In this episode of the BigMikeFund Podcast, Big Mike chats with Delta Captain James Reeman from a sunny Hawaii layover. Drawing parallels between high-stakes fighter pilot missions and savvy investing, James shares aviation's "threat brief" for risk mitigation—identifying pitfalls, prepping contingencies, and debriefing lessons to avoid repeats. From commanding F-16s and a Space Force squadron to mentoring pilots on tax-efficient diversification (beyond 401(k)s into alternatives), he stresses fulfillment over achievement: "Wealth is for enjoying life." As a new grandfather in Colorado, James reflects on family traditions, financial education gaps, and giving back via the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. Ideal for high earners seeking disciplined, gratitude-fueled strategies amid market cycles—discover how "earning your keep" in turbulence builds lasting security.HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE0:00 - Welcome to the BigMikeFund Podcast

0:19 - Guest Intro: James Reeman

0:37 - Holiday Recording: Christmas Gratitude & Service Thanks

1:02 - Hawaii Layover: Job Perks of Food, Hikes & Red-Eye Flights

1:20 - Career Journey: F-16s, Space Squadron Command to Delta

2:24 - Flying-Investing Parallel: Earn in Challenges, Prep for Worst

3:11 - No Catastrophe Option: High-Stakes Parallels in Aviation & Business

3:38 - Family Roots: 3 Kids, Aviation Tradition & New Grandparent

4:30 - Wings Over the Rockies: Inspiring Youth in Aerospace

5:43 - Chess Analogy: Prep, Execute & Debrief for Continuous Learning

6:13 - Risk Management: Identify Threats, Mitigate & Debrief Missions

8:49 - Debrief Power: Learn from Wins/Losses to Refine Processes

10:11 - Leadership Evolution: Ego in Fighters vs. Diverse Space Teams

12:59 - Space Force Explained: From Air Force Roots to Satellite Defense

14:20 - Satellites' Role: GPS Timestamps Power Global Commerce

17:48 - Blackouts Impact: Critical Systems Halt Modern Life

18:28 - Pilot Coaching: Taxes as Top Expense, Diversify Beyond 401(k)s

20:18 - Financial Gaps: Schools Skip Money Management Education

23:21 - Pilots' Habits: Index Funds, Cash Balance Plans & Alternatives

26:53 - Reversion to Mean: Bulls/Bears Demand Diversification

29:42 - Evolution to Fulfillment: Service, Gratitude Over Achievement

31:52 - Connect with James

33:22 - Giving Back: Helping Others as Life's Guiding Light

If you found this episode substantial and want to dig deeper into real estate, or maybe you want to discover better investment opportunities, be sure to check out www.tempofunding.com.CONNECT WITH US:Website: www.tempofunding.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnJkdVoOsUy85ydkmot9iVA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mzlotnik/Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/TFmanagementgroup/?_rdc=1&_rdr

X: https://twitter.com/management_tf

CONNECT WITH THE GUESTInstagram: @f16pilot

James' Favorite Charity: https://wingsmuseum.org/

Website: https://www.jamesreeman.com/

Full Transcript:Mike Zlotnik (00:04.952)

Hi folks, this is Big Mike, Mike Zlotnik. Welcome to the BigMikeFund Podcast. And today my guest is James Reeman. Hi James, how are you, sir?

James Reeman (00:14.47)

Big Mike, doing great. Merry Chris...