Chasing Financial Freedom - podcast cover

Chasing Financial Freedom

Ryan DeMentwww.trutalk.co
If you're an entrepreneur, small business owner, or side hustler looking for new ways to make money, scale your business, or turn your side hustle into a business, we've got something for you. We'll be interviewing successful entrepreneurs who have turned their dreams into reality. We'll learn how they did it and what they wish they'd known before they started their businesses. Your host, Ryan DeMent, has unique insights built by 25 years of experience in the financial industry and several failed businesses. So if you're looking for new ways to make money, scale your business, or turn your side hustle into a business… then this podcast is for you!

Episodes

260: Fostering Growth with Introspection and Marketing Savvy

Send us a text Have you ever stood at the precipice of a year's end, feeling the weight of accomplishments and missed opportunities alike? I sure have. That's why, as we wave goodbye to the old and usher in the new, I'm pulling back the curtain on my personal and business reflections from this past year. It's a mix of candid confessions and strategic insights, from overcoming the after-holiday slump and reinvigorating our drive, to striking that ever-elusive balance between p...

Dec 27, 202311 minSeason 5Ep. 52

The Unseen Struggles Behind Revolutionizing the Affordable Housing Scene

Send us a text Venture into the realm of innovative solutions to the housing affordability crisis with me, Ryan DeMent, as I engage with the visionary CEO of Norhart, Mike Kaeding. Discover how a personal tragedy propelled Mike to lead his family's business and how his transformative strategies are not only cutting construction costs but also creating ripples of change in the lives of numerous Americans. This episode is a profound look at the intersection of personal growth and industry-wid...

Dec 20, 202341 minSeason 5Ep. 51

The Journey to a Legendary Brand featuring Scott Wozniak

Send us a text Are you ready to leap beyond the ordinary and create a legendary brand? Join us in a groundbreaking conversation with Scott Wozniak , the mastermind behind renowned brands like Disney and Chick-fil-A. Trust us, branding is more than just advertising; it's about creating an influential reputation and building robust customer relationships. We examine real-world examples from McDonald's and share invaluable insights on how to make your brand stand out. It's all about ...

Dec 13, 202343 minSeason 5Ep. 50

Holiday Season Strategies for Real Estate Success and Balance

Send us a text This holiday season, we're challenging the status quo. We're not slowing down, we're not stepping back – we're refining our strategies and preparing for an extraordinary new year. Join us, your hosts, as we reveal secrets from our journey in the real estate market, discussing the power of consistency and persistence in achieving financial freedom. Discover how we leverage this festive period to turbo-charge our financial goals, and how you can do the same. Let&...

Dec 04, 202324 minSeason 5Ep. 49

Maximizing Profit through Tax-Free Real Estate: Insights from Dave Foster of 1031 Investor

Send us a text Ever dreamt of transforming your financial landscape through real estate investing without the taxman taking a hefty chunk of your profits? Well, Dave Foster , CEO of 1031 Investor, is on the show today to reveal the secrets of the 1031 exchange - a mechanism that can help you defer taxes on profits from highly appreciated properties by reinvesting them into new real estate. Not only will Dave share his personal journey, but he'll also reveal how this method could have saved ...

Nov 29, 202339 minSeason 5Ep. 48

How to Build a Robust Real Estate Brand: Lessons from John Schuchman

Send us a text What happens when you lose your job and are forced into entrepreneurship? Today, we're joined by John Schuchman, a man who turned adversity into an opportunity and carved an exceptional path in real estate and social media coaching. John lays bare his journey from losing his W-2 job, finding his niche in real estate, to leveraging social media for success. He's got valuable insights for those considering a transition from their regular 9-5 jobs to pursuing their passion,...

Nov 22, 202340 minSeason 5Ep. 47

The Intersection of Branding and Investment: A Conversation with Michael Doyle

Send us a text Have you ever wondered how a master brand strategist secures investments by harnessing the power of compelling brand story? Enter Michael Doyle, CEO of Brand Iron and Brand Champion, who offers invaluable insights into this art form. He underlines the importance of a well-defined niche along with a competitive offering. And to all you businesses out there, don't miss his advice on refining your message and adding that extra polish to your pitch decks. Switching gears to real ...

