Phoenix Prosperity Podcast

In this episode of the Phoenix Prosperity Podcast, host Tim Fergestad sits down with Madeleine MacRae, CEO and co-founder of the Legacy Leadership Institute. Madeleine shares her insights as an inspirational growth specialist, helping home service and improvement businesses scale beyond the $10 million revenue barrier.
Madeleine breaks down the challenges entrepreneurs face when trying to scale, from being stuck in the “doom loop” of stagnant growth to the importance of creating repeatable, scalable business models. Learn about the unique "Progressive Intelligence" framework her team uses to assess and develop businesses across four key pillars: sales and marketing, operations, finance, and culture.
Discover how Madeleine’s journey from a corporate career to co-founding Legacy Leadership Institute shaped her passion for empowering ambitious entrepreneurs. She also shares valuable lessons about patience, risk-taking, and the long-term vision needed for sustainable success.
Key Takeaways:
The predictable breaking points of growing businesses.
How to overcome operational bottlenecks for scalability.
Building a “legacy” business that outlives its founders.
Madeleine’s philosophy on success as a long-term equity play.
About Madeleine MacRaeMadeleine is the CEO and co-founder of the Legacy Leadership Institute, specializing in helping small to mid-sized home service businesses scale sustainably. She’s also the author of The Tenacious Pursuit of Peace and The Unusual Penguin.
 
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In this episode of the Phoenix Prosperity Podcast, Tim Fergestad sits down with Oleg Bortman, co-founder of The Brokerey, a top-tier luxury real estate firm in Phoenix. Oleg shares his inspiring journey from immigrating to the U.S. and pursuing a career in pharmaceutical sales to becoming a highly successful real estate investor and entrepreneur.
Oleg discusses:
How reading Rich Dad, Poor Dad inspired him to leave the corporate world.
His first steps into real estate investing and the lessons learned from cash flow strategies.
The founding and growth of The Brokerey, now with five offices and nearly $500 million in annual sales.
Key insights on building generational wealth and using real estate as a vehicle for financial freedom.
The benefits of tools like cost segregation studies and 1031 exchanges for real estate investors.
Oleg’s passion for coaching shines through as he explains his dedication to empowering others, from first-time homebuyers to seasoned investors. He also reveals exciting plans, including expanding his business and potentially purchasing a European soccer academy!
 
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In this episode of the Phoenix Prosperity Podcast, Tim Fergestad hosts Rafael Ayala, a speaker, coach, and CEO of Human Effectiveness, to discuss the art of cross-cultural corporate communication. Rafael delves into strategies for fostering team engagement, enhancing leadership credibility, and resolving conflicts in diverse workplace environments. With nearly 30 years of experience spanning Latin America, the United States, and beyond, Rafael emphasizes the power of understanding cultural differences and building effective communication frameworks.
Discover how Rafael’s journey—from high school in the Catskills to coaching global corporate teams—has shaped his unique approach to leadership development. Gain actionable insights into improving team dynamics, embracing risks, and learning through execution.
Listen in to learn how to turn challenges into opportunities, sustain results in business, and thrive in a diverse world.
 
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Join host Tim Fergestad on the Phoenix Prosperity Podcast as he dives deep into the world of flat-fee fiduciary financial planning with Raman Singh, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and founder of Singh Private Wealth Management. Raman shares his journey of leaving the corporate finance world to build a transparent, client-focused practice.
Discover how Raman’s flat-fee fiduciary model helps clients cut through the complexities of financial planning, from tax strategies and retirement planning to portfolio management and estate planning. He explains the differences between traditional commission-based financial advising, percentage-based fees, and his innovative flat-fee approach.
Raman also delves into the challenges and opportunities of modern financial planning, the importance of education in empowering clients, and his vision for a more personalized, transparent financial services industry. Whether you're looking to optimize your investments or find clarity in your financial health, this episode provides invaluable insights into creating a prosperous financial future.
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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, host Tim Fergestad welcomes Esther Howard, founder of Bezyl, a digital mental health and research company. Esther shares her journey from working in clinical research and oncology drug development to launching Bezyl, a platform that curates personalized mental health support for diverse communities, including cancer patients, military veterans, and employees.
Esther dives into the unique challenges people face when dealing with mental health and how Bezyl's approach offers a variety of tools—from therapy and mindfulness to education—tailored to individual needs. She also opens up about her personal story, including escaping a cult, dealing with childhood trauma, and how these experiences motivated her to create a company focused on building resilience.
Esther’s insights are a testament to the power of technology in addressing mental health, including the role of AI in enhancing access to care. If you're interested in how technology can expand mental health support or Esther's inspiring personal and professional journey, this episode is for you.
 
