Vertical Momentum Resiliency Podcast 2.0

RANK DOESN’T MAKE YOU A LEADER.

CHARACTER DOES!

What does TRUE leadership look like when lives are on the line?

Is leadership about the rank on your chest, the title on your business card, or the number of people who report to you?

Or is it about something much deeper?

🎙️ On this powerful episode of the Vertical Momentum Resiliency Podcast, I sit down with retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General Mark Hertling, a combat-tested leader who spent 38 years serving our nation.

From commanding the legendary 1st Armored Division during the Iraq War to leading U.S. Army forces across Europe, General Hertling knows what it means to make difficult decisions, develop leaders, and carry the responsibility of command.

But here’s what makes his story even more powerful.

After leaving the battlefield, he took those hard-earned leadership lessons into hospitals, boardrooms, and classrooms, proving that TRUE LEADERSHIP ISN’T ABOUT POWER.

IT’S ABOUT PEOPLE.

We explore the meaning of authentic leadership, character, accountability, resilience, mentorship, and why earning trust matters more than demanding respect.

Whether you’re a veteran, entrepreneur, business owner, first responder, or someone simply trying to become a better leader for your family, this conversation is for YOU.

You don’t need three stars on your shoulders to make a difference in someone’s life.

You just need the courage to lead by example.

YOUR MISSION:

Listen to this episode, subscribe to the Vertical Momentum Resiliency Podcast, and share it with one person who needs to hear what true leadership really means.

🌐 VerticalMomentumPodcast.com

Because Comeback Stories Are Contagious!

To Get Mark’s New Book 📖 https://www.amazon.com/If-Dont-Return-Fathers-Wartime/dp/B0GRWSFPRD/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?adgrpid=157002325182&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.cWf06defxJS3tqY-oUBOnfJZB8QGQ89Od_jJMkM45cX3XMs8Id_d5ow7ygXgCKGzlS3obQ1ZWA0LQRDf56hwSg.eQGj17_Z4FpA06qUiTLuEYq-WF37ehoEISvRU7QupK0&dib_tag=se&hvadid=713606170037&hvdev=m&hvexpln=68&hvlocphy=9003489&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=4167120253935470041--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=4167120253935470041&hvtargid=kwd-2188882931943&hydadcr=15176_13754956&keywords=mark+hertling+book&mcid=4bb581eef05d3734b726a6b0a193ac9c&qid=1791488748&sr=8-1

☕ GREAT LEADERSHIP STARTS WITH GREAT COFFEE!

This episode of the Vertical Momentum Resiliency Podcast is proudly sponsored by Bilge Brew Coffee Co., a veteran-owned company that knows the mission doesn’t end when the uniform comes off!

🇺🇸 Support those who served while fueling YOUR next mission!

🔥 Use code VERTICAL10 for 10% OFF your order at www.BilgeBrew.com.

Bilge Brew Coffee — Fueling the Mission, One Cup at a Time!

#Leadership #MilitaryLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment

AI CAN COPY YOUR CONTENT… BUT IT CAN’T COPY YOUR IDENTITY.

Artificial intelligence is changing business faster than most people can keep up with, but what happens to YOUR brand when everyone has access to the same AI tools?

On this episode of the Vertical Momentum Resiliency Podcast, I sit down with Henry Sims, “The Identity Engineer,” to break down the future of personal branding, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and building real authority in an AI-driven world.

We talk about why your story and authentic voice matter more than ever, the difference between branding and marketing, and how entrepreneurs can use AI as a tool, not a replacement for who they are.

AI can help you create faster.

🔥 AI can help you market smarter.

🔥 But YOU still have to give people a reason to trust you.

If you’re an entrepreneur, creator, speaker, coach, or business owner trying to build a brand that actually stands out, DO NOT MISS THIS CONVERSATION.

🎧 Listen now.

Subscribe to Vertical Momentum Resiliency Podcast.

🔁 Share this episode with someone building their brand in the age of AI.

🌐 http://VerticalMomentumPodcast.com

Because Comeback Stories Are Contagious

☕ Fueled by Bilge Brew Coffee Co. , veteran-owned coffee built for those who still have a mission to accomplish.

🇺🇸 Grab your coffee and use code VERTICAL10 to save 10%.

https://bilgebrew.com/?srsltid=AU7gw4WA3tpofrRA7h8FWQxAvYW9mNHJpWrqNXnW9HPvC5rfM-WPS_Z_

Drink better coffee.

Support veterans.

Keep moving forward.

To get in touch with Henry https://henrysims.com

#ArtificialIntelligence

#AI

#Branding

HOW TO START OVER AND WIN 🏆 | MAX KONAN

What do you do when life takes away the plan you thought you were supposed to follow?

You start over.

