Uncommon Wealth Podcast

Chris Van Dusen is a senior partner at CECO Capital, a venture capital firm specializing in scaling and exiting businesses. Based in Huntington Beach, California, Chris has a diverse background in construction equipment rentals, real estate investment, marketing, and entrepreneurship. He has a unique and uncommon journey that includes leading roles in successful startups, such as a CBD company that was eventually sold for $75 million. Chris is also a co-founder of a liquor distillery and an experienced Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner and instructor.

In this engaging episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, host Phillip Ramsey sits down with Chris Van Dusen, a venture capitalist with a truly uncommon path to success. Chris Van Dusen shares his dynamic story, spanning from his beginnings in Connecticut and an unexpected transition from collegiate baseball to economics, all the way to becoming a key partner at CECO Capital. Chris’s unique insights into venture capital, business scaling, and strategic exits are captivating, offering listeners both inspiration and practical lessons.

Chris delves into the characteristics that define a promising business venture and the importance of investing in people who have previous entrepreneurial experience. He highlights the advantages of CECO Capital’s distinctive model, where partners play an active role in scaling businesses and improving operational efficiency. By sharing anecdotes from his diverse career, including successful business exits and his ventures into the CBD and liquor industries, Chris provides a vivid illustration of what it means to lead an uncommon and impactful professional life. His blend of venture acumen and hands-on experience sets the stage for understanding the complexities of today’s entrepreneurial and investment landscape.

• CECO Capital's unique model involves active participation through management consulting to drive operational efficiency in early-stage companies.
• Identifying great companies begins with finding exceptional people who understand the entrepreneurial journey and have relevant experience.
• The importance of balance between managing lifestyle businesses and scaling those with significant growth potential.
• Chris’s transition from various industries to venture capital highlights a non-linear but richly rewarding career path.
• The significance of aligning interests between venture capitalists and entrepreneurs to achieve successful outcomes.

• "The entrepreneurial journey has been romanticized over the years, but it is extremely difficult."
• "I made the joke, put away my rusty toolkit and join an established firm."
• "Really what it came down to is understanding human incentive around one singular thing."
• "If you've done it before...that is of interest to start."
• "The world's a better place when old men plant trees whose shade they will never enjoy"

In this quick yet informative episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, host Phillip Ramsey delves into the essentials of crafting a pseudo-financial plan. As the year draws to a close, he emphasizes the importance of understanding your "number" for retirement planning. Phillip critiques a popular commercial that oversimplified the concept of a retirement "number," and instead offers a straightforward method for determining your monthly income needs post-retirement.

Phillip Ramsey provides listeners with a step-by-step guide to calculate their retirement number using accessible figures, such as monthly expenses and Social Security benefits. His approach demystifies the financial planning process, encouraging individuals to assess their own financial landscape and future needs. This episode is a must-listen for those seeking practical, grounded advice on securing their financial future.

• The concept of having a "retirement number" is important, but oversimplified in mainstream financial advertising.
• Understanding your monthly expenses is crucial for creating an accurate retirement plan.
• To calculate your retirement "number," determine your monthly income needs, subtract estimated Social Security benefits, and divide by 0.04.
• Financial planning doesn't have to be complex; small, thoughtful steps can lead to substantial progress.
• Now is the perfect time to evaluate your financial situation and strategize for long-term wealth.

Throughout the conversation, Micah shares insights into his entrepreneurial journey, beginning from his early business experiments as a teenager to his present mission with Workday Ninja. Emphasizing the importance of adapting to change and accepting differences, he reflects on the lessons learned from his business ventures. The episode is rich with engaging discussions on overcoming failures, identifying scalable opportunities, and leveraging cutting-edge technology to redefine business workflow optimization.

• Micah's entrepreneurial journey began at a young age with innovative solutions like outsourcing lawn mowing to neighborhood kids, highlighting his early knack for business.
• Workday Ninja helps companies transition from manual processes to efficient workflows through automation and AI, ensuring employees focus on critical tasks.
• Micah emphasizes the power of adaptability in business, accepting that different approaches yield diverse results.
• Post-exit from a major business venture, Micah experienced a profound identity crisis that underscored the importance of maintaining personal meaning beyond professional success.
• Workday Ninja is committed to pioneering in the automation space, aligning business processes with modern technological advances.

