In this episode, host Aaron Gordon sits down with legendary New York City real estate broker Bob Knakal to explore the mindset and work ethic that have driven his decades-long success. Bob shares the unexpected start of his career, the importance of discipline, and how he overcame early naysayers, including his own father. The conversation explores how technology has transformed the real estate industry, the enduring value of relationships and grit, and why persistence, or 'pounding the rock,' is key to achieving breakthrough moments. Bob also discusses his new book, "Selling Buildings," and leaves listeners with motivational wisdom to maximize both their careers and lives. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to define their hustle and achieve lasting success.

Get To Know Bob Knakal Bob Knakal has been a broker in NYC since 1984. Over that time, he has brokered the sale of over 2,349 buildings, having a market value of approximately $22 billion.

For 26 years (1988-2014), he owned and ran Massey Knakal Realty Services, which sold more than three times the number of properties as the #2 firm in NYC from 2001 to 2014. Running the firm with a Servant Leadership management style, focusing on empowering everyone on the team, intensely training them, and building their self-esteem led to this overwhelmingly dominant platform. The firm was sold to Cushman & Wakefield in 2014 for $100 million.

The Massey Knakal Legacy is illustrated by the fact that today in the New York City investment sales market, there are 29 companies, or divisions of companies, that are either owned by, or run by, folks who learned the business at Massey Knakal.

Bob is a prominent thought leader in the commercial real estate business, frequently writing about the market, lecturing on the market and appearing on podcasts and national television shows on networks like Fox, CNBC and MSNBC.

Recently, Bob started BKREA, an investment sales and capital markets brokerage firm in New York City which will blend best-in-class analog data sets with artificial intelligence technologies to create a new brokerage firm for a new era.

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Buy Bob's Book Selling Buildings: Maximizing Profits 

3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Discipline Drives Success: Bob Knakal emphasizes the fundamental importance of discipline and persistence in achieving long-term goals, particularly in sales and entrepreneurship. His analogy of "pounding the rock" reminds listeners that consistent, unglamorous effort is often what leads to breakthrough moments - success doesn't happen overnight but is earned blow by blow.

2. Adapt and Leverage Technology: The episode addresses the significant changes technology has brought to business, particularly in commercial real estate. Bob emphasizes that while the fundamentals of the business remain the same, embracing new tools and adapting to the evolving landscape is essential to stay productive and competitive. Technological advances have made individuals more efficient, and those willing to evolve can seize greater opportunities, even outside of large firms.

3. Define Your Own Hustle: Both Aaron and Bob stress that true meritocracy is found when individuals define their own version of success and hustle towards it—whether that's building a business, pursuing sales, or another passion. The episode encourages listeners to identify their unique goals, ignore naysayers, and recognize that meaningful achievement comes from following one's own aspirations, not societal expectations.

Show Overview: 00:00 Evolution of Real Estate Careers

06:05 Dad's Pride in My Success

08:20 Success Beyond Dollars

11:32 Technology's Impact on Society

14:03 Big Firms' Relevance Diminishing

17:45 Persistence Pays Off

21:28 Productive Callback Strategy

24:24 Data Integrity Challenges in Real Estate

27:16 Knakal Knuggets: Universal Sales Lessons

In this episode of Keep Hustling, host Aaron Gordon sits down with energetic entrepreneur Kristen Clark to explore embracing authenticity and living limitlessly. Kristen shares her journey of unapologetically being herself, letting go of assumptions, and resisting the urge to conform to limiting beliefs. She discusses how manifestation is not something you do, but something you are, challenging listeners to question their own limitations and embrace new states of being. With insightful analogies and practical wisdom, Kristen inspires listeners to celebrate themselves, step into the present moment, and become the frequency to which life responds. Don't miss this thought-provoking, motivational conversation that's all about defining your unique hustle and breaking free of self-imposed boundaries.

