Your Business – Your Next Level

Ep132: John Donnelly on Building Culture and Trust That Retains Top Talent

John Donnelly, mortgage industry leader and sales executive, joins Eunicia Peret to share how culture, trust, and clarity become true competitive advantages, especially in a rapidly changing and margin-compressed market. With nearly three decades of experience, John breaks down what it takes to retain top talent, build a values-driven organization, and adapt when your entire industry shifts overnight. From implementing radical transparency in business models to fostering a culture where employees feel heard and empowered, John offers a practical blueprint for sustainable growth. He also shares powerful personal lessons from climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, illustrating how purpose, preparation, and the right team can elevate both business and life. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Culture and trust drive retention: People stay where they feel heard, valued, and connected Employees leave when they feel unseen: Lack of voice and connection, not compensation, is the main reason people leave Transparency builds loyalty: Open business models create trust during uncertain times Adaptability is survival: Industries change quickly, and leaders must be willing to rethink everything Servant leadership creates buy-in: Supporting your team leads to stronger performance and retention Personal growth fuels leadership: You can’t expect growth from others if you’re not growing yourself Purpose drives discipline: A clear “why” makes hard work and consistency easier You need the right team around you: Success is never achieved alone, alignment matters Action beats overthinking: Speed and execution matter more than perfect planning Your network is your safety net: A strong database and relationships create long-term opportunity TIMELINE SUMMARY: [00:00:00] Introduction to John Donnelly and his background [00:01:00] Leadership, culture, and retaining talent in today’s market [00:03:00] Why people stay: trust, connection, and being heard [00:04:00] “President for a Day” and empowering employee ideas [00:05:00] Changes in recruiting and the importance of transparency [00:06:00] Adapting business models in a shifting mortgage market [00:07:00] Thinking differently to grow while others contract [00:08:00] Personal growth and leading by example [00:09:00] Coaching others: meeting people where they are [00:10:00] Finding purpose and building momentum through big goals [00:11:00] Lessons from climbing Mount Kilimanjaro [00:13:00] The importance of having the right team and advisors [00:16:00] The “personal board of directors” concept [00:18:00] Why collaboration across advisors matters [00:20:00] Changing your circle and embracing growth [00:22:00] First mountain vs. second mountain: success vs. legacy [00:24:00] Biggest regret: not building a strong database early [00:26:00] Final advice: take action and don’t overthink

Ep131: Brian Lafontaine on Why Perfection Is Killing Your Communication

Brian LaFontaine, professional actor turned public speaking coach, joins Eunicia Peret to break down why so many high-performing professionals struggle to communicate effectively, and how to fix it. With over 30 years in film and television, Brian brings a unique perspective on storytelling, presence, and connection, showing how the same skills used on screen can transform how leaders show up in real life. This episode dives into the myth of perfection, the fear of being seen, and why the best communicators focus less on sounding smart and more on making people feel something. Through powerful stories, including a humbling failure on stage, Brian reveals that true impact doesn’t come from polished delivery, but from authenticity, vulnerability, and human connection. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Perfection is the wrong goal: Trying to be perfect disconnects you from your audience It’s not about you, it’s about them: Great communication focuses on serving the audience, not impressing them Fear of being seen holds people back: Public speaking anxiety is often about visibility, not just words You don’t need to be the smartest person in the room: Information is everywhere, authenticity is what stands out Stories create connection: Personal experiences make ideas relatable and memorable Emotion drives engagement: If your message doesn’t make people feel something, it won’t stick Your uniqueness is your advantage: Your perspective is what differentiates you, not your credentials Failure teaches faster than success: Brian’s stage failure reinforced the importance of audience connection Creativity already exists within you: It comes from your life experiences, not external techniques Everyone has a story worth sharing: The responsibility is to be willing to tell it TIMELINE SUMMARY: [00:00:00] Introduction to Brian LaFontaine and his acting background [00:02:00] Transitioning from acting to public speaking coaching [00:04:00] The fear of public speaking and being seen [00:05:00] Why perfectionism holds leaders back [00:06:00] Shifting focus from self to audience [00:08:00] Authenticity, vulnerability, and real connection [00:10:00] Using personal stories to engage and teach [00:12:00] Why emotion matters more than information [00:13:00] Example of disengaged speakers and audience disconnect [00:16:00] Bringing creativity into communication [00:18:00] Turning everyday experiences into powerful stories [00:20:00] Leadership lessons through storytelling [00:25:00] Brian’s failure on stage and ego check [00:28:00] Reframing failure and reconnecting with the audience [00:31:00] Why every story has value and an audience [00:33:00] Practical ways to start sharing your story [00:36:00] Final message: don’t keep your story to yourself

