The Liquid Lunch Project

Think grants are just for big corporations or nonprofits? Think again. Nearly 40% of the U.S. economy is designed to give away money—but most small business owners have no idea how to access it. In this episode, we’re diving deep into free money for small businesses with the legendary Matthew Lesko—yes, the guy in the question mark suit who’s been uncovering government grants for 50 years. He breaks down exactly where business owners can find grants, free resources, and funding opportunities without falling into Google’s money traps. If you’ve ever wondered how billionaires get handouts while small businesses struggle, this episode is a must-listen. Who is Matthew? Matthew Lesko has spent five decades researching and exposing the government’s hidden funding opportunities. He’s been a best-selling author, TV personality, and now runs a thriving online community helping everyday people find grants, funding, and free resources. Episode Highlights: 40% of the economy is designed to give away money—but you won’t find it on Google. The SBA and local assistance programs should be your first stop, not loan sharks. Most government programs aren’t even advertised—because they don’t have a marketing budget. Economic development zones & state incentives can literally pay you to move your business. Grants are nice, but government contracts are where the real money is. If you want to stop missing out on free money for your business, hit play now. And if you loved this episode, share it with a fellow entrepreneur who needs to hear it.   Favorite Quote: “40% of our economy is designed to GIVE AWAY money—but nobody teaches you how to get it."   Links & Resources: SBA Local Assistance: sba.gov/local-assistance Economic Development Centers: eda.gov Nonprofit Help: findhelp.org Lesko’s Community: leskohelp.com   Connect with Matthew: Website: https://www.free.lesko.com/leskohelp Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thematthewlesko/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwKJZfa7sWV_qKxQnLBUpjA X: https://x.com/leskofreemoney   👉 Like this episode? Share it, subscribe, and leave a review!   Like what you heard? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! 🎧  Listen (or watch) The Liquid Lunch Project on all major platforms, including:   Our website: https://theliquidlunchproject.com  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-liquid-lunch-project/  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12HPEDMmsbfsp8tHt5LiZJ  Audible: https://shorturl.at/6j4vz YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theliquidlunchproject    📧 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: https://theweeklyfromshieldadvisory.substack.com/ Connect with us on Instagram: ➡️ @matthew.r.meehan ➡️ @luigi_rosabianca, ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/theliquidlunchproject/

Amazon killed retail, right? Wrong. The survivors are thriving—and the deals are on the clearance rack. Want to know how to cash in?   Retail is far from dead—it’s just been reshaped by Amazon, COVID-19, and shifting consumer behaviors. In this episode, we sit down with Andy Weiner, President of Rockstep Capital, to break down the reality of retail in America today. From how shopping centers are thriving in secondary markets to why some malls are prime investment opportunities, Andy shares his no-nonsense take on the state of retail, real estate investing, and how local communities can reclaim abandoned malls and turn them into economic powerhouses.   If you’re an investor, entrepreneur, or just someone curious about what’s next for retail, this one’s for you. Who is Andy? Andy Weiner is the President of Rockstep Capital, a real estate investment company specializing in shopping centers in secondary and tertiary markets. With deep retail experience and a sharp eye for viable investment opportunities, Andy’s mission is to revitalize communities and breathe new life into once-forgotten retail spaces.   Episode Highlights:   Why retail is far from dead and which brands are dominating The real reason some shopping centers are booming while others fail How investors are making big money off ‘dead malls’ The key to revitalizing local economies through smart retail investments The Rockstep method—and how community involvement leads to success   Favorite Quote: “There's 50 billion dollars of insolvent debt underlying these malls, and you can buy them at cents on the dollar. They’re on the clearance rack.”   Connect with Andy Weiner & Rockstep Capital: 🌎 Website: https://www.rockstep.com 📧 Email: andyweiner@rockstep.com 📞 Phone: 832-816-4666 🔗 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rockstep-capital 📖Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockStepCapital/   👉 Like this episode? Share it, subscribe, and leave a review!   Like what you heard? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! 🎧  Listen (or watch) The Liquid Lunch Project on all major platforms, including:   Our website: https://theliquidlunchproject.com  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-liquid-lunch-project/  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12HPEDMmsbfsp8tHt5LiZJ  Audible: https://shorturl.at/6j4vz YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theliquidlunchproject    📧 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: https://theweeklyfromshieldadvisory.substack.com/ Connect with us on Instagram: ➡️ @matthew.r.meehan ➡️ @luigi_rosabianca, ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/theliquidlunchproject/