Get To Know Kristen Clark Kristen Clark is a speaker, author, and metaphysical thought leader known for her bold, paradigm-shifting insights. She is the author of two books, Living From The Gush and 3, 2, 1 No More Pain, and has been featured on numerous podcasts, including The Slamming Door Sessions, Beyond the Leading Edge, and Dearly Not So Departed.

As the founder of Me-taphysical Speaking, Kristen delivers live talks, podcast appearances, and transformative events that challenge the status quo of manifestation, metaphysics, and what it truly means to be infinite. She doesn’t just challenge perspectives—she dismantles illusions and breaks reality wide open.

Her philosophy is simple yet radical: Manifestation isn’t something you do. It’s something you are. Her work dismantles limiting beliefs and invites audiences into a reality where physical existence is infinite, death is a fallacy, and you are the true source of everything.

One of her most powerful success stories includes helping a client - paralyzed after four strokes and told he would never walk again - regain mobility within four months and return to independent living within a year.

Find her and all her powerful material on Facebook, Instagram, Medium, YouTube, and her website at clark-kristen.net Check Out Kristen's Books Here

3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Celebrate Authenticity: Kristen Clark illustrates the power of being unapologetically yourself, both personally and professionally. By refusing to dampen her natural energy or split her personality between work and life, she shows that embracing your true self is not only invigorating but essential to inspiring others and finding deep fulfillment.


2. Redefine Limiting Beliefs: Throughout the conversation, Kristen challenges listeners to question their assumptions and recognize that limitations often come from within. By seeing every moment as a fresh opportunity and understanding that foundational beliefs can be shifted at any time, she teaches the importance of shedding self-imposed restrictions to unlock new possibilities.


3. Live from Being, Not Doing: Drawing a distinction between manifesting as an action versus a state of being, Kristen highlights that meaningful change comes from embodying the reality you desire rather than constantly seeking how to "do" it. Listeners are encouraged to recognize the natural shifts in their "state"—like being a parent or a partner—and realize they are always manifesting simply by existing, bringing intentionality into who they are rather than just what they do.


Show Overview: 00:00  I Am Unapologetically Myself 

05:55  Living in the Present Moment 

09:00  Embrace Moment Amidst Life's Complexity 

11:25  Imagining Nonexistence: Impossible Challenge

14:40  Stuck in the Do Reality

17:50  Endless Creation and Exploration

20:38  Balancing Limitations and Growth

23:21  Breaking Limits with Original Thought

In this episode, Aaron Gordon sits down with Aaron Pisano, mortgage expert and creator of “The Advice Your Dad Never Gave You.” They dive deep into the evolving challenges of homeownership, discussing the changing realities of the American dream, shifting financial strategies, and the importance of financial education—especially for first-time buyers. Pisano shares insights from his own journey growing up in Queens with a single mother, the lessons he hopes to pass on as a father of four, and actionable advice for young people looking to build wealth through real estate. The conversation also explores balancing hustle with family life, generational perspectives on money, and why it’s crucial to make informed choices about debt, mortgages, and personal finance. Don’t miss this practical, motivational conversation full of real-world tips for hustlers at any stage of life.

In this episode, Aaron Gordon talks with coach and educator Nigel Romany to explore what it really means to define your own hustle and greatness. Nigel shares how his journey as a coach was inspired by his own upbringing and his father's example, emphasizing the life lessons that sports and community offer beyond just winning. The discussion dives into why young people and adults alike must set personal standards of greatness—no matter how big or small—and the power of permitting yourself to stand out. Nigel opens up about his personal struggles, how loss inspired transformation, and why authenticity matters. The episode is packed with actionable insights on resilience, the value of failure, and finding fulfillment through community and self-defined goals.

Get To Know Nigel Romany Nigel Romany is a dedicated professional speaker, author, and transformation specialist who has devoted his career to empowering and inspiring the youth of today. With over 18 years of experience within the Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board, Nigel has developed exceptional leadership skills as an Elementary School Teacher, playing a crucial role in shaping the minds of future generations.