Ep130: Mike Milligan on The Tax Strategies That Could Get You in Trouble

Mike Milligan, author, adjunct professor, and financial services veteran, joins Eunicia Peret for a candid and eye-opening conversation about the tax strategies being marketed to high-income earners, and the real risks behind them. Drawing from his personal story of growing up in a financially constrained environment to becoming deeply immersed in tax code and financial strategy, Mike shares his mission to protect individuals from costly mistakes. Together, they break down several widely promoted “too good to be true” strategies, from Roth conversion loopholes to real estate tax plays and software depreciation schemes, and explain why many of them leave clients exposed. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand the difference between tax planning and tax selling, and how to protect both your wealth and your future. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Not all tax strategies are created equal: Just because something is marketed heavily doesn’t mean it’s compliant or sustainable If you can’t explain it, don’t do it: Complexity without clarity is often a red flag Roth conversion “loopholes” can be dangerous: Many strategies lack IRS backing and may be challenged later Sales-driven advice creates exposure: Advisors selling products often highlight benefits while ignoring risks Real estate isn’t always a tax solution: Poorly structured deals can create ongoing losses despite promised tax benefits Cost segregation and depreciation have limits: They don’t apply universally and can be misused Software and AI investment schemes require scrutiny: Real money is at risk, often for minimal real return Tax planning must happen proactively: Waiting until tax season is too late to create meaningful change Your network determines your outcomes: Having the right professionals protects you from costly mistakes Taxes are your biggest expense: Strategic planning can legally reduce and optimize what you pay TIMELINE SUMMARY: [00:00:00] Introduction to Mike Milligan and his background [00:02:00] Early exposure to entrepreneurship and financial literacy [00:05:00] Why Mike focuses on protecting individuals from bad strategies [00:07:00] The problem with “fiduciary” messaging in financial services [00:09:00] Roth conversion strategies and hidden risks [00:12:00] Why lack of IRS backing should raise concerns [00:14:00] “Tax-free” Roth conversion claims explained [00:17:00] The reality behind annuity-based tax strategies [00:19:00] Real estate tax strategies and where they fail [00:22:00] Cost segregation misconceptions and financial losses [00:23:00] Software depreciation and AI investment schemes [00:26:00] The risks of blockchain and node-based investments [00:28:00] What real tax strategies look like when done correctly [00:30:00] The importance of having the right advisory team [00:31:00] Tax planning vs. tax preparation [00:33:00] Final thoughts on protecting wealth and making informed decisions

