Phoenix Prosperity Podcast

In this insightful episode, Tim Fergestad welcomes Shannon Vaillancourt to explore the world of logistics and supply chain management. Shannon, the founder of RateLinx, shares how his company has evolved since its founding in 2002 and how it's helping businesses of all sizes manage shipping, tracking, and freight payments more efficiently.
They dive into how the pandemic amplified the visibility of supply chains, what it’s like to drive coast-to-coast while seeing freight systems in action, and how RateLinx is using AI as a powerful tool—not just a buzzword. Shannon also opens up about the personal side of entrepreneurship, including what it means to grow a team, plan for the future, and find time for golf with his sons.
Topics include:
What makes supply chain tech sexy now
Lessons from the pandemic-era freight boom
How AI is used behind the scenes in logistics
Supporting SMBs with enterprise-level tools
Shannon’s journey from software implementer to founder
Why driving across the country gives insight into commerce
Balancing business success with personal fulfillment
 
------------------------------------------------ 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 sits down with John Casey, owner of GFT Ready Mix, the last large family-owned concrete supplier in Arizona. With four locations across the Valley and a fifth on the way, John shares how GFT has scaled in the land of corporate giants while maintaining a hands-on, people-first approach.
You’ll hear about:
Why ready mix concrete is more than just rocks and cement—it's a logistics game
The importance of proximity in a perishable product industry
How GFT differentiates itself with exceptional customer service and deep community roots
What’s ahead for GFT, including vertical integration through mining operations
The importance of culture, leadership, and investing in people for long-term success
Why John believes every business—and life task—is a project
This is a grounded, insightful conversation about entrepreneurship, growth in Arizona, and staying true to your values in a competitive industry.
 
------------------------------------------------ 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, Tim Fergestad sits down with political strategist Sam Stone for a wide-ranging and insightful conversation on local government, policy reform, and what really happens behind the scenes in politics.
Sam shares his journey from advertising to co-founding Breaking Battlegrounds, a nationally syndicated political podcast. He opens up about the early mistakes that nearly cost him his career, the lessons he learned about discipline, investing, and how to frame complex political ideas for the public in understandable terms.
They also dive into:
The inner workings of the Maricopa County Recorder’s Office
Sam’s transition from campaign management to policy consulting
The evolution of Breaking Battlegrounds and its impact
How to approach homelessness and other divisive issues through policy
What’s really holding government efficiency back
 
------------------------------------------------ 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 heartfelt and wide-ranging conversation, host Tim Fergestad sits down with Rick DeGraw, former Chief Administrative Officer at CopperPoint Mutual Insurance Company and lifelong advocate for Arizona communities. Rick reflects on his retirement and the meaningful projects that still keep him busy—from managing an irrigation district to staying active with nonprofit organizations like the Heard Museum and Children's Action Alliance.
Rick shares stories about launching impactful political campaigns, championing children’s welfare, and building a culture of financial literacy among employees at CopperPoint. His insights into public service, civic engagement, and long-term investing are steeped in decades of experience, deep community involvement, and thoughtful leadership.
The episode also dives into generational shifts in financial planning, the decline of pensions, and the need for smarter investment education. Whether you’re interested in politics, personal finance, or community building, Rick’s wisdom and storytelling offer something valuable for every listener.
Topics Covered:
Flood irrigation systems and their role in Phoenix neighborhoods
Rick’s legacy with Children’s Action Alliance and Go Red for Women
Lessons learned from decades in political campaign strategy
The importance of individual voter impact
Real talk on investments, pensions, and retirement planning
Why individualized financial education changes employee outcomes
 
------------------------------------------------ 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 of The Phoenix Prosperity Podcast, Tim Fergestad sits down with Nadia Conn, founder of West to East Business Solutions, a fractional CFO firm serving small and mid-sized businesses. Nadia shares her powerful journey from escaping civil war in Tajikistan to building a successful finance company in the U.S.—all while navigating language barriers, cultural shifts, and corporate burnout.
With decades of corporate finance experience, Nadia opens up about her decision to leave the security of the banking world to launch her own business. She explains how West to East helps companies by offering high-level financial guidance at a fraction of the cost, giving small businesses access to a full team of experts for the price of one.
Nadia’s story is one of perseverance, reinvention, and an unshakable commitment to helping others succeed. Whether you're a business owner, an immigrant entrepreneur, or simply someone who loves stories of grit and growth, this episode will stay with you.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why fractional CFO services are game-changing for growing businesses
How Nadia rebuilt her education and career from scratch after immigrating to the U.S.
The pivotal role of mindset, resilience, and humility in entrepreneurship
Real-life examples of how she turned struggling companies into profitable ones
Her reflections on investing in herself, her team, and her community
You can connect with Nadia through her website at https://westtoeastllc.com.
------------------------------------------------ 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 sits down with Karen Roch, President and CEO of Credit Union West, to dive into her inspiring journey from part-time teller to top executive—and her mission to serve Arizona communities with heart and purpose.
Karen shares how growing up in a multicultural home shaped her emotional intelligence and leadership style, why she believes credit unions are crucial for financial education, and how Credit Union West is innovating to meet the modern needs of its members. From launching a 6% checking product to empowering underserved small businesses, Karen gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how her organization is building community wealth—not just financial profit.
Plus, hear how Karen balances leadership, service, and a full life at home, and why saying yes (and sometimes learning to say no) has defined her path to success.
What You’ll Learn:
Why emotional intelligence trumps traditional management
How Credit Union West is tackling cybersecurity and financial literacy
The power of collaborative leadership in the credit union world
Real steps to financial wellness everyone should know
 
