Know Your Why Podcast with Dr.Jason Balara

In this episode of the Know Your Why Podcast, Dr. Jason Balara sits down with Allie Stark, founder of Allie Stark Wellness and co-founder of Noria, whose path into integrative health and leadership coaching began with a deeply personal health crisis that the conventional healthcare system failed to resolve. Allie shares how that experience opened her eyes to the power of holistic wellness — treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms — and ultimately shaped her mission to connect people to their source and purpose. From navigating the challenges of being a multi-hyphenate creative to building two businesses simultaneously, Allie brings a refreshingly human perspective on what modern leadership, delegation, and entrepreneurial growth really look like in practice.

Key Highlights:

• How a personal health crisis became the catalyst for Allie's journey into integrative health and holistic wellness

• Why the conventional healthcare system often falls short by addressing symptoms rather than root causes

• The core principles of integrative health and how treating the whole person leads to more lasting transformation

• What it means to be a multi-hyphenate creative — and the unique challenges that come with juggling multiple roles and businesses

• Why modern leadership must prioritize humanity, connection, and a more evolved approach to guiding teams

• The critical role delegation plays in sustaining both business growth and personal well-being

• Why understanding your finances is a non-negotiable responsibility for every founder and entrepreneur

• How Allie thinks about new business acquisition as a core function of her role as the face of both Allie Stark Wellness and Noria

  
  

Allie's story is a powerful reminder that personal transformation and professional purpose are rarely separate journeys — they are deeply intertwined. Her work across integrative health and creative leadership reflects a singular mission: to help people expand, connect, and lead from a place of wholeness.

Get in touch with Allie:

Website: https://www.alliestarkwellness.com/

Website: https://hellonoria.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allie_stark_wellness/?hl=en

If you want to know more about Dr. Jason Balara and the Know your Why Podcast:

⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/jasonbalara⁠⁠  

Audio Track:

Back To The Wood by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.⁠⁠ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/⁠⁠

Artist:⁠⁠ http://audionautix.com/

In this episode of the Know Your Why Podcast, Dr. Jason Balara sits down with Ron Kmetovicz, an engineer, entrepreneur, and financial mentor whose journey from a Pennsylvania farm to the halls of HP Labs and beyond shaped a uniquely practical approach to business strategy and financial independence. Ron shares how a lifetime of entrepreneurial influences — combined with deep technical expertise and a passion for mentorship — led him to dedicate himself to empowering young people with the financial literacy tools they need to build wealth early. At the heart of his mission is a deceptively simple concept: the "ghost account," a strategy designed to help young individuals create a second source of income and lay the foundation for lasting financial independence with minimal debt.

Key Highlights:

• Ron's path from growing up on a Pennsylvania farm to building a career at HP Labs and transitioning into consulting

• How his engineering background shaped the technical and business insight that drives his consulting and mentorship work

• Why confidence in oneself is one of the most underrated foundations of entrepreneurial success

• The "ghost account" concept — what it is, how it works, and why starting it in your teens or twenties can lead to significant long-term wealth

• The power of combining minimal debt with multiple revenue streams as a strategy for achieving financial independence

• Why teaching financial literacy to young people early is one of the highest-impact forms of mentorship

• How building passive income streams can eventually create a life of financial freedom and flexibility

Ron's mission is refreshingly straightforward — pass on simple, proven strategies that the next generation can act on today. His work is a powerful reminder that financial independence isn't reserved for the privileged few, but for anyone willing to start early, stay disciplined, and make informed decisions about money.

Get in touch with Ron:

Ron’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Money-Pathway-Financial-Independence/dp/B0FT1F3242

If you want to know more about Dr. Jason Balara and the Know your Why Podcast:

⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/jasonbalara⁠⁠  

Audio Track:

Back To The Wood by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.⁠⁠ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/⁠⁠

Artist:⁠⁠ http://audionautix.com/

In this episode of the Know Your Why Podcast, Dr. Jason Balara reconnects with Brian Briscoe, a military veteran turned multifamily investor, for an honest and grounded conversation about navigating one of the most turbulent periods in recent real estate history. Brian reflects on the lessons learned from economic headwinds that tested even experienced investors, and shares how those challenges reshaped his approach to market selection, debt strategy, and operational control. From his pivot toward Salt Lake City to rethinking how risk is managed at the deal level, this conversation offers hard-won insight for anyone serious about building a resilient multifamily investment portfolio.