On this powerful episode of the Vertical Momentum Resiliency Podcast, I sit down with author, entrepreneur, speaker, and CEO Max Konan, a man whose life is living proof that where you start does NOT have to determine where you finish.

Born in Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa, Max survived a traumatic childhood accident that changed the course of his life.

He faced physical challenges, hearing loss, grief, scarcity, cultural barriers, and eventually the challenge of coming to America and rebuilding his life again.

But Max refused to allow what he lacked to determine what he could become.

From working late-night jobs cleaning clubs and washing dishes to becoming a special-education teacher, entrepreneur, CEO, and author of Start Over to Win, Max learned something that every person facing adversity needs to hear:

Sometimes starting over isn’t losing.

It’s your opportunity to rebuild differently.

In this conversation, Max shares the principles behind his B.R.A.V.E. Framework, how to turn scarcity into strategy, overcome setbacks, stop waiting for perfect conditions, find opportunity in what you already have, and take action when life forces you to hit RESET.

We also talk about resilience, leadership, purpose, overcoming the odds, and why your greatest setback may become the foundation for your greatest comeback.

If you’re rebuilding after failure…

Starting a new career…

Recovering from loss…

Building a business with limited resources…

Or simply wondering, “Is it too late for me to start again?”

You need to hear this conversation.

Your circumstances don’t get the final word.

Your setbacks don’t get the final word.

And your story isn’t over.

🎙️ Listen to How to Start Over and Win with Max Konan on the Vertical Momentum Resiliency Podcast.

➡️ Subscribe. Share this episode with somebody who needs a comeback. And visit http://VerticalMomentumPodcast.com for more conversations about resilience, purpose, leadership, and overcoming adversity.

Because Comeback Stories Are Contagious

To Get Max’s New Book Click Here https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FZWRQSM7?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

☕ THIS EPISODE IS FUELED BY BILGE BREW COFFEE

Great conversations deserve great coffee.

Support a veteran-owned coffee company and grab your next bag of Bilge Brew Coffee.

Use code VERTICAL10 at checkout to save 10% on your order.

Drink great coffee.

Support veterans.

Keep moving forward.

#StartOverToWin #Resilience #ComebackStory

IS FRANCHISING RIGHT FOR YOU?

What if the fastest path to business ownership isn’t starting from scratch?

On this episode of the Vertical Momentum Resiliency Podcast, host Richard Kaufman sits down with franchise expert and Franchise Guidance founder Jeff Shafritz to answer a question thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs wrestle with:

Is franchising right for you?

Jeff has spent decades in the franchise industry and has experienced franchising from nearly every angle, from franchise development and helping grow brands to owning and operating a franchise himself and ultimately helping hundreds of aspiring entrepreneurs explore business ownership.

But here’s what makes this conversation different:

Franchising isn’t simply about finding a successful brand.

It’s about finding the right business for YOU.

Your goals.

Your finances.

Your strengths.

Your lifestyle.

And the life you’re actually trying to build.

Richard and Jeff break down what prospective franchise owners should understand before investing, the misconceptions surrounding franchise ownership, how to evaluate opportunities, why due diligence matters, and the questions you need to ask BEFORE putting your money on the line.

You’ll discover why buying a franchise isn’t necessarily about buying yourself another job, and why the right systems, support, business model, and personal fit can make all the difference.

Whether you’re a veteran transitioning into civilian life, a corporate professional considering your next chapter, an entrepreneur looking to diversify your income, or someone who’s simply tired of building someone else’s dream, this episode will give you a clearer understanding of the franchise ownership journey.

Before you quit your job…

Before you invest your savings…

Before you buy a franchise…

🎧 Listen to this conversation.

The question isn’t just:

“Is this a good franchise?”

The better question is:

“Is franchising, and this particular business, the right fit for the life I want to build?”

➡️ Subscribe to the Vertical Momentum Resiliency Podcast

➡️ Share this episode with someone considering business ownership

➡️ Visit http://VerticalMomentumPodcast.com

Because Comeback Stories Are Contagious.

To get in touch with Jeff http://www.franchiseguidance.com

Thank You To Our Sponsors Bilge Brew Coffee The Best Single Source Coffee ☕️ In The World 🌎

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#Franchising #FranchiseOwnership #business

WHAT IF THE BUSINESS YOU BUILT TO GIVE YOU FREEDOM… IS ACTUALLY STEALING YOUR LIFE?

On this powerful episode of the Vertical Momentum Resiliency Podcast, I sit down with entrepreneur, author, and creator of the Buy Back Time Formula, George Rivera, to talk about something every entrepreneur, leader, and high achiever needs to hear.

George spent nearly 30 years building businesses, including multiple eight-figure companies and a supplement business that generated more than $250 MILLION.

But success came with a price.

Long hours.

Stress.

Exhaustion.

And precious moments with his family he could never get back.

