The Liquid Lunch Project

Discover the factors shaping prevalent diseases like cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's—and why lifestyle choices matter more than genetics. Today on The Liquid Lunch Project Podcast, we sit down with Christian Yordanov, a Certified Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner, Buteyko breathing instructor, Pn1 Nutrition Coach, GrowBaby practitioner, DNAfit trainer, author, and fellow podcast host.   In this episode, we cover actionable steps to reduce toxin exposure and enhance detoxification for better health, and why Christian embraces a holistic approach that prioritizes cognitive function and quality of life, not just longevity. We also debunk the myth that extreme exercise is the key to longevity, how stress plays more of a role than we think, why carbs are actually GOOD for you, and why Matt is choosing “sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll all day long.”   Busy, stressed-out business owners, entrepreneurs, or anyone who feels like they’re burning the candle at both ends - don’t miss this episode for a quick health check and some great takeaways to incorporate into your daily routines.    Episode Highlights: Why you should feed your brain well The power of blue-blocking glasses How creatine benefits the body Nature vs. Nurture when it comes to our health The importance of moderation Favorite Quote:   “So the point is, how can we put more life into our years, not just years into our life?” Connect with Christian: www.christianyordanov.com https://www.instagram.com/christian_yordanov/?hl=es https://twitter.com/christian_yorda?lang=es https://www.facebook.com/ChristianYordanovCoach/   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.    

We're going a bit existential in today's episode as we aim to uncover the true purpose behind our actions and financial aspirations. Joining Matt and Luigi is Chris Miles, the visionary founder and CEO of Money Ripples; he's on a mission to empower individuals with the tools and knowledge needed to achieve present-day freedom and prosperity.   Chris emphasizes the significance of developing passive income streams that give us the freedom of choice when it comes to work. We can choose to work because we want to - not because we need to. This financial independence gives us more opportunities to spend quality time with our loved ones and live a life free from monetary concerns.   But the conversation doesn't stop at personal gain. Chris passionately emphasizes that financial education is a powerful catalyst for creating a ripple effect in the lives of others. As we find financial blessings, our capacity to bless others' lives grows exponentially. It's a great reminder that the pursuit of wealth should not be self-contained but should extend to making a positive impact on the world around us.   We also take a look at Chris's personal journey. Growing up with limited financial education and witnessing his father's struggles with work-related stress, he was driven to forge a different path. From college drop-out to starting his own business to eventually becoming a financial advisor, he learned the transformative power of financial education.   This episode underscores the incredible importance of financial literacy and strategic planning in breaking free from the relentless cycle of the rat race. Financial education isn't just about amassing wealth; it's about creating a life of abundance and fulfillment.   Platforms like Money Ripples pave the way for a brighter financial future where everyone can thrive and make a meaningful impact. Tune in to this episode and embark on the journey toward your own American dream.  Episode Highlights: How alternative investments can create freedom The mind-shift needed for financial success How to keep your money out of prison Why he recommends avoiding company stocks Why he prefers tangible investments Favorite Quote:   “When you don’t feel like you have control, you can never have freedom.” Connect with Chris: https://moneyripples.com  https://www.facebook.com/moneyripples/  https://www.instagram.com/moneyripples/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/money-ripples/?viewAsMember=true https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriscmiles/  http://www.twitter.com/moneyripples     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.  

Building trust is crucial for the success of any business. But sometimes that's easier said than done. Joining us on the show today to discuss this topic - and offer a solution -  is Natalie Doyle Oldfield, author of the book "The Power of Trust: How Top Companies Build, Manage, and Protect It."    Natalie has 25 years of experience in IT and has trained hundreds of technical team members to become Trusted Advisors to their clients using science-based programs. Recently recognized as one of Canada's Most Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs, she was also named one of the world's Top Thought Leaders in Trust.   Natalie explains that a business with high trust equity can increase sales, revenue, referrals, and client retention. However, it's not something that can be achieved overnight; it requires intentional effort, transparency, and honest communication.     In this episode, she outlines eight principles that can be followed to build, strengthen, and protect a relationship of trust - principles that are based on scientific evidence and tested over several years. They roll up into three critical components: communication, behavior, and service. How a business communicates, behaves, and serves its customers directly impacts the level of trust it can build.    Tune in to learn more about the power of trust, how it can transform your business, and where you can find her free trust assessment tool to get you started. Episode Highlights: The power of empathy How to instill trust in disliked industries The eight principles of building trust The importance of honesty and accountability How she became an expert in trust Three things business owners can do immediately to build trust Practical changes for better behavior Favorite Quote:   "We trust people who understand us, who get us, and are able to really empathize with us."   Connect with Natalie: https://www.successthroughtrust.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliedoyleoldfield    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.

