Phoenix Prosperity Podcast

In this episode of the Phoenix Prosperity Podcast, Tim Fergestad sits down with Tracey Shaw Frost, president of Smart Document Solutions and the last remaining Xerox agent in Arizona. Tracey shares how selling Xerox machines became a family tradition, and how she carved her own path in a consolidating industry dominated by private equity and disappearing local service.
She discusses her journey from commission-based employee to owning her own Xerox agency, how she turned fear into motivation, and why she’s passionate about keeping customer service local and personal in an increasingly automated world. From burning out in her early years to learning how to scale her business with purpose, Tracey offers real-world wisdom for entrepreneurs navigating growth, technology, and work-life balance.
Key themes:
Why local service still matters in a tech-driven world
The surprising evolution of copiers and AI in office tech
How Tracey built her business through grit, community ties, and trust
What younger salespeople are missing—and why in-person skills still matter
Her take on education, personal finance, and creating a meaningful legacy
 
------------------------------------------------ Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!

In this episode, Tim Fergestad chats with Mahesh Vinayagam, the mind behind two cutting-edge ventures: Cubatica, a leader in AI-powered business automation, and Just Predict, a unique peer-to-peer predictions platform. Mahesh dives into how intelligent bots are transforming workflows across industries—and why even in a world of DIY tools, businesses still need experts for scalable, reliable solutions.
Then, the conversation shifts to Just Predict, a social predictions exchange where human insight—not algorithms—drives the market. Mahesh explains how the app works, why it's different from gambling, and how it could change how we think about forecasting outcomes, from cricket to U.S. elections to album charts.
Tune in to hear how Mahesh balances fast-growing Cubatica with the early momentum of Just Predict, and get inspired by his vision for the future of both AI and collective intelligence.
In this episode:
The evolution from RPA to intelligent AI agents
How Cubatica is helping enterprises automate at scale
The vision behind Just Predict and how it differs from traditional betting
Social forecasting and the power of human insight
Mahesh’s journey as a tech founder and community member
 
------------------------------------------------ Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!

In this energizing episode, Tim sits down with Rafael Cortez—a powerhouse real estate investor, coach, and organizational psychologist—to talk all things real estate, mindset, and entrepreneurship. From his start as a teenage firefighter to running multiple successful companies, Rafael brings a rare blend of grit and insight.
You’ll hear Rafael share how his first business was born from problem-solving on the fly, how understanding psychology transformed his leadership, and why clarity is the key to taking meaningful action in business. He also reveals practical strategies on hiring for strengths, managing burnout, and creating systems that free you from being trapped in your own company.
If you’re a real estate investor or entrepreneur looking to level up, you’ll love Rafael’s approach to mindset, execution, and scaling.
What We Covered:
Rafael’s unconventional journey into real estate and entrepreneurship
How burnout led him to study psychology and build smarter businesses
Tips for hiring and managing teams using behavioral insights
Rafael’s top lead generation strategies that are working right now
Why clarity is the key to momentum in business
The importance of finding intrinsic motivation and your personal “why”
 
------------------------------------------------ Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!

In this energizing episode, host Tim Fergestad sits down with Ali Parnian, founder of Impact Delivered, to explore what it means to lead with purpose and build communities of high-performing, impact-driven entrepreneurs.
Ali shares how years of strategic consulting opened his eyes to the sacrifices business leaders often make—and how he transitioned to a new chapter that prioritizes family, meaningful work, and community. He talks about launching Impact Delivered, a hybrid mastermind and networking community designed for servant-hearted leaders who want to grow their businesses while staying aligned with their values.
The conversation dives into:
How Ali created space to spend more time with his kids—and what that taught him about success
The idea of “impact” and how to measure it beyond profit
Building authentic community with non-transactional leaders
Strategy, scaling, and letting small fires burn to solve big problems
How purpose and process drive performance and fulfillment
The importance of marketing and self-investment for entrepreneurs
 
------------------------------------------------ Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!

At just 18 years old, Jared MacLiver is already making bold moves in real estate. Known as "The Kid Investor," Jared shares his inspiring story of buying his first investment property — an underperforming RV park in Arizona — before he could legally sign the documents himself. In this episode, Jared walks us through the journey of how he went from cold-calling leads to closing a creative seller-financed deal.
We also dive into the practical side: how Jared is repositioning the park by billing back utilities, introducing propane services, and improving marketing. He talks about the challenges of managing employees, working with mentors, and educating the next generation through his new coaching venture, Rise By 25.
This is a must-listen for anyone interested in real estate investing, teen entrepreneurship, or how the next generation is thinking differently about business and wealth.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
How Jared bought his first park at age 17
Creative seller financing strategies
The differences between RV parks and mobile home parks
Tactical value-add strategies to improve NOI
What it's like managing a property and employees at such a young age
Why he avoids social media and how that supports his business focus
How “Rise By 25” is empowering youth to learn real estate investing
------------------------------------------------ Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!

