Episodes
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Welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast! Today, we’re joined by Moshe Popack, a visionary third-generation entrepreneur and the owner and president of YMP Real Estate Management LLC. With a diverse real estate portfolio spanning six states, Moshe is passionate about community well-being, long-term wealth creation, and fostering connections.
Beyond business, he shares his remarkable journey as a father of 11, offering insights into how he navigates entrepreneurship while maintaining a strong family foundation. We also explore his contrarian investment strategies, his take on today’s real estate market, and the mindset shifts that have fueled his success.
In this episode, we’re discussing…
The power of mindset and personal growth in achieving success
Balancing business, family (with 11 kids!), and personal fulfillment
Contrarian real estate investment strategies and market insights
The role of philanthropy in creating lasting impact
Tips for building a strong financial and family legacy
Resources from Moshe
LinkedIn | YMP Real Estate Management LLC | Common Denominator Podcast
Resources from Mike and Nichole
Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide
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Welcome back to The Richer Geek Podcast! Today’s guest is Chase Insogna, founder of Insogna CPA, a highly successful CPA and investment advisory firm based in Austin, Texas. Chase specializes in helping business owners not only manage their finances but also strategically grow their wealth while building their businesses.
In this episode, we're discussing...
Why finding a CPA who doubles as a business advisor can transform your financial strategy
The importance of proactive communication and collaboration with your CPA
What to expect during the client onboarding process with a CPA
Proven strategies to minimize taxes and save money as a business owner
Smart investment approaches to build long-term wealth while running a business
Resources from Chase
LinkedIn | Insogna CPA
Resources from Mike and Nichole
Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide
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Episodes manquant?
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Welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast! Today, Mike is joined by Paul Deloughery, a seasoned attorney with 25 years of experience in probate and trust law. Paul is the author of Lasting Wealth: A Revolutionary Method of Family Wealth Transfer and Probate Made Simple.
Paul’s journey into the realm of probate law is deeply personal. After facing the challenges of managing an unexpected inheritance without proper guidance, he recognized the profound need for expert legal support during critical times. This experience inspired him to create Probate Made Simple and shaped his philosophy of offering compassionate, clear, and personalized legal assistance.
In this episode, we’re discussing…
Lessons from Losing Millions: Paul’s journey from inheriting $28M to losing much of it, and the valuable insights he gained along the way.
The Realities of Probate Litigation: Why even well-drafted trusts and wills can lead to family disputes and court battles.
Family Wealth Transfer Myths: Understanding the "shirt sleeves to shirt sleeves" phenomenon and why most financial windfalls don’t last.
Essential Probate Planning Tips:
- The importance of clear communication with beneficiaries.
- How to build trust and prevent disputes before they arise.
- Why documentation is necessary but not sufficient for a smooth wealth transfer.
Breaking Generational Wealth Cycles: Steps families can take to ensure long-term financial stability and harmony.
Resources from Paul
LinkedIn | Sudden Wealth Protection Law | Lasting Wealth: A Revolutionary Method of Family Wealth Transfer | Probate Made Simple
Resources from Mike and Nichole
Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide
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Join us for another exciting episode of The Richer Geek Podcast as we dive into the transformative world of data and technology with Collin Graves, CEO of North Labs, a leading fractional cloud data analytics firm that has helped over 1,000 organizations unlock their potential through data-driven strategies.
If you're curious about leveraging cloud strategies, unlocking AI's potential, or optimizing your data for success, this conversation is packed with valuable insights you won’t want to miss!
In this episode, we’re discussing…
Collin Graves’ inspiring journey from the Air Force to founding North Labs.
The role of cloud data analytics in driving transformative business success.
Insights on AI adoption: the opportunities, pitfalls, and the strategic approach organizations need.
How North Labs helps businesses unlock the power of data for operational efficiency and predictive insights.
The future of AI and its potential impact on industries.
