Traversing the Private Equity Landscape: Opportunities and Challenges with Brad Zapp
Release Date: 10/10/2024
The Journey of Digital Marketing Expert Chris Shihadeh
Traversing Entrepreneurship
This week, Derek sits down with Chris Shihadeh, CEO of Skylab Digital, who shares his entrepreneurial journey, insights on navigating the competitive Medicare space, and the importance of financial literacy in business. Chris discusses the significance of building a strong team, identifying A, B, and C players in hiring, and empowering employees to solve problems. He emphasizes the role of data in digital marketing, managing cash flow in seasonal businesses, and leveraging debt for growth. The conversation concludes with key takeaways for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of...
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Motivation and Entrepreneurship... What an Epic Journey with Eric Stopper
Traversing Entrepreneurship
In this episode of Traversing Entrepreneurship, Derek Dall’Olmo interviews Eric Stopper, an e-commerce expert and investor, to explore the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. From his early ventures in nanotechnology to his current success with Profitable, Eric shares candid insights into the challenges and triumphs of building a business. Discover how meditation, self-reflection, and a focus on family have shaped his journey. Key Moments: Eric's transition from nanotechnology to e-commerce and investing. The importance of self-discovery and meditation in entrepreneurship. How...
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Navigating Entrepreneurship with Beau Eckstein
Traversing Entrepreneurship
In this episode Derek sits down with Beau Eckstein, owner of Business Ownership Coach and Emerge Lending Group. With over 26 years of experience, Beau shares his journey from a struggling student to a successful entrepreneur, offering insights into funding strategies, franchise consulting, and the importance of tax strategies. Discover how Beau's experiences, including a stint on HGTV, have shaped his approach to business and life. Key Topics: Beau's entrepreneurial journey and early challenges The role of SBA loans and franchise consulting in business growth Insights into tax...
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Navigating Entrepreneurship with Kasim Aslam
Traversing Entrepreneurship
Join host Derek as he sits down with Kasim Aslam, founder of Solutions 8, to explore the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Kasim shares his journey from humble beginnings to building a successful Google ad agency, discussing the importance of talent acquisition, the impact of AI on business, and the lessons learned from his failures and successes. Key Takeaways: Kasim's unique approach to hiring and retaining top talent. Insights into the Pareto Principle and its application in business. The role of AI in shaping the future of entrepreneurship. Personal stories of...
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Helping Your Team Dream Bigger with Kate Volman
Traversing Entrepreneurship
In this episode, Derek chats with Kate Volman—CEO, speaker, and big believer in helping people dream bigger. From her early days at the Chamber of Commerce to leading Floyd Consulting, Kate shares what she’s learned about people, growth, and the messy (but rewarding) work of leadership. They talk about the real stuff—why most business problems are actually people problems, how leaders can create space for personal dreams at work, and why being creative isn’t optional anymore. Whether you lead a team or are part of one, this is the kind of conversation that makes you pause and think...
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Building a Business That Works for You with Sarah Noel Block
Traversing Entrepreneurship
Derek sits down with Sarah Noel Block, the brains behind Tiny Marketing and the Tiny Marketing Club—a go-to resource for indie consultants who want smart, simple marketing that actually drives business (without the overwhelm). They unpack Sarah’s journey from the corporate world to building a business on her own terms. You’ll hear how she turned a layoff during the recession into a springboard for entrepreneurship, how she ditched the agency grind for a membership model, and why she believes less but better is the future of marketing. This one’s packed with real strategies—like...
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Navigating the Entrepreneurial Journey with Corey Morris
Traversing Entrepreneurship
In this episode of the Traversing Entrepreneurship podcast, Derek Dall'Olmo interviews Corey Morris, founder of Voltage Digital Agency. They discuss Corey's journey from employee to business owner, the intricacies of digital marketing, particularly SEO, and the challenges and strategies involved in business acquisitions. Corey shares insights on leadership, the importance of transparency in negotiations, and how he has personalized his agency's approach to better serve clients. In this conversation, Corey Morris discusses the evolution of his marketing agency, Voltage, emphasizing the...
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Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster of Entrepreneurship with Brian Smith
Traversing Entrepreneurship
In this episode of the Traversing Entrepreneurship podcast, host Derek Dall'Olmo sits down with Brian Smith, an entrepreneur who’s seen it all—from humble beginnings washing boats and launching a college photography business to navigating the highs and lows of real estate. Brian’s story is one of grit, growth, and ultimately, reinvention. Burnout pushed Brian to make a life-altering decision: selling his businesses and stepping back to reassess his purpose. That pivotal moment led him to coaching and founding the Founders Organization, where he now helps fellow entrepreneurs thrive....
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Navigating the Private Credit Landscape: Mike Shum's Journey
Traversing Entrepreneurship
In this episode of Traversing Entrepreneurship, Derek Dall'Olmo sits down with Mike Shum, CEO of Cascade Debt, to unpack his journey from derivatives trader to fintech founder. Mike opens up about the risks, missteps, and breakthroughs that shaped Cascade’s rise in the private credit space. They dive into how alternative credit scoring is reshaping lending, what most people get wrong about asset-based finance, and why economic shifts are forcing innovation in fintech. If you're building in the world of money—or thinking about it—this conversation is packed with firsthand insight. ...
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From Forest Service to Global Visa with Rob Lee
Traversing Entrepreneurship
This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship, Derek sits down with Rob Lee, co-founder and CEO of Swiss Passport and Visa Services, a company that expedites passports and obtains visas. Rob and his wife, Lori, started the business 17 years ago after living in Central America and encountering a need for such a service. Initially relying on paid ads, they shifted focus to business partnerships, particularly with Fortune 500 companies in the aviation, legal, and manufacturing sectors. They are now developing a software application to streamline travel document management. Rob emphasizes the...
info_outlineEver wonder what it takes to build a successful business from scratch? Join us as we sit down with serial entrepreneur Brad Zapp to get the inside scoop on his journey from wealth management to founding a cutting-edge digital VC firm. You won't want to miss this eye-opening conversation!
Brad Zapp is a CFP, was a former founder of an independent Wealth Advisory Firm, sold that, and founded a Digital Venture Capital firm that uses AI to vet opportunities. he is now bringing his private Strategy to the public by registering with the SEC and will be distributing his fund thru the independent Advisor channel he started his career in.
This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:
0:00:35 - Introducing Brad Zapp
0:02:08 - Brad Zapp discusses transition from wealth management to founding digital venture capital firm
0:05:00 - Differences between private equity and venture capital
0:10:00 - Role of venture capitalists in financing innovative, technology-driven companies
0:13:04 - Evolving entrepreneurship landscape and successful outcomes beyond IPOs
0:14:13 - Success in venture capital, shares examples of successful investments
0:19:24 - Importance of founder psychology, how firm uses it in due diligence
0:26:33 - Firm's digital approach to venture capital, especially during COVID-19
0:32:34 - Using AI and machine learning to enhance investment process
0:39:26 - Story behind "Wendell" name for firm's AI assistant
0:42:02 - Brad discusses biggest challenges in creating, growing VC firm in Midwest
Connect with Brad:
Website: www.conneticventures.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zapper/
Email: bzapp@conneticventures.com
About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast
Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.
Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.
This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.
Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.
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