In this inspiring episode, Tim Fergestad sits down with April Lopez, the passionate and purpose-driven CEO of Recovery Empowerment Network (REN), a peer-led nonprofit based in Central Phoenix. With two decades of community service under its belt, REN is reshaping what recovery can look like for individuals navigating serious mental illness, substance use, and reentry after incarceration.
April shares how REN’s non-clinical, peer-based approach empowers members to take ownership of their recovery journeys—whether it’s learning how to cook a meal, get to a job interview, or simply find a safe space for connection and support. From walk-in recovery centers and peer certifications to camping trips and facials, REN's holistic services go far beyond traditional care.
April also opens up about the challenges of funding peer support work, and their vision for launching a reentry home in the coming year. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in mental health, community building, and grassroots recovery efforts that truly change lives.
Key Topics Covered:
The peer-led model of recovery and empowerment
Holistic and dignity-based services offered at REN
Addressing social isolation, food insecurity, and technology gaps
Project Open Sky: reconnecting with nature through camping
Preparing members for employment and independence
The upcoming 90-day reentry housing program
Challenges in nonprofit sustainability and supporting peer staff
 
------------------------------------------------ Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!

In this inspiring and informative episode, Tim sits down with Flynann Janisse, the powerhouse behind Rainbow Housing Assistance Corporation. With over two decades of experience in affordable housing, Flynann brings a wealth of knowledge about how we can create sustainable, safe, and community-driven living spaces for low-income individuals, families, veterans, and seniors.
Flynann shares how Rainbow Housing operates across 23 states, supporting over 90,000 individuals through community-based services that go far beyond traditional housing. From GED programs and mental health partnerships to employment training and financial literacy, Rainbow’s goal is to empower residents toward long-term self-sufficiency.
They dive deep into the difference between Section 8 and LIHTC programs, how affordable housing developments actually work, and why owners and operators are increasingly partnering with organizations like Rainbow to stabilize struggling properties and foster healthier communities.
Flynann also discusses how Rainbow’s outreach model builds trust and drives real change within underserved communities—one family, one apartment complex at a time.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The difference between affordable, workforce, and subsidized housing
How Rainbow Housing helps both residents and property owners
The real impact of social services on property performance
Tax credits, development incentives, and why developers get involved
The importance of trust-building and long-term community investment
 
------------------------------------------------ Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!

In this episode of the Phoenix Prosperity Podcast, Tim Fergestad sits down with medical billing and coding expert Beth Schleeper, founder of Advanced Coding Services. Beth shares how she stumbled into the industry nearly three decades ago, and how her passion for the business side of medicine blossomed into a mission to empower and train others.
She opens up about the evolving complexity of billing and coding, from the chaos of the COVID-19 era to the challenges of audits, insurance denials, and the ever-changing healthcare regulations. Beth also discusses the limitations of AI in the field, the importance of accurate documentation, and how providers can avoid costly mistakes.
Beth’s work goes beyond billing — she’s creating a path for others by offering accessible, real-world training through Advanced Coding Services, monthly memberships, and national retreats. Whether you’re a physician looking to understand your billing better, or someone seeking a new career path, Beth’s insights are a must-hear.
Topics Covered:
Beth’s 28-year journey from receptionist to industry leader
How medical billing and coding has changed over time
The impact of COVID on documentation and reimbursement
Why audits are inevitable and how to prepare for them
The role of AI and EMR systems in today’s billing landscape
The value of community and networking in healthcare administration
Building a career in medical billing without a college degree
 
------------------------------------------------ Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!

In this powerful episode of the Phoenix Prosperity Podcast, Tim Fergestad welcomes Steven Edgley, founder of Brothers4Hope, and Pastor Joe Skeens of Fountain of Life Church in Phoenix. Together, they dive deep into the transformative work being done to support Arizona’s homeless population through food distribution, resource referrals, and spiritual care.
Steven shares heart-wrenching and inspiring stories from the frontlines of local parks, where the Brothers4Hope team connects individuals with over 460 services across the Valley. From addiction recovery to housing programs, the ministry provides a critical lifeline for those in desperate need. Joe offers insight into how this grassroots ministry grew from a men’s small group into a valley-wide network supported by multiple churches.
This conversation uncovers the real challenges faced by the homeless—including addiction, violence, and hopelessness—and highlights how small acts of compassion can create lasting impact. If you’ve ever wondered what practical love looks like, this episode shows it in action.
 
 
----------------------------------------------- Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!

In this episode of the Phoenix Prosperity Podcast, Tim Fergestad sits down with Tara Mettler, the founder of Position Yourself Wealth Strategies, to explore how individuals can take control of their finances and build what she calls a “personal economy.” Tara opens up about her journey from financial frustration to empowerment, and how she became a financial architect helping others escape scarcity thinking.
Tara shares why the traditional advice around retirement accounts never sat right with her, and how discovering the world of alternative wealth strategies changed everything. From the pitfalls of blindly following financial advisors to the power of education and personal control, Tara delivers powerful insight into what it really takes to build lasting wealth.
She also explains how private lending works, why it can be a more stable investment than stocks, and how regular people can start using the same wealth-building strategies the ultra-wealthy do.
You’ll Learn:
Why abundance, not restriction, should be the focus of personal finance
How to build your “personal economy”
The surprising truth about 401(k)s and mainstream retirement advice
The difference between financial education and financial advising
What alternative assets like private lending are, and how they work
 
----------------------------------------------- Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!