In addition to his teaching role, Nigel has made a significant impact as a Youth Basketball Coach, where he has honed a unique approach to team dynamics and individual mentorship. His ability to foster group cohesiveness while promoting personal development is a testament to his commitment to the growth of young individuals.

As a professional speaker, Nigel captivates audiences with his dynamic presentation style and his profound understanding of youth dynamics. He excels in connecting with athletes and teenagers alike, motivating them to unlock their personal greatness through process-driven strategies. Nigel's passion and dedication to driving positive change make him a sought-after voice in the realm of youth education and leadership.

LinkedIn Website Buy Nigel's Book

3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Define Your Own Hustle: Embrace the idea that greatness isn’t one-size-fits-all. Nigel and Aaron highlight the importance of setting your own goals and measuring success by personal milestones—not by someone else’s standards or the scoreboard.

2. Community Builds Resilience: Whether through sports, arts, or any group activity, real growth often comes from being part of a community. Nigel illustrates how shared experiences on teams and in group settings foster communication, trust, and the lifelong bonds that help you through adversity.

3. Fail Forward and Let Kids Struggle: Letting yourself, and your kids, fail is key to building grit and courage. Nigel encourages parents and coaches to challenge young people, give them opportunities to excel, and not clear every obstacle from their path. True confidence comes from overcoming failure, not avoiding it. Show Overview: 00:00  Inspirational Guest with Unique Hustle 03:04  Coaching Beyond Wins 09:34  Unexpected Benefits of Being Only Boy 10:40  Bowling Team Triumph Transforms Kid 16:11  Community: Key to Overcoming Adversity 16:56  Importance of Childhood Friendships 22:37  Embracing Passion Beyond Realism 23:11  Personal Fulfillment Through Work

In this episode of Keep Hustling, host Aaron Gordon sits down with Chris Picciurro, CPA and founder of Teaching Tax Flow, to dig into practical tax planning strategies for entrepreneurs and working families. Chris shares his journey from Detroit newspaper boy to tax expert, highlighting how early entrepreneurial experiences shaped his mission to educate others. The conversation covers why everyone needs a "personal boardroom," tax tips for side hustlers, the difference between tax prep and tax planning, and common financial pitfalls - plus actionable advice for building wealth at any income level. Chris also discusses the generational shift in retirement mindsets and the importance of financial literacy for achieving long-term success. If you're ready to take control of your finances, gain strategic tax insights, and keep your hustle moving forward, this episode is packed with must-hear wisdom.

Get To Know Chris Picciurro Chris Picciurro, CPA, MBA, PFS, ARA


Integrated CPA Group (Co-Founder and Executive Officer)

Teaching Tax Flow (Founder)

Monthly Recurring Revenue Institute (Founder)

Educator

Podcaster

Chris is a highly respected expert in US-based Tax Planning and Strategy for Real Estate Investors, with international recognition as a presenter on the subject. He is based in Franklin, TN, where he currently resides with his family.

Chris holds several accreditations, including a CPA, MBA, PFS, and ARA. He is an accomplished public speaker, recognized for delivering informative and engaging presentations at notable events hosted by organizations such as the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP), Michigan Association of CPAs, and the Memphis Investment Group.

He also previously participated as an Adjust Professor at Baker College and Davenport University.

He served on the Intuit Tax Council (2017-2020) and is an active member of several professional organizations, such as the MICPA (task force leadership), TNCPA, NARPM, and Dave Ramsey. He is a Co-founder and Executive Officer of the Integrated CPA Group (ICPA), and the Founder of Teaching Tax Flow (TTF) and the Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) Institute.

Chris' passion for tax planning and strategy led him to start his private CPA practice in Algonac, MI, in August 2002, with a 100% member-based subscription model focused on real estate investors and entrepreneurs. This led directly to the creation of Teaching Tax Flow, an online community dedicated to helping taxpayers, tax professionals, CPAs, and implementation partners legally and ethically reduce the taxes paid over their lifetime.

