Category: Finance

FEATURE IMAGE
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)

By |

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

FEATURE IMAGE
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)

By |

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

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

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

By |

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

FEATURE IMAGE
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)

By |

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

FEATURE IMAGE
You’re Either Winning or Learning: Ron Greenberg on Building a Life That Works (Ep. 87)

You’re Either Winning or Learning: Ron Greenberg on Building a Life That Works (Ep. 87)

By |

Ron Greenberg didn’t grow up around wealth, but he did grow up with hustle. 

In this inspiring episode, Ron shares how a modest upbringing, a strong work ethic, and a desire for financial stability propelled him into a 35+ year journey of entrepreneurial success.

From duct-taped car doors to onboarding his firm’s largest client ever, Ron’s story is about more than just grit. It’s about how consistent vision, personal accountability, and deep relationships shaped the business and life, which he never thought was possible.

Here’s what you can expect from this release:

  • How Ron turned early scarcity into a life of service and abundance
  • The power of visualizing success and working backwards from the dream
  • Why leadership means letting go, not doing more
  • How golf became his most effective relationship-building tool
  • And more!

Resources: 

Connect With Ron Greenberg:

Connect With Sweet Financial Partners:

About Our Guest:

As a founding partner of Greenberg and Rapp Financial Group, Inc., Ronald Greenberg has devoted his practice to working with closely-held business owners and affluent individuals, and has developed one of the leading national firms dedicated to helping clients grow, manage, and preserve their wealth.

Ron began his career in financial services with Prudential in 1988. He holds the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Accredited Estate Planner (AEP®,) and Master Registered Financial Consultant (MRFC®) designations. Ron was a member of the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table* and has been a Top of the Table level advisor. He is a past president of the North Jersey Chapter of the Society of Financial Service Professionals as well as a member of the Tri-County and Northern NJ Estate Planning Councils. He has spoken extensively on the topics of preserving family wealth and exit planning strategies for business owners.

In his community, Ron is a founding board member of Liam’s Room, whose mission is to create home-like hospital rooms for children with life-threatening illnesses. He is also a volunteer at Cresthaven Academy, a charter school in Plainfield, NJ.

An avid golfer, Ron lives in Westfield, NJ, with his wife Debbie and two children.

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

FEATURE IMAGE
JR Lay on Reinvention, Alignment, and Leaving a Legacy (Ep. 86)

JR Lay on Reinvention, Alignment, and Leaving a Legacy (Ep. 86)

By |

He started a business at 19 to impress a girl. That girl became his wife, and the business became the foundation for a powerful entrepreneurial journey spanning over two decades.

In this release, Bryan Sweet sits down with JR Lay, bestselling author, global keynote speaker, and founder of Level Up Business. From early success and personal setbacks to family alignment and faith-fueled decisions, JR shares how he’s transforming hard-earned wisdom into his next big leap.

You’ll hear:

  • Why success without alignment creates internal conflict
  • How fear of judgment and fear of success keep entrepreneurs stuck
  • The five “fires of fear” and how to move through them
  • How video content can become a long-lasting legacy asset
  • And more!

Connect With Sweet Financial Partners:

Connect With James Robert (JR) Lay:

About Our Guest:

James Robert Lay is one of the world’s leading digital marketing authors, speakers, and advisors for financial brands. As a digital anthropologist based in Houston, TX, James Robert is the author of the bestselling book, Banking on Digital Growth. He is also the founder and CEO of the Digital Growth Institute, where he has guided more than 520 financial brands on a mission to simplify digital marketing and sales strategies that empower banks and credit unions to generate 10X more loans and deposits.

James Robert has been named one of the Financial Brand‘s “Top Global Financial Services Influencers to Follow,” a CUNA “Credit Union Rock Star,” and a CU Times “Under 40 Trailblazer.” His insights have been featured in leading media outlets including Entrepreneur.com, US News and World Report, Quartz, The Financial Brand, American Banker, CU Times, and CU Journal, among many others, and he frequently shares his research and insights at industry events and universities throughout the United States. 

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

FEATURE IMAGE
Doc Sangani’s Unconventional Blueprint for Fulfillment (Ep. 85)

Doc Sangani’s Unconventional Blueprint for Fulfillment (Ep. 85)

By |

In this episode of The Dream Architect Life, Bryan Sweet welcomes Dr. Bharat “Doc” Sangani, a cardiologist who came to the U.S. from Mumbai with just $10.45 and went on to build a $2 billion private equity firm. From medicine to franchising to real estate, Doc shares how belief, effort, and a few exceptional decisions shaped his journey.

He emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes, overcoming fear with preparation, and the power of seeking out mentors. Doc’s advice is practical: live below your means, plan for the worst, and stay committed to what you believe in.

The conversation also explores his deeper philosophy—seeing life as a gift and removing yourself from the center of it to gain clarity and peace. With humor and humility, Doc delivers insights on success, simplicity, and staying true to your values.

Expect insights on:

  • How fear can fuel vision, not paralyze it
  • Why belief and effort matter more than perfection
  • Doc’s framework for quantifying happiness
  • The power of mentorship, humility, and surrender
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect With Sweet Financial Partners:

Connect With Dr. Bharat Sangani:

About Our Guest:

Bharat Sangani, MD, Encore’s Chairman and CEO, co-founded the firm in 1999 as a vehicle for investors to share in the success of his real estate deals. “Doc,” as he is known by both clients and co-workers, made his first investment in real estate in 1991. He quickly learned he had a natural instinct for commercial real estate investing and began growing his portfolio. Over the 30 years that followed, Doc has established a successful private commercial real estate investment and development firm with a proven track record across multiple sectors throughout the United States. 

Admired for his relentless work ethic, Doc, along with a team of experienced, results-driven, and forward-thinking individuals, leads Encore on the principles of honesty, integrity, and fairness. Doc sits on the Board of Directors of Encore Enterprises, Inc., and Encore Properties, Ltd. He is an active contributor to the community and is involved in various charities both locally and in India.

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

FEATURE IMAGE
Turning Big Dreams Into Reality with Richard Wilson (Ep. 84)

Turning Big Dreams Into Reality with Richard Wilson (Ep. 84)

By |

How do you turn your dreams into reality, even when life’s obstacles stand in the way?

In this episode, Bryan Sweet sits down with Richard Wilson, the dynamic founder of Family Office Club, to discuss how mindset and strategic planning can elevate your future. Richard shares his riveting journey from starting a humble blog to building a thriving investor community.

Richard and Bryan discuss: 

  • Richard’s fascinating journey to creating the largest investor access point [00:01:32]
  • The power of having a crystal-clear vision and dreaming big [00:05:43]
  • The development and impact of AI tools in financial decision-making [00:16:35]
  • Lessons learned from ultra-successful individuals [00:12:08]
  • Richard’s approach to health and achieving a holistic lifestyle [00:31:29]
  • And more

Resources: 

Connect With Sweet Financial Partners:

Connect With Richard Wilson:

About Our Guest:

Richard C. Wilson is a husband, adventure enthusiast, father of 3 girls, and a third-generation Eagle Scout. Richard is also the CEO of the #1 ultra-wealthy investor club with 7,500+ investors called Family Office Club, which hosts 16 in-person events per year. His investor club runs the most listened to podcast on family offices, the most watched YouTube channel with 1,000+ videos, and has spent $25M in the last 17 years hosting 300+ live events and he has a total of 15 million social media group members and followers. Richard also runs and owns Billionaires.com, where he is interviewing 100 billionaires publicly to create the #1 resource on their scaling strategies and mindset.

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

FEATURE IMAGE
Building a Future Beyond Just Financial Planning with Warren Barry (Ep. 83)

Building a Future Beyond Just Financial Planning with Warren Barry (Ep. 83)

By |

What does it mean to dream big and embrace life’s opportunities?

In this episode, Bryan Sweet hosts a fascinating discussion with Warren Barry, a captivating speaker and storyteller from Canada. Warren’s journey from chef to keynote speaker showcases how embracing change and pursuing dreams can lead to fulfilling opportunities.

Warren discusses: 

  • His diverse career path and how it shaped his perspective on success and personal growth [00:02:09]
  • The importance of being open to opportunities and saying yes to life’s invitations [00:11:50]
  • Understanding and leveraging one’s unique strengths for personal and professional development [00:16:02]
  • His innovative “Thank You Theory” and its potential impact on personal connections [00:31:07]
  • And more

Connect With Warren Barry:

Connect With Sweet Financial Partners:

About Our Guest:

International speaker and consultant Warren Barry uses the timeless story of “Duck, Duck, Goose!” to help leaders recognize how individuals with unique talents drive thriving workplace cultures. A pioneer in human behavior, Warren explores how counter-intuitive work environments benefit organizations by achieving more with less, all while having more fun. Through science-based insights, Warren helps teams harness their true potential, fostering harmony, productivity, and profitability. With his dynamic style, he creates cohesive teams that thrive in volatile markets and reduce workplace stress.

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

FEATURE IMAGE
Transforming Life Insurance into a Retirement Asset (Ep. 82)

Transforming Life Insurance into a Retirement Asset (Ep. 82)

By |

What if your old life insurance policy could fund your retirement dreams instead of just getting surrendered? 

In this engaging episode of The Dream Architect Life Podcast, Bryan Sweet from Sweet Financial Partners chats with Jon B. Mendelsohn, CEO of Ashar Group. They delve into life settlements, a lesser-known but potentially lucrative option for those holding a life insurance policy with seemingly no need for it.

Jon shares his journey from teaching to entrepreneurship and explains how life insurance can be appraised and sold, much like real estate, to potentially provide financial flexibility for retirement, charitable planning, or even supporting loved ones. They discuss the importance of being informed about options before canceling a policy, as well as the emotional and financial impact this decision can have on families.

Jon B and Bryan cover:

  • The basics of life settlements and their untapped potential [03:47]
  • Real-life examples of life settlements transforming financial outcomes [13:34]
  • Tax implications and process timelines for life settlements [06:27]
  • How longevity and current health can influence policy valuation [27:25]

Resources: 

Connect With Sweet Financial Partners:

Connect With Jon B. Mendelsohn:

About Jon B. Mendelsohn:

Jon B. Mendelsohn is the CEO and co-founder of Ashar Group, a leading firm specializing in life settlements and life insurance policy valuations. With a deep passion for innovation and education, Jon has played a pivotal role in shaping Ashar Group’s success since its inception in 2003. He has led the company to develop proprietary, time-saving processes that help financial advisors and clients navigate the complexities of life insurance with transparency and responsibility.

Jon is also an influential figure in the life settlements industry, advocating for best practices and ethical standards. He is an active member of the Forum 400, an exclusive community of elite insurance producers, and has shared his expertise as a guest speaker at prestigious institutions such as Harvard Business School and Columbia University’s PhD program in finance.

In addition to his work with Ashar Group, Jon has been featured in leading publications such as Trust & Estates and Tax Adviser Magazine, offering insights into life settlements and wealth management. His forward-thinking approach has established him as a respected thought leader in the industry.

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Archives

Categories