Founders' Forum

What happens when entrepreneurial spirit meets a family bond as strong as iron? Meet our latest guest, Maggie Polisano, CISP, CTS, co-founder of CamaPlan, a certified trust and IRA services professional and the living embodiment of this fascinating intersection. Alongside her brother Carl, Maggie has championed her way in the world of real estate investments, and she shares an inspiring story of their journey, including the phenomenal achievement of reopening I-95 in just 12 days. Maggie's insights on this remarkable example of teamwork and collaboration between business and government are sure to leave you motivated.Are you seeking new ways to secure your financial future? Let Maggie guide you around the ever-evolving world of self-directed IRAs and alternative investments. We discuss the growth of knowledge in these areas, the increasing education levels among asset providers and customers, and how to stay on top of IRS rules. We also delve into the struggles of small businesses unable to provide 401ks and the resulting impact on individuals. Stick around as we delve into an intriguing discussion about accredited versus non-accredited investors, and the access to certain markets for the lower half demographic!As we celebrate CamaPlan's anniversary, Maggie shares her vision for the company and introduces us to her passion project—Women Investor. A community designed for empowering women, it's a space where they can openly discuss business and investment, shatter glass ceilings, and break down financial barriers. Hear Maggie's profound thoughts on the role such spaces play in facilitating financial freedom for women.About Maggie Polisano, CISP, CTS:Maggie is a third-generation real estate investor, a Certified Trust Specialist (CTS) and a Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP). She is a graduate of Villanova University. With an extensive background in investing and development of residential properties in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Florida, Maggie brings a wealth of knowledge and a track record for highly successful real estate investments. camaplan.com facebook.com/camaplan twitter.com/CamaPlan512 youtube.com/camaplan1 linkedin.com/company/camaplan instagram.com/cama_planThis episode is brought to you by CamaPlan, A Different Way to Invest. Go to camaplan.com/foundersforum to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

Do you ever feel smothered by the constant influx of polarized news and opinions? We felt the same way and decided to sit down and really chat about the current state of media and how it impacts our society. This led us to Tom Smithson, a good friend, and an entrepreneur whose journey from musician to cabinet maker, and finally a successful business owner, houses some fascinating insights. Tom's story is an embodiment of adaptability and resilience - a lesson for everyone in these trying times. His business, Baltic Leisure, not only thrived amidst the pandemic but also expanded its reach to both residential and commercial clients. The secret? Stellar customer service and an immaculate attention to detail. What's more interesting is Tom's perspective on the importance of skilled labor and the value of learning a trade. Finally, we dive into Tom's passion for music and how it intertwines with his business journey. We discuss the significance of staying true to your passions and how it can fuel your entrepreneurial spirit. Tom's journey is a testament to the fact that road bumps are not the end of the journey but rather a chance to explore new paths. So join us, as we navigate through his entrepreneurial journey, filled with valuable life lessons, passion for music, and a whole lot of resilience. Tune in and get inspired!About Tom Smithson, Founder of Baltic Leisure:Tom Smithson grew up in his family business as a service technician. Today, as a master carpenter, electrician, and renown designer, he leads the industry in quality and innovation, working with architects, builders, dealers, distributors, hotels and resorts, government institutions and nearly all on-line-retailers (including Amazon) ensuring every client is delighted with their Baltic Leisure product.Connect with Tom:Website balticleisure.comFacebook facebook.com/balticleisureofficialLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/tom-smithson-36961217Instagram instagram.com/balticleisureThis episode is brought to you by CamaPlan, A Different Way to Invest. Go to camaplan.com/foundersforum to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

