The Liquid Lunch Project

Matthew Meehan
The Liquid Lunch Project

After decades of experience on Wall Street, in finance and building teams of all sizes in multiple industries, Matthew Meehan and Luigi Rosabianca have a world-class understanding of what it takes to scale (and fund) a successful business. They are here to share a No-BS approach to what is involved in growing an empire. A note before you go any further: This show is only for those who want to grow. Every episode of this podcast is going to lay out actionable advice for business owners and entrepreneurs who want to grow their business. We have fun here - but the fact remains that everything you want is on the other side of something difficult. This show will help you get to that other side.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    From Navy to Hospitality: Clinton Ramsden's Journey in Boutique Hotels

    What does a Naval Academy graduate and helicopter pilot know about luxury boutique hotels? Turns out–a lot. In this episode of The Liquid Lunch Project, Matt and Luigi sit down with Clinton Ramsden, co-founder and principal of Severn Grove Hospitality Group. Clinton shares his journey from flying helicopters in the Navy to managing a portfolio of boutique hotels in Annapolis, Maryland. They discuss the transition from residential real estate to commercial hospitality, the challenges of development in historic districts, and why authenticity is key for success in boutique hotels.   Episode Highlights:   From Helmets to Hospitality: Clinton's journey from the Navy to real estate and eventually boutique hotels. Why Annapolis? The unique opportunities and challenges of developing in a historic district. Lessons from the Navy: How military discipline and problem-solving translate to entrepreneurship. Boutique Hotel Boom: Why small-scale, luxury hospitality is resonating with modern travelers. Scaling Smartly: The importance of understanding local jurisdictions before expanding.   Ready to be inspired by a story of transformation, resilience, and entrepreneurial grit? Hit play to discover how Clinton is redefining hospitality, one boutique hotel at a time. Favorite Quote: “I think natural tension is actually indicative of a very high-performing organization. [Being] overly comfortable…would indicate an organization that stopped trying to become a better version of itself.” Connect with Clinton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clinton-ramsden-50a62092/ https://www.instagram.com/clint.ramsden/ https://www.134prince.com/ https://www.instagram.com/134princehotel/   Stay Connected: Connect with Matt and Luigi on Instagram: @matthew.r.meehan @luigi_rosabianca @theLiquidLunchProject @ShieldAdvisoryGroup Visit The Liquid Lunch Project website and subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. https://theliquidlunchproject.com Make sure you never miss an episode — check out The Liquid Lunch Project on Apple Podcasts, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review.

    38 min
  2. DEC 9

    You Gotta Have Balls: The Secrets Behind Building a Sports Collectibles Empire

    How do you turn a childhood paper route into a multi-million-dollar empire? And what do bagels and sports memorabilia have in common?   In this episode,we sit down with Brandon Steiner, the pioneer who redefined the sports memorabilia industry. From creating the Everything Bagel to striking groundbreaking deals with the Yankees, Brandon shares his journey of growth, grit, and game-changing moments. Whether you're a business owner, sports fan, or someone in need of inspiration, this episode has something for everyone.     About the Guest: Brandon Steiner is the founder of Steiner Sports and Collectible Exchange, a visionary entrepreneur, and author of You Gotta Have Balls. With decades of experience marketing athletes and memorabilia, he’s revolutionized the sports collectibles market while emphasizing growth, empathy, and innovation.     Episode Highlights: Brandon’s unconventional journey from delivering newspapers to creating the Everything Bagel. Redefining sports memorabilia with deals like the Yankees’ old stadium and Mark Messier’s collectibles. Why empathy and putting your customers first are non-negotiables in business. The importance of perpetual growth: "What else? What’s next?" A candid take on selling your business and the hard truths behind private equity partnerships. Brandon’s advice to entrepreneurs: Own your mistakes, solve problems, and always think ahead. Don’t miss this deep dive into the mindset of a true game-changer.      Favorite Quote: “I always say, don't run away from your problems, run to them…And when you screw up, own up, man up, fix it, and get it right.”     Connect with Brandon: https://thesteineragency.com https://collectiblexchange.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/Collectible-Xchange https://twitter.com/cxstuff https://www.facebook.com/CollectibleXchange https://instagram.com/CollectibleXchange   Stay Connected: Connect with Matt and Luigi on Instagram: @matthew.r.meehan @luigi_rosabianca @theLiquidLunchProject @ShieldAdvisoryGroup Visit The Liquid Lunch Project website and subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. www.theliquidlunchproject.com Make sure you never miss an episode — check out The Liquid Lunch Project on Apple Podcasts, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review.

