Exit Rich...Retire Free Podcast

Many entrepreneurs dream of selling their business but rarely think about what comes next. After years of hard work, they find themselves unsure how to replace the income, identity, and purpose their company once provided.

Without a plan, selling your business can feel less like a victory and more like an identity crisis. You go from being the decision-maker to asking, what now? The truth is, financial freedom isn’t automatic—it’s something you have to build intentionally.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel talks with Ian Noble, founder of RunSteady Investments, about how he sold his family business, diversified into real estate, and built a life centered around time freedom and family. Ian shares what he learned from selling a seven-figure business, how he helps other entrepreneurs invest passively in real estate, and why your post-sale plan matters just as much as your exit strategy.

Key Takeaways:

• Why Ian bought his father’s business, went millions into debt—and made it thrive.

• The lessons he learned from selling his company and transitioning to passive income.

• How to build wealth outside your business through real estate and lending funds.

• The importance of running your business like you plan to sell it.

• Why most business owners are their own bottleneck.

• How to diversify cash flow without taking on another “job.”

• The tax advantages and lifestyle perks of passive real estate investing.

• Why mindset—not money—is the biggest barrier to true freedom.

About the Guest:

Ian is the founder of RunSteady Investments. He brings with him the experience of owning a small business in Austin, Texas consisting 14 locations and over 90 employees. After 14 years, he successfully exited the service industry business in 2023. Now, his sole focus is on helping people passively invest in real estate with mobile home parks and private lending funds. Ian brings 10+ years of experience as an active investor in the Austin real estate market and in Colorado. His portfolio includes residential and commercial properties. He also passively participates in various syndications as a Limited Partner in mobile home parks, self-storage facilities, private lending, and debt funds.

Ian earned his degree in economics from the University of Texas. He and his wife Lauren live in Austin, TX with their three children. In his free time, he enjoys running marathons and international travel.

Links:

Free Passive Investing in Real Estate Cheat Sheet: https://go.runsteadyinvestments.com/freedom-nation-podcast

Join My Passive Investor Mailing List: runsteadyinvestments.com/investor-club

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/iannoble1/

Instagram: @ian_invests

Fast Five Questions

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “Stick to what you know. If I had $500, I’d go buy a power washer, post a few free ads, and start washing driveways. Do something familiar with a quick return—get your hands dirty and get moving.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Not partnering. I was selfish early on and wanted everything for myself. I missed opportunities and wisdom from other smart people. Now I seek out the brightest in the room and hire top talent—it keeps you in the game longer.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Who Not How—it reframes your mindset from ‘How can I do this?’ to ‘Who can do this for me?’ And Buy Back Your Time—it helps you put a dollar value on your time and eliminate $10 tasks when you’re worth $500 an hour.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “My virtual assistant in the Philippines. She’s incredible—handles admin better than I could and frees me up to focus on growth. Fractional and virtual talent is the secret weapon for small businesses.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “The ability to wake up any day and set your own schedule. To work when you want, be with your kids, take vacations, or go for a run in the middle of the day. Freedom isn’t money—it’s time and choice.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

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

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

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In a world of rising inflation and crumbling currencies, traditional investments feel increasingly risky. For decades, people have relied on fiat money—yet history proves that every unbacked currency eventually fails. So, what happens when the dollar loses its dominance?

Financial uncertainty isn’t just about markets—it’s about control, fear, and freedom. The money system affects every part of our lives, from our groceries to our government. Yet, most people have no idea how deep the problem goes or how to protect themselves from what’s coming next.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with David Morgan, founder of The Morgan Report and one of the most respected voices in the precious metals industry. Known as “The Silver Guru,” David shares his journey from pilot and engineer to financial educator and author, revealing why all fiat fails, how to invest intelligently in metals, and why real freedom starts with financial independence.

Key Takeaways:

• How David’s curiosity about money as a kid turned into a 25-year career in finance.

• Why fiat currency systems always fail—and why this time isn’t different.

• The role of gold and silver as the ultimate “money of last resort.”

