The Liquid Lunch Project

After decades of experience on Wall Street, in finance and building teams of all sizes in multiple industries, Matthew Meehan and Luigi Rosabianca have a world-class understanding of what it takes to scale (and fund) a successful business. They are here to share a No-BS approach to what is involved in growing an empire. A note before you go any further: This show is only for those who want to grow. Every episode of this podcast is going to lay out actionable advice for business owners and entrepreneurs who want to grow their business. We have fun here - but the fact remains that everything you want is on the other side of something difficult. This show will help you get to that other side.

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How One Founder Built Tech to Outlive Us All 12/17/2025

How One Founder Built Tech to Outlive Us All What if your future kid could hear from a grandparent who’s no longer here? Not in a cheesy, preloaded card, but a real message, made just for them? This week, Matt grabs a digital drink with Jared Emerick, Founder & CEO of Emotiga, the company behind Kapsol, a platform that lets people record heartfelt messages today and deliver them years from now. Think wedding day notes from your late father, or advice from Grandpa showing up exactly when your kid needs it. But don’t get it twisted—this isn’t sci-fi fluff. Jared's building tech that blends emotional intelligence, AI, and storytelling to bring meaning back into our hyper-automated world. 🍸 What you'll hear in this episode: How “Kapsol” lets you send messages into the future Why emotionally intelligent tech is the next big market The moment that sparked Jared’s mission (and why it still gets him choked up) What entrepreneurs get wrong about “scaling” emotional connection Why the 50+ crowd might be your startup’s secret weapon How to build software people feel, not just use 💡 Notable Takeaway: We’re losing intergenerational wisdom…and relying on AI to fill that gap. That’s dangerous. 👤 About our Guest: Jared Emerick is the Founder & CEO of Emotiga, a platform designing emotionally intelligent tech that bridges the gap between people and their future moments. With roots in innovation, marketing, and storytelling, Jared’s focused on building software that makes digital interaction more human—and helping people hold on to what matters most, even when they can’t be there in person. 🎧 Why Listen: If you want to leave more behind than just a LinkedIn bio, hit play. This one stays with you. 🔗 Links + Stuff Emotiga: Connect with Jared: Facebook: 📞 Want help prepping your business for growth or sale? Hit us up at 🎧 Subscribe. Rate. Share. Repeat. 📧 Want even more? Subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. Available on Substack: Connect with us on Instagram: ➡️ ➡️ , ➡️ /episode/index/show/shieldafterhours/id/39410745

Community Banking Rebooted: Stablecoins, Tech & the New Money Movement 12/10/2025

Community Banking Rebooted: Stablecoins, Tech & the New Money Movement When was the last time the person approving your business loan picked up their own phone? In this episode, Matt and Lou sit down with Keith Costello, who built Locality Bank from the ground up, a tech‑forward community bank for real business owners. They dive into his “why,” the nuts‑and‑bolts of launching a bank, the future of stable coins, and why the big banks aren’t always the best choice for entrepreneurs. 🍸 What you'll hear in this episode: How Keith transitioned from military to Merrill Lynch to banking and finally to founding Locality Bank. Why he says community banking isn’t dead—it just needed a reboot. The behind‑the‑scenes of getting a bank charter, FDIC insurance & raising ~$40 million from local business owners. Why many banks are failing local businesses and what entrepreneurs should demand instead. A primer on stablecoins: what they are, why they matter for small/medium businesses. How Locality Bank makes money and why the “spread” matters for business owners. The tech‑first, human‑touch model: balancing digital banking + sit‑down cigars with business owners. What’s next for banking, payments, and local business ecosystems. 💡 Notable Takeaway: Traditional finance is not going to go away… but stablecoins and crypto are coming very rapidly. 👤 About our Guest: Keith Costello is the Founder & CEO of Locality Bank, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. With prior exits in the banking world, Keith set out to build a new style of community bank designed for small and medium‑sized business owners. He’s passionate about preserving local relationships, embracing technology, and enabling entrepreneurs to access the capital they need to grow. 🎧 Why Listen: If you’re building a business, seeking banking that gets you, or curious where finance is headed (yes—stable coins, crypto, and what it means for your next deal), press play now. This one’s for builders who want banking that works with them, not against them. 🔗 Links + Stuff 📞 Want help prepping your business for growth or sale? Hit us up at 🎧 Subscribe. Rate. Share. Repeat. 📧 Want even more? Subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. Available on Substack: Connect with us on Instagram: ➡️ ➡️ , ➡️ /episode/index/show/shieldafterhours/id/39224395

Business or Prison? Michael Walsh Explains Why Founders Get Stuck Scaling 12/03/2025

Business or Prison? Michael Walsh Explains Why Founders Get Stuck Scaling What’s the real reason your business growth feels like you’re carrying bricks uphill? On today’s episode, Michael Walsh takes us behind the curtain of business growth, from “we’re doing fine” to “we’re doing great, but I’m drowning anyway.” He walks through the hidden growth blockers (structures, people, manager vs. individual contributor), his “Freedom by Design” framework, and how to shift your business from a grind to something that actually frees you. 🍸 What you'll hear in this episode: Why the common growth trap isn’t revenue; it’s the structures you’ve outgrown and the people you can’t manage. Why your top salesperson might be the worst person to promote into management. The difference between “authority + wisdom” and “connection → wisdom” in leadership. Michael’s four human‑behavior levers (survive/thrive/connect/adapt) that drive business culture and freedom. The idea of “talking‑back‑money (TBM)”—why you should pass on the client who doesn’t fit your values. How a strong core‑value system doesn’t change when you grow. It anchors you even when everything else is different. 💡 Notable Takeaway: Freedom in your business, freedom from your business, and freedom because of your business. 👤 About our Guest: Michael Walsh is the founder and CEO of the Walsh Business Growth Institute. He’s authored multiple books—Business by Design, Thinking Big Is Not Enough, and Freedom by Design. He works with professional services and engineering‑type firms to scale from the 1‑to‑5‑to‑10‑million range and beyond by aligning people, process, and profit. 🎧 Why Listen: Don’t just grow bigger; grow better. Hit play, listen with a notebook, and give your business the structure and human backbone it’s been missing. You’ll thank yourself later. 🔗 Links + Stuff 📞 Want help prepping your business for growth or sale? Hit us up at 🎧 Subscribe. Rate. Share. Repeat. 📧 Want even more? Subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. Available on Substack: Connect with us on Instagram: ➡️ ➡️ , ➡️ /episode/index/show/shieldafterhours/id/39220855

Burnout in Lycra – Nathalia Melo’s Journey from Bro-Culture to Balanced Coaching 11/26/2025

