In this episode of the Wealth Wisdom Financial Podcast, Brandon Neely sits down with Ron Saharyan, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Profit First Professionals, to talk about the heart of small business success, cash flow, profit, and building a business that works for you instead of draining you.

 

Ron has over 20 years of experience in scaling organizations, from running companies in the staffing industry to building Profit First Professionals from Mike Michalowicz’s basement in 2014 into a global network of accountants, bookkeepers, and coaches who are transforming the way entrepreneurs handle money.

 

Known as “Obie Ron” inside the Profit First community, he’s a go-to expert on sales systems, hiring, scaling, and operations. Beyond the business world, he’s a proud husband and father living in New Jersey, with a passion for sports memorabilia and cars

 

Together, Brandon and Ron dig into:

🔹 How to design your cash flow to not only eliminate financial stress but also fund the life you actually want.

🔹 The principles behind Profit First and why so many business owners get cash management wrong.

🔹 Ron’s personal journey of building and scaling businesses, what worked, what didn’t, and what he’d do differently.

🔹 Practical tips on hiring, systems, and operations that keep your business healthy and profitable.

 

If you’ve ever felt like your business is running you (instead of the other way around), this conversation will give you clarity, inspiration, and a practical roadmap to put profit first, literally.

 

00:00 Welcome to Wealth Wisdom Financial Podcast

00:47 Introducing Ron Saharyan: The Man Behind Profit First

02:32 Star Wars vs. Star Trek: A Fun Debate

04:34 The Impact of Profit First on Our Business

05:54 Ron Saharyan Journey to Profit First

11:15 The Importance of Financial Systems in Business

11:45 Overcoming Common Business Challenges

13:44 The Power of Profit First Principles

18:22 Expense Challenges and Financial Clarity

21:20 Starting Small and Building Muscle Memory

21:36 Facing Challenges and Strengthening Mental Fortitude

22:08 The Importance of Accountability and Learning

23:20 Implementing Systems for Financial Control

24:23 The Role of Professionals in Business Success

25:39 The Benefits of Profit First Certification

26:55 Understanding Financial Strategies and Systems

33:04 The Fundamentals of Business and Profit First

35:45 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

 

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8sBi3jjhQy4 

In This Episode of the Wealth Wisdom Financial Podcast, host Brandon Neely sits down with Bruce Wehner, Chief Cash Flow Strategist at e3 Wealth and co-host of The Money Advantage Podcast. With decades of experience in education, entrepreneurship, and advanced wealth strategies, Bruce brings a rare blend of real-world grit and financial acumen to the table.

 

From running a trapping business in high school to managing an automotive shop, and now advising high-net-worth clients, Bruce’s journey is anything but ordinary. He shares how those early lessons in cash flow management became the foundation for helping families and entrepreneurs achieve financial clarity, stability, and confidence.

 

In this value-packed conversation, you’ll discover:

• Why cash flow, not net worth, is the real measure of wealth security
• How the Infinite Banking Concept can transform the way you think about money
• What it means to operate with a “family office model” without needing ultra-wealthy status
• The biggest financial blind spots Bruce sees in entrepreneurs, and how to fix them
• How to build a lasting legacy that outlives you

 

Bruce isn’t just sharing theory; he’s a real estate investor and active practitioner of Infinite Banking in his own life. You’ll hear how he applies these principles daily, the role technology and AI are playing in the financial industry, and why long-term thinking is more important than ever.

 

If you’ve ever worried about running out of money, making costly financial mistakes, or leaving an incomplete legacy, this episode offers practical steps and inspiring perspective to help you move forward with confidence.

 

00:00 Welcome to the Wealth Wisdom Financial Podcast

00:58 Introducing Bruce Wehner: Chief Cash Flow Strategist

01:39 The Infinite Banking Concept and Its Challenges

09:47 Real Estate Investors and Policy Loans

13:06 The Importance of Cash Flow in Business

27:18 Podcasting Journey and Industry Changes

32:13 Nelson’s Legacy and Industry Pushback

33:20 The Value of Wisdom and Experience

34:56 Infinite Banking Policy in Action

37:49 Embracing Technology and AI

44:55 Human Element in Financial Services

48:31 Building a Strong Team and Future Vision

55:46 Long-Term Goals and Financial Responsibility

58:55 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

 

🌱 Tune in for an honest, practical, and eye-opening look at how to take control of your cash flow, minimize taxes, and build wealth that truly lasts.

