Category: Finance

Dreaming Big Through Adversity with Randy Carver, CRPC®, CDFA® (Ep. 97)

Dreaming Big Through Adversity with Randy Carver, CRPC®, CDFA® (Ep. 97)

Big goals often feel out of reach when life throws setbacks your way. But what if the obstacles are actually shaping the path forward?

In this episode, Bryan Sweet sits down with Randy Carver, CRPC®, CDFA®, President & CEO of Carver Financial Services, and author of Limitless, to talk about persistence, mindset, and defining personal meaning. Randy shares how early health challenges shaped his outlook, how failure can become fuel, and why clarity matters more than circumstances. The conversation explores vision setting, daily habits, leadership, and using purpose to create momentum in business and life.

Key takeaways:

  • How early adversity reshaped his mindset and influenced long-term motivation and persistence
  • Why defining personal meaning matters more than tools, talent, or starting circumstances
  • Practical habits that help maintain focus, discipline, and forward momentum each day
  • Lessons on leadership, delegation, and building teams that scale beyond the individual
  • How service, generosity, and purpose can guide decisions and future direction
  • And more!

Connect With Randy Carver:

Connect With Sweet Financial Partners:

About Our Guest:

Randy Carver was born in New York City, grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, and spent his teen years in Toronto, Canada. As a teenager, Randy started and ran several successful businesses, including a catering firm and two home renovation companies. He attended Oberlin College where he earned his degree in economics. Upon graduating in 1987, Randy opened a branch office for a regional brokerage firm in Mentor, Ohio. The office became one of the company’s most successful within three years.

In 1990, Randy founded Carver Financial Services to provide Personal Vision Planning® by offering clients unbiased investment information and a wide range of financial products and services through an international firm. He has offered securities through Raymond James Financial Services since 1990.

Randy is a General Securities Principal (Series 24 license), Municipal Securities Principal (Series 53 license), holds Series 7 and Series 63 securities licenses, in addition to a series 31 futures license. He also holds a life, health, and annuity insurance license. Randy has earned the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselors CRPC® designation from the College for Financial Planning and is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® practitioner, having completed the certification from the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts earning the CDFA® designation.

Randy has taught accountancy board-approved continuing education courses for certified public accountants, as well as Supreme Court Commission on Continuing Legal Education-approved courses for attorneys since 1989. Randy has appeared as a commentator on FOX Business, CNN, Yahoo Finance, Bankrate, Cheddar TV, Newsmax, and Fox News. He has been featured in the New York Times, Barron’s, Forbes, Financial Times, The News-Herald, Crain’s Cleveland Business, the Toledo Blade and The Wall Street Journal.

Barron’s has named Randy Carver one of the top 1200 advisors in the United States and one of the top 10 in Ohio every year since 2010. Factors included in the rankings: assets under management, revenue produced for the firm, regulatory record, quality of practice, and philanthropic work. Click here to see all the awards he has received from Barron’s, Forbes, Financial Times, etc.

Randy lives in Kirtland Hills, Ohio, with his significant other, Christine, and their three dogs, Brutus, Mongo, and Thor. His daughter Cid is living in Tel Aviv, Israel. Randy is a licensed private pilot, flying for both business and pleasure, and pursues other eclectic hobbies ranging from gourmet cooking to riding motorcycles.

The opinions voiced in The Dream Architect Life Podcast with Bryan Sweet are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine what may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, financial or tax advisor prior to investing. Guests on the show are not affiliated with CWM, LLC. Investment advisory services offered through CWM, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Carson Partners, a division of CWM, LLC, is a nationwide partnership of advisors.

Action Over Fear: Designing a Life You Won’t Regret with Scott Danner (Ep. 96)

Action Over Fear: Designing a Life You Won’t Regret with Scott Danner (Ep. 96)

In this episode of The Dream Architect Life, Brian Sweet sits down with Scott Danner, a longtime industry friend, author, coach, and Executive Vice President, Head of Legacy, at Steward Partners, for a real conversation about dreaming bigger, staying grounded, and building a life you actually want to live.