Then his father gave him a message that changed everything:

“Don’t miss Leo’s games.”

That wake-up call forced George to redefine what SUCCESS really means.

Today, he teaches entrepreneurs how to stop being the bottleneck, eliminate low-value work, automate what they can, delegate outcomes instead of just tasks, and build systems that allow the business to grow WITHOUT sacrificing their health, family, or life.

Because you can always make another dollar.

You cannot make another minute.

If your business owns YOU instead of you owning your business, this conversation could change the way you work, and the way you live.

🎙️ Listen now.

Subscribe to the Vertical Momentum Resiliency Podcast, share this episode with an entrepreneur who needs it, and start BUYING BACK YOUR TIME.

Your family doesn’t need more of your money.

They need more of YOU.

Thank You To Our Sponsors At Veteran Pride Woodworks

Makers of The Best Honors Boxes

#Business

#Success

#Family

HOW DO YOU TAKE YOUR BUSINESS, INCOME, AND LIFE TO THE NEXT LEVEL?

On this powerful episode of the Vertical Momentum Resiliency Podcast, Richard Kaufman sits down with Chris Larsen, founder of Next-Level Income, to talk about what it really takes to stop thinking small, build wealth, create financial freedom, and take your business to the NEXT LEVEL.

Chris isn’t teaching theory.

He bought his first rental property at just 21 years old while attending Virginia Tech and has spent more than two decades investing in and managing real estate.

Since 2016, he has been involved in over $1.5 BILLION in real-estate acquisitions, with experience spanning multifamily, self-storage, hotels, mobile-home parks, senior housing, private lending, distressed debt and more.

Before going all-in on Next-Level Income, Chris spent 18 years in the medical-device industry.

He holds a degree in Biomechanical Engineering and an MBA in Finance from Virginia Tech, and even competed as an All-American cyclist.

But Chris’s story isn’t simply about making more money.

It’s about creating FREEDOM.

Chris achieved financial independence at a relatively young age and has made it his mission to help others understand how to make money, keep more of it, invest intelligently, and ultimately build a life where their money works for them instead of spending their entire lives working for money.

In this episode, we dive into:

• Taking your business to the next level

Developing an entrepreneur’s mindset

• Creating multiple streams of income

• Building wealth through smart investing

• Turning active income into long-term financial freedom

• Scaling without sacrificing your entire life

• Thinking bigger about your business, money, time, and future

If you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, veteran, leader, investor, or anyone who knows they’re capable of MORE, you need to hear this conversation.

The question isn’t whether you can make more money.

The question is:

Can you build a business and financial life that gives you more FREEDOM?

🎧 Watch or listen now.

👉 Subscribe to the Vertical Momentum Resiliency Podcast

👉 Share this episode with an entrepreneur who needs to hear it

👉 Follow Vertical Momentum for more conversations about resilience, entrepreneurship, leadership, wealth, and building your next chapter.

Stop settling for the level you’re on.

It’s time to go to the NEXT LEVEL.

To Get In Touch With Chris http://www.nextlevelincome.com

Thank You To Our Sponsors At

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THE BANK SAID NO, SO HE FOUND $2.15 MILLION SOMEWHERE ELSE.

What happens when you have real estate deals ready to close…and suddenly the bank cuts you off?

You find another way.

On this powerful episode of the Vertical Momentum Resiliency Podcast, I sit down with Jay Conner, The Private Money Authority, a real estate investor who has been buying and selling homes since 2003.

When Jay’s bank abruptly shut down his funding in 2009, he could have walked away.

Instead, that setback changed the trajectory of his business.

Jay developed a completely different approach to funding real estate.

His first private lender committed $250,000, and within months, Jay had raised $2.15 MILLION in private money.

In this episode, we dive into:

• What private money really is

• Why private money and hard money are NOT the same thing

• How Jay finds people willing to fund real estate deals

• How investors can stop depending solely on traditional banks

• How relationships can become one of your greatest sources of capital

• Why you may be closer to funding your next deal than you think

• How one massive setback became the catalyst for Jay’s entire business

If you’ve ever said…

“I found the deal, but I don’t have the money.”

You NEED to hear this conversation.

Because sometimes the biggest thing standing between you and the next level isn’t finding the opportunity.

It’s knowing where to find the money.

🎙️ Listen to my conversation with Jay Conner , The Private Money Authority.

Subscribe to the Vertical Momentum Resiliency Podcast, share this episode with a real estate investor who needs to hear it, and remember: when one door closes, sometimes it’s forcing you to build a better one.

#PrivateMoney

#RealEstateInvesting

#RealEstateFunding

ARE YOU MAKING A SIX-FIGURE SOCIAL SECURITY MISTAKE? 💰

Most Americans spend decades building their retirement, but one Social Security decision could impact their income for the rest of their lives.

