In this solo episode of What’s Next!, Bryan breaks down a powerful framework on how to build a business you don’t have to sell, but could if you wanted to. Fresh off his talk at the U.S. Indoor Sports Conference, Bryan shares real-world insights from his own experience owning and exiting multiple businesses. He walks through the five key drivers of value beyond EBITDA: growth strategy, risk reduction, team strength, market opportunity, and financial fundamentals, and how aligning those elements creates a business that runs without you and attracts buyers. Whether you're building to exit, pass it down, or turn it into a long-term cash machine, this episode gives you the roadmap to create a valuable, scalable, and sellable business on your terms.

Key Moments

• 00:00 – Build a Business You Don’t Have to Sell
• 00:30 – Intro: Lessons from the U.S. Indoor Conference
• 01:20 – Bryan’s Experience: Exits & Equity in Action
• 02:30 – The EBITDA Formula (and Why It’s Just the Start)
• 04:15 – Adjusted EBITDA: What to Add Back In
• 06:00 – How Multiples Impact Valuation
• 07:15 – What Drives Value Beyond EBITDA
• 08:45 – Warren Buffett’s Take on Real Business Value
• 09:40 – Growth Strategy: Past, Present, and Future Direction
• 11:00 – Why Staying On After the Sale Can Pay Off Big
• 12:10 – What a Good Strategy Looks Like (Not a Zigzag)
• 13:30 – Risk Factors That Kill Business Value
• 14:45 – Sacred Cows & Hidden Risks
• 15:50 – Team Competency Formula: IQ + EQ – Ego
• 17:05 – The 6 Things Buyers Look for in Your Team
• 18:20 – Market Opportunity: Are You Solving a Real Problem?
• 19:30 – Customer Acquisition Strategy = Real Power
• 20:50 – Strong Financials: What Buyers Actually Want to See
• 22:00 – The 4 Financial Fundamentals of a Sellable Business
• 23:30 – Recap: 5 Drivers of Value Beyond EBITDA
• 24:40 – The 3 Ways All Businesses Eventually Transition
• 26:10 – Avoiding the Operating Table (and the Fire Sale)
• 27:30 – Final Thoughts & How to Work with Us

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

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In this episode, Bryan sits down with Eric Wynalda, U.S. soccer legend, broadcaster, and entrepreneur, for a candid conversation about building your brand by staying true to who you are. Eric shares his wild journey from playing in three World Cups to unexpectedly stepping into an 18-year broadcasting career and now launching his own media company. He breaks down lessons learned from navigating career pivots, leading high-performing teams, embracing imperfection, and trusting instincts in business. Eric’s stories—from live TV meltdowns to winning championships in coaching—highlight the importance of authenticity, adaptability, and surrounding yourself with the right people when building a brand and leading with impact.

Chapters

• 01:40 – Eric’s Soccer Journey: First MLS Goal to 3 World Cups
• 03:45 – How Injury Launched an Unexpected Broadcasting Career
• 05:45 – Is It Luck or Being Ready?
• 07:45 – Why Honesty Is the Heart of Great Broadcasting
• 09:40 – Starting a Media Company: Breaking Free from Censorship
• 12:00 – How a Pencil and an Ant Almost Got Him Fired on Live TV
• 14:30 – The Greatest Broadcasting Advice from Al Michaels
• 16:00 – Reinventing in Your 50s: Building a Media Empire
• 17:35 – Building the Right Team: Lessons from Elite Sports
• 19:50 – Why Knowing Your Strengths Changes Everything
• 23:45 – Live TV Disaster: When Everything Went Wrong (and Right)
• 25:45 – Why Imperfection Builds Connection with Audiences
• 27:45 – Why Passion Projects Matter (Even in Midlife)
• 30:05 – Stay Close to What You Love
• 32:50 – From Broadcast to Coaching: Building Teams and Trust
• 34:00 – How Delegating Empowered a Championship Team
• 36:30 – Final Lessons: Build Smart, Stay Authentic, Trust the Journey

Connect with Eric: 

• Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-wynalda/
• X: https://x.com/ericwynalda?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacLjBRQqz8GyeZpSlgBZeEOVfGDOv5nr16TZptA2-v6OrG54zskc0D-aEN9zQ_aem_3gTESrTuBi69vd8fLDCNWg
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericwynalda/

Connect with Bryan:

• Check out the website www.whatsnextpodcast.com
• Connect with Bryan on Instagram @bryanfinnerty22
• Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn @bryanfinnerty 

PS- Do you love this podcast?  We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show.  This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.