Nov 15, 202335 minSeason 5Ep. 46

Mastering Money and Time: A Journey to Financial Freedom with Chris Clepp

Send us a text Master the art of aligning money with time and make work optional, as we engage in a compelling conversation with esteemed wealth management practitioner, Chris Clepp. With over two decades of financial expertise under his belt, Chris shares invaluable insights on the connection between financial decisions and business ownership. Listen in as we explore the importance of balancing business and personal life to effectively manage the most valuable asset - time. In the thrilling wor...

Nov 08, 202328 minSeason 5Ep. 45

From Art to Analytics: Jeff Dolan's Shift from Musician to CEO of Wavve

Send us a text Ever wondered how artists and musicians transition into the corporate world of sales and marketing? We sat down with Jeff Dolan, CEO of Wavve, who walks us through his unique journey. Our conversation delves into his initial struggles and how he shifted gears from art and music to marketing, eventually leading him to the helm of Wave, a game-changing platform for podcasters and audio creators. Are you tired of reshooting content? In the age where social media engagement is crucial...

Nov 01, 202343 minSeason 5Ep. 44

Out of the Cubicle, Into the Mic: Mark Savant's Journey from Corporate to Podcasting Titan

Send us a text Imagine jumping ship from a mundane corporate job to follow your passion; this is exactly what our guest, Mark Savant, did. Mark, a podcast and AI aficionado, turned his interest into a booming business and he's here to share his journey with us. His experience in podcasting isn't just about business growth; it also played a pivotal role in earning him a spot on the Entrepreneur Organization's board of directors. Now, he's all about making Mondays exciting agai...

Oct 25, 202328 minSeason 5Ep. 43

Corporate vs. Business: Strategies for Modern Success

Send us a text Get ready for an exciting journey! I promise you'll not only get all the latest updates on the Bayard Park Project – yes, the first house is almost completed and we've got two families eagerly waiting to make it their home – but we'll also ride the thrilling roller coaster of changing interest rates and explore the options still open for potential buyers. But that's not all, we'll also delve into the crucial role that marketing plays in the business world,...

Oct 18, 202321 minSeason 5Ep. 42

Breaking the Corporate Chains: Matt Ford's Entrepreneurial Journey to Real Estate

Send us a text Do you ever find yourself pondering the notion of switching careers? Ever wondered if you have what it takes to transition from a corporate job to the entrepreneurial world? Today’s episode is for you! We had the pleasure of speaking with Matt Ford , a seasoned entrepreneur who skillfully navigated his career from the corporate world of Verizon Wireless, through the auto industry, and finally into real estate. In our insightful conversation, Matt Ford generously delves into the ni...

Oct 11, 202334 minSeason 5Ep. 41

Navigating the Noise: Overcoming Financial Uncertainty and Fear with Resilience

Send us a text Anxiety and fear can paralyze us, especially in times of financial uncertainty. Ever wondered how to overcome this and move ahead? This episode is all about navigating through the noise and coming out strong. With the 10-year Treasury rate hitting an all-time high and a slowing real estate market, we discuss the implications and share some personal stories of resistance. Despite market volatility, there's a promise of opportunities - 9 million open jobs and the chance to take...

Oct 04, 202316 minSeason 5Ep. 40

Finding a Tune in Nashville: Jay Franze's Story of Perseverance

Send us a text Have you ever thought about how music is made behind the scenes? You'll find out all about it in our riveting chat with Jay Franze, an industry veteran who has spent two decades in the heart of the country music scene in Nashville. Jay shares his intriguing journey from Boston to Nashville and how he made his mark in audio engineering, music production, and beyond. Jay's move from New York to Nashville was a leap of faith that led him to the SAE Institute, Nashville&apos...

Sep 27, 202334 minSeason 5Ep. 39

Empowering Your Financial Wellness: A Deep Dive into Economic Realities

Send us a text Ever wondered how the complexities of our economy could be impacting your financial well-being? Join me, Ryan DeMent, as we dissect the current market conditions and their effects on both the macroeconomy and your personal finances. We'll delve into the significance of the Federal Reserve's dual mandates, and how their interplay with inflation can shape our financial landscape. We're also celebrating our non-profit, TruCommunity's new status as a 501c3! This op...

