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Cut The Tie Podcast with Jason VanDevere
What happens when the family business is your “golden ticket”—but not your dream? In this episode of Cut The Tie, Thomas Helfrich sits down with Jason VanDevere, entrepreneur, creator of the Goal Crazy planner, real estate investor, and author of Dream Driven.
Jason shares how he walked away from a fourth-generation car dealership legacy to build something of his own: a business that helps people clarify goals, make plans, and execute daily. From designing a paper planner in a digital-first world, to building a subscription model, to publishing his new book, Jason’s story proves that cutting the tie to expectation can open the door to true ownership—of your career, your time, and your life.
About Jason VanDevere
Jason VanDevere is the founder of Goal Crazy, a 90-day planner designed to help people set meaningful goals, make daily progress, and hold themselves accountable. What began as a side project has grown into workshops, courses, coaching programs, and now his new book, Dream Driven, which guides aspiring entrepreneurs in finding the right business idea, validating it, and launching it with confidence. Alongside his business, Jason has built a portfolio of rental properties and, most importantly, a life centered on his wife and three young children.
In this episode, Thomas and Jason discuss:
Key Takeaways
Connect with Jason VanDevere
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonvandevere/
🌐 Goal Crazy (90-Day Planner): https://goalcrazy.com
Connect with Thomas Helfrich
🐦 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/thelfrich
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/
🌐 Website: https://www.cutthetie.com
📧 Email: [email protected]
🚀 Instantly Relevant: https://instantlyrelevant.com
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Support the show
https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie
Send us Fan Mail
Cut The Tie Podcast with Laurie Jane Roth
What happens when talented professionals keep getting passed over despite great résumés? In this episode of Cut The Tie, Thomas Helfrich talks with Laurie Jane Roth, founder of The Inside Game and a 25-year IT recruiting veteran. Laurie reveals the real reasons candidates fail interviews, why soft skills outweigh technical skills, and how she helps mid-career executives stop feeling invisible and start landing offers.
About Laurie Jane Roth:
Laurie Jane Roth built her career in IT recruiting, spending 25 years at the decision table hearing what hiring managers really say. Today she leads The Inside Game, where she coaches professionals—from college grads to executives—on how to interview with confidence, stand out in a crowded market, and win roles others can’t. With deep insider perspective and proven coaching methods, Laurie helps candidates cut ties with defeat and rebuild their path to success.
In this episode, Thomas and Laurie discuss:
Key Takeaways:
Connect with Laurie Jane Roth:
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-jane-roth-084769/
🔗 The Inside Game on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/www.dsn-it.com/
Connect with Thomas Helfrich:
🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/thelfrich
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutthetiegroup
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/
🌐 Website: https://www.cutthetie.com
✉️ Email: [email protected]
🚀 InstantlyRelevant: https://instantlyrelevant.com
Support the show
https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie
Send us Fan Mail
Cut The Tie Podcast with Faris Alami
What does it take to rebuild your life—then turn that grit into a mission that helps others do the same? In this episode of Cut The Tie, Thomas Helfrich sits down with Faris Alami, founder of International Strategic Management (ISM), to unpack a journey that spans fleeing war, navigating years of immigration uncertainty, and ultimately creating programs that help underserved entrepreneurs start and scale real businesses. Faris’s philosophy—start where you are—isn’t theory. It’s the playbook he lived, and now teaches across communities from small-town Michigan to emerging markets around the world.
About Faris Alami
Faris Alami is the founder of International Strategic Management (ISM), where he and his team design and deliver entrepreneurship and small-business development programs for communities worldwide—especially underserved and underrepresented groups. Drawing from his lived experience as a refugee and immigrant, Faris equips founders to move from idea to execution through practical strategy, relationship building, and his Resiliency Canvas framework.
In this episode, Thomas and Faris discuss:
Key Takeaways
Connect with Faris Alami
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farisalami
🌐 International Strategic Management (ISM): https://myisminc.com/
Connect with Thomas Helfrich
🐦 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/thelfrich
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/
🌐 Website: https://www.cutthetie.com
📧 Email: [email protected]
🚀 Instantly Relevant: https://instantlyrelevant.com
Support the show
https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie
Send us Fan Mail
Cut The Tie Podcast with Christian Ray Flores
What happens when you stop aiming for the crowded middle and build a brand that’s truly you? In this episode of Cut The Tie, Thomas Helfrich talks with Christian Ray Flores—entrepreneur, former international pop artist, and founder of Xponential Life—about cutting ties with safety, creating on demand, and pricing your value at the premium it deserves. Christian unpacks how to mine your story (even the hard parts) into a differentiated personal brand that attracts the right clients.
