Tag: Podcast
The Taste of Resilience: Chef Ashish Sathyan’s Global Culinary Journey (Ep. 25)

The Taste of Resilience: Chef Ashish Sathyan’s Global Culinary Journey (Ep. 25)

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From growing up on a farm in India to cooking in five-star hotels in the Middle East and now running his own restaurant in the U.S., Chef Ashish Sathyan’s story is truly inspirational.

In this episode, Jon Schuetz and Brent Connelly interview Ashish Sathyan, owner of Kinaara Indian Cuisine, about his global culinary journey, the challenges he faced along the way, and how he finally managed to live the American dream.

Ashish discusses:

  • The early days — living in a big family and working on a farm
  • The challenges he faced after moving, including language barriers and cultural adjustments
  • How it felt to start a restaurant two weeks before COVID-19 restrictions took effect (and how he weathered through them)
  • Challenges facing new business owners that Soar Wealth Strategies can assist with
  • And more

Connect With Jon Schuetz and Brent Connelly:

Connect With Ashish Sathyan:

About Our Guest:

Chef Ashish Sathyan loves eating homemade food, especially fish curry. His favorite thing to do when he is not working is playing cricket. He is one of the best bowlers in Omaha Cricket, which he described as his extended family. Kimberly was born and raised in Omaha. Eating, traveling, watching movies, and reading have been her favorite things for most of her life. She has been a hairstylist for 11 years. This allowed her to travel all over the world and throughout the United States. While doing this she also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the UNO College of Business.

Her studies took her to India, where she fell in love with the culture. A few months after she got back, she and Ashish met. With both of their experiences in customer service and Kimberly’s business degree, they want to bring you the best Indian food and the best experience. With Omaha having the most restaurants per capita, they know you have many choices when deciding where to eat. They want to show that they will always respect your money, and will give you high-quality food at a reasonable rate. It will always be true that you are only as good as the last dish you served.

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Behind the Scenes of Sportscasting and Multimedia with Jeff Grayson (Ep. 24)

Behind the Scenes of Sportscasting and Multimedia with Jeff Grayson (Ep. 24)

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Ever wondered what a career in sportscasting, public relations, and media communications looks like?

This isn’t just about what you see on TV or online, but what happens behind the scenes.

In this episode, Jon Schuetz and Brent Connelly interview Jeff Grayson, an award-winning sportscaster and the owner of Keller Grayson Communications. Jeff and Jon start with a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about their time as sportscasters at WBAY in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They end the episode with fun TV trivia!

Jeff discusses:

  • What it was like covering the Green Bay Packers and hosting live TV skits with Jon (They were known for their rapport and comedic timing!)
  • Memorable encounters with sports legends like Don Sutton and Rollie Fingers
  • His new business venture around public relations and media communications
  • The experience of funding his children’s college education
  • And more

Connect With Jon Schuetz and Brent Connelly:

Connect With Jeff Grayson:

About Our Guest:

Grayson is a sports reporter who covers the Milwaukee Bucks and Milwaukee Brewers for Bally Sports Wisconsin as the pre-game and post-game host. 

Grayson was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as the fourth of five children. In high school, Grayson served as a sports announcer for local high school events. After graduating high school, Grayson attended the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee where he majored in mass communications. At age 21, Grayson’s father died; before his death, he had told Grayson that if he wanted to do sports on television, he needed to get his foot in the door. Grayson contacted WBAY, and they offered him a position. His position wasn’t dramatic. He received $4 an hour and 20 hours a week for getting coffee for the other employees. However his diligence led WBAY to promote him. Eventually Grayson became the producer for WBAY interviews with the Packers, Bucks, and Brewers before moving on to KSMP. 

Grayson grew up a Green Bay Packers fan and is still, from time to time, a Packers fan. Grayson won the Associated Press 1992 “Best Sports Story” Award and the Milwaukee Press Club’s 1993 “Best Sports Program” Award for co-hosting Monday Night Kickoff. He lives in the Twin Cities with his wife and three children, and they often visit with his family. In addition to his work for Bally Sports Wisconsin, Grayson does public relations work for McDonald’s.

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Providing an Elite Client Service Experience with Penny Kreikemeier (Ep. 23)

Providing an Elite Client Service Experience with Penny Kreikemeier (Ep. 23)

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Looking for ways to not only create but foster client relationships? 

Join Jon Schuetz and Brent Connelly as they chat with their Senior Client Relationship Manager, Penny Kreikemeier to find out how she does that.

Penny shares her upbringing in a small town in Nebraska and her introduction to the financial world through her parents. They discuss the transition from banking to the financial industry, the importance of follow-up in client service, and Penny’s excitement about advancing her career and studying to be a licensed financial advisor.

Penny discusses:

  • Her journey from a small town in Nebraska to a continuously evolving financial world
  • How she creates and nurtures long-term client relationships
  • The value of continued education and “following up”–no matter what field you’re in
  • Her work ethic, and love for being organized 
  • What makes her a successful client relationship manager
  • And more

Connect With Jon Schuetz and Brent Connelly:

About Our Guest:

Penny Kreikemeier is a Client Relationship Manager for Soar Wealth Strategies. Penny strives to provide the highest level of service possible. She is very knowledgeable in all the administrative and operational duties of running an office. Whenever clients have needs or questions, she follows through in an accurate and timely manner.

Prior to Soar Wealth Strategies, Penny was Senior Branch Office Administrator for Jon Schuetz for more than 10 years. Together they built long-lasting client relationships and helped clients reach their financial goals. Penny’s love for numbers originally led her to a career in banking, but helping people reach their financial goals in retirement has become her passion.

Penny and her husband Adam have four children: Grace, Isaac, Eli and Chloe. They spend a lot of time running to various activities and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

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From Tunisia to the Tech World: A Journey of Resilience and Success with Karim Khayati (Ep. 22)

From Tunisia to the Tech World: A Journey of Resilience and Success with Karim Khayati (Ep. 22)

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If you think the American dream is dead, this episode is probably going to change your mind!

In this episode, Jon Schuetz and Brent Connelly interview Karim Khayati, the Director of Architecture and DevOps at Aya Healthcare, who shares his journey of immigrating from Tunisia to the US and his career in technology. 

Karim emphasizes the importance of education, setting goals, and having a support system. The conversation also touches on the Tri-Faith Initiative in Omaha, which promotes unity among different faiths.

Karim discusses:

  • His story of pursuing and achieving the American Dream
  • The role of education and focusing on career development in his journey through a strong support system
  • The evolving relationship between healthcare and technology and his role in the industry
  • The tri-faith initiative in Omaha which focuses on bringing together different faiths and creating unity
  • And more

Connect With Karim Khayati:

Connect With Jon Schuetz and Brent Connelly:

About Our Guest:

As a seasoned technologist with diverse skills, Karim has established himself as a thought leader and mentor in the tech industry. With expertise in strategic planning, systems architecture, data engineering, and agile transformation leadership, he has a track record of delivering large-scale cloud-based solutions that address mission-critical business needs.

Karim’s ability to navigate complex change management processes and develop solutions architecture has made him a valuable asset to organizations seeking to innovate and stay ahead of the curve. Whether working on product development or leading teams to deliver cutting-edge solutions, he brings a passion for excellence to everything he does.

With a focus on mentorship and collaboration, Karim is committed to helping others grow and develop their skills. By leveraging his experience and expertise, he aims to inspire the next generation of leaders to tackle complex challenges and drive innovation in the tech industry.

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The Sweet Success Story of Shandy Thorell’s “Shandy’s Swedish Bakery” (Ep. 20)

The Sweet Success Story of Shandy Thorell’s “Shandy’s Swedish Bakery” (Ep. 20)

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Who doesn’t love a good business success story?

