Phil Fornaro

Episode 181: Why People Matter More Than the Deal with Jeff Egan

Jeffrey Egan is a business leader, strategic advisor, and entrepreneurial executive. Jeff grew up in New York City and started working in capital markets, trading short-term bonds and other credit investments. He did this at Kidder, Peabody, and then Chase Manhattan, navigating through two notable transactions that still live today in what became UBS and […]

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Episode 180: LBM Flash Moments: Building Value Through Genuine Professional Relationships

I discuss the importance of having proactive professional relationships, emphasizing that professionals should go beyond their job roles to add value and interact with clients in a non-transactional way. I share a personal anecdote about signing up for a gym’s senior option, highlighting the benefits of aging. I advise clients to demand more from their

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Episode 178: LBM Flash Moments: Balancing Innovation and Reality in Energy

I discuss the importance of maintaining perspective despite passion, using examples from my personal experiences and the show “Landman.” I highlight the challenges of transitioning from oil to sustainable energy, noting the reliance on oil and gas due to historical choices. I emphasize the need for balanced discussions on energy sources, including the environmental impact

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Episode 177: Mastering Growth, Genius, And Freedom In Entrepreneurship with Mark Rampolla

Mark Rampolla is a visionary entrepreneur, investor, speaker, and writer known for inspiring mission-driven leaders to build businesses that matter—and lives of real freedom. As Co-Founder and Co-Managing Partner of GroundForce Capital, he helps bold founders scale purpose-driven companies that generate massive impact, including Liquid Death, Bobbie Baby Formula, Beyond Meat, Thrive Market, Vive Organics,

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Episode 176: LBM Flash Moments: Building Trust One Honest Conversation at a Time

I discuss the importance of community and the value of local establishments. I emphasize the significance of honesty in conversations, sharing a personal story about advising a friend, Jason, who appreciated the different perspective. I highlight the need for trust in giving and receiving advice, noting that small changes can lead to significant long-term impacts,

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Episode 175: Energy, Health, and Strategic Growth with Ari Rastegar

Referred to by Forbes as “The Oracle of Austin,” Ari Rastegar built a multibillion-dollar real estate investment platform after starting with a $3,500 student loan while still in law school. After beginning his career as an attorney, he transitioned into full-time real estate investing and development and, in 2015, founded Rastegar Capital, a vertically integrated

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Episode 174: LBM Flash Moments: Incremental Goals, Lasting Change

I share insights on failed resolutions, emphasizing incremental goal setting. I recommend the “One Line a Day” journal for reflecting on daily experiences. I also highlight the importance of financial planning, suggesting early tax strategy discussions with professionals. I advise on setting automatic deductions for IRAs and HSAs, and using AI tools like ChatGPT for

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Episode 173:  Building Success Through Mentors and Community with John Rot

John Rot is a business, community, and charitable leader with a distinguished record of entrepreneurship and civic engagement. He began his career at Arthur Andersen, specializing in business valuations, before acquiring and growing Hortons of La Grange into what is now Hortons Home Lighting, expanding the brand to multiple locations and integrating Ace Hardware into

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Episode 172: Thinking Deeper in a Fast World with Charles Burke

Charles Burke is President & CEO of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park—among the world’s premier art, culture, and horticulture destinations—in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Since 2023, he’s guided Meijer Gardens to unprecedented success, achieving the highest annual attendance in its 30-year history and welcoming its 16 millionth visitor. Under his direction, the organization was recognized

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