Key Highlights: 

• Brian's journey from military service to building a multifamily investment portfolio

• Why he shifted his market focus from the Southeast to Salt Lake City and what drove that decision

• How recent economic headwinds exposed vulnerabilities in multifamily investments and what investors can learn from them

• The critical role of debt structure and the often-overlooked impact of prepayment penalties on investment outcomes

• Strategies for maintaining operational control as a key lever for risk mitigation in multifamily investing

• Key lessons Brian took away from navigating market downturns and how they reshaped his investment approach

• His outlook on where multifamily real estate is headed and which market dynamics investors should be watching closely

Brian's story is a testament to the value of adaptability and hard-won experience. The economic headwinds of recent years have been a difficult teacher for many investors, but for those willing to reflect, adjust, and apply the right lessons, the path forward in multifamily investing remains full of opportunity.

Get in touch with Brian:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-briscoe-ut/

Free trial: https://www.thetribeoftitans.com/plans/206500?bundle_token=1e99da9eb2927e932c28134c822174d8&utm_source=manual

If you want to know more about Dr. Jason Balara and the Know your Why Podcast:

⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/jasonbalara⁠⁠  

Audio Track:

Back To The Wood by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.⁠⁠ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/⁠⁠

Artist:⁠⁠ http://audionautix.com/

In this episode of the Know Your Why Podcast, Dr. Jason Balara sits down with August Biniaz, co-founder of CPI Capital, who shares his remarkable journey from Iran to Canada and ultimately into the US real estate market. August offers a candid look at how he developed his investment philosophy across multifamily and build-to-rent sectors, and what Canadian investors need to understand before entering US markets. From navigating cross-border legal and tax structures to identifying the right partners on the ground, this conversation is an invaluable guide for any investor looking to expand their real estate strategy across borders and asset classes.

Key Highlights:

• August's personal journey from Iran to Canada and how real estate became his professional language early on

• Key legal and tax considerations every investor must address before structuring a cross-border investment

• How the build-to-rent sector evolved post-Global Financial Crisis and why institutional involvement has fueled its growth

• The demographic and lifestyle trends driving demand in the build-to-rent space and how it differs from traditional multifamily

• Critical differences between Canadian and US real estate markets, including how rent control laws impact investment strategy

• Why partnering with local experts and developers is essential for reducing risk in cross-border real estate deals

• How Canadian investors can structure access to US syndication and multifamily opportunities through limited partnership models

• The importance of defining your personal "why" as the foundation of a clear and sustainable real estate investment strategy

  
  

August's story is a powerful example of how curiosity, cross-border thinking, and the right partnerships can open doors that most investors never consider. Whether you're a seasoned syndicator or just exploring US markets for the first time, his insights offer a practical and strategic roadmap for building wealth through real estate on an international scale.

Get in touch with August:

Website: https://cpicapital.com/

LinkedIn: ​​https://www.linkedin.com/in/augustbiniaz/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soheil.biniaz

If you want to know more about Dr. Jason Balara and the Know your Why Podcast:

⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/jasonbalara⁠⁠  

Audio Track:

Back To The Wood by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.⁠⁠ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/⁠⁠

Artist:⁠⁠ http://audionautix.com/

In this episode of the Know Your Why Podcast, Dr. Jason Balara sits down with Dean Curtis, CEO of Ingage, who took an unconventional path from math teacher to tech entrepreneur to build a platform transforming how home improvement companies approach sales. Dean shares how his background in education shaped his approach to sales training and content enablement, and why so many home services companies struggle to scale without a structured, repeatable sales process. From virtual appointments to pre-qualification strategies, this conversation offers a practical look at what it takes to modernize and measure sales effectiveness in the home improvement industry.

Key Highlights:

• Dean's unconventional career journey from math teacher to CEO of a SaaS sales enablement platform

  
  

• How Engage is transforming the home improvement sales process through content and structured training

  
  

• The role of virtual appointments and pre-qualification in creating a more efficient home services sales experience

  
  

• Why a scalable, repeatable sales process is the foundation of growth for both small and large home improvement companies

  
  

• How content enablement tools help sales teams deliver more consistent and compelling presentations

  
  

• The importance of measuring sales process effectiveness and using data to drive continuous improvement

  
  

• Key lessons from Dean's transition into tech entrepreneurship and building a platform from the ground up

Dean's journey is a reminder that some of the best entrepreneurs come from the most unexpected backgrounds. His ability to translate the principles of teaching into a scalable sales training and content platform is a testament to the power of applying transferable skills in new and innovative ways.

