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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Part 1: Close Up Radio Spotlights Forensic Accountant and Financial Investigator Ed Martin of Sage Investigations
Austin, TX - Few career stories begin with an accounting degree and end with unraveling some of the most notorious financial crimes in modern history. For Ed Martin, founder of Sage Investigations, the thread that connects it all is a passion for uncovering the hidden truth behind complex financial schemes and a relentless commitment to integrity. Once the youngest investigator on the celebrated Jim Garrison investigation in New Orleans, Ed’s journey from IRS Special Agent to industry-leading forensic accountant is as captivating as the cases he’s helped solve.Ed’s entry into the world of financial forensics was sparked by a college professor who recognized his potential and introduced him to the IRS Intelligence Division in 1969. Armed with accounting acumen and six months of rigorous training in Washington, DC, Ed quickly discovered that real detective work is as much about human intent as it is about numbers. He recalls his early days in New Orleans, where he cut his teeth on public corruption cases involving bribery, surveillance, and the infamous Jim Garrison investigations—cases that would shape his investigative approach for years to come.“As a junior agent, I was the guy grabbing sandwiches and running transcripts, but I soon found myself at the heart of building cases with electronic surveillance and informants,” Ed recalls. “We cataloged hundreds of hours of covert audio, transcribed conversations, and played a key role in bringing evidence to court.” His role became even more pivotal when he presented critical recordings at trial, helping prosecutors paint a compelling picture of corruption at the highest levels. These formative experiences revealed the intricate dance between financial records, human behavior, and legal strategy, a combination that would later define Sage Investigations.After more than two decades with the IRS and the State Securities Board (where he supervised civil fraud cases in Texas’s oil and gas sector), Ed saw a need for deeper, more specialized financial expertise in the private sector. In 2002, he launched Sage Investigations to serve clients ranging from small business owners to attorneys and estate executors. His work now spans forensic accounting, fraud investigation, business divorce, and estate analysis, each case approached with the meticulous care learned in the field and courtroom.Sage Investigations has become synonymous with results in cases where the financial trail can seem hopelessly tangled. Ed’s expertise is most often sought in matters involving embezzlement, Ponzi schemes, and civil litigation. Notably, as an agent, he played a lead role in the investigation of the disappearance of atheist activist Madalyn Murray O’Hair, using forensic financial analysis to track missing funds, trace gold coin transactions, and ultimately help authorities solve a case that captivated the nation.Ed’s practical advice is especially valuable for individuals and small business owners who want to stay clear of government scrutiny. “It’s not the W-2 employees who get into trouble, it’s often the small business owners who blur the line between personal and business expenses,” Ed explains. “My advice is to maintain accurate records and separate personal spending from business. That’s the best way to sleep at night and avoid surprises from the IRS.”Sage Investigations also brings clarity to high-conflict divorces, partnership dissolutions, and contested estates. Whether reconstructing thirty years of financial history after critical records have vanished, or untangling credit card abuse in a family saga, Ed’sapproach is rooted in thorough investigation and a clear presentation of facts. His 27-foot timeline, crafted in Excel and meticulously pieced together from thousands of documents, is legendary in legal circles for its ability to illustrate even the most complex financial narratives.With a career spanning the gritty streets of New Orleans to the boardrooms and courtrooms of Texas, Ed Martin’s story is a testament to what can be achieved when tenacity, training, working with skilled people, and ethical commitment converge. At Sage Investigations, every case is an opportunity to shine light on the truth, level the playing field, and help clients navigate the labyrinthine world of modern finance. About Sage InvestigationsSage Investigations is a forensic accounting and financial investigation firm based in Austin, Texas, founded by former IRS Special Agent Ed Martin. The firm’s services include forensic accounting, fraud investigations, business and partnership divorces, estate analysis, and litigation support. With a track record of solving high-profile cases and untangling complex financial disputes, Sage Investigations delivers clear answers in even the most challenging situations.For more information about Ed Martin and Sage Investigations, please visit https://www.sageinvestigations.com/
