Brandon Leibowitz is Founder and Operator of SEO Optimizers, a Los Angeles-based digital marketing agency specializing in SEO and AI search optimization. Since founding the company in 2007, Brandon has helped businesses increase their online visibility, attract qualified traffic, and generate leads without relying exclusively on paid advertising. He is known for his hands-on approach, blending technical SEO, content, backlinks, and AI to deliver sustainable business growth in some of the most competitive industries. Drawing on more than 300 podcast appearances and his book, The Power of Guest Podcasting, Brandon teaches businesses to build authority through podcasting and expand their visibility across AI search platforms.

Online visibility is no longer about generating the largest possible volume of website traffic. Businesses must attract high-intent organic traffic and deliver a clear, persuasive user experience that turns search visitors into customers. How can companies combine SEO, conversion optimization, and emerging AI search platforms to drive sustainable revenue growth?

According to Brandon Leibowitz, a search engine optimization and digital marketing strategies expert, businesses should begin by targeting relevant, high-intent keywords rather than focusing solely on broad traffic numbers. Once visitors arrive, companies must clearly communicate their value proposition, display calls to action and social proof above the fold, and continually test their pages to improve conversions. Brandon also recommends diversifying traffic across search, email, social media, remarketing, and AI platforms while using third-party mentions and backlinks to strengthen authority.

On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Chad Franzen welcomes Brandon Leibowitz, Founder and Operator of SEO Optimizers, for sustainable SEO growth, buyer-intent keywords, conversion optimization, AI-powered search, backlinks, podcast guesting, marketing analytics, and deciding which business activities to delegate or outsource.

Tomas Milar is the Founder and CEO of Eqvista, an equity management and valuation platform for private companies. He heads the leadership team in steering the company as it provides services for cap table management, digital share issuance, transaction tracking, fundraising modeling, and real-time 409A valuations. Founded in 2018, Eqvista has served over 25,000 companies, covering approximately $4 trillion in company value, and is recognized as one of the fastest-growing fintech solutions for startup equity and valuation. Beyond Eqvista, Tomas has launched multiple successful ventures including the neobank Cheqly and Startupr, and is known for his expertise in building financial infrastructure that simplifies equity and compliance for startups.

Startup equity can be one of the most powerful tools for attracting talent, rewarding early contributors, and building long-term company value. Yet many founders underestimate the compliance requirements behind issuing stock options, especially when common stock must be priced in a way that can withstand IRS scrutiny. How can founders use 409A valuations to protect their companies, employees, and future exits?

According to Tomas Milar, who leads equity management and valuation services for Eqvista, a 409A valuation gives private companies a defensible fair market value for common stock. He explains that founders need this valuation when issuing stock to founders or employees, creating employee stock option plans, raising new funding, or experiencing major liquidity or business events. Tomas also emphasizes that the goal is not to invent the lowest possible number, but to establish the lowest defensible price supported by a professional valuation report, ongoing documentation, and audit-ready reasoning.

On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Dr. Jeremy Weisz welcomes Tomas Milar, Founder and CEO of Eqvista, to discuss 409A valuations and startup equity compliance. Tomas demystifies 409A valuation, why it differs from fundraising valuations, and how it impacts stock option issuance. He also discusses common founder misconceptions, the regulatory importance of accurate pricing, and how founders can protect their companies while building long-term equity value.

Jim Dunlop is the Founder and Managing Partner at Advent Partners, a Gettysburg, Pennsylvania-based wealth management and financial planning firm. A Certified Financial Partner with over two decades in the financial services industry, Jim has developed a niche focus on helping faith-based clients align their wealth with their values. He is also the host of the podcast You Can't Take It With You, which explores generosity, legacy planning, and impactful giving. Through Advent Partners, Jim supports clients in making meaningful decisions about their financial futures while planning with purpose.

Faith-based financial planning can offer a meaningful framework for managing wealth with purpose. As more people accumulate resources, many are asking deeper questions about legacy, generosity, and what happens to their money when they're gone. How can financial advisors guide clients toward intentional giving and legacy planning?

According to Jim Dunlop, a seasoned wealth advisor, legacy planning starts with aligning finances to core values. After years of helping clients navigate wealth decisions, Jim emphasizes the power of generosity — whether it's supporting family, donating to community causes, or creating lasting impact through charitable giving. Through his firm and podcast, he encourages clients to plan wisely and give meaningfully, even before the end of life.

On this episode of The Top Business Leaders Show, John Corcoran welcomes Jim Dunlop, Founder and Managing Partner at Advent Partners, for a conversation about scaling a financial practice during a crisis, building a faith-aligned client base, and why generous clients often experience the most joy. Jim also shares insights on merging firms, planning with purpose, and the story behind his podcast, You Can't Take It With You.

Rick Rappe is President and Owner of RPM Direct Marketing, a firm focused on direct mail strategy, testing, and optimization. With over 30 years of experience in direct marketing, he previously held senior management roles at Hackeragency including Vice President of Account Services. Earlier in his career, Rick also led agency work on AT&T direct mail programs for more than 10 years, overseeing hundreds of programs, thousands of test packages, and more than 1.5 billion pieces of direct response mail.