• The smart way to invest in mining stocks without gambling.

• How to hedge against inflation and build real, tangible wealth.

• Why integrity and ethics matter in the financial world.

• The real reason digital currencies are rising—and what dangers they bring.

• How self-responsibility and mindset determine financial success.

• Why his new documentary Silver Sunrise explores the spiritual and emotional impact of money.

About the Guest:

David Morgan is one of the world’s most trusted voices on precious metals, macroeconomics, and the silent storm building beneath the financial system. As a strategist with over four decades of experience,

he has guided thousands of investors through the fog of fiat currency, market manipulation, and debt-driven illusion.

He publishes The Morgan Report, authored The Silver Manifesto, and is frequently featured on major media outlets and financial documentaries, including the Four Horsemen film.

But David’s mission goes far beyond the financial markets. He challenges the mainstream narrative and encourages audiences to see beyond political spin, economic distraction, and digital overreach. His upcoming documentary Silver Sunrise confronts the erosion of liberty through centralized monetary control. David teaches people how to think—not what to think—empowering them with clarity, humility, and context in an increasingly complex and confusing world.

Links:

https://www.themorganreport.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedavidmorgan/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I’d break it into five categories. Probably invest a hundred in an option trade on the metals market, use the rest for transportation and old-school resumes. Then I’d contact my network online, consult, and be back on my feet in a month.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Trusting the wrong people—especially in startups. You don’t realize how risky they are until you’ve given time, energy, and money to something that turns out to be a scam.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “My own book, Fiat Fails. It’s about integrity in the monetary system and why reforming money is essential for humanity’s future.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Camtasia. It lets me turn complex financial ideas into clear visuals. A picture really is worth a thousand words.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Freedom is living in a voluntary system—financially, politically, spiritually. It’s about keeping promises, doing no harm, and living by your word.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

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

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Too many business owners are trapped inside their own companies. They’ve built successful operations, but instead of owning a business, they’ve just created a stressful job — one they can’t step away from without everything falling apart.

Without an exit plan or systems in place, owners risk burnout, financial loss, and missed opportunities. Many believe their business is worth millions — but when it depends on them for everything, that value disappears overnight.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Rafael Pinho, co-founder of TD Pine Advisors and a former CFO turned entrepreneur, to talk about exit strategy planning and building transferable business value. Rafael shares his journey from Brazil to Texas, from corporate finance to entrepreneurship, and how he now helps business owners turn “jobs” into true assets that can run — and sell — without them.

Key Takeaways:

• Why most small businesses aren’t truly sellable — and how to fix that.

• The difference between business valuation and transferable value.

• How to create systems so your business can run without you.

• The biggest mistakes owners make when trying to sell.

• How family succession plans can destroy business value if ignored.

• The mindset shift needed to go from employee → business owner → asset owner.

• Why business owners must “work on their business, not in it.”

• How TD Pine Advisors helps entrepreneurs scale and prepare for exit.

• The power of budgeting and financial discipline for freedom.

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “You move to America at 46 with nothing. You start a knowledge business — just like we did. All you need is a laptop, your brain, and your network. It’s about helping business owners become ‘medium-aires,’ not just making billionaires richer.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “I’ll borrow my partner Brandon’s: growing a family business 4x, but losing it due to poor succession planning. That destroys value — and it’s my mission to make sure that never happens again.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “The Bible. It’s the ultimate business manual. Also: How to Think Like a Roman Emperor for mindset, Getting to Yes for negotiation, and Grit by Angela Duckworth for perseverance.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “ChatGPT — it’s been our Employee of the Month for 13 months straight. It saves hours of work if you feed it right.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Having options. Owning your time. Freedom comes with stewardship — using your time wisely and giving back to your community.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

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

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Most people work their entire lives chasing wealth—only to realize too late that money alone doesn’t bring happiness or security. They’re financially busy but emotionally broke, unsure how to align their money with the life they actually want.

