Who You Work With Matters

Jewelry is more than just metal and gemstones—it carries history, sentiment, and untold stories. In this fascinating episode ofWho You Work With Matters, host Aaron Levine sits down with Erica Hirsch, aprofessional gemologist, to explore what makes jewelry truly valuable beyond its raw materials. 💎

From family heirlooms to custom pieces, Erica shares how jewelry tells a story, why proper appraisals matter, and how history influences a piece’s worth. She also reveals the differences between lab-grown and natural gemstones, the surprising role of jewelry in historical trades (including a mansion-for-pearls exchange!), and how insurance plays a crucial role in protecting these treasures. Whether you’re a collector, a jewelry enthusiast, or simply curious about the hidden world of gemology, this episode is packed with expert insights.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How jewelry carries memories, history, and personal connections

✅ Why some jewelry increases in value over time while others do not

✅ The art and science of jewelry appraisals—how value is truly determined

✅ Lab-grown vs. natural diamonds—what you should know before buying

✅ Why jewelry insurance is essential and how different policies work

✅ Fascinating historical jewelry trades and industry secrets

✅ How an expert restores, redesigns, and repurposes heirloom pieces

Join Aaron Levine and guest Chris Mulvaney as they explore the evolution of brand strategy, leadership, and team empowerment. Chris shares how his journey from music to marketing shaped his agency’s mission as a "business breakthrough agency." Learn actionable tips on finding your "why," creating purpose-driven teams, and achieving remarkable growth.

Key Highlights:

- Chris's unconventional path from Polo Ralph Lauren to leading a top marketing agency

- The importance of discovering your brand’s unique "why"

- How empowering teams boosts creativity and innovation

Don’t miss this insightful conversation on growth, chaos, and finding success through empowered leadership.

In this episode of Who You Work With Matters, Aaron Levine speaks with Ashley Napier from Solomon Strategic Advisors about the transformative power of listening with intent. Ashley shares her journey from struggling with anxiety to becoming an executive advisor and leadership coach.This insightful conversation dives into:Why listening is one of the most overlooked leadership skills.

How emotional intelligence can transform your approach to business and relationships.

Practical tips for developing self-awareness and managing anxiety.Tune in to discover how small shifts in mindset and communication can lead to big results.

Are you ready to transform your financial future with real estate? In this episode, Aaron Levine sits down with Anthony Marin to discuss his journey from working in IT to becoming a full-time real estate investor and property manager. Discover how Anthony started small, scaled up, and turned his investments into a multi-faceted real estate business. You’ll learn:

• The importance of taking calculated risks and doing your homework.
• How to leverage house hacking to build early wealth.
• Why larger properties can be easier (and smarter) to manage than small ones.
• The key to staying focused and balancing family, business, and growth.

If you’re thinking about investing in real estate or scaling your portfolio, this episode is a must-listen!

In this episode of Who You Work With Matters, host Aaron Levine is joined by Kelly Craig Louth, founder of Social Stamina. Kelly shares her inspiring journey from aspiring journalist to social media leader, discussing how stepping outside her comfort zone transformed her career and approach to business.

In this conversation, Kelly reveals how she blends creativity, charity, and social media to help businesses thrive while staying true to her values. She also discusses her exciting role with Big Brothers Big Sisters and her upcoming appearance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Tune in for actionable insights on:

• Building authentic relationships both online and offline
• Leveraging social media to create meaningful connections
• Using community and mentorship to drive personal and business growth

Packed with inspiration, laughter, and real-world advice, this episode will show you how the people you work with truly make a difference!

Join Aaron Levine of LG Insurance Agency as he welcomes Toby Stark, founder of Stark Associates Insurance Agency, to the Who You Work With Matters podcast. In this engaging episode, Aaron and Toby delve into the art of networking, the personal fulfillment of philanthropy, and the realities of client management in business. With humor and candid anecdotes, they reflect on 15 years in the industry, including lessons from their first days as entrepreneurs to the nuanced dynamics of choosing the right clients. Perfect for anyone passionate about business growth, personal development, and the power of relationships, this episode reminds us that who you work—and network—with truly shapes success.

Aaron Levine sits down with longtime friend Tara Pimko for a lively discussion about the importance of staying relevant and connected in today’s business world. They cover everything from navigating career transitions and managing younger team members to building a thriving network. Tara shares her experiences in shifting industries, opening and relocating salons, and developing a supportive team culture. Aaron chimes in with insights on keeping clients engaged and why adaptability and resilience are key. Perfect for entrepreneurs, business owners, and creatives, this episode of Who You Work With Matters reminds us that success is about the relationships we build and the willingness to keep learning.

Networking isn’t just about shaking hands – it’s an art and a science! Join Aaron Levine as he sits down with Bridget Sorenson to talk about how Blue Water Wave has mastered the formula for successful networking. From creating value to making authentic connections, this episode is your guide to leveling up your networking skills.

In this episode of the Who You Work With Matters podcast, Aaron Levine sits down with Anthony Mauriello to discuss the key role trust and delegation play in scaling a business. Anthony shares his journey from starting small in tax preparation to acquiring new business ventures, and the importance of building strong client relationships along the way. They also dive into the challenges of delegating tasks to a team and how finding the right people in the right seats can unlock new levels of growth. Whether you're a business owner or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is full of practical insights to help you grow and succeed.

On this episode of Who You Work With Matters, Aaron Levine welcomes Joe Palazzolo from Monmouth University to explore how AI is changing business writing, presentations, and education. They discuss how students are using AI tools like ChatGPT and how professors are adapting to this shift in the classroom. Joe also shares insights from teaching small business management, ethics, and strategic business courses, offering valuable perspectives on modern education and its challenges. The conversation highlights the importance of relationships in both education and business, offering practical advice for professionals navigating a rapidly changing landscape.