Scott shares how growing up without “extras” shaped his drive, how he moved from building a financial advisory practice to building a multi-state enterprise, and why the real win is designing a life aligned with your values. Along the way, he breaks down his LIFE model (Love, Impact, Faith, Energy), the “cheat code” habits he leans on daily, and why action is often the fastest way through fear. The conversation also touches on legacy, fatherhood, perspective, and a simple but powerful question: what would you regret not doing if time ran out sooner than you expected?

Scott discusses:

  • How thinking big starts with confidence, then grows into serving others
  • The LIFE model (Love, Impact, Faith, Energy) and how it shapes decisions
  • Why action and momentum can break the grip of fear
  • Daily practices that keep him steady when routines get disrupted
  • Books that shaped his perspective, including Think and Grow Rich, Man’s Search for Meaning, and Inner Excellence
  • And more

Resources:

Connect With Scott Danner:

Connect With Sweet Financial Partners:

About Our Guest:

Scott Danner is the Executive Vice President, Head of Legacy, at Steward Partners. Outside of his traditional financial advising role of 23 years, Scott W. Danner is the Executive Vice President of Steward Partners and Head of Legacy, the firm’s M&A division. He leads all M&A strategy for Steward Partners, oversees the Legacy division and its teams, and contributes to major firm initiatives and strategic growth efforts. After building Freedom Street Partners into a thriving firm, he led its merger with Steward Partners in 2023, bringing his expertise in M&A, succession planning, and business development to the forefront.

A recognized leader in financial services, Scott has helped scale firms, navigate transitions, and drive industry-leading expansion. Previously, as CEO of Freedom Street Partners, he grew the firm to seven states, overseeing 40 advisors managing nearly $3.5 billion in assets under advisement.  His impact has earned him as a finalist to the ThinkAdvisor’s Luminaries Individual Award for RIA M&A Leader of the Year (RIAs: Less Than $10 Billion AUM/AUA), recognition on InvestmentNews’ 2024 “Hot List”, and inclusion on the Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors list (2021, 2022, 2023).

Scott’s track record includes successfully building a $25M+ revenue business with over 100 employees, selling it at peak valuation, and establishing himself as a leading consultant in M&A for financial advisory firms. He is frequently sought after for industry insights and media interviews.

The opinions voiced in The Dream Architect Life Podcast with Bryan Sweet are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine what may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, financial or tax advisor prior to investing. Guests on the show are not affiliated with CWM, LLC. Investment advisory services offered through CWM, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Carson Partners, a division of CWM, LLC, is a nationwide partnership of advisors.

How Serendipity & Curiosity Can Shape a Wealthier Life with Sonu Varghese (Ep. 95)

How Serendipity & Curiosity Can Shape a Wealthier Life with Sonu Varghese (Ep. 95)

What if curiosity could be your greatest financial advantage?

Bryan Sweet sits down with Sonu Varghese, VP and Global Macro Strategist at Carson Group, for a conversation that blends mindset and money in unexpected ways.

From growing up in Oman to building a career in finance, Sonu shares how serendipity, curiosity, and courage shaped his life’s direction. He opens up about facing fear, creating his own luck, and learning through every setback. Bryan and Sonu also discuss how curiosity doesn’t just expand your mind, it can strengthen your financial life too, especially when it comes to making smarter, tax-efficient investment decisions that help you keep more of what you earn.

What to expect:

  • How curiosity can lead to life-changing opportunities
  • The link between mindset and financial growth
  • Real examples of turning fear into forward motion
  • The overlooked value of tax-efficient investing
  • And more

Connect With Sonu Varghese:

Connect With Sweet Financial Partners:

About Our Guest:

Sonu has over 15 years of experience in the Asset Management industry. Before joining Carson, he was a Partner and Director of Research at Convex Capital Management where he co-managed portfolios, advised clients and led the research effort, including creating a proprietary leading economic index for 30 countries and systematizing investment processes. Prior to that Sonu worked independently with hedge fund managers and high-net worth individuals to develop quantitative investment models for trading equities, options, ETFs and closed-end funds.