    44 min
  3. DEC 2

    Planning for Tomorrow: Making Retirement Benefits Work for You

    Are your employees’ financial futures secure? If not, here’s what might be missing from your business game plan.   In this episode of The Liquid Lunch Project Podcast, we sit down with Courtenay Shipley, founder of Retirement Planology. She’s not just redefining how businesses handle retirement; she’s making it accessible, understandable, and essential for companies looking to retain talent and provide meaningful benefits. Courtenay breaks down how strategic retirement planning impacts recruitment, retention, and a company’s bottom line—all while making the topic engaging and digestible.   Episode Highlights:   Why retirement planning is essential for employee retention and business success “Retirement Planology” – what it means and why branding matters Creative benefits that go beyond traditional retirement plans The reality of Social Security and why it’s not enough Options for different business sizes: Solo 401(k)s, Simple IRAs, and more How Courtenay pivoted from a music major to a top expert in retirement planning   Want to keep your top talent happy and loyal? Learn how strategic retirement planning can be a game-changer for your business.  Favorite Quote: “Social security - I also call it social insecurity - is usually between 20 to 40 percent of somebody's working income…That's a really good, solid basis. But we need to build on top of it.”   Connect with Courtenay: http://www.linkedin.com/in/cshipley https://www.retirementplanology.com/learnmore   Stay Connected: Connect with Matt and Luigi on Instagram: @matthew.r.meehan @luigi_rosabianca @theLiquidLunchProject @ShieldAdvisoryGroup Visit The Liquid Lunch Project website and subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. www.theliquidlunchproject.com Make sure you never miss an episode — check out The Liquid Lunch Project on Apple Podcasts, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review.

    28 min
  4. NOV 25

    Insider Stories of Business Acquisitions with Jeff Villwock

    In this episode of The Liquid Lunch Project, we sit down with Jeff Villwock, aka the "Acquisitions Professor." Jeff shares incredible stories from his decades-long career in investment banking and acquisitions, detailing everything from the 2008 financial crises to navigating COVID-19 as he helped businesses grow and survive.  If you're serious about buying or selling a business, Jeff’s insights on navigating the real risks, learning from failures, and managing complex deals are pure gold. Who is Jeff? Jeff Villwock is a seasoned M&A expert with a wealth of experience in hospital group acquisitions, investment banking, and business growth strategies. Known for his sharp, no-BS approach, Jeff now dedicates his expertise to helping individuals and businesses thrive through acquisitions.  Episode Highlights: The surprising twists of acquisitions during the 2008 financial crisis and COVID-19 Why diligence, grit, and adaptability are essential in high-stakes deals Insider tactics to reduce costs and maximize profits in business operations The importance of having the right “why” before buying a business Tips for sellers on getting businesses ready for sale Tune in to learn the real story behind successful acquisitions and what it takes to be prepared for anything that comes your way.   Favorite Quote: “If you can get the person to understand why they want to buy a business, what do they bring to the table, then you can start… talking about which sector might look good.” Connect with Jeff: jeff@jeffvillwock.com www.acquisitionsprofessor.com https://www.jeffvillwock.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffvillwock/   Stay Connected: Connect with Matt and Luigi on Instagram: @matthew.r.meehan @luigi_rosabianca @theLiquidLunchProject @ShieldAdvisoryGroup Visit The Liquid Lunch Project website and subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. www.theliquidlunchproject.com Make sure you never miss an episode — check out The Liquid Lunch Project on Apple Podcasts, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review.

