The Wealth Dock Podcast: Helping guide your path to long-term wealth

What happens when growth, discipline, and real standards matter more than quick rewards?

In this episode, Mike Heckman talks with Master Mehrdad, Taekwondo Master, accomplished kickboxer, and school owner in Massachusetts, about building a martial arts program centered on skill, discipline, and earned progress. He explains why belt color should never outrank ability, how challenge helps students grow on and off the mat, and why parents need to look beyond rank. They also discuss running a strong school without losing integrity, expanding into childcare, and balancing high standards with business growth.

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About our Guest: 

Master Mehrdad is a Taekwondo Master, accomplished kickboxer, and martial arts school owner based in Massachusetts. He is known for building a training environment centered on discipline, skill development, and earned progress rather than fast promotions or recognition. Through his approach, he emphasizes mental and physical toughness, helping students grow both on and off the mat. In addition to leading his school, he has expanded his programs to include kickboxing, combat training, and structured childcare, creating a well-rounded system that supports both families and athletes.

What keeps people committed when things get difficult? What turns a simple activity into something deeply meaningful?

In this episode, Mike Heckman interviews Master Eric Ford, Owner of TVMA Academy, about how martial arts shapes discipline, leadership, and personal growth beyond the mat. He shares his journey from student to school owner and how his philosophy centers on guiding others rather than just teaching techniques. The conversation explores building a strong community, creating emotional connections, and tailoring growth paths for each individual. Eric also reflects on mentorship, evolving standards in martial arts, and the powerful role of shared struggle in shaping resilience.

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About our Guest: 

Master Eric Ford sees his role as more than teaching techniques. He focuses on guiding students through a process of growth that builds discipline, confidence, and personal responsibility over time.

He is a Kukkiwon-certified International Taekwondo Master and the owner and head instructor of TVMA Academy. His approach is shaped by decades of training, mentorship under respected masters, and years of working with students of all ages, from beginners to advanced practitioners, preparing for leadership and black belt progression.

At TVMA Academy, progress is earned, not rushed. Strong foundations are emphasized, with each belt building toward the next and each lesson extending beyond the dojang. While rank matters, character, consistency, and mindset are placed at the forefront.

His teaching blends traditional Taekwondo with an understanding of exercise science, movement, and recovery, allowing training to be both challenging and sustainable for all experience levels.

Beyond the dojang, Master Ford has worked with youth and family services, supporting personal development through structured programs. He has also contributed to professional security work, reinforcing values like composure, awareness, and responsibility under pressure.

He has spent years guiding students from uncertain beginners into confident leaders. His goal remains consistent: to help each student grow with confidence, discipline, and purpose, both on and off the mat.

Whether someone is just beginning or continuing their journey, his goal remains consistent: to help each student grow with confidence, discipline, and purpose, both on and off the mat.

When Raquel Rae moved to Ludington, she didn’t just bring her real estate license; she brought heart, hustle, and a mission to build meaningful community roots. 

In this episode, Mike sits down with the associate broker from Lighthouse Realty to explore how compassion, creativity, and connection drive her approach to real estate.

From organizing family-friendly events to guiding clients through deeply personal life transitions, Raquel proves that being a realtor means so much more than closing deals. Her background in yoga, timeshare contracts, and small business management all show up in how she listens, explains, and advocates for people at every step.

Here’s what you can expect from this release:

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About Our Guest: 

Raquel is excited to welcome you to the Michigan real estate scene! With a background in title work, sales, and marketing, she offers her clients a well-rounded service to help them achieve their real estate goals. Whether you’re looking to profit from a home sale or snag a great deal on your dream home, her clients consistently leave with more money in their pockets and a memorable experience. You can too!

But it’s not just about contracts and market data; it’s about understanding people. As a long-time yoga and meditation leader, she values clear communication and guidance. She knows everyone learns differently, and her top priority is to ensure you feel well-informed, grounded, and confident throughout your real estate journey together.

Michigan is more than just a place on the map shaped like a mitten; it is a state of mind. Surrounded by fresh water lakes, pulsing rivers, and gentle streams, you are among the natural beauty of the earth. It’s where you go to feel a sense of innate comfort and belonging. The abundance of little villages and towns scattered across the lakeshore sets you back into a place in time where family, community, and freedom thrive.

What inspires a journey into the unknown?

In this episode, Mike welcomes local business owner Bob Gibson to share his thrilling voyage, commonly known as the “Great Loop.” Discover how a simple boat ride turned into a life-altering adventure, circumnavigating the eastern United States by water. Bob recounts the ups and downs of this daring escape from daily routines, all underscored by the lessons learned about resilience and self-discovery.

Mike and Bob discuss: 

Tune in to explore the concept of chasing freedom beyond the conventional lifestyle and understand how uncharted waters can redefine retirement.

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About Our Guest: 

Gibson Capital’s story began with Bob Gibson, a visionary financial planner whose career spanned over 40 years. Bob traveled the country, partnering with the best money managers to help protect clients from major market downturns, including the 1987 crash, the tech bubble of 2000, the Great Recession of 2008, and the COVID crash of 2020. His investment mantra was simple but profound: “Defense is more important than offense.”

Bob’s dedication laid the foundation for Gibson Capital’s philosophy of capital preservation, thoughtful growth, and client-first service. After Bob’s passing in November 2021, Steve took the helm, rebranding the firm while honoring its founding values. Today, Gibson Capital continues to thrive, blending time-tested strategies with modern innovation.

Why do money decisions sometimes feel more emotional than logical?