 

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vVtLLks6UNw 

In this episode of the Wealth Wisdom Financial Podcast, host Brandon Neely sits down with Mickey Curd, a seasoned healthcare operations leader turned full-time real estate investor. After 25 years in logistics and support services for hospitals across the Midwest, Mickey made the bold leap in 2024, leaving his W-2 behind to focus fully on real estate.

But this wasn't a jump without a parachute.

Mickey shares how he restarted his real estate investing journey in 2018 with just two properties, and scaled that into a diverse portfolio of 38 units, including single-family homes, duplexes, and 4-plexes, primarily in the Youngstown/Boardman, Ohio area.

We dive into:

• Why he chose to re-enter real estate—and what he did differently the second time around

• The step-by-step growth from 2 to 38 doors in just 5 years

• How he prepared financially and emotionally to leave his 9–5

• Tips for managing long-term rentals and Airbnbs without losing your sanity

• What it really takes to make the leap from employee to entrepreneur

 

Whether you're just getting started in real estate or wondering if it's finally time to go all in, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom and inspiration.

 

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:24 Meet Mickey Curd: Real Estate Investor

01:31 Mickey's Real Estate Journey

02:28 Transition to Full-Time Real Estate

03:45 Understanding Velocity Banking

04:14 COVID and Financial Strategies

06:38 Deep Dive into Velocity Banking

10:30 Tracking Finances with Spreadsheets

17:05 From Velocity Banking to Infinite Banking

21:51 Introduction to Policy Repayment Schedules

22:13 Detailed Breakdown of Loan Payments

23:00 Planning for Taxes and Insurance

23:31 Second Policy Overview

24:15 Leveraging Policies as Assets

26:33 Analyzing Real Estate Investments

27:21 Property Analysis Example

31:01 Cash Flow and Property Management

35:55 Scaling Real Estate Investments

38:28 Final Thoughts and Advice

 

Think you know how money works? Think again.

 

In this episode of the Wealth Wisdom Financial podcast, Brandon sits down with Grant Thompson, a financial strategist with 30+ years of boots-on-the-ground experience and a fierce passion for flipping the traditional money script.

 

Grant, a partner at Thompson & Thurman in Amarillo, TX, unpacks the Infinite Banking Concept and how he’s helped clients, from business owners to families, take back control of their finances.

 

Inspired by Nelson Nash, Grant shares the pivotal moment that changed everything for him, and how that led to using whole life insurance, annuities, and cash flow strategies to build wealth outside Wall Street.

 

We’re talking:

🔐 Real-life Infinite Banking case studies

🧠 Why mentorship matters more than market timing

🏡 Creative funding for college, real estate—and yes, even horses

💰 How to turn your money into a self-sustaining system

🚨 Why traditional financial advice could be costing you big time

 

This one’s full of wisdom, heart, and a few laughs along the way. Whether you're just getting started or ready to rethink everything, this episode delivers the mindset and tools to help you bank on yourself with confidence.

 

00:00 Welcome to Wealth Wisdom Financial

00:27 Introducing Grant Thompson

02:56 Grant's Journey into Financial Services

04:44 Discovering Infinite Banking

05:21 Meeting Nelson Nash

07:03 Implementing Infinite Banking

17:12 The Role of Annuities and Other Financial Tools

24:20 The Challenges of Bank Loans for Entrepreneurs

25:00 Investing in Real Estate and Horses

26:39 The Importance of Diversified Investments

29:06 Using Infinite Banking for College Planning

34:12 The Value of Financial Education and Mentorship

39:28 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

 

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5-XMpEMqJFc 

What if curiosity wasn’t just a nice to have, but a key ingredient in building lasting wealth and healthy leadership?

 

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Carl Lubbe, founder of Curiosity Coach, who helps leaders harness emotional intelligence, communication skills, and team clarity to unlock both financial and emotional wealth.

 

From his early days as a touring musician to becoming a sought-after consultant for growth-minded organizations, Carl shares stories, strategies, and frameworks for leading with empathy and purpose.

 

We dive deep into what truly drives business success, and it’s not just spreadsheets. Expect insights on handling conflict, cultivating curiosity, adapting to AI, and leading people well while growing profits with integrity.