Sonu started his career in finance during the final year of his Ph.D. at Purdue University, when he got an opportunity to do options modeling work. He finished his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering in 2006, with his dissertation focused on simulating blood flow in diseased arteries. However, he decided to pursue finance as he enjoyed the mathematical modeling aspect of it, and the challenges thrown up by human behavior in markets. Prior to his Ph.D., Sonu received his M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue and Bachelors in Engineering from the National Institute of Technology (Trichy) in India.

Sonu and his wife love to travel and are looking forward to doing a lot more of it as their twins grow up. They also enjoy listening to an eclectic selection of music as a family and being outdoors in the city (Chicago weather permitting). At home, you may find him hanging out with the family with a guitar in his hands, cooking or if the kids are asleep, watching TV or reading. He is also passionate about teaching Math – including statistics, probability and personal finance – at the community college in Chicago downtown.

The opinions voiced in The Dream Architect Life Podcast with Bryan Sweet are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine what may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, financial or tax advisor prior to investing. Guests on the show are not affiliated with CWM, LLC. Investment advisory services offered through CWM, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Carson Partners, a division of CWM, LLC, is a nationwide partnership of advisors.

Why Stories, Not Strategies, Build Legacies with Lee Brower (Ep. 94)

Why Stories, Not Strategies, Build Legacies with Lee Brower (Ep. 94)

When you’ve built success, what’s next?

Bryan Sweet sits down with Lee Brower, international gratitude advocate, founder of Empowered Wealth, and long-time coach with Strategic Coach. What unfolds is a masterclass in mindset, purpose, and what truly lasts.

Lee shares stories that will shift how you think about goals, values, family, business, and what it means to make an impact. From raising cheetahs on a farm to mentoring leaders around the globe, his wisdom is rooted in real-life experience.

What you can expect:

  • The surprising reason why “arriving” is more dangerous than failing
  • Why values alone fall short and the enduring power of principles
  • How to create “yellow flower moments” that live beyond you
  • A simple shift to reframe fear and unlock generational purpose
  • And so much more!

Connect With Sweet Financial Partners:

Connect With Lee Brower:

About Our Guest:

Lee Brower understands that true success goes beyond financial wealth. It encompasses a holistic view that encompasses family values, relationships, and personal fulfillment. With over 19 years of experience coaching successful entrepreneurs through programs offered by Strategic Coach, Lee has gained profound insights into the challenges faced by families in the business world.

Empowered Wealth, the brainchild of Lee Brower, stands as a testament to his passion for empowering families. As a Business Family Coach, Lee believes that when families are empowered, they can overcome social, political, and economic obstacles, leading to a more harmonious and prosperous society.

What sets Lee Brower apart is his unwavering commitment to bridging the gap between family and business. While family businesses play a vital role in the global economy, there is often a lack of focus on the family dynamics within these enterprises. Lee recognizes that the family itself is an integral part of the equation, with financial futures and unspoken life lessons intertwined with the success of the business.

The opinions voiced in The Dream Architect Life Podcast with Bryan Sweet are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine what may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, financial or tax advisor prior to investing. Guests on the show are not affiliated with CWM, LLC. Investment advisory services offered through CWM, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Carson Partners, a division of CWM, LLC, is a nationwide partnership of advisors.

Branding, Fear, and Finding Your Voice with Randi Brill (Ep. 93)

Branding, Fear, and Finding Your Voice with Randi Brill (Ep. 93)

At 25 years old, Randi Brill turned down a promotion, a salary more than double her current one, stock options, a secretary, and a company car. Why? Because she believed in something bigger than the offer on the table.

In this inspiring conversation, Bryan Sweet sits down with Randi to unpack her journey from a quirky, cast-signed nine-year-old entrepreneur to the founder of Just Call Randi, a brand strategy powerhouse for ACEs (Advisors, Collaborators, and Entrepreneurs).