What if the solution to your pest problem didn’t involve poison? Most people see pests and reach for the nearest can of Raid. Kari Warberg Block saw pests and built a multi-million dollar company.  In this episode, we sit down with the founder of EarthKind, the trailblazing brand that disrupted the pest control industry with all-natural botanical solutions. Kari shares her wild journey from a mouse running up her leg (literally) to going toe-to-toe with Procter & Gamble. We cover everything from her struggles getting retailers on board to dealing with industry pushback, lawsuits, and regulatory nightmares. And, of course, we talk about what it takes to scale a business while staying true to your mission. Episode Highlights: The disgusting moment that launched EarthKind (00:57) Why 98% of pest control products were toxic before EarthKind (02:00) How Kari’s background in farming helped her discover a groundbreaking solution (06:53) The brutal early days—why no one believed in her idea (07:48) Taking on Procter & Gamble and other industry giants (32:11) How Gary Vaynerchuk’s business strategies helped her scale (27:46) Why transitioning from CEO to Chairman is way harder than it looks (36:55) The insane licensing and regulatory hoops she had to jump through (12:16) Who is Kari Warberg Block? Kari is the founder and CEO of EarthKind, a company that revolutionized pest control with plant-based, non-toxic solutions. She’s an award-winning entrepreneur, an inventor, and a straight-up force of nature when it comes to challenging industry norms. Why Listen? This episode is a masterclass in entrepreneurial resilience, industry disruption, and scaling a business against all odds. If you’ve ever felt like the underdog in your industry, Kari’s story will make you believe in the power of persistence, creativity, and a little bit of rebellion. Listen now and find out why Procter & Gamble should be locking their side doors.   Favorite Quote: “When you're a disrupter, you have to walk in the side door, you have to walk in the back door, and it has to happen before they know they've even lost the house.”   Connect with Kari: www.earthkind.com https://www.instagram.com/earthkind.living/ https://www.facebook.com/earthkindliving https://twitter.com/EarthKindLiving https://www.pinterest.com/EarthKindLiving/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrHqyNgatnPsYmuRGh8RBYw https://www.tiktok.com/@earthkind.living Stay Connected: Connect with Matt and Luigi on Instagram: ➡️@matthew.r.meehan ➡️ @luigi_rosabianca, ➡️@theLiquidLunchProject ➡️@ShieldAdvisoryGroup. Visit The Liquid Lunch Project website and subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. https://theliquidlunchproject.com Make sure you never miss an episode — check out The Liquid Lunch Project on Apple Podcasts, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review.  

Are your employees simply checking boxes, or are they driving your business forward? In this episode, we sit down with Scott Morris, founder and CEO of Propulsion AI, to discuss how AI-driven tools can transform your hiring process, eliminate wasted time, and help you find the right people for the right roles.  From his early days in HR to leaving corporate America to solve the "employee fit" problem, Scott shares valuable insights on how small business owners can save time, money, and sanity when building their teams. Episode Highlights: The shocking cost of disengaged employees and how clarity in hiring solves it. Why employee fit matters more than resumes and technical qualifications. How Propulsion AI turns hours of work into minutes for HR teams and managers. A real-world example of how a VP at Albertsons streamlined their hiring process. Scott’s lessons from the LAPD and how belief fuels small business success. Why embracing technology is critical for HR leaders in a changing world.   Who is Scott? Scott Morris is the founder and CEO of Propulsion AI, a cutting-edge platform revolutionizing talent management. With over 25 years of experience in HR, Scott has worked with organizations of all sizes, helping them streamline hiring processes and improve employee engagement. A former police officer, Scott’s unique journey has shaped his approach to solving complex business challenges. Ready to stop wasting time and start hiring smarter? Check out Propulsion AI at getpropulsion.ai for a free trial. Favorite Quote: "AI won’t replace jobs, but those who embrace it will outpace those who don’t." Connect with Scott: https://getpropulsion.ai/ https://x.com/getPropulsionAI https://linkedin.com/in/mscottm Stay Connected: Connect with Matt and Luigi on Instagram: ➡️@matthew.r.meehan ➡️ @luigi_rosabianca, ➡️@theLiquidLunchProject ➡️@ShieldAdvisoryGroup. Visit The Liquid Lunch Project website and subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. https://theliquidlunchproject.com Make sure you never miss an episode — check out The Liquid Lunch Project on Apple Podcasts, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review.