Burnout in Lycra – Nathalia Melo’s Journey from Bro-Culture to Balanced Coaching What happens when a world‑class athlete trades the stage for the boardroom—and discovers the hardest competitor is the one in the mirror? In this episode, Matt and Luigi sit down with Nathalia Melo, former Ms. Olympia, to talk about her journey from gym floors in Brazil to global stages, and how that athletic mindset maps straight onto entrepreneurship, body image, hustle, and building a life that works when the perfect time never comes. 🍸 What you'll hear in this episode: Nathalia’s humble start: moving from Brazil to the U.S. with $300, living in a cockroach‑infested apartment, cleaning restaurants, and bartending before the bodybuilding world. How competition training (3‑4 hrs of cardio + 1–1.5 hrs lifting daily) pushed her body and mind…and why she now warns that competition is far from “healthy.” The “fat closet / skinny closet” metaphor: the mental toll of fluctuating between extremes and losing sight of identity outside the stage. Why the devices, data, and perfection‑culture around fitness are creating more noise than help, and how busy high‑achievers sabotage themselves by waiting for perfect alignment. Practical strategies for busy professionals to stay consistent: build routines that work even when travel, kids, long hours, and chaos hit. Commit to something, not perfection. Transitioning from competitor to coach: how Nathalia flipped the script, began working with women in high‑stress professions, and focused on behavior, emotion, and sustainable habits instead of extreme “bro‑culture” fitness. 💡 Notable Takeaway: “The deadline is literally the coffin.” 👤 About our Guest: Nathalia Melo is a Brazilian‑born former Ms. Olympia (one of the most prestigious titles in bodybuilding) who turned her high‑performance athlete mindset into a coaching business. After years in the extreme world of fitness and competition—where she traveled, coached, and lived the spotlight—she shifted gears into helping busy professional women (law, finance, executives) design realistic, high‑impact lifestyles that include health, movement, and mental clarity. 🔊 Why Listen: Hit play, take notes, and let Nathalia’s story remind you: you don’t need perfect conditions—just a consistent decision to show up. Tune in now. Connect with Nathalia: 📞 Want help prepping your business for growth or sale? Hit us up at 🎧 Subscribe. Rate. Share. Repeat. 📧 Want even more? Subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. Available on Substack: Connect with us on Instagram: ➡️ ➡️ , ➡️ /episode/index/show/shieldafterhours/id/39110395

Find Hidden Money in Your Business: Julio Gonzalez on Tax Strategies 11/19/2025

Find Hidden Money in Your Business: Julio Gonzalez on Tax Strategies What if we told you the government owes you money…and you didn’t even know it? In this episode, Matt and Luigi sit down with Julio Gonzalez, founder and CEO of Engineered Tax Services, to peel back the curtain on how the tax code can actually become a tool — not a penalty — for entrepreneurs and real‑estate investors. We talk about the game‑changer “big beautiful bill,” why R&D tax credits matter even to non‑tech firms, how cost segregation among real‑estate players is far more than “just depreciation,” and why your accountant might be asleep at the wheel. Julio brings the engineering + tax combo that’s usually reserved for the Fortune 500 … but we’re showing you how to use it too. 🍸 What you'll hear in this episode: Julio explains how the R&D tax credit has been revived…and how business owners can go back three years to claim it. What qualifies as “R&D”? Even a honey company changing formulas counts: it’s about improving processes and products. Cost segregation in real estate: how classifying non‑structural elements (HVAC, lighting, flooring) can allow huge write‑offs up front. Comparing an estimate vs. an engineered study for tax purposes, and why the IRS will toss the first and respect the second. How cost segregation ties into a 1031 exchange and impacts your basis, and what happens when you pass the property on via inheritance (step‑up basis). The future of accounting: AI, talent shortages, and how firms that can’t keep up will lose. Julio’s story: from Miami family‑house chaos to tax reform pioneer, bringing elite tax strategies to “regular” business owners. 💡 Notable Takeaway: The government doesn’t have to be a 50% owner of your profit. 👤 About our Guest: Julio Gonzalez is the founder & CEO of Engineered Tax Services (ETS), a national firm that blends engineering, tax, and accounting to bring specialty tax credits and cost‑segregation studies (historically for Fortune 500s) to entrepreneurs and real‑estate investors. His mission: tax equality for small business owners, converting tax liabilities into wealth‑building play. 🎧 Why Listen: If you own a business, invest in real estate, or are about to sell/transition your company, don’t leave money on the table. Hit play, take notes, then connect with your CPA (and maybe Julio’s team) to see if you’re owed. This isn’t a “maybe one day” strategy. Time is ticking. 🔗 Links + Stuff Free copy of Julio’s book, Why Billionaires Love the Tax Code. Text “Y” to 26786 /episode/index/show/shieldafterhours/id/38980225

How Chang Robotics Is Making Automation Work for Small Businesses 11/12/2025

How Chang Robotics Is Making Automation Work for Small Businesses What if your next coworker isn’t human? What if it’s a robot… and it’s already cost‑effective? In this episode, Matt and Luigi sit down with Dr. Don Capener, a serial entrepreneur whose career jumps from streetwear to startups to scaling robotics companies. From founding a basketball apparel brand bought by Reebok, to leading a tech IPO during the dot-com boom, to now helping small and mid-size manufacturers automate with Chang Robotics, Don proves that business is a contact sport... and he's still dunking. 🍸 What you'll hear in this episode: Don’s not-so-linear journey from the court to the code The real reason most automation doesn’t get adopted (spoiler: it’s not cost) Why small businesses can use robotics — and how it’s already happening The difference between being a “vendor” and a “strategic partner” How Chang Robotics is helping businesses compete with overseas manufacturers Why graphene oxide could be the next big thing in sustainable packaging How to raise a fund, build IP, and keep it founder-funded 💡 Notable Takeaway: Automation isn’t about robots replacing people. It’s about making your existing team more productive. 👤 About our Guest: Dr. Don Capener is part professor, part founder, part startup whisperer. He’s built brands, scaled tech companies, and now serves as Chief Strategy & Culture Officer at Chang Robotics, helping manufacturers and logistics firms embrace automation through strategy, not just engineering. 🔊 Why Listen: If you think robotics is “someday tech,” this episode will slap that timeline right into the present. Press play and find out what the future of work really looks like. Connect with Dr. Don Capener: Email: 📞 Want help prepping your business for growth or sale? Hit us up at 🎧 Subscribe. Rate. Share. Repeat. 📧 Want even more? Subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. Available on Substack: Connect with us on Instagram: ➡️ ➡️ , ➡️ /episode/index/show/shieldafterhours/id/38978060

