55

Our Favorite Quotes:

“Perhaps you can start with a simple IRA and once you’re generating more revenue, a 401k can make more sense for you.” - Melissa Niedzielski
“Utilizing a retirement plan like a 401k is a great tool to lower taxable income and increase net worth at the same time” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“You can get in more money than just the contribution limit, but anything above that limit has to come from the employer themselves.” - Derek Dall’Olmo

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn

Subscribe:

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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Join Derek Dall'Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski on the latest episode of the Traversing Entrepreneurship podcast as they delve into the reasons why businesses fail and provide practical advice to avoid common pitfalls. Discover the importance of market research, self-management, and leadership, as well as the benefits of having a solid business plan in place. They also explore the notion that starting a business doesn't necessarily require a pile of cash, as there are numerous businesses that can be started with little to no capital.

Join our hosts as they discuss the interplay between brains and effort, emphasizing that starting a business requires both in order to be successful. Don't miss out on this informative and insightful episode!

"Starting a business can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor, but it's important to be aware of the common pitfalls that can lead to failure." - Melissa Niedzielski

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

The most common reason businesses fail. 0:00
There’s never a vacuum of competition. 2:03
What does it mean to have a business plan? 3:48
How to get started with your business. 6:14
The importance of mentoring your employees along the way. 8:01
Do the right thing and it’s going to pay off. 10:03
How restaurants have had to adapt to the changes in the industry. 11:57
How do you differentiate yourself from your competition? 14:09
The key points of owning and operating a successful business. 15:46

Our Favorite Quotes:

"Lack of market research is brains and effort, you have to put in the work to understand what your competition is and what you're doing differently." - Derek Dall’Olmo
"If you're starting a business and you have an idea, there's already somebody else out there that knows your business and your customers, because they're already in the business more than you do." - Derek Dall’Olmo
"Everybody thinks that you need a pile of cash to start a business, that's not true." - Derek Dall’Olmo

About TreMonte Tax Solutions and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan, and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek Dall’Olmo is the founder of TreMonte Tax Solutions, a tax planning firm that serves business owners and entrepreneurs. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for investment decisions.

Email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

Follow Derek on LinkedIn.

Subscribe here:

Apple Podcasts

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Amazon Music

Stitcher

Spotify

And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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Geoffrey Harris is the Vice President of Medicare Sales at Michigan Planners, a full-service insurance agency specializing in employer group benefits. He graduated from Northern Michigan University with a degree in Business Administration and has been working in the insurance and financial services industry for over 40 years. Before joining Michigan Planners, Geoffrey worked as a financial representative for Northwestern Mutual for over 25 years. He went on to found Harris Insurance Agency and operated it before its merger with Michigan Planners.

Traci George is an individual specialist at Michigan Planners and has been with the agency since 2021. She serves as the Lead Agent for the firm’s Individual Market team, under which she focuses on working with clients under 65. By going through their health profiles, lists of medications, household incomes, and budgets, Traci helps clients identify the best insurance for their needs.

Geoffrey and Traci join me today to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about personal and individual insurance and Medicare plans. They outline the enrollment periods and processes. They explain why it’s important for individuals to pay attention to Medicare’s enrollment window. They also offer advice on transitioning from employer-sponsored plans to Medicare and underscore the advantage of working with insurance specialists.

“With Boomers turning 65, there’s a big need for information to the public so they can better understand what Medicare is and how they can transition to it.” - Geoffrey Harris

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

Traci and Geoffrey’s roles at Michigan Planners
The main things to consider when enrolling for individual insurance for people under 65
When to enroll for personal and individual insurance in 2023
Enrollment periods and processes for Medicare plans in 2023
Top reasons individuals make changes in their Medicare plans
ACA, “non-qualified,” and short-term insurance plans
Deciding factors in selecting individual insurance options
Deciding whether you should stay in an employer-sponsored plan
The COBRA law and its notice requirement timeline
Common mistakes in enrolling in individual and Medicare coverage
The importance and advantage of working with insurance specialists
Making changes in Medicare Advantage or traditional Medicare plans in 2023
The Inflation Reduction Act and how it impacted Medicare
The federal government’s drug model and the expansion of eligibility for tax credits

Our Favorite Quotes:

“I can’t think of a disadvantage to talking to insurance specialists annually and going through your options with them.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“Today, there are insurance specialists who are available at no costs to talk to about coverage and to go over the best options.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“Your budget will decide your decision; it’s important to talk to an insurance specialist and it’s the benefit of a client to take their time.” - Traci George

Connect with Michigan Planners:

Michigan Planners
Michigan Planners on LinkedIn

Connect with Geoffrey Harris:

Geoffrey Harris on LinkedIn
Email: gharris@miplanners.com

Connect with Traci George:

Email: tgeorge@miplanners.com

About TreMonte Tax Solutions and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business ownerships and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek Dall’Olmo is the founder of TreMonte Tax Solutions, a tax planning firm that serves business owners and entrepreneurs. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for investment decisions.

Email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

Follow Derek on LinkedIn.

Subscribe here:

Apple Podcasts

Google Podcasts

Amazon Music

Stitcher

Spotify

And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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Jeffrey Libman is the General Manager of amical. Located in the heart of downtown Traverse City and overlooking the West Grand Traverse Bay, amical has been offering eclectic European cuisine since 1994. Jeffrey’s love for the restaurant industry began when he was 14 working at a hotdog stand in Illinois. He later worked at Maggiano’s, where he would manage the restaurant’s Virginia and Washington D.C. locations and increase sales by 18.5%. Before moving to Traverse City with his family, Jeffrey worked at a Chicago restaurant group where he regularly served celebrities such as John Cusack and Michael Jordan.

Jeffrey joins me today to share an inside look at the restaurant industry. He describes his background and how he fell in love with the restaurant industry. He walks through his introduction to the Chicago restaurant scene and his journey from serving in big city restaurants to becoming the General Manager of amical at Traverse City. He explains how he helped amical staff become more efficient and serve customers from the big city without losing their small-town charm. He also reveals how COVID-19 highlighted the importance of a restaurant staff’s well-being and underscores the passion and generosity of Traverse City’s restaurant professionals.

“We’re here for the guests—without them, we have no business. But without a well-rested, happy staff, we won’t be here anyway. You have to do the best for your staff.” - Jeffrey Libman

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

Jeffrey’s background and how he fell in love with the restaurant industry
His introduction to the Chicago restaurant scene
Becoming amical’s General Manager and Jeff’s move to Traverse City
Serving diverse customers without losing your identity
How Jeff brought efficiency to amical’s kitchen
The difference between serving in big city and small-town restaurants
How COVID-19 has changed the restaurant industry in Traverse City
Jeff’s advice to people who want to start a restaurant
His thoughts on brunch service and why restaurants need to be consistent with their serving days and hours

Resources Mentioned:

Book: Secrets of the Red Lantern: Stories and Vietnamese Recipes from the Heart by Pauline Nguyen

Our Favorite Quotes:

“Do what you do best and forget the rest.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“In a small town with dozens of top-tier restaurants, it has a lot to do with the people and not necessarily the product.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“The life goal of people who work in restaurants is to take care of people. These people are humans—when you leave unhappy, it stays with them for days.” - Jeffrey Libman

Connect with Jeffrey Libman:

amical
Email: info@amical
amical on Instagram
amical on Facebook
amical on TikTok

About TreMonte Tax Solutions and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business ownerships and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek Dall’Olmo is the founder of TreMonte Tax Solutions, a tax planning firm that serves business owners and entrepreneurs. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for investment decisions.

