If The Public Only Knew- Your Guide to Navigating the Financial Advisory Ecosystem

Gary Sinderbrand

If the Public Only Knew is a podcast that takes you beyond the headlines and surface-level success stories to uncover the real journeys behind today’s most influential CEOs, founders, and business leaders. Hosted by Gary Sinderbrand, a seasoned professional with decades of experience in the financial and business worlds, the show has evolved from its original focus on exposing behind-the-scenes truths about the financial community to a broader exploration of entrepreneurship, leadership, and growth. Each episode features in-depth conversations with trailblazers who candidly share their origin stories—the ideas that sparked their ventures, the challenges they faced early on, and the pivotal moments that defined their paths. Gary’s thoughtful and direct interview style invites guests to open up about the false starts, missteps, and tough decisions they’ve made along the way. Listeners get an unfiltered look at what it really takes to build a business, from navigating uncertainty to staying true to a vision even when the odds feel stacked against you. Through these conversations, Gary uncovers the lessons learned and insights gained from years of experience in the trenches. The stories go beyond glossy success narratives, instead highlighting the resilience, adaptability, and creativity required to overcome obstacles and build lasting impact. Whether it’s a founder sharing the humbling moment they almost gave up, a CEO explaining how they rallied their team after a major setback, or a leader revealing the personal values that drive their decisions, each episode is designed to inspire and educate. If the Public Only Knew is more than a business podcast; it’s a platform for authentic storytelling. The show offers listeners the opportunity to learn directly from people who have been through the highs and lows of building something meaningful. Entrepreneurs, aspiring leaders, and anyone interested in the human side of business will find actionable takeaways, fresh perspectives, and the reassurance that failure is often part of the process. Join Gary Sinderbrand each week as he digs into the untold stories behind success and explores the real journeys of those shaping industries and communities. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s truly like to start, grow, and lead a business, If the Public Only Knew will give you the insights you need—and the inspiration to keep going. Stronger advice. Smarter decisions. Better outcomes. It starts with what we all deserve to know.

  1. Elliot Kallen: Building Financial Legacies While Planning for Life Beyond Business

    3 DAYS AGO

    Elliot Kallen: Building Financial Legacies While Planning for Life Beyond Business

    About Elliot Kallen: Elliot Kallen is the Founder and President of Prosperity Financial Group, Inc., a fiduciary wealth management firm based in San Ramon, California. With more than 30 years of experience as a Financial Advisor and 401(k) Fiduciary, he specializes in guiding individuals, families, and business owners through retirement planning, investment management, and wealth preservation. Elliot is also the host of the global top-ranked Meet the Expert with Elliot Kallen® podcast, where he brings advanced financial insights to audiences in an approachable way. Beyond his financial work, he is the Founder and President of A Brighter Day, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting teen mental health, blending his entrepreneurial expertise with a commitment to creating lasting social impact. In this episode, Gary and Elliot Kallen discuss: The struggles of starting and scaling a financial advisory businessSuccession planning and the transfer of client relationshipsThe competitive landscape between independent firms and large institutionsPersonal experiences shaping professional purpose and philanthropy Key Takeaways: New advisors should strongly consider acquiring or partnering with an existing practice instead of starting from scratch, since beginning without clients or revenue is often unsustainable and leads to burnout.Structuring a business to include both growth-focused entities and succession-ready partnerships can provide stability while creating opportunities for advisors at different stages of their careers.A practical succession plan requires more than a financial deal—it involves mentoring the next generation into true business ownership, gradually transitioning client trust, and accepting trade-offs like a smaller payout to protect long-term continuity.Turning personal tragedy into purpose by building philanthropic ventures alongside financial success not only honors legacy but also demonstrates how entrepreneurs can integrate meaning and social impact into their exit strategies.  "If you're not careful, the number on the front looks good, but you're selling your soul, and the devil in the details is you lose everything you built." — Elliot Kallen   Connect with Elliot Kallen:  Website: https://prosperityfinancialgroup.com/ Show: Meet The Expert with Elliot Kallen: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-the-expert-with-elliot-kallen/id1534748478 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliotkallen/ For more great content, sign up for Gary’s free Patreon channel- https://www.patreon.com/FA_Masterclass/home  Or his LinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7206743428141895681/ To get in touch with Gary: Website: https://betterpathtraining.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gsinderbrand/ Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    24 min
  2. Mark Ryski: Unlocking Profit by Measuring What Retailers Ignore

    20 AUG

    Mark Ryski: Unlocking Profit by Measuring What Retailers Ignore

    About Mark Ryski: Mark Ryski is the Founder and CEO of HeadCount Corporation, a pioneering firm in store traffic and conversion analytics since 1994. He is a recognized industry authority and the author of three influential books, including Store Traffic Is a Gift and CONVERSION: The Last Great Retail Metric. Mark’s work has shaped how retailers worldwide measure and improve in-store performance, earning him media coverage in outlets like Forbes, Retail Dive, and The Globe & Mail. As a frequent contributor to RetailWire and other forums, he continues to advocate for smarter, data-informed retail strategies. In this episode, Gary and Mark Ryski discuss: How measuring and analyzing store traffic reshapes retail strategyThe often-overlooked link between staffing levels, customer service, and conversion ratesStrategies entrepreneurs use to break through industry resistance and skepticismLeveraging thought leadership to build credibility and open new business opportunities Key Takeaways: By systematically counting every person who walks through the door and comparing those counts to completed transactions, retailers gain an exact measure of their conversion rate, enabling them to pinpoint precisely when during the day sales are lost and why.Traffic data broken down by hour reveals the specific times when customers most need attention, allowing managers to schedule the right number of staff at the right moments to maximize both service quality and profitability while minimizing wasted labor costs.Establishing authority through publishing, such as writing a focused and insightful book, can break down barriers in skeptical industries by sparking curiosity, opening doors to high-level conversations, and positioning the author as a trusted expert.In-depth mapping of traffic and conversion patterns across an entire retail chain often uncovers dramatic differences from store to store, proving that customized, location-specific strategies are essential for unlocking each site’s full revenue potential.  "Without traffic, without that traffic count data, you have no means of comparing." — Mark Ryski Connect with Mark Ryski:  Website: https://headcount.com/ Book: Store Traffic Is a Gift: The Retailer’s Guide to Converting Visits into Sales (releases 30 September): https://www.amazon.com/Store-Traffic-Gift-Retailers-Converting/dp/B0F1XG8QC5  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-ryski-8826601/ & https://www.linkedin.com/company/headcount-corporation/ For more great content, sign up for Gary’s free Patreon channel- https://www.patreon.com/FA_Masterclass/home  Or his LinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7206743428141895681/ To get in touch with Gary: Website: https://betterpathtraining.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gsinderbrand/ Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    27 min
  3. Firdaus Kharas: The Power of Individual Vision in a Rapidly Changing World

    13 AUG

    Firdaus Kharas: The Power of Individual Vision in a Rapidly Changing World

    About Firdaus Kharas: Firdaus Kharas, OC, FRSA, DHum, LLD, recently reached a groundbreaking milestone: the creation or co-creation of 5,000 media productions aimed at driving positive social change. Since founding social enterprise Chocolate Moose Media in Ottawa, Canada, in 1995, Kharas has dedicated his career to tackling some of the world's most pressing issues through innovative media solutions. Kharas is a trailblazer in using animation for social change and has emerged as the world’s leading and most prolific individual producer and director of media dedicated to social good. His 5,000 productions, grouped into 100 distinct series, cover a vast array of topics from Anti-racism to Zika eradication, and exist in hundreds of language/accent versions, enabling over 6.5 billion people to see some of his work in their own language. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, Firdaus Kharas was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada and has received 125 awards and recognitions throughout his career. In this episode, Gary and Firdaus Kharas discuss: The foundational role of creativity in driving personal and societal transformationHow deeply held personal values influence life and financial decisionsThe importance of passion, grit, and supportive environments in realizing creative visionsTechnology and innovation as tools for amplifying human potential and individuality Key Takeaways: Regularly seek out firsthand experiences—such as volunteering in underserved communities or engaging with people facing hardship—to train yourself to move beyond personal comfort zones and develop a mindset where social responsibility is grounded in direct, empathetic action.Critical decision-making, especially in finance and career, is most sustainable and fulfilling when guided by a clear understanding of personal values, even at the cost of turning down profitable but ethically conflicting opportunities.Creativity is not reserved for a select few but is a universal human trait that flourishes when people are given an environment that supports innovation, the freedom to fail, mutual respect, access to tools, and the ability to adopt multiple roles.True change and impact occur at the individual level, not through imposed solutions or broad demographic assumptions, but through acknowledging the unique combination of cultural, emotional, and experiential variables that shape every person's worldview.  "I think that nobody can walk in somebody else’s shoes, because we are all individuals." — Firdaus Kharas Connect with Firdaus Kharas:  Website: http://www.chocmoose.com/ Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/firdauskharas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/firdaus-kharas-95a28016 For more great content, sign up for Gary’s free Patreon channel- https://www.patreon.com/FA_Masterclass/home  Or his LinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7206743428141895681/ To get in touch with Gary: Website: https://betterpathtraining.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gsinderbrand/ Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    40 min
  4. Marc Reifenrath: From College Dorm Room to AI-Driven Strategy in Modern Marketing

    6 AUG

    Marc Reifenrath: From College Dorm Room to AI-Driven Strategy in Modern Marketing

    About Marc Reifenrath: Marc Reifenrath is the Chairman of the Board and co-founder of Spinutech, a full-service digital agency with over 125 team members across the U.S. He is the former CEO, having led the company for more than two decades, and now focuses on supporting its next phase of growth under new leadership. Marc is known for his deep belief in the power of culture as a driver of business success, having built Spinutech from a college start-up into one of the country’s leading digital marketing agencies. He’s also the co-host of The Growth Fire podcast, where he speaks with business leaders about customer growth, talent retention, and scaling results. A proud advocate for team development and client success, Marc continues to serve as a trusted growth advisor and culture champion. Outside of work, he prioritizes family time, golf, and travel — in that order. In this episode, Gary and Marc Reifenrath discuss: Adapting a business model across decades of technological and market shiftsIntegrating artificial intelligence into digital marketing and operationsChallenges and benefits of transitioning leadership in a growing companyFinding growth opportunities by reinventing client value and internal efficiency Key Takeaways: Entrepreneurs can gain early traction by building a product that solves a basic but emerging problem—in this case, giving clients self-service control of their websites—while using each success to grow credibility, secure bigger accounts, and gradually expand beyond local markets.Teams that implement AI not just as a tool but as a strategic framework—through synthetic personas, predictive modeling, and campaign pre-testing—can dramatically accelerate client ROI and decision-making confidence.Agencies that replace outdated workflows with AI-powered automations and redeploy staff toward higher-value strategic thinking will retain a competitive edge and attract forward-looking investors and clients.Founder-led businesses should proactively plan for leadership succession to avoid stagnation, especially when facing disruptive industry shifts, ensuring they can focus on innovation instead of day-to-day management constraints.  "If you’re not growing, you’re dying." — Marc Reifenrath   Connect with Marc Reifenrath:  Website: https://www.spinutech.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcreifenrath/ For more great content, sign up for Gary’s free Patreon channel- https://www.patreon.com/FA_Masterclass/home  Or his LinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7206743428141895681/ To get in touch with Gary: Website: https://betterpathtraining.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gsinderbrand/ Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    32 min
  5. Wendy Cocke: Breaking Free from the Infinite Workday with Intentional Flexibility

    30 JUL

    Wendy Cocke: Breaking Free from the Infinite Workday with Intentional Flexibility

    About Wendy Cocke: Wendy Cocke, a trailblazer in redefining career success, is the author of two bestselling books, "Making Flex Work: Defining Success on Your Own Terms" and "Reimagine Your Work: Managing Your Career Like It's Your Business” in addition to being a contributor to the best selling human resources anthology “When Work Works: Cutting-Edge Solutions for the Contemporary Workplace.”  She is the visionary behind Engineering Leadership Solutions LLC, guiding technical professionals and organizations to think about work differently. Her journey from growing up in a family business, to obtaining a chemical engineering degree from Georgia Tech and leading global teams at Fortune 500 companies showcases her belief in hard work and perseverance.  Wendy's pivotal moment came when she negotiated a flexible work arrangement after the birth of her first child. Instead of hindering her career progression, she defied the status quo as it launched her from an individual contributor to a director, and eventually to a business owner. She believes that with her experience and her engineering mindset, she can help people find their place at work and thrive once they get there. In this episode, Gary and Wendy Cocke discuss: Hybrid work as the new normal and what it really means todayChallenges of leadership and accountability in remote environmentsContinuous connectivity and its impact on personal boundariesAdapting workplace culture to generational and technological shifts Key Takeaways: Data from Microsoft shows that work has become so embedded in daily life that a significant portion of professionals check emails before 6 AM and after 10 PM, leading to what is now being called the "infinite workday."Physically putting away work devices at the end of the day—such as placing them in a closet or another room—can help train the brain to disconnect and establish a clearer boundary between work and personal time.Logging work activity in 15–20 minute intervals for a full week can reveal hidden patterns and inefficiencies, serving as a powerful baseline to make small, intentional changes that better align with personal and organizational goals.Leaders who clearly define what work needs to be done, where it’s best accomplished, and when it needs to happen are more successful in managing distributed teams and attracting top talent in a remote-first world. "Individuals, especially ones that don't have other outside commitments to take their time, find that they work much longer because there's no reason to stop." — Wendy Cocke Connect with Wendy Cocke:  Website: https://www.engineeringleadershipsolutions.com/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-anderson-cocke  Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Wendy-A.-Cocke/author/B0B64DXYLF For more great content, sign up for Gary’s free Patreon channel- https://www.patreon.com/FA_Masterclass/home  Or his LinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7206743428141895681/ To get in touch with Gary: Website: https://betterpathtraining.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gsinderbrand/ Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    26 min
  6. Shawn Nelson: How to Turn Bankruptcy into a Billion-Dollar Bet

    23 JUL

    Shawn Nelson: How to Turn Bankruptcy into a Billion-Dollar Bet

    About Shawn Nelson: Shawn D. Nelson is the author of Let Me Save You 25 Years: Mistakes, Miracles, and Lessons from the Lovesac Story. He is the founder and CEO of the Lovesac Company, which designs, manufactures, and sells such furniture as modular couches and bean bag chairs. Nelson holds a BA in Mandarin Chinese from the University of Utah and a Master’s degree in Strategic Design and Management from Parsons, The New School for Design in New York City, where he later became an instructor.  In this episode, Gary and Shawn Nelson discuss: The emotional and strategic rollercoaster of building a business from scratchThe personal toll and power of enduring economic and reputational pressureInnovation and sustainability as foundational, not optionalHow mindset and grit define long-term success more than external validation Key Takeaways: Navigating a company through public bankruptcy taught Shawn that you must keep selling, leading, and believing—even while dismantling what you just built—which is a reminder that survival often means showing up at your lowest with the same intensity as your peak.By choosing to keep all his equity in Lovesac and avoiding financial “safety nets,” Shawn stayed accountable and hungry—a bold approach that challenges you to consider where artificial comfort may be limiting your potential.The StealthTech sound system, which retrofits into even years-old couches, proves that designing for longevity and adaptability not only delights customers—it future-proofs your business, so think about how your own offerings can grow with your audience.With 40% of transactions coming from returning customers adding to or evolving their furniture, Shawn shows that building trust through consistency and modularity turns buyers into believers—so consider how you can earn repeat engagement by keeping your promises over time.  "Develop the capacity to stay buoyant—you know, stay upbeat, stay optimistic." — Shawn Nelson Connect with Shawn Nelson:  Website: https://shawndnelson.com/ Book: Let Me Save You 25 Years: https://www.amazon.com/Let-Me-Save-You-Years/dp/B0CHNZ6VY5 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnoflovesac For more great content, sign up for Gary’s free Patreon channel- https://www.patreon.com/FA_Masterclass/home  Or his LinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7206743428141895681/ To get in touch with Gary: Website: https://betterpathtraining.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gsinderbrand/ Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    31 min
  7. Dan Kurzrock: From Beer to Bread to Business in the Circular Economy

    16 JUL

    Dan Kurzrock: From Beer to Bread to Business in the Circular Economy

    About Dan Kurzrock: Dan Kurzrock is the co-founder and CEO of Upcycled Foods, Inc., a pioneer in upcycled food innovation and food system circularity. He holds a BA from UCLA, where underage homebrewing started it all, and a sustainable MBA from Presidio Graduate School. In this episode, Gary and Dan Kurzrock discuss: Food waste and inefficiencies in the global food systemInnovation through sustainable entrepreneurshipBuilding a business from a college hobbyCreative approaches to raising capital and scaling a startup Key Takeaways: Recognizing that one pound of spent grain is created for every six-pack of beer — totaling 20 billion pounds annually in the U.S. — Upcycled Foods developed a proprietary ingredient called SuperGrain+ to reintroduce this overlooked source of protein and fiber into the food supply chain.Entrepreneurs looking to start sustainably can begin by identifying overlooked resources in everyday systems — like brewing byproducts — and experimenting with low-cost, marketable solutions such as baked goods or ingredient blends to test demand.By leveraging equity crowdfunding through platforms like WeFunder, startups can convert their most passionate customers into investors, creating not only financial backing but a broader ownership community aligned with the company’s mission.Aspiring innovators should pursue mission-driven ideas even before perfect data or market validation exists, taking action on gut-level logic and curiosity to begin building momentum and uncover deeper purpose over time.  "It’s okay to take two steps forward and one step back — that’s actually really solid work if you’re pursuing something entrepreneurial." — Dan Kurzrock Connect with Dan Kurzrock:  Website: https://upcycledfoods.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielkurzrock For more great content, sign up for Gary’s free Patreon channel- https://www.patreon.com/FA_Masterclass/home  Or his LinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7206743428141895681/ To get in touch with Gary: Website: https://betterpathtraining.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gsinderbrand/ Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    24 min
  8. Dr. Chris Fuzie: How Legacy Dies When Relationship Building Gets Ignored

    9 JUL

    Dr. Chris Fuzie: How Legacy Dies When Relationship Building Gets Ignored

    About Dr. Chris Fuzie: Dr. Chris Fuzie, Ed.D., M.A.OL., is a leadership consultant, trainer, college professor, and author specializing in behavior-based leadership and followership dynamics. He holds a Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership, along with a Master’s and Bachelor’s in the same field, blending academic insights with practical applications. With over 29 years in law enforcement, Dr. Fuzie has led various high-stakes teams and continues to apply his expertise to consulting and training organizations. His innovative concepts, including the Liminal Leadership Model, challenge traditional leadership paradigms by emphasizing the simultaneous roles of leader and follower. In this episode, Gary and Dr. Chris Fuzie discuss: Leadership and followership dynamics in professional teamsThe evolving nature of trust and relationships in client-based industriesHow generational shifts are reshaping workplace expectationsOrganizational struggles with continuity and talent development Key Takeaways: When senior advisors retire without mentoring their successors or introducing them to clients, firms risk losing trust, continuity, and assets due to a complete collapse in relationship transfer.Compensation strategies that reward junior advisors without measurable contribution or urgency lead to entitlement, underperformance, and diminished long-term motivation across the team.Effective succession planning must go at least three layers deep, identifying who can replace a leader now, in the near future, and who must be developed from scratch, with mentoring built into each stage.Leadership is no longer just about authority or title, but about modeling behaviors that earn referent power, foster followership, and build trust through consistent personal engagement. "Leadership is leading into followership… because you can't separate the two." — Dr. Chris Fuzie Connect with Dr. Chris Fuzie:  Website: https://www.cmfleadership.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-chris-fuzie-ed-d-m-a-ol-vl2-37587934/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/CMFLeadership Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090255232861 For more great content, sign up for Gary’s free Patreon channel- https://www.patreon.com/FA_Masterclass/home  Or his LinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7206743428141895681/ To get in touch with Gary: Website: https://betterpathtraining.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gsinderbrand/ Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    35 min

About

If the Public Only Knew is a podcast that takes you beyond the headlines and surface-level success stories to uncover the real journeys behind today’s most influential CEOs, founders, and business leaders. Hosted by Gary Sinderbrand, a seasoned professional with decades of experience in the financial and business worlds, the show has evolved from its original focus on exposing behind-the-scenes truths about the financial community to a broader exploration of entrepreneurship, leadership, and growth. Each episode features in-depth conversations with trailblazers who candidly share their origin stories—the ideas that sparked their ventures, the challenges they faced early on, and the pivotal moments that defined their paths. Gary’s thoughtful and direct interview style invites guests to open up about the false starts, missteps, and tough decisions they’ve made along the way. Listeners get an unfiltered look at what it really takes to build a business, from navigating uncertainty to staying true to a vision even when the odds feel stacked against you. Through these conversations, Gary uncovers the lessons learned and insights gained from years of experience in the trenches. The stories go beyond glossy success narratives, instead highlighting the resilience, adaptability, and creativity required to overcome obstacles and build lasting impact. Whether it’s a founder sharing the humbling moment they almost gave up, a CEO explaining how they rallied their team after a major setback, or a leader revealing the personal values that drive their decisions, each episode is designed to inspire and educate. If the Public Only Knew is more than a business podcast; it’s a platform for authentic storytelling. The show offers listeners the opportunity to learn directly from people who have been through the highs and lows of building something meaningful. Entrepreneurs, aspiring leaders, and anyone interested in the human side of business will find actionable takeaways, fresh perspectives, and the reassurance that failure is often part of the process. Join Gary Sinderbrand each week as he digs into the untold stories behind success and explores the real journeys of those shaping industries and communities. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s truly like to start, grow, and lead a business, If the Public Only Knew will give you the insights you need—and the inspiration to keep going. Stronger advice. Smarter decisions. Better outcomes. It starts with what we all deserve to know.