Business Leaders of America Podcast

Business Leaders of America Podcast

Featuring Dre Baldwin

Clarity Architect, CMO at Cool Springs Financial

Episode Overview

In this episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast, we sit down with Rick Barker, Clarity Architect, bestselling author, speaker, entrepreneur, and Chief Marketing Officer at Cool Springs Financial.

Rick has built his career across radio, music, marketing, consulting, and business, including serving as Taylor Swift’s manager early in her career. Along the way, he has developed a unique approach to helping people identify the real problem behind the problem, ask better questions, and find clarity around the challenges they are facing.

Rick is also the author of AI for Humans, a book about using artificial intelligence as a thought partner while maintaining the human experience, judgment, creativity, and perspective that make the technology valuable.

In this conversation, we explore Rick’s approach to clarity, the importance of asking better questions, why businesses need to understand exactly who they are trying to serve, and how AI can be used to help people think more effectively rather than simply give them answers.

We also discuss the value of human experience in an increasingly AI-driven world, how companies can capture the knowledge of their most experienced people, and the power of putting other people’s needs ahead of your own, and how leading with service can create opportunities you never expected.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Chief Marketing Officer, Cool Springs Financial

• Former manager of Taylor Swift early in her career

• Bestselling author of AI for Humans

• peaker, entrepreneur, business consultant, and TEDx speaker

How to connect with Rick Barker

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarityarchitect/

Website: https://rickbarker.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickbarkermusic/

Email: rick@rickbarker.com

Show Notes

01:57 — Recognizing opportunity when life takes an unexpected turn

The lessons learned from a difficult childhood and an unconventional path, including why every situation is temporary and how learning to ask for help became an important part of moving forward.

05:20 — The strategy behind Taylor Swift’s early growth

The thinking behind the famous “let’s go meet 500,000 people” approach, why going directly to the audience mattered, and the importance of understanding and genuinely connecting with the end user.

09:33 — Finding the question underneath the problem

How asking better questions can reveal that the problem you think you have may not actually be the real problem, and why working backward from the desired outcome can lead to a better solution.

12:59 — Using AI as a thought partner

Why the first answer is rarely the best answer, how to challenge AI instead of simply accepting what it gives you, and why better inputs lead to better results.

16:02 — Who’s in the car?

The idea behind understanding exactly who you are trying to serve, why businesses often make the mistake of believing their product is for everyone, and how identifying the right audience can change the way you communicate.

20:42 — What becomes more valuable as AI evolves

Why human experience, judgment, beliefs, and the ability to use technology effectively become increasingly important when everyone has access to the same tools.

23:51 — Turning experience into organizational knowledge

How AI can help capture the knowledge of experienced employees and make that information accessible to the next generation, while creating a system that helps organizations retain and develop their best people.

33:47 — Putting other people’s needs ahead of your own

A lesson about how shifting the focus from “what’s in it for me?” to “what can I do to help you?” can create opportunities you never expected and change the direction of your own career.

40:14 — Using AI to become more human

Why AI for Humans isn’t simply about learning how to use artificial intelligence, but about using it to become a better listener, ask better questions, and improve the way you communicate and serve others.

45:19 — Helping people learn instead of giving them the answer

Why AI should be used to help people understand and reach an answer rather than simply handing them one, and how co-creation and ownership can make people more engaged in the outcome.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Business Leaders of America Podcast

Featuring Dre Baldwin

Founder & CEO, Work On Your Game Inc.

Episode Overview

In this episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast, we sit down with Dre Baldwin, Founder and CEO of Work On Your Game, former professional basketball player, author, and leadership and performance expert.

Dre shares his journey from being a D3 walk-on to playing professional basketball overseas for nine years, including the lessons he learned from having to create his own opportunities, market himself, and continually prove his value throughout his career.

The conversation explores the connection between sports and business, including how Dre learned to adapt to unfamiliar environments, perform under pressure, and focus on the things within his control.

We also discuss the gap between potential and results, why talent alone isn’t enough, and how discipline, systems, accountability, and execution turn potential into measurable outcomes.

