Open for Business

Colonel Jack Jacobs On Global Conflict And The Middle Market

In this return appearance on the Open For Business podcast, Stuart Brown and Norman Kallen are once again joined by Medal of Honor recipient and former investment executive Colonel Jack Jacobs [https://www.celebritytalent.net/sampletalent/12798/colonel-jack-jacobs/]. This time, he provides valuable insights into the impact of current global geopolitical conflicts on middle-market and small businesses. Colonel Jacobs addresses the resilience of the equity markets, why the midterm elections are less predictable in 2026, and why businesses must carefully husband resources in the current climate. He also discusses why big business has an obligation to the larger economy, though most transactional activity occurs in small and medium-sized businesses, and why the “American experiment” remains durable. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://www.stevenslee.com/ [https://www.stevenslee.com/]

Trust Risks the Bottom Line: How Business Owners Can Prevent And Mitigate Fraud With Steve Nicokiris

Fraud isn’t just a big company problem -- it’s often more damaging, more frequent, and harder to detect in small and mid-size businesses. In this episode of Open For Business, featuring our guest, accountant and advisor to mid-sized businesses Steve Nicokiris [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevennicokiriscpa], we unpack the hidden realities of fraud that many business owners overlook. From employee theft and manipulation of financial records to vendor collusion and cultural blind spots, fraud typically operates quietly, often in high trust cultures -- with devastating financial and emotional consequences for the business owner. Drawing on real-world insights, we explore: * Why fraud is often called the “silent killer” of mid-sized companies * How smaller enterprises are disproportionately targeted -- and why * The critical role of internal controls (and what happens when they’re missing) * Why trusted, long-tenured employees can pose unexpected risk * How workplace culture and leadership style influence fraud exposure * The surprising ways fraud is discovered -- and why it often isn’t * Practical, actionable steps business owners can take to reduce immediate risk We also discuss how remote work, lack of owner oversight, and operational gaps have accelerated fraud risks in recent years -- and why many cases never reach law enforcement. Whether you’re a founder, managing partner, or financial leader, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at one of the most under-discussed threats to business stability -- and how to protect what you’ve built. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://www.stevenslee.com/ [https://www.stevenslee.com/]

Building A Company Culture That Drives Success With Brent Beene

What truly sets high-performing companies apart? According to Corient Private Wealth Partner Brent Beene [https://corient.com/us/en/find-an-advisor?advisor=Brent+Beene], the answer lies in an intentional, well-defined corporate culture.   In this episode of Open For Business, Brent joins hosts Stuart Brown and Norman Kallen to unpack how leaders can build and sustain a culture that fuels engagement, resilience, and long-term success -- especially in an era shaped by remote work, generational shifts, escalating M&A activity, and post-COVID workforce expectations.   Brent shares practical insights on defining culture with purpose, leveraging employee feedback to strengthen trust and performance, and treating culture as a strategic asset -- one that can serve as an “insurance policy” during times of disruption. The conversation also explores how to integrate cultures during mergers and acquisitions, balance tradition with innovation, and scale a company without losing its identity.   Key topics include: * How to define a company culture that drives engagement and results * Building strong culture across remote and hybrid teams * Using employee feedback as a tool for continuous improvement * Why culture is a strategic risk-management and retention tool * Successfully merging cultures in M&A transactions * The multi-generational lens on workplace values and expectations * How the COVID crisis reshaped corporate culture -- and what leaders must do now * Preserving culture while accelerating growth and expansion   Whether you’re leading a fast-growing company, navigating change, or rethinking your organization’s identity, this episode delivers actionable insights on building a culture that not only supports success – but drives it.

The Business Case For Comedy: Lessons With Corporate Comedian Shaun Eli

Looking for smart, uplifting corporate comedy that goes beyond punchlines? Today, hosts Stuart Brown and Norman Kallen sit down with internationally touring comedian Shaun Eli [https://www.brainchampagne.com/]—founder of The Ivy League of Comedy [https://www.ivystandup.com/] and one of the rare performers blending stand-up skill with the science of human flourishing. From late-night TV writing to mastering positive psychology at UPenn, Sean reveals how laughter shapes well-being, why clean humor is a powerful business strategy, and how comedy can strengthen human connection at work and beyond. This conversation is sharp, funny, and unexpectedly insightful—perfect for anyone curious about the craft, the business, and the psychology behind making people genuinely happier. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://www.stevenslee.com/ [https://www.stevenslee.com/]

Betting on the Jockey, Not the Horse: EisnerAmper’s Alan Wink On Raising Capital

What if the biggest mistakes founders make when raising capital have nothing to do with their pitch -- and everything to do with timing, team, and expectations?   This fast paced, founder friendly episode features Alan Wink [https://www.eisneramper.com/about-us/professional-directory/alan-wink/], recently retired Managing Director of Capital Markets at EisnerAmper, one of the largest accounting and advisory firms in the U.S. With decades of experience in venture capital, private equity, and capital strategy, Alan breaks down what entrepreneurs really need to know before taking on outside investment.   What You'll Learn * Why investors bet on people, not products – and why team quality outweighs early metrics. * How much to raise and when – the misconceptions that derail founders early. * VC vs. PE vs. family offices – who they are, what they want, and how they think. * Why coachability matters – and how alignment influences investor decisions. * The "game of thirds" in venture capital – and what 10x expectations mean for founders. * Why fundraising always takes longer than expected – and how to plan for 18–24 months of cash flow.   Alan shares why Investors care far more about future projections and unit economics than historical performance. Founders must show they can solve a meaningful problem, scale efficiently, and deliver returns that match investor expectations. Alan also emphasizes that taking on third party capital is a marriage – one that brings accountability and investor oversight. Alan shares how founders can perform effective due diligence to vet investors as carefully as investors vet companies.   Why This Episode Matters Alan’s experience advising technology, life sciences, clean tech, and emerging growth companies gives him a unique vantage point on what separates fundable startups and mid-stage companies from the rest. His guidance is practical, realistic, and essential for any founder preparing to scale.   A concise, high-impact conversation packed with insights you can apply immediately.