Here’s what to expect:

  • The early entrepreneurial moment that set her path in motion
  • Why fear is often just the fuel you haven’t tapped yet
  • The art of walking away from success to find alignment
  • How redefining your identity can unlock your next chapter
  • And more!

Connect With Sweet Financial Partners:

Connect With Randi Brill:


About Our Guest:

According to her mother, Posy (an extremely reliable source on this particular topic), Randi Brill first announced she was going to be in charge of something at the ripe old age of 14. Randi has been in charge of many creative “somethings” ever since. In her role as Chief Creative Officer of JUST CALL RANDI, the Brand Design Agency exclusively for ACEs: Advisors, Collaborators, and Entrepreneurs, and their growing companies, Randi delivers Differentiation through Brand Design solutions and creative results to help visionaries and their companies soar. And she loves it!

So far, Randi has written and personally designed and published four books under her Randiland Press imprint, including Let Me ENTREtain™ You, One Entrepreneur’s Comical, Poignant, & Very Short Tales to Inspire Yours. This autobiographical “tale of grow,” was a true passion project for Randi, created to help boost the “you-can-do-this,-too” confidence of the entrepreneurs she serves. Check out the flip book excerpt below for a sneak peek at a few of Randi’s earliest entrepreneurial adventures.

The opinions voiced in The Dream Architect Life Podcast with Bryan Sweet and Brittany Anderson are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine what may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, financial or tax advisor prior to investing. Guests on the show are not affiliated with CWM, LLC. Investment advisory services offered through CWM, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Carson Partners, a division of CWM, LLC, is a nationwide partnership of advisors.

Build Bigger Futures with Chris Johnson (Ep. 92)

Build Bigger Futures with Chris Johnson (Ep. 92)

What does it take to dream big, stay grateful, and turn ideas into real-world success? 

In this episode of The Dream Architect Life, Bryan Sweet sits down with serial entrepreneur and Shark Tank alum Chris Johnson, whose journey spans teen dance clubs, a Hollywood talent agency, the Rapid Ramen Cooker, and now an AI-powered hiring platform.

Chris, founder of Passive Candidate Pro AI, shares the philosophy that shaped his life, the practices that keep him grounded and moving forward: daily prayer, gratitude journaling, and vision setting. Tune in as he also opens up about the lessons learned from failures, the pitfalls of hiring, and why uncertainty is the space where growth happens.

Their conversation is equal parts practical and inspiring, perfect for anyone ready to rethink how they dream, set goals, and live with purpose.

Key highlights include:

  • The “two dreams” philosophy that his father instilled early on
  • His system of “moment goals” and vision boards that become reality boards
  • Lessons from failure, including costly hiring mistakes, and how to extract growth from setbacks
  • Why gratitude, family, and faith are the true oxygen that sustain him
  • And more

Connect With Sweet Financial Partners:

Connect With Chris Johnson:

About Our Guest:

Chris Johnson is an entrepreneur, investor, and founder of Passive Candidate Pro. Known for his Shark Tank-featured consumer products company, Rapid Brands, Chris has spent two decades in recruiting and business building. Today, he helps companies harness AI to find and hire top talent while encouraging individuals to dream bigger, operationalize their goals, and live with gratitude.

The opinions voiced in The Dream Architect Life Podcast with Bryan Sweet and Brittany Anderson are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine what may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, financial or tax advisor prior to investing. Guests on the show are not affiliated with CWM, LLC. Investment advisory services offered through CWM, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Carson Partners, a division of CWM, LLC, is a nationwide partnership of advisors.

Dreaming Beyond Fear: Peter Maller on Redefining Success and Life’s Next Chapter (Ep. 91)

Dreaming Beyond Fear: Peter Maller on Redefining Success and Life’s Next Chapter (Ep. 91)

Life transitions can feel daunting, even after years of success. How do you move from a thriving career into a new chapter filled with meaning, purpose, and balance?