The conversation also covers the story behind his book, Work On Your Game, including how an unpaid speaking opportunity ultimately led to the book and opened the door to opportunities with the NCAA, NBA, and G League, along with why he believes these principles apply to the major transitions people experience throughout their lives.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Founder & CEO, Work On Your Game

• Former professional basketball player with nine years of experience overseas

• Author of Work On Your Game

• TEDx speaker

How to connect with Dre Baldwin

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dreallday/

Website: http://www.WorkOnYourGame.com

Instagram: http://Instagram.com/DreBaldwin

YouTube: http://YouTube.com/DreAllDay

For Leaders & Operators: http://www.PowerPresenceProtocol.com

For Teams: http://www.WorkOnYourGame.com/ERI

Show Notes

01:27 — From D3 walk-on to professional basketball

Dre shares the early experiences that shaped his approach to competition and career development, including starting basketball at 14, walking on at the D3 level, and having to create opportunities that weren’t naturally coming his way.

03:35 — Creating your own opportunities

Why Dre learned that being good enough isn’t always enough, and how marketing, selling, promoting, and following up helped him get noticed and ultimately create professional opportunities.

05:41 — Building a business before leaving basketball

How Dre began building his online presence while still playing professionally, starting with YouTube content, basketball training products, and eventually developing the foundation for his entrepreneurial career.

08:24 — Adapting under pressure

What playing professional basketball across different countries taught Dre about adapting to new cultures, communicating with people who didn’t speak English, and performing when his position on the team depended on his results.

11:04 — The gap between potential and results

Why talent creates potential but execution creates results, and why having access to information isn’t enough without the structure and consistency needed to actually apply it.

13:48 — From athlete to performance system

How questions from athletes about mindset led Dre to expand his work beyond basketball and develop a broader system built around mindset, strategy, systems, accountability, and execution.

16:25 — Why organizations fail to execute

Dre explains the three areas he looks at when capable people and strong strategies aren’t producing the expected results, including whether the system works, whether people are following it, and whether there is accountability when they don’t.

25:53 — The story behind Work On Your Game

How an unpaid speaking opportunity in Atlanta unexpectedly led to the creation of Work On Your Game, along with new opportunities to work with organizations across professional sports and business.

28:12 — Mastering transitions

Why Dre believes Work On Your Game is ultimately about navigating transitions, whether that’s moving from athlete to entrepreneur, corporate employee to business owner, or any of the major transitions people experience throughout life.

31:37 — Turning potential into results

Dre explains why execution is the bridge between potential and results, and why correction, enforcement, and accountability are essential for making execution consistent.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Business Leaders of America Podcast

Featuring Seth Bader

Founder & CEO of Bader Law

Episode Overview

In this episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast, we sit down with Seth Bader, founding attorney and CEO of Bader Law Injury Lawyers, a leading personal injury and workers’ compensation firm based in Georgia.

Starting in 2008 with $5,000, a laptop, a bulldog, and a one-bedroom apartment, Seth built Bader Law into an organization of more than 150 professionals that has represented over 50,000 clients and recovered more than $350 million for injured Georgians.

The conversation explores the early days of building the firm, the lessons Seth gained from spending several years representing insurance companies, and how that experience shaped his approach to representing injured individuals and families.

As Bader Law grew, the challenges of scaling a professional services organization required new approaches to leadership, systems, accountability, culture, and growth. The discussion also looks at what it takes to adapt when the things that worked in the early stages of a business no longer work at a larger scale.

Beyond the law firm, the conversation touches on Seth’s approach to mentorship, sharing knowledge with other attorneys and business leaders, and why he believes collaboration and giving back are important parts of entrepreneurship.

The episode also explores the relationship between business and family, and how Seth thinks about building a successful company while creating the life he wants for himself, his wife, and his children.

Whether you’re an attorney, entrepreneur, business owner, or leader, this episode offers valuable perspective on building a professional services organization, adapting through growth, developing people, and creating a business that extends beyond the founder.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Founding Attorney & CEO, Bader Law Injury Lawyers

• Grown Bader Law to more than 150 professionals, representing more than 50,000 clients and recovering more than $350 million for injured Georgians

• Author and thought leader focused on entrepreneurship, leadership, and building successful law firms

How to connect with Seth Bader

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethbaderesq/

Website: https://baderlaw.com/

Email: Seth@BaderLaw.com

Show Notes

01:19 — Starting Bader Law from the ground up

What the first year looked like after starting with $5,000, a laptop, a bulldog, and a one-bedroom apartment, and the resourcefulness required to get the firm off the ground.

03:25 — Learning from the insurance side

How several years representing insurance companies and handling thousands of claims provided an inside perspective on how insurers evaluate and approach claims.

