Grow Your Business and Grow Your Wealth

What if the same strategic thinking that shapes world history could transform how you handle your business disputes and protect your company’s reputation?

Jonathan Sherman, Partner and Vice Chair of Strategic Litigation at Sterlington Law, shares his journey from studying Cold War diplomatic history to becoming a nationally recognized commercial litigator. With over 30 years of experience, including work on the O.J. Simpson case and high-profile disputes involving Sony and Herbalife, Jonathan reveals how historical analysis has shaped his strategic approach to law and business.

Key Takeaways

➤ Historical perspective enhances legal strategy. Major decisions are often practical rather than ideological, providing valuable insight for business litigation.

➤ Lawyers must function as strategic advisors. The best representation involves understanding your client’s business context and helping navigate uncertainty.

➤ High-profile cases build valuable skills. Experience with media attention and public pressure develops crucial abilities for high-stakes business disputes.

➤ Listening trumps talking. Sherman’s biggest career advice is to “shut up more” – intentional listening creates better outcomes than trying to impress with knowledge.
➤ Legal profession is evolving rapidly. Modern law firms are adapting to remote work and building practices around individual expertise rather than just institutional brands.

Notable Quotes
“What made me want to become a lawyer was I wanted to find out how the world gets to be about big, sweeping ideas, when what happens on Wall Street every day are the same kinds of supply and demand and resource allocation questions that happen on Main Street every day.”

“The only interesting thing is what I do and what businessmen do is my job is to kind of look behind you… I can’t use what I learn about you, which is privileged and protected… My job is to steer you in a direction where at least you understand the costs that your anger or your obsession may take you.”

Connect with Jonathan Sherman
Learn more about Jonathan Sherman and his strategic litigation expertise at www.sterlingtonlaw.com

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What if you could use your retirement savings to invest in real estate, start a business, or buy cryptocurrency – all while keeping the tax advantages of your IRA or 401(k)?

Tax attorney and entrepreneur Adam Bergman reveals the hidden power of self-directed retirement accounts that most Americans are unaware of. As the founder and CEO of IRA Financial Group, Adam shares how he discovered, by accident, that IRAs can invest in far more than just stocks and bonds—and how he built a $5 billion company helping business owners unlock these opportunities.

From the ROBS strategy for funding businesses with retirement funds to the surprising tax advantages that even seasoned professionals may not be aware of, this episode reveals the retirement planning secrets that savvy individuals use to build substantial wealth.

5 Key Takeaways

➤ IRAs can invest in almost anything except three prohibited categories – collectibles like art, life insurance, and transactions that personally benefit you or your family members.

➤ Three ways to fund your business with retirement money: Own less than 50% of the business through a self-directed IRA, borrow up to $50,000 through a 401(k) loan, or use the ROBS (Rollover Business Startup Solution) strategy.

➤ The ROBS strategy enables tax-free, penalty-free access to retirement funds by setting up a C-corporation that adopts a 401(k) plan, which then purchases company stock—completely legal under Section 4970E of the tax code.

➤ Starting retirement savings at 24 vs 34 makes a massive difference – investing just $2,000 annually from age 24-72 at 8.5% returns yields $1.15 million vs. only $498,000 when starting at 34.

➤ Self-directed IRAs cost less than $500 annually to maintain, and the setup process takes just a few hours over a few weeks, giving you complete control over investment decisions.

Notable Quotes
“I had no idea that you can use an IRA to do alternative assets. I as a tax lawyer… worked at some of the biggest law firms in the world, and I honestly thought that you had to buy stocks and mutual funds, ETFs with your IRA.”

“The US retirement system is rigged in our favor… it’s based off compounded returns, the eighth wonder of the world. Albert Einstein said it.”

How to Reach Adam Bergman
IRA Financial Group

• Website: /https://www.irafinancial.com/lp/retirement-solutions/
• YouTube Channel: IRA Financial (1000+ educational videos)
• Phone: Free consultations with 100+ tax professionals
• Resources: Extensive blogs and educational content on self-directed retirement accounts

Adam has authored 9 books on retirement planning and continues to educate entrepreneurs on maximizing their retirement strategies through alternative investments.

