Brian L. Shields, a seasoned expert with over two decades of experience in investing, executive roles, and entrepreneurship, provides a profound perspective on acquisition and turnaround

strategies. Having led the acquisition and revitalization of Hill and Company and Pacific Union property management firms as a partner at Vaio Management, Shields emphasizes the critical role of cultural alignment and people dynamics in successful deals. His hands-on approach during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the importance of technology modernization, process refinement, and strategic talent acquisition in enhancing customer service and business value. Shields' insights highlight that a customer-centric focus, combined with operational efficiency and empowered leadership, is essential for transforming well-run businesses into high-value entities.

Here’s what to expect this episode:

• Focusing on customer experience and operational efficiency is crucial in the acquisition and turnaround of property management companies.

• Maintaining the integrity of successful businesses can lead to significant profitability.

• Empowering senior leaders and setting up businesses to run independently are crucial during acquisitions.

• Business transitions involve creating a partnership similar to a marriage, emphasizing trust and relationship-building.

• Prioritizing self-care and well-being are essential for business owners to avoid burnout during transitions.

• Having an intermediary during business transitions can help alleviate stress, manage complexities, and preserve relationships.

Connect with Brian L. Shields

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianleeshields/

Connect with Jacob Koenig:

https://woodbridgegrp.com/

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Nathan Turner, often referred to as the "Canadian Note Guy," embarked on his real estate and mortgage note journey in 2009 after his Curves franchises were struggling. Inspired by flipping shows on TV, he initially delved into real estate and soon transitioned to mortgage notes, viewing the properties as collateral and the finance aspect as the primary focus. Turner and his Canadian partner began by managing a portfolio of Midwest properties for California investors, and their innovative approach to non-performing notes led to the establishment of an investment fund dedicated to purchasing performing loans. His career evolution highlights his adaptability and strategic thinking, earning him a respected niche in the U.S. mortgage note market.

Here’s what to expect this episode:

Connect with Nathan Turner:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-turner-a9a1b510/

Connect with Jacob Koenig:

https://woodbridgegrp.com/

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Dave Castro is an entrepreneurial force behind the innovative IceBrekr app, a platform designed to revolutionize the way individuals connect at gatherings by leveraging the power of cell phone ID technology. With a career spanning over 20 years in the software industry,

including co-founding a healthcare software company later acquired by Dr. Oz's ShareCare corporation, Dave has consistently been driven by a fascination with technology and a desire to create impactful software products. His vision for IceBrekr stems from his belief that life's most meaningful achievements are rooted in the connections we make. The app reflects this philosophy, allowing users to selectively share information and efficiently find relevant connections, thus alleviating the awkwardness often encountered in networking scenarios. Dave's ambition with IceBrekr is not just to transform networking at events but to redefine how we forge personal and professional relationships for the foreseeable future.

Here’s what to expect this episode:

• Innovative Networking Technology: Listeners will learn about the Icebrekr app's unique technology that uses phone radio signals to identify and connect with people nearby at events.

• Enhanced Connection for Introverts: The Icebrekr app facilitates initiating conversations and targets meaningful interactions, making networking events less daunting and more productive.

• Adaptation During the Pandemic: The discussionreveals how the COVID-19 pandemic led to the strategic pivot of Icebrekr, incorporating features for virtual and hybrid event networking. This adaptation underscores the importance of flexibility and innovation in business.

• Entrepreneurial Insights: The significance of patience, the critical role of sales, and the importance of operational efficiency in a startup’s success. These insights are particularly useful for aspiring entrepreneurs and business professionals.

• Future Developments and Vision: A glimpse into the future developments of the Icebreaker app, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize networking events. Castro’s vision for the app includes features that will further maximize the return on investment for event attendees, transforming expectations and experiences at networking events.

Connect with Dave Castro:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidaaroncastro/

Connect with Jacob Koenig:

https://woodbridgegrp.com/

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Episode Summary:

Ross Joel is a seasoned professional in the evolution of

broadcast media business, with a rich background as a television news anchor

and a master's degree in journalism from New York University. He founded and

served as the CEO of Broadcast Med, a company that transitioned from children's

video production to television production, corporate videos, and eventually

found success in live surgical broadcasts online. Joel's perspective on the

evolution of the broadcast med business is one of adaptability and learning

from experiences, emphasizing the importance of evolving the business based on

lessons learned and being prepared for unexpected events. His experience

underscores the value of being flexible, innovative, and strategically aligned

with market dynamics to ultimately achieve success in the business.