Ever found yourself overwhelmed with the responsibility of caring for an aging loved one? We certainly have, and so has our distinguished guest for today's episode, Glenna Crooks, the founder of Network Sage. Drawing on her personal experience caring for her mother and a dynamic career that spans from a role in President Reagan's administration to leading initiatives in the healthcare sector, Glenna offers nuggets of wisdom for those navigating the complex world of caregiving. We delve into her unique approach to managing chaos and learn how her time in healthcare and politics has shaped her approach to such a personal challenge.Ever wondered how powerful your life networks can be? Glenna is here to enlighten us. With an enviable career track and a wealth of experience under her belt, Glenna unpacks the role her networks played in propelling her to success. Get ready as we explore the concept of life networks and event networks, how these interconnected webs shape our lives, and how they can be harnessed for personal growth and career advancement. Stay tuned as Glenna shares her secret to making meaningful connections with the right people, and how you could, too. We're so thrilled with the insights that we've extended an invitation for Glenna to return for another enlightening discussion.About Glenna Crooks, Ph.D., Founder and CEO of SageLife, LLC and Author of "The Network Sage":Glenna Crooks, Ph.D., has been called a "one-woman think tank" for her work as an innovator in education and health care. In her day job, she organizes chaos and solves complex problems. She served as an appointee of President Ronald Reagan, a Fortune 50 global vice president, and an adviser to business and government leaders. She received the Surgeon General's Medallion for public health contributions and was named a Disruptive Woman to Watch. Among her philanthropic efforts, she supports projects benefiting children. Connect with Glenna:Website glennacrooks.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/glennacrooksphdTwitter twitter.com/GlennaCrooksThis episode is brought to you by Kaplin Stewart, Attorneys at Law. Call 610-260-6000 to schedule a consultation or go to kaplaw.com to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

Have you ever wondered about the intriguing blend of psychology, personal development, and entrepreneurship? That's exactly what we, Marc and Ang, unpack in this enlightening episode. We dive headfirst into our own unique entrepreneurial journeys, illuminating the triumphs, trials, and lessons we've gleaned along the way. Instead of pushing our own businesses, we choose to focus on the invaluable teachings we've gained from our experiences and those of others. Our goal? To provide you with an educational yet entertaining listen.We further delve into our transition from the world of academia to the rollercoaster of corporate success. The crux of our discussion revolves around how personal struggles, interests, and a corporate mindset catalyzed our journey towards entrepreneurship. We highlight the importance of self-understanding and seizing opportunities, even in the face of uncertainty. Plus, we shed light on the concept of 'fiscal therapy' and how it can aid in tailoring a financial plan in line with individual goals and objectives. As we wrap up, we probe into the profound impact of our upbringing and life experiences on our money mindset and professional trajectories. We nod to Kyle Cease's book, "The Illusion of Money", as a must-read resource for gaining insights into this intricate relationship.About Marc Bernstein:Marc is an entrepreneur, author, and consultant. He helps high performing entrepreneurs and business owners create a vision for the future, accomplish their business and personal goals, financial and otherwise, and on helping them to see through on their intentions. Marc recently co-founded March, a forward-looking company with a unique approach to wealth management. He captured his philosophy in his #1 Amazon Bestseller, The Fiscal Therapy Solution 1.0. Marc is also the founder of the Forward Focus Forum, a suite of resources tailored specifically to educate and connect high performing entrepreneurs, and helping them realize their vision of true financial independence.  Connect with Marc at marcjbernstein.com.About Ang Onorato:Ang is a highly sought after human capital leader with expertise in multiple areas including conscious leadership development, executive search, business operations, and human behavioral assessment. With over 25 years of experience, she has worked with a range of clients including global Fortune 500 organizations, professional service firms, and entrepreneurs. Her background includes leading major divisions and lines of business in corporate environments, as well as being an entrepreneur herself.Ang’s approach is uncommon in that she blends psychology, spirituality, and business in her work. With a Master’s Degree in Psychology and Social Sciences, she brings a deep understanding of human behavior to her coaching and consulting services. This allows her to guide corporate and entrepreneurial clients to develop the conscious lead📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

