Episodes

From growing up on a farm in India to cooking in five-star hotels in the Middle East and now running his own restaurant in the U.S., Chef Ashish Sathyan’s story is truly inspirational. In this episode, Jon Schuetz and Brent Connelly interview Ashish Sathyan, owner of Kinaara Indian Cuisine, about his global culinary journey, the challenges he faced along the way, and how he finally managed to live the American dream. Ashish discusses: The early days — living in a big family and working on a far...

Ever wondered what a career in sportscasting, public relations, and media communications looks like? This isn’t just about what you see on TV or online, but what happens behind the scenes. In this episode, Jon Schuetz and Brent Connelly interview Jeff Grayson, an award-winning sportscaster and the owner of Keller Grayson Communications. Jeff and Jon start with a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about their time as sportscasters at WBAY in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They end the episode with fun TV ...

Looking for ways to not only create but foster client relationships? Join Jon Schuetz and Brent Connelly as they chat with their Senior Client Relationship Manager, Penny Kreikemeier to find out how she does that. Penny shares her upbringing in a small town in Nebraska and her introduction to the financial world through her parents. They discuss the transition from banking to the financial industry, the importance of follow-up in client service, and Penny’s excitement about advancing her career ...

If you think the American dream is dead, this episode is probably going to change your mind! In this episode, Jon Schuetz and Brent Connelly interview Karim Khayati, the Director of Architecture and DevOps at Aya Healthcare, who shares his journey of immigrating from Tunisia to the US and his career in technology. Karim emphasizes the importance of education, setting goals, and having a support system. The conversation also touches on the Tri-Faith Initiative in Omaha, which promotes unity among...

Could childhood memories and family recipes shape a successful business venture? In this episode, Jon Schuetz and Brent Connelly welcome Chef Bob Haney as their guest. He shares his journey from being a former model to pursuing his passion for cooking and starting his company, Heavenly Waffles®. Chef Bob talks about the inspiration behind the waffles, the unique ingredients used, and how they differ from regular pancakes and waffles. Bob also shares his story of being in the modeling industry, h...

Who doesn’t love a good business success story? In this podcast episode, Jon Schuetz and Brent Connelly invite Shandy Thorell, owner of Shandy’s Swedish Bakery onto the show. Shandy shares her journey of starting her bakery business, facing financial hardships, and finding success through determination and unique offerings. They even discuss Shandy’s popular Scandinavian almond cake and caramel pecan rolls! She also highlights her active presence on social media and describes how it influences h...

By turning complexity into clarity, we empower clients to make better financial decisions that align with their goals. In this episode, co-hosts Jon Schuetz and Brent Connelly invite Andrew Muska, the newest member of the Soar Wealth Strategies team, to share his intriguing journey. Andrew’s story, from his humble beginnings working at a local pharmacy to his flourishing career in financial advising, is a testament to resilience, passion, and a deep-seated love for both numbers and people. In th...

Rising real estate prices and interest rates have been a topic of conversation for quite some time now. Our guest is here to get the facts straight and help you navigate this tough market! In this podcast episode, Jon Schuetz and Brent Connelly invite Ben Kugler, Owner of Freedom Lending, onto the show to discuss strategies that can help struggling homebuyers with mortgage rates. Ben discusses the personalized approach he takes as a mortgage lender, emphasizing consistent communication and actin...

Join Jim Gregory, Executive Vice President of Hawkins Construction, as he shares his personal journey, from early struggles in high school to the transformative moments that shaped his life. In this episode, Jim reflects on the profound impact of mentors and the remarkable power of seizing opportunities. Listen in as Jim candidly recounts his early struggles in high school and the defining moments that shaped his life. Through his narrative, he explores the significance of mentors and the power ...

Join Jon and Brent as they take you on an extraordinary adventure, where they talk about what their process is if you want to take flight with the team from Soar Wealth Strategies. Gain invaluable insights into what it’s like to work with the team at Soar Wealth Strategies, and the different steps in their process. Discover the core values, and the significance of the FIT meeting, to assess your attitude, ability, and assets to create a tailored financial flight plan. Jon and Brent talk about: ...

Have you ever wondered how the recent debt ceiling debate affects your financial goals and long-term plans? Join Jon and Brent as they unravel the complex web of personal and public debt, providing essential insights and thought-provoking perspectives. The duo explores proposed solutions to address the alarming levels of debt and offers valuable insights into how you can proactively approach your own financial planning. Jon and Brent discuss: The role of Congress in controlling spending and bor...

ESG investing is becoming increasingly popular, and this episode explores why. In this episode, Brent Connelly and Jon Schuetz, delve into the complexities of ESG investing and discuss how investors can navigate the environmental, social, and governance landscape. They explore how factors such as air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and energy management play into ESG investing. They also unpack the good, the bad, and the confusing parts of ESG investing. Jon and Brent discuss: What E.S.G. st...

Not everyone is born with a silver spoon in their mouth, but that doesn’t mean you can’t build a successful life full of happiness and purpose. In this episode, we sit down with Denise Craft, founder of Craft Lifestyle Management, to discuss her incredible career journey. From waitressing and bartending to managing a truck repair shop, Denise’s story from humble beginnings to building a successful company can motivate you to strive for success no matter your situation. Denise shares: Her early ...

Are you or someone you know struggling to navigate the complexities of Medicare? Charisse Engels, Licensed Health Insurance Agent at Illuminate Insurance Solutions, LLC, joins us this week and shares her experience to help you make informed decisions and avoid costly penalties. Charisse breaks down the different parts of Medicare and emphasizes the need for individuals to work with licensed agents to understand their options and make the right decisions. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of...

Get ready to be inspired by Liz’s incredible journey from homelessness to being a successful business owner! Liz shares her story of being a homeless single mother, forced to leave with only one bag of belongings and no money. Despite facing tremendous hardship, Liz persevered, working at a steakhouse and eventually enrolling in cosmetology school. With the help of state programs and support from others, Liz was able to complete her degree and start her successful career. In this week’s episode,...

How do you navigate your career path while staying true to your passions and beliefs? In this episode, we talk to Jason Hurt, President at Chariots4Hope, to discuss his journey from a job in sports marketing to founding a nonprofit organization. Jason attributes his success to the discipline he learned at GEICO and the support and guidance he received. He highlights how his introduction to Christian Brothers Automotive led him to discover his passion for helping people in need, which eventually ...

Given the potential harm of providing blanket advice that may not suit everyone, tailoring financial advice to an individual’s unique financial situation is crucial. In this episode, financial advisors Jon Schuetz and Brent Connelly provide insights into some of the prevalent misconceptions in the financial community. They highlight the significance of personalized financial planning and offer tips on avoiding one-size-fits-all advice. Jon and Brent discuss the risks associated with blanket advi...

Are you considering moving into a career that would allow you to spend more time with your family and wondering if it’s the right thing to do? Jon Schuetz and Brent Connelly talk to Brandi Petersen Paul, a former successful television news anchor with KETV. She moved from a role that most people covet to become the director of communications for Westside Community Schools to spend more time with her family. In this episode, Brandi discusses how she continues to pursue her passion for telling ins...

Get motivated and inspired as we welcome the remarkable Ingrid Geiseman, Professional Clothier with Tom James, to the show today. In this episode, Ingrid joins Jon and Brent to discuss her journey from growing up on a farm in Nebraska to becoming a successful clothier. Ingrid shares how she learned to run a business at a young age, her studies at the University of Nebraska, and how to master sales. Ingrid discusses: How she got started in the fashion industry, including her early experiences an...

Starting a business can be challenging, especially in a small town. But with the help of a financial advisor, you can achieve your goals. Meet Vanessa Wieseler, a Doctor of Chiropractic, who is determined to make a difference. She understands the importance of professional guidance, inspiration, and what it takes to reach success. In this episode, Dr. Vanessa shares her journey through entrepreneurship, what she’s learned along the way, how she overcame a dark place in her life, and the inspirat...

If you want to ensure your assets are protected seamlessly, especially when it involves family, you should get an attorney involved. In this episode, we are joined by Nick Montague, Attorney and Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy CAP®, to talk about wills, living wills, powers of attorney and discuss why they’re essential for you and your family. Nick discusses: His life story and taking a leap of faith at a very young age The reason why he pursued a degree in law The four different areas involv...

Insurance is an essential part of financial planning, but when shopping around for insurance coverage you may come across various products that can be confusing. Understanding the different types of insurance can help you make the best coverage decision according to your needs. At Soar Wealth Strategies we don’t do insurance coverage but it’s certainly a part of our comprehensive process to make sure our clients and listeners are informed. In this episode, we are joined by Michael Gibbons, an in...

With the tax season around the corner, now is the best time to work with a tax professional to help you implement effective strategies that could help you reduce your taxes. In this episode, Jon Schuetz and Brent Connelly are joined by Aundrea Bricker, CPA and co-founder of Bricker Accounting and Tax Services, LLC. Aundrea shares the strategies you can use to reduce not only your current taxes but future taxes as well. Jon, Brent and Aundrea discuss: Why you should make tax planning a year-roun...

Introducing – Brent Connelly, the other half of the dynamic duo on our podcast. Brent’s belief in helping people soar to their own success has made him the leader he is today. In this episode, we pass the spotlight on to Brent and get to know him a little better. Brent will share more about his upbringing, education, early experiences with investing and what he plans to bring to this podcast as Jon Schuetz interviews him. Brett and Jon discuss: How his father taught him the value of a dollar at...