Keep Hustling

In this episode, Aaron Gordon sits down with Tina Larson, a Swedish-born expert in New York City's condo and co-op market. Tina shares her journey from a farm in Sweden to thriving in NYC real estate, discussing how she pivoted from a career on Wall Street to founding a business that helps building boards operate smarter and save money. She dives into the challenges of building management, the importance of board involvement, and how hustling through personal experiences led her to a new entrepreneurial path. Tina also discusses her book, "Living the High Life," and reveals the behind-the-scenes work of writing and publishing. The episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in real estate, entrepreneurship, and taking bold steps to improve their own investments and communities.

Get To Know Tina Larson

Tina Larson is the co-founder and owner of The Folson Group, a leading consulting firm that helps NYC co-op and condo boards maximize property values and streamline operations across all five boroughs. With over 15 years of experience in financial services, Tina applies her analytical expertise to the real estate sector, ensuring buildings are managed efficiently.

A pivotal moment in her career came when she led the finance committee in her co-op, successfully preventing maintenance increases. By benchmarking financial data from other buildings, her team identified unnecessary services and secured competitive bids, resulting in $340,000 in savings.

Tina is also the author of "Living the High Life: How Smart Co-op and Condo Owners Protect Themselves and Their Investment," reflecting her commitment to educating property owners on real estate management.

Originally from Sweden, Tina moved to New York City in 1994 and has greatly influenced the local real estate landscape. She is dedicated to guiding property owners through the complexities of co-op and condo management, providing innovative solutions to enhance their investments.

LinkedIn Youtube Instagram The Folson Group

3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Channel Your Inner New Yorker - Even If You Aren't One: Tina's journey from a Swedish farm to the heart of NYC real estate proves that courage and adaptability can take you anywhere. Her story shows that loving your new challenges and city opens doors to success, no matter your origins.

2. Get on the Board - Protect Your Biggest Investment: One of Tina's core messages is that condo and co-op owners must move beyond complacency. Taking an active role, such as joining the board, is the most effective way to safeguard your home and financial future. Don't let others steer your investment without your input.

3. Hustle Translates into Opportunity: Turning a personal pain point into a career is at the heart of Tina's hustle. She didn't just solve her own co-op's problems—she saw a market need and built a thriving business. The lesson: your unique experience and drive can become your springboard for entrepreneurial impact.

Show Overview: 00:00 Tina Becomes NYC Real Estate Expert

03:53 New York Ego and Homeownership Insight

09:10 Board Involvement in Real Estate

11:33 Effective Board Management Tools Needed

13:34 Co-op Savings Through Industry Analysis

17:15 From Challenge to Business Success

21:54 Doorman Duty Dispute

25:46 Podcast Finale: Subscribe & Engage

On this episode of Keep Hustling, host Aaron Gordon sits down with veteran and entrepreneur Karl Jacobi to explore the transformative power of discipline, resilience, and brotherhood. Karl shares his journey from troubled youth to military service, revealing how seeking structure and an escape led to lifelong lessons in grit, teamwork, and leadership. He discusses overcoming betrayal and setbacks in business, the importance of confidence rooted in keeping promises to oneself, and how military values shape his coaching and relationships today. Karl closes with inspiration on leading with discipline and heart, offering motivation for anyone hustling through life's toughest moments.

Get To Know Karl Jacobi Karl is a high-performance coach with a mission that goes far beyond personal development—he's here to help men rise from the ashes of self-doubt, rewrite their stories, and create lives of purpose, fulfillment, and lasting impact. Through his journey of resilience and transformation, Karl inspires men to break free from the chains of their past, step into their potential, and lead with unshakable confidence.

Karl's story is not one of easy success but of battles fought and won against incredible odds. Growing up in a broken home after his parents divorced when he was just five years old, Karl endured years of instability, constantly relocating between California, North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia. These early challenges planted seeds of self-doubt that followed him into adulthood, shaping a narrative of unworthiness and limiting beliefs that held him back for decades.

At 19, seeking structure and direction, Karl joined the U.S. Army, where he served for eight years with multiple deployments to combat zones. The military instilled in him the discipline and

resilience that would later become cornerstones of his coaching philosophy. After transitioning to civilian life as a defense contractor, Karl's entrepreneurial spirit emerged.

His business journey began in 1999 with an e-commerce side hustle that eventually grew into multiple ventures. Despite facing a major setback during the 2008 recession that forced him back to military-related work, Karl persevered. By 2014, he had built a thriving Amazon retail operation that expanded to include content creation, speaking engagements, coaching, SaaS development, and 3PL logistics.

The true test of Karl's resilience came when business partnerships turned sour. After relocating his family to Florida for a promising new venture, Karl discovered his partner had misappropriated nearly $400,000, triggering lawsuits and threatening everything he had built. Through this devastating period of betrayal and financial strain, Karl was pushed to his breaking point—sleepless nights, constant battles with self-doubt, and the weight of providing for his family with seemingly no way forward.

