In this episode of Stories Worth Hearing, host John Quick sits down with Gil Dezer, the Miami developer who turned bold ideas into global landmarks. From his father’s first development in New York to his own groundbreaking partnership with President Donald Trump on the Trump Towers, Gil has carried forward a family legacy while reshaping the skyline of South Florida.Now, he’s raising the bar again with the Bentley Residences, the world’s first Bentley-branded residential tower. Gil shares how vision, risk-taking, and innovation have fueled his career, what it takes to attract international buyers to Miami, and why his projects continue to set the standard for luxury living.Check it out here: https://bentleyresidencesmiami.com/
The John Lee Bishop story is almost too unbelievable to be true. He built a thriving megachurch of more than 5,000 people, spoke at Christian events across the globe, and published widely read Christian books. But when his life took a shocking turn that pulled him into the world of a drug cartel and ultimately landed him in federal prison, many assumed that would be the end of his story. Instead, it became the beginning of a powerful journey of redemption.Through moments that read like fiction—backyard fight clubs, wild animals in sermons, and life-altering choices—Bishop discovered that failure does not have to be final. His HarperCollins book The Church of Living Dangerously captures that hard-won truth, and soon Hollywood star Christian Bale will bring this story of resilience to the big screen. In this episode of Stories Worth Hearing, host John Quick sits down with John Lee Bishop for a raw, hope-filled conversation about second chances, refusing to give up, and the faith that can transform even the darkest chapters into new beginnings.In the end, you don’t fall out of grace—you fall into grace.Check out his website here: https://www.johnleebishop.com/
What if you could earn a fully accredited college degree for the price of your monthly phone bill? That’s not a fantasy—it’s reality at Newlane University. In this episode of Stories Worth Hearing, host John Quick sits down with Dr. Ben Blair, co-founder of Newlane, to explore how his bold vision is disrupting higher education.Newlane offers competency-based, self-paced programs that let students move forward as soon as they’ve mastered the material. With degrees costing just $1,500 for an Associate’s and $3,000 for a Bachelor’s, Newlane is proving that quality education doesn’t have to come with crippling debt. Accredited and accessible, this university is opening doors for students from all walks of life, helping them earn a degree on their terms—without sacrificing years or financial freedom.Dr. Blair shares how his background in philosophy and education inspired him to launch Newlane, the hurdles he faced building a new model of higher learning, and his vision for a future where higher education is no longer out of reach.This isn’t just the story of a university—it’s a story about hope, innovation, and the belief that anyone, anywhere, can pursue higher education and unlock their potential.Check it out here: https://newlane.edu/
In this episode of Stories Worth Hearing, host John Quick sits down with Kelly Siegel, CEO of National Technology Management and best-selling author of Harder Than Life and Happier Than Life. Raised on Seven Mile in Detroit, Kelly transformed hardship into opportunity—growing a modern tech firm and becoming a leading voice for AI optimism.Today, Kelly is spearheading a high-impact movement in partnership with Prompts.ai to make AI accessible, practical, and empowering for every worker. By rolling out no-code AI tools across Fortune-level companies, he's helping employees skyrocket productivity, reduce AI implementation costs by up to 98%, and fuse the power of 35+ AI models into one streamlined, secure experience.Tune in to learn how Kelly’s path to success shaped his mission, how his books—Harder Than Life and Happier Than Life—reflect his philosophy, and why he believes AI is not a threat but a career supercharger.Grab Kelly’s book here: Harder Than Life: Overcoming Poverty, Addiction, and ViolenceLearn more about his work: TrustNTM.com | Prompts.ai
On this episode of Stories Worth Hearing, host John Quick sits down with Armen S. Martin, the Founding Partner and CEO of Foundation Law Group. Armen has been at the center of hundreds of business deals, helping startups raise over a billion dollars in venture funding and guiding major mergers and acquisitions.But his story doesn’t stop in the boardroom—Armen also brought his legal expertise to Hollywood as a technical advisor on HBO’s Silicon Valley, shaping how the world sees the startup culture on screen.In this conversation, we cover where he grew up, what inspired him to practice law, why he launched Foundation Law Group, and what makes his firm’s approach different.Learn more at foundationlaw.com or connect with Armen directly at armen@foundationlaw.com.
In this episode of Stories Worth Hearing, host John Quick sits down with world-renowned entrepreneur Grant Cardone for a deeper conversation about life, legacy, and what truly drives success.Grant is the founder of Cardone Capital, where he oversees a $5 billion real estate portfolio. He’s a bestselling author, speaker, and creator of the massive 10X Growth Conference. Millions have watched him build from scratch on the hit TV show Undercover Billionaire, but this episode takes a different angle.We talk about Grant’s early life growing up in Louisiana, the childhood memories that shaped his hunger to succeed, and how family continues to anchor his mission today. You’ll hear personal stories about fatherhood, discipline, and the values that helped him transform his life—from getting clean in his 20s to becoming one of the most influential voices in business.Whether you're just starting out or already building something big, this conversation is filled with perspective, motivation, and practical wisdom from someone who's been through every phase of the journey.
In the kickoff to Season 2 of The United States of Small Business Podcast, now reimagined as Stories Worth Hearing, host John Quick sits down with one of the most electrifying mentalists in the world—Oz Pearlman. From melting minds on America’s Got Talent to making Joe Rogan visibly uncomfortable by guessing his ATM PIN on-air, Oz has captivated audiences across the globe. But behind the viral moments is a devoted family man and a genuinely kind human being.In this episode, John explores Oz’s decades-long grind, the magic behind the mentalism, and how his skills are more than just entertainment—they’re tools anyone can use in everyday life. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, this is one story you’ll be glad you heard. Look for his book here: https://amzn.to/4miT6U6 Be on the lookout for my Newsmax Column.
In this powerful episode of Stories Worth Hearing, host John Quick welcomes Galiano Tiramani, the Co-CEO and co-founder of Boxabl, a company that is redefining the future of housing. What started as a bold vision has grown into a global movement, with Boxabl delivering high-quality, affordable, and rapidly deployable homes designed to solve some of the world’s most pressing housing challenges.Galiano shares the journey from the earliest prototypes to securing a 3.5 billion dollar Nasdaq-bound merger, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to scale a groundbreaking idea into a worldwide phenomenon. He opens up about the challenges faced, the innovations that set Boxabl apart, and the mission to make housing faster to build, easier to transport, and accessible to more people than ever before.From addressing housing shortages and disaster relief needs to creating opportunities for more sustainable, efficient living, Boxabl is more than a company — it is a movement. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, a believer in disruptive innovation, or simply curious about how one big idea can change lives, this episode will inspire you to think bigger, dream bolder, and build for a better future.Check it out here: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/boxabl-and-fg-merger-ii-corp-sign-merger-agreement-to-pursue-a-boxabl-public-listing-on-nasdaq-302521738.html
In this episode of United States of Small Business, host John Quick sits down with filmmaker John Follis to discuss his thought-provoking documentary, "Leaving God." Follis shares the inspiration behind the film and reveals how his personal journey away from his Catholic upbringing influenced its creation. They delve into the surprising findings from his research, offering an unbiased look at America's cultural shift away from religion. The conversation continues with Follis reflecting on the impact of winning the Hollywood International Documentary Film Award and how this recognition has affected both his personal and professional life. They discuss the film's unexpected surge in viewership after being featured on topdocumentaryfilms.com, and what this means for his future projects. Tune in for an insightful discussion on faith, culture, and the power of storytelling in shaping our understanding of the world around us. Watch his film here: https://topdocumentaryfilms.com/leaving-god/
In this episode of the United States of Small Business podcast, we sit down with Tom from RoofingOptimize.com to uncover the secrets of successful digital marketing in the roofing industry. Tom shares his journey from licensed builder to digital marketing expert, discusses the unique challenges roofing companies face online, and reveals the innovative strategies RoofingOptimize.com uses to help roofers dominate their local markets. Tune in to learn how to elevate your roofing business through effective website design, SEO, and targeted marketing solutions. Don't miss these invaluable insights from an industry leader!
