On this episode of the Higher Expectations Podcast with the Higher Advantage Real Estate team, Ron Hier sits down with longtime Antelope Valley entrepreneur Chris Spiker of Antelope Valley Florist to talk small‑business grit, community pride, and saying it with flowers. Chris shares the Spiker family’s AV roots (since 1953), how he took over the shop in 1974, and why that Avenue J marquee has become a local landmark. They also swap stories about big gigs (including the 1984 LA Olympics parties and Rose Parade float work), the realities of modern flower sourcing (hello, DoorDash), and what it takes to stand out in real estate- paperwork, professionalism, and doing the right thing every time. Plus: the origin of “AV Nice,” favorite local adventures, and why the Antelope Valley is still home.

If you’re buying or selling, or just love good business stories you’ll get practical insights, local history, and a fresh dose of positivity.

Guest info:
Antelope Valley Florist - avflorist.com • (661) 948‑6006 • 1302 W Ave J, Lancaster, CA

For higher expectations and higher standards, choose Hier Advantage Real Estate

https://sco.ca.gov/search_upd.html

On this episode of the Higher Expectations Podcast with the Hier Advantage Real Estate team, Ron Hier sits down with estate‑planning attorney Andrew Ward of Thompson Von Tungeln to demystify trusts, wills, and probate, what they are, how they differ, and when you really need them. Andy shares practical, real‑world guidance from decades of helping families protect what they’ve built.

You’ll learn:

• Why a revocable living trust helps families avoid California’s costly, slow probate process

• The role of pour‑over wills, successor trustees, and proper asset titling/beneficiaries

• Must‑have documents: durable financial power of attorney, advance health care directive, HIPAA release

• When to review and update your plan (Andy recommends every 3 years)

• How to structure inheritances for asset protection and to support children with unique needs

• Common pitfalls with old 1990s trusts, tax‑exemption changes, and “too‑good‑to‑be‑true” bargain plans

• Bonus: finding unclaimed funds and why a trusted team (attorney + CPA + advisor) matters

Andy also shares community work through Rotary and invites listeners to free monthly estate‑planning seminars. If you’re a homeowner, parent, or small‑business owner, this conversation will help you get organized, avoid headaches, and give your family peace of mind.

From the biggest tax mistakes people make to when it’s time to hire a CPA, Anthony shares clear, actionable advice you can use before the next filing season. You’ll hear simple explanations of rental property depreciation, cost segregation, and bonus depreciation, how realtors can treat rentals as an active trade or business, and why LLCs (vs. S‑corps) often make more sense for real estate holdings. We also cover 1031 exchanges, the role of trusts in asset protection and estate planning, and smart ways affluent families use gifting and charitable trusts to build generational wealth... plus a few surprising (but legal) deductions along the way.

You’ll learn:

• The most common errors on business and personal returns, and how to avoid them

• A simple framework for deciding when to bring in a CPA

• How to use depreciation, cost seg, and bonus depreciation to reduce taxes on rentals

• The basics of 1031 exchanges and choosing the right entity for real estate

• Estate‑planning moves (gifting, medical/tuition payments, charitable remainder trusts) that can protect your legacy

If you’re buying, selling, or investing, or just want to keep more of what you earn, this episode is packed with practical takeaways.

Connect with our guest:
Bruneau & Associates, CPAs - 661‑952‑5476 • brco.cpa

From Pizza Ovens to Open Houses: Ron & Michael on the Realities of Today’s Market

On this episode of the Higher Expectations Podcast from Higher Advantage Real Estate, owner and broker Ron Hier sits down with his son Michael for a candid, two‑mic conversation. Ron shares his entrepreneurial path, from running a beloved deep‑dish pizza franchise in the ’90s to navigating the foreclosure era, earning his broker’s license, and building a family‑run brokerage devoted to client care. Michael brings a brain‑science lens (cognitive & behavioral neuroscience) to decision‑making in real estate, why buyers buy, why sellers say yes or no, and how expectations shape negotiations.

You’ll hear practical, story‑driven insights on:

• Market stalemate dynamics: sellers anchored to low rates, buyers chasing value, and what “flat” really means.

• Inventory & affordability: how today compares to 2009 and why new construction matters.

• Interest rates 101: real payment math, refi lessons, and why timing matters.

• Fire insurance realities in SoCal: zones, fair‑plan combos, and how premiums change the math.

• Foreclosure/REO basics: notice of default, courthouse auctions, and what “turnkey” truly means.

• Long‑term mindset: avoiding panic selling and understanding cycles.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or just market‑curious in the SFV and greater LA area, this episode blends real data, field experience, and human psychology.

In this episode of the Higher Expectations Podcast, Ron Hier sits down with longtime friend and Edward Jones financial advisor Steve Angebrandt for a wide-ranging, down-to-earth conversation on building wealth, planning for retirement, and creating financial stability at any stage of life.