Yet, in the midst of these challenges, Karl discovered something extraordinary: the power to rebuild wasn't found in strategies or systems alone but in his ability to confront his deepest fears, reframe his limiting beliefs, and tap into a purpose greater than himself. By 2024, Karl had successfully exited his last e-commerce business—which had generated over $40 million in sales starting from his dining room table—marking not just a financial victory but the beginning of a new mission.

After experiencing firsthand how various betrayals had dimmed his entrepreneurial passion, Karl made a pivotal decision to channel his energy into helping others as a performance coach. In 2025, he rededicated himself to his faith, which became the foundation for Alpha Evolution Coaching—a practice dedicated to helping men, particularly fathers and entrepreneurs, overcome their limiting beliefs and ultimately become UNSTOPPABLE.

Today, Karl is a dynamic and passionate coach who brings a unique blend of raw honesty, deep empathy, and battle-tested strategies to his work. His programs are not surface-level fixes; they are transformative journeys that go straight to the heart of what holds men back. Whether it's childhood trauma, financial hardships, or the silent battle against burnout, Karl helps men confront their pain, rediscover their purpose, and rise stronger than ever.

Karl's coaching focuses on clarity, discipline, and legacy. He empowers men to lead with purpose, build meaningful relationships, and create lives that inspire not just their families but their communities. His message is clear: it's never too late to rewrite your story, rise above your circumstances, and become the man you were always meant to be.

For those who feel stuck, lost, or held back by their past, Karl's story is a powerful reminder that even the darkest times can forge the brightest futures. Through his transformative coaching and unwavering belief in the power of resilience, Karl invites men everywhere to break free, rise up, and build a legacy that echoes for generations.

3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Transform Struggle into Opportunity: Karl Jacobi's journey from a troubled youth to a successful veteran, business owner, and coach underscores how adversity can be a powerful catalyst for growth. By viewing joining the military as both an escape and a springboard, Karl demonstrates that the paths we take out of desperation can ultimately open doors to purpose, discipline, and lifelong skills.

2. The Power of Brotherhood and the "We" Mentality: One of the most lasting lessons Karl shares is the importance of teamwork and collective responsibility learned in the military. He illustrates how shifting from a "me" mindset to a "we" mindset—where your own success is intertwined with the well-being of others—not only builds stronger communities but is also essential in business and personal relationships.

3. Confidence Comes from Kept Promises: Karl reveals that true confidence isn't about outward bravado or surface-level success. Instead, it's built on the quiet consistency of keeping promises to yourself. Whether it's hitting the gym or following through on personal commitments, sustained self-discipline lays the foundation for real confidence, enabling you to overcome setbacks and inspire those around you to keep hustling.

In this inspiring episode of Keep Hustling, host Aaron Gordon sits down with Kelly Meyer, whose journey from a near-high school dropout to a professor, author, and coach is anything but ordinary. Kelly shares powerful stories from his rebellious teenage years, the pivotal moments and people that challenged his trajectory, and how defying expectations ultimately led him to pursue higher education and help others. The conversation dives into ideas about finding your true "tribe," the value of bucking social norms while holding onto your core values, and how embracing introspection and meaningful connections can drive personal growth. Kelly also discusses his development of the Spark Game, a set of simple but thought-provoking questions designed to foster relationships and self-discovery. The episode wraps with a memorable lesson: ask yourself, "What is your slow elk?", an invitation to consider what risks or sacrifices you're willing to make to benefit others. This episode offers actionable insights on resilience, the importance of self-awareness, and how nurturing relationships can unlock greater success, both personally and professionally.

Keep Hustling Takeaway: Success isn't a straight line. Sometimes, hustle means resisting conformity, asking bigger questions, and having the guts to be yourself, even when that means standing out from the herd.

Get To Know Kelly Meyer

Kelly Meyer is an international, board certified, transformational coach, speaker, and author with doctorates and post-doc work in education and psychology. Kelly has been coaching 1 on 1, group coaching, facilitating workshops, and speaking for almost 30 years. He is the author of many publications as well as the co-creator of the Spark game, a fun, interactive game based on the core values of growth, relationships, and wellness. From being a near dropout to becoming a professor and successful coach, Kelly knows what hustle is all about.

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3 Key Listener Takeaways 1. Define Your Own Path: Kelly Meyer's journey from nearly dropping out of high school to becoming a professor and author illustrates that personal and professional success rarely follows a straight or traditional route. Rather than conforming to societal expectations, he leaned into his individuality and let his unique experiences, motivations, and even moments of defiance propel him toward growth and achievement.

2. Find and Build Your Pack: Kelly and Aaron discuss the importance of finding your own "pack" rather than sacrificing your true self for forced acceptance. Both in his personal journey and as a coach, Kelly highlights that authenticity attracts the right relationships, and real success happens when you stay true to your core values while seeking out connections that genuinely support and inspire your hustle.

