The Achieve Podcast

Benjamin Birch (Stratas)

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker sits down with Benjamin Birch, CEO of Stratas, to discuss his transition from the construction industry into commercial real estate finance and the rapid growth of his company. Their conversation explores entrepreneurship, relationship-driven business development, creative financing strategies, leadership, and the importance of adaptability in a changing market. What You’ll Learn: * Why operational simplicity and scalability often become priorities for entrepreneurs as businesses mature * How relationship-building and reputation can outperform traditional marketing in high-value industries * The importance of understanding both construction and finance when structuring commercial real estate deals * Why creative problem-solving is essential when institutional financing is unavailable * How long-term thinking and consistency contribute to sustainable business growth * The role of AI and automation in improving internal efficiency without replacing human relationships * Why mentorship, accessibility, and helping others can create unexpected opportunities later in business * How identifying and solving the biggest business constraint can accelerate growth more effectively than chasing multiple priorities Throughout the conversation, Benjamin Birch shares a practical and grounded perspective on entrepreneurship, emphasizing the value of persistence, relationships, and continuous adaptation. His journey from building custom homes to leading a fast-growing commercial real estate finance company highlights how experience, curiosity, and strategic thinking can open new opportunities across industries. The episode offers listeners a clear look at what it takes to scale a business while staying focused on people, execution, and long-term value creation. To learn more about Benjamin Birch and his work, visit stratasfinancial.com.

Jag Prakasam (Qdeck)

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker sits down with Jag Prakasam, CEO of Qdeck and a longtime leader in hedge funds, AI, and wealth management innovation. Their conversation explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping the financial advisory industry, the growing importance of trust and personalization, and how advisors can use AI to scale meaningful client relationships without losing the human element. What You’ll Learn: * How Jag’s background in hedge funds and machine learning helped shape Qdeck’s approach to AI-driven wealth management * Why the future of financial advising depends on balancing technology with human trust and relationships * How AI agents can help advisors deliver hyper-personalized service at scale * Why many advisory firms are facing a growing labor and efficiency challenge * How large language models are changing client expectations around self-service financial guidance * Why “last-mile trust” remains one of the most valuable assets a financial advisor can build * How innovative firms can use AI to compete with newer, tech-first financial platforms * Why advisors who embrace AI strategically are more likely to grow profitability and long-term enterprise value Throughout the conversation, Jag emphasizes that AI should not replace trusted advisors, but rather empower them to serve clients more effectively and efficiently. Drawing on decades of experience in finance and machine learning, he shares a forward-looking perspective on how advisory firms can adapt to changing client expectations while preserving the relationship-driven foundation that makes financial advice valuable in the first place. To learn more about Jag Prakasam and his work, visit qdeck.com.

Alex Ferguson (RequestRocket)

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker sits down with Alex Ferguson, Founder and CTO of RequestRocket, to discuss the evolving intersection of AI, API security, and enterprise integration. Alex shares how his company helps businesses securely connect systems, manage sensitive data, and navigate the growing complexity of AI-driven automation. What You’ll Learn: * Why API security has become increasingly critical in the age of AI and automation * How enterprises can simplify integrations across legacy and modern systems * The importance of controlling and limiting access to sensitive customer data * Why relationship-driven sales and trust still outperform purely automated outreach * How AI tools are transforming software development, productivity, and go-to-market execution * The value of listening closely to early customer feedback and rapidly iterating products * Why clear messaging and a strong website experience directly impact customer conversion * How perseverance, experimentation, and career pivots can create long-term entrepreneurial growth Throughout the conversation, Alex emphasizes that while AI is accelerating innovation across every industry, security and trust must remain foundational. He shares practical lessons from building RequestRocket, scaling a startup, and helping businesses responsibly integrate AI into their operations. The episode highlights both the opportunities and risks that come with rapid technological change, while reinforcing the importance of human relationships, adaptability, and long-term thinking in business growth. To learn more about Alex Ferguson and his work, visit requestrocket.com.

Kelly Hagg (Boulder Dog Food Company)

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker speaks with Kelly Hagg, CEO of Boulder Dog Food Company, about transitioning from a long corporate career in asset management into the world of consumer packaged goods and premium pet products. The conversation explores entrepreneurship, rebranding, AI-driven operations, and the challenges of scaling a manufacturing-based business while staying true to product quality and company values. What You’ll Learn: * How transferable leadership and operational skills can help professionals successfully pivot into entirely new industries * Why strong branding and modern marketing systems are critical for unlocking growth in established businesses * How AI tools can streamline operations, improve customer relationship management, and uncover business insights * The importance of building direct relationships with customers through personalized communication and data-driven outreach * Why gradual scaling in digital advertising is often more sustainable than aggressively increasing spend too quickly * How operational constraints in manufacturing can shape strategic decisions around product focus and growth * Why brand awareness and storytelling are essential, even for companies with long-standing reputations and loyal customers * How supporting independent retailers and maintaining product integrity can strengthen long-term brand identity Throughout the conversation, Kelly shares the realities of modernizing a legacy business while balancing growth, operational efficiency, and financial discipline. His insights highlight the challenges entrepreneurs face when entering unfamiliar industries, as well as the opportunities that emerge through innovation, adaptability, and a clear commitment to quality. The episode offers a practical look at scaling a purpose-driven company in today’s competitive marketplace. To learn more about Kelly Hagg and his work, visit boulderdogfoodcompany.com.

John Crestani (M3M3TIC)

In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Taylor Baker sits down with John Crestani, an entrepreneur known for building online businesses and educating others on digital marketing and entrepreneurship. Their conversation explores the realities of building wealth online, the mindset required for long-term success, and how technology, discipline, and personal standards shape both business and life. What You’ll Learn: * Why persistence and self-discipline are often more important than natural talent in entrepreneurship * How early struggles and failures can become the foundation for future success * The importance of setting personal standards and maintaining accountability in business * Why unconventional career paths can lead to meaningful opportunities and innovation * How affiliate marketing and digital business models have evolved over time * The role technology and AI are beginning to play in the future of entrepreneurship and productivity * Why entrepreneurs must learn to balance ambition, freedom, and responsibility * How personal growth and self-awareness influence leadership and long-term decision-making Throughout the conversation, John Crestani shares an honest perspective on the sacrifices, experimentation, and resilience required to succeed as an entrepreneur. From his early struggles trying to make money online to building scalable businesses and exploring emerging technology, the episode highlights the value of adaptability, independent thinking, and continuous learning. The discussion ultimately reinforces that sustainable success is built through persistence, standards, and a willingness to evolve over time. To learn more about John Crestani and his work, visit johncrestani.com.