Mitlin Money Mindset

How do you create a thriving franchise while staying true to personal values and innovation?

In this episode of the Mitlin Money Mindset®, host Larry Sprung interviews Bennett Maxwell, Chairman of Dirty Dough Cookies.

From his early entrepreneurial roots to transforming Dirty Dough into a streamlined, values-driven brand, Bennett shares insights on leadership, mental health advocacy, and simplifying franchise operations. Learn how his tagline, "It's the inside that counts," reflects both his product and personal philosophy.

Bennett discusses:

• Simplifying operations by centralizing cookie production to create an easy-to-run franchise model
• The significance of his personal journey, including childhood sales experiences and pivoting from solar to the cookie business
• The value of an advisory board in building a solid foundation for Dirty Dough's growth
• Prioritizing mental health and spreading positive messages through packaging and branding
• The impact of a clear mission statement and core values in attracting like-minded franchisees and customers
• And more!

Resources:

• Mitlin Financial
• The JOY and Productivity Journal by Lawrence Sprung
• Download Your Free Copy of the Couple's JOYful Money Guide

Connect with Larry Sprung:

• LinkedIn: Larry Sprung
• Instagram: Larry Sprung
• Facebook: Larry Sprung
• X (Twitter): Larry Sprung

Connect with Bennett Maxwell:

• Website: Bennett Maxwell
• Facebook: Bennett Maxwell
• Linkedin: Bennett Maxwell
• Instagram: Bennett Maxwell
• Youtube: @deeperthandough2123

About our Guest:

Bennett Maxwell is a multifaceted entrepreneur renowned for his innovative approach to business and commitment to enhancing the entrepreneurial landscape.

He is currently the driving force behind Dirty Dough Cookies, a fast-growing and thriving national cookie restaurant with 80+ stores open and dozens more set to launch this year. Maxwell's professional journey spans diverse industries, from real estate in Utah to the co-founding and eventual successful sale of Switch to Solar in addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, he is a sought-after speaker and frequently shares valuable insights with the media.

Maxwell is also the host of the Deeper Than Dough podcast, which he started in 2023. The podcast focuses on finding joy and fulfillment in life.

Disclosure:

Guests on the Mitlin Money Mindset are not affiliated with CWM, LLC, and opinions expressed herein may not be representative of CWM, LLC. CWM, LLC is not responsible for the guest's content linked on this site.

Access to top coaches and scouts is no longer out of reach, thanks to Lucas Bahn's innovative platform, Player Intro.

In this episode, Mitlin Money Mindset® host Larry Sprung interviews Lucas Bahn, co-founder of Player Intro, about how this groundbreaking platform is transforming the way athletes connect with experts in hockey.

Lucas shares his entrepreneurial journey, the importance of empowering players to lead their careers, and how Player Intro saves hockey families time, money, and stress while providing unprecedented access to the hockey community.

Lucas discusses:

• The inspiration behind Player Intro and how it democratizes access to top coaches and scouts
• The benefits of encouraging players to take charge of their athletic journeys
• How aligning with a clear mission helped Player Intro secure impactful partnerships
• Practical advice for hockey families on managing expenses and avoiding unnecessary spending
• The life lessons learned from hockey and how they prepare players for success beyond sports
• And more!

Resources:

• Mitlin Financial
• The JOY and Productivity Journal by Lawrence Sprung
• Download Your Free Copy of the Couple's JOYful Money Guide

Connect with Larry Sprung:

• LinkedIn: Larry Sprung
• Instagram: Larry Sprung
• Facebook: Larry Sprung
• X (Twitter): Larry Sprung

Connect with Lucas Bahn:

• Website: Player Intro
• Instagram: @lucasbahn
• Linkedin: Lucas Bahn
• X: Lucas Bahn

About our Guest:

Lucas Bahn, co-founder of Player Intro, the first-ever global marketplace for conversation in youth sports. Former NCAA DI hockey player turned entrepreneur.

Disclosure:

Guests on the Mitlin Money Mindset are not affiliated with CWM, LLC, and opinions expressed herein may not be representative of CWM, LLC. CWM, LLC is not responsible for the guest's content linked on this site.

Are you ready to redefine financial advising and build true trust with your clients?

Chuck Failla shares how embracing a fiduciary-first model is changing the game for advisors.

In this episode, Larry Sprung interviews Chuck Failla, CEO of Sovereign Financial Group and host of goRIA, discussing the power of fiduciary advising, the shift from commission-driven models, and how RIAs are leading the charge in transparent client relationships.

Chuck provides actionable insights on growing practices authentically and the value of educational marketing.

Chuck Discusses:

• The transformative journey from commission-based advising to fee-only fiduciary models
• Why financial advisors should embrace the RIA framework for building authentic client trust
• How fiduciary principles empower clients to make informed financial decisions
• The importance of educational marketing to attract and retain ideal clients
• Misleading practices by "planners in name only" (PINOs) and advocating for ethical advising
• And more!

Resources:

• Mitlin Financial
• The JOY and Productivity Journal by Lawrence Sprung
• Download Your Free Copy of the Couple's JOYful Money Guide

Connect with Larry Sprung:

• LinkedIn: Larry Sprung
• Instagram: Larry Sprung
• Facebook: Larry Sprung
• X (Twitter): Larry Sprung

Connect with Chuck Failla:

• LinkedIn: Chuck Failla
• X: @charlesfailla1
• Sovereign Financial Group, Inc
• goRIA Podcast

About our Guest:

Chuck has been a financial advisor for more than 25 years. He started in the early 90s as a "cold calling cowboy" in NYC selling individual stocks. As he built his book, he always planned to go independent and did so in 1999 by opening an independent branch of Raymond James Financial. At that time, Chuck earned his CFP® designation and transitioned from individual stock picking to financial planning and asset allocating using mutual funds and SMAs. Chuck's practice evolved into what is today Sovereign Financial Group, Inc., an SEC registered RIA. With offices and advisors in the Northeast, Florida, and Colorado, Sovereign is one of the fastest growing RIAs in the country. Chuck is also the Director of Sovereign Advisor Solutions (SAS)-- a division of Sovereign Financial Group, Inc. SAS helps advisors transition to RIA by offering a comprehensive plug and play solution for going independent.

Chuck's ties to the financial planning community run deep… he currently:

• Is the host of goRIA: Fueled by InvestmentNews ( www.goRIA.com )
• Serves on the Board of Directors for the FPA of Connecticut and Chairs their Pro Bono / Public Outreach Committee.

Chuck received his degree in Finance from The University of Connecticut and completed his coursework for the CFP® certification with The American College. He resides in Connecticut with his wife, two children, black lab and cats. In his spare time, he enjoys all things travel & outdoors -- on the weekends you will find him with his family hiking, camping, skiing, boating or just enjoying some grilling in the backyard.

Disclosure:

Guests on the Mitlin Money Mindset are not affiliated with CWM, LLC, and opinions expressed herein may not be representative of CWM, LLC. CWM, LLC is not responsible for the guest's content linked on this site.

What if teaching kids about money could change their lives forever?

This week on Mitlin Money Mindset®, Larry Sprung welcomes David Delisle, founder of The Awesome Stuff™, to explain how financial literacy starts early and the powerful impact of intentional living.

In this episode, David shares his unique journey, discussing how small shifts in our conversations with children about money can foster lifelong financial health and happiness.

Discover how David's approach to financial education and mindfulness can transform not just the habits of children, but families as a whole. With a career spanning entrepreneurship, real estate investing, and authorship, David uses his insights to guide families towards what truly matters.

Larry and David discuss:

• How powerful words shape children's perceptions of money and value
• The Awesome Stuff™ concept and its journey
• Practical tips to start positive money conversations with kids
• The importance of habits over mechanics in investing
• Insights from his book, "The Golden Quest", on teaching financial literacy to kids
• And more!

Resources:

• Mitlin Financial
• The JOY and Productivity Journal by Lawrence Sprung
• Download Your Free Copy of the Couple's JOYful Money Guide
• The Golden Quest by David Delisle

Connect with Larry Sprung:

• LinkedIn: Larry Sprung
• Instagram: Larry Sprung
• Facebook: Larry Sprung
• X (Twitter): Larry Sprung

Connect with David Delisle:

• Instagram: David Delisle
• Website: The Awesome Stuff

About our Guest:

David Delisle, founder of The Awesome Stuff™, is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, real estate investor, speaker, and most importantly, Dad. He is a contributor to Entrepreneur, Yahoo! News, Thrive Global and more. At age 11, David made his first investment. By age 20, he began investing in real estate and was retired by age 40. His book, The Golden Quest, is a Calvin & Hobbes-style graphic novel that teaches potent lessons about money, focusing on breaking the cycle of always chasing more. David's goal is to change the way our kids think about money and create more freedom for what's most important to them… the Awesome Stuff™. David has been featured in Good Day LA, Good Day DC, NTD TV, NY Post, ScaryMommy, GoBankingRates, MindBodyGreen, Credit Sesame, and more!

Disclosure:

Guests on the Mitlin Money Mindset are not affiliated with CWM, LLC, and opinions expressed herein may not be representative of CWM, LLC. CWM, LLC is not responsible for the guest's content linked on this site.

What does it take to create champions both in sports and life?

For Gordie Stafford, it's a blend of discipline, teamwork, and a lifelong passion for mentorship.

In this episode, Larry Sprung sits down with Gordie Stafford, Girls Prep Head Coach and Director of Girls Hockey at Shattuck Hockey.

Gordie touches on how hockey can instill life skills, the importance of developing good character, and fostering a winning mindset. From shaping the next generation of female hockey stars to his enduring love for teaching English, Gordie shares his reflections on making a difference through sport and education.

Gordie discusses:

• The transformative lessons sports teach and their relevance to life
• His philosophy of nurturing both athletic skill and personal character in young athletes
• The evolving opportunities in women's hockey and his role in paving the way for players
• How fostering gratitude, joy, and resilience shapes success on and off the ice
• The critical role of mentorship and creating an environment of mutual growth for students and coaches
• And more!

Resources:

• Mitlin Financial
• The JOY and Productivity Journal by Lawrence Sprung
• Download Your Free Copy of the Couple's JOYful Money Guide

Connect with Larry Sprung:

• LinkedIn: Larry Sprung
• Instagram: Larry Sprung
• Facebook: Larry Sprung
• X (Twitter): Larry Sprung

Connect with Gordie Stafford:

• LinkedIn - Gordie Stafford
• X - @GordieStafford
• Instagram - gordiestafford
• Facebook – Gordie Stafford

About our Guest:

Gordie Stafford, born in Banff, Canada, signed with the Edmonton Oilers after three seasons in the Western Hockey League. During his eight-year professional hockey career, primarily with the Milwaukee Admirals, he earned a degree in Secondary Education and a master's in Educational Psychology.

He began teaching and coaching at Marquette University High School before coaching the St. Albert Saints in Canada. Since 2000, Stafford has been at Shattuck-St. Mary's School in Minnesota, where he became Girls' Hockey Director and Prep Coach in 2004. Under his leadership, the program has won 17 national championships, including 10 by the Prep team.

Stafford has guided players to Olympic competition, Division I success, and prestigious honors like the Patty Kazmaier Award. Inspired by his work, he pursued a PhD (ABD) in Sports Psychology. Married for 40 years, he is a proud father and grandfather. His son, Drew, had a 14-year NHL career.

Disclosure:

Guests on the Mitlin Money Mindset are not affiliated with CWM, LLC, and opinions expressed herein may not be representative of CWM, LLC. CWM, LLC is not responsible for the guest's content linked on this site.

Ever wonder how culture shapes the way we view the world and influences our actions?

In this episode, Larry Sprung chats with Dr. Marcus Collins, an award-winning marketer and cultural translator, about the unseen yet powerful force of culture in business.

Dr. Collins shares insights from his career and explores how cultural understanding can drive success. With experiences working for iconic brands and figures like Beyoncé and Apple, Marcus unpacks the significance of translating cultural nuances into marketing strategies. Dive in to discover how culture can be the ultimate driver in shaping consumer behavior and effective leadership.

Dr. Marcus Collins discusses:

• The intersection of culture and business
• His journey from engineering to marketing
• The role of culture in influencing human behavior
• Strategies for entrepreneurs to leverage cultural insights
• Cultural impact on leadership and organization
• And more!