Email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

Follow Derek on LinkedIn.

Subscribe here:

Apple Podcasts

Google Podcasts

Amazon Music

Stitcher

Spotify

And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

Secrets of the Red Lantern: Stories and Vietnamese Recipes from the Heart

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Frederic Heller is the President and owner of Northern Michigan Hospitality Management, a leading operator of destination, tourism, and transient properties. At the age of 25, Frederic became the General Manager of a hotel—he was an owner at 27. Under Frederic’s leadership, Northern Michigan Hospitality Management has become a Marriott-approved company with several hotels under its management. Frederic holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management from Grand Valley State University.

Frederic joins us today to describe his journey as an entrepreneur in the hospitality industry. He explains how he became interested in hospitality and how he learned about the impact of management principles and culture on a business. He outlines what makes management companies successful and explains NMHM’s “co-worker first” policy. He also highlights what it takes to create a healthy environment where employees feel happy to work and underscores the value of fair wages and paying workers above the market average.

“People aren’t necessarily loyal to organizations—they’re loyal to people. When people know that you care more than just their performance at work, that builds loyalty.” - Frederic Heller

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

Frederic’s background and journey in the hospitality industry
The greatest thing about being an entrepreneur
Eliminating middle management and why budgets should be a realistic working document
Developing people from within and NMHM’s “happy at home, happy at work” culture
Creating a culture that makes people happy to be at work
The divorce rates among restaurant and hospitality professionals
How Frederic has grown as an entrepreneur over the years
Line-level labor challenges in the current economic climate
Why people should dive into entrepreneurship as early as they can

Our Favorite Quotes:

“You’re only as good as your worst employee.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“Being friends with the employees is a relatively new train of thought. Other generations think there’s a line you don’t cross with your employees; work is work, life is life.” - Melissa Niedzielski
“Fair market wages are appropriate; trying to be cheap is the first way to unhappiness.” - Frederic Heller

Connect with Frederic Heller:

Northern Michigan Hospitality Management
Northern Michigan Hospitality Management on LinkedIn
Frederic Heller on LinkedIn

About TreMonte Tax Solutions and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business ownerships and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek Dall’Olmo is the founder of TreMonte Tax Solutions, a tax planning firm that serves business owners and entrepreneurs. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for investment decisions.

Email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

Follow Derek on LinkedIn.

Subscribe here:

Apple Podcasts

Google Podcasts

Amazon Music

Stitcher

Spotify

And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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In previous episodes of the Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast, we asked our guests about their experiences with COVID-19—how they navigated it and how they adapted to the situation. At the height of the pandemic, the future was uncertain for business owners, who were without concrete guidance. But, despite the drastically different ways COVID-19 impacted businesses, there are common threads in how our podcast guests successfully navigated it.

In this episode, we summarize and discuss COVID-19’s impact on our guests’ businesses and how they adapted. We reveal the importance of keeping cash in your business and focusing on what you can control in times of crisis. We describe how the adoption of remote tech and nimble, flexible, and transparent leaders allowed companies to survive the pandemic. We also highlight how assessing your business’s finance, revenue, and expenses can help you weather a global pandemic and underscore the value of knowing when and how to adapt.

“The ability to adapt is what got a lot of people through COVID-19.” - Melissa Niedzielski

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

COVID-19’s impact on businesses in 2020
The importance of keeping plenty of cash in your business
Focusing on controlling what you can control
Flexible leadership and the importance of communication among employers, employees, and customers
How tech adoption became a critical component of businesses during COVID-19
Understanding your business’s finance, revenue, and expenses

Our Favorite Quotes:

“Employees are your number one asset. Companies who work with their employees to find solutions are the ones that came out of COVID-19 less scathed.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“Cash is an emotional matter—always. Getting your hands on it, spending it, or saving it are emotional.” - Melissa Niedzielski
“Know how to adapt when the situation calls for it. Learn when to be flexible and nimble, both on the employee and employer side.” - Derek Dall’Olmo

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as "TreMonte"). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is our goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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John Smiddy is the Founder and Managing Partner of LeadPlan Marketing, an agency that helps entrepreneurs reach a larger audience so they can be more successful with their business by putting their client's best interests first and making each and everyone a fan for life. John has helped market and scale over 200 companies in various industries over the past 10 years. He is the host of “The Marketing Fundamentals Podcast” and the creator of the “5 Pillars of Sales Conversions” formula used at LeadPlan Marketing.

John joins me today to discuss his entrepreneurial journey from a budding marketing ambassador for SkullCandy to becoming an owner of his own marketing firm. He shares the key strategies he uses that have helped propel his business to success and maintain a strong company culture. John also explains how his organizational structure has changed Post-Covid and the value of having a work-life balance.

“But the truth is, if it was easy, everybody would be doing it.” – John Smiddy

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

John’s background and his inspiration to become a business marketer
The life-changing deal and sacrifices he made along with his wife to start a business venture
The type of mindset and strategy John implements when his business begins to falter
How John developed a productive business structure in an unfamiliar industry
Ways John achieved a balance of company productivity and steady income with his team
The importance of outsourcing tasks so you can make the biggest impact on your business
Practices to mitigate company mishaps
How Covid changed the marketing industry and elevated his company’s work culture.

Our Favorite Quotes:

“It’s ok to not be an entrepreneur. It’s not for everyone.” – John Smiddy
“Knowing the concept of the risk that you're taking is a massive understatement.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“…with being able to work remote and Zoom, there's no reason that companies can't be work-life balanced, and it does not have to impact productivity at all.” – John Smiddy
“Don't focus on the negatives, because otherwise, if you start retreating, there is nothing back there to stop you from retreating.”-Derek Dall’Olmo

Connect with John Smiddy:

LeadPlan Marketing Website
John Smiddy on Facebook
John Smiddy on Instagram
John Smiddy on LinkedIn
Email: john@leadplanmarketing.com

About TreMonte Tax Solutions and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan, and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek Dall’Olmo is the founder of TreMonte Tax Solutions, a tax planning firm that serves business owners and entrepreneurs. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for investment decisions.

Email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

Follow Derek on LinkedIn.

Subscribe here:

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John Smiddy is the Founder and Managing Partner of LeadPlan Marketing, an agency that helps entrepreneurs reach a larger audience so they can be more successful with their business by putting their client's best interests first and making each and everyone a fan for life. John has helped market and scale over 200 companies in various industries over the past 10 years. He is the host of “The Marketing Fundamentals Podcast” and the creator of the “5 Pillars of Sales Conversions” formula used at LeadPlan Marketing.