Inside the Family Office: How the Ultra‑Wealthy Really Invest 11/05/2025

Inside the Family Office: How the Ultra‑Wealthy Really Invest What if your next move isn’t about hustling harder, but about rethinking how the ultra‑wealthy build, manage, and protect their wealth? In this episode, Matthew R. Meehan and Luigi Rosabianca sit down with Richard C. Wilson: veteran deal‑maker, capital‑raiser, and founder of the Family Office Club. Richard pulls back the curtain on family offices: what they actually do, how they differ from “regular” investment firms, and the mistakes even very wealthy people make when they ignore the fundamentals. We dive into investment strategies, trust building, deal flow, AI in finance, and why you need a “strike zone” rather than just shooting everywhere. This episode is for entrepreneurs who want to level up: not just chase money, but play in the big leagues with clarity, edge, and connection. 🍸 What you'll hear in this episode: The definition of a family office and the three main types: virtual, single‑family, and multi‑family. Why mistakes cost more as your net worth grows — and how high‑net‑worth folks avoid common traps. The idea of an “investment strike zone” — focusing your resources where you have real edge instead of being everywhere. Trust is more important than returns when you’re raising capital or building relationships with ultra‑wealthy investors. How deal structure often matters more than valuation — the wrong structure can wreck an opportunity even if the business is good. The growing role of AI tools in diligence, deal structuring, and investor screening. Where the money is flowing now (and where it’s cooling off): trends in Bitcoin, real estate syndications, etc. Practical advice for founders/entrepreneurs: how to package your deal, how to get a one‑liner that hits, how to get investors to lean forward. How to present yourself so you're first in line for deals rather than being one of many looking in. 💡 Notable Takeaway: “If your financial IQ does not grow faster than your balance sheet, then the world will correct that pretty quickly.” 👤 About our Guest: Richard C. Wilson is the founder and CEO of the Family Office Club, which helps ultra‑wealthy families and their advisors build, manage, and grow their “family offices” — the private investment and wealth‑management operations that go beyond traditional asset management. He’s spoken at hundreds of conferences in over 14 countries, authored bestselling books in the family‑office space, and built one of the largest networks of private capital and deal flow for founders and investors alike. 🔊 Why Listen: Don’t just listen: lean in. If you’re serious about raising capital, scaling your business or stepping into higher‑stakes investing, this episode gives you a map. Tune in, take notes, pick one idea you’ll apply this week — then come back next time and let us know how it moved the needle. Connect with Richard C. Wilson and The Family Office Club: 📞 Want help prepping your business for growth or sale? Hit us up at 🎧 Subscribe. Rate. Share. Repeat. 📧 Want even more? Subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. Available on Substack: Connect with us on Instagram: ➡️ ➡️ , ➡️ /episode/index/show/shieldafterhours/id/38891755

Real Estate’s Interest Rate Hangover: What Happens When Cheap Debt Dies 10/29/2025

Real Estate’s Interest Rate Hangover: What Happens When Cheap Debt Dies Is real estate dead? Or are we just in the hangover phase after cheap money? In this episode of The Liquid Lunch Project, Matt and Lou sit down with August Biniaz (founder & CIO of CPI Capital) to rip the lid off today’s real estate climate. We go deep on how interest rates broke the model, how Canadian mortgages force you to “rematch” every five years, and why “build-to-rent” is catching heat. The real bombs drop when we talk operator risk, investor communication, and where the real opportunities still lie in the U.S. 🍸 What you'll hear in this episode: How skyrocketing interest rates have throttled leverage across residential & commercial deals Why commercial real estate loans are shorter term (3–5 yrs) vs residential’s long tail The big differences between U.S. and Canadian mortgages — and why Canada forces refinancing every five years Build-to-rent: the next wave in multifamily, with case study in San Antonio (duplexes, pre‑sales, cash flow) How CPI structures deals: equity investors only, GP guarantees, and how they protect LPs Why operator/jockey matters more than the deal itself The communication secret sauce: monthly property reports, weekly investor emails, webinars, open access Where August would place a bet if he had to pick just one U.S. state (Florida + Texas make his shortlist) 💡 Notable Takeaway: “Our reporting is very robust … we provide monthly reporting … quarterly financials … we have an investor portal.” 👤 About our Guest: August Biniaz is the founder and Chief Investment Officer of CPI Capital, a real estate fund focused on syndication and development across North America. He also hosts the Real Estate Investing Demystified podcast and is a recognized voice in the real estate investment community. August is deeply immersed in structuring deals, scaling projects, and building trust with investors. 🔊 Why Listen: Don’t gamble with your capital. Listen in to get a real‑world dose of how the smartest operators are playing real estate in 2025. 🔗 Connect with August: 📞 Want help prepping your business for growth or sale? Hit us up at 🎧 Subscribe. Rate. Share. Repeat. 📧 Want even more? Subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. Available on Substack: Connect with us on Instagram: ➡️ ➡️ , ➡️ /episode/index/show/shieldafterhours/id/38793015

Stop Winging It: The Legal Support That Scales With You 10/22/2025

Stop Winging It: The Legal Support That Scales With You If your lawyer makes you nervous to ask a question, you’ve already lost. Jeff Holman isn’t your typical lawyer. He doesn’t bill in six-minute increments, he doesn’t hide behind legalese, and he sure as hell isn’t trying to research something on your dime. Instead, he built Fractional Legal Team, a scalable model that gives founders legal backup before things blow up. Think of it like having a badass legal department… without the overhead or the attitude. We cover the legal blind spots that wreck early-stage companies, when to actually call a lawyer (spoiler: it’s way earlier than you think), and why the billable hour model is the dumbest thing still haunting entrepreneurs. 🍸 What you'll hear in this episode: Why fractional legal teams are the future (and law firms should be nervous) How to tell if your legal setup is a time bomb in disguise The shady ADA lawsuits and text message laws putting businesses on blast Startup legal milestones you shouldn’t ignore, like hiring, fundraising, and that one sketchy cofounder Jeff’s take on AI and why “just testing” legal tech could land you in deep trouble Bonus Read: Jeff’s blog post on — a roadmap for what legal moments matter and when. 💡 Favorite Quote: The risk isn’t what you know. It’s what you think you know — and don’t manage. 👤 About our Guest: Engineer. Attorney. MBA. Legal rebel. Jeff Holman is the founder of and creator of the Fractional Legal Team model that gives businesses legal support that grows with them, without hourly sticker shock. He’s helped startups from idea stage to 8-figure exits, and somehow still enjoys law. (We checked. It’s real.) 🔊 Why Listen: If you’ve ever had legal “oh sh*t” moments (or worse, ignored them) this one’s for you. Jeff breaks down what most attorneys won’t: how to protect your business without becoming a walking billable hour. 🔗 Connect with Jeff: 📞 Want help prepping your business for growth or sale? Hit us up at 🎧 Subscribe. Rate. Share. Repeat. 📧 Want even more? Subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. Available on Substack: Connect with us on Instagram: ➡️ ➡️ , ➡️ /episode/index/show/shieldafterhours/id/38644240

How to Make Your Money Multiply (Even If You Suck at Math) 10/15/2025

How to Make Your Money Multiply (Even If You Suck at Math) Money doesn’t get complicated. People do. In this episode, Matt and Luigi sit down with Scott Yamamura, a financial coach who’s ditching Wall Street jargon for straight-up clarity. If you’ve ever felt behind, confused, or just plain bored when it comes to your money, Scott’s got a wake-up call: you have more power than you think…but it’s fading by the decade. He lays out his 3 financial epiphanies that simplify how money grows, why time matters more than talent, and what most people get dead wrong about saving and debt. This isn’t a lecture. It’s your financial pep talk with a playbook. 🍸 What You’ll Learn: The “Power of 16” and why your money is strongest when you’re young Why most people wait too long to start saving… and what it costs them Debt snowball vs saving-first strategies (plus a spicy pushback from Matt) How to talk money with your kids without sounding like a boring parent Simple investing that works (S&P, index funds, target-date funds — yep, that easy) What Scott taught his son that every parent should steal 💡 Favorite Quote: “We're not impostors on our own money. It’s our responsibility to know this stuff and to be engaged.” 👤 About our Guest: Scott Yamamura is the financial coach and author behind Financial Epiphany, where he helps regular people build confidence around money using simple tools and powerful mindset shifts. He believes financial literacy is less about numbers — and more about ownership. 🔊 Why Listen: Because compound interest doesn’t wait, and neither should you. If you’ve been meaning to “get your finances together,” this episode will finally make it feel doable. No finance degree required. 🔗 Connect with Scott: Website: LinkedIn: 📞 Want help prepping your business for growth or sale? Hit us up at 🎧 Subscribe. Rate. Share. Repeat. 📧 Want even more? Subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. Available on Substack: Connect with us on Instagram: ➡️ ➡️ , ➡️ /episode/index/show/shieldafterhours/id/38581075

How to Keep Your Brand From Getting Jacked with Richard Gearhart 10/08/2025

How to Keep Your Brand From Getting Jacked with Richard Gearhart What’s the cost of NOT locking down your brand? The moment you skip legal prep, you invite trouble. This week, Luigi sits down with Richard Gearhart, founder of Gearhart Law and IP guru, to break down how creators and businesses can shield their ideas BEFORE someone rips them off. We dig into trademarks, patents, trade secrets, and what happens when your content goes viral (or gets stolen). What you’ll learn in this episode: How to vet a business or product name before it becomes your identity When trade secrets make more sense than patents — and the risks either way Legal tools like NDAs, confidentiality clauses, and limited non‑competes Who owns your social media content once you hit “post” How to enforce IP rights: Amazon takedowns, customs holds, lawsuits Stories of entrepreneurial wins and legal nightmares Richard’s essential IP checklist for founders Favorite Quote: “Running a business is hard enough. You don’t need legal stuff that threatens your product and your core business.” Who is Richard?Richard Gearhart, Esq. is the founder and partner of Gearhart Law, a boutique firm specializing in intellectual property for creators and businesses. He’s also co‑host of Passage to Profit, a syndicated radio show about entrepreneurship, airing in multiple U.S. markets. He helps clients worldwide protect patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets Why you should listen:If you’re building something, whether that’s a brand, product, or digital empire, don’t leave it exposed. Listen now so you can build smarter, safer, and stronger. Connect with Richard: Website (Law Firm): Show (Passage to Profit): Personal Site: LinkedIn: Facebook (Show): Instagram (Show): X / Twitter (Show): YouTube (Show): 📞 Want help prepping your business for growth or sale? Hit us up at 🎧 Subscribe. Rate. Share. Repeat. 📧 Want even more? Subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. Available on Substack: Connect with us on Instagram: ➡️ ➡️ , ➡️ /episode/index/show/shieldafterhours/id/38485395

Selling Your Business? Don’t Get Screwed (Financially or Existentially) 10/01/2025

Selling Your Business? Don’t Get Screwed (Financially or Existentially) What if "retirement" is a trap, and what you really want is to graduate into something bigger? In this episode, Matt and Lou sit down with Eric Brotman, CEO of BFG Financial Advisors, to blow up old ideas about retirement, wealth, and what business owners should actually be doing today so they’re ready for the future (whatever that looks like). Eric shares his start‑up origin story, explains how to grow a financial advisory firm that actually serves clients well, and gives a roadmap to exit planning that doesn’t leave you miserable. What you’ll learn in this episode: How Eric built BFG from one full‑time + one part‑time employee into a firm managing nearly $1B across 37 states, without selling out. (Startup → scale) Why “retirement” is obsolete: Eric argues business owners should think about graduating instead. Generational money attitudes: how Millennials are wired for the side hustle; Gen Z hates being sold to, they want advice. The importance of accountability, behavior, and psychology (not just numbers) in financial planning. Exit planning is not just about selling high. It’s about knowing your number, building your team, and preparing your life after the deal. How tying nearly all your wealth to your business is risky. Diversification isn’t just for Wall Street folks. The internal structure: salaried advisors, two advisors per client, young talent & apprenticeships. A firm built for sustainability, not churning. Favorite Quote: “The business is… sometimes their only asset. And you are immediately under-diversified if 70 or 80 or 90% of your net worth is tied up in your business.” Who is Eric? Eric D. Brotman is the founder & CEO of BFG Financial Advisors. He bootstrapped the firm over 20 years ago and now leads a wealth‑management & financial planning business with clients in dozens of states. He’s the author of Don’t Retire… Graduate!, and builds financial advice around people, not just numbers. Why you should listen: Don’t wait until you have to plan your exit. Hit play now to get strategies that move you from “just working” to building wealth you can use, and a legacy you’ll be proud of. If you own a business, this episode might save you years of regret (and dollars). Connect with Eric: Website: LinkedIn: Facebook (Don’t Retire, Graduate!): Phone: +1 (410) 252-4555 📞 Want help prepping your business for growth or sale? Hit us up at 🎧 Subscribe. Rate. Share. Repeat. 📧 Want even more? Subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. Available on Substack: Connect with us on Instagram: ➡️ ➡️ , ➡️ /episode/index/show/shieldafterhours/id/38392865

From NFL Linebacker to Culture CEO: Joe Terry Plays to Win 09/24/2025

From NFL Linebacker to Culture CEO: Joe Terry Plays to Win What if your business functioned more like a tight‑knit sports team instead of a family? In this episode, Matthew R. Meehan and Luigi Rosabianca sit down with Joe Terry, former NFL linebacker, Iron Man finisher (16x!), author of Surrender to Lead, and CEO of Culture Partners. Joe breaks down how clarity, alignment, and accountability around purpose, strategy, and culture are the real levers for big business results. And yes, we get into what separates high performers, how to shift thinking from “below the line” to “above the line,” and why repetition is the secret sauce of leadership. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why most leadership teams aren’t actually aligned (even when they think they are) How to get your team on the same page…and keep them there The simple mindset shift that separates problem-solvers from finger-pointers How top leaders use repetition to hardwire purpose and values into company culture Ways to manage high performers without burning them out Why feedback (done right) can change everything How to measure culture and tie it to real business results The one word Joe says is the key to long-term success: consistency Favorite Quote: “Above the line means you're taking accountability, responsibility, and action towards those things that you can control.” Who is Joe?Joe Terry is the CEO of Culture Partners. Before that, he was an NFL linebacker with the Seattle Seahawks. He’s a 16‑time Iron Man finisher, speaker, and author of Surrender to Lead. Joe builds frameworks that help leaders get their people aligned, their mission clear, and their culture operating like a high‑performing machine. Why you should listen: If you’re sick of miscommunication, misaligned priorities, or employees just punching in and punching out, this episode is for you. Joe gives you tools to make your team care, to get everyone pulling in the same direction, and to lead with purpose…not just metrics. Connect with Joe: Website: LinkedIn : 📞 Want help prepping your business for growth or sale? Hit us up at 🎧 Subscribe. Rate. Share. Repeat. 📧 Want even more? Subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. Available on Substack: Connect with us on Instagram: ➡️ ➡️ , ➡️ /episode/index/show/shieldafterhours/id/38306635

“Stop the Stupid”: How Doug Hall Invents Innovation (and Bourbon) 09/17/2025

“Stop the Stupid”: How Doug Hall Invents Innovation (and Bourbon) Ever send an employee a whiskey… and get a genius idea instead of a hangover? In this episode of The Liquid Lunch Project, Luigi is flying solo and sitting down with Doug Hall, an engineer turned P&G brand builder, systems-thinking evangelist, and the mad genius behind Eureka! Ranch and Brain Brew Distillery. Doug walks us through how he flipped corporate innovation on its head by using systems, inventing custom bourbon on demand, and teaching everyday folks to embrace innovation, one “stop the stupid” moment at a time. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why systems (not superheroes) drive real innovation How Doug launched 9 products in 12 months with a 3-person team The one question every leader should ask to boost team engagement What “Stop the Stupid” means—and how it transforms your workplace Why “ideas per employee” is the KPI your business is missing How to build culture change from the ground up The secrets behind making award-winning bourbon faster and cheaper How to sell smarter in a B2B world without the BS A DIY blueprint for fixing broken systems in your business Why reinventing yourself every 10 years keeps you sharp (and relevant) Favorite Quote: “If you don't have a good system, you are setting somebody up for failure. Systems make great people.” Who is Doug?Doug Hall is a chemical engineer… who built world‑class stuff at P&G, then created Eureka! Ranch to help others do the same, and now distills custom bourbon as easily as others pour shots. He builds better systems, smarter people, and yes…he literally builds things (like a bourbon‑blending box from the future). Tune in, raise a glass, and get ready to "Stop the Stupid" in your business. And maybe pour your own bourbon while you're at it. Connect with Doug Hall: Website (Doug Hall): Website (Eureka! Ranch): 📞 Want help prepping your business for growth or sale? Hit us up at 🎧 Subscribe. Rate. Share. Repeat. 📧 Want even more? Subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. Available on Substack: Connect with us on Instagram: ➡️ ➡️ , ➡️ /episode/index/show/shieldafterhours/id/38147140

How to Turn What You Know Into What You Sell 09/10/2025

How to Turn What You Know Into What You Sell What do you get when a service pro ditches the day job, builds a personal brand, and turns content into cash flow? A blueprint for any entrepreneur ready to level up. This week on The Liquid Lunch Project, Stephen Marinaro (known online as TheSalonGuy) joins Matt and Luigi to talk about going from working in the business to working on the brand. From starting as a stylist to growing a seven-figure product line and content empire, Stephen shares what it really takes to pivot from practitioner to entrepreneur. This isn’t just a salon story: it’s a business masterclass in disguise. Episode highlights you don’t want to miss: Why commissions and overhead will always cap your income The power of personal branding (and how to build trust at scale) Turning “what you know” into revenue-generating content Building digital products and services that actually sell What most business owners get wrong about YouTube and content strategy Why AI is your new unfair advantage Virtual consultations, niche products, and how to monetize your expertise Favorite Quote: “You have to be so committed and so dedicated…that's a rarity. Most people hit a brick wall, and they don't go through that because they give up.” Who is Stephen? Stephen Marinaro, better known as TheSalonGuy, is a media strategist, entrepreneur, and former stylist with over 1 million YouTube subscribers and a thriving product line. He’s proof that you can turn a personal skill set into a scalable business…if you build smart, stay real, and adapt fast. Why should you listen? If you’ve ever thought “there’s gotta be more than this,” this episode is your sign. Tune in, take notes, and start building your next move. Connect with Stephen Marinaro: Website / Bio: LinkedIn: YouTube: Instagram: Facebook: X / Twitter: 📞 Want help prepping your business for growth or sale? Hit us up at 🎧 Subscribe. Rate. Share. Repeat. 📧 Want even more? Subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. Available on Substack: Connect with us on Instagram: ➡️ ➡️ , ➡️ /episode/index/show/shieldafterhours/id/38061710

How Lovesac Became a $700M Couch Cult 09/03/2025

How Lovesac Became a $700M Couch Cult What if the couch you buy today becomes Grandma’s favorite 25 years from now? That’s the audacious, sticky magic of Lovesac. In this episode, we break down how Shawn D. Nelson built Lovesac from a rogue college bean bag experiment into a publicly traded furniture beast…powered by patented modular “Sactionals” and a stubborn “Designed for Life” ethos that refuses to compromise. No hype, just wild startup pivots, million-dollar plot twists, and the kind of lessons you only learn when everything nearly burns down. Here’s what you’ll learn: ✅ How a giant foam sack stitched in a college apartment turned into a $700M+ public company ✅ Why a million-dollar reality show win (and a brush with Richard Branson) changed Lovesac’s trajectory ✅ How Sactionals went from quirky prototype to the best-selling sectional couch in America ✅ Why “Designed for Life” isn’t just a slogan; it’s a war cry against disposable culture ✅ What it really takes to survive chapter 11, bad leases, and product reinvention ✅ Why resilience is what separates real founders from everyone else Who is Shawn? Shawn D. Nelson is the guy who turned a bean bag into a $700M+ modular furniture brand. He’s gone bankrupt, built factories in Mexico, won a million bucks on a reality show, and now runs Lovesac, the company behind the cult-classic Sactional. Also hosts the Let Me Save You 25 Years podcast, where he spills more hard-earned business scars. 🎧 Why Should You Listen? Smash play if you're into rebel brands, reality show backstories, or learning how not to screw up your startup. Follow the pod, share it with your crew, and maybe go buy a couch that doesn’t suck. Favorite Quote: “Don’t worry about the competition. Don’t worry about the copycats. Slow down a little bit.” Connect with Shawn: Lovesac: LinkedIn: Instagram: YouTube: 📞 Want help prepping your business for growth or sale? Hit us up at 🎧 Subscribe. Rate. Share. Repeat. 📧 Want even more? Subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. Available on Substack: Connect with us on Instagram: ➡️ ➡️ , ➡️ /episode/index/show/shieldafterhours/id/37981575

From Paperwork to Purpose: Launching a Nonprofit the Right Way 08/13/2025

From Paperwork to Purpose: Launching a Nonprofit the Right Way What if nonprofits could actually deliver 85% of donations straight to the mission, and ditch the admin sludge that holds them back? In this episode, Matt and Luigi sit down with impact strategist Missy Mastel (CPA, CGMA), founder of Masstel Consulting. They unpack how nonprofits (and even for-profits) can streamline operations, leverage AI, and build purpose-driven cultures. Highlights include administrative hacks, fundraising wisdom, and how social-good strategies attract both donors and top talent. Here’s what you’ll learn: ✅ How nonprofits evolved from Roman corporations to IRS tax code heroes ✅ Why 85% of donations should hit the mission—and how Missy makes that happen ✅ The real difference between nonprofits, foundations, and B Corps ✅ How to fast-track your 501(c)(3) approval—and avoid rookie mistakes ✅ Why corporations like Subaru and Rolex use impact as a marketing play ✅ How younger donors give monthly on autopilot—and why that’s gold ✅ The secret to landing big-name donors: talk to the marketing team, not the CEO ✅ What a “triple bottom line” really means—and why your org needs it to stay relevant ✅ Estate planning, charitable trusts, and how Boomers are making peace with the planet Who is Missy? Missy S. Mastel, CPA, CGMA, is the founder and principal at Masstel Consulting. She streamlines nonprofit admin, accounting, fundraising, board development, and AI automation, so mission folks can actually do the good. Author of Generation Giving Back, and creator of ImpactNonprofits.co, a matchmaking database connecting nonprofits and for-profit partners. 🎧 Why Should You Listen? Ready to stop admin roadblocks and fuel your impact engine? Tune in to learn how to make your nonprofit—or mission-driven business—operate lean, launch with confidence, and tap into giving that sticks. Favorite Quote: "The perfect organization is answering the workforce’s call for both purpose and profit." Connect with Missy: LinkedIn (Missy): Company LinkedIn: Website: 📞 Want help prepping your business for growth or sale? Hit us up at 🎧 Subscribe. Rate. Share. Repeat. 📧 Want even more? Subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. Available on Substack: Connect with us on Instagram: ➡️ ➡️ , ➡️ /episode/index/show/shieldafterhours/id/37801335

How to Own Your Idea: IP Moves That Actually Work 08/06/2025

How to Own Your Idea: IP Moves That Actually Work Guess what: your million-dollar idea isn’t safe. Not unless you know the difference between a patent, a trademark, and a trade secret. In this episode, Matt and Lou sit down with IP attorney Austin Bonderer to reveal the legal toolbox small businesses and startups need to protect what matters most: your ideas, brand, and secret sauce. They dive into patent basics, trademark headaches, global filing strategies, AI risks, and trade secrets worth their weight in gold. Here’s what you’ll learn: ✅ Patents = a government‑granted monopoly (the why and how) ✅ The three must-have criteria: useful, novel, unobvious ✅ Design patents cover looks; utility covers functionality ✅ Trademarks aren’t just logos; they protect consumers by preventing confusion ✅ Patent trolls explained; intellectual property as investment ✅ Global patents via PCT; 30-month deadline to enter country filings ✅ Trade secrets = your unregistered secret sauce (think Coca‑Cola recipe) ✅ AI disclosures can kill your patent (think twice before feeding it secret ideas) ✅ Public domain explosion: patents expire after ~20 years; copyrights ~90 years + life Who is Austin? Austin Bonderer is the founder of the Law Offices of Austin Bonderer, dedicated solely to intellectual property. A former patent examiner and stalwart lawyer, his passion is helping entrepreneurs actually protect their work without draining their budgets. 🎧 Why Should You Listen? This episode arms you with practical IP moves. If you’ve got a novel idea or want to protect your brand’s future, hit play. Your future self will thank you. Favorite Quote: “Something is patentable if it has utility… it’s got to be novel… and unobvious.” Connect with Austin: Website LinkedIn (personal) YouTube Shorts Instagram TikTok Facebook 📞 Want help prepping your business for growth or sale? Hit us up at 🎧 Subscribe. Rate. Share. Repeat. 📧 Want even more? Subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. Available on Substack: Connect with us on Instagram: ➡️ ➡️ , ➡️ /episode/index/show/shieldafterhours/id/37666800

Navigating E-Commerce’s New Challenges 07/30/2025

Navigating E-Commerce’s New Challenges Is your e-commerce business ready for the next tariff hike? In this episode of The Liquid Lunch Project, Matthew Meehan and Luigi Rosabianca sit down with Eric Youngstrom, CEO of OnRamp, to unpack the chaos and opportunities in today’s e-commerce landscape. From brutal tariff hikes and supply chain nightmares to the rise of manufacturing automation and blockchain payments, Eric doesn’t hold back. Here’s what you’ll hear: ✅ Why tariffs are gutting e-commerce margins right now ✅ Creative (and risky) ways companies are dodging tariff costs ✅ The shipping cost breakdown no one talks about ✅ How automated manufacturing could bring jobs back to the U.S. (without people) ✅ What blockchain and stablecoins might do to payment processing fees ✅ Why your supply chain diversification is make or break in 2025 Who is Eric? Eric is the founder and CEO of OnRamp, a leading e-commerce lender helping online businesses fund inventory, optimize cash flow, and grow smarter. Known for his macroeconomic takes and no-BS approach, Eric’s insights cut through the noise. 🎧 Why Should You Listen? Tune in now if you want to keep your margins intact and your supply chain running – before the next tariff gut-punch hits. Favorite Quote: "Trump is kind of rebuilding the economic world order right now… that's not going to come without pain, and that pain is certainly out there right now." Connect with Eric: Facebook: Onramp Website: Instagram: X: Onramp Linkedin’s: Eric Linkedin’s: 📞 Want help prepping your business for growth or sale? Hit us up at 🎧 Subscribe. Rate. Share. Repeat. 📧 Want even more? Subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. Available on Substack: Connect with us on Instagram: ➡️ ➡️ , ➡️ /episode/index/show/shieldafterhours/id/37485390

Why Most Outsourced Projects Fail (And How to Fix It) 07/23/2025

Why Most Outsourced Projects Fail (And How to Fix It) Ever wonder why outsourcing projects fail, and how to make sure yours doesn’t blow up in your face? In this episode, Matt and Luigi sit down with serial entrepreneur Russell “Sean” Languedoc, founder of . Sean pulls back the curtain on why most outsourced tech projects tank, how agency bait-and-switch happens, and why understanding cultural nuance is just as important as coding expertise. From building Uber-meets-oilfield startups to tackling the outsourced engineering black hole, Sean’s entrepreneurial story is raw, hilarious, and refreshingly unfiltered. Here’s what you’ll hear: ✅ Why most outsourced engineering projects fail ✅ The dirty secret behind agency bait-and-switch tactics ✅ How built a database of 79,000+ agencies to find the right fit fast ✅ Cultural breakdowns: Why “right away” means different things around the world ✅ Sean’s entrepreneurial pivots from oil fields to ad tech to global outsourcing ✅ The power of due diligence (and how Outforce makes it foolproof) ✅ GTM Fund’s role in scaling SaaS companies with real revenue leaders Who is Sean? Sean Languedoc is a Canadian entrepreneur and founder of , an agency matchmaking platform that de-risks outsourced engineering. With five startups under his belt, he’s obsessed with solving inefficiency, from oilfield logistics to outsourced software development. He’s also a partner at GTM Fund, backing the world’s top SaaS startups. 🎧 Why Should You Listen? If you’re outsourcing any part of your business, this episode will save you money, time, and sanity. Hit play, take notes, and don’t say we didn’t warn you. Favorite Quote:’ “ just solves the problem of outsourcing in a way that hasn't been done before.” Connect with Sean: LinkedIn (Personal): () LinkedIn (Company): () X (Twitter): Website: () 📞 Want help prepping your business for growth or sale? Hit us up at 🎧 Subscribe. Rate. Share. Repeat. 📧 Want even more? Subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. Available on Substack: Connect with us on Instagram: ➡️ ➡️ , ➡️ /episode/index/show/shieldafterhours/id/37399430

eCommerce Secrets They Don’t Teach in Business School 07/16/2025

How Small Law Firms Can Dominate Google & YouTube with Podcasts 07/09/2025

How Small Law Firms Can Dominate Google & YouTube with Podcasts Ever wondered how a small law firm can dominate Google and YouTube? Hint: it's not about matching billing rates; it's about building authority. On this episode of The Liquid Lunch Project, Matthew R. Meehan and Luigi Rosabianca chat with Dennis “DM” Meador, founder of The Legal Podcast Network. Dennis breaks down how niche-focused podcasts help lawyers stand out, attract better clients, and transform their business through strategic content and marketing automation. What You’ll Learn: How question‑based podcasts boost niche positioning for small law firms Why DIY directory listings drive commoditization and race-to-the-bottom pricing Legal marketing ethics: disclaimers, bar rules, and staying on the right side of the line The turnkey “marketing‑in‑a‑box” approach: tech checks, gear, setup, no hassle for attorneys Coaching lawyers to be themselves: suit-ups vs. ratty tees (authentic branding matters) Using podcast content to feed Google, YouTube and even ChatGPT The value of travel and cultural empathy in business and team leadership Favorite Quote: “You're at the same crossroads now. You either step into the next thing or miss another one.” Who is Dennis? Dennis “DM” Meador is the founder of The Legal Podcast Network, transforming attorneys into authority figures through strategic podcasting. A serial entrepreneur and Air Force brat, Dennis has leveraged cultural exposure and tech savvy to build full‑stack marketing solutions tailored for small law firms. Why Should You Listen? If you're an entrepreneur or professional looking to elevate your brand and reach the right clients, this episode is your blueprint. Tune in now, then start asking the questions your future clients are already Googling. Connect with Dennis: Website: () Book a 5-Minute Intro Call: LinkedIn (Founder): Facebook: Instagram: YouTube: 📞 Want help prepping your business for growth or sale? Hit us up at 🎧 Subscribe. Rate. Share. Repeat. 📧 Want even more? Subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. Available on Substack: Connect with us on Instagram: ➡️ ➡️ , ➡️ /episode/index/show/shieldafterhours/id/37273340

Building a Startup Is Ugly. Here's What Happens Behind the Scenes 07/02/2025

Building a Startup Is Ugly. Here's What Happens Behind the Scenes Ever felt like a CEO’s life is a roller coaster, with more downs than ups? That’s exactly what Sahil Patel, 2x founder and current CEO of Spiralyze, is here to unpack. In this episode, Sahil dives deep into the gritty reality of entrepreneurship, describing how to live in the valleys and still lead authentically. He unpacks hard-earned lessons from ER Express, explains why small markets can kill growth dreams, and reveals his proven website conversion strategies through A/B testing. Plus, mental health and therapy for business leaders get a full spotlight. What You’ll Learn: Why “living in the valley” is the real CEO mindset nobody talks about How anxiety kills leadership, and calm earns real loyalty The truth behind Sahil’s ER Express exit (and why it wasn’t a beach-check payday) Why most B2B websites fail the 3-second test, and how to fix it How showing pricing (even for complex products) can boost conversions The CRO mistake nearly every small business makes on their homepage Why therapy might be the smartest investment for founders under pressure Favorite Quote: “You got to learn to live in the valley... that is part of the job. Maybe that even is the job.” Who is Sahil? Sahil Patel is a two-time founder. He co-founded and led ER Express (a health-tech platform) and now heads Spiralyze, a conversion-rate optimization powerhouse. He’s built businesses that tackle real-world problems and writes weekly CRO tips on LinkedIn. Why Should You Listen? Tune in to rethink how you handle failure, sharpen your website game, and protect your mental well-being. Connect with Sahil: Website: LinkedIn (Personal): 📞 Want help prepping your business for growth or sale? Hit us up at 🎧 Subscribe. Rate. Share. Repeat. 📧 Want even more? Subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. Available on Substack: Connect with us on Instagram: ➡️ ➡️ , ➡️ /episode/index/show/shieldafterhours/id/37092790

Guarding Your Business in a World of Digital Threats 06/25/2025

Guarding Your Business in a World of Digital Threats Imagine a global economy built entirely on scams. Spoiler: it's already here. In this episode of The Liquid Lunch Project, Matthew Meehan and Luigi Rosabianca sit down with Alec Crawford, co-founder and CEO of Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc. (AI Risk). Together, they unpack just how deep the rabbit hole of modern fraud goes. From $7 trillion in annual losses to North Korean hackers impersonating job applicants, Alec shares eye-opening realities and practical strategies that every entrepreneur needs to hear. Whether you're running a startup or managing a seasoned small business, this conversation will make you rethink how you're securing your operations in the age of AI. What You’ll Learn: Why fraud is now the third-largest “economy” globally The evolution of cybersecurity: from vaults to multi-factor authentication Deep fakes, docu-sign scams, and how AI is arming cybercriminals Why small businesses are prime targets (and often sitting ducks) Real talk on remote work and fake job applicants infiltrating U.S. companies Quantum computing’s future role in breaking today’s encryption Favorite Quote: “If fraud were a country, it would be the world’s third-largest economy." Who is Alec? Alec Crawford is the co-founder and CEO of AI Risk, a cybersecurity platform focused on governance, safety, and the responsible deployment of generative AI. A Harvard grad with decades of experience in tech and finance, Alec once wrote his thesis on neural network Pokerbots…so yeah, the guy's been thinking about AI before it was cool. Why Should You Listen? Think your business is secure? Think again. Tune in to learn what you can do right now to stay one step ahead of digital fraud. Connect with Alec: Podcast: AI Risk Reward on Apple & Spotify (, ) 📞 Want help prepping your business for growth or sale? Hit us up at 🎧 Subscribe. Rate. Share. Repeat. 📧 Want even more? Subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. Available on Substack: Connect with us on Instagram: ➡️ ➡️ , ➡️ /episode/index/show/shieldafterhours/id/37092480