Ep129: Ryan Riegler on Scaling a Family Business Across Generations

Ryan Riegler, third-generation leader and Vice President of Riegler Blacktop, joins Eunicia Peret to share what it really takes to scale a family business into a multi-million dollar operation. With over three decades in construction, Ryan breaks down the realities of working within a family-run company, navigating generational transitions, and building systems that allow for long-term growth. From implementing financial discipline and reinvestment strategies to hiring outside talent and structuring leadership roles, Ryan offers a behind-the-scenes look at how their company grew from 30 employees to nearly 200. He also opens up about personal lessons, including failure in his first marriage, the importance of balance, and why relentless consistency is the foundation of success. This episode is a raw and practical guide for anyone building a business that’s meant to last. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Family businesses require structure: Clear roles, compensation, and communication prevent conflict Reinvestment fuels growth: A disciplined financial model creates long-term stability and expansion Hiring outside expertise is critical: You can’t scale if you only rely on family knowledge Transparency builds trust: Open books and regular communication strengthen partnerships You must let go to grow: Delegation is necessary for scaling beyond a certain point Consistency creates success: Showing up every day and doing the work compounds over time Failure teaches perspective: Personal setbacks often reshape priorities and leadership Planning ahead protects the business: Succession, insurance, and tax strategy are essential Purpose drives performance: Leaders who operate with intention create stronger teams Balance matters: Success in business means nothing if it costs you everything personally TIMELINE SUMMARY: [00:00:00] Introduction to Ryan and the Riegler family business [00:02:00] The history of the company and generational transition [00:04:00] Growing from 30 to 200 employees [00:05:00] Managing family dynamics in business [00:07:00] The importance of business planning and tax strategy [00:09:00] Hiring the right accountant, lawyer, and leadership team [00:11:00] Bringing in non-family executives to scale [00:13:00] Structuring compensation and ownership in family businesses [00:14:00] The 40/40/20 financial model for growth [00:16:00] Risk management, insurance, and buy-sell agreements [00:18:00] Expanding services and vertical integration [00:20:00] The role of SWOT analysis in business growth [00:22:00] Work-life balance and making time for what matters [00:23:00] Personal failure and lessons from divorce [00:25:00] Coaching, leadership, and giving back [00:26:00] Final message: relentless consistency

Ep128: Christina Collins on Raising Leaders Through Movement and Mindset

Christina Collins, founder and franchisor of Never Stop Moving 365, joins Eunicia Peret to share how she turned a passion for youth fitness into a rapidly growing, mission-driven business. With a background in education and physical literacy, Christina explains how movement in childhood builds far more than physical health, it develops confidence, resilience, and leadership skills that carry into adulthood. The conversation dives into modern parenting challenges, from overscheduled kids to screen-heavy lifestyles, and introduces a new model that brings movement directly into the home. Christina also shares her journey as a bootstrapped female founder, the grit required to scale without outside capital, and how she continues to innovate by constantly challenging her own business. This episode is a powerful reminder that building strong children and strong businesses both start with intentional action. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Movement builds future leaders: Physical activity teaches resilience, confidence, and leadership early in life Failure is feedback: Learning to fail safely as a child creates stronger, more adaptable adults Modern childhood is out of balance: Kids are often stuck between overscheduling and excessive screen time Convenience drives adoption: Bringing services into the home removes barriers for busy families You don’t need external funding to scale: Grit, vision, and persistence can build a successful business Limiting beliefs must be managed daily: Entrepreneurs need systems to quiet doubt and stay focused Compete with yourself: Constant self-competition creates innovation and long-term advantage Access matters: Removing financial and logistical barriers expands impact to more communities Role modeling is powerful: Children adopt habits by watching what adults consistently do You are limitless: Growth comes from pushing beyond perceived boundaries TIMELINE SUMMARY: [00:00:00] Introduction to Christina Collins and Never Stop Moving 365 [00:02:00] How movement shapes leadership and lifelong skills [00:04:00] The problem with overscheduled and screen-heavy childhoods [00:05:00] Building a business around convenience and in-home services [00:07:00] Balancing competition, confidence, and child development [00:08:00] Bootstrapping a business as a female founder [00:10:00] Learning from failure and applying feedback [00:12:00] Entrepreneurial mindset and managing limiting beliefs [00:13:00] Competing with your own business to stay ahead [00:15:00] The “tip jar” concept and lessons for entrepreneurs [00:17:00] Expanding services and responding to client needs [00:19:00] Success stories and real-life impact on families [00:21:00] Learning from others’ failures through podcasts and mentorship [00:23:00] Building access through philanthropy and community programs [00:25:00] Practical tips for parents to encourage movement at home [00:27:00] Final message: You are limitless