John joins me today to discuss his entrepreneurial journey from a budding marketing ambassador for SkullCandy to becoming an owner of his own marketing firm. He shares the key strategies he uses that have helped propel his business to success and maintain a strong company culture. John also explains how his organizational structure has changed Post-Covid and the value of having a work-life balance.

“But the truth is, if it was easy, everybody would be doing it.” – John Smiddy

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

John’s background and his inspiration to become a business marketer
The life-changing deal and sacrifices he made along with his wife to start a business venture
The type of mindset and strategy John implements when his business begins to falter
How John developed a productive business structure in an unfamiliar industry
Ways John achieved a balance of company productivity and steady income with his team
The importance of outsourcing tasks so you can make the biggest impact on your business
Practices to mitigate company mishaps
How Covid changed the marketing industry and elevated his company’s work culture.

Our Favorite Quotes:

“It’s ok to not be an entrepreneur. It’s not for everyone.” – John Smiddy
“Knowing the concept of the risk that you're taking is a massive understatement.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“…with being able to work remote and Zoom, there's no reason that companies can't be work-life balanced, and it does not have to impact productivity at all.” – John Smiddy
“Don't focus on the negatives, because otherwise, if you start retreating, there is nothing back there to stop you from retreating.”-Derek Dall’Olmo

Connect with John Smiddy:

LeadPlan Marketing Website
John Smiddy on Facebook
John Smiddy on Instagram
John Smiddy on LinkedIn
Email: john@leadplanmarketing.com

About TreMonte Tax Solutions and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan, and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek Dall’Olmo is the founder of TreMonte Tax Solutions, a tax planning firm that serves business owners and entrepreneurs. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for investment decisions.

Email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

Follow Derek on LinkedIn.

Subscribe here:

Apple Podcasts

Google Podcasts

Amazon Music

Stitcher

Spotify

And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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Mitchell Blue is a commercial insurance agent and co-developer of Lakemore Resort, a high-quality luxury resort located west of the Arbutus Lake in Michigan. Lakemore Resort opened its phase 1 in the summer of 2020 and has since opened its doors as a year-round weekly rental resort that serves as the perfect home base for guests interested in retreats, wine tours, color tours, downhill skiing, holiday stays, and snowmobiling.

Mitchell joins me today to discuss his experience and what he learned from developing a resort during the COVID-19 pandemic. He describes the amenities Lakemore Resort offers and how they use technology to improve their guests’ experiences. He also explains how a change of township planners impacted the development of Lakemore Resort and reveals the opportunities that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“At Lakemore Resort, we try to highlight what we loved about growing up in northern Michigan.” - Mitchell Blue

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

Mitchell’s background and the history of Lakemore Resort
Opening and running a resort during the COVID-19 pandemic
How a change in township planners can impact a project
Rental timeframes at Lakemore Resort during the winter season
Dealing with difficult clientele and challenging resort guests
Hot tubs and other amenities guests can expect at Lakemore Resort
How Lakemore uses technology to turn their guests into raving fans

Our Favorite Quotes:

“Having a new township planner come in can change the scope of a project entirely.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“Winter can be a rough time for rentals.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“We wanted Lakemore to revolve around family—even our staff is family-oriented.” - Mitchell Blue

Connect with Mitchell Blue:

Lakemore
Lakemore Resort
Lakemore Retreat & Resort on Instagram
Email: info@lakemoretc.com

About TreMonte Tax Solutions and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business ownerships and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek Dall’Olmo is the founder of TreMonte Tax Solutions, a tax planning firm that serves business owners and entrepreneurs. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for investment decisions.

Email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

Follow Derek on LinkedIn.

Subscribe here:

Apple Podcasts

Google Podcasts

Amazon Music

Stitcher

Spotify

And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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Mitchell Blue is a commercial insurance agent and co-developer of Lakemore Resort, a high-quality luxury resort located west of the Arbutus Lake in Michigan. Lakemore Resort opened its phase 1 in the summer of 2020 and has since opened its doors as a year-round weekly rental resort that serves as the perfect home base for guests interested in retreats, wine tours, color tours, downhill skiing, holiday stays, and snowmobiling.

Mitchell joins me today to discuss his experience and what he learned from developing a resort during the COVID-19 pandemic. He describes the amenities Lakemore Resort offers and how they use technology to improve their guests’ experiences. He also explains how a change of township planners impacted the development of Lakemore Resort and reveals the opportunities that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“At Lakemore Resort, we try to highlight what we loved about growing up in northern Michigan.” - Mitchell Blue

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

Mitchell’s background and the history of Lakemore Resort
Opening and running a resort during the COVID-19 pandemic
How a change in township planners can impact a project
Rental timeframes at Lakemore Resort during the winter season
Dealing with difficult clientele and challenging resort guests
Hot tubs and other amenities guests can expect at Lakemore Resort
How Lakemore uses technology to turn their guests into raving fans

Our Favorite Quotes:

“Having a new township planner come in can change the scope of a project entirely.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“Winter can be a rough time for rentals.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“We wanted Lakemore to revolve around family—even our staff is family-oriented.” - Mitchell Blue

Connect with Mitchell Blue:

Lakemore
Lakemore Resort
Lakemore Retreat & Resort on Instagram
Email: info@lakemoretc.com

About TreMonte Tax Solutions and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business ownerships and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek Dall’Olmo is the founder of TreMonte Tax Solutions, a tax planning firm that serves business owners and entrepreneurs. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for investment decisions.

Email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

Follow Derek on LinkedIn.

Subscribe here:

Apple Podcasts

Google Podcasts

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Stitcher

Spotify

And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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Mark VanderKlipp is an experience and systems designer who has been working in human-centered graphic design for over three decades. He is the Co-founder of The Adjacency—a systems strategy and design consultancy—and the Senior Performance Experience Design Consultant at TiER1 Performance. Mark was also the Founding Partner of Connect_CX and President of Corbin Design, an organization he worked with for more than 20 years. Mark holds a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts, Graphic Design from the University of Michigan.

Mark joins us today to discuss human-centered graphic design and the role of design in the world. He describes his career path from freelance graphic designer to design firm co-founder. He offers advice for anyone wanting to develop a career in graphic design. He highlights how networking in an association of professional designers helped him learn about running a graphic design firm. Mark also opines on niching down your business and the market you serve.