• "Acceptance of differences is crucial in business; there’s no wrong or right way, just different, producing varied outcomes."
• "I got to eat oatmeal cookies while Jake mowed my lawn, and everyone was happy… till my mom came home early one day."
• "Automation and AI allow you to eliminate the busy work, optimizing processes so your team can focus on strategic objectives."
• "The first merger opened my eyes to all the different ways we can run businesses."
• "The day after the exit was the lowest point in my life… I had a bit of a freak out."

• Website: workdayninja.com

Phillip Ramsey and Arron Cramer dive into their annual tradition of expressing gratitude on the Uncommon Wealth Podcast. They each highlight what they're thankful for, discussing the invaluable roles of clients, mentors, family, and community in their lives. The conversation explores personal growth through trials and challenges, emphasizing the importance of perspective and resilience. As they share personal anecdotes and reflections, Phillip and Arron celebrate the power of gratitude and the impact of embracing an uncommon mindset. Join them for an insightful journey into thankfulness and its role in fostering a fulfilling life.

In this engaging episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, hosts Phillip Ramsey and Arron Cramer dive into the topic of transitioning from being a victim to a victor in life. They explore the importance of taking responsibility and ownership of one's actions and decisions. This discussion is aimed at empowering listeners to shift their mindset, take control of their circumstances, and initiate positive change.

Phillip begins by expressing the significance of taking ownership instead of succumbing to a victim mentality. By highlighting how accepting responsibility, even in adverse situations, individuals can harness the ability to make strategic changes in their lives. Arron complements this perspective by introducing statistical reasoning, emphasizing that the probability of being in situations where one is entirely helpless is slim. They both agree that learning from past mistakes and making better decisions is pivotal in achieving personal growth and success.

• Taking responsibility rather than adopting a victim mentality empowers individuals to create positive change.
• A victim mentality can limit one's ability to identify personal areas for improvement and growth.
• Situations perceived as uncontrollable often have underlying factors that could have been managed differently.
• Emotional responses to situations can indicate personal accountability and the potential for growth.
• Developing a habit of analyzing personal contributions to outcomes can facilitate future successes.

• "When you actually take ownership, you could be like, okay, what else can I change?" – Phillip Ramsey
• "Statistically, the chances of a situation where you can just play victim...is slim to none." –Arron Cramer
• "I make it a practice to always try to see my faults and ownership in something." – Phillip Ramsey
• "If you're super mad about a situation, you're probably mad at yourself but trying to reflect it onto somebody else." – Arron Cramer
• "Be a victor, not a victim. That's your simple step. - Phillip Ramsey

In this engaging episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, host Phillip Ramsey welcomes Abbi Rickelman of Designed to Move to the studio. They chat about the journey from being a chiropractic student to running a successful holistic practice. Abbi shares her experiences of transitioning into the business world, drawing inspiration from her father's entrepreneurial spirit. Listeners gain insight into the challenges and victories faced in building Designed to Move, a clinic known for its unique approach and extended appointments that cater to the individual needs of each patient.

Throughout the episode, Abbi elaborates on the dynamics of running a business with her husband and the importance of maintaining client relationships while scaling the business. She discusses the lessons learned from unexpected challenges like audits and finding the ideal location for their practice. The conversation also delves into how Abbi and her team plan to scale their operations sustainably without compromising the quality of care. This episode offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners on balancing professional growth with personal well-being and client satisfaction.

• Designed to Move offers a unique chiropractic approach with a focus on personalized, holistic healthcare solutions, which include longer patient interactions and a variety of treatments.
• Abbi emphasizes the significance of listening to and understanding clients, which has led to the organic growth of their business largely through referrals.
• The transition to business ownership taught Abbi the importance of balancing business processes with quality client care and personal life.
• Although challenging, the decision to reconsider moving to a new building exemplified the importance of flexibility and trusting one’s instincts in business decisions.
• Honest reflections on personal ambition revealed that true fulfillment comes from serving others and glorifying one's values over mere success.