Business owners: Are you neglecting the financial side of your business?   We get it; there’s a lot to worry about. P&Ls. Cash flow. Balance sheets. And if you’re not a numbers person, it can feel pretty overwhelming. But if you want to scale your business and grow (and grow well), these are the things you can’t ignore.    Today, we’re joined by Chris Mannina, a Certified Public Accountant and tax strategist with almost 20 years of experience in the accounting and finance industry. As a CPA with KWC Advisors, he helps business owners reach their financial goals by providing innovative accounting solutions, and he’s here to give us the scoop.   For Chris, it starts with technology. Automating and streamlining processes reduces the need for manual effort and allows accountants and financial professionals to shift their focus from processing data to analyzing it.    Secondly, he strongly encourages CEOs to have meaningful discussions with their CFOs to better understand the business's levers. It’s the best way to enhance their knowledge of the company and make more informed decisions. Don’t have a CFO? Well, that’s something you can outsource to someone like Chris. Paying them for a few hours a month isn’t cost-prohibitive, and they can review monthly or quarterly financial statements, make forward-looking cash flow projections, and provide some real insight into your business.    The goal is to create a roadmap that outlines the steps needed to achieve optimal industry best practices, and integrating technology and systems can lead to optimization and improved efficiency over time. Even if you think you’re “doing fine,” the truth is - you could be doing better. And you might even be able to make the same amount of money doing half the work through automation. Who wouldn’t want that, am I right?    When you make changes to an existing model or process, it can be a bit tricky and require some effort - and this might make you unsure about whether to proceed with the changes. Automation? Optimization? Hiring a CFO? It feels like a lot.   Just keep in mind that though the process may be complicated in the beginning, the payoff is worth it. Don’t miss this episode to learn what Chris of KWC Advisors can do to take your business to the next level.  Episode Highlights:   The top do’s and don’ts in starting and scaling your business How to incorporate automation into your financial operations How to optimize for greater efficiency When to hire a CFO The difference between a Controller and a CFO Exit planning with ESOPs His favorite tax strategy   Favorite Quote:   “Just because you’re doing well doesn’t mean you’re doing as good as you could be or as efficiently as you could be.” Connect with Chris: https://www.kwccpa.com  http://manninaincorporated.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/manninastrategies/   christopher.mannina@kwccpa.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. 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.  

As business owners, we’re often told that if we want to drive revenue, we need to develop a brand. But the reality is that we’re not always making the kind of revenue that allows us the luxury to develop our brand - let alone have the time and ability to think big-picture-long-term-goals when we’re trying to balance the daily obligations of entrepreneurship. It’s a catch-22. That’s why we were excited to sit down with today’s guest. Michael Doyle is the CEO of Brand Iron, a results-oriented branding and marketing agency that focuses on the latest marketing technology. Using a unique combination of traditional branding and marketing (the “fluffy stuff”) with hard-cutting facts and results, Michael and his team have developed 500+ brands and raised over $5B in capital.  Michael shares that creating a brand is more than just a cool logo or flashy website. It’s the ability to identify and differentiate yourself and your company from everyone else. What are your goals and objectives? What is your end outcome? How do you define your value points? From that, you use it to create your marketing brand process and your social media or sales strategies, all while having the technology in place to track and analyze the effectiveness of all these different things to evaluate your ROI.  It sounds like a lot, right? No wonder so many of us stick our heads in the sand. But this is where Michael and his Brand Iron team shine.  With “BrandStorm” sessions, they help you create an action plan, define your messaging, and develop a marketing strategy so you can focus on both big-picture goals AND short-term goals for long-term growth. So whether you want to raise capital, develop your brand, launch a new product, or drive revenue, tune in to learn how Brand Iron can help you achieve your desired outcomes.  Episode Highlights:   What makes a brand memorable Why you should have a pitch deck - and what kind How to create a story that passes the bullshit detector His #1 piece of advice if you’re just starting out How Brand Iron can help drive revenue Favorite Quote: The most successful entrepreneurs can do two things: They can take a look at the bigger picture goals and objectives and can balance that with short-term goals and objectives. You’ve got to be able to do both.   Connect with Michael:  https://brandiron.net   https://www.facebook.com/michael.doyle.731/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandiron/  https://www.twitter.com/michaelsdoyle    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.