Direct mail remains a powerful growth channel because it can combine precise targeting, compelling offers, and measurable response data. The challenge is that many organizations either test too slowly or fail to connect creative, targeting, attribution, and sales conversion into one system. How can companies make direct mail faster, more predictable, and easier to scale?

According to Rick Rappe, a direct mail strategist and performance optimization expert, companies need a structured testing methodology that identifies the strongest combinations of audience, offer, format, and messaging early in the process. He explains that direct mail works best when marketers treat it like a research and development effort, track response carefully, compare mailed and non-mailed groups, and align campaign goals with sales capacity. That approach helps brands move from guesswork to repeatable performance.

On this episode of The Top Business Leaders Show, John Corcoran welcomes Rick Rappe, President and Owner of RPM Direct Marketing, for a conversation about building high-performing direct mail programs through structured testing. Rick explains the Rapid Performance Method, the role of targeting and offer strategy, how to improve attribution, and why companies need an R&D mindset to make direct mail scalable and profitable.

Paul Feith is the President and Founder of Paul Gregory Media, a digital marketing agency specializing in serving nonprofits and mission-driven organizations. Under Paul's leadership, Paul Gregory Media has become a Certified B Corp and has helped hundreds of nonprofits increase their visibility and impact, leveraging innovative strategies and technology-driven solutions. Paul is deeply involved in the nonprofit community, often serving on boards and supporting causes that make a real difference. He is especially passionate about helping organizations tell their stories effectively and leverage digital tools for measurable social good.

Nonprofits often face unique marketing challenges, from limited resources to the struggle of telling their stories effectively. How can organizations maximize their impact and reach the right audiences without the budgets or expertise of major corporations? What strategies truly make a difference for mission-driven brands in a crowded digital world?

Paul Feith tackled these challenges by founding an agency devoted specifically to serving nonprofits. Drawing from his experiences on nonprofit boards, Paul realized that these organizations need specialized marketing that addresses their diverse constituents, from donors to beneficiaries. He discusses how his agency guides nonprofits through creating consistent branding, effective web design, and compelling storytelling, ensuring messages resonate across all channels. Paul also shares how tools like Google Ad Grants and advanced social media analytics can empower nonprofits to stretch their marketing dollars further, measure performance, and grow their support base. His data-driven approach not only saves nonprofits time but also enables them to focus more on their core missions.

On this episode of Top Business Leaders Show, John Corcoran welcomes Paul Feith, President and Founder of Paul Gregory Media, to discuss nonprofit marketing strategy, branding, storytelling, social media, and digital tools that help mission-driven organizations grow their impact and reach more supporters. Paul dives into the nuances of website strategy and outreach techniques. He also shares insights on leveraging limited resources and crafting authentic narratives to increase visibility and funding.

David Deane-Spread is Founder of Metattude, a leadership and business turnaround consultancy focused on behavioral transformation. With more than 25 years of experience coaching CEOs and executives, he has worked across Australia and Europe in both public and private companies. Trained in leadership within the Australian Defence Force and law enforcement agencies, David brings a disciplined, systems-based approach to business transformation. Through Metattude, he helps organizations prevent failure by aligning leadership behavior, culture, and strategic execution.

Business turnarounds are rarely about strategy alone; they are about leadership behavior and organizational culture. Many companies attempt to fix performance issues through systems or restructuring, without addressing the attitudes and conversations driving results. How can leaders shift their thinking and behavior to prevent failure and create sustainable growth?

According to David Deane-Spread, successful turnarounds begin with understanding that culture is the sum of attitudes, behaviors, and conversations inside a business. He explains that leaders must first diagnose root causes, align around new behavioral standards, and develop the courage to have necessary conversations. By mastering the four controllables — thoughts, feelings, words, and actions — leaders can shift outcomes and prevent costly strategic mistakes.

On this episode of Top Business Leaders Show, John Corcoran welcomes David Deane-Spread, Founder of Metattude, for a conversation about preventing business failure through leadership behavior. David shares his ABC framework of attitudes, behaviors, and conversations, explains why culture drives customer experience, and breaks down the Intel case study to show how fear-based decisions can destroy value. He also outlines practical steps for aligning teams and driving growth.

Sean Patton is the President of No Limit Leaders, a leadership development and executive coaching organization. A former US Army Special Forces Green Beret commander and airborne ranger, Sean translates elite military experience into practical business leadership. Through coaching, speaking, and his podcast, No Limit Leadership, he helps executives lead themselves first and lead others with clarity and purpose. He is also the author of A Warrior's Mindset: The Six Keys to Greatness.

Modern leadership requires more than just hitting KPIs — it demands emotional intelligence, purpose, and personal growth. Many professionals operate on autopilot, managing tasks instead of truly leading people and culture. How can leaders inspire trust, drive transformation, and stay aligned with their own vision while serving others?

According to executive coach Sean Patton, effective leadership starts with self-leadership. Drawing from his military roots, Sean emphasizes that the best leaders cultivate clarity, embody their values, and create cultures where feedback, vision, and individual goals align. He shares practical strategies for embracing feedback, shifting mindset, and becoming a person others genuinely want to follow.