Are You Building a Business or a Trap You Can’t Escape? On this episode of The Liquid Lunch Project, hosts Matthew R. Meehan and Luigi Rosabianca sit down with Darryl Bates-Brownsword, a seasoned expert in business valuation and exit strategies. Together, they dive into the complexities of valuing a business, the importance of having a clear exit vision, and the common mistakes business owners make when preparing to sell. Darryl shares actionable insights on how to make your business sellable and why timing, vision, and intangible assets are critical to a successful exit. Episode Highlights: Every business owner has unique goals for exiting their business—know yours. Business valuations must align with reality, not fantasy; intangible assets often hold the most value. Timing matters: sell when you can, not when you have to. A clear vision for life after your exit is as important as your strategy to get there. Overvaluing your business and being too involved in its operations are common pitfalls. Younger entrepreneurs are leading the charge in building businesses with exits in mind. Employee ownership and trusts can be viable exit strategies—but only if properly planned. Surrounding yourself with a skilled team, from advisors to tax experts, is essential for a successful sale. Shifting from profit growth to asset growth is critical for maximizing valuation. Who is Darryl? Darryl is the head of Succession Plus in the UK, a global leader in exit planning and business strategy. With years of experience guiding entrepreneurs through the maze of business exits, he’s the expert you want in your corner when it’s time to turn your business into a legacy—or your next big opportunity. Thinking about selling your business someday? Start preparing now to ensure you exit on your terms. Tune in to hear Darryl’s expert advice and make your business exit-ready today!   Favorite Quote: “You've done a great job at building a business, but selling a business is totally different. It's going to be the biggest payday of your life…or it's going to feel like a messy divorce.”   Connect with Darryl: https://succession.plus https://www.facebook.com/successionplusuk/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/succession-plus-uk/ https://twitter.com/successionuk https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvDxV23Erux8w05NaMrUorw   Stay Connected: Connect with Matt and Luigi on Instagram: ➡️@matthew.r.meehan ➡️ @luigi_rosabianca, ➡️@theLiquidLunchProject ➡️@ShieldAdvisoryGroup. Visit The Liquid Lunch Project website and subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. https://theliquidlunchproject.com Make sure you never miss an episode — check out The Liquid Lunch Project on Apple Podcasts, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review.  

Are you running your business, or is your business running you? Learn how the ultra-wealthy build multi-generational wealth—and why you can too. In this episode of The Liquid Lunch Project, Matthew R. Meehan and Luigi Rosabianca sit down with Dave Wolcott, founder of Pantheon Investments and author of The Holistic Wealth Strategy. Dave shares his journey from Marine Corps veteran to financial pioneer and offers a comprehensive playbook for small business owners to build wealth like the top 1%.  Learn about alternative investments, tax-saving strategies, and the mindset shifts entrepreneurs need to create true financial freedom. Episode Highlights: Dave’s journey from a middle-class upbringing to founding Pantheon Investments. How triplets inspired a quest to rethink traditional financial advice. Why small business owners should prioritize tax efficiency and diversification. The power of oil and gas investments, infinite banking, and real estate syndications. How Pantheon’s Virtual Family Office helps entrepreneurs simplify and scale their wealth strategy. The launch of WealthOS: An operating system for managing your wealth like a pro. Who is Dave? Dave Wolcott is the founder of Pantheon Investments, a firm dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and small business owners achieve financial freedom through alternative investment strategies. A Marine Corps veteran and seasoned entrepreneur, Dave is passionate about empowering others with the tools and frameworks to grow and sustain wealth. Notable quote: “It all starts with mindset. Money is just energy, and it’s all about creating freedom in our lives.” - Dave Wolcott Don’t just dream about financial freedom—start building it. Tune in now and download your FREE copy of The Holistic Wealth Strategy at holisticwealthstrategy.com.   Connect with Dave: holisticwealthstrategy.com https://pantheoninvest.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-wolcott-863306 https://www.facebook.com/PantheonInvest/ https://www.instagram.com/pantheoninvest/ https://mobile.twitter.com/pantheon_invest https://www.linkedin.com/company/pantheon-invest https://www.youtube.com/@pantheoninvestments   Stay Connected: Connect with Matt and Luigi on Instagram: ➡️@matthew.r.meehan➡️ @luigi_rosabianca, ➡️@theLiquidLunchProject➡️@ShieldAdvisoryGroup. Visit The Liquid Lunch Project website and subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. https://theliquidlunchproject.com Make sure you never miss an episode — check out The Liquid Lunch Project on Apple Podcasts, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review.  