 

Whether you’re a business owner, team leader, or someone rethinking the way you approach success—this one’s a must-listen.

 

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• How emotional intelligence fuels leadership and financial health
• Why clear expectations and curiosity transform team dynamics
• Tools for resolving conflict and growing trust
• The “Four Ps” that every leader should master
• Navigating AI in people-first businesses

 

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with a leader or team builder in your life. Let’s grow curiosity, clarity, and confidence—together.

 

#LeadershipDevelopment #EmotionalIntelligence #BusinessSuccess #CuriosityCoach #FinancialFreedom #PeopleSkills #Entrepreneurship #AIAndLeadership #ClarityInBusiness

 

00:00 Welcome to Wealth Wisdom Financial

00:43 Introducing Carl Lubbe: The Curiosity Coach

02:34 Carl's Journey into the People Business

05:15 The Importance of Communication

07:01 Cultivating Curiosity in Leadership

10:59 The Overflow Principle in Business

18:15 The Seven Dragons of Team Dynamics

21:34 Understanding Leadership Challenges

22:43 The Four Critical Ps for Business Success

23:29 Adapting Leadership for Growth

24:08 The Role of Process in Scaling

25:09 Balancing Profit and People

25:50 Financial Processes and Expectations

28:25 The Impact of AI on Business

39:29 The Importance of Clarity in Leadership

41:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

 

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0x_0FHKksSk

In this episode, Brandon sits down with Jake, a serial entrepreneur and the visionary co-founder of Gathering the Kings, a powerful mastermind community built for entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs.

 

Together, they dive deep into what it really means to succeed, not just in business, but in every area of life.

 

Jake is more than a business builder; he’s a leader who believes in doing life well across the board. Through Gathering the Kings, he’s helping entrepreneurs win not just at work, but at home, in their health, and in their spiritual walk.

 

What you'll learn in this episode:

• The hidden struggles many entrepreneurs face behind the scenes

• Why success without balance can leave you feeling empty

• The power of intentional living (and how to start)

• How community and accountability can fuel your personal and professional growth

• What Gathering the Kings is doing to raise up the next generation through Generation Next

 

If you’re a business owner who’s tired of the hustle-only culture and looking for something deeper, this episode is for you. Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and equipped with tools to build a life of real, holistic wealth.

 

🧠 Listen now and ask yourself: Are you building a business that supports your life, or one that steals from it?

 

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur who needs a fresh perspective.

 

#WealthWisdom #GatheringTheKings #EntrepreneurLife #HolisticSuccess #FaithAndBusiness #GenerationNext #IntentionalLiving

 

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:33 Introducing Jake and Gathering the Kings

01:29 The Importance of Balance in Life and Business

03:28 Jake's Personal Story and Motivation

05:36 The Value of Time and Intentional Living

09:30 Challenges and Common Pitfalls for Entrepreneurs

13:44 The Role of Community and Authenticity

19:24 Faith and Business Ownership

22:16 The Power of Shared Experiences

22:31 Challenges in Serving Entrepreneurs

23:12 Balancing Business and Personal Life

24:11 Learning from Failures and Successes

26:42 The Importance of Systems and Growth

30:05 Involving Family in Business

35:12 Empowering the Next Generation

38:51 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

 

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/00xJfgjivNY 

Best of the Best: Essential Business & Life Lessons from Our Top Episodes (Jan–May)

 

This power-packed episode brings you the greatest hits—the most insightful, practical, and transformative advice—from every conversation we had between January and May. If you’re an entrepreneur striving for more than just profits, this one's your goldmine. 💰💡

 

We dive deep into what actually works for business owners who want both financial success and personal freedom. From daily financial habits to high-level strategy, you’ll hear highlights on:

• Why ditching the rigid budget mindset could save your business

• How Profit First and Bank On Yourself can create real momentum

• What most entrepreneurs overlook when planning their financial future

• Stories of burnout, breakthrough, and bold transformation

 

Whether you're scaling, stabilizing, or starting over, these curated moments will help you work smarter, live better, and lead with intention.