Resources:

• Mitlin Financial
• The JOY and Productivity Journal by Lawrence Sprung
• JOYful Finances for Couples

Connect with Larry Sprung:

• LinkedIn: Larry Sprung
• Instagram: Larry Sprung
• Facebook: Larry Sprung
• X (Twitter): Larry Sprung

Connect with Marcus Collins:

• LinkedIn: Dr. Marcus Collins
• Website: Dr. Marcus Collins
• X: Dr. Marcus Collins
• Instagram: Dr. Marcus Collins

About our Guest:

Dr. Marcus Collins is an award-winning marketer and cultural translator. He is the former chief strategy officer at Wieden+Kennedy, New York, a marketing professor at the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, and the author of the best-selling book, For The Culture: The Power Behind What We Buy, What We Do, and Who We Want To Be. Marcus is an inductee into the American Advertising Federation's Advertising Hall of Achievement and a recipient of the Thinkers50 Radar Distinguished Achievement Award for the idea most likely to shape the future of business management. His strategies and creative contributions have led to the launch and success of Google's "Real Tone" technology, the "Made In America" music festival, and the Brooklyn Nets, among others. Before his advertising tenure, Marcus worked on iTunes + Nike sport music initiatives at Apple and ran digital strategy for Beyoncé. He writes a column for Forbes CMO Network and contributes to business scholarship.

Disclosure:

Guests on the Mitlin Money Mindset are not affiliated with CWM, LLC, and opinions expressed herein may not be representative of CWM, LLC. CWM, LLC is not responsible for the guest's content linked on this site.

In a world where our lives may not look as we envisioned, finding joy can be both challenging and transformative.

What does it mean to embrace the reality of our stories? How can vulnerability help us find resilience and purpose?

In this episode, Larry Sprung interviews Rachel Marie Martin, founder of FindingJoy.net and bestselling author, about her journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

Rachel shares how she built a thriving online community by encouraging authenticity, vulnerability, and connection, especially for women and mothers. The conversation explores her insights on building joy, leveraging media, and staying connected to purpose, even through challenges.

Rachel discusses:

• Her entrepreneurial journey and the inception of FindingJoy.net
• Monetizing Facebook organically and building a thriving audience
• The power and necessity of maintaining authentic engagement in social media
• The viral impact of her quote and the universal appeal of its message
• The significance of embracing authenticity and vulnerability in storytelling
• Her latest book, "Get Your Spark Back," and its transformational insights
• And more!

Resources:

• Mitlin Financial
• The JOY and Productivity Journal by Lawrence Sprung

Connect with Larry Sprung:

• LinkedIn: Larry Sprung
• Instagram: Larry Sprung
• Facebook: Larry Sprung
• X (Twitter): Larry Sprung

Connect with Rachel Marie Martin:

• LinkedIn: Rachel Marie Martin
• Website: Finding Joy
• Facebook: Finding Joy

About our Guest:

Rachel believes in the power of the human spirit to overcome, thrive, and find deep joy and because of that she pours out her heart via these platforms: she is the writer behind the site FindingJoy.net and author of Get Your Spark Back, Mom Enough and The Brave Art of Motherhood and a founding partner in Audience Industries – a company designed to train and equip entrepreneurs in their ventures. Her articles have been translated into over 25 languages, her site reaches millions of visitors per month and she has a robust, engaged Facebook community. Her content has been featured in The Today Show, Good Morning America, NPR, The Huffington Post, Tiny Buddha, iVillage, Stuff New Zealand, John Tesh, PopSugar, Motherly, Parents, What to Expect, Star Tribune, Independent Journal Review, Dr. Greene, Power of Positivity, Her View From Home, and many more. She speaks worldwide encouraging others to live each day with purpose and drive. Beyond that, she's a mom to seven and calls Nashville, Tennessee, her home.

Disclosure:

Guests on the Mitlin Money Mindset are not affiliated with CWM, LLC, and opinions expressed herein may not be representative of CWM, LLC. CWM, LLC is not responsible for the guest's content linked on this site.

What if every leap into uncertainty brought you closer to defining your true wealth and joy in life?

Discover how one man's journey through 193 countries led to unexpected lessons on resilience and embracing the unknown.

In this episode, Larry Sprung speaks with Sam Goodwin, an American entrepreneur, author, and professional speaker known for his remarkable journey of traveling to every country in the world.

Sam's story is not only about adventure but also about overcoming significant challenges, including surviving solitary confinement in Syria, and how these experiences have shaped his outlook on life and success.

Sam discusses:

• The lessons learned from competitive sports and how they translated into his professional life
• The turning point that led him to aim to visit all 193 countries
• His harrowing experience of being detained in Syria and the life-altering insights that came from it
• The importance of uncertainty and the growth it offers
• How he coached the North Korean national ice hockey team as part of a cultural exchange
• And more!