Resources from Collin
LinkedIn | North Labs | Special Audience Giveaway: Build My Data Blueprint
Resources from Mike and Nichole
Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide
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Happy New Year, and welcome back to The Richer Geek Podcast! In this episode, Daniel Barnard, host of CapitalFit and experienced investor, shares tips on raising capital, building networks, and growing your business. With 27 years in the industry, Daniel offers practical advice for entrepreneurs on securing funding and attracting the right partners. Join us as we dive into Daniel’s expertise, his work with startups like MedWatch, and his passion for creating impactful ventures.
In this episode, we're discussing...
The Role of a Connector: Learn how Daniel bridges the gap between founders and investors to fuel business growth.
Capital Raising Insights: Explore strategies for raising capital, from crowdfunding to angel investing, and what it takes to succeed.
Reinvention Through Passion: Discover how Daniel pivoted from a 25-year career in finance to building impactful ventures in MedTech and beyond.
The Power of Intentional Networking: Hear how focus, prayer, and alignment help attract the right opportunities and people at the right time.
Resources from Daniel
LinkedIn | CapitalFit | CapitalFit Podcast
Resources from Mike and Nichole
Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide
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Merry Christmas and welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast! Today, we have a special guest, Joseph LoPresti, a seasoned founder of Arlington Wealth Management with over 39 years of experience in the financial services industry. Joseph is passionate about helping business owners achieve financial security and prosperity. In this episode, Joseph shares his insights on the unique challenges business owners face when it comes to financial planning. He discusses the importance of having a personal CFO, creating a proactive planning team, and leveraging virtual family offices for expert advice. Joseph also talks about his co-authored book, "Exit by Design," which provides a roadmap for business owners to design their ideal exit strategy.
In this episode, we’re discussing:
The Importance of a Personal CFO: Business owners need a dedicated financial strategist to coordinate their personal and business finances, identify overlooked opportunities, and guide them towards their financial goals.
Proactive Exit Planning: Don't wait until the last minute to plan your business exit. Develop a comprehensive exit strategy early on, considering your personal goals, desired lifestyle, and potential transition options.
Leveraging a Virtual Family Office: Gain access to a team of specialized advisors, including tax experts, wealth managers, and legal professionals, without the high cost of a traditional family office.
Achieving Financial Freedom: Define your "freedom point" – the point at which you have accumulated enough wealth to live your ideal life without financial constraints.
Resources from Joseph
LinkedIn | Arlington Wealth Management | "Exit by Design”
Resources from Mike and Nichole
Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide
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Welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast! Today, we have a very exciting guest, Kevin Davis. Kevin's journey began as a recording artist signed with Warner Brothers Records, but his passion for finance led him to Wall Street, where he gained experience as a stockbroker. Seeing a need for accessible investment education, he created Investment Dojo, a gamified stock simulator app that helps people of all ages build confidence in investing. In this episode, Kevin shares his inspiring story, discusses the importance of understanding your investments, and explains how Investment Dojo is empowering families to learn about the stock market together.
In this episode, we're discussing:
Challenging Start: Kevin was kicked out of his house at 17, living place-to-place while juggling part-time work at UPS and college.
Wall Street Entry: Inspired by the movie Trading Places, Kevin began his Wall Street career at Stratton Oakmont after a serendipitous conversation with a neighbor.
Research Skills: Kevin mastered stock research by focusing on free cash flow and business models—skills that became the cornerstone of his success.
Founding Investment Dojo: During his retirement, Kevin recognized the lack of accessible financial education. He founded Investment Dojo to teach others how to research and build wealth.
Education-First Approach: Kevin emphasizes teaching people how to analyze stocks and make informed decisions rather than relying on stock picks.
Resources from Kevin
LinkedIn | Investment Dojo | Who's Your Daddy by Kevin Davis
Resources from Mike and Nichole
Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide
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Welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast! Today, we're joined by Greg Mohr, author of "Real Freedom: Why Franchises Are Worth Considering and How They Can Be Used for Building Wealth." Greg dives deep into the world of franchising, exploring its different forms, investment levels, and how it can be a path to financial freedom.