Aside from his professional life, Chris enjoys hobbies such as pickleball, travel, outdoor exercise, real estate investing, and spending time with his family. He also enjoys his time in front of the mic, co-hosting the Teaching Tax Flow podcast and frequently appearing as a guest on other shows in his limited spare time.

Chris' commitment to bringing tax planning and strategy to the masses is evident in his efforts to bring his experience and proprietary tax planning system accessible to all. He believes in empowering taxpayers with the knowledge to make informed decisions and reduce their tax liabilities.

Website

Teaching Tax Flow Podcast LinkedIn Instagram Faceboook

3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Understand Your Financial Boardroom:
Chris Picciurro drives home the importance of building both a personal and professional "boardroom" - a network of trusted advisors like accountants, attorneys, and insurance experts. He stresses that no matter your income level or background, everyone deserves access to guidance that can unlock smarter decisions and better financial outcomes. Don't be intimidated; being proactive and asking questions can transform your financial future.


2. Turn Tax Planning into Empowerment:
A central lesson from Chris is that successful tax planning isn't just for high earners - it's essential for entrepreneurs and everyday hustlers alike. By understanding that tax agencies are your "involuntary business partners," you can take ownership over how much you pay, using proactive strategies to reduce your lifetime tax burden legally. Even simple moves, like tracking deductions and considering retirement account options, can yield significant long-term benefits.


3. Reject Limiting Beliefs About Income & Investing:
The episode challenges the mindset that you need to be wealthy to benefit from tax planning or start investing. Chris shares real examples—like saving on taxes as a DoorDash driver or starting with small, consistent investments in Roth IRAs—to show that smart financial habits and wealth-building are attainable at any income level. The key is to start with even the smallest steps, avoid excuses, and believe that your hustle today can create a more secure tomorrow.

Show Overview: 00:00  Cursed Jets, Blessed Mets 

05:41 Customer Service Lessons from Paper Route

08:01  Empowering Entrepreneurs Through Tax Strategy 

10:46  Empower Yourself: Choose Your Tax 

14:20 Entrepreneurial Mindset for Retirement Planning

19:23 Building Wealth: Start Early Habits 

22:01 Retirement Liquidity Challenges for Seniors

24:39 Success Defined by Happiness

27:59 Planning Mobility and Home Investment

In this episode of Keep Hustling, host Aaron Gordon sits down with Mickey Abbatiello to explore his unconventional path from finance to entrepreneurship and innovation at Ralph Lauren. Mickey shares how growing up with an entrepreneurial father in the Bronx shaped his hustle, from launching a basketball training app in college to starting a subscription sock business. He highlights the value of big corporate experience, why taking risks and consistent action matter, and how putting ideas into the world opens unexpected doors. Mickey also offers advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and discusses bridging old-school brands with new technology. The episode wraps up with his favorite quote—It all started with a mouse—inspiring listeners to start small and aim big. Get To Know Mickey Abbatiello Mickey Abbatiello is a dynamic digital strategy and innovation expert currently leading initiatives at Ralph Lauren. As the founder of Mick Mentor, he is dedicated to empowering young professionals through the integration of technology, branding, and proactive action. With a keen focus on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, web3, and augmented reality, he inspires businesses to embrace innovation and creativity.

In addition to his role in digital strategy, Mickey serves as a financial advisory consultant, balancing his expertise in finance with his entrepreneurial passion as a business owner. He is a co-founder of Balitello Fashion Company and the OneBasketball App, showcasing his versatility and dedication to shaping the future of both the fashion and sports industries.

3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Embrace the Hustle - Even When It's Messy: Mickey’s journey shows that taking imperfect action and just starting—whether launching an app with no prior experience or selling socks from your desk—can teach you more than endless planning ever could.


2. Turn Fear Into Fuel: The episode underscores that fear, especially financial uncertainty or the intimidation of leaving a stable job, is a common roadblock. Mickey and Aaron highlight that pushing through fear and failure leads to growth, resilience, and new opportunities—even if the first idea doesn’t strike gold.