How to Raise Capital & Build a Real Estate Empire with Hunter Thompson 06/18/2025

How to Raise Capital & Build a Real Estate Empire with Hunter Thompson Is the real estate market crashing? Or is it finally on sale? That’s (one of) the questions we’re discussing on this episode of The Liquid Lunch Project. Matthew R. Meehan and Luigi Rosabianca welcome Hunter Thompson, capital raising pro and founder of RaisingCapital.com. They go deep on what makes this moment in the market a generational buying opportunity, why most people miss it, and how the smart ones raise money when it's hardest. If you're in the game (or want to be), this episode is your new blueprint. What You’ll Learn: Why the current market downturn is a once-in-20-years buying window How to raise capital when everyone else is panicking The truth about commercial mortgages and interest rate dynamics Real talk on asset classes: mobile homes, self-storage, retail, and more What "Fund of Funds" really means—and how to use it to leapfrog your way in The one question you should ask before trusting a deal: "Would I bet my career on this person?" Favorite Quote: "This market has made more millionaires than anything else. But it's also made more bankruptcies. It's a dangerous game—but it's worth it." Who is Hunter? Hunter Thompson is the founder of RaisingCapital.com and host of the "Cash Flow Connections" podcast. He’s helped entrepreneurs raise over $100 million and is the author of Amazon's #1 bestseller, Raising Capital for Real Estate. Known for cutting through the noise, Hunter's mission is to give ambitious investors the tools to scale fast and raise capital like a pro. Why Should You Listen? Because sitting on the sidelines doesn’t build wealth. If you're ready to raise serious capital and stop playing small, this episode is your new roadmap. Connect with Hunter: LinkedIn (Personal): LinkedIn (Company): Website: 📞 Want help prepping your business for growth or sale? Hit us up at 🎧 Subscribe. Rate. Share. Repeat. 📧 Want even more? Subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. Available on Substack: Connect with us on Instagram: ➡️ ➡️ , ➡️ /episode/index/show/shieldafterhours/id/37027725

Your Business Isn’t Worth What You Think: Here’s Why 06/11/2025

Accounting Strategies for Small Business Growth 06/04/2025

Accounting Strategies for Small Business Growth Ever wondered how a move to Alaska could ignite a passion for accounting? Tanya Akimenko's unexpected journey from the icy terrains of Alaska to founding Golden Apple Agency is a testament to resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. In this episode, Matthew R. Meehan and Luigi Rosabianca sit down with Tanya Akimenko, founder of Golden Apple Agency. Tanya shares her unique path into the world of accounting, the challenges small businesses face (especially in the construction industry) and the importance of empathy in financial management. Her insights shed light on effective cash flow strategies, tax planning, and the significance of understanding one's financials for business growth. Episode Highlights Include: Tanya's entry into accounting driven by necessity in remote Alaska. The emotional aspects of financial management for small business owners. Unique challenges in construction accounting and the need for a hybrid method. Strategies for managing cash flow and the importance of cash flow projections. The significance of personalized tax strategies and regular meetings with accountants. The story behind the name "Golden Apple Agency" and its symbolism. Favorite Quote: “Finances with people is not all about numbers and logic. It's all very emotional.” Who is Tanya?Tanya Akimenko is the founder of Golden Apple Agency, a tax and accounting firm dedicated to supporting small businesses. An IRS Enrolled Agent and QuickBooks ProAdvisor, Tanya brings over 15 years of experience in helping entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of financial management. Her mission is to empower business owners with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive. Why Should You Listen?Cut through the noise and hear how one accountant built a business by actually giving a damn. If you’re serious about making money, keeping more of it, and growing something real…hit play. Connect with Tanya: Website: Instagram: Linkedin: Like what you heard? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! 🎧 Listen (or watch) The Liquid Lunch Project on all major platforms, including: 📧 Want even more? Subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. Available on Substack: Connect with us on Instagram: ➡️ ➡️ , ➡️ /episode/index/show/shieldafterhours/id/36749130

The Porta-Potty Panic That Launched a Franchise 05/28/2025

The Porta-Potty Panic That Launched a Franchise What do Shakespeare in the Park, a toddler in potty training, and a luxury trailer have in common? One of the weirdest (and most genius) origin stories in business. In this episode of The Liquid Lunch Project, Matt and Luigi sit down with David Sauers, the founder and CEO of Royal Restrooms, a business that turned porta-potty nightmares into a multimillion-dollar, franchise-worthy empire. From a wild incident involving a very bad public restroom to building one of the most recognizable brands in the events industry, David shares how he created a product people didn’t even know they desperately needed. It’s not just about toilets; it’s about vision, grit, franchising lessons, and… a 10-foot HD party screen? What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The porta-potty horror story that sparked a business idea Building a better bathroom… and then building a franchise The legal gut punch from Maryland’s AG (and how it shaped their business) What NOT to do when franchising How wedding planners became their #1 lead source The blinged-out “Vintage Restroom Trailer” that goes for $4,500/day Side hustles that feed the main brand: bars, screens, campers, and more Favorite Quote: “People laughed at us. Said we were crazy going into the porta-potty business. But every time someone sat down, they didn’t want to go back.” Who is David? David Sauers is the founder and CEO of Royal Restrooms. Based out of Savannah, Georgia, David launched the company after a terrible porta-potty experience with his kids. He’s since expanded it into a national franchise, and now leads multiple ventures including KrugerBush Campers, Savannah Bar Carts, and more—all aimed at elevating the event experience. This episode is for you if: You think your business idea is too “weird” to work? This episode proves otherwise. Tune in for a wild ride through unconventional entrepreneurship…and learn why the most successful businesses solve sh*tty problems. Connect with David: Like what you heard? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! 🎧 Listen (or watch) The Liquid Lunch Project on all major platforms, including: 📧 Want even more? Subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. Available on Substack: Connect with us on Instagram: ➡️ ➡️ , ➡️ /episode/index/show/shieldafterhours/id/36690265

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