06:05 — Why Seth started Bader Law

The career experiences and personal motivations that ultimately led to representing injured individuals and families and building a firm centered around advocacy and helping people.

08:12 — The challenge of scaling a professional services firm

Why scaling a law firm is different from scaling a traditional business, and the importance of finding and developing people who can consistently perform to a certain standard.

10:01 — Mentorship, trust, and developing people

The experience of hiring his first employee, transitioning from mentorship to trust, and the pride that comes from watching people grow even when they eventually move on to build something of their own.

12:01 — Knowing when it’s time to change

Why what works for a solo founder or small firm may not work as an organization grows, and the importance of adapting systems, leadership, and culture as the business evolves.

14:23 — Why sharing knowledge matters

The motivation behind sharing experiences and lessons with other attorneys and business owners, and how teaching and exchanging ideas can also create opportunities for personal growth.

18:09 — Learning from others and building a network

How seeking out conferences, mentorship, and relationships outside of his immediate market helped Seth access ideas and perspectives that weren’t readily available locally.

19:21 — Building a law firm in today’s environment

How social media and access to information have made certain aspects of entering the legal industry easier, while increased competition, marketing costs, private equity, and national firms have created new challenges.

24:09 — Building a business and a life

The idea of work-life integration rather than traditional work-life balance, and how Seth approaches building a successful business while making time for his wife, children, and the experiences that matter outside of work.

29:02 — How to connect with Seth

Where listeners can reach Seth, learn more about Bader Law, and connect with him to collaborate, exchange ideas, or learn more about his work.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Business Leaders of America Podcast

Featuring Steve Crepeau

Founder & CEO of SalesAtlas.ai

Episode Overview

In this episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast, we sit down with Steve Crepeau, an enterprise technology sales executive, entrepreneur, and Founder and CEO of SalesAtlas.ai, an AI-powered platform designed to enhance performance across complex B2B sales organizations.

Steve draws on more than three decades of experience in enterprise technology sales, sharing the lessons he has learned from working with startups, Fortune 500 companies, and organizations navigating significant growth and transformation. He also discusses the patterns he has observed across more than 50 complex B2B sales organizations and the characteristics that consistently distinguish high-performing teams.

The conversation explores the experiences that led Steve to create SalesAtlas.ai, how the platform combines AI with human sales expertise, and its approach to capturing and scaling the knowledge of top-performing sales professionals.

Steve also discusses the organizations SalesAtlas is designed to serve, how it differs from traditional sales technology and general-purpose AI platforms, and his vision for the future of enterprise sales.

Whether you’re a sales leader, entrepreneur, or business executive, this episode provides valuable perspective on sales performance, leadership, and the evolving role of AI in B2B sales.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Founder & CEO, SalesAtlas.ai

• More than 35 years of enterprise technology sales experience

• Advised more than 50 complex B2B sales organizations

• Worked with organizations including IBM, Hewlett Packard, Palo Alto Networks, Google, Zoom, and others

• Developing SalesAtlas.ai to capture and scale the tribal knowledge of top-performing sales organizations

• Author of the upcoming book Moneyball and AI in Enterprise Technology Sales

How to connect with Steve Crepeau

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevecrepeau/

Website: https://salesatlas.ai/

Website: https://truesalesresults.com/

Show Notes

01:44 — What drew Steve into technology sales

How a childhood experience with a top salesperson and an unexpected opportunity at IBM’s corporate marketing jet sparked Steve’s interest in enterprise technology sales.

06:03 — Lessons from startups and public companies

How the pressures of avoiding cash shortages at startups differ from the quarterly expectations and Wall Street pressure faced by publicly traded companies.

09:54 — What separates elite sales teams

Why the best salespeople excel at discovery and discernment, bring commercial insights to customers, and build cultures of continuous learning.

13:43 — The consulting experience behind SalesAtlas

How Steve’s 18 years of sales performance consulting revealed the recurring challenges organizations faced with capturing, developing, and scaling sales knowledge.

23:08 — Why Steve built SalesAtlas.ai

How customers repeatedly asked Steve to turn his consulting methodology into software, and why the emergence of AI finally made that possible.

25:59 — Cloning your best salespeople and coaches

How SalesAtlas captures the strategies, behaviors, and knowledge of top performers and makes them accessible across the entire sales organization.