We all hear the negatives of VAs and assistants. There are cultural inconsistencies. There are time differences that can't be avoided. You hire people to do XYZ, and they do ABC. When done right, hiring virtual assistants and remote workers is a game changer in the best possible way. But when it's not, it can create even more work for you in the long run.    Here to tell us how they can make this entire process a bit easier for busy business owners is Tanika de Souza, founder of High Octane Teams.   High Octane Teams specializes in sourcing and curating top talent for diverse roles, offering a "white glove" solution to clients' team needs. Their service goes beyond mere matching; they provide vital training and ongoing support to foster successful working relationships. Their process includes rigorous candidate qualification, thorough background checks, and CV reviews, ensuring their clients a seamless, personalized hiring experience.    But what truly distinguishes High Octane Teams is their dedication to building lasting connections with their remote workers, even if they eventually move on to other opportunities. They're a human resource company with both a brain and a heart, and it's this level of connection and loyalty that is the secret sauce that keeps clients coming back for more.   We also cover a common business pitfall: the belief that adding more people can solve operational challenges. Tanika highlights how this approach often misses the mark, as the root cause of productivity issues often lies in flawed systems, not personnel. Throwing more manpower at the problem without addressing the underlying systemic issues helps no one - and ultimately hinders growth.   Tune in to learn more about the value of skilled virtual assistants and how High Octane can help you with your next hire.   Episode Highlights: How High Octane Teams came to be Tips for monitoring remote productivity Tracking Time vs. Job Completion Interview Dos and Don’ts Why she’s slow to hire, quick to fire Her plans for certification programs The biggest changes she sees coming in the next five years of remote work Favorite Quote: "To me, it's not just checking the box on a skill. It's learning the person.”   Connect with Tanika: https://highoctane.team   https://www.facebook.com/tanikabrewdesouza  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanika-de-souza-ma-99b902196/    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.

Many of us who own a small business understand the limited potential for organic growth. Sure, we can add another 10-15%, but those numbers don’t always build the long-term wealth we’re after. Today’s guest is here to speak with us about another option: Mergers and acquisitions.   Patrick V Rogers is a serial entrepreneur and investor turned mentor who has personally coached hundreds of CEOs and organizations as an M&A consultant. He helps his clients acquire companies of equal size - typically one per year - that results in them increasing their business value by 20-25x in five years or less. Why does he do it? As he explains it, “When entrepreneurs win, we create freedom that is the bedrock of the world.” They create generational wealth, are involved in philanthropic endeavors, and give back to their communities.   And there’s never been a better time to do this. With the number of Baby Boomers retiring every day, we’re seeing the largest transfer of wealth in modern history. They want to protect their legacy. They want to protect their people. And they’re going to be looking for someone who will promise and deliver on both. Make no mistake; it’s a buyer's market out there, and with the right strategies in place, you have the opportunity to create the life you’ve always wanted.   When you work with Patrick, he and his team not only TELL you what to do, but they HELP you do it, which means they’re rolling up their sleeves, making calls, doing due diligence, negotiating, and seeing the acquisition through to the end.    After you finish listening to this episode, make sure you visit PatrickVRogers.com for a free consultation call - and a free copy of his book that includes their entire strategy to double revenue in a year.   If you’re looking for a sign to begin acquiring new businesses - this is it. Episode Highlights:   Why he’ll never start a business again How he helped an HVAC company acquire a 3.1 M plumbing company How to grow via geographic expansion The negotiation strategy when working with Baby Boomers The two reasons why company acquisitions fail His opinions on Business Brokers How to maximize valuation The one industry he’d pick to make future acquisitions in  Favorite Quote: When entrepreneurs win, we create freedom that’s the bedrock of the world. Connect with Patrick: https://patrickvrogers.com  https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickvrogers/   https://www.youtube.com/@highperformanceceo    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.