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In this episode of the Phoenix Prosperity Podcast, host Tim Fergestad sits down with Tim Matykiewicz, President and CEO of Arizona Events Group. With over 40 years in the events industry, Tim shares his journey from pursuing a passion to building one of the Southwest's premier event production companies.
Discover the story behind the iconic Arizona Balloon Classic, a festival that draws thousands each year, and hear about the recent expansion of Arizona Events Group into managing the renowned Rock and Roll Car Show in Scottsdale. Tim explains the art of sponsorships, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and his passion for creating unforgettable experiences for attendees.
You'll also gain insights into Tim’s background, from his Midwestern roots to becoming a vital part of Arizona’s vibrant events landscape.
Tune in to learn:
How Tim transitioned his passion into a thriving business.
The unique challenges of running large-scale events.
Tips for cultivating sponsor relationships and navigating saturated markets.
Exciting details about upcoming events and initiatives from Arizona Events Group.
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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!

On this episode of the Phoenix Prosperity Podcast, host Tim Fergestad welcomes Christian Gabrielsson, a software engineer at American Express, to discuss his unique career path and his views on investing. Christian shares insights on transitioning from running a family restaurant to pursuing a tech career, the obstacles he faced while earning his degree as an adult, and his passion for financial freedom through investing.
Listeners will hear Christian's perspectives on the role of AI in software engineering, his thoughts on achieving a balanced approach to real estate and market investments, and his practical advice on building wealth. Christian emphasizes the importance of finding diverse income sources and offers a transparent look at how he’s investing in his future while managing risk.
Join us for an engaging conversation on career transitions, financial wisdom, and Christian's journey toward building a sustainable life and career in Phoenix.
Guest Bio: Christian Gabrielsson is a software engineer at American Express, with a strong background in tech and finance. Originally from Sweden, Christian has worked in various fields, from running a family restaurant to advancing his career in technology.
 
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In this episode of Phoenix Prosperity Podcast, host Tim Fergestad sits down with Jonathan Wilson, a seasoned expert in furniture sales and a versatile entrepreneur with over 20 years in the industry. Jonathan shares his journey from a furniture salesman to leading sales teams, staging large retail spaces, and creating his consultancy, Sage Sales Strategies. His experience extends into creating engaging sales content through podcasts, managing complex sales cycles, and finding new ways to drive success in a highly competitive field. He discusses the shift to a consulting role that allows him to reach a broader audience across the nation.
Listeners will hear about Jonathan’s path to developing his "career in the cloud," his innovative efforts in the furniture industry, and how he uses AI and creative media like podcasts to grow his impact. Jonathan also opens up about overcoming challenges, building resilience, and his approach to multiple income streams through platforms like Patreon and Fiverr. From his unique work at Phoenix Fashion Week to his advice on leveraging tools and networks, Jonathan provides valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs in any field.
------------------------------------------------------- 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!

Join Tim Fergestad in an insightful conversation with Andrew Lefevre, Executive Director of the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission. In this episode, Andy dives into the critical work being done by the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission to support public safety, ensure effective funding for justice programs, and advocate for innovative policies across Arizona. He shares about vital programs such as the state's Victim Compensation Program and Criminal Justice Systems Improvement initiatives that make a real difference in communities. Andy’s passion for impactful leadership shines as he discusses challenges, the importance of data-driven decision-making, and new initiatives focused on responsible gun ownership and community investment. This episode offers a powerful look into how justice and safety policies are crafted and why effective communication is crucial in the public sector.
Key Takeaways:
Overview of the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission’s mission and priorities
Insights into Arizona’s Victim Compensation Program and its impact
Current justice system improvements and federal grant-funded initiatives
The balance of bipartisan data use and reporting in justice policy
Challenges in government outreach and partnerships for safer communities
Guest Bio:Andrew Lefevre is the Executive Director of the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission, with extensive experience in public policy and justice initiatives. With a background spanning nonprofits and government, he’s driven by the goal of creating safer communities and promoting transparent, data-based justice policies.
 
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In this episode, Tim Fergestad sits down with Luke Boyenger, the founder of Krizumi CFO and Advisory. Luke shares how his experiences watching his family’s business struggle inspired him to pursue accounting and finance, eventually leading him to establish his own fractional CFO firm. Unlike traditional CPAs, Krizumi CFO offers fractional CFO services for companies that need financial expertise without the cost of a full-time executive.
Throughout their discussion, Luke explains what sets his company apart in the growing fractional CFO market, including their tailored approach for companies in manufacturing, construction, and skilled trades. Luke also shares practical insights for businesses at different revenue stages, emphasizing the importance of accurate accounting for financial growth and stability.
Key Topics:
What is a fractional CFO, and how can they support growing companies?
Why Krizumi CFO doesn’t offer traditional accounting services and how this benefits clients
Financial challenges faced by mid-sized businesses and how Krizumi helps them tackle cash flow, budgeting, and growth
Luke’s unique career path and how his hands-on experience in manufacturing and construction informs his financial advisory work
Tips for smaller companies on building a foundation for financial growth
 
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