In this episode, Bryan welcomes back Marisa Massana, former LPGA athlete and high-performance strategist, to dive into the powerful connection between accountability, intentionality, personal values, and long-term growth. Marisa shares how she transitioned from elite athlete to entrepreneur, and how journaling, goal setting, and weekly reflection became tools for building a life and business aligned with her true values. She breaks down her framework for helping Fortune 100 leaders and athletes alike reconnect with their goals, identify limiting patterns, and take aligned action. From creating impactful executive retreats to planting seeds for long-term brand partnerships, Marisa drops gems for anyone looking to evolve, lead with purpose, and grow through challenges.

Chapters

• 00:00 – Learning Through Losses
• 00:26 – Marisa Massana Returns
• 02:13 – From LPGA to Business Coaching
• 03:50 – Journaling to Find Your Zone of Genius
• 06:01 – What Intentional Living Really Looks Like
• 07:49 – Aligning Your Calendar with Your Core Values
• 09:28 – Avoiding the Trap of Success Without Purpose
• 11:33 – Why Your Hardest Moments Hold the Most Wisdom
• 13:34 – How Marisa Works with Executives & Athletes
• 15:48 – The Power of Weekly Accountability
• 17:18 – Creating Trust with “Golf & Growth” Roundtables
• 19:09 – How to Host a DIY Leadership Session
• 21:08 – The Wins, Losses, Lessons, Systems Framework
• 23:25 – How Marisa Landed a Fortune 100 Partnership
• 25:00 – Seed Planting vs. R&D: Long-Term Brand Building
• 27:07 – The Real Shortcut: There Isn’t One
• 29:04 – Marisa’s “Zero Productivity, Max Vibe” Day
• 31:14 – Rest to Return: Recharging Like a Pro
• 33:11 – Best and Worst Advice from Her Caddy
• 35:14 – Where to Connect + Marisa’s 1:1 “Challenge to Triumph” Calls

Connect with Marisa: 

• Linked In: @marisamessana
• Instagram: @marisamessana
• Website: www.marisamessana.com

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.

In this episode, Bryan sits down with Anthony Tomey, a former MLB pitcher turned multi-brand entrepreneur, to unpack his journey from the mound to millions. Anthony shares how he transitioned from playing for the Detroit Tigers to building a 50+ location Jimmy John's empire, launching award-winning brands like 8 Mile Vodka and Born in Detroit, and giving back through his involvement in GameAbove and The Big3 basketball league. The episode dives deep into grit, leadership, family-run businesses, team culture, and what it really takes to bet on yourself and win big—even through a global pandemic. If you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or dreamer ready to scale something meaningful, this episode is a blueprint for relentless hustle and impact.

Chapters 

00:00 – Betting on Yourself from Day One

00:33 – Welcome to the Show

02:09 – From Family Business to MLB Dreams

04:30 – Scaling Jimmy John's Overnight

06:28 – The Moment Baseball Got Real

08:30 – Getting Drafted by the Detroit Tigers

10:55 – From Pro Sports to Business Ownership

13:18 – Betting on Jimmy John's (and Winning Big)

15:40 – Growing a Business During a Pandemic

18:02 – The Power of Team and Culture

20:25 – Born in Detroit & 8 Mile Vodka

24:10 – What Makes a Family Business Actually Work

27:45 – Investing in The Big3 League

30:20 – GameAbove & Giving Back to Eastern Michigan

32:50 – Anthony’s Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Connect with Anthony Tomey

• Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-tomey-9a1a5246/
• Website: https://tomeygroup.com/

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.