Sep 20, 202319 minSeason 5Ep. 38

The Art of Buying and Selling Businesses: A Masterclass with Tim Swackhammer

Send us a text Eager to decode the intricate art of negotiation during an acquisition? Join me as I catch up with the dynamic Tim Swackhammer , founder and CEO of Mold Medics Franchising. From being a second-generation entrepreneur to leading an established brand, Tim takes us through his riveting journey, sharing his invaluable insights on the growth of the indoor air quality industry, the acquisition process, and his transformation post-acquisition. In our candid chat, Tim doesn't just un...

Sep 12, 202329 minSeason 5Ep. 37

The 'Who' Factor: A Fresh Perspective on Navigating Entrepreneurship

Send us a text Trials, tribulations, and triumphs are all part of the entrepreneurial journey. This episode walks you through my latest battles with corporate tax deadlines, the joy of hitting over 150,000 podcast downloads and the challenges of bringing a vision to life in the Bayard Park project. We'll also talk about why it's vital to focus on the 'who' that can help us, rather than getting hung up on 'how' to get things done. From grappling with the concept of &...

Sep 06, 202325 minSeason 5Ep. 36

Building Bridges, Not Walls: Uniting the Real Estate Trinity

Send us a text Navigating the world of real estate investment is no walk in the park. As your host, I'm here to share my journey into a new role as a loan originator with Nexa Mortgage. The goal? To build a stronger network of connections and facilitate our deals. Even as the economy challenges us all, I’m sharpening my telephone skills and mastering the art of balancing multiple business lines. We'll reveal how important it is to maintain a reliable network in the real estate industry...

Aug 30, 202328 minSeason 5Ep. 35

The Entrepreneurial Rollercoaster: Jason Sherman's Tale of Triumphs and Trials

Send us a text Hang on to your seats as we take you through the thrilling journey of our guest, the multifaceted Jason Sherman . An award-winning filmmaker, a published author, a tech guru, and a journalist, Jason's entrepreneurial voyage is nothing short of inspirational. He reflects on his transition from the confines of Corporate America to the liberating world of entrepreneurship, driven by his passion for video, creative writing, music, and technology. Jason dives deep into various lif...

Aug 23, 202342 minSeason 5Ep. 34

The Secret Skill of the Wealthy: Embracing Financial Risks

Send us a text Are you ready to transform your financial game by taking calculated risks? Former financial advisor Rob Cook joins us to unravel the secret skill that separates the wealthy from the non-wealthy - the art of informed risk-taking. Discover how knowledge, negotiation, and investment protection play pivotal roles in wealth creation. Venture into the world of real estate as we explore the power of passive investing. Fear of risk-taking is common, yet with the right strategies, it can b...

Aug 16, 202337 minSeason 5Ep. 33

A New Perspective: Learning to Love Change and Cherish Life

Send us a text Ever felt overwhelmed by life's constant changes and craved some guidance? Tune in as I, Ryan DeMent, spill the beans on how I have overcome my fears to embrace change and pursue my passion. I'll take you through my journey of adding a loan originating to my business and how I am learning to balance the challenging front end of training and meetings, without missing out on life's pleasures. You'll hear about the strategies I'm adopting for better time mana...

Aug 09, 202325 minSeason 5Ep. 32

Entrepreneurial Insights: Overcoming Pitfalls and Maximizing Success with Scott Anderson

Send us a text Want to learn from a seasoned entrepreneur and licensed mental health therapist? Join us as we sit down with Scott Anderson, a businessman who has launched and sold eight businesses, to discuss entrepreneurs' common pitfalls and challenges. Scott delves into his journey, offering invaluable insights into the dangers of micromanagement and the need for delegation. He encourages a shift in mindset, challenging the typical approach of working harder and harder without seeing dif...