About Christian Ray Flores
Born in Chile and raised across Africa and Europe, Christian witnessed civil war, economic collapse, and oppressive systems—experiences that forged his obsession with autonomy, mastery, and purpose. He became a top-charting pop artist across 15 countries, then transitioned into startups, media, and philanthropy in the U.S. Today he coaches founders, creators, and executives to build premium personal brands through Xponential Life, while sharing frameworks via his newsletter and podcast, Exponential Edge. His throughline: turn your history—gifts, scars, and all—into fuel for meaningful work.
In this episode, Thomas and Christian discuss:
Key Takeaways
Connect with Christian Ray Flores
🚀 Xponential Life (Coaching): https://www.xponential.life/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianrayflores/
Connect with Thomas Helfrich
🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/thelfrich
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutthetiegroup
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/
🌐 Website: https://www.cutthetie.com
✉️ Email: [email protected]
🚀 InstantlyRelevant: https://instantlyrelevant.com
Support the show
https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie
Send us Fan Mail
Cut The Tie Podcast with Brandy Lawson
What happens when a thriving craft business gets stuck on outdated tools and habits? In this episode of Cut The Tie, Thomas Helfrich talks with Brandy Lawson, founder of FieryFX, about helping kitchen & bath designers modernize with AI, apps, and better systems—without the fluff. Brandy shares how to embrace change (even when you hate it), implement only what moves the needle, and fire the work that quietly bleeds profit.
About Brandy Lawson
Brandy Lawson is the founder of FieryFX, an innovation consultancy that helps kitchen & bath designers streamline with AI, automation, and practical app stacks. A former big-tech pro turned agency owner, Brandy blends no-BS coaching with hands-on systems to deliver measurable impact. She prioritizes what works, ditches what doesn’t, and guides teams through the human side of change so improvements actually stick. Her five-minute business podcast distills strategy into action for busy owners.
In this episode, Thomas and Brandy discuss:
Key Takeaways
Connect with Brandy Lawson
🌐 Website: https://fieryfx.com
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandylawson/
Connect with Thomas Helfrich
🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/thelfrich
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutthetiegroup
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/
🌐 Website: https://www.cutthetie.com
✉️ Email: [email protected]
🚀 InstantlyRelevant: https://instantlyrelevant.com
Support the show
https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie
Send us Fan Mail
Cut The Tie Podcast with Kevin Weir
What happens when fear of sales, fear of risk, and fear of decisions hold you back from your calling? In this episode of Cut The Tie, Thomas Helfrich sits down with Kevin Weir, business coach with ActionCOACH Business Coaching, to talk about cutting ties with false security, overcoming fear, and learning that success comes from clarity, commitment, and consistent execution.
About Kevin Weir:
Kevin Weir began his career through ROTC and the Army, expecting a 30–year military career. After the Cold War ended, he pivoted into corporate America—only to realize it wasn’t aligned with his purpose. Today, as a coach with ActionCOACH in Spokane, Washington, Kevin helps small and medium-sized business owners build companies that thrive without them. With a balance of teaching, motivation, and accountability, he empowers owners to break cycles of fear and excuses while scaling sustainably.
In this episode, Thomas and Kevin discuss:
Key Takeaways:
Connect with Kevin Weir:
🌐 Website: https://www.kevinweir.com
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinweir
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/actioncoachspokane
Connect with Thomas Helfrich:
🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/thelfrich
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutthetiegroup
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/
🌐 Website: https://www.cutthetie.com
✉️ Email: [email protected]
🚀 InstantlyRelevant: https://instantlyrelevant.com
Support the show
https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie
Send us Fan Mail
Cut The Tie Podcast with Devon Gummersall
What happens when early success makes you think the road will always be easy—until it isn’t? In this episode of Cut The Tie, Thomas Helfrich sits down with Devon Gummersall, former teen star of My So-Called Life turned director and founder of Authentic Content Productions. Devon shares the highs and lows of Hollywood, the painful lessons of waiting for permission, and why building financial stability outside the industry gave him the creative control he always wanted.
About Devon Gummersall
Devon Gummersall launched his career as an actor at 14, starring in the iconic series My So-Called Life. After two decades of acting in television and film, he pivoted to directing and writing, leading feature films, television episodes, and eventually branded content. Today, through his company Authentic Content Productions, he helps brands—from startups to Microsoft—tell cinematic, authentic stories. His journey highlights the same truth entrepreneurs face: reinvention and ownership are the only way to thrive.
In this episode, Thomas and Devon discuss:
Key Takeaways:
Connect with Devon Gummersall:
🌐 Website: https://authenticcontentprods.com
📸 Instagram (Devon): https://www.instagram.com/devon_gummersall/
📸 Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/authentic_content_prods/
Connect with Thomas Helfrich:
🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/thelfrich
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutthetiegroup
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/
🌐 Website: https://www.cutthetie.com
✉️ Email: [email protected]
🚀 InstantlyRelevant: https://instantlyrelevant.com
Support the show
https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie
Send us Fan Mail
Cut The Tie Podcast with Erich Archer
What happens when a longtime TV producer discovers generative AI and feels the same spark he once had as a college soccer player? In this episode of Cut The Tie, host Thomas Helfrich talks with Erich Archer, a Massachusetts-based television producer turned AI creator, about cutting ties with limits, rediscovering creativity, and why AI is changing the way stories are told.
