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 Senior Wealth Advisor Ayad Amary of Wealthcare of the Lehigh Valley
Bethlehem, PA - Highly regarded Wealthcare Capital advisor Ayad Amary, CFP®, has dedicated his career to helping people gain clarity and confidence in how they manage, grow, and protect their wealth. Building wealth is an achievement—preserving it and helping it flourish is a lifelong strategy. With the assets individuals work so hard to earn, having a thoughtful plan in place is essential to investing consistently, spending wisely, and making informed decisions. Without diligent stewardship, even substantial fortunes can diminish quickly. The truth is, very few people truly know how to sustain their wealth over time.Ayad is the founder and CEO of Wealthcare of the Lehigh Valley, a firm he launched in 2021. A respected authority in the financial field, his work is rooted in unwavering client advocacy. Known for delivering tailored, results-driven guidance, Ayad helps clients navigate the complexities of wealth management with confidence. His approach ensures individuals are equipped with the right tools to pursue a future aligned with their goals, dreams, and aspirations.Before establishing his own firm, Ayad spent more than two decades building a robust foundation across the financial industry. His early career included roles at notable firms such as TIAA, Vanguard, and Scottrade, beginning in the insurance and brokerage sector in the late 1990s. He also briefly transitioned into pharmaceutical sales as a representative for Johnson & Johnson in Flemington, New Jersey, from 2006 to 2009. Prior to that, he served as a senior financial consultant at Gruntal & Company and Ryan Beck & Co. in Allentown, Pennsylvania, from 2000 to 2005. From 2015 to 2021, he worked as a wealth management adviser at TIAA in Allentown.While his professional journey came with its share of challenges, Ayad credits each experience with strengthening his expertise and expanding his perspective. Ultimately, he recognized that guiding others in making thoughtful financial decisions was not only his professional calling but his life’s work. Today, he has supported hundreds of affluent individuals in maximizing their wealth—and he does so with genuine compassion.Ayad’s relatability is one of the reasons clients trust him deeply. He meets them where they are, focusing not only on growth of net worth but on enhancing overall well-being.He takes pride in getting to know each client’s unique goals, no matter where they are on their financial journey. His philosophy is simple: your money should reflect your values, and his role is to help you invest in your future with clarity, confidence, and purpose. He handles the complexities—allowing clients to focus on what matters most.Ayad evaluates each client’s income, expenses, debt, and savings to create a strategic roadmap that outlines both short- and long-term objectives. By listening closely and offering practical guidance, he empowers clients to make informed decisions. With Ayad’s support, they no longer need to worry about their family’s financial security, wonder whether they’re missing opportunities, or face difficult choices alone. He remains a steady partner on their path toward abundance.Whether analyzing projections or fine-tuning investments, Ayad designs plans that reflect each individual’s needs. He emphasizes a key truth: no one can control the market—but everyone can control their financial strategy, and that control is invaluable.While some successful individuals try to manage their finances independently, Ayad cautions that high-net-worth planning is far more intricate than it appears. A single oversight can have significant consequences. Maximizing wealth requires thoughtful strategy and expertise—something Ayad brings with precise, informed guidance.From retirement planning and Social Security timing to asset allocation, estate considerations, and tax-efficient strategies, Ayad delivers insights that help clients thrive. Many are unaware of the countless factors that influence their wealth—from shifting legislation and economic trends to interest rates, inflation, and market volatility. Managing wealth has never been more complex.With Ayad at their side, clients navigate both prosperous and uncertain periods with steadiness and clarity. He helps them focus on the variables within their control—risk management, tax efficiency, responsible budgeting, income distribution, and intentional goal setting. Knowing their finances are in capable hands relieves stress and allows clients to enjoy life—whether they’re relaxing on a beach in Greece or pursuing their next big opportunity.Driven by a commitment to act in his clients’ best interests, Ayad remains focused on preserving and growing wealth for generations to come.Ayad’s podcast provides informed guidance, practical strategies, and insights to help you prepare for a more secure tomorrow.For more information, visit: www.wealthcarelv.com
Close Up Radio Spotlights Tech Startup Advisor Gerdus “Gus” Byleveld of The Wondering
Colorado Springs, CO - Veteran tech leader Gerdus “Gus” Byleveld, known for his pivotal role as Chief Revenue Officer of JourneyApps, has announced the launch of The Wondering, a consulting venture designed to help technology startups and early-stage technology companies create sustainable growth engines with a foundation of practical wisdom, human connection, and ethical business practices.Byleveld’s journey from architectural studios in Cape Town to the forefront of technology innovation in the US is a story of adaptability, curiosity, and a hands-on approach to solving real-world problems. Originally trained as an architectural technologist, Byleveld’s first professional steps were shaped by an interest in digital design and computer-aided modeling. His knack for technology led him to the global stage, where he championed software adoption for architectural practices before transitioning into the business side of technology. This blend of planning insight and technology acumen became the bedrock of his career.In 2013, Byleveld and founders brought JourneyApps—an enterprise rapid application development platform—to the United States, and the heart of technology innovation in Colorado. Under his revenue leadership, JourneyApps evolved from serving financial services and professional organizations abroad to powering mission-critical mobile and web applications for industrial giants in the US, including companies in oil, gas, mining, and metals. The core JourneyApps product has enabled field workers, whether underground in mines or offshore on rigs, to efficiently execute complex tasks using custom, cloud-connected or offline mobile and web solutions. Recognizing the necessity for robust offline performance in remote environments, the JourneyApps team also developed and patented a powerful offline sync engine called PowerSync, now offered as a standalone product to developers worldwide.As JourneyApps reached a stage of stability, profit and ongoing growth, Byleveld began contemplating his next chapter. This reflection, paired with his belief in the value of giving as outlined in the “Go-Giver” book series, provided the spark for The Wondering. “The ethos of The Wondering is simple: share knowledge, cultivate good business habits, and work alongside founders to offer not just theory, but genuine partnership in the trenches,” Byleveld explains.Why The Wondering?The Wondering is about being inquisitive, a lifelong learner and brave. Drawing from almost two decades in technology startups, Byleveld has seen the unique hurdles faced by emerging companies, especially those at the the cutting edge of emergent technologies. “Startups are messy and exhilarating,” he shares. “You might have a brilliant idea, but turning it into a sustainable business that serves real customer needs, build on the right internal culture, and navigates the demanding early stages of predictable revenue growth are distinct challenges that are often underestimated.”The Wondering offers a range of services focused on revenue consulting and systems architecture, strategy, and customer success and retention. What sets Byleveld apart is his commitment to relationship-driven guidance? Rather than providing static, high-level advice, he prefers to dig in alongside founders, sharing not only strategies but real-time feedback and creating collaborative solutions.Technology with Purpose and PerspectiveByleveld’s background in architecture and planning continues to shape his philosophy. He insists that every piece of technology, whether a building, an app, or a business model, should serve people first. This people-centric approach extends to his outlook on the wider technological revolution, especially the rise of AI.“There’s no doubt AI will continue to reshape how we work, live, and even think,” says Byleveld. “But robust progress isn’t just about the technology itself. The unsung innovations, such as computing infrastructure, energy production, and the power grid, that make AI possible deserve just as much attention. We’re not just witnessing a single wave, but a set of overlapping trends, and the responsible actors in our industry are just as important as the headline-makers.”A Reality-Checked Optimism for Startup FoundersByleveld’s optimism is grounded in realism and data-driven thinking. He encourages founders to build support systems, maintain personal well-being, and operate with integrity. “It’s not just about scaling at all costs. It’s about building businesses that last, teams that trust each other, and solutions that actually help and enrich their users. We all want to grow, and there’s a scientific way to do it—one that’s predictable, efficient, and human.”Looking to the future, Byleveld believes that as technology becomes even more embedded in our daily lives, transparent governance and ethical leadership will be more important than ever. “Regulation will catch up, and consumers will demand more transparency. My hope is that startup founders will continue to innovate, but always with a clear sense of responsibility to their teams and their communities.”About The WonderingThe Wondering is a new advisory firm founded by Gerdus “Gus” Byleveld, dedicated to helping early-stage technology startups and growth-minded companies lay the foundations for sustainable, customer-focused success. Leveraging decades of international experience in fields from planning to industrial software, The Wondering provides hands-on consulting in revenue strategy and systems architecture, customer success and retention with a commitment to partnership and practical results.For more information about Gerdus “Gus” Byleveld, founder of The Wondering, please visit https://www.thewondering.net/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/gusbyleveld/
Close Up Radio Spotlights Leadership Coaching and HR Advisor Nicole Miller of Miller Workforce Solutions
Hudson, FL - After nearly three decades of driving leadership development and employee engagement within complex healthcare systems, Nicole Miller is charting a new course with the launch of Miller Workforce Solutions, LLC. Her mission: to help organizations build resilient, high-performing cultures where leaders and employees can do their best work.Nicole Miller’s career in human resources has been defined by results and relationships. As a trusted advisor to executives and front-line staff across acute care hospitals, surgery centers, physician practices, and more, Miller has always prioritized strategic alignment between people and business objectives. Her expertise includes everything from talent acquisition and retention to change management, conflict resolution, and organizational effectiveness.But for Miller, the work has never been just about policies or procedures. “I’ve seen firsthand how disconnects between leadership, culture, and performance can push organizations into a survival mindset,” she explains. “When team members aren’t valued or supported, patient care suffers and business goals slip out of reach. I believe organizations need a genuinely people-first approach to realize their full potential.”This conviction inspired her recent move: leaving a senior HR director role to open her own consulting practice. Miller Workforce Solutions, LLC, partners with organizations, especially those in healthcare and growing small-to-mid-sized firms, to address the leadership and engagement challenges that can make or break success.A Proven Track Record Across Leading Healthcare SystemsNicole Miller’s professional journey includes leadership positions at Florida Cancer & Research Specialists, Bravera Health, Riverside Health System, Sentara Healthcare, and more. Throughout these roles, she has:• Guided organizations through accreditation transitions and regulatory compliance, including major initiatives such as moving from The Joint Commission to DNV accreditation.• Launched and refined on boarding programs that dramatically reduced first-year turnover by up to 50 percent.• Designed and delivered leadership development and coaching programs, directly contributing to improved employee engagement and retention.• Implemented HR technology systems (including Workday), standardizing processes while enhancing employee experience.• Served as a trusted coach and advisor, developing leaders at all levels to meet today’s unique demands.Miller holds a Master of Professional Studies in Human Resources and Employment Relations from Penn State University, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Mount Olive College, and professional certifications from both HRCI and SHRM.A People-First Approach That Drives ResultsAt the heart of Miller Workforce Solutions is a belief that strong cultures and business outcomes go hand in hand. Miller’s consulting focuses on:• Leadership Coaching: Offering individualized and group coaching to develop emotionally intelligent, adaptable leaders equipped to succeed in today’s environments.• Employee Engagement Strategies: Helping organizations connect team members to shared goals, building loyalty and motivation through proven on boarding, communication, and feedback processes.• Development Programs: Delivering customized leadership training and succession planning, so organizations can invest in their talent and prepare for sustainable growth.• HR Consulting: Supporting organizations without dedicated HR resources by setting up policies, ensuring compliance, and providing expert guidance tailored to their unique needs.Her people-first approach includes regular check-ins with employees, fair and consistent management practices, and a focus on giving leaders the tools they need before stepping into new roles. Miller is passionate about the importance of emotional intelligence, noting that when leaders are self-aware and able to build authentic relationships, staff retention and team resilience improve dramatically.Meeting Today’s Challenges in Healthcare and BeyondMiller’s experience has highlighted some of the most pressing challenges facing organizations today. These include the risk of leadership burnout, declining employee engagement, and the critical need to align HR strategy with organizational objectives. She has also witnessed how outdated mindsets about the role of HR can hold businesses back, as some leaders continue to see HR as a transactional function rather than a strategic partner.“Too often, organizations promote talented employees without providing the right development or support,” Miller explains. “That sets leaders up for frustration and failure, when a little investment in coaching and training could help them thrive.”Delivering Value to Small and Medium OrganizationsWhile healthcare organizations remain a top focus, Miller Workforce Solutions also serves small-to-medium businesses without dedicated HR departments. These organizations often face unique challenges around leadership development, employee relations, and compliance. Miller’s consulting offers practical solutions, from establishing on boarding programs to building out core HR functions tailored to each client’s needs.About Nicole Miller and Miller Workforce Solutions, LLCNicole Miller is a seasoned HR executive with close to 28 years of experience partnering with organizations to create strong, people-centered workplaces that drive business results. Miller Workforce Solutions, LLC offers leadership coaching, employee engagement consulting, and HR advisory services to healthcare systems and growing organizations across industries.For more information about Nicole Miller, M.P.S., PHR, SHRM-CP and Miller Workforce Solutions, please visit https://millerworkforcesolutions.com/
Part 1: Close Up Radio Spotlights 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/
Close Up Radio Spotlights Certified Coach, First Responder, and Wellness and Leadership Trainer Greg Furnia of Living The Good Life
Hudson, FL - After nearly 26 years serving the nation under the green stripe of the United States Border Patrol, Greg Furnia is rewriting the conversation about what it means to thrive in high-pressure careers—without trading in your marriage, your identity, or your sense of humor. Furnia, founder of Living The Good Life, is opening his schedule to first responders, leaders, departments, and professionals hungry for personal and professional growth anchored in the principle of "Family First.”Family First is a values-based commitment to the people who make you stronger—whether they share your last name or not. “Family” includes anyone in your life who supports you, challenges you, and walks beside you as you build a healthy personal and professional life.Family First is also about being intentional and careful about who you let into that inner circle—your closest support network, your “tribe.” These are the people you will invest in, listen to, and protect, and who will do the same for you. We build a life and career that serves your family—however you define it—rather than sacrificing your family to serve your career.A veteran of law enforcement’s front lines, Furnia’s leadership philosophy was shaped not just by the adrenaline of border operations, but by a simple lesson learned in the saddle: nothing, not even the most demanding job, should come before family. Early in his career, mentors in the US Border Patrol’s Horse Patrol and later the celebrated Canine Program drove home this idea. It wasn’t just talk. In the rough-and-tumble world of the borderlands, these leaders didn’t blink when family needed to come first with no questions asked.“I realized the leaders I looked up to weren’t just about working hard; they were about working hard in a way that respected who you are and who you love,” says Furnia. “That stuck with me for over two decades. That’s the foundation of all my programs and my coaching philosophy.”From Canine Handler to Assistant Chief Overseeing 900 TeamsGreg’s journey from a trainee agent in Wilcox, Arizona, to Assistant Chief at the Border Patrol’s Washington, DC headquarters, is a study in rising through the ranks without losing yourself or your marriage. Over his 22 years in the Canine Program, he worked as a handler and instructor in multiple sectors, trained and supervised teams, and eventually managed the National USBP K9 Program coast-to-coast. Through every promotion and late-night callout, he kept the “family first” mantra alive for himself and those under his leadership.“Most stories you hear from first responder life sound like survival tales with burnout, broken homes, or worse. I’m here to say: you don’t have to sacrifice your happiness or your relationships for your career. You can do both,” Furnia shares. “My marriage has lasted 29 years, and that’s not because it was easy. It’s because my wife and I talked, made tough choices, and kept each other in the loop. That’s what I help my clients do.”Coaching for Real Life, Not Just the ResumeAt Living The Good Life, Furnia offers personal and professional development with a twist: it isn’t about quick fixes or generic “life coaching.” Clients, whether they’re police cadets, seasoned leaders, or retirees wondering what to do with newfound free time, can expect hard questions, honest feedback, and practical strategies to define their values, clarify what “family” means to them, and build careers that don’t hollow them out.“I’m not a fan of the ‘life coach’ label,” he laughs. “I’m more of a career coach, leadership mentor, and accountability partner all rolled into one. I’m going to ask you tough questions. You’re going to have to do the work. But you will get clarity for yourself and your family.”Introducing the “Retire Ready” Preretirement Readiness and Wellness Training (Agency Training)Inspired by his own retirement, Greg is debuting his Retire Ready program, an essential workshop for soon-to-be retirees, especially from first responder fields. Designed to address not just financial planning, but the emotional and relational curveballs of stepping away from a purpose-driven career, the program features group discussions, resource sharing, and candid conversations about life after “the job.”“Everyone focuses on their 401(k) and insurance, but nobody tells you how weird it feels fishing on a Tuesday or sharing the kitchen all day with your spouse,” Greg jokes. “Retirement disrupts your rhythms. Sometimes you find out you don’t know your partner as well as you thought. My program is about navigating that transition.”A Proactive Approach for Departments and New HiresBuilt to Last is designed for first responders who are just beginning or still building their careers in service. This program helps participants develop the mindset, habits, and support systems that lead to a long, healthy, and purpose-driven life both on and off the job.Through practical, real-world discussions and relatable examples, Built to Last gives first responders and their families the tools to navigate the unique challenges of the profession while staying true to who they are, maintaining balance, and achieving their goals.Living The Good Life will also offer speaking engagements for cadets and new hires. Greg’s message? Remember who you were before the badge, and don’t lose sight of it no matter how fast the job moves. By catching first responders at the start of their journey, he hopes to help them avoid the common pitfalls of burnout, substance abuse, or losing touch with what really matters.What Makes a Great Coach?For Greg Furnia, it comes down to empathy, strength, and genuine passion for helping others find their own “aha” moments. “If I can help someone keep their family, career, and sanity intact, I’ve done my job. Watching people succeed on their terms is my greatest reward.”About Greg Furnia and Living The Good LifeGreg Furnia is a retired Special Operations Supervisor Course Developer/Instructor (CDI) for the United States Border Patrol and founder of Living The Good Life, a First Responder Wellness and Leadership Training service for professionals and first responders. He specializes in leadership development, career transitions, and personal growth that keeps family at the center.For more information about Greg Furnia and Living The Good Life, please visit https://livingthegoodlifecoach.com/
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