In this episode, Bryan Finnerty welcomes Bill "The Golf Father" Cuebas, a media personality and golf industry insider with a passion for connecting people and growing the game. Bill shares his journey from law enforcement to golf media, how he built a powerful network, and the importance of authenticity in business. He reveals how unexpected opportunities—from social media posts to major brand collaborations—helped him shape his career and influence the industry. They discuss the power of relationships, investing in yourself, and staying true to your values while navigating entrepreneurship. If you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or someone looking to make meaningful connections in your industry, this episode is packed with valuable insights on leveraging your passion, building trust, and creating lasting impact.

Key Moments

00:00 Introduction to Bill Cuebas: The Golf Father

03:07 The Journey of Becoming a Golf Media Personality

06:02 Building Connections in the Golf Industry

08:56 The Importance of Authenticity and Helping Others

12:03 Finding Your Niche and Overcoming Challenges

15:22 Investing Time vs. Money in Business

18:18 Finding Your Superpower

20:44 The Importance of Authenticity

23:02 Setting Realistic Expectations

26:55 Investing in Yourself

30:40 Growing the Game of Golf

31:40 Empowering Women in Sports

32:09 Authenticity and Personal Values

33:34 Redefining Richness and Freedom

35:30 Networking and Building Connections

37:23 Success Stories and Authentic Endorsements

39:50 The Importance of Being a Connector

42:09 Legacy and Servant Leadership

Connect with Bill Cuebas

• Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ignite-golf-network/
• Website: https://ignitegolfnetwork.com/

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.

In this episode, Bryan sits down with Grant Johnson, co-founder of Benevolent Capital, to discuss the secrets of smart investing, decision-making, and building a winning portfolio. Grant shares how he evaluates thousands of deals each year, why successful investing starts with passion, and how athletes and entrepreneurs can transition into venture capital and private equity. They explore common mistakes investors make, how to filter out bad opportunities, and the importance of aligning investments with personal values and expertise. Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or investor looking to make smarter financial moves, this episode is packed with actionable insights on wealth-building, risk management, and financial freedom.

Key Moments

00:00 – Introduction: Why This Episode is a Must-Listen for Investors

02:30 – Meet Grant Johnson: His Journey from Finance to Venture Capital

06:20 – The Biggest Strengths Athletes & High Performers Bring to Investing

10:40 – How to Filter Out Bad Investments and Spot Winning Deals

15:05 – The Power of Saying No: Why Smart Investors Pass on Most Deals

20:30 – How Athletes & Entrepreneurs Can Leverage Their Network for Better Deals

25:15 – The Three Pillars of Smart Investing: Liquidity, Security & Speculation

30:10 – The #1 Question Every Investor Should Ask Before Writing a Check

35:00 – Why Investing is About More Than Just Money—The Power of Legacy

40:00 – Final Takeaways: How to Build a Winning Investment Playbook

Connect with Grant Johnson

• Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-m-johnson-70b148/
• Website: https://benevolentcapital.com/

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.

In this episode, Bryan sits down with Manny Amezcua, CEO of MassMutual Great Lakes and founder of The Podium Group, to uncover the secrets of financial success for athletes, entrepreneurs, and high performers. They discuss the biggest money mistakes that lead athletes to financial ruin, how to build lasting wealth, and why surrounding yourself with the right mentors is crucial. Manny shares his “audit your table” strategy to help listeners assess who is influencing their financial decisions and how to create a long-term game plan for financial freedom. Whether you're transitioning from sports to business or simply looking to take control of your financial future, this episode delivers powerful insights to help you protect and grow your wealth.

Key Moments

• 00:00 The Journey of a Financial Steward
• 02:51 Understanding Dreams and Financial Stewardship
• 06:12 The Connection Between Finances and Life Values
• 09:01 Transitioning from Sports to Business
• 12:02 The Importance of Mentorship and Relationships
• 15:07 Navigating Life After Sports
• 17:46 Building a Supportive Circle
• 20:49 Avoiding Financial Pitfalls
• 23:58 The Role of Legacy in Life
• 26:57 Finding the Right Mentors
• 29:54 The Power of Community and Influence
• 32:49 Defining Personal Legacy
• 35:45 Closing Thoughts and Resources 

Connect with Manny Amezcua

• Linked In: @mannyamezcua
• Youtube: @thepodium_podcast
• Website: thepodiumgroup.com

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.