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Are you missing out on the investment opportunities that institutional investors have been using for decades to build wealth?

In this episode, Gary sits down with Kim Flynn, President of XA Investments and CFA charter holder, to explore the world of alternative investments and how they’re becoming accessible to individual investors and business owners. Kim shares her journey from investment banking to founding her own business and reveals how interval funds are democratizing access to private markets.

Kim Flynn discusses her entrepreneurial journey in asset management and explains how alternative investments—everything that’s not a stock or bond—can provide diversification, income, and inflation protection. She breaks down the revolutionary concept of interval funds, which offer SEC-registered access to private market investments with improved liquidity and tax reporting compared to traditional private funds. The conversation covers direct lending opportunities, the importance of working with knowledgeable financial advisors, and why small business owners are particularly well-positioned to benefit from these sophisticated investment strategies.

Key Takeaways:

➤ Alternative investments include anything beyond stocks and bonds – from private equity and real estate to infrastructure and farmland, offering diversification benefits and potential inflation protection that traditional portfolios may lack.

➤ Interval funds are game-changers for individual investors – these SEC-registered products provide access to institutional-quality investments with quarterly liquidity windows, 1099 tax forms instead of K-1s, and lower suitability requirements.

➤ Direct lending presents compelling opportunities in 2025 – with banks pulling back from lending, direct lending funds are filling the gap and offering yields of 9-11% while providing alternative financing options for business owners.

➤ Small business owners have natural advantages in alternative investing – they understand diversification risks better than most investors and can benefit from longer investment horizons to access institutional-quality strategies previously unavailable to individual investors.

➤ The right financial advisor is crucial for alternative investment success – investors should ask advisors about private market exposure and alternative offerings, as not all advisors understand interval funds and their unique liquidity structures.

Notable Quotes:

“We’ve got to be thoughtful about what we bring to market. The world doesn’t need another large cap ETF, so we focus on creating cutting-edge products in alternative investments.”

“This is what the American business owner needs – an opportunity to deploy capital in a more sophisticated way alongside institutional investors, but have it be convenient with easy buying and selling and a 1099 instead of a K-1.”

Connect with Kim Flynn:

• Website: https://xainvestments.com/

• LinkedIn: Kimberly Flynn at XA Investments

• Resources: Educational content, white papers, and interval fund index information available on website

Kim Flynn is the President of XA Investments, where she leads product and business development specializing in closed-end funds, interval funds, and alternative investments. As a CFA charter holder with deep expertise in private market investing, she’s passionate about making institutional-quality investments accessible to a broader audience.

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❓What happens when you ignore the IRS—or worse—hire the wrong help?
Spoiler alert: It doesn’t magically disappear… but your bank account might.
This week, Gary sits down with Candice Miller, a nationally recognized tax attorney, to break down the biggest missteps business owners make when dealing with the IRS. From penalties and passport revocations to payroll tax nightmares, Candice shares powerful insights on how to stay compliant, avoid costly mistakes, and why being proactive could literally save your business.

She also opens up about her unexpected path into tax law, what gets her fired up to help clients, and why most of those “pennies-on-the-dollar” ads are too good to be true.
🔑 Key Takeaways:

→ Don’t bury your head in the sand — Delaying IRS issues only increases penalties and reduces options.
→ Free help exists — From the IRS Taxpayer Advocate to Low Income Tax Clinics, support is out there.
→ Payroll tax errors are the #1 business killer — Not remitting 941 taxes properly can haunt you personally.
→ Your business structure matters — Legal and tax classifications are different. Talk to a CPA and attorney.
→ Penalty abatement is possible — First-time or hardship-based reductions could save you thousands.
📬 Connect with Candice Miller:
Email: candice.miller@azarvandtaxlaw.com
Firm: Azarvand Tax Law (or simply Google Azarvand Tax Law)
📍 Free consultations available

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Thinking about owning a franchise—but not sure if it’s the right move? 

This episode breaks down what you really need to know before diving into the world of franchising.

 Gary Heldt sits down with James Hilovsky, franchise consultant and CEO of FranDream, to discuss how aspiring business owners can confidently enter the franchise world. James shares his journey from restaurant executive to multi-concept founder and now mentor to franchise seekers. He outlines the real work behind franchise ownership, the common mistakes to avoid, and why choosing a brand with strong support matters more than hype.

