Day in a Canoe Podcast

Nathan Mersereau
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Day in a Canoe Podcast

Think of the people you interact with every day, would you want to spend a day in a canoe with them? This show is all about creating the life that you want, one filled with wealth, wisdom, meaning and purpose. And that starts with surrounding yourself with the right people – people you’d want to spend a day with, in a canoe.

  1. The Power of Humility in Leadership with Denise Ilitch of Ilitch Enterprises, LLC

    NOV 11

    The Power of Humility in Leadership with Denise Ilitch of Ilitch Enterprises, LLC

    We’re joined by Denise Ilitch, President of Ilitch Enterprises, to explore her journey in business, leadership, and community impact. Denise shares insights from her upbringing in the entrepreneurial Ilitch family and reflects on her experiences building a legacy in Detroit. From the importance of calculated risks to maintaining a strong community focus, Denise’s wisdom offers a fresh perspective on balancing professional and personal priorities. Key Takeaways: (02:38) The story behind naming Little Caesars. (03:28) Denise worked closely with her father in the business. (05:24) The reasons behind the decision to franchise. (08:30) Learning the value of calculated risks. (12:18) The importance of giving back to the community. (16:15) Advice for facing adversity with resilience. (19:05) Keep work in perspective — it isn’t everything. Resources Mentioned: Denise Ilitch - https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-ilitch-4013aa2a/ Little Caesars - https://littlecaesars.com/en-us/ University of Michigan - https://umich.edu/ The Skillman Foundation - https://www.skillman.org/   Thanks for joining us for the latest episode of “Day in a Canoe.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of our insightful conversations. If you’d like us to help you define what true wealth means to you, go to www.planningalt.com and take our assessment. Planning Alternatives is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any opinions expressed may not reflect those of Planning Alternatives. #LeadershipJourney #CommunityImpact  #CalculatedRisks  #Entrepreneurship #LeadershipInsights

    20 min
  2. Modernizing Classics with Jonathan Ward of ICON

    OCT 31

    Modernizing Classics with Jonathan Ward of ICON

    In this episode, host Nathan Mersereau speaks with Jonathan Ward, CEO of ICON4x4. Jonathan shares his journey from restoring vintage vehicles to building a thriving business that combines nostalgia with modern functionality. He discusses the challenges of balancing creativity with business demands and the importance of staying true to his vision. Key Takeaways: (06:31) Mr. Toyoda’s surprising visit to the shop. (10:13) The appeal of nostalgia in classic cars. (14:44) Balancing modern features with vintage design. (18:44) Culture and diversity as a driving force in growth. (22:12) Building a business rooted in craftsmanship. (25:50) Crafting humanity despite market pressures. Resources Mentioned: Jonathan Ward - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-ward-b3750353/  ICON Website - https://www.icon4x4.com/about-icon/ Toyota Global - https://global.toyota/ Pendleton Woolen Mills - https://www.pendleton-usa.com/     Thanks for joining us for the latest episode of “Day in a Canoe.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of our insightful conversations. If you’d like us to help you define what true wealth means to you, go to www.planningalt.com and take our assessment. Planning Alternatives is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any opinions expressed may not reflect those of Planning Alternatives. #VintageRestoration #IndustrialDesign #ClassicCars #AutomotiveCraftsmanship

    27 min
  3. Building Wealth Through Creativity: Insights From a Live Panel with Artists: Elyse Allen, Jonathan Ward, Chrissy Glenn, and Doug Nordberg

    OCT 21

    Building Wealth Through Creativity: Insights From a Live Panel with Artists: Elyse Allen, Jonathan Ward, Chrissy Glenn, and Doug Nordberg