In this episode, we're discussing:
Diverse Franchise Models: Franchising is not confined to traditional brick-and-mortar brands like McDonald’s or Taco Bell. It spans essential services (e.g., HVAC, plumbing, senior care), boutique fitness centers, and innovative e-commerce or cloud-based franchises.
Investment Ranges and Risks: Initial investments vary significantly. Brick-and-mortar franchises often require $250K+ with higher overhead, whereas service-based or home-run models may start around $150K. Each option presents unique risks and rewards.
Tailored Involvement: Franchising offers flexibility for different involvement levels. Semi-absentee owners typically spend 10–15 hours per week managing finances and overseeing teams. However, thoroughly vetting managers and franchise systems is critical.
Post-COVID Shifts: Investors are increasingly drawn to essential services like home maintenance or tutoring, which remain in demand during economic shifts, rather than high-overhead, location-dependent franchises.
Due Diligence and Strategy: Passion alone doesn’t guarantee success. Prospective franchisees should analyze financial projections (pro forma), assess market potential, and consult existing franchisees about profitability and risks. Collaborating with a franchise consultant, like Greg, can align business goals with the right opportunities.
Resources from Greg
LinkedIn | Franchise Maven | Real Freedom: Why Franchises Are Worth Considering and How They Can Be Used For Building Wealth
Resources from Mike and Nichole
Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide
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Welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast! We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving last week filled with gratitude, good food, and great company. As we dive into December, we're bringing you an exciting discussion about the power of gold in today’s economy.
Today, we’re joined by Dean Heskin, President and CEO of Swiss America Trading Corporation, to explore why gold remains a top safe haven investment. With nearly three decades of expertise, Dean shares his insights on why gold is expected to experience significant gains in the coming years, despite financial instability.
Be sure to check out FAQs About Gold Investing for everything you need to know about making smart decisions in this gold rush.
In this episode, we're discussing:
Soaring National Debt: The U.S. national debt continues to climb, with daily interest payments reaching a staggering $3 billion.
Gold's Bullish Outlook: Economic uncertainty and rising debt are driving predictions of significant growth for gold in the coming years.
BRICS Challenge to the Dollar: The BRICS alliance, with its new gold-backed currency, is poised to disrupt the global financial landscape.
Safeguarding Wealth: As inflation and debt concerns persist, gold is emerging as a popular safe-haven investment for individuals and institutions alike.
Timing Your Gold Investment: Learn why experts believe now is an opportune moment to consider adding gold to your investment portfolio.
Resources from Dean
LinkedIn | FAQs about gold investing
Resources from Mike and Nichole
Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide
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Welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast! Today, we’re diving deep into the transformative world of co-living with Grant Shipman, a leading authority in this booming real estate niche. As the founder of Livingsmith, Grant has achieved an extraordinary 97% lifetime occupancy rate and an average tenant stay of 25.2 months. He shares how a chance discovery and lessons from intentional living communities catapulted him from delivering pizzas to achieving financial freedom in just 15 months.
Discover what co-living truly means, why it’s not just "renting by the room," and how this model combines the best of single-family and multifamily investments. Plus, learn the essentials for creating healthy, thriving shared spaces and how you can turn your properties into cash flow powerhouses.
In this episode, we're discussing:
The Basics of Co-living: Understanding the concept and its advantages over traditional rentals.
Building a Thriving Co-living Community: Tips for fostering positive relationships among residents.
Maximizing Your Investment: Strategies for selecting the right properties and optimizing rental income.
Navigating Legal and Regulatory Hurdles: Staying compliant with local laws and regulations.
Leveraging Technology: Tools and platforms that streamline co-living operations.
Resources from Grant
LinkedIn | The Livingsmith Podcast | LivingsmithPro.com | Co-Living 5 Day Challenge
Resources from Mike and Nichole
Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide
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On today’s episode of The Richer Geek Podcast, we have the extraordinary David Drebin, a multidisciplinary artist working in various art forms, producing limited edition works including Photographs, Lightboxes, Neon Light Installations, Diamond Dust works and more.