Without clarity and purpose, wealth becomes another burden. Families drift apart, burnout sets in, and people reach their “Freedom Day” only to ask, “Now what?” Many never discover that true financial success isn’t just about the balance sheet—it’s about building a rich life as well as a rich bank account.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Dr. Nicholas E. Michels, wealth manager and author of Rich by Choice. Nick shares his emotional journey from childhood financial hardship to helping others live intentionally and confidently with money. He breaks down how to create a personal wealth plan centered on purpose, faith, and family—and why understanding your “why” is the secret to lasting happiness and freedom.

Key Takeaways:

• How a childhood experience of financial loss shaped Dr. Michels’ mission to help others.

• Why wealth management should start with your why, not your portfolio.

• The six pillars of his Elite Wealth Management Process—from investment consulting to impact giving.

• How intentional family activities can create lasting memories and connection.

• The power of the “rocking chair test” for designing your dream life.

• How to reframe your money mindset to become rich in life, not just rich in cash.

• Why AI is a powerful assistant—but not a replacement—for expert advice.

• How to use financial planning as a foundation for joy, generosity, and freedom.

• Why true happiness comes from building toward goals, not just achieving them.

•

About the Guest:

Dr. Nicholas E. Michels is Amazon’s bestselling author, public speaker, and elite wealth strategist with almost two decades of experience guiding thousands toward financial happiness. As founder of Michels Family Financial and creator of the “Rich by Choice” movement, Dr. Michels combines his doctorate in business, advanced psychology training, and financial expertise (CFP® - CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER, CPWA® - CERTIFIED PRIVATE WEALTH ADVISOR Designation, NSSA® - NATIONAL SOCIAL SECURITY ADVISOR) to help people align their money with what matters most—purpose, joy, and legacy. Having walked the path from hardship to success, he now dedicates his life to equipping others to build the life they dream of—on their terms, by choice.

Links:

https://richbychoicebook.com/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “My wife and I have a nonprofit where we teach high school kids about money and life. I tell them I can be a millionaire in any industry. I’d start by reading the top 10 books in that space, then interview people already successful in it. Learn from them—success leaves clues.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Grinding too hard early on instead of acting like I was already running a $50 million company. I wish I had been more strategic earlier.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “The Bible—especially Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. They transform how you see business, life, and success.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “AI. Used responsibly, it’s a game-changer for efficiency and creativity.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Doing more of what you love with the people you love—when you want, where you want.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

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

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Many professionals and investors want to build passive income through real estate but end up overwhelmed—spending too much, managing the wrong properties, and becoming accidental landlords instead of financial freedom seekers.

They chase “hot markets,” listen to bad advice, and ignore the systems that actually build wealth. The result? Burnout, negative cash flow, and the mistaken belief that real estate “doesn’t work.” Most people never realize that the key to sustainable real estate freedom lies in performance-driven turnkey investing—not just location or luck.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Dr. Axel Meierhoefer, founder of Ideal Wealth Grower and a passionate real estate mentor. A former German Air Force pilot turned U.S. entrepreneur, Dr. Axel shares how he built his freedom empire through turnkey investing, mentoring high-earning professionals (HENRYs), and preparing for a world where AI and automation change everything. You’ll learn the three pillars of successful turnkey investing, the mindset of a “king of your empire,” and why performance—not geography—should drive your portfolio decisions.

Key Takeaways:

• Why “high-earning, not rich yet” professionals need a real estate plan.

• The three pillars of turnkey investing: construction, sales network, and property management.

• How to identify trustworthy turnkey providers and avoid overpriced properties.

• Why performance matters more than location in building true wealth.

• How Axel’s mentoring program helps investors build clusters—not chaos.

• The mindset shift from employee to “king of your empire.”

• Why property management is an investment, not an expense.

• How U.S. mortgage and depreciation systems offer unique advantages over other countries.

• Axel’s predictions on AI, $1-an-hour labor, and the new global economy.

• Why freedom means control—over your time, income, and values.