Can functional mushroom coffee really help you sleep better? Is remote work here to stay? We've got a lot to unpack in this episode! Join us, as we navigate the crossroads of sleep, health, and stress, ignited by the global pandemic. We've all had our fair share of sleepless nights and we're excited to share our experiences and solutions. We're especially thrilled to discuss Eons, a mushroom coffee that claims peaceful slumber. On a different - but equally fascinating - note, we're joined by Maury Reiter, the Managing Principal at Kaplan Stewart. Maury’s journey from law student to a successful lawyer is not short of inspiration. He’ll share his wisdom on the art of success, emphasizing the importance of humility and respect. Listen closely to learn about the pivotal role of support staff and how their value extends beyond just getting things done. Finally, we delve into the world of remote work, impacted by the pandemic, and its ripple effects on the real estate market. Maury has some enlightening thoughts on how his firm navigated the shift to working from home, the challenges they faced, and how they strengthened their bond with the staff in this process. We also explore the future of AI in the legal profession and how it might transform efficiency and client service. So, listen up, there's a ton of valuable information you wouldn't want to miss!About Maury Reiter, Founder and Managing Principal at Kaplin Stewart:Maury B. Reiter is Managing Principal and a founding member of the firm. He has a broad-based practice in real estate and business law, including a full range of legal representation and counseling to individuals and closely held businesses. Maury started his professional career as a CPA and combines that experience with his legal experience and training in advising businesses.Connect with Maury:Website kaplaw.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maury-b-reiter-08ba5210Facebook facebook.com/kaplinstewartThis episode is brought to you by American Humane.  Learn how to help animals in need of rescue and adoption at americanhumane.org and be a hero to our best friends in their worst times.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

What would it be like to directly touch hundreds, or even thousands, of lives in the most profound way possible? Our guest, Howard Nathan, has done just that, dedicating his life to the Gift of Life donor program. Howard shares his journey from a small town to becoming the executive director of the Gift of Life Transplant Foundation, shedding light on the ripple effects of organ donation. This episode will leave you mulling over how your own actions could compound in a positive way, impacting not just one, but multiple lives.  The power of human connection plays a pivotal role in Howard's success story as a teacher, mentor, and transplant advocate - a narrative that's sure to inspire.  Tune in to be inspired, empowered, and enlightened by this incredible journey.About Howard Nathan, President and CEO at the Gift of Life Donor Program:In 1991, Howard was already a leader in the field of organ donation and transplantation when he personally experienced the challenges of his sister Martha’s need for a liver transplant. He witnessed the generosity of a family who said “yes” to donation so that Martha could have a second chance at life. This personal experience provided a deeper understanding of the obstacles that families encounter when traveling to an unfamiliar setting, often without any caregiver support. Through Howard’s compassion and steadfast belief in the benefits of providing a homelike environment to support families of transplant patients undergoing treatment, he inspired his fellow board members, donor families, contributors, management team and staff to take action and meet this compelling need — and in the summer of 2011 Gift of Life Howie’s House opened.Under his leadership, Gift of Life has led the nation in organ and tissue transplantation having coordinated more than 53,500 organ transplants and more than 2 million tissue transplants. Gift of Life Donor Program is the largest organ procurement organization in the country and has coordinated the most organ donors in the nation every year since 2008.Connect with Howard:Website giftoflifehowieshouse.orgInstagram instagram.com/giftoflifehowieshouseFacebook facebook.com/GiftofLifeHowiesHouseTwitter twitter.com/Howies_HouseThis episode is brought to you by Ventresca Limited, one of the Delaware Valley's largest men's wear selections. Visit the store in Doylestown or go to ventresca.com.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

Can you tiptoe your way from a rocket scientist to launching a self-directed IRA company? Our guest for this episode, Carl Fischer, has done just that! As the CEO and co-founder of CamaPlan, Carl joins us to share his incredible journey from Cornell University to the Kennedy Space Center, and finally, to the world of alternative investments. We kick off our conversation with a deep dive into the concept of resilience, drawing from our personal war stories and Carl's own rollercoaster ride. As we unravel Carl's transition from space science to finance, we discover how his early years in Fort Lauderdale and his stint at NASA influenced his approach towards business. He generously offers insights on the importance of honesty and education, and reveals how taxes, if not handled wisely, can be a significant drain on your income. In the final segment, we explore how Carl fostered a culture of trust at CamaPlan. He shares his hiring criteria, the lessons he learned from his mistakes, and how resilience played a part in his journey. As we wrap up, Carl leaves us with his views on legacy, tips on teaching values, and valuable advice on self-directing IRAs. Tune in to discover the fascinating world of Carl Fischer, a rocket scientist turned financial guru!About Carl Fischer, Founder of CamaPlan:Carl Fischer is a Cornell University graduate and third-generation real estate developer. Carl began his investing career in the 1970s when he was employed as a rocket scientist at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. He is presently one of the founders and principals of CAMA Self-Directed IRA, LLC (dba CamaPlan). CamaPlan is a national company headquartered in Ambler, PA.Carl has implemented plans and managed over 20 million dollars in real estate transactions.  Carl’s unique background, education, experience, and empirical knowledge relating to business, finance, technical requirements, scheduling, and overall management make him a key element in the success of his clients in controlling their own financial future.Connect with Carl:Website camaplan.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/camaplanInstagram instagram.com/cama_planFacebook facebook.com/camaplanTwitter twitter.com/CamaPlan512YouTube youtube.com/camaplan1This episode is brought to you by CamaPlan, A Different Way to Invest. Go to camaplan.com/IRA to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

Join us on this inspired journey as we welcome the legendary coach, Andy Talley, the architect of the Villanova football team's resurgence in the 1980s. Not only has he gifted us with thrilling sports moments, but he's also the founder of the life-saving Andy Talley Bone Marrow Foundation. Expect to gain some profound insights into leadership, love, and living a life of service as we traverse his incredible journey, both on and off the field. We also resonate with the profound message in the song "Soldier of Love" by Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, as we navigate the challenges of weaponization and polarization in our society today.We don't stop at sports and music. We also spotlight some incredible organizations and the work they're doing to uplift society. Expect to be moved by the stories from the Wounded Warrior Project and how they're aiding our veterans. Be prepared to witness the heroic efforts of American Humane in their relentless fight for animal rights. This conversation explores the intersection of sports, love, and entrepreneurship, taking you on a journey that promises to inspire, elevate and provoke thought. Buckle up for this amazing episode that will leave you with plenty to reflect on and hopefully, fuel your own journey towards making a difference.About Andy Talley, Head Football Coach Emeritus of Villanova University and Founder and President of the Andy Talley Bone Marrow Foundation:With access to ninety young, healthy football players, Coach Talley began his mission to educate and promote awareness about the importance of marrow donor registration by holding his first on-campus testing in the Jake Nevin field house at Villanova University. Coach Talley and his team registered over 200 student athletes and coaching staff from the Villanova University community that fall.Coach continued to organize registration drives over the ensuing years on the Villanova campus, tirelessly raising funds from independent donors to cover the cost of tissue-typing kits (which now consist solely of a cheek swab). Then, on one spring day in 2008, Coach Talley received a phone call from Be The Match®. Be The Match® wanted to partner with Coach Talley to expand his on-campus drive efforts. Together they formed the “Get in the Game. Save a Life” (GITG) initiative.Over the past twelve years, Coach Talley has enlisted over 169 other college football programs to participate in GITG. Each program hosts their own on-campus donor drives each spring.Connect with Andy:Website talleybonemarrow.orgLinkedIn linkedin.com/company/the-andy-talley-bone-marrow-foundationInstagram instagram.com/talleybonemarrowFacebook facebook.com/talleybonemarrowTwitter twitter.com/talleybonemarroT📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