David shares his unique approach to empowering individuals to uncover their hidden potential. From his early days as a photographer to his current mission of inspiring others, he offers valuable insights into creativity, self-discovery, and the transformative power of human connection.
In this episode, we're discussing...
The Power of Self-Understanding: David emphasizes the importance of knowing oneself as a foundation for understanding others.
The Creative Process: He discusses the importance of fear and discomfort in the creative process, and how to embrace them to produce groundbreaking work.
Unleashing Your Superpower: Learn how David helps people identify their unique talents and passions through insightful conversations and intuitive understanding.
The Impact of Human Connection: Discover the transformative power of genuine human connection and how it can inspire and empower individuals.
From Park to Broadway: The vision for a global, interactive platform to inspire and uplift.
Resources from David
Instagram | Website
Resources from Mike and Nichole
Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide
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Welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast. Today, we talked to Kevin White, co-founder of Exbo Group, a firm specializing in finance operations, strategy support, and M&A diligence for growth-stage companies. Kevin shares valuable insights on fundraising strategies, financial operations, and M&A diligence.
In this episode, we’re discussing...
The Changing VC Landscape: Learn how the VC landscape has shifted post-pandemic, with a focus on profitability and cash efficiency.
The Role of the Modern CFO: Discover the essential qualities of a modern CFO and how Exbo Group helps companies build strong financial teams.
Fundraising Strategies: Gain practical tips on crafting compelling pitch decks and navigating the fundraising process in a challenging market.
The Importance of Financial Discipline: Understand the critical role of financial discipline in securing investments and achieving long-term success.
The Power of M&A: Explore the strategic advantages of mergers and acquisitions and how to execute them successfully.
The Future of Venture Capital: Gain insights into emerging trends and opportunities in the VC industry.
Resources from Kevin
LinkedIn | Exbo Group | Email
Resources from Mike and Nichole
Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide
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Welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast! Today, we’re joined by Jonathan Blau, founder and CEO of Fusion Family Wealth, a Long Island-based, fee-only registered investment advisory firm. Jonathan shares his expertise on behavioral finance and the techniques he uses to help clients make rational, well-informed financial decisions—even under stressful market conditions.
Jonathan breaks down the psychology behind wealth management, explaining why many investors struggle with emotional decisions and how he guides his clients to avoid common pitfalls. He shares powerful insights on the difference between currency and money, a fundamental concept that can reshape how you view wealth and investment.
Whether you're just starting your wealth journey or looking to refine your approach, this episode is packed with actionable advice that can help you navigate financial decisions with confidence.
In this episode, we’re discussing…
The distinction between "currency" and "money" and why it matters for financial planning.
Emotional Investing is Harmful: Emotional responses to market fluctuations can lead to poor decision-making and significant financial losses.
Focus on Long-Term Goals: Prioritize long-term financial goals over short-term market noise.
Diversification is Key: A diversified portfolio can help mitigate risk and improve overall returns.
Professional Advice: Consider consulting with a financial advisor to develop a personalized financial plan.
Educate Yourself: Continuously learn about personal finance and investing to make informed decisions.
Resources from Jonathan
LinkedIn | Fusion Family Wealth
Resources from Mike and Nichole
Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide
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Welcome back to The Richer Geek Podcast! In today's episode, we are joined by Eric Fiegoli, co-founder of Exbo Group. Since 2017, Exbo has supported over 50 growth-stage companies across industries like software, education, and healthcare. Eric shares his journey from being a senior product manager at Amazon to helping startups scale by offering financial, operational, and strategic expertise. Tune in to learn when to hire a CFO, the benefits of fractional CFOs, and how Exbo guides startups through fundraising and financial planning.
In this episode, we’re discussing…
Eric’s career shift from Amazon to co-founding Exbo Group
Financial Planning for Growth: Understand the importance of financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting for startups at various stages.
