Starting or scaling a business can be overwhelming—especially when financing is part of the equation. But if you’re in New Jersey, help might be closer than you think.

In this episode of I Hope This Helps, we sit down with Neil D. Caesar from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) to break down what the NJEDA does and how it can support small businesses across the state.

We cover what it takes to qualify for NJEDA funding, the key differences between a state loan and a traditional bank loan, and the kinds of grants and resources available to entrepreneurs. Neil even shares a powerful success story about helping a local tool business secure the financing needed to move into a new facility.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to grow, this episode is packed with valuable insight for any New Jersey business owner.

Now streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.And if nothing else… I Hope This Helps.

From blind-emailing record labels to moving to NYC with $1,500, no job, and an unpaid internship—Shaun Copeland’s journey is anything but typical.

In this episode of I Hope This Helps, Shaun—founder of JustCope LLC—shares how getting fired from his first internship, working in the music industry, and managing restaurants eventually led him to entrepreneurship.

We dive into how the pandemic became a turning point, and how he built a thriving video production, photography, and social media business from the ground up.

If you’re on the fence about creating content for your brand, this one’s for you.

Now streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

And if nothing else… I Hope This Helps.

For More Information:

Shaun Copeland-JustCope LLC www.justcopellc.com

Erick Silva-https://linktr.ee/Ihopethishelpspodcast

https://www.prmg.net/loanofficer/erick-silva/

When we talk about real estate, the focus is often on North Jersey—but this week, we’re heading down the shore.

In this episode of I Hope This Helps, Danielle Coyle joins us to share insights from her 20+ year journey selling homes along the Jersey Shore.

Danielle shares how she followed in her mother’s footsteps into real estate—only to realize she wasn’t ready at first. After exploring other career paths and becoming a mother herself, she found her way back—and built a thriving business along the Jersey Shore.

We talk about what makes Jersey Shore real estate unique, how she built and leads a team of 11, and the role marketing and AI now play in the buying process. Danielle also offers practical advice for anyone dreaming of a beach home—whether it’s for summer rental income or making lifelong family memories.

Now streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
And if nothing else… I Hope This Helps.

For more information about Danielle Coyle click the link below. https://go.daniellecoyle.com/links

They say you should never talk about religion or politics… but today, we’re breaking one of those rules.

In this episode of I Hope This Helps, I sit down with Al Barlas, Republican member of the New Jersey General Assembly representing the 40th Legislative District, for a wide-ranging and eye-opening conversation.

We dive into what separates Democrats from Republicans, how New Jersey handles its budgeting, regulations, and pension fund, and why so many residents are leaving the state in search of more affordable living. Al shares his perspective on why states like Florida can operate without an income tax—and whether that’s even possible for New Jersey.

We also talk about where real help is needed most, what can actually be done to make a difference, and what’s at stake in the upcoming election.

Whether you're passionate about politics or just want to understand how decisions in Trenton affect your everyday life, this episode delivers clarity, context, and a fresh perspective.

Now streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
And if nothing else… I Hope This Helps.

For more information about Assemblyman Al Barlas, you can visit his official website at albarlas.com or his legislative profile at the New Jersey Legislature.

Ever tried logging into your cable or streaming account while traveling? Blake Crawford built the tech that made that possible—and even won an Emmy for it.

In this episode of I Hope This Helps, we sit down with Blake Crawford, Co-Founder and CTO of Fusion Collective, to dive deep into the world of artificial intelligence—how it’s being built, how it thinks, and where it’s headed.

We explore how AI processes and generates responses, whether it’s truly safe for kids, and what responsibilities developers have when building AI tools. Blake breaks down the implications for data privacy, the legal grey areas around copyright and content ownership, and most importantly, how AI is impacting the job market. His take is clear: AI won’t take your job—but someone who knows how to use it might.

Blake brings a rare mix of technical expertise and real-world insight to this fast-evolving topic. Whether you’re curious, cautious, or already using AI in your day-to-day, this conversation offers clarity, perspective, and plenty to think about.

Tune in now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

And if nothing else… I Hope This Helps.

If you want to find out more information about Blake and Fusion Collective check out the link below.

www.fusioncollective.net

In this episode of I Hope This Helps, we sit down with Erik Mattsson of Mattsson Roofing, who just marked 7 years in the roofing and restoration business.

What started as a summer job during his time at the University of Delaware—where he planned to become a psychiatrist—turned into a full-blown entrepreneurial journey. Erik shares how he traded textbooks for tool belts, how he reimagined door-knocking without the cheesy name tag and polo, and the lessons he’s learned from working with customers over the years.

Oh, and we can’t forget the day he fell in love… and off a roof.

We also get into real, no-BS advice for homeowners: how to tell when you actually need a new roof—and how to spot when someone’s just trying to cash in on your leak.

Whether you're a homeowner or an entrepreneur in the making, this episode is packed with hustle, humor, and hard-earned insight.

And if nothing else I Hope This Helps!

In this episode of I Hope This Helps, we sit down with Joaquim “Jack” Ferreira, owner of Cornerstone Realty Associates and a true leader in the revitalization of Newark, NJ.

Jack shares his journey through real estate and construction — from his early beginnings to becoming a major force in rebuilding the city he proudly calls home. We dive into how he got started, his first deals, the challenges of construction and development, and his inspiring vision for Newark’s future.

If you’re passionate about real estate, construction, community growth, or making an impact where it matters most—this episode is for you.

Sit back, enjoy—and if nothing else, I Hope This Helps

*At 39:22 it is Lionsgate coming to Newark, not Netflix

In this episode of I Hope This Helps, I sit down with Ryan Goldsmith, Northeast Regional Manager at PRMG, to break down the mortgage business—from his early start in the industry to high-level leadership.

We talk about the “sky’s the limit” mindset, setting client boundaries, time management, and the nonstop pace of the industry. Ryan shares insights on recruiting, mentorship, and what makes PRMG stand out from the top down.

Packed with real talk, leadership gems, and growth mindset—this one’s for the hustlers.

And if nothing else… I Hope This Helps.

To Find out more about Ryan Goldsmith click the link below.

https://prmg.net/ryan-goldsmith/

Welcome to the premiere episode of I Hope This Helps — the podcast where real stories meet real-life lessons to help you navigate the twists and turns of life.

Our very first guest is John Vieira — entrepreneur, father, friend, and a man who’s built his life around one powerful idea: freedom over finances.

In this episode, John breaks down why he walked away from the 9-to-5 life, how the tax system is built to benefit business owners, and why true wealth is measured in time, not dollars.

He also shares what he tells his clients about smart investing, gives his unfiltered take on cryptocurrency, and poses a question that’ll make you think: How can we fully trust a country that’s trillions in debt?

This episode is loaded with gems, perspective, and the kind of insight you didn’t know you needed—plus a whole lot more.

So hit play, lean in, and if nothing else… I Hope This Helps.

If you want to find out how to invest in your future reach out to John below.

Personal CFO Solutions

https://personalcfosolutions.com

Welcome to I Hope This Helps is a podcast by Erick Silva featuring real conversations, inspiring stories, and helpful insights to guide you through life’s twists and turns. And if nothing else… I hope this helps.