In this episode, Bryan talks with Brett Johnson, co-founder of Benevolent Capital, about his journey from sports to investment, the challenges of professional sports, and the power of passion in business. They explore starting small in sports ventures, the impact of sports on communities, and the dynamics of working with family. Brett shares insights on the profitability of youth sports, key revenue drivers, and the role of character development in athletics. They also discuss the transition from sports to business, the importance of strategic involvement, and surrounding yourself with experienced mentors. Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or investor, this episode offers valuable lessons on navigating the business of sports.

Key Moments

• 00:00 Lessons from the Playing Field
• 00:28 The Journey to Benevolent Capital
• 01:43 Family Business Dynamics
• 03:10 Investment Philosophy and Structure
• 05:28 Unique Investment Model
• 09:48 The Role of Passion in Investments
• 12:08 Starting Small in Sports Investments
• 16:29 Success in Soccer Ventures
• 19:18 The Importance of Community Impact
• 22:13 Challenges in Professional Sports
• 23:15 The Importance of Youth Sports
• 26:29 Revenue Drivers in Youth Sports
• 28:24 Lessons from Sports and Business
• 30:19 Advice for Athletes Transitioning to Business
• 33:56 Investing in Sports: Opportunities and Risks
• 39:30 The Entrepreneurial Journey in Sports

Connect with Brett Johnson

• Linked In: @brettjohnson

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.

In this episode, Bryan sits down with professional baseball player Shaun Anderson to discuss the incredible journey of navigating an 11-team career across multiple countries, including stints in Korea and Mexico. Shaun opens up about the discipline, resilience, and community-building that shaped his path in Major League Baseball and how those lessons apply beyond the field. From overcoming setbacks to embracing leadership, Shaun shares insights on transitioning from sports to business and discovering what’s next after a high-performance career. Tune in for an inspiring story about grit, growth, and redefining success.

Key Moments

• 00:00 The Journey of a Pro Athlete
• 02:50 Building Discipline and Community
• 06:05 Transitioning from Sports to Business
• 08:58 Navigating the Minor Leagues
• 12:07 Cultural Adaptation in Korea
• 15:04 Leadership and Team Dynamics
• 17:57 Preparing for Life After Sports
• 22:45 Navigating Life After Sports
• 25:27 The Importance of Community and Mentorship
• 30:10 Identifying Your Superpower
• 34:52 Planning for Transition and Future Goals
• 39:17 Learning from Experience and Regrets
• 43:31 Staying True to Yourself and Your Journey

Connect with Shaun Anderson

• Instagram: @shaun_anderson

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.

In this episode, Bryan interviews entrepreneur and innovator John Sarkisian. They explore the balance between innovation and operations in business, sharing lessons from John’s journey with SKLZ and Light Helmets. From building trust with inventors to scaling a business into retail giants, John offers actionable insights on leadership, mentorship, and product development. They also discuss the groundbreaking advancements in sports safety with Light Helmets, emphasizing the importance of strong teams, clear vision, and resilience. Tune in for a powerful start to the year filled with inspiration for entrepreneurs and leaders alike.

Key Moments

• 00:00 Introduction to Innovation and Operations
• 02:58 The Genesis of Skills and the Hit Away Device
• 10:02 Scaling Skills: From Product to Company
• 18:47 Transitioning to Retail: Challenges and Strategies
• 21:31 John's Superpower: Product Instinct and Leadership
• 22:22 Building a Strong Team for Business Success
• 29:07 The Importance of Leadership in Entrepreneurship
• 30:07 Innovations in Sports Safety: The Light Helmet
• 36:30 Navigating Challenges as an Entrepreneur
• 41:15 Key Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Connect with John Sarkisian

• LinkedIn: @johnsarkisian
• www.lighthelmets.com
• www.sklz.com

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.