Phoenix Prosperity Podcast

In this episode, Tim Fergestad welcomes Valentine Aikhu, a serial entrepreneur with a focus on health technology. Valentine shares how his platform is revolutionizing documentation and compliance for home and community-based service providers (HCBS). He talks about the unique needs of HCBS, particularly for providers supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and how his software was designed to streamline compliance. Valentine also discusses his journey from helping his parents' business to building a rapidly growing platform now used across 10 states.
Key takeaways from this episode:
How Valentine identified a gap in the healthcare documentation industry
The importance of compliance in group homes and day programs for IDD
The role of customer feedback in evolving their software
Future plans to incorporate AI to further enhance the platform
Valentine's philosophy of learning from mistakes and adapting quickly
------------------------------------------------------- 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, host Tim Fergestad speaks with Chris LaFollette about his incredible journey from professional baseball to business leadership. Chris shares how he transitioned into the nonprofit world, helping people with disabilities thrive in the workforce at Arizona Industries for the Blind (AIB). He reflects on the importance of perseverance, hard work, and adaptability, offering listeners valuable insights on leadership, culture, and mission-driven success.
From running a successful consulting business to leading a nonprofit that contracts with the Department of Defense, Chris illustrates the power of partnerships and detail-oriented execution. Listen as he discusses the unique challenges of employing people who are blind or visually impaired, and how AIB achieves remarkable on-time delivery and customer satisfaction in its operations.
If you're interested in leadership, nonprofit management, or just want an inspiring conversation about overcoming challenges and creating meaningful impact, this episode is for you!
 
------------------------------------------------------- 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, host Tim Fergestad sits down with Dr. Paul Del Prado, Chief of General Surgery and real estate investor. Dr. Del Prado shares his journey from medicine to real estate, revealing how his passion for alternative investments, particularly in single-family housing, complements his career as a surgeon. They discuss the challenges medical professionals face in stepping outside their demanding careers to pursue financial growth, the importance of financial literacy for physicians, and the risks and rewards of real estate investment.
Dr. Del Prado talks about his transition into real estate, starting with buying his first investment property in 2020, and scaling to multiple properties using strategies like VA loan assumptions. They delve into creative financing, equity plays, and the advantages of co-living arrangements in today’s market.
Whether you're a medical professional curious about diversifying your income or simply interested in real estate strategies, this episode offers a unique perspective on balancing a high-demand career with smart investments.
 
------------------------------------------------------- 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 Phoenix Prosperity Podcast, host Tim Fergestad sits down with Chris Nieto, a multi-generational Arizonan, entrepreneur, and community activist. Chris shares his journey from helping his father run a large contracting business to becoming an entrepreneur himself. He talks about his experience launching his own design and architecture firm and the unique challenges he faced during the Great Recession.
Chris also discusses his current role as Vice President at JFN Mechanical, Arizona’s largest plumbing and mechanical contracting company specializing in multifamily and hotel projects. He explains how the family-owned business has scaled over the years and the potential for future expansion into other markets. The conversation touches on real estate investment, the local multifamily market in Phoenix, and Chris’s thoughts on leadership, business challenges, and community impact.
Key Takeaways:
Chris’s entrepreneurial journey, from launching his own business to managing a family-owned contracting company.
Insights into the Phoenix multifamily market and its growth potential.
How Chris balances running multiple projects while staying true to his roots in Arizona.
Chris's reflections on overcoming business challenges during tough economic times.
-------------------------------------------------------- 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, host Tim Fergestad sits down with Prudence Zhu, a financial expert and life planner. Prudence shares her inspiring journey, from working in corporate finance and private equity to founding her own fee-only advisory firms—Bauba USA and Enzo Financial. Through these firms, she provides transparent financial and tax planning services, empowering mid-career professionals and business owners.
Prudence offers insight into her mission to make financial advice accessible to a broader audience, not just the wealthy, and discusses her YouTube channel, "Invest with Prudence," which extends her reach. During the conversation, she emphasizes the importance of life planning, explaining how financial security must align with personal values and life goals. With real-world examples, she demonstrates how she helps clients make decisions that enrich their lives, beyond just managing money.
Join us for an engaging discussion about financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and the deeper meaning behind money management. Prudence’s expertise will leave you thinking about how financial planning can support not just wealth-building, but a fulfilling life.
Key Highlights:
Prudence's transition from corporate finance to founding two financial advisory firms.
The philosophy behind fee-only financial planning and why it benefits clients.
The role of life planning in making financial decisions that align with personal goals.
Practical examples of how life planning helps clients live their best lives.
Prudence's journey to financial independence and her mission to help others do the same.
-------------------------------------------------------- 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, host Tim Fergestad sits down with Lee Feliciano, co-founder and CEO of New Use Energy (NUE), to discuss the future of portable solar solutions. Lee shares his incredible journey from the GIS industry to founding multiple solar energy companies, ultimately leading him to create rugged, portable solar and battery systems that cater to disaster relief, military operations, and professional industries like film and construction.
Lee dives into the economic and technical challenges his company is solving, with a focus on creating solar-powered solutions that are tough, sustainable, and future-proof. He explains how his products are replacing less durable, consumer-grade solar generators that fail under high demand, and discusses the company's rapid growth in providing energy alternatives for professionals.
Key Takeaways:
Lee's path to solar energy and the foundation of New Use Energy.
The importance of portable solar solutions in disaster recovery, military use, and professional industries.
How battery and solar technology have advanced to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
Insights into the solar industry's "dirty little secret" of using diesel generators to build solar farms.
Guest Bio:Lee Feliciano holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Business and has been working in the solar industry for over 20 years. He co-founded New Use Energy, which focuses on providing rugged, portable solar and battery systems for high-demand industries. Prior to that, Lee founded Sol Equity and served on the board of the Arizona Solar Energy Industry Association.
 