34:39 — SalesAtlas vs. generic AI tools

Why Steve believes generic platforms like ChatGPT and Claude can’t provide the same value as an AI system customized around a company’s products, customers, competitors, and sales knowledge.

37:11 — Who SalesAtlas is built for

The types of enterprise technology companies and complex B2B sales organizations that can benefit most, from Series A companies with small sales teams to Fortune 500 organizations with hundreds of salespeople.

39:57 — The future of SalesAtlas

Steve shares his ambitious vision for SalesAtlas to become the next-generation sales platform for technology organizations and ultimately consolidate today’s fragmented sales technology landscape.

41:58 — How to connect with Steve

Where listeners can follow Steve, learn more about SalesAtlas.ai, access his free CRO sales challenges survey, and explore his upcoming book.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Business Leaders of America Podcast

Featuring Peter Snell

Founder & CEO of PetroVybe

Episode Overview

In this episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast, we sit down with Peter Snell, Founder and CEO of PetroVybe, an energy development company helping accredited investors participate in oil and natural gas investment opportunities.

Peter shares his entrepreneurial journey, reflecting on nearly three decades of building businesses across healthcare, consulting, technology, and energy. He discusses the lessons learned from both success and failure, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, and why building a scalable business always begins with solving meaningful problems.

The conversation then explores one of the most important topics shaping the global economy today: the relationship between artificial intelligence and energy. Peter explains why the rapid growth of AI, data centers, and digital infrastructure is creating unprecedented demand for electricity, why natural gas remains a critical part of the solution, and what those trends mean for the future of energy investing.

Peter also discusses the vision behind PetroVybe, how the company was designed differently from traditional oil and gas investment models, and why long-term value creation, tax efficiency, and disciplined business fundamentals are central to its approach. Along the way, he shares his perspective on identifying meaningful business opportunities, building with conviction, and why Biblical stewardship serves as the foundation for both his leadership philosophy and the company’s culture.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or business leader, this episode offers valuable insights on entrepreneurship, energy, leadership, and building businesses designed for long-term impact.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Founder & CEO, PetroVybe

• Nearly three decades of entrepreneurial and executive leadership experience across healthcare, consulting, technology, and energy

• Personally closed more than $339 million in revenue throughout his career

• Led high-growth organizations across multiple industries

How to connect with Peter Snell

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterasnell/

Website: https://petrovybe.com/

Show Notes

01:32 — Peter’s entrepreneurial journey

How a passion for solving problems and building businesses led Peter to entrepreneurship and ultimately to founding PetroVybe.

04:14 — Building companies that scale

The principles behind sustainable growth, including hiring the right people, embracing progress over perfection, and creating empowered teams.

15:18 — Why AI needs energy

The connection between artificial intelligence, data centers, electricity demand, and why natural gas will continue to play a critical role in powering the future.

23:12 — The vision behind PetroVybe

Why Peter founded PetroVybe, the market gap he identified, and how the company approaches oil and gas development differently from traditional investment models.

35:53 — Identifying opportunities that matter

How Peter distinguishes long-term opportunities from short-term trends and why solving specific, unmet needs is the foundation of every successful business.

46:54 — The future of PetroVybe

Peter shares his long-term vision for the company and why he hopes PetroVybe will ultimately be known for far more than financial performance.

49:40 — How to connect with Peter

Where listeners can learn more about PetroVybe and connect with Peter online.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Business Leaders of America Podcast

Featuring Gilad Bechar

Founder & CEO of Moburst

Episode Overview

In this episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast, we sit down with Gilad Bechar, founder and CEO of Moburst, a global digital growth agency that has helped companies including Google, Uber, Samsung, Dropbox, Microsoft, and YouTube accelerate growth through mobile-first marketing and AI-powered strategies.

Gilad shares his entrepreneurial journey and how recognizing the opportunity in mobile marketing during the early days of the App Store led him to found Moburst. He explains why the company was built differently than traditional agencies, focusing on improving products and customer experiences before investing heavily in marketing.

The conversation also explores how Moburst grew from a small consultancy into a global agency, with lessons on scaling a business, finding the right co-founder, expanding through strategic acquisitions, and earning the trust of some of the world’s largest technology companies.

