In this insightful episode of the Phoenix Prosperity Podcast with Tim Fergestad, Tim welcomes Linda Michaels, founder of AZHR Hub, an HR outsourcing firm based in Chandler, Arizona. With a sharp blend of experience and empathy, Linda shares how her company helps small and mid-sized businesses avoid costly legal missteps and streamline HR processes.

Linda and Tim dive deep into the realities many business owners face when navigating employment laws without internal HR guidance. From misclassifying employees to surviving surprise audits, Linda breaks down common risks—and how her team helps clients avoid them. She also reflects on her journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship, the massive growth AZHR experienced during COVID, and her vision for the future—including building a self-sustaining business that allows her to golf a little more often.

Key Topics Discussed:

Why small businesses often get HR wrong—and how costly that can be

Misclassification of employees: a common and risky mistake

The rise in I-9 audits and how businesses can prepare

How COVID-19 supercharged Linda’s company growth

AZHR Hub’s “HR in a Box” offering for small businesses

The future of Linda’s company, legacy plans, and selling challenges

Hiring her first employee and the big impact it had

------------------------------------------------ Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!

In this episode, Tim Fergestad is joined by Jeff Koenig, a fractional CEO, CFO, and Chair of the Desert Angels investment group. Jeff offers a deep dive into the world of angel investing—what it is, who it’s for, and how it fits into the broader capital landscape. From the early seed stage to eventual exits, Jeff explains the mechanics of startup funding and shares personal insights into why alternative investments can be a powerful hedge in a modern portfolio.

Jeff also opens up about how he stumbled into angel investing, common misconceptions about who belongs in this world, and the importance of community and contribution in venture ecosystems. With experience investing across asset classes and teaching strategic financial planning, Jeff brings clarity and encouragement for those considering their first check—or joining a group like Desert Angels.

------------------------------------------------ Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!

In this episode, Tim sits down with Alex Moses, a former Zen monk and successful entrepreneur with a unique life journey—from escaping war in Ukraine to making millions in tech, and ultimately pivoting to building a better life for dogs and their humans.

After enduring serious health issues and discovering the power of Zen, Alex channeled his experience into creating Tailspath, a platform designed to provide AI-powered pet health support and build communities for dog owners. His motivation? Two beloved basset hounds and a mission to ease the anxiety that comes with pet parenting.

Alex opens up about the stresses of big business, his life-changing spiritual path, and why dogs might just be better companions than people. He and Tim also dive into how Tailspath is creating smarter, more compassionate care options for our furry family members.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How Alex’s health crisis led him to Zen and away from Wall Street

What Addison’s Disease taught him about the need for better pet health tools

The vision behind Tailspath: AI, community, and peace of mind for pet owners

Why understanding human behavior is key to everything Alex builds

Alex’s thoughts on success, stress, and the stories we tell ourselves

------------------------------------------------ Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!

In this fascinating episode, Tim Fergestad sits down with Dr. Heidi Dalton, President of ECLS Virtual Advisors and Professor of Surgery at Creighton University. With decades of experience in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), Dr. Dalton explains this life-saving technology in clear and compelling terms—why it matters, how it works, and how it’s evolving.

She takes us through ECMO’s journey from a niche pediatric tool to a critical intervention for adults with cardiac and respiratory failure, especially during crises like H1N1 and COVID-19. Heidi shares insights into the changing technology, expanding patient criteria, and how ECMO has gone from a last-ditch effort to a proactive life support option.

We also explore Heidi’s entrepreneurial journey—why she launched ECLS Virtual Advisors, how it’s helping hospitals worldwide, and the challenges of balancing medicine and business. If you’ve ever wondered about high-stakes critical care, medical innovation, or what it’s like to lead global change in healthcare, this episode delivers.

------------------------------------------------ Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!

In this insightful episode of the Phoenix Prosperity Podcast, host Tim Fergestad sits down with Mary Fain Brandt, a LinkedIn strategist and certified AI consultant who has helped countless professionals turn their profiles into lead-generating assets. With over a decade of experience, Mary shares actionable insights on how to optimize LinkedIn for visibility and impact—while integrating the power of AI to work smarter, not harder.

Mary walks us through her "Done-For-You" LinkedIn service, demystifies AI use for everyday professionals, and even introduces the concept of the “photo shoot that never happened”—an innovative AI branding tool for entrepreneurs. The conversation also delves into authenticity, networking, the importance of gratitude, and saying no with confidence.

Whether you're just beginning your LinkedIn journey or looking to level up with AI tools, Mary’s grounded advice, tools, and encouragement will leave you inspired to take action now—not when it’s perfect.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

How to turn your LinkedIn profile into a client magnet

The biggest mistakes people make on LinkedIn—and how to avoid them

The AI tools Mary uses daily (including her voice-driven process)

The “photo shoot that never happened” and how to brand yourself in minutes

Why it’s okay to say no and let go of perfectionism

How faith, gratitude, and focus have shaped her entrepreneurial path

------------------------------------------------ Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!

In this episode of the Phoenix Prosperity Podcast, Tim Fergestad welcomes digital marketing veteran Giselle Aguiar, founder of AZ Social Media Wiz. With over 30 years of experience, Giselle shares her journey from early days in retail and graphic design to becoming a trusted guide for startups navigating social media and digital marketing.