    We’re joined by an incredible panel of creative entrepreneurs to explore the challenges and rewards of turning passion into a successful business. Elyse Allen, owner of Elyse Allen Textiles, Jonathan Ward, Founder and Industrial Designer at ICON, Chrissy Glenn, master Metal Sculptress, and Doug Nordberg, Furniture Designer at Nordberg Furniture, each share their journey of building unique brands, embracing creativity, and navigating the balance between business and art. Key Takeaways: (03:16) Elyse shares her perspective on balancing creativity and business growth. (10:42) Jonathan reflects on letting go of control in his business. (15:33) Chrissy discusses the importance of focusing on quality over quantity. (20:06) Doug talks about finding joy in the creative process despite business pressures. (28:45) Elyse explains how she balances seasonal production with personal creative time. (36:00) Jonathan talks about the need to delegate tasks to grow a brand. (45:18) Chrissy shares her journey of transitioning from galleries to independent work. (50:03) Doug emphasizes the importance of stepping back to enjoy creative freedom.   Resources Mentioned: Elyse Allen Textiles - https://www.elyseallentextiles.com/ ICON - https://www.icon4x4.com/about-icon/our_story Chrissy Glenn’s Sculptures - https://www.chrissyglenn.com/ Nordberg Furniture - https://nordberggallery.com/ Thanks for joining us for the latest episode of Day in a Canoe. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of our insightful conversations. If you’d like us to help you define what true wealth means to you, go to www.planningalt.com and take our assessment. Planning Alternatives is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any opinions expressed may not reflect those of Planning Alternatives.       #CreativeWealth #ArtAndDesign #BusinessSuccess #PlanningAlternatives

    31 min
  4. Finding Meaning and Purpose in Your Wealth Journey with Julie Colwell of the Evolutionary Power Institute

    SEP 25

    Finding Meaning and Purpose in Your Wealth Journey with Julie Colwell of the Evolutionary Power Institute

    In this episode, Julie Colwell,  Psychologist, Founder, and Director of the Evolutionary Power Institute, shares insights into redefining wealth beyond money. Julie discusses how energy, health and purpose play vital roles in living a fulfilled life. She emphasizes the importance of aligning personal energy with meaningful experiences, while also touching on the role of relationships and creativity in true wealth. Key Takeaways: (02:18) Money can be overemphasized, and it's easy to forget about other forms of energy. (02:45) We have a limited amount of energy, and how we invest it determines our return. (05:48) People often sacrifice their health to make money, but there should be a limit. (15:27) Without health, nothing else in your life can truly thrive. (16:48) Possibility makes life interesting and fun — it’s essential for long-term fulfillment. (18:30) Creativity allows you to access new ideas and possibilities that keep life exciting. (24:12) True wealth has nothing to do with money; it’s about meaning and purpose. Resources Mentioned: Julie Colwell - https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-colwell-67a966264/ Evolutionary Power Institute - https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolutionary-power-institute/ The Energy of Money by Maria Nemeth - https://energyofmoney.com/ Gay and Katie Hendricks' Work - https://hendricks.com/   Planning Alternatives is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any opinions expressed may not reflect those of Planning Alternatives. Thanks for joining us for the latest episode of Day in a Canoe. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of our insightful conversations. If you’d like us to help you define what true wealth means to you, go to www.planningalt.com and take our assessment. #FinancialPlanning #PersonalGrowth #Work-LifeBalance

    25 min

  5. JAN 10

    Day in a Canoe – Kathy Wiseman: Understanding Family Systems

    In this episode, Nathan and Kathy discuss: What family systems are and how they operate Tools to reflect inward and examine your own operating system along with your family system The correlations between you and the generational systems you inherited The emotional attachments to success and money and the role those topics play in family systems Key Takeaways: Addressing what you and your family have inherited emotionally over generations and what you want to do about it often leads to wonderful discussions and a way to talk about what is most important to you all as a unit. Giving yourself time to think about what is important to you to speak for yourself in family conversations is the best way to gain confidence and feel like each family member is heard Curiosity is the biggest motivator in taking action and starting these conversations with your family. “Being yourself with people you are sensitive to, can be magic.”  —  Kathy Wiseman.    About Kathy Wiseman: Kathy Wiseman is the Founder of Working Systems Inc and Partner at Navigating Systems, the Brown Center for the Study of Family. Kathy’s interest and expertise are in assisting family members, family executives, and legal and financial professionals in applying family systems theory to the challenges in their professional and personal lives. Her focus is on making available the groundbreaking research of Dr. Murray Bowen to the professionals who serve business families and organizations. She works with motivated leaders to think systems and increase their capacity to manage themselves in times of change. Connect with Kathy Wiseman:  LinkedIn: Kathy Wiseman | LinkedIn Website: Faculty — Navigating Systems DC  Connect with Nathan Mersereau:  Phone: 248-645-1520 Website: www.dayinacanoe.com Email: nathan.mersereau@planningalt.com Twitter: @NathanMersereau LinkedIn: Nathan Mersereau Address: 255 S Old Woodward, Suite 310 Birmingham, MI 48009

    26 min

  6. 11/24/2023

    Mark McLaughlin: Getting Real About Real Estate

    In this episode, Nathan and Mark discuss: The landscape of residential real estate and the ever-increasing demand for homes despite low inventory and high interest rates. Recent lawsuits against the National Association of Realtors and what it means for real estate professionals and homebuyers. Building businesses and taking risks, particularly in situations where your back is against the wall. Key Takeaways: The real estate business is constantly changing, now more than ever we are seeing low inventory, shifting brokerage practices and constant market fluctuation trying to catch up with increasing demand. Entrepreneurial ventures take time, patience and risk taking. The best lessons in life aren’t through education, but in living through experiences and learning from them. Investing in yourself can be the most powerful way to impact your life. Avoiding lifestyle creeps and reinvesting in things that can pay you back in the long run is of great value. “One of lessons that I learned from the guy that recruited me into the business… when you close a deal, take 25% of your commission and somehow get it into the real estate business.”  —  Mark McLaughlin.    About Mark McLaughlin: A visionary leader in the real estate industry for more than 20 years, Mark McLaughlin’s success is founded in collaboration, early adoption of technology applications, open communication and a keen emphasis on fact-based decisions. He has been highly effective in building dynamic organizations and developing successful business partnerships by establishing clear, measurable objectives for his team and clients. McLaughlin personally directs key strategic initiatives with intense passion and draws on various experiences to achieve elite performance. By the time Compass had acquired Pacific Union in 2018, McLaughlin had grown the San Francisco-based brokerage’s sales volume from $2.2 billion in 2009 to more than $14 billion, ranking as the 5th-largest residential real estate brokerage in the US. At mid-year 2020 the business was on pace for $20 billion in sales volume in 2021. McLaughlin has been at the forefront of industry innovations by enabling his real estate professionals to have a voice in which marketing and educational programs allow them to best serve their clients and grow their businesses. These initiatives have shaped his companies’ service offerings and put cutting edge tools in the hands of every team member to better serve their clientele. McLaughlin was named San Francisco Business Times top CEO in 2017, was honored as RISMedia CEO of the year in 2013 and has been consistently recognized by Inman News and the T3 Swanepoel rankings as one of the top 10 most influential industry executives. Under his leadership, Pacific Union International was named Christie’s International Real Estate Affiliate of the Year, in 2013, and Top Real Estate firm in the world by the International Properties Awards in London in 2018. Connect with Mark McLaughlin:  LinkedIn: Mark A McLaughlin | LinkedIn Website: McLaughlin Ventures | Mark McLaughlin (mclaughlin-ventures.com) Connect with Nathan Mersereau:  Phone: 248-645-1520 Website: www.dayinacanoe.com Email: nathan.mersereau@planningalt.com Twitter: @NathanMersereau LinkedIn: Nathan Mersereau Address: 255 S Old Woodward, Suite 310 Birmingham, MI 48009

    28 min

  7. 11/01/2023

    Breck Kling - An Affinity for Art

    In this episode, Nathan and Breck discuss: Art as an investment and the value it holds from a monetary and aesthetic standpoint The rise of fine art as an alternative asset class The role of an art consultant in the buying and selling process of fine art  The impact Breck’s grandfather had on his life and the community they lived in thanks to his influence as the founder of Xerox How family values and community involvement shape who you are Key Takeaways: There is a hunger for people to understand art as an asset while also appreciating the aesthetic of the works itself Follow your passion and find a way to incorporate it into your work each and every day. Determining the impact you want to make with generational wealth starts and ends with your family dynamic. Finding common ground, a shared vision and how you orient together is key to a successful family experience. Embrace your strengths, have sure footing, and maintain a bit of a practical planning view to see the bigger picture in life. “Art is about context, and the reason why art is in our museums is because it resonates with a moment in time.” —  Breck Kling   About Breck Kling: Breck is an Acquisitions and Collection Management Specialist and Fine Art Consultant that has been with Heather James Fine Art since 2017. He spends his time between Palm Beach Florida and Jackson Hole Wyoming. First introduced to HJFA as a collector, Breck’s collection includes works by Robert Rauschenberg, Chuck Close, Takashi Murakami, Yoshimoto Nara, and Dana Schutz. He was a longtime board member of the Memorial Art Gallery, Rochester, NY, and was an advisor to the first VOLTA art fair in Basel, CH, in 2005. Breck has sat on the board of his family’s foundation (www.wilsonfdn.org) for over 25 years and he is also a co-founder and a trustee of Silicon Couloir, a network for entrepreneurs based in Jackson Hole.  Breck’s passions are art and meeting new people.  He spends the majority of his time meeting new collectors and helping clients navigate collecting decisions . Breck’s perspective as a collector and decades of experience in the artworld offers his clients unique insights at any stage in their collecting process.  Breck has also assisted collectors in selling works by Claude Monet, Jackson Pollock, Pat Steir, Andy Warhol, Willam de Kooning, Louise Bourgeois, Robert Motherwell, Yayoi Kusama, Takashi Murakami, James Rosenquist, Alexander Calder, and Zao Wou-Ki among others.  Breck spends winters in Palm Beach and enjoys time with his two kids, golf and recently discovered pickle ball.    Connect with Breck Kling:  LinkedIn: Breck Kling | LinkedIn Website: Art Consultant | Heather James Fine Art Connect with Nathan Mersereau:  Phone: 248-645-1520 Website: www.dayinacanoe.com Email: nathan.mersereau@planningalt.com Twitter: @NathanMersereau

    21 min

  8. 09/08/2023

    Chris Hessler: Business, Entrepreneurship and… Brain Cancer?

    In this episode, Nathan and Chris discuss: The beauty of the entrepreneurial journey and knowing when to enter and exit an opportunity in the world of business   Emphasizing business development and customer acquisition as key drivers in your organization’s growth and success The power of choice and taking action when things don’t pan out the way you thought they would Resiliency in the face of the toughest challenges life and business can throw your way Key Takeaways: If you have the entrepreneurial itch, particularly at a young age, follow it. Find your niche, discover what makes you invaluable at a company and make it known. Slow down, stop and smell the roses, and spend time with the people you love most; you never know what curveballs life has to offer. “If you’re going to fail, fail fast. Don’t spend millions of dollars to fail, spend hundreds of thousands.” —  Chris Hessler About Chris Hessler: Chris Hessler is a serial entrepreneur, with multiple successful exits, who has launched 12 Advisory Boards throughout his career (mostly because he needed talent/experience he couldn’t afford to hire). Previously, Chris was an Operating Partner at Alpine Investors, and is currently Executive Chairman of Linkwell Health, bringing his extensive network to the platform. Connect with Chris Hessler:  LinkedIn: Chris Hessler | LinkedIn To Be Alive! By Chris Hessler: Amazon.com: To Be Alive!: There, but for the Grace of God, Go I eBook : Hessler, Chris: Kindle Store Connect with Nathan Mersereau:  Phone: 248-645-1520 Website: www.dayinacanoe.com Email: nathan.mersereau@planningalt.com Twitter: @NathanMersereau LinkedIn: Nathan Mersereau Address: 255 S Old Woodward, Suite 310 Birmingham, MI 48009

    19 min
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5
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26 Ratings

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Think of the people you interact with every day, would you want to spend a day in a canoe with them? This show is all about creating the life that you want, one filled with wealth, wisdom, meaning and purpose. And that starts with surrounding yourself with the right people – people you’d want to spend a day with, in a canoe.

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