In this episode, Bryan Sweet welcomes Peter Maller, a South Africa–born tennis player turned top financial advisor, who shares how he built an extraordinary career and then made the courageous choice to step into a life beyond business.

Peter discusses:

  • Overcoming fear by leaning into discomfort and embracing growth
  • Why values and respect shaped his approach to leadership and client relationships
  • The role of health, longevity, and purpose in navigating retirement transitions
  • How accountability, reading, and community have guided his next chapter
  • And more.

Resources:

Connect With Sweet Financial Partners:

Connect With Peter Maller:

About Our Guest:

Peter Maller is a retired financial advisor who spent 35 years building one of the most respected practices in his firm. Originally from South Africa, Peter came to the U.S. on a tennis scholarship and later transitioned into financial services. Known for his values-driven leadership and relationship-focused client work, Peter now devotes his time to family, travel, mentorship, and giving back to his community.

The opinions voiced in The Dream Architect Life Podcast with Bryan Sweet and Brittany Anderson are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine what may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, financial or tax advisor prior to investing. Guests on the show are not affiliated with CWM, LLC. Investment advisory services offered through CWM, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Carson Partners, a division of CWM, LLC, is a nationwide partnership of advisors.

Lessons from 80 Years of Living and Leading with Don Connelly (Ep. 90)

Lessons from 80 Years of Living and Leading with Don Connelly (Ep. 90)

Don Connelly isn’t just a master storyteller; he’s living proof that passion, purpose, and soft skills matter more with age, not less. 

At nearly 80 years old, Don brings unmatched wisdom from decades in the financial services industry. In this rich and heartfelt conversation with Bryan Sweet, he reflects on building a life of value, how storytelling makes the difference in client relationships, and why he refuses to retire.

From overcoming rejection to defining what it means to “retire to” rather than “retire from,” Don offers up insight you won’t find in a textbook. Whether you’re a veteran advisor or just starting out, this is one of those rare episodes that feels like a mentorship session.

What to Expect:

  • The soft skill that sets top advisors apart
  • How to stay sharp, engaged, and joyful at any age
  • The one question clients care about most
  • A new way to think about your next chapter in life
  • And more!

Connect With Sweet Financial Partners:

Connect With Don Connelly:

About Our Guest:

Don Connelly is perhaps the nation’s most successful speaker, motivator, and mentor to advisors in the financial services industry. His career on Wall Street spans more than 40 years and includes positions as stock broker, financial planner, branch manager, wholesaler, national sales manager, and, for nearly 19 years, a company spokesperson and Senior Marketing Officer for a multi-billion dollar Investment Firm. Now, as founder of Don Connelly 24/7, an extraordinary learning center and mentoring program, Don’s timely and provocative sales ideas are available to thousands of financial professionals, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Don has lectured tens of thousands of investors and financial services professionals in large cities, small towns, boardrooms, and universities. Audiences at England’s Cambridge University, Harvard, Wharton School of Business, Chapman College, and Pepperdine have all benefited from his presentations. He has shared his wisdom with Investment professionals abroad in New Zealand, Australia, Spain, Canada, England, South Korea, and Ireland. In the past few years, he has given several presentations to the prestigious Million Dollar Roundtable as both a main platform and workshop speaker.

Offering practical guidance to financial services professionals, Don inspires audiences to strive for greater accomplishments. He is known as a guru on managing client relationships, selling, and becoming a successful financial advisor.

He educates, entertains, and motivates audiences with an extraordinary flair and fast-paced combination of wit, intellect, anecdotes, and simplistic doctrine. Don’s mission for financial professionals is to simplify the process.

The opinions voiced in The Dream Architect Life Podcast with Bryan Sweet and Brittany Anderson are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine what may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, financial or tax advisor prior to investing. Guests on the show are not affiliated with CWM, LLC. Investment advisory services offered through CWM, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Carson Partners, a division of CWM, LLC, is a nationwide partnership of advisors.

