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Northern VA Advice Givers®

Local Experts. Incredible Interviews

Episode #41 – Fostering a Posterity First Paradigm

Summary:
Jennifer Myers is the CEO of SageVest Wealth Management and SageVest Wealth Kids. SageVest Wealth Management helps individuals, families, and small business owners look at their long term objectives, manage their investment portfolio several layers deeper, and look at every aspect of their financial situation to help them achieve their goals. SageVest prides themselves on getting to know their clients well and helping them to connect with their wealth in meaningful ways. Jennifer is a strong advocate for establishing a foundation of finance basics early on in life and focuses a lot of her efforts in SageVest Wealth Kids to encourage parents to help their kids grasp a firm understanding in their developmental years. She discusses money as a taboo topic, technology’s integration with finance, the retirement crisis, and the importance of establishing a realistic financial plan that sets you up for success.

The Rundown:

  • SageVest Wealth Management services.
  • Financial education for kids.
  • Advocating for public awareness.
  • Creating healthy expectations.
  • The retirement crisis.
  • Financial planning fundamentals.

Time-Stamped Show Notes:
[01:07] Introduction to SageVest Wealth Management.
[02:20] Where people go wrong with saving for retirement.
[04:51] Financial education for kids.
[06:12] Money as a taboo discussion.
[06:39] The lack of regulated financial education.
[08:27] Jennifer’s inspiration behind educating kids.
[10:20] Structure of curriculum.
[11:46] Getting the message out to parents.
[12:54] Technology’s integration with finance.
[14:04] Focus on public awareness.
[14:38] Integration of Wealth Management with Wealth Kids.
[15:17] Creating healthy impressions.
[17:57] Effort in relation to success.
[19:02] Identifying the adult clientele.
[20:01] Where to go from financial rock bottom.
[22:51] The retirement crisis.
[25:01] Blending planning with investment.
[28:12] Jennifer’s goal for her clients.
[28:55] Reaching out.

http://traffic.libsyn.com/northernvaadvicegivers/Sagevest_Wealth_Management_-_Podcast.mp3

Episode #40 – The Long Game: Paying it Forward

Summary:

Daryl Collette is the founder and owner of Automotive Quality Solutions, which is a one-stop shop for vehicle related needs, including cosmetic repair, detailing, and pretty much everything except for mechanical issues. They operate based on their slogan, CPR for Cars, which stands for “Clean, Protect, Renew,” and simplifies the extensive list of offerings available. AQS is 70% retail and 30% wholesale and provides an unprecedented standard of quality. Daryl shares his background in the car industry and how he built a thriving business through persistence and innovation.

The Rundown:

  • Introduction to Automotive Quality Solutions.
  • Challenges of selling B2B.
  • Innovative systems.
  • Giving back to the community.
  • Biggest challenges in the industry.
  • On the horizon.

Time-Stamped Show Notes:

[01:00] Introduction to Daryl Collette.
[01:43] The CPR slogan.
[02:21] Automotive one-stop shop.
[04:30] Time efficiency.
[04:52] The inspiration behind starting the business.
[06:25] Daryl’s background.
[08:45] Challenges of selling B2B.
[10:40] Developing persistence.
[13:17] Why compassion isn’t always helpful.
[15:46] Innovative systems.
[18:05] Upcoming breakthroughs.
[18:24] Giving back to the community.
[19:41] The most rewarding part of the business.
[20:41] Biggest challenges.
[21:34] Focusing on the bigger picture.
[22:42] Life lessons from business.
[25:44] On the horizon.
[27:56] Reaching out.

http://traffic.libsyn.com/northernvaadvicegivers/AG-Podcast_-_Daryl_Collette.mp3

Episode #39 – Defy the Norm and Pursue a Passion

The Rundown:

  • Breakdown of financial services.
  • Retirement planning in today’s world.
  • The most rewarding part of working in finance.
  • Advice for entering into the finance workforce.
  • The future of the finance industry.
  • Effective strategies for long-term success.

Summary:

Anne McCabe Triana is the President and CEO of Curo Private Wealth. Her business offers two private services in the financial space: Comprehensive Financial Planning and Investment Management Services. According to Anne, planning for retirement has never been more crucial because the existence of Social Security and pensions have never been more volatile. She offers ample advice to anyone looking to make smart financial decisions as well as students just entering the industry who are looking for wisdom in building a strong career.