What makes people buy? Hint: It's not the product—it's the emotion behind it.   In this episode of The Liquid Lunch Project, we sit down with sales and differentiation expert Mitch Carson, who shares his journey from paperboy to a Home Shopping Network top seller. Mitch dives into the art of selling, leveraging emotional connections, and creating a competitive edge in any market. Whether you’re pitching to one person or five million, Mitch’s strategies are a game-changer for small business owners looking to stand out and scale up.   Episode Highlights: Selling Emotion, Not Products: Why the emotional payoff matters more than product features. From Paperboy to Pro: Mitch’s journey of leveraging efficiency and scaling his sales strategies. One-to-Many Selling: Lessons from pitching to millions on live TV. The Power of Differentiation: How to avoid being a commodity in a crowded market. Media Matters: Why podcasting and publicity are essential for business credibility. Takeaway Tactics: Real-life applications of selling techniques for small business owners.   Who is Mitch? Mitch Carson is a seasoned sales expert with decades of experience in direct response, public speaking, and live television sales. From his time on the Home Shopping Network to speaking at the O2 Arena, Mitch has mastered the art of selling to diverse audiences. He now helps business owners differentiate themselves and build authority through media and publicity. Ready to unlock the secrets to becoming unforgettable in your industry? Tune in now and learn how to create the ultimate wow factor that keeps customers coming back.   Favorite Quote: “Features tell, benefits sell. So whatever product or service it is, it's the benefit.”   Connect with Mitch: https://www.youtube.com/@MitchCarsonOfficial https://www.instagram.com/mitchcarsonofficial https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchcarsoninstantcelebrity/ http://www.mitchcarson.com/   Stay Connected: Connect with Matt and Luigi on Instagram: ➡️@matthew.r.meehan➡️ @luigi_rosabianca, ➡️@theLiquidLunchProject➡️@ShieldAdvisoryGroup. Visit The Liquid Lunch Project website and subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. https://theliquidlunchproject.com Make sure you never miss an episode — check out The Liquid Lunch Project on Apple Podcasts, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review.

It’s a new year—a chance to reset, refresh, and rethink the spaces where you live and work. What if your surroundings could be the key to a more productive, inspired, and successful you? This week, we’re kicking off 2024 with Jodi Peterman, CEO of Elizabeth Erin Designs and host of the Designing in 5D podcast. Jodi breaks down interior design myths, explains why budgets always go off the rails, and reveals how intentional design can transform your home and office for the better. Who is Jodi? Jodi Peterman is the powerhouse behind Elizabeth Erin Designs, a firm that blends style and function to create customized spaces. With years of experience and a passion for innovative design, Jodi has tackled projects ranging from intimate homes to nationwide commercial properties. Episode Highlights Why Budgets Always Fail: The hidden traps of allowances and how to avoid them. Design Trends: Why greens and blues are the colors of the year. Functional Design: How your office setup impacts your productivity. Business Lessons from Design: Navigating supply chain chaos during COVID. Livable Luxury: Balancing beauty and practicality in every space. The EED Process: Jodi’s method for stress-free interior design. Start the year off right—listen now to discover how smart design can elevate your space, boost your focus, and set the tone for a successful 2025.   Favorite Quote: We’ve become little worker-bee ants, and that’s why thoughtful design is so important—it’s what makes your space uniquely yours.   Connect with Jodi: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethErinDesigns https://www.pinterest.com/ElizabethErinDesigns/ https://www.youtube.com/@ElizabethErinDesigns5D https://www.instagram.com/elizabetherindesigns/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/68360039/admin/dashboard/ https://www.tiktok.com/@elizabetherindesigns?_t=8r93LyfqNR9&_r=1   Stay Connected: Connect with Matt and Luigi on Instagram: ➡️@matthew.r.meehan➡️ @luigi_rosabianca, ➡️@theLiquidLunchProject➡️@ShieldAdvisoryGroup. Visit The Liquid Lunch Project website and subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. https://theliquidlunchproject.com Make sure you never miss an episode — check out The Liquid Lunch Project on Apple Podcasts, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review.