Resources:

• Mitlin Financial
• The JOY and Productivity Journal by Lawrence Sprung
• Saving Sam: The True Story of an American's Disappearance in Syria and His Family's Extraordinary Fight to Bring Him Home Hardcover – by Sam Goodwin

Connect with Larry Sprung:

• LinkedIn: Larry Sprung
• Instagram: Larry Sprung
• Facebook: Larry Sprung
• X (Twitter): Larry Sprung

Connect with Sam Goodwin:

• LinkedIn: Sam Goodwin
• Website: Sam Goodwin

About our Guest:

Sam Goodwin is an American entrepreneur, author, and professional speaker. A former Division I collegiate hockey player, he co-founded a tech company and NGO in Singapore and is one of the few people who has traveled to all 193 countries in the world. As a thought leader on embracing uncertainty, Goodwin delivers keynotes to organizations around the globe, from large corporate conventions to intimate leadership retreats and everything in between. Sam earned a bachelor's from Niagara University, a master's from Wash U in St. Louis, and a doctorate from Johns Hopkins SAIS.

Disclosure:

Guests on the Mitlin Money Mindset are not affiliated with CWM, LLC, and opinions expressed herein may not be representative of CWM, LLC. CWM, LLC is not responsible for the guest's content linked on this site.

How Powerful Can Reading Really Be? What if the key to changing the world lies in the pages of a book?

In this episode, Larry Sprung chats with the remarkable 13-year-old E Train, the Founder and CEO of E Train Talks.

E Train has turned his lifelong love of books into a movement to combat 'book deserts'—areas where books and educational resources are scarce.

Learn how this young entrepreneur has distributed thousands of diverse stories to underserved communities, and why he believes every child deserves access to books.

Larry and Eran discuss:

• The journey from book reviewing to running a nonprofit
• The impact of author interviews and how he connects with them
• The importance of discussing banned books and advocating for literacy
• Advice for young and aspiring entrepreneurs on following their passions
• And more!

Resources:

• Mitlin Financial
• The JOY and Productivity Journal by Lawrence Sprung

Connect with Larry Sprung:

• LinkedIn: Larry Sprung
• Instagram: Larry Sprung
• Facebook: Larry Sprung
• X (Twitter): Larry Sprung

Connect with E Train:

• Website: E Train Talks
• Twitter/X: @ETrainsWorld
• Instagram: @etraintalks
• Facebook: E Train's World of Books & Wonder
• E Train Talks Podcast

About our Guest:

E Train is a 13-year-old multi-award-winning literacy advocate, podcast host, book reviewer, and reading ambassador. He's also the Founder/CEO of E Train Talks, Inc. a 501©(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ending book deserts and changing the world, one read at a time!

Disclosure:

Guests on the Mitlin Money Mindset are not affiliated with CWM, LLC, and opinions expressed herein may not be representative of CWM, LLC. CWM, LLC is not responsible for the guest's content linked on this site.

Are you ready to transform the way you think about money, health, and your true potential?

In this episode of Mitlin Money Mindset, Larry Sprung welcomes Dr. Phil Pearlman, founder of the Pearl Institute, to delve into the powerful intersections of behavioral finance and personal growth.

Discover how Dr. Pearlman's unique insights and systems can help you redefine your financial decisions, enhance your overall well-being, and cultivate lasting joy.

They discuss:

• Dr. Pearlman's journey from clinical psychology to pioneering behavioral finance
• How to integrate mindset and self-awareness in financial and personal life
• The parallels between wealth and health, and how they impact decision-making
• Insights into creating sustainable, positive changes in your life and mindset
• Strategies like meditation and fitness to sustain joy and self-improvement
• And more!

Resources:

• Mitlin Financial
• The JOY and Productivity Journal by Lawrence Sprung

Connect with Larry Sprung:

• LinkedIn: Larry Sprung
• Instagram: Larry Sprung
• Facebook: Larry Sprung
• X (Twitter): Larry Sprung

Connect with Dr. Phil Pearlman:

• Email: [email protected]
• X: @ppearlman
• Website: Pearl Institute

About our Guest:

Phil launched Pearl Institute to help people live healthier, perform better, and make wise decisions. Previously, he spent years serving as an executive in both finance and media. Phil lives with his wife and two boys in Montebello, New York.

Disclosure:

Guests on the Mitlin Money Mindset are not affiliated with CWM, LLC, and opinions expressed herein may not be representative of CWM, LLC. CWM, LLC is not responsible for the guest's content linked on this site.