 

🔑 Key Takeaways Include:

• Budgeting strategies that adapt to real-life business needs

• Tax-smart planning, bonus benefits, and succession strategies

• Protecting your business and your sanity with key insurance tools

• Daily financial disciplines that build long-term wealth

• True-life stories that prove: when your business aligns with your values, everything changes

 

00:00 Introduction

00:04 How to Create a Small Business Budget That Actually Works

03:42 Financial Systems for 7-Figure Business Growth

07:10 Business Owner's Guide to Cash Flow Management

10:36 Setting Financial Goals: A Framework for Entrepreneurs

14:09 How to Hire: The Financial Foundation First Approach

19:11 Building Company Culture In Small Business

22:22 Employee Benefits That Won't Break the Bank

26:00 Securing Your Business's Future: The Key Person Strategy

29:13 Tax Strategies for Business Owners Under $1 Million

32:30 Small Business Tax Mistakes

36:33 Bookkeeping Systems for Busy Entrepreneurs

40:21 Business Owner's Guide to Life-Long Tax Planning

43:30 Discover How To Work Less And Earn More Money

47:15 Small Business Owners Must Set Boundaries To Achieve Success

50:48 Delegation Strategies for Control-Freak Entrepreneurs

54:22 Work-Life Integration for Business Owners

58:02 The Million-Dollar Mindset: 3 Mental Shifts Before Scaling

01:01:33 Streamline or Struggle: Financial Systems That Unlock Growth

01:05:24 Sustainable Scaling: Growing Your Business Without Burning Out

01:09:14 Plateau to Profitability: Breaking Free When 7-Figures Still Feels Like Struggling

 

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CzUbpiJE3Tg 

What if retirement planning didn't have to feel like gambling with your future? What if you could build a strategy that actually works for business owners who understand cash flow better than anyone?

In this powerful live episode, Brandon and Amanda team up with Mark Willis, CFP®, Evan Greathouse, and Kristi Duncan to challenge everything you think you know about "safe" retirement planning.

We're not talking about another cookie-cutter approach designed for employees with steady paychecks. This is about building what we call "the all-weather portfolio" – a three-part system that protects you from market crashes, inflation, and the seven overlooked assumptions that derail most retirement plans.

Whether you're 35 or 55, if you've ever wondered whether your current retirement strategy actually matches how you live and run your business, this episode will give you clarity. We break down the math, share real examples, and show you why adding more "ART" to your portfolio might be the missing piece you've been looking for.

Key Quote: "Most people have too little in the certainty portion of their portfolio. They're planning with probability when they should be planning with certainty."

🎧 What You'll Discover:

• The 7 hidden assumptions that could derail your retirement (and how to protect against them)

• Why the "all-weather portfolio" beats traditional diversification

• The three crucial parts every business owner needs in their retirement strategy

• How to build predictable income streams that don't depend on market performance

• Real examples of how this strategy works in practice

• Why whole life insurance might be the most misunderstood wealth-building tool

This isn't theory – it's a practical roadmap for business owners who want retirement security without the sleepless nights.

Ready to stop hoping the market cooperates with your retirement timeline and start building real financial security?

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:19 Today's Speakers and Topics

03:53 Retirement Number Discussion

05:09 Overlooked Assumptions in Retirement Planning

12:00 Inflation: The Silent Wealth Killer

15:48 The Impact of Fees on Retirement

18:57 Sequence of Returns Risk

21:29 Long-Term Care Costs

25:30 True Diversification Explained

29:22 Living Well in Older Years

30:07 The Impact of Poor Health on Retirement Costs

30:37 Financial Planning for Longevity

34:53 The All-Weather Portfolio

39:21 Access, Risk, and Tax Advantages

51:27 Starting a New Retirement Plan Later in Life

55:06 Conclusion and Next Steps

 

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UYQgopqOA5Q 

What if this July wasn't just about celebrating freedom from a king 249 years ago... but about declaring your own freedom from financial stress today?

In this powerful mid-year episode, we're challenging you to write your own Declaration of Financial Independence. Whether you're a business owner tired of cash flow rollercoasters or an investor ready to take control of your wealth-building strategy, this episode will help you identify what's working, what isn't, and how to course-correct for the second half of 2025.

We dive into the mindset shift that changes everything: moving from "What if?" to "What now?" - and share practical steps to reclaim your financial freedom starting today. This isn't about following someone else's financial playbook. It's about creating a system that actually works for how you live and run your business.