Would it surprise you to learn that the U.S. government is the world's biggest purchaser of goods and services? Or that roughly 23% of spending goes toward small businesses? And even though Uncle Sam spends approximately $150 billion a year in small-biz contracts, less than 1% of small business owners are actually engaged in the process. Now, you might be thinking to yourself, “What on earth would the government want to buy from me?” Keep in mind their needs go beyond airplanes and weapons. We’re talking landscapers and painters and accountants and cybersecurity and more. It’s a vast amount of spending on just about anything you can think of.  So, how can you get a piece of the action? Joining us on the show today is Richard Howard, Lt Col (Ret). He’s a leading authority on US federal government contracts. As a career military acquisitions officer, he oversaw $82B+ in DoD contracts and has advised & trained over 400 companies as a consultant. Richard is the CEO of DoD Contract, which guides, trains, and mentors small business owners and sales executives through the government sales process. Word to the wise: Like most things in government, the process is slow, and don’t expect to make bank in a few weeks. But if you’re willing to play with the long game in mind, government contracts can be a lucrative - and largely unsaturated - market to build additional revenue streams with a buyer who you know is good for the cash.  Episode Highlights: The number one thing the government is buying How a government contract increases the value of your business Security parameters when entering a contract How to “network” with the government How to find contracts for the services or products you’re selling How to find government contracts to sponsor product development Favorite Quote: “Your first job as a small business is to solve the problem of the government.” Connect with Rick: Dodcontract.com DOD Contract Acaedmy Podcast  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickychoward/    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.  

How does a former pastor with a degree in non-profit fall “ass-backward” into a thriving career in HOA Management and Staffing?    Here to tell us all about it is Rob Buffington, founder and CEO of Gordian Staffing and an experienced consultant in the HOA management space. From buying a few rental properties to becoming a real estate broker to rental property manager, he eventually found himself managing HOAs...and doing it rather well.    Now Rob brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to companies struggling with vendor services, staffing, accounting, and general management issues. How? Because he’s been there. In fact, Gordian Staffing was born out of the problems he himself was facing; finding and keeping quality staff to help with HOA management.   And it turns out - he was onto something. Within just a few years, 50 employees turned into 500, and he shows no sign of slowing down. Their mission is simple: To provide clients with the best possible service and consulting and make a positive difference in the world. They allow business owners to eliminate the clutter in their daily activities (like admin, basic accounting, customer service, etc.) so they can focus on what matters most: Growing their business. They provide companies with full-time, remote workers who live primarily in Mexico and who are 100% dedicated to your company. The vetting and screening, and busywork are all handled by Gordian Staffing. You just have to delegate.    We covered a lot of ground in just 25 minutes, so whether you’re an aspiring HOA manager, a real-estate junky, or a busy business owner looking for some relief, this is an episode you shouldn’t miss.  Episode Highlights:   Skills and expertise HOA managers should have Tips for Airbnb investing When’s the right time to start outsourcing How Gordian Staffing gives back to the community How they’ve built a team of dedicated (and remote) employees The tasks his remote workers can assist you with Favorite Quote:  “Exceptions cause mistakes, so whatever you’re going to do, do it consistently.” Connect with Rob:https://gordianstaffing.com   https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbuffington/ https://www.facebook.com/GordianStaffing   https://www.instagram.com/gordianstaffing/   https://www.youtube.com/@gordianstaffing7086    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.  

Ready to go to market with a story that sizzles?   Then you’re in luck because on the show today, we have Bruce Scheer, CEO of InspireYourBuyers.com and President of the National Speakers Association Northwest.    He developed his revolutionary Go to Market Narrative model over the course of his twenty-five-year career, helping several industry giants, including IBM, Microsoft, HP, Google, Alcatel-Lucent, and McKesson, rapidly grow their revenue with their Go to Market Narratives.    And with his book, “Inspire Your Buyers,” he provides a proven, tested model to develop your own compelling Go to Market Narrative that can help accelerate your revenue growth. From targeting the right buyers, learning how to identify the characteristics of an organization that might be a good fit, narrowing down your audience, spotlighting the problem they may not even be aware they have, and helping them envision the outcome if that problem was solved, Bruce’s Go to Market Narrative model will give you the edge (and the sizzle) you’re looking for in achieving your business growth goals.  Episode Highlights:   How to identify your target audience How to develop a strategic narrative The 2x motivator for change The critical selling step he sees many people skip How to have a great selling conversation His favorite sales book of all time Favorite Quote: “Don’t trust your buyer that they know everything.”   Connect with Bruce: www.inspireyourbuyersbook.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/bscheer/  https://twitter.com/bscheer  Youtube: SalesConversation     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.