From network television in New York and LA to running a local nonprofit station, Erich spent two decades building a career in media. But it wasn’t until he dove into AI video production that he found his passion reignited. He shares how creative control has become his new definition of success—and why AI is both disrupting and expanding the future of film, TV, and content.
About Erich Archer
Erich Archer is a television producer and creative director with over 20 years of experience across sports, music, reality TV, and nonprofit community media. Today, he is focused on generative AI video production, creating end-to-end projects, consulting with businesses, and teaching others how to integrate AI into their creative processes. He is the founder of CGA Creative and shares his work and insights on LinkedIn.
In this episode, Thomas and Erich discuss:
Key Takeaways
Connect with Erich Archer
🌐 Website: https://www.cgacreative.com/
📎 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericharcher
Connect with Thomas Helfrich
🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/thelfrich
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutthetie
📎 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfich
🌐 Website: https://www.cutthetie.com
📧 Email: [email protected]
🚀 Instantly Relevant: https://instantlyrelevant.com
Support the show
https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie
Send us Fan Mail
Cut The Tie Podcast with Brian Keltner & Francesca Kenney
What happens when two co-founders build multiple ventures without ever meeting in person? In this episode of Cut The Tie, host Thomas Helfrich sits down with Brian Keltner and Francesca Kenney, co-founders of ELEV8ORS, to talk about how they’re reinventing networking.
From nearly choking on their first phone call together to launching a global B2B community in just 8 weeks, Brian and Francesca share how they help entrepreneurs shift from “me, me, me” pitching to relationship-first ecosystems. Their secret? Small groups of 8, immersive environments, and a culture of listening for impact.
About Brian & Francesca
Brian Keltner and Francesca Kenney are the co-founders of ELEV8ORS, a virtual B2B networking company built on the principle of elevating others. With decades of combined experience in marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship, they designed ELEV8ORS as an antidote to pitch-fests—focusing instead on authentic relationships, structured agendas, and immersive virtual spaces. Their mission is simple: help entrepreneurs build meaningful networks that grow businesses faster.
In this episode, Thomas, Brian, and Francesca discuss:
Key Takeaways
Connect with Brian & Francesca
🌐 Website: https://elev8ors.net
📎 LinkedIn (Brian): https://www.linkedin.com/in/briankeltner1/
📎 LinkedIn (Francesca): https://www.linkedin.com/in/francescakenney/
Connect with Thomas Helfrich
🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/thelfrich
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutthetie
📎 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfich
🌐 Website: https://www.cutthetie.com
📧 Email: [email protected]
🚀 Instantly Relevant: https://instantlyrelevant.com
Support the show
https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie
Send us Fan Mail
Cut The Tie Podcast with Steven Puri
What if the biggest tragedy in life isn’t failure, but never trying? In this episode of Cut The Tie, host Thomas Helfrich sits down with Steven Puri, founder of The Sukha Company, to talk about cutting ties with safe paths, failed ventures, and the weight of other people’s opinions.
From winning an Academy Award for Independence Day’s visual effects, to launching companies that failed, to building Sukha—a flow state app that helps people focus—Steven shares his journey of reinvention and resilience. He shows why success is about doing the thing you’re capable of, not just scrolling your life away.
About Steven Puri
Steven Puri is the founder of The Sukha Company, where he helps people enter flow state, eliminate distraction, and do their best work. Before building Sukha, Steven worked as a senior executive at Fox and DreamWorks, produced digital effects on more than a dozen films (including True Lies and Independence Day), raised over $20M in venture capital, and launched three companies—one successful exit, two failures. His mission today is simple: help people unlock their potential and finish the work that matters.
In this episode, Thomas and Steven discuss:
Key Takeaways
Connect with Steven Puri
📎 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-puri/
🌐 Website: https://www.thesukha.co/
📧 Email: [email protected]
Connect with Thomas Helfrich
🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/thelfrich
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutthetie
📎 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfich
🌐 Website: https://www.cutthetie.com
📧 Email: [email protected]
🚀 Instantly Relevant: https://instantlyrelevant.com
Support the show
https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie
From the publisher's feed
Cut The Tie and Own Your Success reveals how high performers think, decide, and overcome obstacles—so you can apply one actionable idea each week.
Each short episode (<10…
Insights focus on four areas where people “cut ties”: Finances, Relationships, Health, and Faith.
Guests span operators and outliers—CEOs, entrepreneurs, executives, athletes, creators, scientists, and community leaders—people who’ve cut real ties and can show you how.
Do this next
Own your success.
Cut the tie.
Thomas Helfrich
Host & Founder