Close Up Radio
Close Up Radio with veteran award-winning broadcast TV and radio hosts/media personalities Jim Masters and Doug Llewelyn is an exciting, informative, entertaini
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Close Up Radio Spotlights Forensic Accountant Alan I. Blass of AIB Forensics
Boynton Beach, FL - When most people think of accountants, they imagine quiet offices, endless spreadsheets, and the comforting monotony of tax season. Alan I. Blass, CPA, CFE, founder of AIB Forensics, shatters that stereotype with a career that reads as much like a detective story. With more than four decades as a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Fraud Examiner, Mr. Blass has become one of the most knowledgeable and experienced go-to Experts for attorneys and government agencies who need to unravel complex financial mysteries in the courtroom.The Forensic Accountant’s Journey: From Government Grit to Courtroom DramaAlan’s entry into the world of forensic accounting was sparked not by a passion for audits, but by a love for baseball statistics and a visit from a speaker at the Federal Inspector General’s office while he was still in college. “I always loved math and numbers, but I never imagined my future in audits and taxes. When I learned that accounting skills could be used for financial investigations, everything changed,” shares Blass.He spent his first 15 years in public service, first with the US Department of Education Office of the Inspector General and then as Deputy Chief Auditor for the New York City Department of Investigation during the tumultuous, scandal-ridden 1980s. “They threw us into the deep water. I was only 30 years old and found myself testifying against organized crime families. high-level NYC officials and corrupt contractors, going undercover, and even taking bribes as part of sting operations, always with a paddy wagon waiting around the corner,” Mr. Blass recalls. His experiences in government gave him a front-row seat to the mechanics of fraud and the importance of integrity in financial investigations.From the Streets of New York to the Boardrooms of Corporate AmericaMr. Blass’s expertise soon caught the attention of Jules Kroll, widely considered the godfather of corporate investigations. At Kroll Associates, Blass helped pioneer the now-thriving field of corporate forensic accounting, combining accounting and investigative skills with the polish needed to address clients in the corporate world. “We already had the skill; Kroll taught us how to best present ourselves in the corporate world and charge real billable rates,” shares Blass.His career in private practice included stints at leading accounting firms before he carved out his own path. “Real forensic accounting doesn’t fit the mold of traditional audit and tax practices. In litigation, all cases have a beginning, middle and end. So, you constantly have to network and market for new clients. Audit and Tax professionals have the benefit of any annual client requirements. Also, the skills sets and mental attitude and approach are vastly different. Forensic Accountants assemble evidence to prove a crime with intent or inappropriate revenues or expense, never knowing exactly what you will uncover and the related time and cost. Conversely, Audit and Tax professionals report on the past, with client relationship and rigid cost considerations,” he notes. Expert Witness, Storyteller, and Advocate for the Next GenerationFor the past 18 years, Mr. Blass has helmed AIB Forensics, splitting his time between New York and South Florida, where he works closely with attorneys organizing evidence for trial. “Forensic means preparing evidence for court. Today, thanks to technology, we can analyze years of bank, credit card, and investment statements in just days or even hours, rather than months,” he explains.Blass’s role as an Expert witness has taken him into some of the nation’s most dramatic legal battles. He has faced tough cross examinations by attorneys who understand accounting and even found himself testifying on national television against organized crime. “You live by the sword, you die by the sword. If you’re a plaintiff, you had better not cheat or underreport on your income taxes because forensic accountants will find it,” he quips.Beyond the courtroom, Alan is passionate about sharing his knowledge. He’s served as president of he New York City, and Miami chapters of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), where he launched scholarship programs and organized high-profile events featuring famous speakers, including Frank Abagnale, whose criminal exploits inspired “Catch Me If You Can, as well as Andrew Fastow of Enron infamy.”He also opened a brand-new chapter of the ACFE in Palm Beach County, where he currently serves as President Emeritus.Staying Sharp, Staying Social, and Staying AheadNow based in Palm Beach County’s Valencia community, Alan continues to balance a rigorous professional schedule with a vibrant social life. “Even if you sleep nine hours a night, that still leaves you more than 100 hours a week to do something worthwhile,” he says. He splits his time between enjoying his 10 grandchildren in Israel, Florida and New York, a myriad of professional and social activities, regular networking with other experts and attending industry events with groups like The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and ProVisors.Mr. Blass remains committed to the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. “Some people think you can just say anything as an Expert witness because your client is paying you. But your reputation is your currency. Judges and juries know who is credible and who isn’t.”About AIB ForensicsAIB Forensics specializes in forensic accounting and fraud examination for attorneys, government entities, and corporations. With expertise including fraud detection, financial investigations, damage calculations, and following the money and expert witness testimony, founder Alan Blass uses decades of experience to deliver clear, credible and convincing Expert Witness Testimony in the most complex financial cases.For more information about Alan Blass, please visit https://www.aibforensics.com/ and https://pbcacfe.org/Member_Spotlight/
Close Up Radio Spotlights P. Frank Vasquez of In Search of Hope
Trenton, NJ - It’s not every day you encounter someone whose life story reads like a gripping novel, but P. Frank Vasquez is living proof that resilience can carve pathways where none seem to exist. Once an aspiring police officer, a thriving model, and bodybuilder, Vasquez’s journey took a dramatic turn after a devastating accident left him battling traumatic brain injury, paralysis, depression, and ultimately, a loss of hope. Today, he leads In Search of Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to helping people facing overwhelming adversity.Vasquez’s early ambitions were dashed in the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident that changed his life in an instant. Waking in a hospital unable to walk or feel his legs, struggling to communicate as multiple languages blurred in his mind, he faced months of uncertainty, physical therapy, and the stark realization that his former path was gone. He candidly recalls, “I lost hope. I thought I was better off dead.”Yet, even in his darkest moments, a single encounter would alter his perspective on suffering and resilience. While hospitalized, Vasquez met a young girl recovering from a catastrophic accident that claimed both her parents and left her with severe injuries. Despite her losses, she radiated positivity, showing off her prosthetics and infectious spirit. “She pinched me with her prosthetic arm and said, ‘Look what I can do!’” Vasquez remembers. “Seeing her smile, watching her walk again, and realizing how bravely she faced her pain made me question my own despair. If she could find joy in the small things, what excuse did I have?”This epiphany became the foundation for In Search of Hope. The nonprofit was born from Vasquez’s determination to share the perspective he gained: that pain and hardship, as overwhelming as they may seem, can become catalysts for change when met with the right support and community.Founded in 2023, In Search of Hope centers its work on uplifting those suffering from trauma, homelessness, hunger, or life-altering setbacks. In the past, Vasquez has drawn on his own limited resources and community donations to provide food, essentials, and emotional support to those in need. He describes encounters with people from all walks of life: homeless youth left adrift after family tragedy, survivors of unspeakable violence, and individuals who, like Vasquez himself, felt defined by their darkest days.Vasquez’s approach stands out for its authenticity. Instead of flashy marketing campaigns, every dollar goes directly to helping others. He explains, “Most nonprofits spend huge amounts on advertising and administration. I refused to use donations for things like that. I’d rather the money go straight to the people who need it.” This ethos, while noble, has presented its own challenge. In a world where visibility can determine a nonprofit’s survival, limited funding for outreach has made it harder to reach new donors and sustain support.Despite economic hurdles and a sharp decline in donations (from $30,000 in his first year to a few hundred dollars recently), Vasquez remains undeterred. He’s adapted by utilizing his creativity producing music videos, sharing stories on YouTube, and writing books that reflect his experiences. His songs, notably “I’m Doing Just Fine,” have resonated with thousands, offering encouragement to those experiencing heartbreak, grief, or loss. Vasquez’s writing and music all share a common thread: they highlight struggle, acknowledge pain, and ultimately deliver a message of growth and healing.“My music and books aren’t about staying stuck in suffering. They’re about harnessing pain to become stronger, to use your scars as proof you’ve survived and grown,” he explains. “Every scar shows you healed. Every setback can be a setup for something better.”Through his own story and the countless stories he encounters, Vasquez advocates for the healing power of connection. Whether it’s providing food to someone whose only family is a houseful of cats, or offering warmth and companionship to a homeless young man on a frigid night, In Search of Hope is built on meeting people where they are, without judgment or pretense.Looking ahead, Vasquez hopes to reach more people and encourage others to support the real work of recovery and hope. He recognizes the need for visibility, but he values honesty above all. “I want people to know their help goes directly to someone’s life, not to overhead costs. Together, we can make a difference, even if it’s one meal, one blanket, or one heartfelt conversation at a time.”About In Search of HopeIn Search of Hope is a nonprofit organization founded in 2023 by P. Frank Vasquez dedicated to supporting individuals facing trauma, homelessness, and adversity through direct aid, community connection, and storytelling. Through music, literature, and grassroots support, Vasquez continues to prove that even from the depths of despair, hope can flourish.For more information about P. Frank Vasquez and Search of Hope, please visit https://www.insearchofhope.org/ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtQYlUBIHGc&list=RDAtQYlUBIHGc&start_radio=1/
Part 2: Close Up Radio Welcomes Back Certified Divorce Financial Analyst Pamela Trigg of JAJO Divorce Solutions
Denver, CO - Divorce is never easy, but Pamela Trigg is on a mission to show that it can mark the beginning of a brighter, more secure future. As the founder of JAJO Divorce Solutions (pronounced “Jay-Joe”), Pamela leverages over 30 years of financial expertise and first-hand experience to help clients rediscover emotional assurance and financial understanding during and after divorce.Pamela’s journey to founding JAJO Divorce Solutions is both personal and professional. After a long career in corporate finance, she found herself navigating the choppy waters of divorce despite her background in numbers. “Even with my experience in business and accounting, I struggled with the process,” she shares. “It was not just the legal and financial hurdles, but the emotional unraveling that caught me off guard.”Pamela recognized that many women were even less prepared, especially when it came to their overall financial picture. The realization struck in a divorce recovery group, where she witnessed the anxiety that uncertainty causes. “I was surprised and a little disheartened to see how many of my own and other women’s greatest fears revolved around not knowing what their financial lives would look like after divorce.”This experience lit a spark. Combining her aptitude for numbers and her desire to help others facing similar crossroads, Pamela became a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®). Unlike attorneys, a CDFA specializes in deciphering the financial implications of divorce. “Although attorneys facilitate settlement negotiations, their primary role is to advocate for their client’s legal rights. A CDFA, on the other hand, helps clients understand the short- and long-term financial implications of divorce settlements. They can provide expert guidance on things such as asset division, tax consequences, retirement plans, and post-divorce budgeting to support informed, equitable decisions.” Pamela explains.Three Key Messages Drive Pamela’s Practice:• Divorce as a Reset, Not an Ending: “Divorce is difficult. It shakes your foundation. But it can also be a turning point and a chance to reset,” Pamela says. She relates to her own story of picking up the pieces, taking things one day at a time, and realizing a new beginning is possible.• Clarity Creates Confidence: “Most people’s biggest fear is the unknown, especially where money is concerned. My role is to educate clients so they can move forward with confidence,” Pamela explains. She enjoys seeing the relief that comes when clients have full knowledge of their financial picture and understand their options.• Support Every Step of the Way: “No one should feel they have to figure this out alone. I understand that emotional stress can impair one’s judgment. Having an experienced professional in your corner is immensely reassuring.”JAJO Divorce Solutions works in three distinct capacities: (1) as a financial advocate for individuals, (2) as a neutral party assisting both spouses in amicable or collaborative situations, and (3) as a financial resource for divorce attorneys requiring detailed analysis or data preparation. “Every divorce is unique. Some people need an advocate, others need a bridge, and some simply want clarity. I adapt to what helps my clients move forward.”Pamela’s experience underscores her approach. Having balanced a demanding finance career while raising two sons, she understands both the mechanics and the heartache of starting over. Her company name, JAJO, even reflects her personal journey, honoring her sons Jacob and Jonathan. “They are the heart behind why I care so deeply about helping others move through this process.”Beyond the Numbers: A Blend of Expertise and EmpathyPamela’s warm, approachable style sets her apart in a field that can often be seen as formal and impersonal. “I want clients to feel supported - not just with spreadsheets and legal forms, but emotionally as well. A divorce doesn’t just divide assets. It changes lives. My goal is to make sure my clients gain financial knowledge regarding their unique situation, giving them confidence as they rebuild their lives.”Pamela has honest conversations with her clients on topics such as alimony, child support, and the reality of lifestyle shifts post-divorce, advocating for practical solutions.A New Chapter for Every ClientJAJO Divorce Solutions continues to grow, with most new clients referred by word of mouth. Looking ahead, Pamela’s vision is clear: “I want to help as many people as possible move from fear and confusion toward hope, security, and a new sense of self.”Her message to everyone facing divorce is simple: “There is life after divorce. It may not be the one you planned, but it can still be beautiful—and you don’t have to walk that path alone.”About JAJO Divorce Solutions:JAJO Divorce Solutions, led by Certified Divorce Financial Analyst Pamela Trigg, provides tailored financial guidance to individuals and couples navigating the complexities of divorce. Based in Denver, CO, JAJO serves clients both locally and virtually, offering clarity, compassion, and a confident path forward.For more information about Pamela Trigg and JAJO Divorce Solutions, please visit https://www.JAJOdivorcesolutions.com/
Part 2: Close Up Radio Welcomes Back Carol Lane of The Financial Resource Center
Carmel, IN - In order to live our best lives, we not only need money, we need to be able to manage it effectively. But for most Americans, including those earning six figures, debt is weighing us down. We save too little, borrow too much, take Social Security too early, spend more than we make, retire too soon, and have very little in savings. It seems most of us teeter on the edge of financial doom and this troubling trend is made worse as we feel the squeeze of rising prices, tariffs, and higher interest rates. The task of fixing our finances and figuring out how to make the most of our money is daunting. How are we able to find a solution to our financial problems we may ask? We need someone who knows how to best manage our finances, an experienced certified financial planner who absolutely has our best interest at heart.Carol Lane is the visionary behind her full-service financial company The Financial Resource Center. For over forty years, Carol has been empowering her clients to build and sustain wealth, while providing them with the utmost in personal service through her incredibly unique holistic financial planning. She has hundreds of individuals overcome challenges with ease while working with what they value and prioritize most.Assessing every angle of our financial situation and through the most comprehensive strategies, Carol's focus is on retirement accumulation, distribution, estate planning, cash flow, and budgeting. She offers effective tools and techniques so we can simply implement them into our daily lives. More specifically, and near and dear to her heart, is working with families so money strategically passes on from one generation to another. With authenticity and passion, Carol makes certain everything we need aligns with our specific values, goals, and aspirations so people can live according to their deeply held values.Asking a variety of questions to understand our financial goals, Carol leaves no stone unturned. Are we prepared for an emergency, is our estate planning in order? Do we know that it's more than likely we are overpaying our taxes? What is our home life like? Do we have minor children, adult children, or grandchildren? Do we have enough life insurance? As an example, if a wealthy family member passes away without having set up a will or trust, it can be almost impossible for their loved ones to gain access to their inheritance in a timely fashion. This could not only result in financial loss but create significant family conflicts resulting in bitter feuds between family members. By working with Carol, we can avoid bickering over inheritance issues and instead leave a legacy of love that comes with a peaceful distribution of your estate, and a well-designed estate plan.Carol even makes certain not to leave behind our beloved pets. After all, she says, our four-legged furry friends are part of the family; she herself has three cherished dogs. And she knows how critical it is to leave provisions for our pets. Should anything happen to you they will be in the hands of those who will love and take care of them for the rest of their lives. Imagine the unnecessary tragedies we can avoid by making certain our loved ones are financially set. We can live with peace of mind and self-assurance that they will always be ok. Carol is proud to know she plays a huge role in reducing the likelihood of family disputes and instead paving a path for peace and harmony.Moreover, Carol doesn't let the old adage "a woman working in a man's world" define who she is but rather follows her personal philosophy of life. Her own blessed journey is fueled by passion, purpose, and an innate ability to create opportunities for all of us to make the most of our money even with Americans feeling the squeeze of rising expenses. Carol always remains optimistic; such is her nature.Aside from her professional endeavors, Carol's philanthropic spirit shines. She's involved with dog rescue, transporting pets when they are surrendered, helping to raise funds to pay for the expenses, including quarantine and veterinary care, before the pets are placed in loving, forever homes.Carol holds a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University. She is also a member of the Retirement Planning Advisory Group and Financial Planning Association.Besides her work as a financial planner, Carol also conducts workshops and seminars for individuals, attorneys, corporations, and churches. She is always seeking to educate and gets tremendous self-satisfaction sharing her knowledge and expertise.Carol believes success is not just about wealth — it’s about impact. She helps us get out of debt. She has a genius method she calls "old school" where she advises us to set aside cash every month in envelopes for each expense such as rent, utilities, car payment, and your cell phone bill. It's very effective.Carol says it's never too early to start your financial planning and she has clients as young as 18 getting a good start on their future.Carol is most proud of creating a ripple of positive change and that's what she does every time she helps improve their lives and build a secure path for themselves and their loved ones.Our future looks bright when we live a life rich with purpose and fulfillment.Learn more about Carol her insights and wisdom in her upcoming radio showsFor more information, please visit https://www.tfrcinc.com/
Part 2: Close Up Radio Welcomes Back Pamela Kenyon of Kenyon Insurance Agency
Worcester, NY - Established entrepreneur and distinguished professional Pamela Kenyon, carries with her nearly four decades of experience, years marked by resilience, dedication, and deep commitment to the people she serves. To her clients, insurance is often a stressful maze. To Pamela, it is an opportunity to guide, protect, and reassure. And that is precisely what she has done, day after day, for almost forty years.Her story begins in Worcester, New York, where she grew up with a strong sense of responsibility and a natural talent for helping others. After earning her Associate of Applied Science degree from SUNY Cobleskill, she began her professional life in office administration. Those early roles, including her position as an office manager at Northwest Mutual, taught her organizational discipline and attention to detail that would later become hallmarks of her career.But her path truly took shape in 1986 when she joined Joseph J. Kenyon Inc., the family-owned insurance agency. What began as a job in customer service quickly grew into something more meaningful: a calling. She learned to listen closely to clients’ needs, to translate industry complexity into clarity, and to treat each policy not as a transaction but as a promise of protection.With every policy written and every family helped, she grew not just in skill but in confidence. She learned the insurance business from the inside out, sharing lessons that went far beyond insurance forms and underwriting. She also learned the value of patience, the importance of understanding people, and the responsibility that comes with being a trusted advisor.When she eventually took ownership of the agency in 2015, rebranding it as Kenyon Insurance Agency, she stepped into a legacy while simultaneously building one of her own. She expanded services, modernized operations, and built a reputation rooted in exceptional customer care. To her clients, she is not merely an agent, she is an advocate.Her dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2025, Senator Peter Oberacker honored her as the New York State Woman of Distinction for the 51st Senate District—an achievement highlighted in the Times-Journal and celebrated across her community. For Ms. Kenyon, the award was more than a recognition of professional success; it was a tribute to the values she’s upheld her entire life: service, integrity, and compassion.Beyond the office, Ms. Kenyon’s impact continues. She supports breast cancer research, donates to local fire departments, and helps fund activities in nearby towns and schools. Her commitment to community well-being is woven into everything she does—both personally and professionally.She is also a creator in her own right, contributing to the 2025 publication PROGRESS Looking Forward, a project showcasing the agency’s growth, vision, and longstanding roots in the region.Despite her many achievements, Ms. Kenyon remains grounded. She enjoys walking, cherishes time with her family, and finds joy in the simple moments shared with her spouse, James, their three children, and eight grandchildren. Ask her what matters most, and she answers without hesitation: family and community.As she looks to the future, she intends to continue growing her agency with optimism and purpose, carrying forward the lessons that shaped her career while remaining committed to the people who have always been at the heart of her work.In the end, her story is not just about insurance—it is about a woman who built a career by putting people first. And that is the legacy she continues to strengthen every day.For more information about our guest, please visit https://kenyoninsurance.com/
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