Michael Pallozzi sits down with Phil Risher, founder of Phlash Consulting, about how trades business owners can grow revenue by turning marketing from a black box into a measurable system. Phil shares how his unique path—from pest control ride-alongs to enterprise fleet sales to featured finance blogger—led him to help home service companies scale from $1M to $10M+ and even exit to private equity. You’ll hear the three key questions private equity buyers ask (and how to build systems around them), why tracking your return on ad spend is essential, and how to use automation to convert leads and re-engage…

In this episode, Michael Pallozzi is joined by Jessica Hallahan, founder of Journey to Yourself, who specializes in stress management and suicide prevention training within the blue collar workforce. Jessica shares her unconventional path from women’s empowerment speaker to a sought-after facilitator for trades-focused mental wellness. Together, they explore the communication gaps between generations in the trades, the hidden emotional toll of fieldwork, and how small mindset shifts can ripple from jobsite to home life. This episode sheds light on the importance of building emotional intelligence and support structures for workers who are often overlooked. Tune into this episode to…

In this episode, Michael is joined by Mike Fanelli, owner of Third Generation Builders, based in Lake Katrine, New York. Mike shares his story of launching a construction business rooted in family heritage, hard work, and an evolving passion for craftsmanship. He discusses the values instilled by his father and grandfather, how he’s transferring those lessons to the next generation, and how a strong team culture fuels his business today. This episode is filled with timeless wisdom for entrepreneurs in any industry.   Tune into this episode to also learn: Why family heritage and work ethic shaped Mike’s business mindset…

Welcome to another episode of the Entrepreneur’s Journey Podcast. In this edition, host Michael Pallozzi sits down with Patrick Carr, President and CEO of Blue Collar Media Group. From humble beginnings—armed only with a cell phone and a vision—Patrick shares how he built one of the most respected media companies serving blue collar businesses. The conversation covers early financial risks, hard lessons, and how Patrick's leadership evolved as his company scaled. Listeners will gain firsthand insights into entrepreneurship, team building, and bridging the gap between great media and real ROI for trades businesses. Tune into this episode to also learn:…

Welcome back to the Dollar Wise Podcast. In this episode, Andrew and Brett break down below-the-line tax deductions. They’re offering practical explanations and examples to help you understand how these deductions really work.  They’re talking: The difference between standard and itemized deductions Key itemized categories like mortgage interest, state and local taxes, charitable giving, and medical expenses  And diving into niche areas like gambling losses and casualty losses.  Whether you're filing solo or jointly, this episode equips you with the tools to make more informed tax decisions. Tune in to learn: The distinction between standard and itemized deductions. Key categories…

Welcome back to The Entrepreneur’s Journey. In this episode, Jason Gabrieli sits down with John Cavanaugh, CPA and tax attorney at Firenze Advisors, to discuss the foundational role that legal entity structure plays throughout the life of a business—from launch to scale to exit. They explore common pitfalls, how to adjust structures as businesses grow, and key planning considerations for exits, succession, and estate transitions. If you’re a business owner thinking about growth or preparing for a future sale, this episode is packed with practical knowledge. Tune into this episode to also learn: Why your legal entity structure isn’t just…

Entrepreneurs Journey with Michael Pallozzi, EP.26 Sometimes the “aha moment” is not fireworks and confetti. It shows up when you are backed into a corner and have no choice but to figure it out. That is exactly where the conversation goes in Episode 26 of Entrepreneurs Journey. Michael sat down with Shawn Calkins, owner of Universal Service Solutions in Edwardsville, Pennsylvania, to talk about what it really takes to run a home services business. Money management. Hiring and keeping the right people. Weather setbacks that can derail your schedule. The long game of building a company that can eventually run…

In this episode of the Entrepreneurs Journey, Michael Pallozzi speaks with Shawn Calkins, owner of Universal Service Solutions in Edwardsville, Pennsylvania. Shawn shares how he went from being unemployed during the 2008 housing crisis to owning a successful full-service pavement maintenance company. The conversation highlights the importance of grit, financial discipline, mentorship, and building a team culture rooted in values. Listeners will hear about Shawn’s “profit-first” approach, how he supports his crew's financial growth, and why relationship-building is at the core of his business strategy. Tune into this episode to also learn: Why cash flow management and profit-first thinking transformed…

On Episode 72 of the DollarWise Podcast, Andrew Barnhardt and Brett Herron dug into a topic that might not sound exciting at first glance but could save you real money when it comes time to file your taxes: above-the-line deductions. These deductions often get overlooked, yet they’re one of the most effective ways to reduce your taxable income and create opportunities for better planning throughout the year. Why Talk About Above-the-Line Deductions? Taxes aren’t just a March and April conversation. The decisions you make throughout the year—from how you save for retirement to how you handle health care—can directly affect…

Welcome back to the Dollar Wise Podcast. In this episode, Andrew Barnhardt and Brett Herron of HFM Advisors dive into the world of above-the-line tax deductions. These often-overlooked deductions can reduce your adjusted gross income and improve your eligibility for other tax benefits. From retirement contributions and HSAs to student loan interest and self-employment tax breaks, Andrew and Brett break down how these deductions work, why they matter, and how to take advantage of them. Whether you're planning for next April or the next decade, this episode offers a practical look at reducing your tax bill. Tune into this episode…