Mike Heckman sits down with Brendan Frazier to dive deep into the human side of finance. Together, they explore the surprising role of emotions in our financial choices and share insights on making more informed decisions. Brendan brings his expertise as the Chief Behavioral Officer at RFG Advisory, adding a fresh perspective on how our past influences our money habits. 

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About Our Guest: 

Brendan Frazier is the Chief Behavioral Officer at RFG Advisory. Additionally, he is the host of the podcast The Human Side of Money and the Wisdom In Wealth video series. Brendan’s work has been featured at Kitces.com, Advisor Perspectives, and the Financial Planning Association, among other industry publications. Brendan has become a frequent keynote speaker at financial planning conferences around the world and has been named one of Investopedia’s Top 100 Financial Advisors.

What keeps a family business thriving for over 80 years? 

It’s a blend of tradition, resilience, and a willingness to evolve.

This week on The Wealth Dock Podcast, Mike Heckman welcomes Trent Lundquist, third-generation owner of Lundquist Furniture in Scottville, Michigan. From assembling Harley Davidson parts to steering his family’s business, Trent shares how he’s modernizing a legacy built in 1940 while staying true to its community-first roots.

Join in as Trent explores the art of balancing old and new—competing with e-commerce giants, embracing changing customer trends, and keeping a small-town business at the heart of the community.

Key Highlights:

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Connect with Trent Lundquist: 

About Our Guest:

Trent Lundquist is the third-generation owner of Lundquist Furniture in Scottville, Michigan. Passionate about preserving his family’s legacy, Trent has modernized the business to meet changing consumer expectations while staying true to its values. Outside the store, Trent enjoys connecting with the local community and spending time with his family.

Sometimes, a career starts long before you think—like in high school!

This week on The Wealth Dock Podcast, Mike Heckman introduces Russell Schade, a newly promoted financial advisor trainee at Sable Point Wealth Management. Russell explains how a high school aptitude test sparked his passion for financial advising, leading to an accelerated education and hands-on experience through a life-changing internship. 

So, tune in as Russell shares personal milestones, quirky study habits, and his love for hockey—offering a fresh perspective on the path to financial success!

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About Our Guest:

Russell Schade is a lifelong resident of Mason County, Michigan. He joined Sable Point Wealth Management in 2024. In May 2025, he will receive his bachelor’s degree in Personal Financial Planning from Central Michigan University. What drew him towards the career path as a financial advisor is his passion for helping people. More than anything, Russell enjoys spending free time with his family, especially his fiancée Anna. Russell is also an avid hockey player and enjoys wrenching on vehicles.

Personal interests and passions influence our career paths and relationships a lot more than we think (especially in the financial services industry!)

Would you agree?

This episode of The Wealth Dock Podcast introduces Amy Wiseman, the new administrative assistant at Sable Point Wealth Management. Amy unpacks her journey from Indiana to Kentucky, her academic interest in psychology, and her entry into the financial industry. 

She also highlights her commitment to client service and her enjoyment of building relationships. 

So, tune in as Amy reveals some personal anecdotes about her son, her cats, and her hobbies, giving listeners a peek into her life outside of work!

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Family-owned businesses face unique struggles and, therefore, require unique solutions. 

What do those look like?

This release features Mike Heckman chatting with Jim Scatena, former CEO of FloraCraft®. Jim discusses his consulting work with businesses, emphasizing the importance of financial understanding and management. 

He shares some of the pain points family-owned businesses face, the significance of cost analysis, and adapting to economic trends. He also covers cash flow analysis, the necessity of a financial cushion, and the value of exit and succession planning for business sustainability. 

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About our Guest: 

Jim Scatena is the retired CEO and President of FloraCraft® Corporation. FloraCraft® is the world’s largest fabricator of Styrofoam® brand products for the arts & crafts market and a key supplier to Walmart, Dollar Tree, Dollar General, Michaels Stores, Jo-Ann Fabric & Crafts, Hobby Lobby, A.C. Moore, Five Below, Amazon and many other retailers and mass merchants.

Jim is a recognized craft industry leader and serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Association For Creative Industries (AFCI). Jim has also served as chairperson of the craft industry’s national trade association, CHA (Craft & Hobby Association). Jim has strong leadership skills and is a trusted advisor. Jim also has experience as an expert witness for litigation involving the arts and crafts market.

Before his experience at FloraCraft®, Jim served as Vice President and General Manager of Wilton Enterprises, a consumer products packaged goods company serving the housewares and crafts industries.

Jim also served as Director of Sales with the art materials division of Binney & Smith, the manufacturer and marketer of Crayola brand crayons.

What would happen to your assets if something happened to you tomorrow? 

It might not be the most fun conversation to have, but it’s one of the most important.

In this episode, Mike Heckman is joined by Joe Dallo from Dallo Estate Planning to uncover the importance of creating legal documents for businesses and personal assets. Joe explains the difference between a will and a trust, the significance of updating estate plans after major life events, and the benefits of using a ladybird deed or putting a property into a trust. 

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Connect with Joe Dallo:

About our Guest: 

Attorney Joe Dallo became a lawyer to help others. He truly enjoys serving his clients and helping them plan for the future. He knows that the services he provides can help others meet life goals and avoid unforeseen problems. But perhaps the best part of Joe’s job is helping clients protect their families, homes, assets, and dreams for the future. 

Dreams for the future are what drove Joe to found Dallo Estate Planning. As Joe says, “It brings me a great sense of joy to know that I helped someone. I love being a mentor to others and guiding them through life changes like marriage, buying a home, and having a child.” Through Dallo Estate Planning, Joe can help you protect your family and your goals as well.