------------------------------------------------ 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 entrepreneur and legal tech innovator Scott Hardy. As the founder and CEO of Top Class Actions, Leagueify Law, and Trimaxion, Scott shares how he turned a simple idea—making legal settlements accessible—into a multi-firm enterprise committed to increasing access to justice.
Scott discusses his journey from tech sales to legal entrepreneurship, the evolution of class action marketing, and the challenges of building consumer trust in a space often misunderstood. He also unpacks Arizona’s trailblazing “Alternative Business Structure” that enabled his unique law firm ownership, and how his firm is reshaping client communication and care.
Later, the conversation shifts to the rise of litigation funding and Trimaxion’s mission to offer accredited investors a way to support justice while diversifying their portfolios. Scott is candid about the risks, regulations, and returns—and why picking the right partners matters more than ever.
Whether you're curious about legal innovation, passive investing, or building a business with purpose, Scott’s story offers insight, honesty, and inspiration.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How Scott’s side hustle became a leading legal consumer platform
What Arizona did to open the legal industry to entrepreneurs
Why litigation funding is rising—and what investors should know
The ethical considerations behind combining tech, law, and finance
How Trimaxion structures investment opportunities for impact and returns
------------------------------------------------ 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 insightful episode, Tim Fergestad sits down with multifamily investor-turned-broker Anna Sepic to unpack the Phoenix commercial real estate market, industrial development trends, and creative deal structuring. Anna brings deep experience from her time as a property owner, operator, and now as a broker at SRS Industrial, where she helps clients source, underwrite, and close on strategic real estate opportunities across asset classes.
Anna explains how the Phoenix industrial market has evolved, including the challenges with large warehouse vacancies and the rising demand for smaller flex condos. She also shares lessons from her early days in property management, her transition into brokerage, and why she’s so passionate about thoughtful, community-aligned development. From sewer inspections to seller carries, Anna brings practical advice and a grounded outlook on what makes a real estate deal truly work.
Key Topics Covered:
The industrial boom (and correction) in Phoenix
Tips on buying land and developing smart
Her start in property management and how it shaped her approach
What every investor should know about cost segregation studies
Navigating creative financing options
Why community impact should be part of the real estate equation
------------------------------------------------ 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 sits down with Jeff Nicholson, Vice President at J.S. Held, a global consulting firm specializing in commercial construction and insurance consulting. Jeff shares how he found his way into the consulting industry after a layoff in 2010, and how J.S. Held has grown into a 3,000-person organization operating across diverse disciplines like building consulting, forensic engineering, and environmental health.
Jeff breaks down how insurance claims, appraisals, and property loss assessments really work—from copper theft and fires to complex water damage and catastrophe response. He discusses the appraisal process, the role of adjusters, and how consultants like himself become the go-to experts for insurers and legal teams.
The episode also touches on Jeff’s career progression, his certifications (including drone piloting!), and his thoughts on preparing for retirement. You’ll learn why delivering the unvarnished truth is a core value at J.S. Held and how Jeff’s on-the-ground experience gives him a unique edge in the field.
What You’ll Learn:
What commercial construction consulting involves
How insurance carriers rely on third-party consultants
Real-world examples of claims—from fires to copper theft
Why drone technology is becoming part of the job
How Jeff prepares for retirement and financial stability
 
------------------------------------------------ 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 conversation, Tim Fergestad sits down with Kathleen Carlson, founder and CEO of Straight Up Executive Consulting, to explore what it truly means to live a successful executive life without losing yourself along the way.
Kathleen opens up about her 30+ year journey in leadership at a Fortune 50 company and the intense pressure that led her to reinvent her life and career. She now helps high-performing leaders who look successful on the outside but feel exhausted or misaligned on the inside. Together, Tim and Kathleen unpack the difference between mindset and mental fitness, why “success isn’t supposed to hurt,” and the transformative power of creating a life—not just a living.
You’ll hear about the real challenges faced by leaders today, how unresolved stress impacts decision-making, and why clarity is the critical first step toward meaningful success. Kathleen also shares practical tools for emotional self-regulation, including her nighttime forgiveness ritual and how mental fitness training builds resilience.
Whether you’re an executive on the edge, a leader seeking more meaning, or someone striving to align your outer success with inner peace, this episode is a must-listen.
 
------------------------------------------------ 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!