Ready to journey through time, perseverance, and the path to success? We're thrilled to introduce Arlene Zizza, the brains behind Zizza Highway Services, as she shares her inspiring entrepreneurial journey. Together, we'll dissect the tricky concept of time, how it seems to stand still in moments of adversity and how it races during moments of triumph. We'll also explore the grit and determination that fuels persistence, taking a leaf from the book of none other than New York City real estate tycoon, Barbara Corcoran.Brace yourself for a story of defiance that turned the tables during a pivotal meeting with a corporate giant. We'll delve into the moment of truth when we stood ground, earning the respect and support of everyone in the room. Reflecting on personal experiences, we'll discuss the cultural challenges and family expectations faced while pursuing higher education and the importance of a balanced perspective. Shifting gears, we'll then step into the family dynamics of Arlene's business, showcasing the highs and lows, the growth-driven conflicts and the core belief in learning through failure. Let's break down the barriers, inspire, and grow together!About Arlene Zizza, Founder of Zizza Highway Services:Arlene is a highly accomplished mechanical, technical entrepreneur defined by demonstrated business success in various diverse industries. She started her career as an auto mechanic and excelled in a non-traditional industry to become one of the first women in the State of Pennsylvania to obtain a State Inspection license. She founded a certified Women-Owned (WBE/DBE) business which provides highly trained Landscaping and Construction Labor Services such as: Tree & Brush Removal, Landscaping, Herbicide/Pesticide Application, Flagging/Gang Watchman and Janitorial Services. Support clients in Railroads/ High Rail, Rights of Way, Government and Commercial locations.Connect with Arlene:Website zizzahighwayservices.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/arlene-zizza-319913b1This episode is brought to you by CamaPlan, A Different Way to Invest. Go to camaplan.com/foundersforum to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

Join us as we take a thrilling ride alongside Alex Wolfe, a man whose life is a testament to courage, tenacity, and entrepreneurial spirit. His journey transcends his fears and takes him to the skies as a commercial pilot before paving the way to becoming the founder of multiple ventures. This is not just any story - it's Alex's story, brimming with lessons and insights about surmounting fears, taking calculated risks, and embracing opportunities.Alex doesn't just stop at overcoming personal challenges; his curiosity leads him into the fascinating world of functional mushroom wellness. Prepare to be intrigued as he narrates his transition from a consumer to a proactive co-creator, studying the complex interplay between the gut biome, sun, soil, fungi, and the brain. Alex's innovative product, Eon Smart Mushroom Coffee, and his vision for Circadian Wellness, are just as inspiring as the man himself. His admiration for Alan Watts is infectious, and you might find yourself exploring more about this British philosopher after hearing Alex speak.As we wrap up our chat, Alex emphasizes the power of networking and being open to opportunities, drawing from his own experiences with current projects and his upcoming appearance at Mind Valley in Estonia. His tale is a powerful reminder that success often lies just beyond our comfort zone, waiting for us to take that leap of faith. Buckle up and join us for an exhilarating conversation with Alex Wolf - from conquering fear to embracing entrepreneurship, his journey is sure to spark that fire in you.About Alex Wolfe, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Circadian Wellness:Alex has over 12 years of experience in sales and business development in the Cannabis, micro-brewing, high-end hospitality and management sectors.  Over the course of his well-rounded career, Alex has produced massive growth and outstanding sales achievements in the cannabis and beer industry. As well as held high profile leadership positions in the high-end hospitality sector, effectively managing and organizing staffs of over 300 people.Before co-founding Cannara And ShopCBD.com, Alex oversaw Operations at Air Canada where he nurtured key relationships and engendered strategic partnerships that led to significant revenue growth. This experience, among others, has formed Alex into a specialist in forming strategic alliances and programs that add value to the customer relationship.Connect with Alex:Website circadianwellness.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/alex-wolfe-50b895158Instagram instagram.com/mr.alexwolfeThis episode is brought to you by CamaPlan, A Different Way to Invest. Go to camaplan.com/IRA to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.