The Liquid Lunch Project

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.

What if kindness could be your business's ultimate growth hack? In this episode of The Liquid Lunch Project, we sit down with Tara May, CEO of Aspiritech, to discuss how embracing neurodiversity in the workplace isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a game changer for innovation, growth, and culture. Tara shares her journey from traditional corporate environments to leading a tech company where 93% of the staff is autistic. Along the way, she highlights actionable strategies for creating inclusive workplaces and the profound ROI of kindness.   About the Guest: Tara May is the CEO of Aspiritech, a tech services company on a mission to provide meaningful employment for neurodivergent individuals, with a special focus on autistic adults. Tara’s insights are deeply personal, drawing from her own journey as a mom to a neurodivergent son and her passion for redefining what an inclusive workplace looks like.   Episode Highlights: Defining Neurodiversity: What it means and why it matters in modern workplaces. The ROI of Kindness: How Aspiritech increased revenue by 46% through compassionate leadership. Supporting Neurodivergent Employees: Practical strategies for leaders and managers. The Academy: Aspiritech’s groundbreaking training program for autistic job seekers. Tara’s Personal Journey: How her son inspired her to champion neurodiversity. Actionable Resources: Tips and tools for supporting neurodivergent team members.   Ready to unlock the full potential of your team and redefine workplace culture? Tune in to hear Tara’s inspiring story and actionable insights that could transform your business.   Favorite Quote: “You will see your organization benefit and thrive if you think about your team members as humans with needs and you figure out how to support them. I promise you.” Connect with Tara: https://aspiritech.org https://www.youtube.com/@Aspiritech https://www.instagram.com/aspiritech/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/aspiritech/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/aspiritech/   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 does a Naval Academy graduate and helicopter pilot know about luxury boutique hotels? Turns out–a lot. In this episode of The Liquid Lunch Project, Matt and Luigi sit down with Clinton Ramsden, co-founder and principal of Severn Grove Hospitality Group. Clinton shares his journey from flying helicopters in the Navy to managing a portfolio of boutique hotels in Annapolis, Maryland. They discuss the transition from residential real estate to commercial hospitality, the challenges of development in historic districts, and why authenticity is key for success in boutique hotels.   Episode Highlights:   From Helmets to Hospitality: Clinton's journey from the Navy to real estate and eventually boutique hotels. Why Annapolis? The unique opportunities and challenges of developing in a historic district. Lessons from the Navy: How military discipline and problem-solving translate to entrepreneurship. Boutique Hotel Boom: Why small-scale, luxury hospitality is resonating with modern travelers. Scaling Smartly: The importance of understanding local jurisdictions before expanding.   Ready to be inspired by a story of transformation, resilience, and entrepreneurial grit? Hit play to discover how Clinton is redefining hospitality, one boutique hotel at a time. Favorite Quote: “I think natural tension is actually indicative of a very high-performing organization. [Being] overly comfortable…would indicate an organization that stopped trying to become a better version of itself.” Connect with Clinton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clinton-ramsden-50a62092/ https://www.instagram.com/clint.ramsden/ https://www.134prince.com/ https://www.instagram.com/134princehotel/   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.  

How do you turn a childhood paper route into a multi-million-dollar empire? And what do bagels and sports memorabilia have in common?   In this episode,we sit down with Brandon Steiner, the pioneer who redefined the sports memorabilia industry. From creating the Everything Bagel to striking groundbreaking deals with the Yankees, Brandon shares his journey of growth, grit, and game-changing moments. Whether you're a business owner, sports fan, or someone in need of inspiration, this episode has something for everyone.     About the Guest: Brandon Steiner is the founder of Steiner Sports and Collectible Exchange, a visionary entrepreneur, and author of You Gotta Have Balls. With decades of experience marketing athletes and memorabilia, he’s revolutionized the sports collectibles market while emphasizing growth, empathy, and innovation.     Episode Highlights: Brandon’s unconventional journey from delivering newspapers to creating the Everything Bagel. Redefining sports memorabilia with deals like the Yankees’ old stadium and Mark Messier’s collectibles. Why empathy and putting your customers first are non-negotiables in business. The importance of perpetual growth: "What else? What’s next?" A candid take on selling your business and the hard truths behind private equity partnerships. Brandon’s advice to entrepreneurs: Own your mistakes, solve problems, and always think ahead. Don’t miss this deep dive into the mindset of a true game-changer.      Favorite Quote: “I always say, don't run away from your problems, run to them…And when you screw up, own up, man up, fix it, and get it right.”     Connect with Brandon: https://thesteineragency.comhttps://collectiblexchange.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/Collectible-Xchangehttps://twitter.com/cxstuffhttps://www.facebook.com/CollectibleXchangehttps://instagram.com/CollectibleXchange   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. www.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’ financial futures secure? If not, here’s what might be missing from your business game plan.   In this episode of The Liquid Lunch Project Podcast, we sit down with Courtenay Shipley, founder of Retirement Planology. She’s not just redefining how businesses handle retirement; she’s making it accessible, understandable, and essential for companies looking to retain talent and provide meaningful benefits. Courtenay breaks down how strategic retirement planning impacts recruitment, retention, and a company’s bottom line—all while making the topic engaging and digestible.   Episode Highlights:   Why retirement planning is essential for employee retention and business success “Retirement Planology” – what it means and why branding matters Creative benefits that go beyond traditional retirement plans The reality of Social Security and why it’s not enough Options for different business sizes: Solo 401(k)s, Simple IRAs, and more How Courtenay pivoted from a music major to a top expert in retirement planning   Want to keep your top talent happy and loyal? Learn how strategic retirement planning can be a game-changer for your business.  Favorite Quote: “Social security - I also call it social insecurity - is usually between 20 to 40 percent of somebody's working income…That's a really good, solid basis. But we need to build on top of it.”   Connect with Courtenay: http://www.linkedin.com/in/cshipley https://www.retirementplanology.com/learnmore   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. www.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.