3. Invest in Growth, Relationships, and Reflection: The creation of the Spark Game emerged from the belief in consciously nurturing growth, relationships, and wellness. Kelly demonstrates that taking meaningful time, even just a few minutes each day, for introspection and heartfelt conversation can lead to deeper self-awareness, stronger connections, and a more successful and fulfilling life.

Kelly's Inspirational Quote:

"What is your slow elk?"

Translation: What are you willing to risk or put on the line so others, or your own future, can benefit? Challenge yourself to think about your "slow elk" today.

Show Overview: 00:00 Skipping School for Pool Lessons

03:19 Old Man's Impactful Words

07:35 Challenging Societal Norms in Growth

10:00 Zebra Camouflage: Biologists' Dilemma

14:41 Reflecting on Teen Rebellion Impact

18:36 Exploring Spark Game's Core Values

22:11 Revelatory Question Game

24:57 Reviving Marital Connection

26:21 What's Your Slow Elk?

In this episode, Aaron Gordon talks with Joe Lombardi, who shares his incredible journey from losing his family's $15 million business to becoming a leader in financial planning. Joe opens up about surviving poverty, overcoming personal trauma, and the mindset shifts that helped him rebuild his life and career. He dives into the importance of embracing discomfort, goal-setting, and self-love as tools for success. Joe also emphasizes the role of spiritual and personal growth as multipliers for financial achievement. Packed with actionable advice and honest storytelling, this episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to redefine their hustle, conquer setbacks, and chase lasting success.

Get To Know Joe Lombardi Founder / Managing Partner at IronHawk Financial Radio host - Money Talk with IronHawk - June 2024 Published in the Daily Caller - May 2024 Amazon Author - Long Term Care without Long Term Pains - Jan 2024 Amazon Author - There's a better way than a 401k - Oct 2023 Published in Business Insider / Market inside 8/2023 Published in International Business Times 7/2023

On the cover of 100 INC Top 40 under 40 2022 edition

On the cover of The Blue Book Network Who's who for Summer 2021 Amazon Author - Being your own bank - July 2023 Featured in Marquis Who's who in America 2023 Joseph Lambardi's mission is both simple and profound: he aims to help you secure a financially stable future for your family or business. With unwavering dedication, he offers personalized financial solutions tailored specifically to your unique needs and goals. Joseph doesn't just set you on a path; he continually monitors your progress, ensuring you stay aligned with your objectives throughout your life.

His journey into financial services was ignited by a deeply personal tragedy. Joseph's father, once the successful owner of a $15 million construction company, lost his business due to an accident that resulted in physical disability and severe financial hardship. Witnessing firsthand the devastating impact of not protecting one's assets, Joseph learned the critical importance of financial safeguards. This experience fueled his passion to educate others in the contracting industry on how to protect their wealth. He focuses particularly on income protection through disability income insurance and long-term care insurance. Additionally, he assists small business owners and young families in growing their assets over time by leveraging life insurance and diverse investment options.

Working closely with both individuals and small business owners, Joseph employs insurance strategies and buy/sell agreements to shield assets against unforeseen events. By meticulously analyzing insurance and investment costs, he identifies opportunities to reduce expenses without sacrificing benefits. Often, his clients have clear aspirations but require Joseph's expertise to turn their plans into actionable steps, ultimately enhancing their income and savings.

Moreover, Joseph has cultivated an extensive network of trusted professionals, including banks, law firms, and accounting firms throughout the Northeast. These partnerships provide his clients with access to valuable resources they might not discover on their own. By connecting clients with this broad network, he adds an extra layer of support to help them navigate the complexities of financial planning.

In essence, Joseph is more than just a financial advisor; he is a dedicated partner committed to helping you protect and grow your wealth. His personalized approach, shaped by personal experience and professional expertise, uniquely positions him to assist you in achieving a secure and prosperous future.

Ironhawk Financial LinkedIn

3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Transform Adversity into Drive: Joe's journey from extreme poverty to financial success demonstrates that hitting rock bottom can ignite an unstoppable drive. Seeing both sides—scarcity and abundance—deepened his hunger for achievement and became his biggest motivator.

2. The Power of Concrete Goal Setting: Writing down clear, actionable goals turns dreams into reality. Joe credits his habit of not just dreaming, but documenting and prioritizing what he wants—then hustling relentlessly—as the difference-maker in his financial ascent. 3. Heal, Grow, and Hustle: Self-love and personal growth are essential multipliers for lasting success. Joe reveals that addressing childhood trauma and refusing to live in scarcity mindsets unlocks new levels of professional and personal abundance.

Show Overview: 00:00 Overcoming Financial Devastation 03:37 Experiencing Poverty and Wealth 08:40 Escaping the Scarcity Mindset 09:42 Choosing Security Over Success 14:57 Defying Death: A Life's Gift 18:52 Vision to Fruition: Dreams to Goals 21:00 Hustling: The Endless Drive 22:55 Everyone Can Set Goals 27:56 Self-Love and Healing Childhood Trauma

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.

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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