“In human-centered design, you put the person experiencing the task or challenge at the center of that design discussion and take into account their stress as you design solutions for them.” - Mark VanderKlipp

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

Mark’s background and career in graphic design
His beginning as a freelance graphic designer
How a mentor helped Mark get into the graphic design industry
Mark’s experience freelancing as a graphic designer while studying in college
How Mark became the President of the design company, Corbin Design
The lessons Mark learned from leading a design firm through the recession of 2008-2009
Mark’s shift from wayfinding design and transitioning to customer experience design
How to grow your career as a freelance designer
Human-centered design and its evolution over the years
How to market a design agency
Why great design is an advantage for the customer in the era of COVID-19
How COVID-19 impacted the design industry

Our Favorite Quotes:

“In every profession, being comfortable with ambiguity plays well more than you think.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“It’s not what you know, but who you know” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“Communication design is what happens all day, every day, everywhere you look. Whether it’s a social media platform, a podcast, or a community, all those experiences and interactions need to be designed.” - Mark VanderKlipp

Connect with Mark VanderKlipp:

The Adjacency
TiER1 Performance
The Adjacency on LinkedIn
TiER1 Performance on LinkedIn
TiER1 Performance on Instagram
TiER1 Performance on Facebook
TiER1 Performance on Twitter
Mark VanderKlipp on LinkedIn
Email: hello@theadjacency.com
Email: m.vanderklipp@tier1performance.com

About TreMonte Tax Solutions and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan, and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek Dall’Olmo is the founder of TreMonte Tax Solutions, a tax planning firm that serves business owners and entrepreneurs. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for investment decisions.

Email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

Follow Derek on LinkedIn.

Subscribe here:

Apple Podcasts

Google Podcasts

Amazon Music

Stitcher

Spotify

And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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David Hague is a market owner at Nelligan Associates, an elite consulting firm that helps brokers and consultants navigate ancillary benefits with confidence, expertise, and efficiency. Dave has over 16 years of experience in the group insurance industry, 14 of which he spent at The Hartford as the Senior Regional Account Executive. At The Hartford, Dave earned several accolades—including National Disability Sales Leader and Regional Sales Leader—while being a regular qualifier to the Honors Conference. Dave holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Rochester University.

Dave joins me today to discuss how cultivating relationships with clients and brokers has driven the success of his role as a market owner at Nelligan Associates. He describes his career path and his pivot to becoming a business owner. He explains what it was like to start a business amid the pandemic. Dave also discusses how the group insurance landscape has changed over the years and underscores why business owners shouldn’t be afraid to make mistakes during their entrepreneurial journey.

“Relationships have driven my role as a market owner. Aside from rates, solutions, and products, it’s about rapport, trust, and how you can ultimately help people.” - David Hague

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

What Nelligan Associates is and how they serve their customers
What it means to be a market owner and how it works as a business model
How a business’s success comes from the market’s needs
What makes group benefits and group insurance different from other products
What attracted Dave to the group benefits industry
Building and strengthening customer relationships
What Dave likes most about working as a market owner and being in the group benefits business
Dave’s advice to people who want to become market owners
The challenges he met in the group benefits industry and the struggles he faced as a market owner
How long it takes to successfully close the point-of-sale
How insurance brokers and companies decide on group benefits products
Economic ups and downs and how they have impacted Dave’s business
How traditional group products have evolved over the years
The three group products that fill in the gaps in medical plans
Dave’s experience starting his business right after the COVID-19 lockdowns

Our Favorite Quotes:

“Doing the right thing and providing the right advice and guidance will pay itself back tenfold.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“Relationships and trust take time; they’re built on giving advice.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“If you focus on what’s right most days, the business will take care of itself.” - David Hague

Connect with David Hague:

Nelligan Associates
Nelligan Associates on LinkedIn
David Hague on LinkedIn
Email: dave@nelligan.com

About TreMonte Tax Solutions and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business ownerships and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek Dall’Olmo is the founder of TreMonte Tax Solutions, a tax planning firm that serves business owners and entrepreneurs. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for investment decisions.

Email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

Follow Derek on LinkedIn.

Subscribe here:

Apple Podcasts

Google Podcasts

Amazon Music

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Spotify

And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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Geoffrey Harris is the Vice President of Medicare Sales at Michigan Planners, a full-service insurance agency specializing in employer group benefits. For over 60 years, Michigan Planners has assisted groups and individual customers with unparalleled service. Geoffrey graduated from Northern Michigan University with a degree in Business Administration. He has been serving in the insurance and financial services industry for over four decades and has been involved in every layer of business ownership from start-up to exit. He worked as a financial representative for Northwestern Mutual for over 25 years before founding Harris Insurance Agency, an insurance firm he founded and operated until its merger with Michigan Planners.

Geoffrey joins us today to discuss how he began his career in the insurance and financial services industry. He explains how he started his insurance agency after working for several years as an employee and describes how his business merged with Michigan Planners. He highlights the importance of educating clients on Medicare and discusses how he manages the “business side” of business. He also underscores the importance of planning for exiting your business and the value of work ethic.

“Having a good work ethic, understanding your daily responsibilities, and getting at them every day help out a lot in business.” - Geoffrey Harris

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

What attracted Geoffrey to the insurance and financial services world
Geoffrey’s favorite parts about working in the insurance and financial services industry
Harris Insurance Agency’s collaboration and merger with Michigan Planners
How the fluctuations of the economy have affected the insurance industry
The importance of educating people on Medicare
Juggling the responsibilities of being a business owner and revenue generator
Prioritizing different aspects of business
How the COVID-19 pandemic impacted Harris’s business

Resources Mentioned:

Book: The One Minute Salesperson by Spencer Johnson and Larry Wilson

Our Favorite Quotes:

“I tend to be an early adopter of technology. Whenever I find something that could make my and my clients’ lives easier, it’s a no-brainer.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“Not everything is a priority. Being able to separate the noise from the “shoulds” and “musts” is huge for everybody in business.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“You want to be able to leave a legacy where the business’s operation can continue whether you’re there or not. You want to have staff and associates who can duplicate what you do without the oversight.” - Geoffrey Harris

Connect with Geoffrey Harris:

Michigan Planners
Michigan Planners on LinkedIn
Geoffrey Harris on LinkedIn
Email: gharris@miplanners.com

About TreMonte Tax Solutions and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business ownerships and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek Dall’Olmo is the founder of TreMonte Tax Solutions, a tax planning firm that serves business owners and entrepreneurs. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for investment decisions.

Email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

Follow Derek on LinkedIn.

Subscribe here:

Apple Podcasts

Google Podcasts

Amazon Music

Stitcher

Spotify

And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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Dr. James McClellan is the Owner and President of Bayside Allergy, a medical practice committed to finding the best treatments for patients’ allergy, asthma, and immunology needs. James specializes in the treatment of various disorders involving the immune system, including types of allergies and immunologic diseases. He was board certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology and is a member of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. James completed his medical school and training at St. Louis University School of Medicine Hospital and has been practicing medicine in Traverse City since 1999.

James joins us today to describe his journey into medicine and how he has grown his practice over the years. He reveals the best thing about owning a practice and explains how remaining affiliated with a hospital while running a private practice can be helpful to a community. He discusses how COVID-19 impacted Bayside Allergy and how the practice adapted its operations to the pandemic. James also enumerates the characteristics he looks for when hiring staff members and explains how he supports his employees throughout the pandemic.