About the Guest:

As a retired Air Force officer, Axel started his first company in 2005, focusing on consulting, employee skill development, and program management. These areas remain in place these days and have grown internationally. He has always had a love for education and helping people help themselves become successful.

As a business owner, he began thinking about applying profits towards retirement, and research indicated that owning tangible assets would be the best way. It’s also the path that the government supports the most, which led him to develop a residential real estate portfolio worth about $1.5 Million. It’s still growing, and many lessons learned are now available for him to teach, coach, and mentor people.

On his journey, he has made many relationships, learned about the pitfalls of purchases, and made good and bad decisions that ultimately reached economic independence.

Links:

https://idealinvestorshow.com/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “If I know what I know today, I would probably start investing. There are some AI companies growing 100 % a year—if you double that every year, it doesn’t take long before you can build from it.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Starting to invest too late.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “The Wealthy Gardener by John Zoforic—he wrote it for his son to instill financial wisdom. And another one for today’s world: Stellar by Tony Siba.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Google Calendar. My wife, assistant, and I all share it—everything from dinner to interviews. It keeps life and business running efficiently.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “The ability to do with my time what I’m passionate about.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

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

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Transitioning from military to civilian life can be one of the hardest challenges veterans face. Many leave service with leadership skills, discipline, and purpose but without clear direction on how to manage their finances or build long-term stability.

Thousands of veterans struggle with underutilized benefits, financial stress, and uncertainty about how to translate their service into financial success. Even worse, they often fall prey to bad habits—overspending, underinvesting, or simply not planning for the future.

In this inspiring episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Joshua Brooks, U.S. Army veteran, chaplain, and founder of Exponential Advisors. Joshua shares his incredible 20-year journey from infantry to chaplaincy to entrepreneur and how his mission today is helping veterans achieve ethical, sustainable, and explosive financial growth. You’ll hear how his firm provides elite wealth management for accomplished Army veterans, why faith and finance go hand-in-hand, and how he’s using social media and creativity (yes, even freestyle rap!) to reach his audience.

Key Takeaways:

• How Joshua went from 20 years in the Army to launching his own financial advisory firm.

• Why veterans need personalized financial planning that honors their benefits and sacrifices.

• The secret to transitioning from service to entrepreneurship with purpose.

• How Joshua is partnering with top marketers like Nick Meyer and Nate Hoskin to grow through social media.

• Why ethical, faith-driven business models can create sustainable wealth.

• How he’s integrating tools like Notion 3.0 and ScoreApp for efficiency and client readiness quizzes.

• The lessons from military life—discipline, faith, and consistency—that apply to wealth building.

• Why “alignment of faith, family, and service” defines true freedom.

• How content, community, and creativity (yes—rap bars included!) are transforming his outreach.

About the Guest:

Joshua Brooks founded Exponential Advisors, a financial planning firm dedicated to helping families and organizations secure their financial futures through innovative strategies. With over 20 years of Army service, including deployments as an infantry Soldier during Operation Iraqi Freedom and as a chaplain in Operation Inherent Resolve, Joshua combines military discipline and faith-based values with advanced financial tools like Bitcoin and AI to create tailored solutions for his clients.

A seasoned global traveler, he has visited countries across five continents, enriching his perspective and approach to problem-solving. Joshua is a devoted husband to Stephanie and a proud father to four sons, including Hudson, named after missionary Hudson Taylor. Beyond his professional and family life, Joshua’s creative flair shines through his freestyle rap, inspired by legends like Wu-Tang Clan and Jay-Z, reflecting his energy and passion to every aspect of his life.

Links:

https://www.exponentialadvisors.net/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “What I’m going to do is build a community. You want to build an audience, create quality content—not just AI-generated work slop—and run free workshops for vets to add value, build trust, and then monetize with planning packages for accomplished Army veterans.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Overcomplicating it. Too many tools, too many projects. Sometimes you just have to keep it simple. KISS—keep it simple.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “The One Page Marketing Plan. You can have the best product or service, but if you’re not getting your message and value proposition out there, your clients won’t know you exist.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Notion 3.0. It’s my life operating system—integrates business, home, and projects all in one place. It keeps me organized and improving.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Freedom is alignment of faith, family, and service. It’s peace plus purpose—not just money or work optional—but all things coming together in balance.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

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

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Millions of kids struggle with dyslexia and reading, yet most school systems are failing them. Even with record-high spending per student, literacy rates are collapsing, leaving children—and their parents—frustrated and hopeless.