Join host John Quick on the United States of Small Business podcast for an engaging conversation with Eric Ohlhausen, Chief Strategy Officer and President of Old Glory Pay. With a wealth of experience in financial services, including roles at Greenlight Financial and Brightwell Payments, Eric brings a deep understanding of operations and capital formation. Discover how Old Glory Bank blends traditional values with cutting-edge technology to offer unparalleled mobile banking solutions while fiercely protecting customer privacy. Learn about Eric’s journey, his strategic vision for Old Glory Bank, and how they stand against cancel culture in today's competitive banking landscape. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the future of banking and community support. Check out Old Glory Bank here: https://oldglorybank.com/
In this episode of the United States of Small Business podcast, host John Quick sits down with Naresh Vissa, founder of Krish Media & Marketing. Naresh is a media, marketing, and publishing entrepreneur with a wealth of experience in improving bottom lines for leading companies. As the author of the bestsellers "PODCASTNOMICS" and "FIFTY SHADES OF MARKETING," Naresh shares his journey and key strategies for successful product launches, podcast monetization, and digital marketing. Tune in to learn from Naresh’s expertise and discover how to elevate your business’s online presence and growth. Don’t miss this episode filled with valuable insights and actionable advice! Check out his book here: https://amzn.to/4eFHtnh
In this episode of the United States of Small Business podcast, host John Quick sits down with Jay and Kelsey Wagner, the passionate owners of Rivershire RV Resort & Camping in Ponca City, Oklahoma. Jay and Kelsey share the inspiring story of purchasing the RV park, the challenges they faced during the renovation, and the joy of seeing it go viral on social media. They delve into what initially inspired them to buy Rivershire, their vision for the park, and the hard work involved in transforming it into a thriving community space. Jay and Kelsey also discuss how their individual business experiences—Jay’s in outdoor adventures and Kelsey’s in creative marketing—complement each other and contribute to their success. They highlight the importance of balancing multiple ventures and the support they provide each other. Tune in to hear about their future plans for Rivershire RV Resort, their dedication to providing a unique experience for visitors, and how the viral attention has impacted their business. Don't miss this insightful conversation about entrepreneurship, teamwork, and community building. Check out the RV park here: https://www.rivershirervpark.com/
In this episode of the United States of Small Business podcast, host John Quick sits down with Brandon Neely, a serial entrepreneur and financial strategist. Brandon, along with his wife Amanda, transformed their financial struggles into success after running a coffee shop in Chicago's South Loop. Now, as co-hosts of the Wealth Wisdom Financial Podcast, they help business owners implement smart financial strategies. Join us as Brandon shares his journey, the importance of putting Profit First, and practical advice on building a secure financial future for your business. This episode is packed with insights and strategies that every business owner needs to hear. Don't miss it! Check him out here: https://www.wealthwisdomfp.com/report
In this episode of the United States of Small Business podcast, host John Quick sits down with Chris Lautenslager, a seasoned business veteran and the founder of GET LOOPED. Chris introduces us to the Prosperity Loop, an innovative organizational model designed to foster shared success and collective prosperity. Tune in as Chris shares his insights on transforming capitalism, building a culture of trust and value, and the importance of investing in employee well-being. This episode is packed with invaluable lessons for business leaders and entrepreneurs looking to create a more inclusive and successful business environment. Don't miss it! Buy his book here: https://amzn.to/4eE6uiK
In this episode of the United States of Small Business podcast, host John Quick sits down with Georgia Lininger, the innovative founder of Salus Publishing LLC. Georgia shares the inspiration behind starting her unique publishing house, dedicated to diverse voices and sustainability. She takes us through the challenges she faced in establishing Salus Publishing and the perseverance required to bring her vision to life. We also explore why printing books on recycled or tree-free paper is a core value for Georgia and Salus Publishing. Additionally, Georgia offers invaluable advice for aspiring authors looking to publish their first book. Join us for an enlightening conversation about the intersection of passion, eco-friendly practices, and the future of the publishing industry.
We're excited to welcome Charles Read, a financial expert, entrepreneur, and Vietnam War veteran, to the podcast. As the founder of GetPayroll, Charles has been providing full-service payroll solutions for over 30 years. He is also the author of "The Payroll Book: A Guide For Small Businesses and Startups." In this episode, Charles shares his extensive experience in financial leadership, offers practical advice on payroll management, and discusses the importance of building a high-performing team. Join us for an episode filled with expert insights and valuable business strategies. Check out Charle's book here: https://thepayrollbook.com/books/
In this episode, we sit down with Greg Devore, an entrepreneur, CEO, and author with a unique background in Film Scoring from the Berklee College of Music. Greg co-founded ScreenSteps with his brother, bootstrapping the tech business for 20 years before securing VC funding in 2023. Passionate about improving employee knowledge transfer, Greg co-authored the book "Find & Follow." Tune in to hear Greg's remarkable journey from the music industry to tech success and gain valuable insights into business growth and innovation. Check out Greg's book here: https://www.screensteps.com/find-follow-book
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Katrina Purcell, a dynamic business strategist and operations leader. From completing a full Ironman to earning an executive MBA while working full time, Katrina has faced challenges head-on with a positive mindset. She runs her own consulting firm, helping early to mid-stage tech companies achieve efficient growth. Passionate about empowering women, Katrina shares her journey, insights, and the philosophy of creating oneself. Don't miss this episode packed with motivation and practical advice for personal and professional growth. Check out Katrina here: https://katrinapurcell.com/
In this episode of "United States of Small Business," host John Quick interviews Jon Clemence, founder of Cedar Press Proofreading, LLC. Since 2021, Jon has helped over 20 companies enhance their content, turning website visitors into loyal customers. Join us as Jon shares his journey from a 15-year corporate career to becoming a top-rated proofreader, editor, and writer. Learn valuable lessons and practical tips on improving your blog, newsletter, and other written materials to grow your business. Don’t miss this episode packed with actionable advice for mastering your content. Check Jon out here: https://cedarpressproofreading.com/