Finally, Gilad discusses how artificial intelligence is reshaping digital marketing, why businesses need to think beyond traditional SEO, and how large language models like ChatGPT are changing the way customers discover products and services.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business leader, or marketer, this episode offers valuable insights on innovation, leadership, and building a business designed for long-term growth.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Founder & CEO, Moburst

• Built Moburst into a global digital growth agency with more than 150 employees

• Trusted by companies including Google, Uber, Samsung, Microsoft, Dropbox, YouTube, Robinhood, and Reddit

• Recipient of numerous industry honors, including Adweek, Clio Awards, MMA Smarties, and Webby Honors

How to connect with Gilad Bechar

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/begilad/

Website: https://www.moburst.com/

Show Notes

01:36 — From employee to entrepreneur

Why Gilad realized entrepreneurship was the only path that allowed him to fully pursue his vision.

03:19 — Recognizing the mobile opportunity

How the early days of the App Store revealed a completely different approach to digital marketing.

09:40 — Why Moburst was built differently

The vision behind creating a growth agency focused on improving products before scaling marketing.

16:14 — Scaling from consultant to global agency

Building the right team, finding the right co-founder, and navigating rapid company growth.

27:42 — What global brands look for in agency partners

Why companies like Google and Uber still rely on outside specialists despite having world-class internal teams.

38:27 — Expanding through strategic acquisitions

How listening to client needs led Moburst to add new capabilities through acquisitions rather than trying to build everything internally.

49:07 — How AI is reshaping marketing

Why businesses should prepare for a future where ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and other AI platforms influence customer discovery.

59:15 — How to connect with Gilad

Where listeners can learn more about Moburst and connect with Gilad.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Business Leaders of America Podcast

Featuring Gary Preisser

Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Stonebriar Wealth Advisors

Episode Overview

In this episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast, we sit down with Gary Preisser, Managing Partner of Stonebriar Wealth Advisors and a financial planning professional with more than 23 years of experience helping individuals, retirees, entrepreneurs, and business owners build financial strategies centered on purpose, timing, and long-term stewardship.

Gary shares how his career began in tax preparation and business consulting, where he recognized a disconnect between how people think about money and how it actually works. Those early experiences ultimately shaped his belief that financial planning should begin with understanding what money is meant to accomplish, rather than simply chasing investment returns.

Throughout the conversation, Gary explains why he believes the greatest financial risk isn’t market volatility, but needing money at the wrong time. He introduces his Cash Flow Clock framework and discusses how aligning investments with future cash flow needs can help families and business owners make more confident financial decisions while avoiding many of the pitfalls of traditional portfolio management.

The discussion also explores the financial blind spots many entrepreneurs face, including overconcentration in their businesses, the importance of building wealth outside the company, and why tax planning should be viewed as a long-term strategy rather than an annual exercise. Gary also shares why financial success isn’t measured by the size of a portfolio, but by how effectively wealth supports the life people want to live.

Whether you’re building a business, preparing for retirement, or looking for a more intentional approach to financial planning, this episode offers practical insights on designing wealth around purpose rather than simply accumulating assets.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Stonebriar Wealth Advisors

• More than 23 years of experience in personal and business financial planning

• Creator of the Cash Flow Clock™ financial planning framework

• Author of multiple books on wealth, financial planning, and stewardship

How to connect with Gary Preisser

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garypreisser/

Website: https://stonebriarwealthadvisors.com/

Show Notes

01:50 — From tax preparation to wealth management

How Gary’s early career revealed the disconnect between how people think about money and how it actually works.

04:10 — Why purpose should drive every financial decision

Gary explains why the first question shouldn’t be “Where should I invest?” but “What is this money for?”

06:00 — Redefining financial risk

Why needing money at the wrong time, not market volatility, is often the greatest risk investors face.

09:00 — The vision behind Stonebriar Wealth Advisors

How Gary and his partner built a firm focused on purpose-based financial planning instead of one-size-fits-all portfolios.

13:30 — Understanding the Cash Flow Clock

How separating short-term cash flow needs from long-term investments creates a more functional financial plan.

20:20 — Financial blind spots for entrepreneurs

Why business owners often become overconcentrated in their companies and how to build wealth beyond the business.

24:50 — The biggest lesson about money

Why true wealth has less to do with portfolio balances and more to do with living intentionally.

27:30 — Designing success instead of chasing it

Gary shares why entrepreneurs should define success for themselves and create a financial plan built around that vision.