“When you look back at your life, ensure that you thank the people who helped you. Nobody does this all on their own; everybody along the way helps you.” - Dr. James McClellan

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

James’s background and his road to founding Bayside Allergy
Why James decided to specialize in allergy and immunology
What inspires James to keep working in his medical practice
The operations side of running a medical practice
The demographics of Bayside Allergy patients
Cashflow inconsistencies, staffing problems, and other challenges James faced when he opened Bayside Allergy
How Bayside Allergy remained flexible during the COVID-19 pandemic
How the medical practice has grown over the years
James’s process for finding the right staff
How the pandemic has changed workplace expectations
Telemedicine and telehealth in the pandemic era
The most difficult parts of operating a medical practice amid the pandemic
How Bayside Allergy supported patients regarding COVID-19 vaccines
The relationship between climate change and allergies

Our Favorite Quotes:

“If you’re a good guy, people will be willing to do good things for you.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“You can do as much just outside the office—we all carry around legitimate supercomputers in our pockets.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“When I find the right people, I take them in and take care of them. Medical knowledge can be taught, but it’s difficult to teach somebody to be friendly, to smile, to treat people with respect.” - Dr. James McClellan

Connect with Dr. James McClellan:

Bayside Allergy
Bayside Allergy on Facebook

About TreMonte Tax Solutions and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business ownerships and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek Dall’Olmo is the founder of TreMonte Tax Solutions, a tax planning firm that serves business owners and entrepreneurs. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for investment decisions.

Email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

Follow Derek on LinkedIn.

Subscribe here:

Apple Podcasts

Google Podcasts

Amazon Music

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Spotify

And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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Melissa Niedzielski is the Operations Manager of TreMonte Financial Consultants and Accountant at TreMonte Tax Solutions. Before joining the TreMonte team, Melissa served as the Account Coordinator at C.H. Robinson and Paraplanner at Ameriprise Financial Services. She graduated with a degree in Accounting and Business Management from Grand Valley State University in 2013. In addition to her responsibilities at TreMonte, Melissa is a money and mindset coach who owns and operates Provoking Prosperity.

Bridget Thoreson is the Operations Administrator of TreMonte Financial Consultants and owner of B. Marie Designs. She served as the Office Manager for Right Path College and Career Planning and Operations Representative at C.H. Robinson prior to joining the TreMonte team. In 2017, Bridget graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Wood College with a degree in Business Administration and Management.

Melissa and Bridget join me today to discuss the TreMonte brand, our history, and services. We discuss what led me to launching TreMonte Financial Consultants and describe the types of clients we serve and the problems we solve for them. We also highlight the importance of having a team of people inside and outside of your organization to help your business grow and underscore the value of being flexible and adaptable in entrepreneurship.

“That’s in a lot of entrepreneurs’ stories: the long nights after the kids go to bed that you’re putting in the extra hours.” - Melissa Niedzielski

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

Melissa’s background and her responsibilities as the Operations Manager of TreMonte Financial Consultants
Bridget’s background and responsibilities as the Operations Administrator TreMonte Financial Consultants
My background and why I decided to launch my own firm of financial consultants
The road to launching TreMonte Financial Consultants
The kinds of clients TreMonte Financial Consultants serve and the problems we help solve
How our company serves as CFOs and tax advisors to businesses
How our forward-looking strategies can help businesses save on taxes annually
The three things you need to have before starting your own business
The time it took us to establish and implement TreMonte Financial Consultants according to our vision
The importance of internal and external teams to support your business

Our Favorite Quotes:

“Getting the right people in place is more than important to having a successful business.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“To start a business, you have to have a few things: a vision, a team to help you execute that vision, and the fortitude to stick with it through all the hiccups coming your way.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“Having these conversations right after tax season is probably the best time—you have your tax returns and time to strategize and implement things that can save your bottom line.” - Melissa Niedzielski

Connect with Melissa Niedzielski:

Melissa Niedzielski on LinkedIn
Melissa Niedzielski on Facebook

Connect with Bridget Thoreson:

Bridget Thoreson on LinkedIn
Bridget Thoreson on Facebook
Email: bridgetmthoreson@gmail.com

About TreMonte Tax Solutions and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business ownerships and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek Dall’Olmo is the founder of TreMonte Tax Solutions, a tax planning firm that serves business owners and entrepreneurs. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for investment decisions.

Email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

Follow Derek on LinkedIn.

Subscribe here:

Apple Podcasts

Google Podcasts

Amazon Music

Stitcher

Spotify

And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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Adam McQueen is the Founder and Owner of Skål Beer Hall, a modern interpretation of the Viking mead hall based in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood. Before founding Skål Beer Hall, Adam was a customer engagement expert with over 12 years of experience working in brewery and agency settings. He served as the Director of Customer Engagement of Enjoy Beer, the Digital Marketing Director of Harpoon Brewery, and the Director of Media of Digital Influence Group. Adam graduated from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business.

Adam joins us today to describe what Skål Beer Hall is, its products, and how it creates a communal space for celebrating the Scandinavian heritage. He highlights the value of community engagement in growing a business. He discusses how Skål Beer Hall adapted to the pandemic and operated as a restaurant despite COVID-19 restrictions. Adam also recounts the most enjoyable moments he’s experienced as a business owner and underscores the importance of asking for help as an entrepreneur.

“Our strategy was to let people see behind the curtain and make them feel like they’re part of the process of opening the space.” - Adam McQueen

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

Adam’s background in media and marketing and his path to starting Skål Beer Hall
The people who inspired Adam to start his own business
The importance of seeking help and playing toward other peoples’ strengths in business
The most enjoyable moments of owning a business
How Skål creates a space where the community can celebrate their Scandinavian heritage
Community engagement and how it has impacted Skål Beer Hall’s business
How support from the community has helped Skål Beer Hall survive the COVID-19 pandemic
Running a restaurant amid COVID-19 and how Skål Beer Hall adapted to the pandemic
Why many people left the hospitality industry during the pandemic
Programs, promos, and communal events Skål Beer Hall implements to make customers return

Our Favorite Quotes:

“It is paramount to the success of your business that you know what you don’t know, surround yourself with people who can help you, and don’t worry about the things you can’t control.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“You can never satisfy everyone when running a business. You need to stick to your core and focus on what you do well.” - Adam McQueen
“Treat others how you want to be treated. When you’re young, you get away with it sometimes. But as you get older, it becomes your reputation.” - Derek Dall’Olmo

Connect with Adam McQueen :

Skål Beer Hall
Skål Beer Hall on LinkedIn
Adam McQueen on LinkedIn
Email: adam@skalballard.com

About TreMonte Tax Solutions and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business ownerships and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek Dall’Olmo is the founder of TreMonte Tax Solutions, a tax planning firm that serves business owners and entrepreneurs. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for investment decisions.

Email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

Follow Derek on LinkedIn.

Subscribe here:

Apple Podcasts

Google Podcasts

Amazon Music

Stitcher

Spotify

And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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Aaron Kricher is the Founder of ARK Valuation Consultants, a business valuation firm dedicated to providing affordable and customizable business valuations tailored to clients’ needs. With over two decades of experience in human resources and finance in the healthcare industry, Aaron is an expert in business valuations for small and medium-sized companies. In 2020, Aaron purchased the Saginaw staffing branch of Interim Healthcare, and currently serves as its President and CEO.