Time-Stamped Show Notes:

[01:11] Introduction to the business.
[01:25] Breakdown of services.
[02:22] Most common challenges.
[03:54] How retirement planning has changed.
[04:55] What you must get in place to retire.
[05:40] The challenges of not working.
[06:18] Anne’s journey to her finance career.
[08:24] Biggest career challenges.
[09:28] Passion prospecting.
[10:28] The greatest reward.
[11:30] Working off of probabilities.
[12:50] Calming tactics.
[14:49] The ideal client.
[15:21] Advice to college students.
[18:04] Cryptocurrency vs. blockchain technology.
[19:22] Advantages of working with humans vs. roboplatforms.
[22:01] Advice to women entering the financial industry.
[23:05] Getting started in financial planning.
[24:28] Best financial media sources.
[26:34] Effectively implementing behavior strategies.
[27:32] Reaching out.

http://traffic.libsyn.com/northernvaadvicegivers/AG_Podcast_-_Curo_Private_Wealth.mp3

Episode #38 – Contradict Stigma and Live in “Cruise”

The Rundown:

  • Breakdown of services and amenities.
  • Inside senior living as a career.
  • The secret sauce of successful operation.
  • Misconceptions of retirement communities.
  • Planning for the future.
  • On the horizon.

Summary:

Justin Roberts is the Executive Director of Waltonwood Senior Living Community, a family-owned senior housing operation based out of Michigan. Waltonwood Senior Living stands out in a competitive market of retirement centers due to their tightly knit community and the variety of services they offer. Waltonwood caters to seniors who prefer to live independently as well as those who need some extra assistance, which has allowed tenants to maintain their residency in this “one-stop shop” of retirement communities. Justin discusses common misconceptions surrounding senior homes, what it takes to successfully operate a thriving community, and how to best plan for your own future.

Time-Stamped Show Notes:

[00:55] Introduction to Waltonwood.
[01:45] Breakdown of offerings.
[03:54] What makes Waltonwood stand out.
[06:08] The team behind the community.
[07:18] The EXPAND Life Enrichment program.
[07:51] Breakdown of amenities.
[08:59] The problem that Justin is most passionate about solving.
[10:02] Justin’s career path and inspiration.
[11:57] Building towards Executive Director.
[13:01] The “second paycheck” in this industry.
[13:48] Waltonwood’s secret sauce.
[15:21] Biggest misconceptions of senior housing.
[17:23] A community run by its residents.
[18:15] Waltonwood’s greatest accomplishment.
[19:19] Unexpected lessons learned.
[21:40] The mass expansion in Virginia.
[23:59] Benefits of slow and steady growth.
[24:51] On the horizon.
[27:03] How to start planning for the future.
[28:51] Reaching out.

http://traffic.libsyn.com/northernvaadvicegivers/AG-Podcast-Justin_Roberts_and_Waltonwood.mp3

Episode #37 – An Unexpected Path to Start Over

The Rundown:

  • An inside look at bankruptcy.
  • Educating people on their rights.
  • The most rewarding aspects of law as a career.
  • Advocating a judgement-free zone.
  • The future of the industry.

Summary:

Ashley Morgan is the founder of Ashley F. Morgan Law, a firm that primarily deals with bankruptcy, immigration, tax resolution, and setting up and closing down businesses, as well as everything in between. Ashley discusses the truth about bankruptcy and goes over the misconceptions people tend to have that stall them from making a necessary financial decision. She enjoys educating people on their rights in addition to potential consequences and provides a judgement-free atmosphere for her clients to get the financial help they need to move past their struggles.

Time-Stamped Show Notes:

[00:52] Introducing Ashley Morgan.
[01:19] Background.
[01:56] The impact of having power to make change.
[02:46] Core focus of the firm.
[03:20] Closer look at bankruptcy.
[04:27] Stigma against bankruptcy.
[05:43] Educating people on their rights.
[07:07] Fixing problems vs. prevention.
[07:30] Common misconceptions of bankruptcy.
[08:58] Considering options.
[09:24] Craziest success story.
[12:02] The most rewarding part of being a lawyer.
[13:45] Making the right decision.
[15:53] What makes Ashley different.
[16:49] Congress formed the Bankruptcy Code for a reason.
[17:38] Advocating a judgement-free zone.
[17:55] Biggest challenges.
[19:37] Misconception of the pay scale for small firms.
[20:34] Benefits of being approachable.
[22:17] Problems with LegalZoom.
[22:40] Where the industry is headed with technology.
[24:25] Accessing free resources and information.

http://traffic.libsyn.com/northernvaadvicegivers/AG-Audio-Podcast---Ashley-F.-Morgan-Law.mp3

Episode #36 – Landscaping: A Foundation for the Future

The Rundown:

  • The inspiration for starting a business.
  • Common landscaping issues.
  • Successful business strategies.
  • Landscaping advice.
  • On the horizon.