30:30 — Resources and connecting with Gary

Where listeners can learn more about Stonebriar Wealth Advisors, the Cash Flow Clock, and Gary’s educational resources.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Business Leaders of America Podcast

Featuring Stuart Gethner

Real Estate Investor, Educator & CEO, Gethner Education Coaching & Consulting

Episode Overview

In this episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast, we sit down with Stuart Gethner, a seasoned real estate investor, educator, and coach who has personally invested more than $50 million in income-producing real estate over nearly three decades.

Stuart shares how a career in pharmacy eventually led him into real estate investing after becoming fascinated by the wealth-building potential of owning income-producing assets. He explains why real estate should never be viewed as a “get rich quick” strategy, but rather as a long-term vehicle for creating recurring cash flow, appreciation, and financial independence.

Throughout the conversation, Stuart discusses why great investment opportunities exist in every market, regardless of interest rates or economic conditions, and why successful investors focus on controlling what they can instead of waiting for perfect market timing. He also explains why buy-and-hold investing has become his preferred strategy after years of experience with wholesaling, fix-and-flips, lease options, and other investment approaches.

The discussion also explores the importance of choosing the right business partners, leveraging artificial intelligence to evaluate investment opportunities, and the lessons Stuart learned serving as a court-appointed receiver after fraud and mismanagement at a multifamily property. He shares why due diligence, strong partnerships, and continuous learning remain some of the most important factors in building long-term success.

Whether you’re an experienced investor, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply interested in building lasting wealth, this episode offers practical insights on investing with patience, making better decisions, and continually investing in yourself.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• CEO, Gethner Education Coaching & Consulting

• Founder, Networking REI

• Personally invested more than $50 million in income-producing real estate

• Nearly 30 years of real estate investing experience

• Member, Forbes Real Estate Council

How to connect with Stuart Gethner

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuartgethner/

Website: https://www.stuartgethner.com/

Show Notes

01:40 — From pharmacy to real estate investing

How Stuart’s career began in pharmacy before discovering the long-term wealth-building potential of real estate.

02:43 — Why real estate isn’t a “get rich quick” business

The biggest misconceptions new investors have and why patience, not timing the market, creates lasting wealth.

06:01 — Are great deals still out there?

Why Stuart believes opportunities exist in every market and how investors should think differently about finding deals.

07:46 — Investing beyond your local market

Why Stuart prefers partnering with local operators instead of relying solely on property managers when investing out of state.

11:26 — Why buy-and-hold became his favorite strategy

After years of wholesaling and fix-and-flips, Stuart explains why long-term ownership creates more sustainable wealth.

15:09 — How AI is changing real estate investing

How artificial intelligence is helping investors analyze properties faster, identify risks, and make more informed decisions.

18:08 — Why so many real estate partnerships fail

The importance of vetting partners, discussing difficult scenarios upfront, and building relationships on a strong foundation.

21:00 — Lessons from serving as a court-appointed receiver

What Stuart learned after taking over a multifamily property impacted by fraud and the responsibility of protecting investors.

23:27 — Building lasting wealth starts with investing in yourself

Why mentors, coaches, and continuous learning have played such an important role throughout Stuart’s career.

27:44 — How to connect with Stuart

Where listeners can learn more about Stuart’s coaching, real estate education, and investing community.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Business Leaders of America Podcast

Featuring Steven Pivnik

Entrepreneur, Author, Speaker & Founder

Episode Overview

In this episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast, we sit down with Steven Pivnik, entrepreneur, author, speaker, and founder of Binary Tree, a software company he built over 26 years into a global business with more than 200 employees across 12 countries before successfully exiting.

Steven shares how his entrepreneurial journey began after immigrating to the United States with his family and watching his father pursue the American Dream. He reflects on the lessons learned from early startup failures, why embracing failure is essential for long-term success, and how those experiences helped lay the foundation for building Binary Tree.

Throughout the conversation, Steven discusses the strategies that fueled the company’s growth, including partnering with industry leaders like IBM, Google, and Microsoft. He explains why aligning with larger organizations can accelerate growth, how to create value within strategic partnerships, and the importance of differentiation in competitive markets.

The discussion also explores what it takes to prepare a company for a successful exit. Steven shares common valuation killers, why founder dependency creates risk for buyers, the importance of recurring revenue, building the right leadership team, and why founders should begin planning for an exit years before they intend to sell.