Mentorship, Mindset, and Next Big Ideas with Brian Heckert (Ep. 89)

Mentorship, Mindset, and Next Big Ideas with Brian Heckert (Ep. 89)

In this episode of The Dream Architect Life Podcast, Bryan Sweet welcomes long-time friend and fellow study group member Brian Heckert. From small-town beginnings to leading a multi-state advisory firm, Brian shares the principles, mentors, and turning points that shaped his career and life.

Brian discusses:

  • How meeting his wife in first grade shaped his values and vision
  • Why having a “next big idea” matters at every stage of life
  • The role of mentors in guiding personal and professional growth
  • Strategies for staying out of ruts and surrounding yourself with the right people
  • How clarity, core goals, and strong values drive decision-making
  • And more

Connect With Sweet Financial Partners:

Connect With Brian Heckert:

About Our Guest:

Brian Heckert is the past president of the Million Dollar Round Table, leading an organization of 90,000 members worldwide. With decades in the financial services industry, he is known for his visionary leadership, mentorship, and commitment to helping clients and advisors think bigger about what’s possible in their lives. From innovative business models to giving back through community involvement, Brian continues to inspire others to lead with clarity, integrity, and purpose.

The opinions voiced in The Dream Architect Life Podcast with Bryan Sweet and Brittany Anderson are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine what may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, financial or tax advisor prior to investing. Guests on the show are not affiliated with CWM, LLC. Investment advisory services offered through CWM, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Carson Partners, a division of CWM, LLC, is a nationwide partnership of advisors.

You Don’t Get Old Until You Run Out of Future with John Moshides (Ep. 88)

You Don’t Get Old Until You Run Out of Future with John Moshides (Ep. 88)

What if your biggest legacy isn’t what you leave behind, but how you live right now?

In this heartfelt episode, Bryan Sweet is joined by his longtime friend and fellow financial advisor John Moshides to explore the meaning behind “Dreams Are Possible Day,” a holiday Bryan created to reignite purpose and possibility at any age. 

From humble beginnings in Niagara Falls to mentoring rising advisors and raising a family legacy, John shares stories that illuminate how real dreams are built through courage, conviction, and continuous learning.

What to expect from this release:

  • Why fear is often just the cost of stepping into your next chapter
  • How to live your values, not just talk about them
  • A morning routine that’s helped John grow every day for 6 years
  • What “living your legacy” really means
  • And more!

Resources: 

Connect With Sweet Financial Partners:

Connect With John Moshides:

About Our Guest:

John C. Moshides, CLU, ChFC, CLTC, AEP, is President of Moshides Financial Group and creator of The Financial Freedom Solution Process as well as the Business of Wealth Planning Process. He is an advisor for primarily business owners and professionals who, among other things, aspire to a work-optional lifestyle.

A native of Niagara Falls, NY, John earned a bachelor’s degree in management from The State University of NY at Buffalo in 1980. He started his financial services career in 1981 and founded Moshides Financial Group, offering a full spectrum of financial planning services in 1987. He earned his Chartered Life Underwriter designation in 1991 and became certified in Long Term Care planning in 2005. In 2010, John earned his Chartered Financial Consultant designation, as well as completing the requirements for designation as an Accredited Estate Planner.

John was President of the Estate Analysts of Western New York in 2017-2018. He is also a past President of the Buffalo Chapter of the Society of Financial Service Professionals and is one of only a few recipients of the Distinguished Service Award from the Society. John also served as President of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors – Buffalo Chapter. He is a qualifying and life member of the Million Dollar Round Table with many Top of the Table and Court of the Table qualifications. 

The opinions voiced in The Dream Architect Life Podcast with Bryan Sweet and Brittany Anderson are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine what may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, financial or tax advisor prior to investing. Guests on the show are not affiliated with CWM, LLC. Investment advisory services offered through CWM, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Carson Partners, a division of CWM, LLC, is a nationwide partnership of advisors.