The Role of a Fractional CFO: Learn how a fractional CFO can provide valuable expertise and support to growing businesses.
Balancing Growth and Profitability: Discover key metrics to track and strategies to optimize for sustainable growth and profitability.
Navigating the Current Economic Landscape: Get insights into the current state of the VC market and potential trends for 2025.
Building a Strong Financial Foundation: Understand the importance of financial operations and how to avoid common pitfalls.
Resources from Eric
LinkedIn | Exbo Group | Email
Resources from Mike and Nichole
Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide
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Welcome back to The Richer Geek Podcast! In today’s episode, we’re joined by Nicholas Spezio, M&A advisor at Exbo Group, to explore the world of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) for FinTech businesses. Whether you're a founder considering selling your startup or curious about the current M&A landscape, this episode is full of valuable insights you won’t want to miss.
Why You Should Listen:
Are you wondering if now is the right time to sell your FinTech startup?
Confused about how the current M&A environment is affecting valuations?
Worried about navigating the complexities of financial due diligence?
In this episode, we also discuss:
Uncertainty is Always Present: Learn how to adapt and embrace flexible deal structures to mitigate risks in M&A.
Tax and Legal Support is Crucial: Navigate complex tax liabilities and negotiate favorable terms with expert guidance.
Quality of Revenue Matters: Prioritize recurring revenue streams to achieve higher valuations in the sale of your business.
Manage Seller Expectations: Understand current market realities and consider earnouts to maximize future growth potential.
Financial Due Diligence Uncovers Risks: Identify potential tax exposures and negotiate settlements before closing the deal.
Fractional CFOs for Founders: Offload accounting tasks and gain valuable financial insights by utilizing a fractional CFO.
Right Buyer, Right Time: Focus on strategic alignment with buyers to ensure a smooth and successful exit.
Resources from Nicolas
LinkedIn | Exbo Group | Email
Resources from Mike and Nichole
Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide
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Welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast! Today, we dive into the world of salon suite franchises with beauty industry expert Karen Kaminski, founder of Allure Salon Suite Consulting. Karen shares her unique journey from starting in the beauty business to launching and scaling private salon suite facilities across the USA. Whether you're an investor or a beauty professional, Karen offers insights on how the salon suite model provides a profitable, semi-absentee income opportunity. Listen in as she discusses key business strategies, site selection tips, and the booming demand for salon suites in the post-pandemic era.
In this episode, we're discussing...
Recession-proof industry: Beauty services are essential and always in demand.
Salon suite franchises offer a semi-absentee business model with high-profit potential.
Karen Kaminski emphasizes the importance of selecting the right location and understanding local regulations for salon suite setups.
Investors from various industries (not just beauty) are finding success in this business model.
Salon suites cater to independent beauty professionals, helping them grow their businesses in a more flexible and profitable environment.
Karen shares her method of reducing upfront investment costs by negotiating tenant improvement (TI) money with landlords.
Resources from Karen
LinkedIn | Allure Salon Suite Consulting | Karen's Email
Resources from Mike and Nichole
Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide
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We welcome back Jacob Vanderslice, Principal of VanWest Partners, a Denver-based real estate firm managing over $195 million in assets. Jacob discusses the challenges of today’s real estate market, from rising interest rates to shifting investor sentiment. He shares strategies for managing risk, the effects of market fluctuations on self-storage investments, and how VanWest uses conservative underwriting to stay resilient. Tune in for his insights on the state of real estate, the bid-ask spread, and the importance of conservative leverage in today's economy.
In this episode, we're discussing...
Challenges in the Market: Jacob discusses the difficulties faced in capital raising due to rising interest rates and how they’ve impacted real estate transactions.
Risk Mitigation: VanWest Partners takes a conservative approach to underwriting, ensuring their models account for possible market fluctuations.
Investor Sentiment: The episode covers the shift in investor behavior, with many opting for safer investments like treasury bonds over riskier real estate projects.