Get in touch with Dean:

Website: https://ingage.io/

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deancurtis23/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanc23/

If you want to know more about Dr. Jason Balara and the Know your Why Podcast:

⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/jasonbalara⁠⁠  

Audio Track:

Back To The Wood by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.⁠⁠ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/⁠⁠

In this episode of the Know Your Why Podcast, Dr. Jason Balara sits down with Rick Ivanovich, a seasoned entrepreneur and leadership guide who has spent decades helping founders and CEOs not just survive change — but shape it. Rick shares his personal entrepreneurial journey, from early failures to finding purpose, and introduces the powerful metaphor of building a personal and professional "castle" as a framework for life balance and resilience. Drawing on lessons learned through COVID-19 and decades of navigating volatile business environments, Rick unpacks what it truly means to lead with purpose during what he calls "business as unusual" — and the practical playbooks he has developed to help leaders thrive in an unpredictable world.

Key Highlights:

• Rick's entrepreneurial journey from early failures to building a platform for founder and CEO development

• The "building a castle" metaphor as a practical framework for achieving balance across life and business

• Leadership lessons drawn from navigating crises, including the seismic shifts brought on by COVID-19

• How the evolution of work in a post-pandemic world has redefined what effective business strategy looks like

• The story behind Rick's book Business as Unusual and the insights that inspired it

• Practical playbooks and resources Rick has developed specifically for founders and CEOs facing volatility

• Why discovering your personal "why" is the essential foundation for purposeful and resilient leadership

Rick's message is a timely one — in a world where change is the only constant, the leaders who thrive are those who build strong foundations, embrace innovation, and lead with a clear sense of purpose. His resources and frameworks offer a real-world roadmap for any entrepreneur ready to turn uncertainty into opportunity.

Get in touch with Rick:

Website: https://rickyvanovich.com/

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RickYvanovich

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RickYvanovich

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yvanovich

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/RICKYVANOVICH2/

If you want to know more about Dr. Jason Balara and the Know your Why Podcast:

⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/jasonbalara⁠⁠  

Audio Track:

Back To The Wood by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.⁠⁠ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/⁠⁠

Artist:⁠⁠ http://audionautix.com/

In this episode of the Know Your Why Podcast, Dr. Jason Balara sits down with Will Harvey, a seasoned real estate investor who has navigated his way from loan officer to managing multiple real estate funds and exploring opportunities across hard money lending, syndication, multifamily, and the public markets. Will shares an honest account of the trial and error involved in finding the right niche in real estate, the advantages of hard money lending for both borrowers and investors, and how intellectual curiosity led him to uncover mispriced assets in places most investors overlook. The conversation takes a deeper turn as Will reflects on the investment philosophy of Warren Buffett, the importance of deep thinking in identifying opportunity, and why wealth — at its core — should be viewed as a tool for creating meaningful impact in the world.

Key Highlights:

• Will's journey from loan officer in 2015 to building a diversified real estate investment portfolio

• How trial and error led him to find his niche across hard money lending, multifamily, and public market investing

• Why hard money lending offers unique advantages in speed, flexibility, and passive income potential

• How to identify mispriced assets in public markets by applying real estate fundamentals and deep thinking

• The role of intellectual curiosity in uncovering investment strategies others tend to overlook

• Lessons drawn from Warren Buffett's philosophy — simplicity, focus, and taking time to think

• Why the most successful investors prioritize reflection over reaction in their decision-making

• The importance of understanding hard assets and avoiding the trap of chasing market trends

• How Will thinks about the purpose behind wealth accumulation and using financial success to make a positive impact

Will Harvey's story is a compelling reminder that the path to smart investing is rarely linear. Whether navigating real estate operations, hard money lending, or public markets, success comes down to intellectual curiosity, self-awareness, and a clear sense of purpose behind the pursuit of financial stability and wealth.

Get in touch with Will:

Website: https://harvey-capital.com

X: https://x.com/wharvey93

If you want to know more about Dr. Jason Balara and the Know your Why Podcast:

⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/jasonbalara⁠⁠  

Audio Track:

Back To The Wood by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.⁠⁠ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/⁠⁠

Artist:⁠⁠ http://audionautix.com/

In this episode of the Know Your Why Podcast, Dr. Jason Balara sits down with Steven Carroll, founder of Kelso Industries, who shares his remarkable journey from growing up on a farm to building a thriving company in the HVAC and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing space. Steve reflects candidly on the early challenges of entrepreneurship, how failures shaped his approach to leadership, and why a partnership model has proven far more effective for Kelso Industries than traditional business acquisitions. This conversation dives into the power of relationships in the trades industry, the complexities of navigating licensing and compliance, and Steve's vision for Kelso Industries as a comprehensive, one-stop solution for customers across the MEP space.