In this podcast episode, Jon Schuetz and Brent Connelly invite Shandy Thorell, owner of Shandy’s Swedish Bakery onto the show. Shandy shares her journey of starting her bakery business, facing financial hardships, and finding success through determination and unique offerings. 

They even discuss Shandy’s popular Scandinavian almond cake and caramel pecan rolls! She also highlights her active presence on social media and describes how it influences her business!

Shandy discusses:

  • Her story of being a small town girl with big dreams: The journey to “Shandy’s Swedish Bakery”!
  • The story of how the Covid lockdowns generated immense growth at the bakery
  • The journey of overcoming financial hardships: Her story of being a single mom with 4 kids and a precarious work position
  • How she stands out from competitors–both qualitatively and digitally!
  • And more

Resources: 

Connect With Shandy Thorell:

Connect With Jon Schuetz and Brent Connelly:

About Our Guest:

Shandy Thorell is the Owner of Shandy’s Swedish Bakery. According to the People’s Choice Omaha World Herald Award, Shandy’s Bakery is the #1 Omaha Bakery in 2021!

Shandy’s Swedish Bakery uses heritage recipes that wake up your taste buds with old fashion love. Shandy Thorell is also an author and wrote “Surviving Life: How To Turn Nightmares Into Dreams” which you can find on Google Books and Amazon!

Shandy shares her story of starting her business including her struggles, her triumphs, and the times she thought she couldn’t go any further. Shandy also entered the public speaking realm for quite some time and enjoys engaging in livestreams on social media to tap into this interest.

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Keeping Your Eye on the End Goal with Jim Gregory (Ep. 17)

Keeping Your Eye on the End Goal with Jim Gregory (Ep. 17)

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Join Jim Gregory, Executive Vice President of Hawkins Construction, as he shares his personal journey, from early struggles in high school to the transformative moments that shaped his life. 

In this episode, Jim reflects on the profound impact of mentors and the remarkable power of seizing opportunities. Listen in as Jim candidly recounts his early struggles in high school and the defining moments that shaped his life. 

Through his narrative, he explores the significance of mentors and the power of seizing opportunities when they arise.

Jim discusses:

  • His not-so-great start of getting kicked out of high school
  • How his mentor Bill Olson influenced his important life decisions
  • The importance of making positive choices and avoiding distractions that hinder personal growth
  • How he embraced unexpected opportunities that led to personal transformation and success
  • How keeping your eye on the end goal and making the right decisions can make anything possible
  • And more

Connect With Jon Schuetz and Brent Connelly:

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Understanding the Debt Ceiling Debate (Ep. 15)

Understanding the Debt Ceiling Debate (Ep. 15)

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Have you ever wondered how the recent debt ceiling debate affects your financial goals and long-term plans?

Join Jon and Brent as they unravel the complex web of personal and public debt, providing essential insights and thought-provoking perspectives. The duo explores proposed solutions to address the alarming levels of debt and offers valuable insights into how you can proactively approach your own financial planning. 

Jon and Brent discuss:

  • The role of Congress in controlling spending and borrowing
  • The current debt ceiling limits and their implications
  • The relationship between the national debt and the gross domestic product (GDP)
  • The proposed solutions to address the unsustainable levels of debt and what you should be thinking about as it relates to your finances
  • And more

Connect With Jon Schuetz and Brent Connelly:

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ESG Investing: Exploring the Complexities of Environmental, Social, and Governance Factors (Ep. 14)

ESG Investing: Exploring the Complexities of Environmental, Social, and Governance Factors (Ep. 14)

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ESG investing is becoming increasingly popular, and this episode explores why.

In this episode, Brent Connelly and Jon Schuetz, delve into the complexities of ESG investing and discuss how investors can navigate the environmental, social, and governance landscape.

They explore how factors such as air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and energy management play into ESG investing. They also unpack the good, the bad, and the confusing parts of ESG investing.

Jon and Brent discuss:

  • What E.S.G. stands for 
  • Different aspects of ESG investing
  • How environmental, social and governance considerations play into this strategy
  • The challenges investors face when navigating ESG investing
  • And more!

Connect With Jon Schuetz and Brent Connelly:

Socially responsible investing involves the exclusion of certain securities for nonfinancial reasons. This may result in the investor forgoing some market opportunities that may have been available to those not subject to such criteria. There is no guarantee that any investment goal will be met.

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Crafting a Lifestyle Management Business with Denise Craft (Ep. 13)

Crafting a Lifestyle Management Business with Denise Craft (Ep. 13)

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Not everyone is born with a silver spoon in their mouth, but that doesn’t mean you can’t build a successful life full of happiness and purpose.

In this episode, we sit down with Denise Craft, founder of Craft Lifestyle Management, to discuss her incredible career journey. From waitressing and bartending to managing a truck repair shop, Denise’s story from humble beginnings to building a successful company can motivate you to strive for success no matter your situation.

Denise shares:

  • Her early career experiences, including waitressing and managing a truck repair shop 
  • Her launch of Craft Lifestyle Management – a lifestyle management and fitness coaching business for the elderly and those with special needs or veterans with a disability
  • Some of the challenges she faced along the way 
  • The unique approach she takes in her business
  • And more

Connect With Denise:

Connect With Jon Schuetz and Brent Connelly:

About Our Guest:

Denise Craft is President of Craft LifeStyle Management, a company she founded in 1988. Today, Craft LifeStyle Management is known for delivering exceptional services nationwide to clients and their families in times of transition.

She is a sought-after transitional expert. Denise and her team assist in transitioning veterans, special needs adults, aging adults and rehab patients into the correct level of care within a living environment or community and coordinate with all parties for best fit financially, physically and emotionally.

She is widely recognized as advocating for those in crisis because of age, injury or mental or physical disability. Craft LifeStyle Management thrives on assisting clients as they jointly navigate each step in the transition process.

She has a special place in her heart for those who collect excessive treasures through hoarding. Craft LifeStyle Management uses time-tested techniques to simplify the process with an understanding, compassionate approach.

Denise and her team exemplify expertise, care and kindness, always.

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Year-End Tax Planning Guide With Aundrea Bricker (Ep. 3)

Year-End Tax Planning Guide With Aundrea Bricker (Ep. 3)

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With the tax season around the corner, now is the best time to work with a tax professional to help you implement effective strategies that could help you reduce your taxes.

In this episode, Jon Schuetz and Brent Connelly are joined by Aundrea Bricker, CPA and co-founder of Bricker Accounting and Tax Services, LLC. Aundrea shares the strategies you can use to reduce not only your current taxes but future taxes as well.

Jon, Brent and Aundrea discuss:

  • Why you should make tax planning a year-round activity
  • How capital gains are properly taxed
  • How to maximize your HSAs (Health Spending Accounts)
  • Effective strategies advisors, individuals and businesses can use to make sure their accounts align 
  • And more!

Resources: 

Connect With Aundrea Bricker:

Connect With Jon Schuetz and Brent Connelly:

About Our Guest:

Aundrea’s love for accounting started early in life. She was introduced to the ten key at the age of 12 while helping her father maintain the books for the family nursing home business. Despite this early childhood exposure to green bar paper, Aundrea chose accounting as the focus of her higher education. During her final year of education, Aundrea also worked as an intern for Blackman and Associates PC. She joined the firm full-time upon completion of her bachelor’s degree in 1996.

Aundrea continued to grow professionally at the same CPA firm for 18 years. In 2013, Aundrea formed Bricker Accounting and Tax Services, LLC. She continues to support her clients with the same exceptional service, dedication, and professionalism that she has demonstrated throughout her entire career.

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