3. Build Skills in Any Environment: Whether in a nine-to-five or working for yourself, the skills you gain—like managing people, communicating, and problem-solving—are invaluable. Mickey’s story proves that both corporate experience and entrepreneurial side hustles prepare you for bigger opportunities, and that every role can add to your entrepreneurial toolkit. Show Overview: 00:00 Entrepreneurial Shift: Breaking Traditions 04:25 Benefits of Big Company Experience 09:00 Parental Influence on Entrepreneurs 10:15 Nontraditional Work Schedule Benefits Family 13:47 Passion Beyond Nine-to-Five 17:53 Socks: The Subtle Fashion Statement 22:51 Chasing Dreams in Established Brands 24:35 Career Shift: Embracing Tech Innovation 28:29 LL Cool J: Hustle and Detail 33:13 Gift Shares: Disney Recommendation

In this episode, Aaron Gordon chats with guest Samuel Goldberg, exploring his journey from a child actor in "Keeping the Faith" to a filmmaker passionate about highlighting the stories of rural America. Sam discusses the balance of privilege and responsibility in his life, emphasizing the duty to hard work and community service. The conversation delves into Sam's work on the film "Silo" and his admiration for the values found in farming communities, like hard work and local connections. He shares his belief in art's power to foster empathy and connection in a digitized world. Sam's insightful perspective on community engagement and the value of local support stands out as a transformative message in the episode. Tune in to be inspired by Sam's commitment to storytelling that bridges cultural and geographical divides.

Get To Know Samuel Goldberg Samuel Goldberg is a seasoned Creative Producer at Samuel Goldberg Entertainment, where he focuses on the development and production of film, television, and theatre. With a distinctive approach that blends creativity with strategic marketing insights, he excels in nurturing artistic visions and bringing compelling stories to life.

As the Lead Producer at Silo Film, LLC, Samuel has made a significant mark in the industry with the feature film SILO, the first-ever movie dedicated to the issue of grain entrapment. He is currently spearheading the SILO Community Screening Campaign, aimed at coordinating educational and entertainment events across the United States, further amplifying the film's impact and raising awareness on vital agricultural safety topics.

In addition to his production work, Samuel is an accomplished marketing consultant and screenwriter, dedicated to the belief that art has the power to foster empathy and understanding. He skillfully utilizes storytelling to cultivate ideas, support artists, and enhance brand narratives, making him a respected figure in the entertainment landscape. LinkedIn Samuel Goldberg Entertainment Silo - Feature Film

3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Harnessing Empathy Through Art: Samuel Goldberg discusses the transformative power of art in fostering empathy and bridging societal divides. By creating films that highlight unique cultural narratives, Sam underscores the potential for art to cultivate a greater understanding and connection between disparate communities.

2. The Value of Small Habits: Sam shares his belief in the importance of establishing small daily habits, such as waking up early and making one's bed, as foundational to achieving larger goals. This approach mirrors the discipline needed for athletic practice, emphasizing that success is often built on the consistency of practicing basic principles.

3. Success Comes After Hard Work: Sam shares a quote from his grandmother, reminding us that the only place success comes before work is in the dictionary. This underlines the importance of dedication and effort as the backbone of achieving success in any field.

Show Overview:

00:00 Child Actor to Basketball Star Journey

05:44 Privilege and Hard Work Reflections

08:14 Building Success Through Consistent Effort

13:06 Understanding Art vs. Entertainment Choices

16:51 American Farmers: A Relied-Upon Minority

20:00 Redefining Hustle: Values Over Grind

22:05 Tech Addiction's Unhealthy Legacy

25:41 Inspiration from the Road Less Traveled

In this episode, Aaron Gordon welcomes guest Brandon Smith to discuss the essence of hustle and effort in pursuing goals. Brandon shares his journey, highlighting personal challenges and triumphs, including delivering a TEDx talk, which he describes as a career pinnacle. Despite facing setbacks, such as a significant change in speaking engagements, Brandon emphasizes the importance of persistence and redefining success. The conversation dives into the motivational aspect of hustle, touching on how both Aaron and Brandon are inspired by the support and influence of their families. They agree that hustle is about consistent effort rather than predetermined outcomes, urging listeners to define success on their own terms. The episode wraps up with Brandon sharing his favorite inspirational quote, encouraging listeners to make impactful changes, one life at a time. Tune in for this insightful conversation about the power of perseverance and redefining what hustle means to you.