Parents are told to wait it out, spend thousands on testing, or accept special education programs that rarely work. Meanwhile, teachers are overwhelmed, students lose confidence, and future opportunities slip away. Add in the rise of AI and a changing job market, and the gap between prepared and unprepared students is widening every day.

In this inspiring episode, Jeff Kikel speaks with Russell, founder of Dyslexia Classes, who has spent decades refining a proven method that helps kids master reading and writing faster than most schools ever achieve. Russell explains how his process—built on the Craft of Research—is changing lives, how AI can actually support education when used right, and why even non-professional educators (like parents) can succeed where institutions fail.

Key Takeaways:

• Why literacy rates are collapsing despite record-high school spending.

• How Russell’s “flip articulation by word analysis” breakthrough makes dyslexia solvable.

• Why non-professional educators (like moms) can succeed more than specialized schools.

• How AI can help kids (and professionals) accelerate learning—not replace it.

• Why teachers can still assign essays if kids are taught to “show their work.”

• The massive opportunity for students who become “AI seniors” quickly.

• How states like New York are failing to implement affordable solutions.

• The importance of sequencing learning differently—not inventing from scratch.

• Why personal responsibility and creativity are key for future success.

About the Guest:

Russell Van Brocklen, widely known as The Dyslexia Professor, is dedicated to transforming daily reading frustrations into confident academic wins for students with dyslexia. His mission is to equip parents, tutors, and teachers with the tools to help struggling learners significantly improve comprehension, writing, and organizational skills.

As someone who is dyslexic himself, Russell deeply understands the pain, shame, and challenges that often accompany the condition. He also recognizes the financial and emotional strain it can place on families searching for answers and support. While working at the Research Foundation of the State University of New York, he contributed to extensive research, which, combined with his own experiences and years of working with students and families across the country, led him to develop a unique system for teaching writing skills.

Links:

https://dyslexiaclasses.com/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “First thing I do is, ’cause I’m dyslectic, I buy the professional version of ChatGPT. Otherwise, I’m literally useless. Then I’d take what I know, immediately find some clients I could work with, and just keep reinvesting it.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “I decided to take eight years off to figure out how to take this from super motivated kids to typical kids. That took me eight years. The result was flipping articulation filed by word analysis to word analysis filed by articulation. So simple, but it cost me years.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “By far, the most popular one: Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination. Walt Disney was dyslexic, and this book shows the universal themes behind Disney magic that kids can apply to anything.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “ChatGPT Pro. As a dyslectic, it’s like having a superpower. I’ve been more productive in the last month with GPT-5 Pro than in the last 10 years.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Freedom is being able to get up and do what you want that fulfills you and helps others. But it also means being realistic—healthcare costs, inflation, and living choices matter. You need consistent income streams, not just savings.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

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

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

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Many entrepreneurs build businesses only to hit a wall. Growth stalls, burnout creeps in, and despite all the hard work, the business feels more like a trap than a path to freedom.

It’s a frustrating cycle—owners pour themselves into operations, avoid narrowing their niche, and get stuck doing work that doesn’t align with their strengths. The result? A profitable business that still leaves its owner feeling drained, directionless, and disconnected from their true purpose.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel talks with Christian Brim—CPA, podcaster, and now self-styled “Profit Prophet”—about how he rebuilt his firm by embracing EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), niching down to creatives, and shifting his mindset from features and benefits to solving emotional needs. Christian shares his journey of stepping away, burning out, and ultimately coming back stronger by redefining success and focusing on what really matters.