Think M&A is just for billion-dollar deals? Think again. Your local landscaper might be the next acquisition success story. In this episode of The Liquid Lunch Project, Matthew and Luigi sit down with Scott Bushkie, CEO and Founder of Cornerstone Business Services. They dive into the world of small business mergers and acquisitions (M&A), breaking down how small and medium businesses can leverage the same strategies used by Fortune 500 giants. From avoiding the pitfalls of "one-more-year-itis" to understanding how to scale through acquisitions, this episode is packed with practical advice and real-world examples tailored to business owners.   Who is Scott? Scott Bushkie is a leading M&A advisor and the CEO of Cornerstone Business Services. With over 23 years of experience, Scott has guided countless business owners through the complexities of selling and acquiring businesses. He's also the author of Finish Strong: Sell Your Business on Your Terms and a recognized expert in the art of creating value through strategic exits.   Here’s what we’re covering: Why small business M&A is booming, and what that means for you. The top three mistakes small business owners make when preparing to sell. Scott’s step-by-step guide to maximizing business value before a sale. The emotional side of selling: how to separate your identity from your business. Real-life success stories and cautionary tales from the M&A world. Why you shouldn’t wait until burnout to consider selling your business.   Ready to take the next step in your business journey? Tune in now and learn how to navigate the world of M&A like a pro.    Favorite Quote: “Most business owners don't know what they don't know. They only go through this process once. If they do it right, things can be really good for them…unfortunately, so many of them do it wrong.” Connect with Scott: https://www.cornerstone-business.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottbushkie/ https://shorturl.at/dJs3c  Stay Connected: Connect with Matt and Luigi on Instagram: ➡️@matthew.r.meehan➡️ @luigi_rosabianca, ➡️@theLiquidLunchProject➡️@ShieldAdvisoryGroup. Visit The Liquid Lunch Project website and subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. https://theliquidlunchproject.com Make sure you never miss an episode — check out The Liquid Lunch Project on Apple Podcasts, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review.

What’s scarier than Halloween? Those three little words: Internal Revenue Service. But guess what? You’ve got more power than you think. In this episode of The Liquid Lunch Project, we sit down with Morgan Anderson, founder and CEO of Golden Lion Tax Solutions, to dive into the nitty-gritty of handling tax debt. Morgan shares her expertise on why small business owners shouldn’t fear the IRS, the common “oopsies” that lead to tax trouble, and actionable strategies to turn a financial nightmare into a manageable plan. Whether you owe $2,000 or $200,000, this episode will show you there’s always a solution. Morgan Anderson, known as “The IRS Whisperer,” has spent 25 years helping small business owners navigate the complex labyrinth of tax debt and audits. Combining her love of numbers, law, and problem-solving, she guides clients through their most challenging financial dilemmas. She’s also the author of Tax Debt Rule Number One: There’s Always a Solution. Key Highlights: Understanding IRS Notices: Why opening that scary envelope is step one to regaining control. Levels of Tax Trouble: The difference between “baby problems” and “monster problems.” Tips for Staying Compliant: Morgan’s advice on making estimated payments easy to manage. Negotiating with the IRS: From uncollectible status to settlements, learn what’s possible. Why Bookkeepers Are Gold: How a trusted financial team can save you from costly mistakes. Real-Life Success Stories: How Morgan helped a client settle $180,000 in tax debt for just $4,800. If the IRS is keeping you up at night, don’t miss this episode! Morgan’s actionable tips and insider knowledge could be the key to saving your business. Tune in now to take back control of your finances.   Favorite Quote: “Align yourself with a great bookkeeper and tax professional, and bring those people into your inner circle. Think of them as your priest; confess everything to them.”   Connect with Morgan: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065009094636 https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-anderson-ea/ https://www.goldenliontaxsolutions.com/ Stay Connected: Connect with Matt and Luigi on Instagram: ➡️@matthew.r.meehan➡️ @luigi_rosabianca, ➡️@theLiquidLunchProject➡️@ShieldAdvisoryGroup. Visit The Liquid Lunch Project website and subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. https://theliquidlunchproject.com Make sure you never miss an episode — check out The Liquid Lunch Project on Apple Podcasts, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review.