Get To Know Brandon Smith Brandon Smith is an accomplished public speaker, entrepreneur, and author, renowned for his engaging storytelling and motivational insights. As the host of "The Missoula Podcast" and co-author of the bestselling children’s book "Happy as a Hippo," he combines creativity with a passion for inspiring others. In 2024, Brandon was honored to present at TEDx, where he shared his insights on “The Power of Presence,” emphasizing that true happiness lies in living in the moment.

With over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, Brandon currently holds the position of Executive Vice President of Marketing & Communications at Glidewell, a prominent insurance and investment firm based in Montana. His innovative business strategies have earned him several accolades, including the inaugural Liberty Mutual Agent for The Future Award in 2019, recognizing his forward-thinking and technologically adept approach to the industry. Additionally, his significant contributions to entrepreneurship have been acknowledged with the prestigious Presidential Ambassador of Global Entrepreneurship award, presented by Daymond John of Shark Tank and former President Obama.

A former collegiate basketball player at Southwestern University, Brandon is also a passionate Red Sox fan, a coffee enthusiast, and enjoys the comforts of down comforters and reliable Wi-Fi. He resides in Missoula, Montana, with his wife Joy and their three children, Avery, Boston, and Harper. 

LinkedIn X Instagram The Missoula Podcast

3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Transforming Personal Insecurities into Motivation: Brandon shares how his early life fears and insecurities fueled his drive to succeed. Instead of succumbing to negative emotions, he used them as a catalyst for hustle and growth, proving that challenges can turn into powerful motivation sources.


2. Embracing Effort Over Outcome: Throughout the episode, both Aaron and Brandon emphasize the significance of consistent effort. They discuss how hustle isn't defined by speed or immediate success but by continual effort and perseverance - whether it's in sports, public speaking, or personal growth.


3. The Impact of Leading by Example: Brandon's TEDx experience illustrates the profound impact of achieving and showcasing dreams to inspire others, particularly family. His journey teaches us that pursuing dreams not only fulfills personal ambitions but also creates a blueprint for others to follow, particularly our children.


Show Overview: 00:00 Childhood Fears and Competitive Sports

04:59 Redefining Hustle: Inspire Yourself

07:34  Hustle Eliminates Doubt 

10:24  TED Acceptance: The Real Victory 

15:01  Inspiring Dreams through Parental Impact 

16:39 Children and Pursuing Dreams Debate

22:36  Judging Success by Trajectory 

23:53  Motivating Change, One Life at a Time

In this episode, Aaron Gordon sits down with Curtis Goldsborough, known as "Lo$$ Ratio." Curtis shares his journey of integrating creativity into the traditionally monochromatic insurance industry. He emphasizes the importance of having a creative outlet and the impact of his unique content-driven approach, mixing humor with serious topics. Curtis opens up about the risks he took to differentiate himself and how it led to meaningful engagement and smoking-hot leads. He offers insights into the power of social selling and encourages others to bet on themselves and embrace their unique identity. With anecdotes, lessons learned, and a motivational quote, this conversation highlights the value of blending passion with professionalism to achieve success. Tune in to hear how Curtis leverages his distinct persona to inspire and educate audiences while staying true to his hustle.

Get To Know Curtis Goldsborough AKA Lo$$ Ratio Curtis Goldsborough, also known as Lo$$ Ratio, is a visionary and innovator in the field of loss control solutions for the Property & Casualty insurance industry. He has successfully led a small team from ideation to the launch and implementation of the eSurvey self-inspection mobile web app in 2018. Under his leadership, eSurvey has become the leading self-inspection app in the insurance loss control sector, delivering unmatched speed, value, and accuracy to the traditional loss control inspection model.