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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, host Tim Fergestad sits down with Ankit Shah, the visionary founder of Intersources Inc. Ankit shares his journey from a young international student to becoming a leading entrepreneur in the technology and security space. He delves into the creation of his company's first data analytics-driven warehouse management system, the challenges of launching a business just before the 2008 financial crisis, and how his company has since evolved into a global cybersecurity powerhouse.
Listeners will gain insights into the importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital landscape, the role of AI in protecting sensitive data, and how businesses can leverage technology to stay ahead in a competitive market. Ankit also discusses his personal passion for real estate and startups, offering advice on building wealth and fostering innovation.
Key Takeaways:
Ankit’s early experiences with data analytics and how it sparked his entrepreneurial journey.
The growth of Intersources Inc. from a small startup to a global leader in cybersecurity.
The impact of AI on cybersecurity and the importance of safeguarding data across industries.
Ankit’s philosophy on building wealth through real estate and investment in startups.
How Intersources Inc. is contributing to Arizona’s vision of becoming a "Silicon Desert."
Guest Information: Ankit Shah is the founder of Intersources Inc., a global leader in cybersecurity and technology solutions. With a background in data analytics and a passion for entrepreneurship, Ankit has built a company that serves clients across various sectors, including the Department of Defense, Google, and Amazon. Ankit is also an advocate for real estate investment and supporting startups.
 
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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, host Tim Fergestad sits down with Michael Johnson, a Minnesota native turned Phoenix entrepreneur, who shares his journey from the corporate rat race to launching and growing a successful non-emergency medical transportation business. Michael, alongside his wife, operates Wheels on Wheels, a company dedicated to providing reliable, high-quality transportation for individuals with special needs.
Michael discusses how a desire to serve his community and fill an unmet need led to the creation of Wheels on Wheels, offering an inside look at the challenges and rewards of building a business focused on quality service and employee satisfaction. He shares insights into the operational aspects of the business, including navigating insurance reimbursements, handling facility contracts, and managing a fleet of vehicles and drivers.
Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on the importance of maintaining high standards in service, fostering a positive company culture, and the hurdles of financing and scaling a business in a niche industry. Michael also touches on his future entrepreneurial ambitions, including potential ventures in the U.S. and abroad.
Guest Bio:Michael Johnson is the co-founder and operator of Wheels on Wheels, a non-emergency medical transportation service based in Phoenix, Arizona. With a background in corporate HR and recruiting, Michael transitioned into entrepreneurship to better serve his community by addressing critical transportation needs. His commitment to quality service and employee well-being has driven the rapid growth and success of his business.
 
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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 Dave Dietrich, a pioneer in the field of industrial 3D printing. With over 24 years of industry experience and 14 patents to his name, Dave shares his journey from designing police car lights to becoming a leader in aerospace 3D printing. They dive deep into the evolution of 3D printing technology, its applications in aerospace, and the future of additive manufacturing. Dave also provides insights into how the technology has grown from a niche industry to a widespread tool, revolutionizing sectors from healthcare to construction.
Guest Bio: Dave Dietrich is the Director of Hardware Sales and Engineering Support at PADT, an industrial 3D printing expert, and an engineering management PhD. With a career spanning over two decades, Dave has been at the forefront of additive manufacturing, working with major companies like Honeywell Aerospace and Boeing. He is a published author, holding multiple patents in the field, and is passionate about educating the next generation of engineers.
 
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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 Dr. Rick Hall, a seasoned entrepreneur and academic leader. Rick shares his journey from a professor at Arizona State University to becoming the CEO and co-owner of My Personal Multivitamin, the company behind the unique K-Free Daily Multivitamin. This multivitamin, specifically designed without Vitamin K, caters to individuals on blood thinners or those with specific health conditions requiring controlled Vitamin K intake.
Rick’s story is a fascinating blend of entrepreneurship and academia, where he’s played pivotal roles in fostering innovation at ASU, particularly within the MedTech space in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic. He also discusses his current role as the Director of the MBA and Organizational Leadership programs at Colorado Christian University, and his passion for helping startups navigate the challenges of growth and funding.
Tune in to hear Rick's insights on the importance of entrepreneurship in healthcare, the challenges of starting a niche product company, and his outlook on the future of MedTech in Arizona.
Guest Bio:
Dr. Rick Hall is the CEO and co-owner of My Personal Multivitamin, manufacturer of the K-Free Daily Multivitamin. He is also the Director of Business and Leadership Programs at Colorado Christian University and holds the title of Emeritus Clinical Professor of Health, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation at Arizona State University. With a rich background in both academia and entrepreneurship, Rick has been instrumental in bridging the gap between innovation and business in the healthcare sector.
 
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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!