Close Up Radio Spotlights Tax Preparer Paul Dean of Everyday People Tax Return Service
Pawtucket, RI - Paul R. Dean named his business Everyday People Tax Return Service because he genuinely loves serving everyday people. This philosophy is one he unwaveringly stands by—and one that deserves recognition. Unlike many tax preparers who charge unaffordable fees, Paul is committed to keeping his services accessible. In fact, his fees are so reasonable that clients often ask him to repeat them just to be sure they heard correctly. And it’s true.Paul doesn’t just prepare taxes at an exceptionally affordable cost—he prepares them accurately. He leaves no stone unturned, ensuring every deduction is explored and every penny saved. His goal is simple yet powerful: to help people keep more of their hard-earned money because he sincerely cares about their financial well-being.Since 2022, Paul Dean has served as the owner of Everyday People Tax Return Service LLC, where he prepares tax returns for clients, supports his community, and manages advertising and outreach efforts. Though tax preparation is seasonal, Paul approaches it with full dedication, viewing it as a service rather than just a business. His commitment to honesty, affordability, and accuracy sets him apart.Paul has established a distinguished career spanning more than three decades, marked by expertise in invoicing, billing, accounts receivable, and tax preparation. His reputation for precision was built through years of handling substantial financial transactions, including billing millions of dollars monthly during his tenure at Computershare. Reliability and attention to detail have become hallmarks of his professional identity.In addition to his business ownership, Paul has served as a senior biller at CBIZ (formerly Marcum LLP) since 2016. In this role, he has demonstrated advanced proficiency in financial operations and client relations, earning recognition from colleagues and clients for his ability to manage complex accounts while maintaining exceptional accuracy.From 2005 to 2016, Paul worked at Computershare in various administrative roles, where he strengthened his organizational and financial management skills—experience that laid the foundation for his later success in both corporate and independent work.Earlier in his career, Paul spent a season as a tax preparer with H&R Block. This experience provided him with a strong grounding in tax regulations and client service, knowledge he continues to apply today.Paul holds a master’s degree in theology from Wartburg Seminary in Iowa (1994) and a bachelor’s degree in theology from Texas Lutheran University (1989). The ethical framework and analytical skills gained through his theological studies continue to guide his approach to business. Although he initially pursued ministry, he ultimately found his calling in administrative and financial work—serving people in a practical, impactful way.Beyond his professional life, Paul Dean is deeply committed to his community. He has served as treasurer and volunteer coach for the Renaissance City Softball League and was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2025 for his leadership and service. He has also received honors such as Employee of the Quarter, reflecting consistent excellence across multiple areas of his life. And, in 2025 Paul's biography was included in the Marquis Who's Who in America publication.Paul attributes his success to dedication, integrity, reliability, and an unwavering focus on serving others. Looking ahead, he plans to continue expanding his tax business client base. A devoted animal lover, he shares his life with his beloved rescue dog Lady.Don’t miss Paul’s podcast, where he shares insights, expertise, practical tips, and thoughtful perspectives that will educate and inspire us all.For more information about our guest, please visit www.edptaxservice.com
Close Up Radio Spotlights Realtor Ali Watt of The Watt Project
Nelson, BC - In a world where buying or selling a home is often seen as just another business transaction, Ali Watt is proving it can be so much more. As a successful Realtor and founder of The Watt Project, Watt turns every real estate journey into an opportunity to give back, connect with purpose, and ensure that moving homes also means moving hearts.Ali Watt’s story is as refreshing as it is relatable. Inspired by her successful and now retired aunt who was a realtor in her hometown of Winnipeg. Ali had a passion for real estate even before she set down roots in her now-beloved town of Nelson, British Columbia. But she knew that building trust in a new community doesn’t happen overnight. So, she picked up a camera, not a clipboard, and set out to become a professional photographer, shooting weddings and lifestyle portraits while attending school. This eye for detail and knack for capturing life’s milestones proved invaluable when she finally obtained her real estate license. The rest, as they say, is history.For over 13 years, Ali has helped clients navigate the ups and downs of the Canadian housing market, a landscape as beautiful as it is complex. Today, she remains deeply invested in ensuring that finding a home is a memorable and meaningful experience. For Ali, this isn’t about maximizing commissions or closing record-setting deals. It’s about ensuring that everyone gets to put a roof over their head in a way that’s ethical, transparent, and community-minded.Ali knows first-hand how daunting the housing market can be, especially for first-time buyers. In Nelson, the average home price hovers around $700,000, a figure that can be a daunting mountain for many to climb, often outpacing wage growth and making even double-income households reliant on a helping hand from family for that crucial down payment. With rental vacancies sitting near zero, finding a place to call home has never been more competitive or more stressful.What truly sets Ali apart is her commitment to doing business differently. The Watt Project is her brainchild, born from a desire to turn the traditional real estate referral system into a force for good. Here’s how it works: when a client is ready to buy or sell, Ali refers them to a trusted Realtor who fits not only their needs but also their personality and lifestyle. This isn’t a random pairing. Ali draws on her deep industry connections and keen understanding of people to ensure that the working relationship feels right from the very first conversation.But the twist is what happens next. In the world of real estate, it’s standard practice for agents who refer clients to receive a referral fee. This agent to agent transaction is commonplace but is rarely discussed with the buyers and sellers. In an innovative move Ali decided to take this referral fee and instead of pocketing it all, the Watt Project splits it and has the buyer or seller direct half towards a charity of their choice. This could be a national organization like the Cancer Society or just a local hockey club, The Buyers or Sellers select a cause that matters to them, turning a standard business transaction into a genuine benefit for their community.In the end, the Watt Project’s matched Realtors are grateful for the new business through Ali’s referrals Sellers have the satisfaction of contributing to a cause close to their hearts without any cost to themselves, and local charities receive a meaningful infusion of funds at a time when every dollar counts. For Ali, this approach is more than just a novel idea, it’s a way to ensure every deal is imbued with generosity and local spirit.“I’ve always wanted to do more for my community than simply volunteer or donate here and there,” Ali shares. “The Watt Project lets me give back in a way that’s woven into the fabric of my daily work. Everyone involved benefits, and it doesn’t cost the buyer, seller, or their agent anything at all. It’s money that’s already in motion, just moving in a direction that makes a difference.”Getting started with The Watt Project is refreshingly straightforward. Clients reach out when they’re ready to buy or sell and Ali gets to work, vetting both the client and the Realtors to ensure there’s a strong personality fit and shared understanding of what’s needed. This personal, hands-on approach is central to Ali’s philosophy. She believes that trust and connection are the cornerstones of a successful real estate experience and that giving back should be just as straightforward as signing on the dotted line.With ever increasing needs for community and charitable support in communities across the U.S. and Canada, innovative approaches like The Watt Project are more important than ever. Ali is quick to point out that while her platform is grassroots and growing, the feedback from both clients and agents has been enthusiastic and heartfelt. The only challenge? Convincing people it really is as simple and genuine as it sounds.As Ali puts it, “There’s no catch—just real people, doing good business, and making a real difference together.”For more information about Ali Watt, founder of The Watt Project, please visit https://www.thewattproject.com/
Part 2: Close Up Radio Welcomes Back Author Dr. Susan Krup Grunin of SKG Creations
Naples, FL - Dr. Susan Krup Grunin, PhD, has worn many hats: educator, federal law enforcement leader, executive coach, and now award-winning author and founder of SKG Creations. Her life journey, marked by curiosity, a love for learning, and a knack for finding humor even in life’s trickiest situations, shines through her celebrated “Little MisFit” book series and her extensive work in education, criminal justice, and human capital strategy.A self-described “lifelong learner,” Dr. Grunin recalls joining the Future Teachers of America club long before most children have even considered what they want to be when they grow up. “Even as a child, I loved seeing that ‘aha’ moment, the spark when someone truly understands something for the first time,” shares Dr. Grunin. That passion guided her from teaching Sunday school and volunteering with kids, all the way to university classrooms at Loyola University Chicago, University of Illinois, University of Virginia, and University of Maryland.Along this path, she discovered a universal thread: mentorship. “People who have someone guiding them, whether it be a mentor, a coach, or simply a caring adult, tend to thrive. It’s about sharing wisdom, even our failures, so others don’t have to stumble in the same ways,” she explains. Books and travel also became formative avenues for learning, experiences she now weaves into her writing for young readers.But education was just one act of Dr. Grunin’s careers. The turbulence of the Vietnam War era and a penchant for hands-on learning led her from the University of Michigan to Anderson College, where a dynamic professor introduced her to the complexities of criminal justice. “I started recognizing that life’s paths are NOT always straight, and not every-one grows up with the same opportunities or values,” Dr. Grunin notes. Her early work in juvenile court opened her eyes to the critical importance of intervention and adult support in young lives, a lesson that resonated throughout her three decades in federal law enforcement and career and executive coaching and development.Shortly after earning her master’s degree at age 21 in Chicago, Dr. Grunin became the youngest federal probation officer ever appointed in the United States. She broke new ground, supporting people who were transitioning back into society and developing a reputation for candor and fairness. “I always said: if you want to make it, I will help you. If not, I will help you go back,” she says with a signature blend of empathy and practicality.Her journey did not stop with law enforcement. In Washington D.C., she was the first woman appointed in the Federal Probation System headquarters as a law enforcement officer or criminal investigator. After working on many exciting projects including Witness protection and writing monographs, newsletters and being the first woman regional administrator, Dr. Grunin transitioned into human capital strategy, leading executive training programs, executive coaching. She also wrote for the University of Virginia, a graduate-level textbook, “Human Capital Strategic Consulting.” The book, which became a staple among HR and government professionals, encourages leaders to look beyond tactical decisions, paperwork and payroll to strategically build strong organizational cultures that nurture talent and innovation.After 32 years of federal service, she turned to executive coaching and consulting, both independently and with national consulting firms. Many of Dr. Grunin’s former clients still reach out, sharing their successes and crediting her tough-love guidance. “The most rewarding part is seeing someone take charge of their own story,” she shares.Yet perhaps the centerpiece of Dr. Grunin’s latest work is the “Little MisFit” series, published by SKG Creations. Written for children and young adults (with plenty of winks and laughs for adults as well), the books chronicle the adventures of Ivy Sue Klutz, a spirited girl who does NOT quite fit in. “Everyone feels like a MisFit at some point. The trick is learning when it’s okay to stand out, how to laugh at yourself, and how to build confidence through humor, all lessons I hope readers of all ages will take to heart,” Dr. Grunin notes.The current series follows Ivy from age three to young adulthood, tackling challenges from playground missteps to the complexities of finding your place in the world. Each book encourages intergenerational dialogue, inviting children and mentors to share stories, laugh together, and explore life’s ups and downs as a team. This is critical in an age of electronics – I-pads, I-phones, etc., that we need to put down and take time to have a series of discussions and dialogues and laugh out-loud together so we can build life-long bonding relationships. These relationships can be the foundation for many kids and young adults to become successful in life.The “Little MisFit” books have garnered widespread recognition, including the Pinnacle Achievement Awards from the National Association of Book Entrepreneurs, the Global Book of Excellence Award, and a Top Author Elite designation. With three books published and more in the works, Dr. Grunin continues to collect humorous and heartening stories from her own life and career for future installments. Currently, she is finishing book Four: Life Has More than Two Certainties, Death and Taxes. The target age for this book is 16 into early 20s, a time, when we believe that we are invincible.Beyond writing, Dr. Grunin pursues her passion for oil painting, sharing her vibrant artwork on Fine Art America. Through SKG Creations, she bridges creativity and instruction, reinforcing her core belief that learning never truly ends, even when we “retire.”With her sons thriving in cyber and IT careers, and her granddaughter already delighting in Nana’s stories, Dr. Grunin remains committed to living and leading by example. “Laugh every day. Learn something new. And don’t be afraid to stand out, even if it means being the MisFit in the room.”About Dr. Susan Krup Grunin and SKG CreationsDr. Susan Krup Grunin is an award-winning author, educator, executive coach, artist and retired Federal Law Enforcement Officer, based in Naples, Florida. Through her company, SKG Creations, she publishes the acclaimed “Little MisFit” book series and sells original fine art. Her mission: to inspire, encourage, and help others find both humor and strength no matter where life’s journey lead, in order to help young adults become successful.For more information about Dr. Susan Krup Grunin and SKG Creations, please visit https://skg-creations.com/
Close Up Radio Welcomes Back Kathy O'Neill of What's Next Transition Coaching
Shelter Island, NY -- Kathy O’Neill is the owner of a practice called What’s Next Transition Coaching. She is a woman who not only believes in embracing change, she actually chases it! Transformation has been the key to success in her own life, and it has now become her life’s work. Over the years, she earned a master’s in public health from Yale and had two successful careers before pursuing a career in coaching. Guiding transitions, she says, is her superpower.People traditionally stick with what’s familiar and when they step away from what’s comfortable, fear can set in. Often, fears arise due to stories they have created about what they are or are not capable of. Kathy helps her clients gather the data that refutes these stories and provides tools to shift their mindset. They begin to recognize when their stories arise and can process the negative emotions in the moment. She thinks her greatest challenge and rewards have the same root: helping women to discover just how great they are and then compassionately supporting them to believe it. Once they get it, they are lighter and shine, they look at life with enthusiasm and curiosity, and they connect with their true selves. Even though clients reach out for help in moving through a major life change such as switching careers, Kathy sees herself as more of a transformational coach. Her goal is to set you up for any future change and this requires a change in how we feel about ourselves and what we are capable of. This work is the key to lifelong success.Kathy has been such an advocate for women’s growth that Close Up Radio recently named her among their Empowering Women in America. She tells clients “We are all living in survival mode, balancing daily life demands, with outside challenges that can test us and give us anxiety. Give yourself grace for making it in this tough world. Let your voice be heard. And decide how you want to spend your existence: in the fear camp or the love camp.”In her podcast, Kathy will discuss how this works and how she supports women in finding and understanding the source of their fears and stories. She will also talk about a new book that she contributed to entitled Midlife Reimagined: Making big change at any age. It’s a guide to awakening what’s next, partly by changing your internal narrative. It’s a way for people to find their joy on a daily basis.Prior to becoming a coach, Kathy O’Neill worked as a film and video producer. It was there that she recognized a talent for getting to know people and making them feel comfortable so they can tell their story. She has an innate sense of how people feel and reading their emotions as they sit in front of a camera. Interviews became one of the favorite parts of her job and this skill has assisted her greatly in her coaching career.We all judge ourselves, sometimes harshly, especially when sitting in front of a camera. Kathy guides clients on how to recognize when we judge ourselves and others. The stories we tell ourselves are deep rooted and a form of judgement. She helps clients realize that the stories they might be telling themselves are not necessarily true.Kathy O’Neill is admired by clients and media alike and has returned to Close Up to continue conversations with Jim. She will bring the news team up to speed on the latest developments in her coaching practice. She hopes to inspire the same kind of awakening in listeners as she does with clients.For more information about Kathy and What’s Next Coaching please visit www.whatsnexttransitioncoaching.com
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