From overcoming setbacks to building a company designed for long-term success, this episode offers practical insights for entrepreneurs, founders, and business owners preparing for their next stage of growth.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Founder of Binary Tree, which grew to more than 200 employees across 12 countries before a successful exit

• Advised on more than $1 billion in founder exits

• Author of Built to Finish

• Host of the Built to Finish Podcast

• Completed the IRONMAN World Championship

How to connect with Steven Pivnik

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenpivnik/

Website: https://stevenpivnik.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenpivnik/

Show Notes

01:50 — The entrepreneurial influence of his immigrant family

How watching his father pursue the American Dream inspired Steven to build companies of his own.

03:35 — Lessons from early startup failures

Why failure became one of his greatest teachers and how those experiences shaped his approach to entrepreneurship.

06:17 — Scaling Binary Tree through strategic partnerships

How working alongside IBM, Google, and Microsoft helped accelerate the company’s growth.

09:23 — What it felt like to exit after 26 years

Steven shares the emotional side of selling the business and why he intentionally structured a clean exit.

12:13 — The biggest mistakes founders make before selling

Founder dependency, recurring revenue, competitive differentiation, and other factors that impact valuation.

15:00 — What separates premium valuations from average ones

Why coachability, strong leadership, and making difficult decisions are essential for maximizing company value.

17:12 — Preparing for an exit three years in advance

The operational, financial, and leadership priorities founders should address well before going to market.

21:14 — The story behind Built to Finish

Why Steven wrote the book and how he hopes it inspires entrepreneurs to pursue ambitious goals in business and life.

22:54 — How to connect with Steven

Where listeners can learn more about his advisory work, book, podcast, and connect with him online.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Business Leaders of America Podcast

Featuring Stefan Whitwell

Founder, CEO & Chief Investment Officer of Whitwell & Co.

Episode Overview

In this episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast, we sit down with Stefan Whitwell, Founder, CEO, and Chief Investment Officer of Whitwell & Co., a nationwide wealth management and family office firm serving founders, business owners, executives, and families.

Stefan’s path to wealth management was shaped by an entrepreneurial upbringing, a global career spanning New York, London, Hong Kong, and Tokyo, and a life-changing experience during the Global Financial Crisis. After building significant wealth through real estate investing, he watched it disappear when the market turned, forcing him to rebuild from the ground up.

Throughout the conversation, Stefan shares lessons on resilience, risk management, and the mindset required to navigate major setbacks. He explains how that experience ultimately led him to found Whitwell & Co. and why helping clients protect their wealth has become deeply personal.

The discussion also explores family office services, business exits, liquidity events, private markets, and the common mistakes entrepreneurs make when preparing for life after a sale. Stefan offers practical insights on preserving wealth, finding purpose beyond financial success, and planning for the next chapter long before it arrives.

From overcoming adversity to building lasting wealth and legacy, this episode delivers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners alike.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Founder, CEO, and Chief Investment Officer of Whitwell & Co., a nationwide wealth management and family office firm

• Former investment banking professional with experience at Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse

• Built and managed a substantial real estate investment portfolio prior to the Global Financial Crisis

• Worked across New York, London, Hong Kong, and Tokyo throughout his international finance career

How to connect with Stefan Whitwell

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitwell/

Website: https://www.whitwelladvisors.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stefanwhitwell/

Show Notes

01:41 — Growing up with entrepreneurial parents

Stefan shares how being raised by two teachers who pursued side businesses shaped his views on work, money, and entrepreneurship.

05:43 — Lessons from New York, London, Hong Kong, and Tokyo

How living and working around the world expanded his perspective on business, wealth creation, and human nature.

13:31 — Losing $35 million during the Global Financial Crisis

Stefan recounts the events that led to the collapse of his real estate portfolio and the difficult realities of navigating the financial crisis.

21:14 — Reinventing himself after financial devastation

The story behind rebuilding his career, overcoming bankruptcy, and finding a new path in wealth management.

24:36 — Why risk management became personal

How firsthand experience with financial loss influences the way he advises clients today.

32:03 — What family office services actually mean

Stefan explains how family offices help successful individuals coordinate wealth, tax, estate planning, investments, and life goals.

38:31 — Preparing for a business exit years in advance

Key financial, tax, and emotional considerations business owners should address before a liquidity event.

44:47 — The hidden challenges after selling a business

Why many entrepreneurs struggle after an exit and how to prepare for the next chapter before the transaction closes.

49:31 — Connecting with Whitwell & Co.

Where listeners can learn more, schedule a conversation, and explore working with Stefan and his team.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices