The Authority Company

Joe Pardavila welcomes Ken Polk, founder of Arlington—a multi-family office managing $15 billion in assets—and author of The Spirit of Wealth Preservation: Leverage Your Finite Life for the Infinite. Ken delves into the often-overlooked challenges of wealth preservation, arguing it can be just as difficult as building wealth itself. He introduces the concept of “spiritual capital”—the collective purpose that binds families and businesses—and shares how values, legacy, and intentionality form the bedrock of lasting success. From starting Arlington at age 25 with “a desk and a chair” to navigating economic unpredictability, Ken reveals how discipline, simplicity, and a focus on “followship” (not just leadership) drive his approach. He discusses generational shifts in finance, Gen Z’s desire to “do good” with wealth, and why he chose not to pass his business to his children, prioritizing their autonomy over tradition. Listeners will gain actionable insights on crafting family legacies, identifying personal gifts, and balancing innovation with timeless principles. Whether you’re managing significant wealth or simply seeking to build a meaningful legacy, this episode is packed with wisdom on aligning money with purpose. KEN POLK is the visionary founder of Arlington, a multifamily office specializing in wealth preservation and purpose-driven financial planning. With more than 25 years of experience, Polk has guided affluent families in aligning their financial strategies with their personal and communal values. A Certified Public Accountant and Certified Financial Planner, Polk blends professional expertise with personal passion, helping clients create meaningful legacies. Ken lives with his wife and children in Alabama, where he continues to inspire families to thrive across generations.

In this compelling episode of The Authority Company Podcast, Joe Pardavila sits down with Kara Trott, visionary founder of Quantum Health and author of No One Alone: Humanizing Healthcare as an Outsider. Kara, an accidental disruptor with a background in law and consumer market research, shares her unconventional journey into healthcare and how she leveraged outsider insights to revolutionize patient advocacy.Diving into the fragmented world of healthcare, Kara compares the patient experience to a chaotic "pinball machine," where individuals bounce between providers, insurers, and costs without guidance. She explains how Quantum Health’s "healthcare warriors" intervene to humanize the journey—offering sanctuary, expertise, and relentless advocacy to navigate the system. Discover how her company reduces costs, improves outcomes, and aligns incentives for self-funded employers by focusing on empathy and consumer behavior strategies. Kara also reflects on her bold decision to step down as CEO after 22 years, emphasizing the importance of fresh leadership and adaptive technology in scaling impact. Whether discussing her book’s mission or the cultural pillars behind Quantum Health’s success, this episode is a masterclass in innovation, leadership, and reimagining broken systems.Tune in for a story of resilience, practical wisdom, and why sometimes the best solutions come from those willing to ask, “What if?” from outside the status quo.

In this episode of The Authority Company Podcast, Joe Pardavila speaks with Dr. Harm Scherpbier, physician and leading expert in healthcare IT, to explore the future of healthcare technology. Dr. Scherpbier, author of UN Vendor: Innovative Healthcare with a Diverse IT Stack, discusses the critical shift from single-vendor reliance to a more flexible, interoperable tech ecosystem. Key topics include: *The evolution from paper records to digital health systems and the ongoing challenges of interoperability. *How embracing third-party technologies—like AI-driven ambient clinical documentation—can enhance patient care, clinician efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. *The pitfalls of long-term vendor contracts and "all-in pricing," and strategies for healthcare systems to innovate without being locked into monolithic solutions. *Practical steps for healthcare leaders to diversify their IT stacks and foster a culture of innovation. Tune in for actionable insights on navigating the complexities of healthcare IT and preparing for a future where technology truly serves patients and providers alike. Dr. HARM SCHERPBIER is a physician and leading expert in health information technology with a career dedicated to improving healthcare through innovative IT solutions. Born in the Netherlands, Dr. Scherpbier earned his medical degree and a master’s in medical informatics before moving to the United States, where he has served as a CMIO and health IT strategy advisor. He has partnered with organizations to implement clinical systems, data analytics, and population health solutions while teaching at Jefferson College of Population Health. A fellow of HIMSS and AMIA, Dr. Scherpbier is passionate about advancing modular and agile healthcare IT systems. When not transforming healthcare, he enjoys outdoor adventures with his family in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

In this inspiring episode of The Authority Company Podcast, Joe Pardavila sits down with Quang X. Pham, author of Underdog Nation: Zero in On Effort and Results for Success. Quang’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination—from fleeing Vietnam as a refugee to becoming a U.S. Marine, biopharmaceutical entrepreneur, and bestselling author. Quang shares powerful insights on leadership, decision-making, and the underdog mindset that propelled him from humble beginnings to extraordinary success. He discusses the lessons learned from his military service, the entrepreneurial risks he took, and how he navigated challenges as a minority in both the corporate and startup worlds. With candid stories about his family’s sacrifices, his time in the Marines, and building multiple companies, Quang offers actionable advice on embracing effort, overcoming doubt, and turning adversity into opportunity.Tune in for a conversation filled with wisdom, humor, and motivation—perfect for anyone looking to redefine success and unlock their potential. QUANG X. PHAM has been a war child refugee, a combat Marine veteran, top-producing biotech salesman, and successful serial entrepreneur. As a perpetual underdog, he is the first American of Vietnamese heritage to become a US Marine aviator and lead a biotech IPO on Nasdaq (CVKD)― Cadrenal Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company developing tecarfarin, a novel blood thinner for patients with rare cardiovascular conditions. He is also the author of A Sense of Duty: Our Journey from Vietnam to America and has received the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® award. A graduate of UCLA, he is a popular speaker and lives in Florida with his family.

In this episode of The Authority Company Podcast, Joe Pardavila speaks with Monte Block, a legendary figure in the staffing industry with over 50 years of experience. Monte, the author of The Building Blocks of Success: An Inside Look at the Technical Contract Staffing Industry, shares invaluable insights from his remarkable career, including his early days working with his father, the evolution of the staffing industry, and how he built a thriving business in a constantly changing landscape. Monte delves into the importance of relationships, passion, and hard work—principles that have remained unchanged despite technological advancements like AI and social media. He also discusses his philosophy of "hire quick, fire quicker," the impact of the pandemic on staffing, and how his children are now carrying on his legacy in the industry. From placing engineers on nuclear power plants to securing government contracts and navigating generational shifts in the workforce, Monte’s stories are a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and success. Whether you’re in staffing, business, or simply looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with wisdom from a true industry pioneer. Tune in to learn from Monte Block’s unparalleled experience and discover the building blocks of success in the staffing world and beyond. MONTE BLOCK was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. His early years taught him street smarts and exposed him to life experiences. He later moved to East Brunswick, NJ, where his social and business circles exposed him to an elite group of successful business people. During these years, he traveled extensively to meet and greet clients, as well as the placements that represented his company. Always thankful to the people he met, friendships were created across the world. As his company evolved into a third generation, he took up residence in Florida where he continued his passion of helping clients through their staffing issues and placing people in rewarding roles. He is actively in many charities, helping youths through troubled times, and guiding those in need of success through a mentoring program. He is extremely proud of Bradley, Shannon, and Jourdan, who have earned the opportunity to take the company to the next levels. Monte boasts about how he is slowing down a bit, working half days, twelve hours as he states it.