Aaron joins us today to discuss franchise ownership and business acquisition. He explains what “company synergy” means and outlines the factors he considers when acquiring or partnering with businesses. He discusses why company culture is one of his favorite things about Interim Healthcare. Aaron also highlights the advantages and disadvantages of franchise ownership and underscores how entrepreneurs can adapt their business models to the pandemic.

“Focus solely on the things you’re passionate about and good at, and outsource everything else.” - Aaron Kricher

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

Aaron’s background and journey into the world of entrepreneurship
His approach to franchise ownership
What Aaron enjoys most about being a business owner
Business synergy and the factors Aaron looks for in a business acquisition
Why company culture is one of Aaron’s favorite things about Interim Healthcare
The hardest parts about being a business owner
How Covid-19 has impacted Interim Healthcare’s operations
Managing increasing wages and adapting a franchise’s business model to the pandemic
The disadvantages of franchise ownership
How Interim Healthcare took care of its employees amid the pandemic

Resources Mentioned:

Book: Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell

Our Favorite Quotes:

“In a business acquisition, look for something where you can change the name on the sign at the door, and have it operate the same way without having to reinvent the wheel.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“To become successful, you can’t just rely on yourself. You need to be reliant on others—to build a team of people you know, like, and trust. Then, culture becomes evident.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“Worries are necessary because they demonstrate that you care about the business in a way that’s conducive to providing good service to customers.” - Aaron Kricher

Connect with Aaron Kricher:

ARK Valuation Consultants
Aaron Kricher on LinkedIn
Email: traversecity@arkvaluation.com

About TreMonte Tax Solutions and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business ownerships and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek Dall’Olmo is the founder of TreMonte Tax Solutions, a tax planning firm that serves business owners and entrepreneurs. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for investment decisions.

Email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

Follow Derek on LinkedIn.

Subscribe here:

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Jeff Joslin is the Founder and Owner of JJ’s Just 1 More Northern Michigan Tour, a tour operator and transportation services company. After receiving his degree in Business Marketing and Management from the University of Tennessee at Martin, Jeff spent seven years in the supply chain industry working for Plastech Engineering and Johnson Controls. In 2010, Jeff returned to North Michigan and worked in the oil and gas industry until 2018.

Jeff joins us today to discuss what it takes to run a tour company during the COVID-19 pandemic. He shares his background and discusses the value of being a jack of all trades. He describes his favorite part of owning a business and the financial challenges he faced when he launched his company. Jeff also highlights the power of perspective and explains how being an employee has helped him grow as a person and as a business owner.

“Sometimes, you need to give up a positive asset to move forward and take care of your business.” - Jeff Joslin

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

Jeff’s background and what led him to start JJ’s
The value of diversity and flexibility
How Jeff learned business by doing
How feedback and support from the local community inspires Jeff to work and grow JJ’s
What separates JJ’s from other rideshare services and tour companies
The tourism landscape in Northern Michigan and Jeff’s favorite part of owning a tour company
How JJ’s supports other local and small businesses
Financial challenges Jeff met when he launched his business
How banks currently see small businesses
How COVID-19 impacted the tourism arm of JJ’s and how Jeff navigated through the pandemic
Why Jeff diversified his business into transportation and tours and how the tourism industry is coming out of the pandemic
The differences between running an independent business and working for a corporation

Our Favorite Quotes:

“Being a jack of all trades is common among many business owners.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“Ambition gets you to many places, but accessing funds is a different story.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“Once you put your head down and get to work, people respect you and understand your message and what you’re trying to do.” - Jeff Joslin

Connect with Jeff Joslin:

JJ's Just 1 More Northern Michigan Tour
JJ's Just 1 More Northern Michigan Tour on Instagram
JJ's Just 1 More Northern Michigan Tour on Facebook
Email: jjustonemore@outlook.com

About TreMonte Tax Solutions and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business ownerships and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek Dall’Olmo is the founder of TreMonte Tax Solutions, a tax planning firm that serves business owners and entrepreneurs. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for investment decisions.

Email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

Follow Derek on LinkedIn.

Subscribe here:

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And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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Jeff Guntzviller is the General Manager of Miner’s North Jewelers, a specialized jewelry store in Traverse City, Michigan. Established in 1975 as a rock shop by Wayne and Beth Guntzviller, Miner’s North Jewelers is dedicated to providing the ultimate jewelry experience to every customer. Jeff began working full-time after he graduated from Western Michigan University in 2010. He later continued his education at the Gemological Institute of America to become a graduate gemologist. As the store’s General Manager, Jeff envisions Miner’s North Jewelers as the leading jewelry store and diamond destination in Northern Michigan.

Jeff joins us today to discuss what it takes to scale a family business. He talks about his beginnings in the fine jewelry business as well as what motivates him to serve Miner’s North Jewelers’ customers every day. He shares the history of Miner’s North Jewelers and describes what it’s like to operate a local specialty jewelry store. Jeff also highlights the importance of keeping your staff happy and underscores the lessons Miner’s North Jewelers learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The retail environment is stressful. But when you have happy people, you have happy customers. That’s important in retail.” - Jeff Guntzviller

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

The history of Miner’s North Jewelers and how Jeff became its current General Manager
Growing up in downtown Traverse City and what it’s like to run a true family business
What keeps Jeff passionate about running and scaling the business
Where the growth of Miner’s North Jewelers comes from
The importance of keeping your staff happy
The struggles of rapid growth and owning a fine jewelry business
How COVID-19 changed Miner’s North Jewelers’ way of doing business
How local customers supported Miner’s North Jewelers through COVID-19
Technological changes Miner’s North Jewelers implemented as a response to COVID-19
The lessons Miner’s North Jewelers learned from COVID-19

Our Favorite Quotes:

“Attention to detail is huge in any business.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“There is a common thread among us business owners—we take the next step forward.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“Surround yourself with people smarter than you and rely on different people that are equipped to handle situations better than you can.” - Jeff Guntzviller

Connect with Jeff Guntzviller:

Miner's North Jewelers
Miner's North Jewelers on Instagram
Miner's North Jewelers on Facebook
Jeff Guntzviller on LinkedIn
Email: jeffg@minersnorth.com

About TreMonte Tax Solutions and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business ownerships and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek Dall’Olmo is the founder of TreMonte Tax Solutions, a tax planning firm that serves business owners and entrepreneurs. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for investment decisions.

Email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

Follow Derek on LinkedIn.

Subscribe here:

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And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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Jacob Kaberle is the owner of Burritt’s Fresh Markets, the premiere specialty meat market in Traverse City, Michigan. Jake spent several years serving in managerial roles for several businesses, including Boone’s Long Lake Inn, where he worked for over 15 years. In 2012, he launched his own IT support company, Kaberle Consulting, where he helped individuals and businesses find solutions to their most simple and complex technology challenges, including Windows and Apple support, Smart TV integration, and developing cloud-based and local support backups. Jake graduated from Michigan State University and currently serves on the Board of North Manitou Light Keepers in addition to his responsibilities at Burritt’s.