Key Quote: "Freedom doesn't come from waiting for the perfect moment. It comes from making a decision and taking action."

Ready to stop letting big banks, debt, and market volatility control your future? Your financial revolution starts with one bold decision.

🎧 What You'll Learn:

• How to conduct an honest mid-year financial review

• The difference between employee financial tools and entrepreneur strategies

• Simple steps to declare your own Financial Independence

• Why summer is actually the perfect time to make financial changes

• One move that could change your financial trajectory forever

Don't just celebrate Independence Day this July - create your own Financial Independence Day.

Links Mentioned in the Show Notes

• Join the Wealth Wisdom Financial Community - While the pod switches to interviews this summer, we’re still publishing content every weekday to boost your wealth-building journey. Dive into the library of resources and gain access to Group Coaching monthly.

• Start to Manage Cash Flow Like a Millionaire - Stop budgeting. It doesn’t work for long-term wealth building. Instead, discover how to manage cash flow.

• Implement Profit First in 12 East Steps - Been thinking about implementing Profit First but want a resource to show you the nitty, gritty and walk you through the exact steps? Get started with this 12-video series.

• Jump into The Ultimate Guide to Bank On Yourself - Confused by all the noise out there about whole life? This no-nonsense “Cliff Notes” style video series brings clarity to both newcomers and those who have had a policy for years. 

 

00:00 Introduction: Declaring Your Financial Independence

00:38 Welcome to Wealth Wisdom Financial Podcast

01:15 Upcoming Summer Content and Community Engagement

03:06 Our Financial Revolution Journey

05:01 Crafting Your Financial Declaration of Independence

06:10 Mid-Year Financial Check-In

07:54 Taking Action Towards Financial Freedom

11:50 Resources for Financial Independence

16:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

 

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FW_jI3GFyk4 

What happens when economic chaos hits, but you're financially trapped by your own "responsible" planning?

Victor lost his first business in 2008 because he had $2 million in net worth but couldn't access cash when he needed it most. When he rebuilt, he did something different. During the pandemic, when competitors were closing or taking on crushing debt, Victor was buying equipment at liquidation prices, forward-purchasing inventory before price spikes, and hiring top talent from failing businesses.

In this episode, we explore how "playing it safe" with traditional financial planning can actually make your business more vulnerable during economic turbulence, and reveal the strategy that helped business owners not just survive but strategically thrive during some of the most uncertain economic times in a generation.

Key Quote: "Everyone was playing defense, just trying to survive. Because of our financial position, we could play offense when nobody else could."

What You'll Discover:

• How a salon owner lost two locations despite doing "everything the financial experts told me to do" (and what her competitor did differently to expand instead)

• The food distributor who used inflation as a competitive advantage while others got crushed by rising costs

• Why the fitness center owner with $500K in retirement accounts had to watch once-in-a-lifetime opportunities pass by

• How accessible capital creates strategic opportunism with reduced risk during economic volatility

• The 7 financial levers that separate businesses that merely survive from those that capture market share during downturns

Perfect for: Business owners who want to build long-term wealth without being financially handcuffed when economic opportunities or challenges arise.

Listen now to discover how to create certainty during uncertain times through financial preparation, not economic prediction.

Ready to recession-proof your business? Check out this week's Wealthy Wednesday for the Business Economic Resilience Blueprint mentioned in the episode.

The Freedom Retreat for business owners is coming up on August 5-7, 2025? It beautifully combines the power of contemplation with AI to build paths to freedom, regardless of what the future holds! Text Freedom to 513-447-6501 to learn more about this intimate gathering designed to set your freedom trajectory for the next 12+ months. Hurry! A $200 discount is only available through June 30, 2025!

00:00 Introduction to Victor's Success 00:44 Welcome to Wealth Wisdom Financial Podcast 01:37 Special Announcement: Freedom Retreat 03:43 Victor's Financial Strategy 05:08 Challenges and Opportunities During the Pandemic 07:14 Financial Strategies for Business Owners 09:50 Case Study: Lila vs. Daniel 17:54 Case Study: Alexandra's Inflation Strategy 21:55 Case Study: Marcus vs. Evelyn 25:33 The Power of the Bank and Yourself Strategy 30:17 Conclusion and Call to Action

 

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2x0CHcrcwJY