Key Takeaways:

• Why Christian left his accounting firm, started a software company, and eventually returned with a new vision.

• How implementing EOS transformed his leadership and business growth.

• The power of narrowing your niche—and why creatives became his firm’s focus.

• Why clients don’t buy “bookkeeping and taxes,” but instead a feeling of control around money.

• How to avoid the trap of being the bottleneck in your own company.

• Why screening clients for mindset and willingness to change is essential.

• Christian’s new brand as “The Profit Prophet” and why clarity beats complexity.

• His creative side project: writing a historical fiction love story about the Choctaw Nation.

About the Guest:

Christian Brim, CPA, brings a wealth of experience and a deeply personal mission to his work in helping business owners with their finances. With over 25 years of experience, his background in both personal and professional finance, as well as his own family's experience with bankruptcy, gives him a unique perspective and empathy for his clients.

Links:

https://christianbrim.com/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I think it would be doing what I’m starting to re-doing, which is go and help business owners get stuck. My niche is entrepreneurs that have success, but then they’re stuck at that level. That’s what I would do.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Functionally, it is getting in my own way. Practically, it was hanging on too long to the sales and marketing seat. I wasn’t the right person, but I didn’t let go until it cut down to the bone.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Besides the Bible: The E-Myth, Scaling Up by Vern Harnish, Traction by Gino Wickman. Also Confessions of a Pricing Man, Alchemy by Rory Sutherland, and Greatness Cannot Be Planned.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “I’ve tried a lot of AI tools, but what I’ve leaned into is relearning coding—not to code myself, but to understand software development better and work with people who do.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “My initial answer is in Christ. But secularly, freedom is knowing why you’re doing what you’re doing. Not just following expectations. It’s having both money and time to do what you’re called to do, under the umbrella of your purpose.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

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

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Many mid-career professionals dream of leaving the 9–5 grind, but the fear of starting a business from scratch holds them back. Creating systems, building operations, and taking on risk can feel overwhelming.

This fear keeps people stuck—working long hours for someone else’s dream, instead of building their own. Too often, people dive into the wrong franchise, like restaurants, without understanding the razor-thin margins and lifestyle demands. The result? Burnout, financial strain, and disappointment.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with James Hilovsky, franchise consultant and founder of The Fran Dream. With over 20 years inside the franchise world—supporting openings, operations, and franchisees—James reveals how franchising can be the ultimate “business in a box” when done right. He explains what makes a good franchise fit, common mistakes people make, and how to choose a path that builds wealth, freedom, and legacy.

Key Takeaways:

• How James went from Del Taco corporate to scaling Pyology from 1 to 100 locations.

• Why not all franchises are created equal—and why restaurants are often the riskiest.

• The benefits of working with a franchise consultant vs. going it alone.

• How to choose franchises that fit your lifestyle, goals, and risk tolerance.

• Why mindset and willingness to “bet on yourself” are the key traits of successful franchisees.

• The step-by-step process of evaluating, funding, and validating a franchise.

• Why support from franchisors and fellow franchisees makes all the difference.

• The truth about margins, training, and why some businesses are better avoided.

About the Guest:

James is a former minor league baseball player who knows firsthand what it’s like to face the question, “What’s next?” After his time in professional sports, he transitioned into the restaurant industry, steadily working his way up through the ranks. Yet, even after years of climbing the corporate ladder, he held onto a bigger vision owning something of his own.

That pursuit led James into the world of franchising, where he discovered his passion: helping others make the leap into business ownership. Today, he guides aspiring entrepreneurs, former athletes, and career professionals through the process of finding the right franchise to match their goals, lifestyle, and investment level. He represents more than 400 brands across industries such as kids’ education, fitness, senior care, home services, and beyond.

In addition to supporting new franchise owners, James also partners with independent business owners who want to scale their companies by turning them into franchise models.

Whether someone is transitioning from sports, seeking a way out of the corporate grind, or simply exploring entrepreneurship, James brings a unique perspective and real-world insight into what it takes to succeed in franchising and how to build a business that truly works for one’s life.