Aug 02, 202337 minSeason 5Ep. 31

From Army Vet to Entrepreneur: A Deep Dive into Pet Nutrition and a Mission Against Veteran Suicide

Send us a text Ever wondered what's really in your pet's food? Our latest episode finds us in the company of Tony Richardson, a 24-year Army veteran who took his concerns about pet nutrition from the kitchen to the commercial world with his pet food company, Harley's Food USA. Tony's journey from soldier to entrepreneur started when he realized the pet food market was filled with expensive products that lacked quality ingredients. His determination to provide healthier and af...

Jul 26, 202339 minSeason 5Ep. 30

Unraveling the Warrior's Life Code: A Conversation with Martin Salama

Send us a text Ever felt like life's challenges have knocked you down and left you stranded? You're not alone. Our guest today, Martin Salama , architect of Warriors Life Code, is here to share his transformative journey, from the fallout of a failed business venture during the 2008 financial crisis to overcoming personal turmoil. Martin opens up about his journey, revealing the power of resilience, determination, and self-awareness in facing life's adversities. In a world shaped ...

Jul 19, 202342 minSeason 5Ep. 29

Revolutionizing Leadership: Cinematic Lessons, Bold Pivots and Embracing Failure

Send us a text Are you ready to revolutionize your leadership style? Picture this: lessons are drawn from popular movies, and applied to the world of leadership. Our guest, Joe Lalonde , an award-winning leadership blogger, has taken this innovative approach, transforming how leaders communicate with their teams. We explore his journey in youth leadership and the impacts of technology on youth ministry, not forgetting the lasting need for meaningful human connection in these digital times. Embra...

Jul 12, 202336 minSeason 5Ep. 28

Unlocking Mind Mastery for Success: An Intriguing Talk with Scott Smith

Send us a text What would you do if you had to juggle your time between law school and managing your own start-up? Our guest on the show today, Scott Smith, faced this exact challenge. Scott, an attorney, CEO, and founder of Royal Legal Solutions, shares his inspiring journey - from purchasing his first business whilst in law school, dealing with the reality of time management as he juggled his new venture with his studies, to creating systems for efficiency. His story is one that highlights the...

Jul 05, 202344 minSeason 5Ep. 27

Mastering the Real Estate Game Against All Odds

Send us a text Ever feel like you're running into brick walls in your business or career? If so, this episode's for you. I'm pulling back the curtain on the real estate and mortgage industry and the trials I've faced, including overcoming the tough journey to become a Mortgage Loan Originator and dealing with the harsh reality that some realtors can come off as greedy. You'll hear about my discovery that a staggering 25% of Realtors have quit the industry, yet amidst the...

Jun 28, 202328 minSeason 5Ep. 26

The Art of Overcoming Challenges with Consistent Action

Send us a text Have you ever wondered how small changes in your daily routine can lead to significant improvements in your life? Join me as I share my personal and professional journey, uncovering the challenges and rewards of cultivating consistency and positive habits to achieve our goals. I reveal my morning routine that sets the tone for my day, including affirmations, goal-setting, and reading a devotional. Discover how embracing reading and audiobooks can help increase knowledge, vocabular...

Jun 21, 202331 minSeason 5Ep. 25

From Imposter Syndrome to Success: Kyle Gillette's Journey and the BlueShirt Leadership Framework

Send us a text Ever felt like a fraud as an entrepreneur or found yourself grappling with imposter syndrome? Fear not, as our latest conversation with Kyle Gillette, a five-time business owner and creator of the BlueShirt Leadership Framework, offers invaluable insights on overcoming these challenges and growing your business. We discuss Kyle's unique journey, from growing up on an Orange Farm in California to working in a men's mentoring program, and how these experiences shaped his a...

Jun 14, 202335 minSeason 5Ep. 24

Revolutionize Your Scheduling: Optimize Productivity and Reduce No-Shows

Send us a text Ever wondered how much time and money your business is losing due to no-show appointments? Our guest, Jonathan Zacks, founder of Go Reminders, is here to help tackle this problem and increase revenue and productivity for small businesses and professionals. In this engaging conversation, we explore the staggering waste in costs caused by missed appointments and its impact on employee morale. Join us as we dive into the competitive landscape for appointment scheduling tools and disc...

Jun 07, 202336 minSeason 5Ep. 23