Jake joins us today to discuss the importance of taking care of your employees and their well-being. He shares his background and what led him to becoming the owner of a fresh market business after starting his own IT support company. He reveals his secrets to merchandising and improving visual display of products. He outlines the challenges he has faced in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. He also underscores the value of connecting with your passion as a business owner and reveals his goals as an employer.

“The secret to running a business is a good management team that understands the dynamics of the business and knows how to make it work.” - Jake Kaberle

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

Jake’s background and how he pivoted from starting an IT support company to owning Burritt’s Fresh Markets
His source of passion as a business owner
The importance of merchandising and maintaining an attractive visual display of products
How Jake and the Burritt’s Fresh Markets team ensures the quality of their products
Tips and tricks to improve visual display
Overcoming labor challenges, supply chain issues, and other business struggles
How the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Burritt’s Fresh Markets
Changes in meat prices and making adjustments to what Burritt’s charges its customers
Managing and juggling different aspects of a business
The nature of customer service and Jake’s goal as an employer

Our Favorite Quotes:

“Owning and growing a business is tough business. But in every story, in every struggle, and in every business, you must have a passion to succeed.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“Take care of your people and your products, and your bottom line will take care of itself.” - Jake Kaberle
“Treat others how you want to be treated.” - Derek Dall’Olmo

Connect with Jake Kaberle:

Burritt’s Fresh Markets
Burritt’s Fresh Markets on LinkedIn
Jake Kaberle on LinkedIn

About TreMonte Tax Solutions and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan, and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business ownerships and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek Dall’Olmo is the founder of TreMonte Tax Solutions, a tax planning firm that serves business owners and entrepreneurs. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for investment decisions.

Email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

Follow Derek on LinkedIn.

Subscribe here:

Apple Podcasts

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Spotify

And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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Andrea Holcomb is the owner and CEO of Extreme Cleaning Solutions, a commercial cleaning company in Traverse City, Michigan. For over 15 years, Andrea and the Extreme Cleaning Solutions team has been dedicated to providing superior services to local businesses of Grand Traverse County and its surrounding areas. The company offers a variety of services and provides bi-weekly cleaning and maintenance. Extreme Cleaning Solutions is licensed, insured, and compliant with MIOSHA safety standards and is a proud member of the Home Builders Association and Builders Exchange of NW Michigan.

Andrea joins us today to discuss managing and operating a successful commercial cleaning company. She shares her background and explains how initially taking cleaning jobs for extra income led her to founding her own company. She outlines the most difficult parts of running a janitorial services business and how she overcomes them. She also discusses how COVID-19 affected her company and shares her advice to people who want to venture into entrepreneurship.

“Pay your employees well and work hard on having a positive, healthy work environment. Happy employees produce more.” - Andrea Holcomb

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

Andrea’s background and what her life was like before Extreme Cleaning Solutions
How Andrea decided to transition from being a solopreneur to hiring employees
The challenges of staffing and managing employees in a cleaning business
The value of maintaining a healthy, positive working environment
How Extreme Cleaning Solutions set themselves apart in the market
The hardest part of being a business owner
How COVID-19 impacted their business operations
Andrea’s advice on starting a company

Resources Mentioned:

Cisco Jabber

Our Favorite Quotes:

“People make mistakes–that’s human nature. It’s how you learn from those mistakes that makes you who you are.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“The business owner steers the ship, but it’s the employees who operate it.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“Not every part of the job is fun, so ensure that you let the employees feel appreciated and that they’re not coming into some toxic work environment.” - Andrea Holcomb

Connect with Andrea Holcomb:

Extreme Cleaning Solutions
Email: info@extremecleaningtc.com
Extreme Cleaning Solutions on Facebook
Andrea Holcomb on LinkedIn

About TreMonte Tax Solutions and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business ownerships and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek Dall’Olmo is the founder of TreMonte Tax Solutions, a tax planning firm that serves business owners and entrepreneurs. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for investment decisions.

Email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

Follow Derek on LinkedIn.

Subscribe here:

Apple Podcasts

Google Podcasts

Amazon Music

Stitcher

Spotify

And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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Matt Hodges is the Managing Broker and owner of Kultura Group, a real estate company that specializes in residential listings & purchases, foreclosures & purchases, and short sale representation, among others. With over 16 years of experience in the real estate business, Matt is an industry leader who was elected as the President of the Board of Aspire North Realtors in 2021. In addition to his work with Kultura, Matt is a U.S. Navy veteran passionate about helping his community and currently serves on the Board of Charlie Golf One, a community organization for veteran housing.

Matt joins us today to share his advice on marketing your business in the real estate industry. He reveals the characteristics that make great realtors and outlines current trends in real estate. He explains what a title company is and how closing a deal with one is different from closing a deal with attorneys. He also underscores the relationship between marketing and customer service and shares his advice for anyone who wants to start a career in the real estate industry.

“The thing about marketing and business is you have to be in front of people; otherwise, it doesn’t matter how good your service is.” - Matt Hodges

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

Matt’s background and how he got started in real estate
Why you shouldn’t try to do real estate part-time
The growth mindset and what drives Matt to keep going in real estate
What separates the best realtors from the average ones
Maintaining consistency in the real estate business and the value of predictability in marketing
The basics of marketing and how to improve it
Looking at and using market & industry trends to your advantage
Changing the culture of real estate and what lifestyle marketing is
Recent real estate trends in the United States
Struggles and difficulties Matt has encountered in real estate
The difference between closing with title companies and attorneys
The importance of having mentors and what Matt has learned about owning a business over the years
How the COVID-19 pandemic impacted Matt and his business
Matt’s advice for new agents in the real estate industry

Resources Mentioned:

Book: Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! by Robert Kiyosaki

Our Favorite Quotes:

“It’s okay to make mistakes. We’re going to encounter something new almost weekly, and when we make a mistake, we learn how to handle the nuances of that particular situation.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“Perception is driven by your marketing message. Every successful company is a marketing company that sells something.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“If people don’t have a great time buying or selling a house, they won’t refer you. It all comes down to how you get them through that door–and that’s marketing.” - Matt Hodges

Connect with Matt Hodges :

Kultura Group
Email: Matt@KulturaGroup.com
Kultura Group on Instagram
Kultura Group on Facebook
Kultura Group on Twitter
Kultura Group on YouTube
Matt Hodges on LinkedIn

About TreMonte Tax Solutions and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan, and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business ownerships and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek Dall’Olmo is the founder of TreMonte Tax Solutions, a tax planning firm that serves business owners and entrepreneurs. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for investment decisions.

Email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

Follow Derek on LinkedIn.

Subscribe here:

Apple Podcasts

Google Podcasts

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Spotify

And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!

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Ron Harris is the Founder and Managing Partner of Harris Group CPAs, a full-service accounting firm dedicated to providing businesses and individuals with quality and innovative accounting, tax, and financial services. Ron completed his degree in Accounting at Central Michigan University and has more than 20 years of experience as a business owner. Together with his team at Harris Group CPAs, Ron believes in supporting their clients’ prosperity and peace of mind by expertly managing their financial affairs.