She unpacks how the digital world evolved—from coding basic websites in the 90s to today's SEO strategies and AI tools—and how small businesses can adapt without getting overwhelmed. Giselle emphasizes the importance of knowing your audience, crafting content with intent, and having a website that converts. She also shares practical insights into cost-effective marketing, optimizing your online presence, and when to do it yourself versus hiring a pro.

Whether you’re a solopreneur, a growing startup, or just trying to keep up with tech changes, this episode is packed with stories, strategies, and resources to help you thrive in today’s digital landscape.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

How Giselle pivoted from retail to digital marketing

What small business owners get wrong about social media

Why a good-looking website isn’t enough to drive conversions

How startups can effectively leverage SEO and blogging

How to avoid wasting money on ineffective marketing

The difference between "doing social" and having a strategy

Insights on AI, SEO trends, and evolving search behavior

------------------------------------------------ Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!

In this episode of the Phoenix Prosperity Podcast, Tim Fergestad sits down with Alexis Matt, Vice President of Property Management for Newmark in Arizona, to explore what it takes to manage millions of square feet of commercial real estate across office, retail, medical, and industrial properties.

Alexis shares her journey from getting started in property management with CBRE to now leading Newmark’s growing Arizona division. She breaks down the challenges and nuances of different commercial asset types, from the hands-off nature of industrial spaces to the people-focused world of office and retail management. Alexis also dives into leadership, staff retention, and how Newmark differentiates itself by combining the reach of a large firm with the flexibility of a boutique experience.

They also reflect on COVID’s lasting impact, the shift back to in-person work, and Alexis’ commitment to mentoring the next generation of real estate professionals through BOMA's young professionals committee.

Key Topics Covered:

The structure and services offered by Newmark

Commercial property management by asset type

Leadership, team-building, and retention in real estate

The impact of COVID-19 on retail and office leasing

Education, mentorship, and personal growth

Why professional property management adds long-term value

------------------------------------------------ Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!

In this episode of the Phoenix Prosperity Podcast, host Tim Fergestad welcomes Alan Saquella—a nationally recognized expert in security and investigations. With more than 30 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, Alan shares fascinating stories from his time in law enforcement and corporate security, including his work as a certified polygraph examiner and Director of Security Operations at Cox Communications.

Now a professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Director of Investigations and Research at Verensics, Alan discusses how AI is transforming investigations and pre-employment screening. He shares compelling examples of real-life cases, explains how polygraph testing has evolved over time, and describes how students at Embry-Riddle are breaking ground in fraud detection and cyber investigations through internships and cutting-edge tools like ArcGIS and AI-based software.

This episode explores:

How Alan got his start working undercover in high school

The evolution of polygraph exams and countermeasure detection

How AI is revolutionizing corporate investigations and insider threat detection

Real-world use cases of AI and drones in security operations

What makes Embry-Riddle’s Global Security and Intelligence program one of the best in the nation

The importance of internships in student career success

------------------------------------------------ Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!

In this episode, Tim Fergestad is joined by Jane Kupkowski—entrepreneur, physiologist, and former professional ultra-endurance athlete. Jane shares how her early academic and athletic achievements paved the way for a unique path through leadership, global consulting, and deep personal impact.

Jane opens up about her experience working with Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, and universities—often stepping in during pivotal moments like restructures or mergers. She explains how mindset, mental focus, and servant leadership are key to building resilience and success in any role.

From racing alongside David Goggins to supervising teams in Japan for a decade, Jane brings a unique blend of high-performance thinking, international experience, and emotional intelligence to her work. She also shares a touching story about helping transform a colleague’s life, underscoring the power of belief and mentorship.

What You'll Learn:

How elite athletic training shapes leadership and business thinking

The role of mindset in overcoming fear and professional transition

Why adaptability and humility are critical in cross-cultural leadership

A powerful real-life story of belief and personal transformation

Jane’s next chapter in health, beauty, and brand consulting

------------------------------------------------ Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!

In this vibrant conversation, Tim Fergestad sits down with Hotchy Kiene—Senior Account Executive at Phoenix New Times, community leader, and die-hard Chiefs fan—to talk about his journey from Kansas City to Phoenix and the many hats he wears around town.

Hotchy shares his 22-year career with Phoenix New Times and how it’s evolved from a print-focused outlet into a full-scale digital media powerhouse under Voice Media Group. He talks about his passion for community building, including his leadership role with the Great Arizona Puppet Theater and his grassroots effort to unite local Kansas City Chiefs fans through a network of watch party bars across Arizona.

They also discuss mental health, emotional resilience, the impact of the Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins, and the power of meaningful, long-term client relationships. Plus, don’t miss Hotchy’s thoughts on how print media still plays a role in a digital-first world, and how the iconic Best of Phoenix campaign continues to energize local businesses.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

How Hotchy built a multi-location community of Chiefs fans in Arizona

Why flexibility is key in modern media and marketing

How empathy shapes sales—and the challenges that come with it

What “Best of Phoenix” means to local business owners

Why print media isn’t dead (and how it still influences buyers)

The power of finding balance through books, therapy, and community

------------------------------------------------ Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!