Bid-Ask Spread: Jacob highlights the gap between buyer and seller expectations, particularly in self-storage and other asset classes, as interest rates affect asset valuations.
Self-Directed IRAs: Learn how investors can use self-directed IRAs to invest in private real estate vehicles and the tax implications of using retirement accounts versus cash.
Resources from Jacob
LinkedIn | VanWest Partners | Jacob's Email
Resources from Mike and Nichole
Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide
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Welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast. Today, we have Ben Fraser, CIO of Aspen Funds, discussing their unique approach to investing. Aspen Funds focuses on "Macro-Driven Alternative Investments," leveraging macro trends to identify opportunities across various asset classes.
In this episode, we're discussing...
Aspen Funds leverages macro trends: They analyze the big picture to identify long-term tailwinds and invest in asset classes positioned to benefit.
Investment diversification: They invest in a variety of asset classes including real estate debt, private credit, industrial development, and oil & gas.
Oil & Gas as an Opportunity: While the current administration prioritizes renewable energy, Ben Fraser argues that limited supply and increasing demand will drive oil prices higher in the coming years.
Impact of Inflation & Interest Rates: Ben discusses the potential for higher interest rates for longer and the implications for commercial real estate.
Investing During Uncertain Times: While the market may be volatile, downturns can present opportunities for investors with a long-term perspective.
Resources from Ben
LinkedIn | Aspen Funds | Invest Like A Billionaire Podcast
Resources from Mike and Nichole
Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide
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Do you feel like your money narrative is holding you back? In this episode of The Richer Geek Podcast, Amy Cook, financial advisor and founder at Maven Lane Financial Group, shares insights on how your money narrative can impact your financial decisions. She discusses how to build lasting legacies through effective financial planning strategies, overcome your money narrative, find the right financial advisor, and start planning for your future. You'll also learn tips for talking to aging parents about their finances and how to create a plan for your children's education. Whether you're just starting out or looking to elevate your finances, this episode is packed with valuable information.
In this episode, we're discussing...
Financial planning is a process, not a one-time event.
Your money narrative can shape your financial decisions.
It's important to find a financial advisor you trust and feel comfortable with.
When talking to aging parents about their finances, start by offering to meet with their advisor.
Consider creating a master binder with important financial documents and information.
There are different levels of financial planning available, depending on your needs.
Starting early with college planning can help offset the costs.
Financial success is a marathon, not a sprint. Don't get discouraged if you don't make progress overnight.
Resources from Amy
LinkedIn | Maven Lane Financial Group | Money Narrative
Resources from Mike and Nichole
Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide
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Welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast! In today's episode, Andy Lee, the Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Parallaxes Capital, joins us to discuss his journey into capital investment and the founding of Parallaxes Capital, the only asset manager dedicated solely to Tax Receivable Agreements (TRAs). They explore the emerging world of TRAs, a unique asset class gaining popularity in major IPOs like GoDaddy and Shake Shack. Andy explains what TRAs are, how they function, and why they're becoming an essential tool for companies going public. He also addresses some common misconceptions about TRAs and shares how Parallaxes Capital is educating and providing liquidity to TRA holders.
In this episode, we’re discussing…
Introduction to TRAs: Learn about Tax Receivable Agreements, a growing asset class used by companies during IPOs to create long-term cash flows similar to royalties.
History and Evolution: Andy explains how TRAs evolved, comparing them to other asset classes like mineral and air rights, highlighting their hidden value.
Opportunities and Criticisms: Discover the benefits TRAs provide to founders and shareholders, along with some common criticisms, such as the perception that they mainly benefit company insiders.
Parallaxes Capital’s Role: Understand how Parallaxes Capital supports TRA holders by providing liquidity and educating them on the value of their assets.
Investment Insights: Insight into how TRAs create uncorrelated returns, making them an attractive option for investors seeking diversification beyond traditional assets.
Resources from Andy
LinkedIn | Parallaxes Capital
Resources from Mike and Nichole
Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide
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