Links:

https://www.thefrandream.co

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I would use my knowledge on my laptop to start conversations right away—reaching out to my network, creating quick content, connecting with franchisors. Conversations become candidates. Networking and relying on my network would get me back up.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “In corporate, it was playing office politics instead of standing by what I knew was best for my team. As an entrepreneur, it was losing focus on customers—the main thing is always the main thing.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? "Big Money Energy by Ryan Serhant. “It’s all about how to dominate at life, how to use your network, and build both your business and others’ at the same time.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “ChatGPT—I use it to rewrite every email and text I send. It makes sure every message is right before it goes out.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Gratitude and generosity are the gateway to freedom. Freedom is being in a career where you have time to enjoy life—watch your kids grow, catch a game, make memories. Nobody says on their deathbed, ‘I wish I worked another day.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

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

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

We spend more hours than ever glued to our screens—and our eyes are paying the price. From dry eye to macular issues, the digital age is creating new vision problems we never faced before. Yet, most people ignore it until it’s too late.

If you’ve ever ended the day with tired, burning eyes, struggled with blurred vision after long Zoom sessions, or watched your kids glued to their iPads, you know this isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a health crisis. Traditional solutions like vitamins, glasses, or eye drops often get ignored, leaving millions vulnerable.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Dr. Roger Wu, an eye doctor and serial entrepreneur who created iDrink—a science-backed beverage designed to fight digital eye strain. Dr. Wu shares how he went from frustration in his practice to launching a “Gatorade for your eyes,” why blue light is more dangerous than you think, and how he’s scaling a wellness product in an entirely new industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Why digital screens are causing dry eye and macular damage in younger patients.

• The science behind iDrink, and why hydration and omega-3s are key for eye health.

• How Dr. Wu pivoted from medicine to entrepreneurship—despite having no beverage background.

• Why “premium ingredients” matter when building a wellness product.

• The cultural shock of moving from healthcare into the slow-paced beverage industry.

• How iDrink is rolling out—from optometry practices to trade shows, and eventually into Whole Foods and beyond.

• Why investors in healthcare see massive opportunity in eye wellness products.

• The long-term vision: scaling globally while protecting proprietary manufacturing methods.

About the Guest:

Dr. Roger Wu is a board-certified optometrist who has spent more than two decades helping people see the world more clearly. When smartphones and constant screen time became the norm, Dr. Wu noticed a new wave of complaints in his clinic—burning, gritty “computer eyes,” blurry vision after endless Zoom calls, and early signs of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).

Recognizing that screens were here to stay, he set out to do more than prescribe eye drops and tell patients to blink. Partnering with nutrition scientists, he created The Eye Drink—a ready-to-drink, fruit-flavored beverage that delivers AREDS2 nutrients plus highly absorbable, plant-based (triglyceride-form) Omega-3s. In a 90-day pilot study with real patients, every participant’s macular pigment optical density—a key marker of retinal health—improved, while dry-eye symptoms fell.

Links:

https://theeyedrink.com/

Fast Five Questions

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? "I probably look for an optometrist’s job opening locally first. Start working for someone, and then either during lunchtime or after hours try to explore other opportunities. That’s what I would do, start saving up enough money."

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? "Not raising enough money for my previous startup. People told me not to start until I had $7–7.5 million raised, but we started with less than $200,000. We had a unique algorithm, but when the pandemic hit, we didn’t have enough funding to survive."

3. What is a book that you would recommend? "Blue Ocean Strategy—definitely one of my favorites. Also Patrick Bet-David’s book, Your Next Five Moves."

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? "That’s tough—I’m a workaholic. I get up at five, answer emails. Honestly, if there was an AI that could respond to emails for me, that would be fantastic."

5. What is your definition of freedom? "Freedom means I can do whatever I want—legally, of course. If I wake up with an idea, I want the financial resources and time to pursue it. For me, freedom is the ability to create, build, and do what I want without limits."

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

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

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.