From his early days in janitorial sales to becoming a trusted financial advisor, Steve shares his personal journey and the key lessons that helped him, and his clients, find financial freedom. Whether you're just starting out or nearing retirement, you'll gain practical, actionable tips on:

• Budgeting and zero-based planning

• Saving strategies by decade (20s, 30s, and beyond)

• Retirement accounts: Roth IRA vs Traditional IRA vs SEP & Simple IRAs

• How to think about REITs, diversification, and risk

• Real estate as part of your investment strategy

• Why it’s never too late (or too early) to start

• How often you should actually review your portfolio

You’ll also hear thoughts on market cycles, crypto investing, and the wisdom behind “Vegas money.”

This is a must-listen for anyone wanting to grow their financial confidence and live life intentionally.

Contact Steve Angebrandt:📍 Edward Jones – 4435 Lowtree Ave Lancaster, CA (Avenue J & Lowtree)📞 (661) 940-5624

For real estate guidance in Southern California, contact The Hier Advantage.
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In this powerful episode of Higher Expectations with The Hier Advantage, hosts Michael Hier and Josh Vigil sit down with Alex Perez the owner and head instructor of Forge Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Van Nuys. From a chess-obsessed kid in the SFV to founding one of the most respected jiu-jitsu academies in the Valley, Alex shares his incredible journey through wrestling, judo, corporate life, and ultimately into building a school rooted in discipline, empathy, and community.

We talk about the mental and physical grind of jiu-jitsu, overcoming trauma, how to break through plateaus, and the unexpected way coaching changed Alex’s life. He dives into his coaching philosophy, warm-up debates, recovery culture (cold plunges and all), and his approach to training students of all backgrounds.

Whether you're a martial artist, coach, or just someone chasing growth, this episode will leave you fired up.

🔗 Connect with Forge BJJ: @forge_brazilianjiujitsu
🎙️ Follow us for more interviews with coaches, business owners, and community leaders across SoCal.
📲 Need help buying or selling real estate in SoCal? Text or DM us, we got you.

In this heartwarming and unforgettable episode, we sit down with Caryl Hier, the beloved matriarch of the Hier family, to reflect on a life filled with wisdom, resilience, and generosity.

Joined by Ron, Josh, and Michael Hier, Caryl shares stories that span over a century of family history; from homesteading in the Antelope Valley in the 1890s to life on the ranch, raising cattle and turkeys, and eventually finding peace by the ocean in Carpinteria.

We talk about:

• Growing up during WWII and driving tractors at age 12

• The family's deep agricultural roots and almond farming legacy

• Her 22-year impact at Paraclete High School and the 2,000 students who still call her “Mom”

• Acts of kindness that come full circle, even during natural disasters

• Her world travels, community service, and how she stays sharp and active in her 80s

Caryl’s life is a living testament to the power of kindness, hard work, and staying young at heart. This is more than an interview, it’s a conversation filled with laughter, love, and life lessons for every generation.

💬 “Kindness never goes out of style.” - Caryl Hier

In this episode of the Higher Expectations Podcast, hosts Ron, Michael, and Josh sit down with the energetic and insightful Billy Fairchild of Consumer’s Title. From flipping burgers at In-N-Out to becoming one of Southern California’s most trusted title reps, Billy shares his journey into the world of real estate, the importance of title insurance, and how his customer-first mindset has set him apart in the industry.

We dive deep into:

• What title insurance actually covers

• Common issues like liens, judgments, and title fraud

• How to avoid costly probate with a trust

• Why Billy’s client service is unmatched

Whether you're a homebuyer, seller, or real estate professional, this episode is packed with value and real talk about protecting one of your biggest investments.

📩 Connect with Billy Fairchild:📧 Email: [email protected]📧 Work Email: [email protected]📞 Phone: (661) 713-5841🔗 Consumer’s Title Company: https://www.ctccal.com

🎙️ For higher expectations and higher standards, choose The Higher Advantage.

In this episode of Higher Expectations with The Hier Advantage, we sit down with Irvin Pacheco founder of Inview Media and a standout creative force in the Antelope Valley. From his early beginnings to becoming the go-to media company in the area, Irvin shares his entrepreneurial journey, creative philosophy, and the hustle behind building a brand from the ground up. We dive into friendship, business challenges, and what it really takes to stay inspired while chasing your vision. Whether you're a creative, an entrepreneur, or just love a good story, this episode will hit home.

Our Hosts Ron, Josh, and Michael give a quick dive into their backgrounds, what makes them unique, and what they want to share with everybody over the course of the podcast! They will be focusing on personal growth, positivity, success, and entertainment. They will be hosting guests on the show from all walks of life, but all will have stories and knowledge to share.