Key Highlights:

• Steve's path from farm life and construction to founding Kelso Industries

• How early failures shaped his leadership philosophy and approach to business growth

• Why a partnership model drives more sustainable growth than traditional acquisitions in the trades industry

• The critical role relationships play in building a successful business in HVAC and the broader MEP space

• How Kelso Industries expanded beyond HVAC to become a full mechanical, electrical, and plumbing solutions provider

• The challenges of navigating licensing and compliance across the trades industry

• Why succession planning is a cornerstone of Kelso Industries' long-term strategy

• How Steve's approach to supporting partners allows them to thrive doing what they love

Steve Carroll's story is a powerful example of what patient, relationship-driven entrepreneurship can build over time. With a clear vision, a people-first partnership model, and a commitment to succession planning, the future of Kelso Industries looks as strong as the trades it serves.

Get in touch with Steven:

Website: https://kelso-industries.com

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

If you want to know more about Dr. Jason Balara and the Know your Why Podcast:

⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/jasonbalara⁠⁠  

Audio Track:

Back To The Wood by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.⁠⁠ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/⁠⁠

Artist:⁠⁠ http://audionautix.com/

In this episode of the Know Your Why Podcast, Dr. Jason Balara sits down with Danny Bobrow, a seasoned healthcare marketing expert whose career spans decades of helping dental, veterinary, and medical practices grow through ethical persuasion, human connection, and smarter communication. Danny traces the evolution of healthcare marketing from traditional methods to today's digital landscape, and makes a compelling case for why the most powerful marketing tool any practice has is still the human relationship. From converting leads into loyal patients to standing out in an increasingly crowded marketplace, this conversation is packed with actionable insight for any healthcare professional serious about sustainable practice growth.

Key Highlights:

• How healthcare marketing has evolved from traditional strategies to digital and AI-driven approaches since 1989

• Why human connection and empathy remain the most powerful differentiators in a crowded healthcare marketplace

• The three C's of Danny's persuasion blueprint — caring, connection, and collaboration — and how they drive patient trust

• How the brain's limbic system influences patient decision-making and what that means for healthcare communication

• The role of referral strategies and personal relationships in driving consistent, long-term practice growth

• Why the front desk is the first and most critical line of empathy in any patient interaction

• Strategies for converting leads into patients while maintaining transparency, accountability, and measurable ROI

• The art of active listening and how it builds the trust required for lasting patient-provider relationships

• How ethical persuasion and authentic empathy set practices apart in dental, veterinary, and broader healthcare marketing

Danny's work is a powerful reminder that no digital strategy can replace the impact of genuine human connection. When practices lead with empathy, communicate with clarity, and build relationships rooted in trust, growth becomes a natural outcome.

Get in touch with Danny:

Website: https://www.dannybobrow.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danielabobrow

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMhNNRCNpFI

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dannebobrow

If you want to know more about Dr. Jason Balara and the Know your Why Podcast:

⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/jasonbalara⁠⁠  

Audio Track:

Back To The Wood by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.⁠⁠ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/⁠⁠

Artist:⁠⁠ http://audionautix.com/

In this episode of the Know Your Why Podcast, Dr. Jason Balara sits down with Tyler Osborne, a financial educator and public speaker whose journey from a challenging upbringing in San Jose, California to building a successful entrepreneurial career in personal finance is nothing short of inspiring. Tyler opens up about the role mentorship played in shaping his money mindset, how faith fueled his leap from JP Morgan into entrepreneurship, and why having a clear "why" is the foundation of both business strategy and family balance. This conversation is a powerful blend of life lessons, financial education, and honest reflection on what it means to build a legacy while staying intentional about the things that matter most.

Key Highlights:

• How Tyler's background in sports laid the groundwork for discipline and resilience in entrepreneurship

• His unexpected path from aspiring marriage counselor to financial educator helping couples navigate money challenges

• The importance of having a financial safety net and a solid plan before making the leap into entrepreneurship

• Overcoming a scarcity mindset and fear as critical steps toward long-term business success

• How structure, scheduling, and intentionality help Tyler maintain family balance while running a business

• Tracking progress across all areas of life as a tool for personal growth and accountability

• Why delegating tasks and focusing on your strengths is essential for scaling a business

• The role of health and fitness in sustaining the energy and mindset required for entrepreneurial success

Tyler's story is a testament to the transformative power of mentorship, faith, and a clearly defined purpose. His commitment to leaving a legacy — for his family and future generations — serves as a powerful reminder that true entrepreneurial success goes far beyond financial achievement.

Get in touch with Tyler: 

Website: https://moneymasternation.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneymaster408/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-osborne-854064a0/

TikTok: @Moneymaster408

If you want to know more about Dr. Jason Balara and the Know your Why Podcast:

⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/jasonbalara⁠⁠  

Audio Track:

Back To The Wood by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.⁠⁠ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/⁠⁠

Artist:⁠⁠ http://audionautix.com/