On this powerful episode of the Vertical Momentum Resiliency Podcast, I sit down with Social Security experts Russ Gaiser, CFP®, CSSCS®, MBA, and Mike Hoeflich, MBA, M.Ed, CSSCS®, CLTC®, co-founders of Retirement Income Headquarters of America and authors of the #1 Amazon bestseller Beyond Break Even: The Essential Guide to Social Security Optimization.

Russ and Mike challenge the traditional question of “When will I break even?” and reveal why Social Security needs to be considered as part of your entire retirement strategy.

We talk about:

🔥 Why claiming Social Security at the wrong time can have lifelong consequences

🔥 Why the traditional “break-even” calculation may not tell the whole story

🔥 How taxes, inflation and longevity can change your retirement equation

🔥 Why married couples need to think about spousal AND survivor benefits

🔥 How Social Security can work alongside your investments and retirement income

🔥 Why protecting the surviving spouse should be part of the conversation

🔥 How smarter planning today can potentially protect more of the wealth you’ve spent a lifetime building

You may only get one shot at making one of the biggest financial decisions of your retirement.

Make it an educated one.

If you’re approaching retirement, or you have parents, friends or family members who are, this is an episode you need to hear and SHARE.

🎧 Listen now.

📲 Subscribe to the Vertical Momentum Resiliency Podcast.

♻️ Share this episode with someone preparing for retirement.

Don’t just retire.

Retire with a PLAN.

To Get Their Amazing Book 📖 https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Break-Even-Essential-Optimization/dp/B0DS65548V

Thank You To Our Sponsors.

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370 West Pleasantview Av

Hackensack

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#SocialSecurity #RetirementPlanning #RetirementIncome

🐾 They Rescue Dogs.

They Save Heroes. | Brian Reyngoudt | Operation K9 Beethoven

What happens when you rescue a dog… and that dog rescues a veteran right back?

In this unforgettable episode of the Vertical Momentum Resiliency Podcast, Richard Kaufman sits down with Brian Reyngoudt, Co-Founder and Vice President of Operation K9 Beethoven, a nonprofit on a mission to restore hope to veterans and first responders living with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and the invisible wounds of service.

Brian’s passion for serving the military community was inspired in part by his father, a three-time Purple Heart recipient, and has become a lifelong mission of helping veterans “one paw at a time.”

Operation K9 Beethoven doesn’t just train service dogs, they rescue dogs from shelters and pair them with veterans at no cost, creating life-changing partnerships that give both the veteran and the dog a second chance.

Every service dog is matched, trained, and sent home with everything needed to succeed, from a service vest to food, bedding, toys, and more.

The organization also brings comfort into veterans’ homes, hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers through its therapy dog program.

During this powerful conversation, Brian shares:

🐕 Why a service dog can be life-changing for someone living with PTSD.

🇺🇸 The inspiring story behind Operation K9 Beethoven.

❤️ How rescued shelter dogs become highly trained psychiatric service dogs.

💪 Why purpose, compassion, and community are essential to healing.

🌎 How every listener can help save both veterans and rescue dogs.

This episode is a moving reminder that healing doesn’t always come through words.

Sometimes, it arrives with four paws, unconditional love, and a wagging tail.

🎙️ If you believe no veteran should fight their battles alone, this is an episode you cannot afford to miss.

👉 Subscribe to the Vertical Momentum Resiliency Podcast, share this episode with someone who needs hope, and visit Operation K9 Beethoven to learn how you can donate, volunteer, sponsor a service dog, or apply for assistance.

Together, we can continue helping our heroes, one paw at a time.

#ServiceDogs

#VeteranSupport

#PTSDAwareness

What if the story you’ve been telling yourself is the very thing holding you back?

In this unforgettable episode of the Vertical Momentum Podcast, I sit down with military veteran, certified leadership coach, author, and host of The Unshakable Life Podcast, Jim Burgoon, to discuss his powerful new book, Tell a Better Story.

Jim shares how he overcame childhood trauma, complex PTSD, devastating loss, burnout, and limiting beliefs to discover a life built on truth, resilience, faith, and purpose, not the lies of his past.

Together, we dive deep into leadership, identity, healing, and how rewriting your internal story can completely transform your future.

If you’re ready to stop letting your past define your future and start living the life you were created for, this conversation is for you.

Subscribe to the Vertical Momentum Podcast, leave a review, share this episode with someone who needs hope, and visit http://VerticalMomentumResiliencyPodcast.com for more conversations that help you turn setbacks into comebacks.

To Get Jim’s New Book 📖 Click Here https://www.amazon.com/Tell-Better-Story-Holding-Created/dp/B0H2PDJ1XD

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For Keeping People Healthy Everyday.

#Faith

#FaithOverFear

#SelfDevelopment