1. "In business ownership, you think that it's gonna be like rainbows and butterflies, and you just have, like, all this time off…"
2. "I mean, literally, not two nights ago, Aaron was doing paperwork until 11:30 at night."
3. "The older I've gotten, the more I've realized… success isn't really where it's at. Like chasing the wind."
4. "I love our practice model. It's uncommon. Imagine that."
5. "You can't grow unless you're working on your business."

Embark on this gripping tale of exploration, where Phillip and Jon recount their experiences, from unexpected snowstorms on Swiss mountains to the adrenaline rush of paragliding. Key themes include the importance of preparation, confronting physical and mental challenges, and translating adventure lessons into business and personal growth. Whether you are an adventure seeker or someone looking for inspiration to step outside your comfort zone, this episode offers insightful reflections interwoven with exhilarating accounts of scaling new heights.

• Adaptability and Overcoming Challenges: The unpredictability of the weather on their climb emphasized the importance of adapting and pushing through challenges.
• The Value of Preparation: Proper equipment and research are crucial when embarking on a physical challenge, underscoring the value of preparation in all life areas.
• Physical Challenges as a Microcosm for Life: Engaging in physically demanding activities can offer valuable insights and motivation applicable to daily life and business.
• The Importance of Partnership: Sharing challenges and adventures with others enhances the experience and provides mutual support and motivation.
• Pushing Comfort Zones: By stepping out into unfamiliar and demanding situations, individuals can uncover personal strengths and foster growth.

1. "It's the quickest way to sort of get yourself back to that willpower wall." – Jon Shiplett
2. "No matter how bad it gets, you can't quit." – Jon Shiplett
3. "Remember that you wanted to do this in the first place." – Phillip Ramsey
4. "When you know you're on the right path, you've got to start pushing hard." – Jon Shiplett
5. "These challenges get you, like, the things that bubble up, they bubble up quicker." – Phillip Ramsey

In this engaging episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, hosts Phillip Ramsey and Arron Cramer delve into the dichotomy between "uphill goals" and "downhill decisions." They explore how people's ambitious objectives often clash with their everyday habits and choices, leading to frustration and lack of progress. With a lively discussion centered around real-life anecdotes, they emphasize the importance of aligning one's actions with their aspirations.

Phillip kicks off the conversation with a compelling story about a friend whose goal of losing weight was undermined by his habit of eating high-calorie desserts. This anecdote serves as a springboard for a broader discussion on the disconnect many experience between their goals and actions. Key themes include the need for accountability in personal development and the crucial role of honest feedback from friends. By integrating these narratives with actionable advice, Phillip and Arron offer listeners both motivation and practical strategies for bridging the gap between desire and action.

• Uphill goals require consistent and aligned efforts to avoid the pitfall of making downhill decisions that undermine progress.
• Accountability partners can play a crucial role in helping individuals recognize when their actions do not align with their stated goals.
• Verbalizing your goals increases the likelihood of achieving them, but only if they are backed by consistent actions.
• Credibility is diminished when there's a discrepancy between what you say and what you do; maintaining alignment is critical.
• Friends who give honest feedback are invaluable in helping you stay on track and achieve your personal and professional aspirations.

In this engaging episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, host Phillip Ramsey welcomes art influencer Liz Lidgett, who shares her journey from being the art kid in school to owning a successful gallery in Des Moines, Iowa. The discussion delves into Liz's path of pursuing her passion for art despite challenges and societal expectations. Highlighting her unique approach, Liz details how her grandmother’s encouragement played a vital role in igniting her passion for art, eventually leading to the creation of Liz Lidgett Gallery and Design which thrives on inclusive and diverse art representation, specifically focusing on midwestern art landscapes.