Ron joins me today to discuss what makes a successful business. He explains how he pre-qualifies his clients and describes the steps he takes when communication lapses between the client and the company. He outlines how Harris Group CPAs help their clients bounce back from a financial setback and how digitalization helped his company prepare for COVID-19. He also shares his advice for growing CPA firms and highlights why he prioritizes hiring for personality and cultural fit.

“Culture shouldn’t fit a person. The person should fit the culture.” - Ron Harris

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

Ron’s background and his path to building Harris Group CPAs
What Ron enjoys the most about being a CPA and owning a firm
What separates successful businesses from the ones that struggle
How the Harris Group helps businesses understand their financial statements
The importance of solid communication between a company and its clients
How budgeting can help businesses recover from financial setbacks
The top budget killers that put business owners above their means
The growth and evolution of Harris Group CPAs
When to hire for your business and how to evaluate an applicant’s fit
Utilizing technology versus hiring new staff and how Harris Group CPAs evaluates software
The ‘Finder, Minder, Grinder’ hiring philosophy
Using Slack, Zoom, and other apps to ensure that everyone in the company is connected personally
Ron’s advice to CPA firms about hiring their next key person
Harris Group CPAs’ digitalization and how the company has adapted and thrived through COVID-19
Quantitative and qualitative metrics & KPIs in Harris Group CPAs

Our Favorite Quotes:

“We’re inundated with various software and AI every week; it’ll be interesting to see when everything starts to talk to each other seamlessly without having to worry about APIs.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“Everybody needs to have their own KPIs, whether you’re the owner, manager, staff person - everybody needs to have some metric to be measured against.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“Successful businesses are the ones that are in tune with their financial statements and what those financial statements mean.” - Ron Harris

Connect with Ron Harris:

Harris Group CPAs
Email: info@harrisgroupcpa.com
Harris Group CPAs on LinkedIn
Harris Group CPAs on Facebook
Harris Group CPAs on Twitter
Ron Harris on LinkedIn

About TreMonte Tax Solutions and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business ownerships and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek Dall’Olmo is the founder of TreMonte Tax Solutions, a tax planning firm that serves business owners and entrepreneurs. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for investment decisions.

Email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

Follow Derek on LinkedIn.

Subscribe here:

Apple Podcasts

Google Podcasts

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Spotify

And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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Dr. Andrew Gorecki is the Founder of the award-winning clinic, Superior Physical Therapy, and the author of The Truth About Lower Back Pain. He is a highly-regarded physical therapist dedicated to helping people who struggle with physical pain and has delivered over 400 speeches and seminars to individuals who live with chronic back pain. In 2018, Superior Physical Therapy was the recipient of the Hagerty Small Business of the Year Award and was named the 2018 Red Hot Best Physical Therapy Clinic. They also won the Simply The Best award in 2020.

Andrew joins me today to share his advice on marketing strategies. We cover his background, and Andrew explains what drove him to become a physical therapist, and how he founded Superior Physical Therapy. Andrew describes how telling a personal story helps him connect with his patients and clients. He also discusses his philosophy on marketing and advertising, and how Superior Physical Therapy adapted to the pandemic.

“Shine the light on patients and clients in your marketing message. Enter the conversation clients are already having with themselves, then prove that your product is the solution.” - Andrew Gorecki

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

The origin of Superior Physical Therapy and how Andrew grew the company
The importance of specializing and qualifying clients
What drove Andrew to become a physical therapist
How telling his personal story helps Andrew connect with his patients
The five conditions that make the most out of spending in healthcare
Why people don’t exercise and Superior Physical Therapy’s mission statement
How Andrew markets the Superior Physical Therapy story
Andrew’s marketing principle and how he became passionate about marketing
How many of Andrew’s patients come from referrals
Financial struggles and other challenges Andrew faces in running and maintaining Superior Physical Therapy
How COVID-19 impacted Superior Physical Therapy and the way they do business

Resources Mentioned:

Book: Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman

Our Favorite Quotes:

“The pillar of success in every business is being able to define who you are.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“Simplify your business. Find out what you like, what you’re good at, then let other people do the other things.” - Andrew Gorecki
“To be an expert in your trade, you have to be somewhat specialized.” - Derek Dall’Olmo

Connect with Andrew Gorecki:

Superior Physical Therapy
Email: andrew@thesuperiortherapy.com
Book: The Truth About Lower Back Pain: The Hidden Culprits
Superior Physical Therapy on LinkedIn
Superior Physical Therapy on Facebook
Superior Physical Therapy on Instagram
Superior Physical Therapy on Twitter

About TreMonte Tax Solutions and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business ownerships and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek Dall’Olmo is the founder of TreMonte Tax Solutions, a tax planning firm that serves business owners and entrepreneurs. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for investment decisions.

Email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

Follow Derek on LinkedIn.

Subscribe here:

Apple Podcasts

Google Podcasts

Amazon Music

Stitcher

Spotify

And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

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Jake Baldridge is the Founder and CEO of The Baldridge Group, a boutique, full-service sales agency that helps innovative brands gain the market share they deserve. Jake served as the Chief Strategy Officer of SunFrog Wholesale for over a decade prior to founding The Baldridge Group. Before his entry into the promotional merchandise industry, Jake worked in institutional finance and hedge funds. He served as a Financial Advisor for Merrill Lynch, the Managing Director of Clear Alpha, and a Senior Analyst for Cole Partners Asset Management.

Jake joins me today to discuss how his experience in hedge funds and institutional finance helps him as the CEO of a promotional merchandiser provider. He explains why the merchandise industry is still “old school” and what The Baldridge Group does to disrupt a traditionalist industry. He discusses how the pandemic has impacted their business and how they navigated the effects of COVID-19 on supply chains. Jake also shares his advice for entrepreneurs who want to start their own promotional merchandise business and underscores what motivates him to work on the growth of The Baldridge Group.

“Using the on-demand model makes you more efficient and helps buyers save dollars while giving them the full customer experience.” - Jake Baldridge

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

Jake’s background and how he started in the world of custom apparel
How his experience in institutional finance and hedge funds helped him in the merchandise industry
Why the merchandise industry is still “old school”
How The Baldridge Group is innovating promotional merchandise
What separates The Baldridge Group from other business merchandise providers
The challenges in overhauling a business’s brand and merchandise
The major challenges COVID-19 has presented to The Baldridge Group and how they navigated them
What motivates Jake to work on the growth of The Baldridge Group
Jake’s advice to entrepreneurs who want to start a promotional merchandise business
How The Baldridge Group helps companies elevate their brand
What is next for Jake and The Baldridge Group

Our Favorite Quotes:

“At the end of the day, you need to know what you want and how you want it delivered.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“If you’re willing to take the risk, you’re also willing to enjoy some of the finer things life has to offer.” - Derek Dall’Olmo
“Understand the market, what you’re doing, and all the moving parts.” - Jake Baldridge

Connect with Jake Baldridge:

The Baldridge Group
Jake Baldridge on LinkedIn
Email: jake@thebaldridgegroup.com

Traversing Entrepreneurship: Recent Episodes

Derek DallOlmo