    41 min
  5. NOV 18

    Crisis-Proof Your Business: Tips from PR Expert John P. David

    Ever wonder how your business would hold up under public scrutiny? In today’s episode, we dive into the world of reputation management—what to do when a PR crisis hits and why it’s crucial for every business owner to be prepared.   John P. David, founder and CEO of David PR Group, joins The Liquid Lunch Project to discuss the ins and outs of managing a business's public image. From handling bad reviews to tackling major reputational crises, John shares his expert advice on preventing minor issues from snowballing into full-blown disasters. This episode covers the tools and strategies every small business needs to protect its reputation in an age where one viral post can make or break a brand.   Here’s what we’re covering:   What qualifies as a “crisis” and why it's subjective Steps every business should take to be crisis-ready The role of media policy in protecting company reputation Why some reviews should be left alone—and when to fight back Case studies of major brands and their crisis management hits and misses How the “camera in every pocket” culture has changed PR strategy   Who is John?   John P. David is a public relations expert specializing in reputation management. With decades of experience and a published author on the topic, John has become a go-to for businesses looking to handle sensitive public relations issues. His book, How to Protect or Destroy Your Reputation Online, delves into techniques for maintaining a positive online image.   Ready to bulletproof your business's reputation? Tune in now to learn how a proactive approach to PR can save you in a crisis.    Favorite Quote:   “The best defense when it comes to review sites is offense. Talk to your existing customers and have them write reviews for you.” Connect with John: https://www.facebook.com/DavidPRGroup https://twitter.com/johnpdavid https://www.youtube.com/user/miamipublicrelations https://www.instagram.com/davidprgroup/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpdavid/ https://www.espeakers.com/marketplace/profile/28843/john-david   Stay Connected: Connect with Matt and Luigi on Instagram: @matthew.r.meehan @luigi_rosabianca @theLiquidLunchProject @ShieldAdvisoryGroup Visit The Liquid Lunch Project website and subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. www.theliquidlunchproject.com Make sure you never miss an episode — check out The Liquid Lunch Project on Apple Podcasts, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review.

    42 min
  6. NOV 11

    Why Wall Street is Eyeing Your Local Plumber: Jordan Wagner on Main Street’s Boom

    Mom-and-pop shops are the new darlings of Wall Street. But why are hedge funds suddenly interested in your local HVAC company? Let’s break it down.    In this episode, we sit down with Jordan Wagner, one of the founders and principals of The Exit Group, to explore why Main Street businesses are becoming more attractive to Wall Street. From private equity’s growing interest in smaller, essential service businesses to why baby boomers are cashing in on decades of hard work, Jordan provides insights into the mechanics of these deals and how small business owners can position themselves for a profitable exit. Whether you’re running a plumbing company or thinking about your next business move, this episode sheds light on why “boring” businesses are suddenly a hot commodity. Episode Takeaways:   Why essential, “boring” businesses like HVAC and plumbing are now attractive to private equity. How generational shifts and the rise of subscription services are changing the landscape for service businesses. Private equity’s impact on improving valuations for small businesses. Factors that drive higher valuations: recurring service revenue, growth, and management structure. The long-term strategy of private equity: scaling operations and building efficiency. Why private equity is now interested in white-collar trades like CPA firms and legal services. The growing interest in property management businesses due to their recurring revenue model.   Want to know if your business could be the next target for private equity? Tune in to find out how you can position your company for a lucrative exit and take control of your financial future.   Favorite Quote: “We call them boring businesses, but Wall Street loves them because they’re essential— plumbing, HVAC, lawn care. They create fundamental, scalable value.” Connect with Jordan: Website: https://www.exitgroup.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanwagner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-wagner-b9249135/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jordanwagnerx/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC38aM6GMEa2MaSVIEEng9Q

    38 min
  7. NOV 4

    Building Remote Teams and Surviving a War: Kyle Mau’s Story

    What drives a young computer engineer to trade California’s sunny coast for the bustling streets of Kyiv? Kyle Mao shares his incredible journey from corporate boredom to building a thriving remote talent agency in Eastern Europe.   In this episode, we sit down with Kyle Mao, an American entrepreneur who made an unexpected leap from a cushy government job to establishing roots in Ukraine. Kyle discusses his decision to leave the corporate grind, navigating the challenges of starting a business abroad, and how the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has shaped his personal and professional life. We delve into the remote talent market, the nuances of hiring from Eastern Europe, and Kyle's journey in building his companies, including an olive oil business. His story is a testament to risk-taking, resilience, and making lemonade when life throws lemons. What we covered:   The unconventional decision to leave the U.S. for Kyiv Experiences with buying property in Ukraine Evacuating Ukraine during the Russian invasion Building a remote talent agency focused on Eastern Europe The benefits of hiring talent from Eastern Europe versus other regions Kyle’s olive oil business and the challenges of food production Upcoming projects and the future of remote talent   Tune in to hear how Kyle turned uncertainty into opportunity, and learn how hiring remote talent from Eastern Europe can transform your business! Favorite Quote: “Remote talent is the future of business.”   Connect with Kyle: https://hire-ua.com/ https://kylemau.com/   Stay Connected: Connect with Matt and Luigi on Instagram: @matthew.r.meehan @luigi_rosabianca @theLiquidLunchProject @ShieldAdvisoryGroup Visit The Liquid Lunch Project website and subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. www.theliquidlunchproject.com Make sure you never miss an episode — check out The Liquid Lunch Project on Apple Podcasts, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review.

    27 min
  8. OCT 28

    The Art of Letting Go: Why Delegation is Key to Scaling Your Business

    Be honest with yourself: Are you holding yourself back from growing your business?   In this episode of The Liquid Lunch Project, we sit down with Eric Williams, CEO and Founder of Willity (Will + Ability), to discuss the challenges entrepreneurs face when scaling their businesses. Eric dives into the importance of systematizing operations, the dangers of micromanagement, and the steps to take if you want to move from a solopreneur to a thriving team.    If you're stuck doing everything yourself and feel like there's no time to scale, this episode will hit home. Eric shares practical advice on how to delegate effectively, free up your time, and create processes that allow your business to thrive without you having to hustle endlessly.   Key Takeaways Include:   Transitioning from a solopreneur to a scalable business model. The psychology behind micromanagement and why entrepreneurs struggle to delegate. "Delegation math" and how to calculate the value of your time versus the cost of outsourcing. Why building systems and processes are essential for scaling. How systematizing can increase the value of your business. Practical steps to audit your time and optimize operations. If you're a small business owner stuck in the grind of trying to do everything yourself, this episode is for you. Eric breaks down what you need to do to move from being a solopreneur to running a business that can grow without burning you out. It’s time to stop micromanaging and start scaling. Favorite Quote:   "You need to figure out how to replicate your brilliance. It’s not enough to do it well; you have to teach others how to do it, too." Connect with Eric:   https://willity.com/ https://www.facebook.com/willity https://www.instagram.com/willityleadership https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericnwilliams/   Stay Connected: Connect with Matt and Luigi on Instagram: @matthew.r.meehan @luigi_rosabianca @theLiquidLunchProject @ShieldAdvisoryGroup Visit The Liquid Lunch Project website and subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. www.theliquidlunchproject.com Make sure you never miss an episode — check out The Liquid Lunch Project on Apple Podcasts, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review.

    32 min
5
out of 5
235 Ratings

About

After decades of experience on Wall Street, in finance and building teams of all sizes in multiple industries, Matthew Meehan and Luigi Rosabianca have a world-class understanding of what it takes to scale (and fund) a successful business. They are here to share a No-BS approach to what is involved in growing an empire. A note before you go any further: This show is only for those who want to grow. Every episode of this podcast is going to lay out actionable advice for business owners and entrepreneurs who want to grow their business. We have fun here - but the fact remains that everything you want is on the other side of something difficult. This show will help you get to that other side.

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