In Episode 43 of Live Without a Net, we dive into the inspiring journey of Leonard Nesmith, an entrepreneur who transformed life’s challenges into opportunities for growth and success. After being laid off from his 22-year career as VP of Operations, Leonard transitioned seamlessly into full-time entrepreneurship—a move made possible by his foresight to invest in real estate while still employed. His story is a testament to preparation, faith, and the courage to embrace the unknown.

Motivated by a desire to teach his son valuable life skills, Leonard founded the Kids Real Estate & Financial Literacy Academy, a groundbreaking program empowering youth with the tools to navigate financial literacy and real estate. What started as a vision on a vision board has grown into a nationwide movement, with plans to expand through digital resources, partnerships with schools, and innovative initiatives like podcasting and AI for business.

Leonard’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. From draining his savings to invest in properties to learning how to navigate the educational space, his resilience and faith have kept him moving forward. He credits his belief that his work is God-led as a source of motivation, along with strategies like connecting with people to reset and refocus during tough times.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Leonard offers invaluable advice: cultivate a strong work ethic, stay anchored in your “why,” and remain flexible in how you achieve your goals. His story is one of boldness, risk-taking, and thriving without a safety net, making this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration.

In this powerful episode of Live Without A Net, we’re joined by George Martorano, a man who knows what it means to truly live without a net. George spent 32 years in prison for a non-violent crime—a life sentence that saw him locked away in one of the most notorious systems in America. Today, he’s out, he's free, and he’s reinventing himself.

Join me as we sit down at Martorano's Prime Restaurant in Philadelphia, where George opens up about his harrowing time behind bars, the lessons he learned, and the mobster stories that come with his past. We’ll dive into what it was like to endure decades of incarceration, how it changed him, and how he’s now using that experience to build a thriving marijuana brand, create films, and share his story with the world.

This is a conversation about resilience, redemption, and what it really means to live without a safety net when the world has stripped everything away. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this one.

Join Jennifer Sherlock (@JenniferSherlock) on Live Without a Net as she welcomes Anthony DeGerolamo, Founder of DeGerolamo Financial Strategies. DeGerolamo Financial Strategies’ mission is to help people make smart decisions with their money so that it makes a powerful difference in the lives of their families and the world around them.

DeGerolamo and Sherlock connect on the struggles and rewards of entrepreneurship. DeGerolamo not only has decades of experience in financial planning, but he also has a passion for helping people. His work takes a holistic approach to wealth management, financial planning, insurance planning, estate planning, and much more. Listen to his reflection on his journey and how his continual dedication to benefitting others has led to a career that defines success.

Join Jennifer Sherlock (@jennifersherlock) on Live Without a Net this week as she welcomes Peter Cordua! Peter is a CPA, entrepreneur, and consultant who is currently a Managing Member of Cordua Consulting LLC. 

Peter’s journey started in South Philadelphia, where he grew up learning street smarts and the importance of listening and learning from his neighbors. Having these traits at a young age allowed him to flourish in the world of accounting, and an exceptional journey of hard work led him there. Now with more than 40 years of professional experience, Peter has helped many clients with management efficiencies, ownership structure, real estate development, restaurant partnerships, succession planning, and mergers.

Learn some gems from South Philly’s finest – Peter Cordua!

Join Jennifer Sherlock (@jennifersherlock) on Live Without a Net this week as she welcomes Niki Khan! Niki is the new owner of a DryBar in Mount Laurel, and Marlton New Jersey, set to open soon.

Niki’s journey to business owner has had its hardships, especially after leaving her corporate job due to health concerns. Connecting with the culture and authenticity that DryBar brings, Niki is excited to bring this experience to South Jersey! Join us as Niki shares her passion for transforming the salon experience, and supporting local businesses. Look forward to an inspiring story, a behind-the-scenes look at her business plans, and why you’ll want to be part of this exciting new chapter!

This week on Live Without a Net, host Jennifer Sherlock welcomes Peter Cordua who talks about his journey of hard work, developing street smarts, the importance of listening and learning, and how he made it in the world of accounting and consulting.

Learn some gems from South Philly's finest - Peter Cordua!

It’s never too late to be an entrepreneur… Joel Shertok started at 65!!

Join Jennifer Sherlock on Live Without a Net this week as she welcomes Joel Shertok! Joel is a seasoned chemical and materials consultant with decades of industry experience. He has launched his own consulting business, bringing expertise to his clients.

Joel’s drive and determination are unparalleled, and his story is truly inspiring. After being laid off at the age of 65, Joel channeled his resilience and expertise into founding Process Industries Consultants, Inc. His consulting practice provides chemical engineering insights to the chemical, biotech, and materials industries. Joel excels in crafting practical, real-world solutions tailored to his clients’ needs. His journey from setback to success is a testament to his unwavering commitment and exceptional skill in his field. This story is one you won’t want to miss!

Join Jennifer Sherlock on Live Without a Net this week as she welcomes Joel Shertock! Joel is a seasoned chemical and materials consultant with decades of industry experience. He has launched his own consulting business, bringing expertise to his clients.

Joel’s drive and determination are unparalleled, and his story is truly inspiring. After being laid off at the age of 65, Joel channeled his resilience and expertise into founding Process Industries Consultants, Inc. His consulting practice provides chemical engineering insights to the chemical, biotech, and materials industries. Joel excels in crafting practical, real-world solutions tailored to his clients’ needs. His journey from setback to success is a testament to his unwavering commitment and exceptional skill in his field. This story is one you won't want to miss! 

Curious to hear more? 

Head to JenniferSherlock.com to watch the full episode on #ApplePodcasts or #Spotify.

Or click the link in our bio!

This week on Live Without a Net, host Jennifer Sherlock welcomes Erika Rothenberger. Erika is a published author, TEDx speaker, entrepreneur, and podcaster. She is also a loving mother and wife with a for wellness and fitness.

In 2022, Erika experienced a life-changing and terrifying assault while getting ready to go into work. Despite this trauma, she has transformed her life, becoming a symbol of resilience and empowerment. Join Erika as she shares her compelling story and journey from victim to thriver. Through speaking engagements and sharing her experiences, Erika has found healing and purpose, inspiring countless others along the way.

Join Jennifer Sherlock on Live Without a Net this week as she welcomes Eric Stoffers from BioXcellerator. He is the current CEO, an entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist.

Jump into the scientific world of stem cell therapy and discover the transformative solutions offered by BioXcellerator. Join Eric as he delves into these life-changing procedures, sharing success stories that highlight his profound impact on countless lives. Highlighting the uplifting story of a paralyzed man who was told he would never walk again. Through therapy, he has defied expectations, making significant progress and now even pushes his own wheelchair. Tune in for this inspiring conversation about Eric’s remarkable mission that you don’t want to miss.