🎯 Key Takeaways:
✅ A franchise isn’t passive income—it’s a business that needs your full involvement.
✅ Talk to current franchisees to get the real picture before signing anything.
✅ Support matters most: look beyond the brand to see what kind of help you’ll receive.
✅ Athletes often make excellent franchisees because they thrive on systems and structure.
✅ Don’t overextend financially—stay within budget and explore smart funding options.
✅ James helps match clients to vetted franchises and walks with them every step of the way.

💬 Quote to Remember:
“Just because it’s a franchise doesn’t mean it runs itself. You’re the engine—make sure you’ve got the right crew supporting you.” – James Hilovsky

📨 Want to explore franchise ownership with expert guidance?
💡 Visit www.thefrandream.com or email james@thefrandream.com to connect with James directly.

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What happens when you start your company after 14 jobs in 17 years? And how do you turn that into $40 billion raised?

 In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, host Gary Heldt interviews Gui Costin, the energetic founder and CEO of Dakota. Gui opens up about the winding path that led him to success, the leadership missteps he corrected, and how he built a culture of mentorship, kindness, and high performance. You’ll also hear his take on the future of investment sales, the impact of AI, and the importance of consistency in content creation—even for plumbers!

→ 5 Key Takeaways:
→ Leadership is a behavior, not a title.
→ Kindness and high performance can—and should—coexist.
→ The right words from a leader can make or break employee retention.
→ Embrace AI now or risk falling behind.
→ Ask “Why?” seven times to unlock clarity and growth.

💬 Gui’s Quote to Remember:
“Our mission is to help other people get what they want out of life. That’s when everything changed.”

🎧 Listen & Learn:
Tune in to hear Gui’s journey from job-hopper to industry leader, how he mentors his team, what “The Dakota Way” really means, and how every business—yes, even plumbers—should be creating content consistently.

✅ Connect with Gui Costin:
🌐 Website: https://dakotafunds.com/
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guicostin/
🏢 Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dakota-about/

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Are you still handing over your hard-earned money to Wall Street and hoping it works out?
This week, Gary is joined by M.C. Laubscher, wealth strategist, entrepreneur, and founder of Producers Wealth. M.C. shares how business owners can take back control of their finances using proven wealth-building systems that banks have used for generations.

They explore the critical difference between saving and speculating, how to build your own family banking system, and why most entrepreneurs are starved of capital when they need it most. M.C. also dives into his bestselling book Get Wealthy for Sure and how his Cashflow Ninja platform has reached over 7 million people worldwide.
💡 Key Topics Covered:

✔ Why business owners should think like banks.
✔The difference between saving, investing, speculating, and gambling.
✔How to use life insurance as a powerful liquidity and growth tool.
✔Why most traditional financial advice fails entrepreneurs.
✔The family banking strategy that enables long-term, tax-free wealth.

Quote: 
 “You don’t need to chase someone else’s dream with your money. You can build your own banking system, keep your capital in motion, and create wealth that lasts generations.”  – M.C. Laubscher
📚 Mentioned:
✔ ProducersWealth.com.
✔ Get Wealthy for Sure → GetWealthyForSure.com.
✔ M.C.’s podcast, Cashflow Ninja → CashflowNinja.com.

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From Debt to Seven Figures: How Jeanne Omlor Built a Thriving Online Business Without Ads

How does a single parent go from deep debt to a seven-figure business in less than two years without spending on advertising? In this compelling episode, host Gary Heldt welcomes Jeanne Omlor, a Business Strategist, Seven-Figure Online Business Coach, and Certified Servant Leadership Executive Coach who shares her remarkable transformation.

Jeanne Omlor shares her journey from struggling offline coach to successful online business owner. After eight years of working as a coach and facing mounting debt after a life change, Jeanne decided to pivot to online business. Despite initially investing in Facebook ads training, she discovered the power of organic marketing instead. By developing a system based on human relationships, she built a seven-figure business in just 17 months with approximately 92% profit margin. Five and a half years later, she maintains a sustainable business that has helped nearly 500 coaches, consultants, and service providers thrive through her organic marketing methods.

Key Takeaways

→ Following up properly with leads is essential for business success. Most business owners fail to implement a systematic approach to follow-up, letting potential clients slip away.

→ Organic social media marketing on platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook presents enormous opportunities that many businesses aren’t properly harnessing.

→ Fear of judgment and concern about professional image often prevents business owners from taking the necessary actions to grow their client base.

→ Business anxiety affects quality of life – when you’re constantly worried about finances, you can’t be fully present with loved ones even when physically with them.

→ Success brings freedom from financial anxiety, which significantly contributes to overall happiness and life satisfaction.

Quotes from Jeanne

“There’s not a worse feeling in the world than not fulfilling your potential. You’re doing all the things, you’re doing everything to be a good parent… but it doesn’t feel good because you’re just worried.”

“Thriving wasn’t really the order of the day with me. Because I’m emotionally connected to that, I don’t want people to go through what I went through. I want it to happen for them.”

Connect with Jeanne Omlor

• Website: jeanneomlor.com

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jeanneomlor

• Facebook: facebook.com/jeanneomlor

Podcast: Business Wealth Impact

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What’s the real legacy of your business—just profits, or a thriving family and future-ready wealth?

In this powerful episode, Gary Heldt welcomes Lori Van Dusen, founder of LVW Advisors and a trailblazer in fiduciary financial planning.

Lori shares her extraordinary path from working in the South Tower of the World Trade Center with Lehman Brothers to leading a $6 billion independent advisory practice. She reveals the challenges and triumphs of creating a business that aligns with her values, mentoring the next generation, and serving multigenerational families.

Lori also discusses personal growth, the importance of proactive financial planning, and the moving story behind her Wall Street Journal bestselling book, Born from Resilience after Personal Loss.

💡 Key Topics Covered:

➡ Lori’s career journey from Wall Street to entrepreneurship. 

➡ Why she founded LVW Advisors to eliminate conflicts of interest. 

➡ Common mistakes business owners make with planning and succession. 

➡ The importance of aligning business strategy with personal values. 

➡ How to handle family dynamics in multigenerational businesses. 

➡ Selecting the right financial advisor for evolving needs. 

➡ Proactive client communication during market uncertainty. 

➡ The story behind Lori’s bestselling book and the power of resilience.

🔥 Featured Quote from Lori:

“Being early often feels like being wrong. But staying true to your values—even when the path is hard—creates lasting impact not just for your business, but for your life.”

📚 Mentioned:

✔ Lori Van Dusen’s Wall Street Journal bestselling book (available on Amazon).

✔ LVW Advisors: www.lvwadvisors.com.

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Are you prepared to weather unexpected financial storms while building lasting wealth for retirement?

In this enlightening episode, Gary Heldt sits down with Harry Abrahamsen, a leading financial strategist specializing in personal financial economics and retirement planning. Harry shares his journey from building a family business to founding the Abrahamsen Financial Group, inspired by the life-changing events of September 11, 2001.

Drawing from his extensive experience working with clients at all stages of retirement planning, Harry reveals his philosophy on creating personalized financial strategies that protect against unexpected life events while building sustainable wealth.

Key Takeaways:

→ Financial planning must be personalized to each individual’s unique situation, whether they’re thinking about retirement, preparing to retire, or already retired

→ Unexpected life events can derail financial plans – proper protection strategies are essential for controlling your financial destiny

→ Building a network of trusted experts (attorneys, CPAs, bankers) creates comprehensive financial plans that consistently over-deliver for clients

→ Entrepreneurial thinking and continuous reinvention are vital components of financial success and career growth

→ Financial strategies should focus on both wealth building and wealth protection to ensure long-term security

Notable Quotes:

“After September 11, 2001, I realized the critical importance of properly protecting oneself from unexpected life events and controlling one’s own destiny.” – Harry Abrahamsen

“Throughout my career, my clientele has consistently shared one common objective: to receive expert advice and guidance from someone they trust.” – Harry Abrahamsen

Connect with Harry Abrahamsen:

• Book: “Money Rules – 9 Rules to Massive Wealth”

• Company: Abrahamsen Financial Group

• Location: Little Silver, New Jersey

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