This episode highlights the pivotal moment when Liz transitioned from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, overcoming adversity by turning the obstacles of the pandemic into opportunities for growth through e-commerce. Liz shares valuable insights into her commitment to artists and clients, her definition of success, and the ethical backbone of her business. The dialogue is vibrant with themes of passion, loyalty, and resilience, portraying Liz as a beacon of light for those aspiring to marry personal passion with professional life.

• Liz Lidgett emphasizes the importance of pursuing your passion relentlessly, as demonstrated by her transition from corporate life to owning a gallery.
• The gallery’s success is largely attributed to its diversified collection, focusing on making art accessible with pieces ranging from $250 to $25,000.
• Through adversity during the pandemic, the gallery adapted by launching an e-commerce platform, reaching art lovers across all 50 states and several countries.
• Liz places high emphasis on ethical business practices in the art world, advocating for timely communication and payments to artists.
• A supportive partner, communication, and teamwork are vital components of maintaining balance in both personal and professional aspects of life.

• "I think that doing good is good business, and I know that doing the right thing can make you successful."
• "Sometimes you're the lead singer and sometimes you're the tambourine player."
• "You take the materials in front of you and create something from nothing every single day—it’s incredible!"
• "Passion is infectious. I know my demeanor changes when I'm talking about art."
• "In Des Moines, you need a great idea, and people will rally around because we support our own."

• Visit Liz Lidgett Gallery and Design in the East Village, Des Moines.
• Follow on Instagram: @lizlidgettgallery for gallery updates and @lizlidgett for personal insights.
• Check out the podcast "Ten Minute Masterpieces" for art insights.

In this engaging episode of The Uncommon Wealth Podcast, hosts Phillip Ramsey and Arron Cramer dive into a thought-provoking discussion about raising children in a way that allows them to benefit from their parents' wisdom while still developing their own character and resilience. The central theme revolves around the idea of ensuring that children begin their journeys where their parents left off—having their parent's ceiling be their floor.

The hosts explore the challenges and strategies of parenting, emphasizing the importance of personal involvement and the balance between guidance and allowing children to face their own struggles. Whether you are a parent or simply interested in personal development, Phillip and Arron's insights and anecdotes provide enriching perspectives on cultivating a mindset for growth and resilience in the next generation.

• Parental Guidance and Presence: Effective parenting involves being present and engaged, offering guidance without micromanaging or becoming a helicopter parent.
• Lessons from Personal Trials: Parents should aim to pass on the wisdom gained from their own experiences, allowing children to avoid repeat mistakes and capitalize on earlier successes.
• Encouraging Self-Driven Effort: Highlighting a child's personal achievements and efforts over mere participation awards can instill a strong work ethic and self-motivation.
• Character Building Through Challenges: Allowing children to face and overcome their own challenges builds resilience and character, essential traits for future success.
• Balancing Support and Independence: Finding the right balance between support and independence is crucial in raising children who are capable and confident in their abilities.

1. Arron Cramer: "Think about everything you have to overcome. You want that to be an easy thing for your children next time so they can go one step further."
2. Phillip Ramsey: "I want my kids to learn from my mistakes and go further down the path of life than I did."
3. Arron Cramer: "If your children want to take over your business, they can run with it like you would have over another 25 years."
4. Phillip Ramsey: "I think there's character that's built in the trials that's priceless and has made me who I am."
5. Arron Cramer: "All we can do as parents is instill effort and encourage them to be mindful of the cause and effect of their actions."

• Uncommon Wealth Partners Website
• Books mentioned:
  Chop Wood, Carry Water by Joshua Medcalf
  Pound the Stone by Joshua Medcalf

Discover parenting insights and motivational strategies inspired by real-life experiences by tuning into this episodes of The Uncommon Wealth Podcast. For future episodes filled with invaluable advice and inspiring stories, stay connected with Uncommon Wealth Partners.

Consider listening to the full episode to dive deeper into the conversation on raising children to begin their journey further along the path than where you left off, and how to navigate the delicate balance of guidance and independence. Stay tuned for more enlightening content from The Uncommon Wealth Podcast