Here’s what to expect this episode:

Connect with Ross Joel:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossjjoel/

Connect with Jacob Koenig:

https://woodbridgegrp.com/

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Jacob Koenig interviews Adam Zuckerman, founder of "Buried in Work," a company that innovates in the estate planning sector by simplifying and organizing the process through digital and paper-based solutions. Adam shares a deeply personal catalyst for his venture—a poignant experience with his father's sudden illness and subsequent death, which led him to help his mother as the executor of his father's will. This experience showcased his comprehensive method of estate organization, which significantly impressed financial professionals and spurred the creation of his company. Adam details how "Buried in Work" provides comprehensive estate organization tools and services that help reduce the significant time

typically required to manage an estate, making the process less stressful and more efficient. He also discusses the unique challenges business owners face in estate planning and how his services cater to both individual and corporate clients, emphasizing the importance of being well-prepared for business transition or personal incapacitation.

Here’s what to expect this episode:

Connect with Adam Zuckerman:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamzuckerman/

Connect with Jacob Koenig:

 https://woodbridgegrp.com/

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Kevin D. Quinn is the founder and president of Legacy Counselors, where he specializes in estate and business planning with a focus on small businesses and asset protection. He believes that early planning is crucial for protecting one’s assets, family, and business from potential risks such as creditors' claims and estate taxes. Quinn advocates for a holistic approach that includes building strong management teams, upgrading systems, and encouraging intergenerational communication about wealth to ensure its preservation and growth. Recognizing the emotional attachment entrepreneurs have to their businesses, he advises them on preparing for the transition from business ownership to the next chapter of their lives, providing comprehensive support through Legacy Counselors to maximize business value and secure family financial well-being.

Here’s what to expect this episode:

Connect with Kevin D. Quinn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevindquinn/

Connect with Jacob Koenig:

https://woodbridgegrp.com/

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Steven Pope, the CEO and founder of my Amazon guy, is renowned for his exceptional entrepreneurial success, emphasizing customer demand as the cornerstone of his business philosophy. He believes that understanding and meeting customer needs, coupled with continuous feedback loops, are critical to thriving in any venture. Pope's approach is deeply rooted in focusing on familiar terrains and leveraging his expertise, as exemplified by his background in chess. Looking ahead, he plans to expand his company through strategic acquisitions and effective team management, employing tools like personality profiling to build a cohesive, high-performing global team of 540 employees.

Here’s what to expect this episode:

Connect with Steven Pope:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-pope/

Connect with Jacob Koenig:

https://woodbridgegrp.com/

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Matt Sharrers, managing partner and co-founder of ETJ and chairman of SBI Growth, brings a wealth of expertise to the complex topic of founder transitions in companies. Drawing from his own experience of stepping into the CEO role at SBI after founder Greg Alexander's departure, Sharrers emphasizes the emotional and cultural challenges inherent in such transitions. He underscores the need for founders to find new purpose post-leadership and to understand that their identity extends beyond their professional role. Passionate about coaching first-time CEOs, Sharrers advocates for careful planning, self-reflection, and clear communication to ensure a smooth and successful transition, ultimately fostering value creation and organizational growth.

Here’s what to expect this episode:

Connect with Matt Sharrers:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattsharrers/

Connect with Jacob Koenig:

https://woodbridgegrp.com/

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Chris Kampitsis, co-founder of the SKG team at Barnum Financial Group, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the realm of business and exit planning. With a foundation in financial planning dating back to 2009, Chris emphasizes the critical importance of aligning a business owner's personal financial goals with their business objectives. He advocates for a thorough and collaborative approach, involving specialists and third-party experts to craft comprehensive plans that address every aspect of a business's needs. Moreover, Chris underscores the necessity of protecting and growing business value, highlighting key areas such as management team strength, risk mitigation, and financial transparency to ensure a seamless and successful transition.

Here’s what to expect this episode:

Connect with Chris Kampitsis:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriskampitsis/

Connect with Jacob Koenig:

https://woodbridgegrp.com/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Clear, the chair of private client services at Wigan law firm, brings a unique perspective to the field of estate planning and business succession. With a background in counseling and a rich legal career since 2005, Clear specializes in guiding business owners and closely held businesses through the intricacies of estate planning. He emphasizes the importance of timely and proactive planning, structured around foundational, liquidity, and advanced phases to cater to each business's unique goals. Clear passionately advocates for early action in estate planning to address estate tax implications and to employ strategies like trusts and buy-sell agreements, ensuring smooth transitions and asset protection for future generations.

Here’s what to expect this episode:

Connect with Michael Clear:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-clear/

Connect with Jacob Koenig:

https://woodbridgegrp.com/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices