Episodes

  • Bonus: Unlocking Financial Success: Mission-Driven Strategies

    Bonus: Unlocking Financial Success: Mission-Driven Strategies
    Jul 3 2025
    What if your financial systems could unlock exponential business growth—and make your company acquisition-ready at the same time?In this episode of Sterling Insights, guest host Charles Trakas sits down with Omar Garcia, CEO and Founder of Secure Plus Financial. Together, they explore the intersection of small business finance and strategic growth, sharing valuable insights and practical tips for listeners. Omar draws from his extensive experience helping seven-figure insurance agencies transform their operations and financials to drive scalable success. This episode is a must-listen for small business owners, agency leaders, and financial professionals looking to align people, processes, and profit with purpose.Key Takeaways:● 💼 From Chaos to Clarity: How Omar helped a friend secure a $3M SBA loan by restructuring their financials—and the birth of Secure Plus Financial.● 📊 KPI Tracking for Growth: Why Key Performance Indicators are essential tools for decision-making and accountability in any growing business.● 🤝 Core Values in Action: The six principles guiding Omar’s team—and how they shape culture, client service, and business decisions.● 🔄 The Three P’s Framework: People, Process, and Product—how to evaluate and elevate your business through finance-driven strategy.● 🚀 Succession & Exit Planning: How Secure Plus supports agency owners planning for massive growth—or a lucrative exit.Quotes from Omar Garcia:● "When you focus on really good outcomes, the money will flow to you. It’s almost guaranteed."● "Business is a people’s game. One bad apple can rot the rest."● "If you want accountability and transparency, you need a method to measure performance—clear, concise, and aligned."🔗 Conclusion: Whether you're scaling up or preparing to sell, aligning financial systems with strategic goals can be the game-changer for your business. Omar Garcia shows how values, data, and vision come together to create meaningful and measurable impact.Connect with Omar:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omargarciacfoYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@omargarciacfoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/omargarciacfoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omargarciacfoTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@omargarciacfo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    30 mins
  • Episode 30: Mastering Safe Money Strategies and Retirement Planning

    Episode 30: Mastering Safe Money Strategies and Retirement Planning
    Jun 25 2025
    How Safe Money Strategies Can Protect Your Retirement and Legacy In this episode of Sterling Insights, Katherine sits down with Richard Milella, veteran financial strategist and "advisor to the advisors." Together, they explore the crucial topic of safe money strategies in retirement planning, sharing valuable insights and practical tips for listeners. Richard draws from his 38 years of experience to discuss how emotions influence financial decisions, the risks of traditional retirement strategies, and the importance of proactive planning. This episode is a must-listen for pre-retirees, retirees, and financial professionals seeking a more secure and thoughtful approach to wealth management. Key Takeaways: ● 💡 Emotion Drives Finance: Richard’s psychology background helps clients navigate the emotional aspects of money—crucial for smart, balanced decision-making. ● 🛡️ Safe Money Strategies Matter: Protecting your assets from loss is just as important as growing them, especially during retirement. ● 📉 Avoid Distribution Mistakes: Failing to adjust from accumulation to distribution phases can lead to unexpected losses and early depletion of retirement funds. ● 🎓 College Costs Can Derail Retirement: Richard’s nonprofit helps families avoid financial traps from student debt that can delay or derail retirement. ● 📊 Personalized Planning Pays Off: A one-size-fits-all financial plan doesn’t work—understanding individual goals and risks is essential. Quotes from Richard Milella: ● "Money is a very emotional topic... it relates to people’s hopes, their fears, their desires." ● "My mindset is really on growing their money in an environment that would also protect them from losing money." ● "People don’t recognize the difference between accumulating money and taking the money out—and that’s a big mistake." 🔗 Conclusion: Whether you’re planning retirement, helping others with theirs, or just want to protect what you’ve built, Richard Miella’s insights offer clear, grounded steps to do it wisely. Connect with Richard: Website: https://RFMAdvisors.com Website: https://safemoney.com/new-york/richard-f-milella/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    29 mins
  • Bonus: Building Lasting Relationships in Real Estate

    Bonus: Building Lasting Relationships in Real Estate
    Jun 19 2025
    What does it truly mean to be a “realtor for life”? In this episode, you'll hear how one real estate professional goes beyond the transaction to build lifelong partnerships with clients navigating major life transitions. In this episode of Sterling Insights, guest host Mike Agol sits down with Kellie Jovane, a seasoned Houston-area Realtor with over 20 years of experience in real estate and property appraisals. Together, they explore the human side of real estate, sharing valuable insights and practical advice for anyone navigating the highs and lows of buying or selling a home. Kellie draws from decades of experience to discuss how life events — from starting a family to facing unexpected transitions — shape real estate decisions, offering compassionate, strategic guidance for clients at every stage. This episode is a must-listen for home buyers, sellers, real estate professionals, and those considering life changes that involve a move, providing both inspiration and actionable tips to navigate the process with confidence. Key Takeaways: ● 🏠 Real Estate is a Relationship Business: Kellie shares why she treats every client equally, regardless of price point, and how building long-term relationships is the heart of her business. ● 💡 Planning Matters: Life transitions like divorce, retirement, or job relocation can lead to unexpected real estate decisions — and proper planning can make all the difference. ● 🤝 Trusted Advisor Role: Being a Realtor is more than sales — Kellie positions herself as a long-term partner and resource, even years after the sale closes. ● 📣 Marketing with Intention: From social media to brokerage syndication, Kellie discusses her multi-layered strategy to get homes seen and sold quickly. ● 🧭 The Value of Education: Kellie invests in continuous education to better serve clients — including VA, 1031 exchange, and investment property courses — to stay current and provide expert guidance. Quotes from Kellie Jovane: ● “I’m not looking at the number — I’m looking at the person.” ● “A trusted advisor doesn’t just end at the closing table — they’re a partner for years to come.” ● “There’s always a reason things don’t work out — because something better is waiting.” 🔗 Conclusion: Whether you're buying your first home or preparing for the next big chapter in life, Kellie Jovane’s client-first philosophy and deep real estate knowledge offer a clear blueprint for building trust and making confident property decisions. Connect with Kellie: Website: www.har.com/KellieJ Instagram: @KellieJovane_realtor Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-jovane-99251932 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    18 mins
  • Bonus: Integrating Personal and Business Finances for Optimal Outcomes

    Bonus: Integrating Personal and Business Finances for Optimal Outcomes
    Jun 18 2025
    Welcome to a Fan Favorite episode of Sterling Insights: Sterling Insights: Stand Out & Supercharge Your Assets, hosted by Roger Silk. In this episode, Roger sits down with Brian Carney and discusses early strategic tax planning. Brian serves RiversEdge Advisors as Partner and Co-founder. Brian leads the overarching strategy and direction of the organization. He is the definition of a servant leader, ensuring the team, and the company, are optimized to deliver exemplary client experience and growth. Brian has over two decades of Financial Services experience. Brian is fascinated by the emotional aspects of financial planning and architected RiversEdge’s processes to directly address the role emotions play in financial decisioning Here are some highlights from the episode: Brian and Roger stress the importance of early strategic tax planning to ensure successful business exits. Brian explains It is crucial for business owners to detach emotionally and understand the true market value of their business. RiversEdge Advisors focuses on creating a supportive partnership with clients to navigate financial complexities and achieve optimal outcomes. Connect with Brian: Website: Riversedgeadvisors.com Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/company/riversedgeadvisors Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiversEdgeAdvisorsLLC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riversedgeadvisors_llc/?hl=en Connect with Roger: Website: https://www.sterlingfoundations.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sterlingfoundations/ Twitter: https://x.com/SterlingFndMgt?mx=2 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sterling-foundation-management-llc/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    37 mins
  • Episode 29: Navigating Life's Challenges

    Episode 29: Navigating Life's Challenges
    Jun 11 2025
    Discover how one of Wall Street’s top advisors built her success by challenging the status quo—and learn what it takes to thrive in a male-dominated industry. In this episode of Sterling Insights, Roger sits down with Lori Van Dusen, founder and CEO of LVW Advisors and author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller Running with Grace. Together, they explore Lori’s fascinating journey from Harvard to Wall Street, the evolution of independent advisory work, and the powerful role of values and resilience in personal and professional growth. Lori draws from her extensive experience to discuss how she’s helping women and next-generation wealth holders take charge of their financial futures, offering actionable advice for advisors and clients alike. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the world of wealth management, succession, or the emotional challenges of significant life transitions. Key Takeaways: ● 💼 The Power of Client-Centric Advice: Lori’s pioneering approach to advisory work—prioritizing understanding over selling—set her apart and shaped her values-based practice. ● 🌟 Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Field: Despite starting her career as one of only a few women in the room, Lori carved out a path that inspired others to follow. ● 🔍 How to Build Resiliency: Lori shares practical ways to navigate personal and professional setbacks, including insights from her book Running with Grace. ● 🌱 The Future of Wealth Management: Lori highlights how demographic shifts and generational change are transforming the advisory landscape—and how firms can adapt. ● 🤝 The Importance of Collaboration: Lori explains how working with other professionals like RIAs and leveraging team strengths creates better outcomes for clients. Quotes from Lori Van Dusen: ● “I never really sold stocks, bonds—I never sold anything. I just started gathering information and then gathering assets, and then figuring out what was broken and how to fix it.” ● “I’m a business development person. So it’s really for me where I’ve ended up as a result of some really sudden, tragic losses… The business ran really without me.” ● “My book became a form of philanthropy to me… It’s a way to pay forward what I’ve learned in business and life.” 🔗 Conclusion: Lori Van Dusen’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, values-driven leadership, and the importance of meeting clients where they are. Don’t miss this episode! Connect with Lori Van Dusen: Website: https://lvwadvisors.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    24 mins
  • Bonus: Navigating Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning

    Bonus: Navigating Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning
    Jun 5 2025
    Estate planning and probate can seem daunting—especially when family dynamics and complex assets collide. In this episode, we unpack how to plan ahead and keep your legacy intact. In this episode of Sterling Insights, Rexford Cattanch sits down with Scott Ruhsam, Partner at Kennedy & Ruhsam Law and a highly experienced estate planning and probate attorney. Together, they explore the complexities of wills, trusts, and trust administration, sharing valuable insights and practical tips for listeners. Scott draws from his extensive experience to discuss common pitfalls, family conflict, and how to create plans that actually work in real life, offering actionable advice for anyone thinking about their estate or handling one now. This episode is a must-listen for business owners, families planning for the future, and anyone navigating estate administration, providing both knowledge and tools to make smarter, more effective decisions. Key Takeaways: ● 🏠 Trusts Over Wills Post-COVID: COVID highlighted the advantages of revocable trusts for simplifying estate settlement. ● 🤝 Professional Fiduciaries Save Time and Money: Neutral fiduciaries can navigate family conflict and maximize value without bias. ● 📈 Clear Business Planning is Critical: Buy-sell agreements and accounting practices are essential to avoid costly disputes later. ● 💡 Creative Conflict Resolution: Unique strategies—like family auctions—can prevent small issues from turning into expensive fights. ● 🗂️ Probate Demystified: Scott walks through exactly what to expect in the first weeks and months of settling an estate. Quotes from Scott Ruhsam: ● "Probate itself isn’t the problem—it’s litigation that turns it into a nightmare." ● "As a professional fiduciary, I’m here to be neutral and maximize value for everyone." ● "It’s not just about drafting documents—it’s about making sure your plan is practical and actually works when it matters most." 🔗 Conclusion: Scott Ruhsam’s insights offer clarity, confidence, and practical tools for estate planning that goes beyond the paperwork and truly protects your legacy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    40 mins
  • Episode 28: Revolutionizing Wealth Management

    Episode 28: Revolutionizing Wealth Management
    Jun 4 2025
    Discover how to reimagine your wealth strategy beyond traditional investment models and unlock the full potential of your financial life in this episode of Sterling Insights. In this episode of Sterling Insights, Roger sits down with Austin Collins, Founder of Integrated Wealth Advisors and a seasoned expert in personalized, holistic financial advisory. Together, they explore the power of integrating planning, investment management, and virtual family office strategies to create lasting value for clients, sharing valuable insights and practical tips for listeners. Austin draws from his extensive experience in working with high net worth individuals navigating complex transitions and decisions, offering actionable advice for anyone looking to elevate their financial game. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, investors, and families navigating financial transitions, providing both knowledge and tools to build a resilient and purpose-driven financial future. Key Takeaways: ● 💡 Reimagining Wealth Management: Austin challenges the traditional model by prioritizing planning and team collaboration over investment allocation alone. ● 🔍 Loss Tolerance vs. Risk Tolerance: Shifting the conversation from "risk tolerance" to "loss tolerance" helps align portfolios with real comfort levels. ● 📈 Constant Planning Readiness: Integrated’s approach involves frequent check-ins and real-time modeling to support better decision-making at any moment. ● 🤝 Virtual Family Office: Learn how a curated team of top professionals can unlock new possibilities in complex financial transitions. ● 🌟 Money as an Expression of Values: For ultra-high net worth individuals, it’s not about chasing returns—it’s about creating meaningful impact. Quotes from Austin Collins: ● "We believe that planning and coordinated professional teams are actually the main value that we deliver." ● "Risk tolerance typically tends to have a relativistic application. People think they're aggressive when the market's going up and conservative when it's going down." ● "At that level, your money becomes an expression of your values. It doesn't become a tool that you have to optimize to get an outcome." 🔗 Conclusion: Austin’s insights are a masterclass in redefining financial advisory—offering a fresh, holistic lens for navigating wealth management and building a team that supports your ideal outcomes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    39 mins