In this episode ofthe Top Business Leaders Show, Chad Franzen hosts Sean Patton, President of No Limit Leaders, for a conversation about cultivating self-leadership, creating resilient workplace cultures, and why even elite teams need strong leadership support. Sean unpacks his approach to coaching, stories from the military, and mindset shifts that unlock exponential growth.

Gregg Horan is the Founder and Managing Partner of The Greggory, an upscale American restaurant in South Barrington, Illinois. Before launching The Greggory, he spent nearly 30 years with Gibsons Restaurant Group, where he helped open and operate several high-profile establishments, including Gibsons Steakhouse and the Polo Bar in New York. Gregg partnered with longtime colleagues Bill Veremis and Chef Jose Sosa to form Hirth Hospitality, combining decades of expertise in hospitality and culinary innovation. His mission is to bring big-city dining and personalized service to the suburban market.

Restaurants are shifting focus beyond just food, emphasizing hospitality and community to stand out in competitive suburban markets. As food lovers seek experiences that blend high-end ambiance with everyday accessibility, leaders are rethinking how they design and manage their spaces. What does it take to launch a new restaurant that feels both luxurious and welcoming?

According to Gregg Horan, who co-founded The Greggory and oversees its operations for Hearth Hospitality, success starts with deep industry experience and a personal passion for hospitality. By leveraging the design insights of trusted partners, a hands-on culinary team, and lessons learned from his decades at Gibsons, Gregg created a space that's both visually stunning and community-driven. The Greggory's menu, ambiance, and customer service model reflect a seamless blend of luxury and approachability tailored for suburban diners.

On this episode of Top Business Leaders Show, Chad Franzen welcomes Gregg Horan, Co-founder of The Greggory, for a conversation about building a standout restaurant brand in South Barrington. Gregg shares insights from his time at Gibson's, explains the thought process behind The Greggory's menu and design, and opens up about the personal investment and risk involved in starting a new venture.

John Grace is the Founder and President of Investors Advantage Corp., a Westlake Village, California-based financial advisory firm. With over four decades of experience, John is known for his client-first approach, emphasizing data-driven decision-making and loss mitigation. Under his leadership, Investor's Advantage has established a regional stronghold managing over $1 trillion in assets through its collaboration with LPL Financial Corp. A renowned financial advisor and author, John translates complex economic data into actionable intelligence through his work as a contributing writer for Pacific Coast Business Times.

Mentorship can be a powerful catalyst in shaping a person's career, especially in industries where representation is lacking. Too often, young professionals miss out on guidance that could unlock their potential and set them on a transformative path. How can a single mentor alter the course of someone's life and career trajectory?

According to John Grace, who founded and leads Investors Advantage Corp., his entry into the financial world began with an unexpected offer from the father of a friend — a seasoned advisor who saw promise in him and offered to be his mentor. That relationship gave John not only the technical knowledge to earn his license but also the confidence to succeed in a field where few looked like him. Decades later, he continues that legacy by mentoring the next generation, including the grandson of his original mentor.

On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Rise25's John Corcoran welcomes John Grace, Founder and President of Investors Advantage Corp., for a conversation about financial resilience, mentorship in underserved communities, and what makes engineers the ideal clients. John also offers powerful advice on independent thinking in a saturated financial world and the importance of proactive planning for uncertain futures.

Odette D'Aniello is the Founder and CEO of Celebrity Cake Studio, a family-owned and operated retail cake boutique. The company has received numerous awards, including winning Best of Western Washington several times. With experience in the food industry, business strategy sales, and marketing, Odette has obtained additional skills in product design and brand development, event management, and team building.

She is also the Owner of Dragonfly Cakes, the wholesale sister company to Celebrity Cake Studio, designing, developing, and manufacturing delicious handmade and clean-label petit fours, tea cakes, and mini desserts. Beyond her entrepreneurial ventures, she hosts the Celebrity Gourmet Podcast, where she shares insights from successful individuals in the food and beverage sector. ​

Many entrepreneurs struggle to find their niche, especially after experiencing failure or burnout in their initial ventures. How can you pivot from an unsustainable business model to a more profitable and fulfilling path without losing the passion that drove you in the first place?

Baker and entrepreneur Odette D'Aniello's first café business attracted customers but failed financially. After a chance encounter at a wedding expo, Odette recognized the value of focusing solely on custom cakes — a skill she had honed since childhood. By trusting her intuition, closing the café overnight, and boldly repositioning her business, Odette transformed her struggling venture into a thriving cake studio. Embracing risk, creativity, and a clear sense of purpose allowed her to transform a difficult situation into a long-term success.

Tune in to this episode of Top Business Leaders Show as host John Corcoran interviews Odette D'Aniello, Founder and CEO of Celebrity Cake Studio and Dragonfly Cakes, about reinventing a business for greater impact. Odette shares insights on leading a family business, cultivating mindfulness as a leader, and navigating crises like 9/11 and COVID-19.