Curtis has collaborated on self-inspection initiatives with more than a dozen carriers, Managing General Agents (MGAs), and reciprocals, engaging with a diverse range of organizations from new startup ventures to well-established top ten insurers with over a century of history. To date, the eSurvey platform has processed over half a million self-inspections, and Curtis is committed to further innovation in the field.

In addition to his work in loss control, Curtis is a passionate video producer and media specialist with expertise in all aspects of media production. He enjoys creating content for Insurance Nerds and frequently discusses various topics related to insurtech.

LinkedIn 3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Bet on Yourself: Curtis highlighted the importance of taking risks and embracing your unique voice. Remember, you'll never know the potential impact until you try.

2. Find Your Balance: Blending humor and education can make even the "dullest" topics engaging. Curtis shows us how to engage audiences through edutainment by making complex topics accessible and entertaining.

3. Consistency is Key: Building an audience and making meaningful connections isn't overnight work. Consistently providing value and showing up for your community is the secret to expanding your reach.

Show Overview: 00:00   Embracing Creativity and Authenticity

06:21   Concerns About Social Media Perceptions

08:22   Creative Process: Behind the Scenes

12:43   Choose Direct Over Superficial Meetings

15:17    Insurance: Necessary Evil Perceptions

18:10   Go All In or Miss Out

20:30   Insurance Rap Persona Insights

23:46   Risky Content Plan

In this episode, Aaron Gordon welcomes Andrew Martin, a financial advisor, to discuss his journey and insights into financial planning. Andrew shares his initial career aspirations of owning a gym and how a personal finance course transformed his path into financial advising. Aaron and Andrew explore the evolution of financial literacy in the digital age, addressing the impact of misinformation versus ignorance. Andrew emphasizes the importance of cash flow management for young professionals and entrepreneurs, highlighting common inefficiencies in income utilization. The conversation touches on the challenges of business ownership and the necessity of strategic financial planning. They conclude by stressing the value of incremental decision-making and financial advisor engagement, particularly for younger individuals. Andrew leaves listeners with his favorite motivational quote: "Anything worth having is worth working for."

Get To Know Andrew Martin Andrew Martin, founder and president of Atlas Financial Strategies, LLC, is a financial adviser passionate about helping clients gain clarity on their financial plan and help them find creative solutions to address their needs. He strives to provide his clients with the highest quality service possible and holds his strong relationships with clients in high regard. He holds a BS in Business Administration from the University of South Alabama. Andrew lives in the Pensacola area with his wife Amanda, daughter Madelyn, and son Theodore.

LinkedIn Atlas Financial Strategies 3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Prioritize Financial Literacy: Andrew Martin shares his journey of discovering the importance of financial literacy through a personal finance elective in college. This experience highlighted the widespread lack of awareness about personal finance and sparked his mission to educate others. His insights emphasize the significance of understanding financial principles for long-term success.


2. Manage Cash Flow Efficiently: Andrew emphasizes the critical role of efficient cash flow management, especially for younger individuals whose income is their greatest asset. By identifying and correcting small inefficiencies in how income is allocated, people can make a substantial difference in their financial future, turning short-term savings into long-term wealth.


3. Seek Incremental Success: Andrew's perspective on entrepreneurship and financial planning underscores the power of small, consistent actions over time. Instead of searching for a "silver bullet," focusing on making well-informed, incremental decisions can lead to significant financial growth and freedom, proving that perseverance and strategic planning truly pay off in the long run.


Show Overview: 00:00 Evolving Financial Advisory Business

05:45 Holistic Financial Planning Approach

06:49 Portfolio Allocation: Returns vs. Satisfaction

09:56 Dunning-Kruger Effect Explained

13:24 Algorithm Manipulation and Distrust

17:53 Financial Planning: Balance Spending and Saving

20:52 Entrepreneurial Skill vs. Craftsmanship

25:30 "Building Success Brick by Brick"

26:22 Fee-Based Financial Advisers Advantage