Summary:

Terri Aufmuth is the owner and founder of Cornerstone Landscaping. She primarily deals with drainage issues due to erosion and disturbed soil, but also works on landscape design and cleanup quite a bit. Throughout 23 years of operating her own company, Terri has learned to always be in communication with clients and to hold her employees accountable for their assignments. She enjoys working with nonprofits and having a positive impact on the community through Cornerstone Landscaping.

Time-Stamped Show Notes:

[00:57] Common problems with landscaping.
[02:49] Odd landscaping situations.
[03:45] Spring maintenance.
[04:45] Hardscapes vs. softscapes.
[05:07] How Terri began landscaping.
[05:40] The inspiration for starting a business.
[06:15] The most important thing to know about landscaping.
[06:52] Visual work is referral based.
[08:31] Most important learning experience.
[08:52] The biggest job Cornerstone Landscaping has ever done.
[11:06] How to get the most fulfillment in landscaping.
[11:41] Successful business strategies.
[12:10] Simple mistakes to learn from.
[14:44] Going out of trend.
[15:45] What is next for Cornerstone.
[16:20] Nonprofit endeavors.
[17:45] Reaching out.

http://traffic.libsyn.com/northernvaadvicegivers/AG-Podcast---Cornerstone-Landscaping.mp3

Episode #35 – Bridging the Gap in Generations

The Rundown:

  • ZavaZone features & benefits.
  • How ZavaZone started.
  • Encountering challenges and learning curves.
  • Turning dreams into reality.
  • Successful business strategies.
  • What’s next for ZavaZone.

Summary:

ZavaZone is a multi-attraction indoor experience – the brainchild of two groups of parents who were sick of hearing their children argue about what to do in their spare time. Josh Obelor and Joe Henry, the founders, decided to channel that restlessness into something fun, active, and healthy that they could do together. Through plenty of trial and error but even more determination and eagerness to learn, Josh and Joe found a way to reverse engineer everything that has ever been wrong with family entertainment centers and turned their dream into a very successful reality.

Time-Stamped Show Notes:

[01:12] What ZavaZone has to offer.
[02:47] Josh & Joe’s various business ventures.
[03:15] How the idea for ZavaZone originated.
[04:10] The “Aha” moment.
[05:28] They understand the market because they have families.
[07:07] Reverse engineering what the typical experience is.
[09:15] Learning from scratch and knowing when to ask questions.
[09:51] Adventure park, not a trampoline park.
[10:15] Staying on top of trends.
[12:01] Moments of doubt.
[12:38] Biggest challenges.
[13:17] Much easier setting up the second operation.
[14:46] Respecting each others’ opinions.
[16:49] The most rewarding part.
[18:33] A positive mindset to problem solving.
[18:52] Learning curves.
[19:50] Improvisation with no examples to follow.
[21:06] Dreams turning into reality.
[21:36] Successful marketing strategies.
[23:02] Biggest strategies pulled from other business ventures.
[23:44] In the business of selling experiences.
[25:37] What’s to come in this industry.

http://traffic.libsyn.com/northernvaadvicegivers/AG-Podcast---ZavaZone.mp3

Episode #34 – Changing an “Everyday” Narrative

The Rundown:

  • The Organizing Mentors & their mission.
  • A judgment-free zone.
  • Lisa Geraci Rigoni’s background.
  • Problems with consumerism today.
  • The LITL System.
  • On the horizon.

Summary:

The Organizing Mentors is an organization whose mission is to help people improve their lives and resolve internal and external clutter by organizing their spaces. Lisa Geraci Rigoni, the organization’s founder, uses a highly effective system known at LITL to help her clients find peace from a state of physical and mental overwhelming clutter. Lisa and her team work to give their clients time back from facing the daunting task of organization and to clear the stress and shame from their lives.

Time-Stamped Show Notes:

[1:00] The Organizing Mentors and their mission.
[1:47] Mental clutter gravitates clients towards them.
[2:47] Cutting through embarrassment.
[3:02] Providing a comfort level with a judge-free space.
[6:10] Organizing as a coping mechanism.
[7:53] Growing up in a theatre family.
[10:20] They don’t do the work for their clients, they push them to do it.
[11:50] Didn’t think what she did was a business because it came so easily.
[12:30] Mindset shift helped her see her job as a necessity.
[14:09] Honest reputation.
[16:01] Not in it for the money.
[16:32] Buying too many things.
[18:28] People feel rich when they have a lot of stuff.
[19:31] The LITL System.
[20:14] The Someday Syndrome.
[25:00] Start small and be realistic.
[26:09] Reaching out & using the online program.
[27:48] Writing a book.
[28:01] On the horizon.

http://traffic.libsyn.com/northernvaadvicegivers/AG-The-Organizing-Mentors.mp3

Episode #33 – The Truth Beneath the Surface

The Rundown:

  • The Focus of Dr. Berman’s Practice.
  • Deciding to pursue medicine.
  • Attributes of success.
  • Achieving optimal results.
  • The psychiatry of plastic surgery.
  • What’s on the horizon for aestheticians.


Summary:

Dr. David Berman, MD, FRCSC of Berman Cosmetic Surgery & Skincare in Sterling, VA operates a very successful practice and varies from many aestheticians due to his genuine desire to help people. He is strictly in the business of improving lives, and has been known to refuse surgery requests that he believes will negatively impact the self-esteem of his patients. His dedication to stay well-nourished and stay physically fit is deeply represented in his work; he encourages all his patients to pair their cosmetic adjustments with the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Berman enjoys working for himself and learning from his own mistakes, which ultimately pushed him to develop his own practice in plastic surgery. His specialty is in body contouring, particularly utilizing smart liposuction under local anesthetic to focus on minimally invasive fat reductions.

 

Time-Stamped Show Notes:

[1:02] Berman primarily focuses on body contouring.
[1:41] Sculpture, a noninvasive way to put laser light through skin to decrease fat.
[2:01] Irregular skin coloration.
[3:23] Berman grew up terrified of doctors.
[4:55] Made the decision to go to medical school after shadowing at a free clinic out of curiosity.
[6:03] Went into plastics because of the diversity and creative aspect.
[7:17] Preferred to work for himself.
[7:30] Attributes success to diversification – physical activity and private life.
[9:13] Important to have a sole focus.
[9:39] Cohesive team, realistic vision, open and well-balanced life.
[10:05] For optimal results, you really need to attend to diet and exercise.
[10:20] People appreciate upfront honesty in what is achievable.
[10:54] Quality of care in Northern VA is very high.
[11:40] Minimally invasive trend.
[12:48] Natural trend.
[14:18] Plastic surgery is very similar to psychiatry.
[16:32] It’s not fair to either party to do unnecessary operations.
[16:36] Most memorable client was John Wayne Bobbitt.
[18:49] Favorite case was successfully completing largest ever scapular flap.
[20:15] Important to look below the surface to see what people really want.
[20:59] Consultations are free.
[21:22] Common plastic surgery myths.
[23:27] Interest in ketone supplements.
[23:12] Limiting his practice to minimally invasive, natural, low-risk practice.
[24:30] Stem cells on the horizon.
[25:26] Lack of quality studies.
[27:00] Careful not to buy into “hyped up” incoming trends.
[28:15] Low pressure practice.

http://traffic.libsyn.com/northernvaadvicegivers/AG-Audio-Podcast-Berman---first-cut.mp3

Episode #32 – Human GPS: Navigating a Career Path

The Rundown:

  • Helping people navigate the next step in their career paths.
  • You’re going to have to talk to people.
  • LinkedIn is a must.
  • Career coach with street smarts.
  • Your resume has to sell you.

Summary:

Julie Mendez was a recruiter for some time, but needed a job that she could move around with. Now she’s one of the premier career coaches in Northern Virginia. She offers practical advice, cheerleading, and support to help people navigate the next step of their career paths.

Time-Stamped Show Notes

  • [00:11] Welcome and introduction to Julie Mendez, premier career coach.
  • [00:58] Becoming a career coach.
  • [01:38] Pre-social media.
  • [02:21] Services she offers.
  • [02:59] The problem she’s most passionate about solving.
  • [03:48] Services she does not offer.
  • [04:54] Career coach with street smarts.
  • [05:33] The most common services she offers.
  • [06:44] Getting your resume to the right person.
  • [08:55] Keyword advice.
  • [09:50] The most rewarding part of career coaching.
  • [10:17] Common advice.
  • [11:15] How her personal journey helps her help others.
  • [12:13] Seminars and speaking engagements.
  • [13:16] Networking.
  • [15:06] What sets her apart from other career coaches.
  • [15:49] What gives her a sense of fulfillment.
  • [17:11] Support.
  • [18:25] Strategies that have had a massive impact.
  • [20:05] Making mistakes.
  • [21:05] The next big thing.
  • [23:30] Her goal with the LinkedIn video series.
  • [24:06] On the horizon.
  • [25:45] Contact information.
http://traffic.libsyn.com/northernvaadvicegivers/Julie_Mendez_-_Podcast_Audio.mp3
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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the interviewees and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of Northern VA Advice Givers®. Any advice (ideas, beliefs, practices, etc.) given by interviewees are only suggestions, and should be viewed as testimonial examples. Advice should not be adopted without first consulting a third-party accredited expert in the related field. Interviewees represented on the podcast, website, and magazine are NOT paid for their participation.