WKYA.tv Podcast Episodes

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Todd Spitzer, founder & CEO of ION Jets, a Scottsdale-based private aviation brokerage specializing in short-notice global travel for executives, public figures, and high-net-worth clients. From a firefighter/first-responder background to building a 5,000+ aircraft network, Todd explains how “over-communication” and human touch—not just software—became ION’s edge.🎯 Inside This Episode:• Broker value 101: faster quotes, better ops, and true trip management vs. DIY searches• Origin story: concept (2010) → launch (2013) and scaling a lean, commission-based team (AZ & LA)• Running on relationships: training on FAA/DOT rules, operator partnerships, paying bills on time• Weathering shocks: zero flights for 3 months during COVID → surge, and why fiscal discipline mattered• Building tools (carefully): internal AI for flight coordination—without losing the human element• Empty legs explained: 50–70% savin…

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser welcomes back Zach Haptonstall, CEO & co-founder of Rise48 Equity, to break down the newly passed “Big Beautiful Bill” and its sweeping tax implications for real estate investors. From bonus depreciation to 1031 exchanges, Zach explains what the legislation means for owners, operators, and everyday investors.🎯 Inside This Episode:• 100% bonus depreciation restored (through 2029): how investors can offset active income with accelerated first-year write-offs• SALT deduction cap raised: from $10K → $40K for high-tax states (CA, IL, NY)• 1031 exchanges preserved: why bipartisan support keeps this wealth-building tool alive• Primary residence gains exclusions: $250K (single) / $500K (married) still tax-free after 2 of 5 years of ownership• Practical examples: Zach’s own house flips, tax-free gains, and timing advantages• What it all means for multifamily investors and why the next 24–36 months look optimistic despit…

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Zach Haptonstall, CEO & co-founder of Rise48 Equity, a multifamily investment firm that’s completed $2.4B+ in transactions since 2019. From healthcare marketing and TV journalism to scaling thousands of apartment units, Zach shares the all-in bets, disciplined habits, and vertical integration that powered rapid growth.🎯 Inside This Episode:• From hospice marketing to real estate: quitting in 2018, living off savings, and discovering syndication• First deals: 36 units in Phoenix ($3.44M), grinding through raises, and years with little/no personal income• Building the platform: property management, construction, HVAC (and now plumbing) to control costs & execution• Scale & markets: 58 acquisitions, 11K+ units acquired (10K+ owned/managed), Phoenix → Dallas (#1 buyer in 2023) → North Carolina• Playbook: value-add, cash flow Day 1 + renovations, aim to 2x equity in ~5 years, seven successful 1031 excha…

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Todd Spitzer, founder & CEO of ION Jets, a Scottsdale-based private aviation brokerage specializing in short-notice global travel for executives, public figures, and high-net-worth clients. From a firefighter/first-responder background to building a 5,000-aircraft network, Todd explains how “over-communication” and human touch—not just software—became ION’s edge.🎯 Inside This Episode:• Broker value 101: faster quotes, better ops, and true trip management vs DIY searches• Origin story: concept (2010) → launch (2013) and scaling a lean, commission-based team (AZ & LA)• Running on relationships: training on FAA/DOT rules, operator partnerships, and paying bills on time• Weathering shocks: 0 flights for 3 months during COVID → surge, and why fiscal discipline mattered• Building tools (carefully): internal AI for flight coordination—without losing the human element• Empty legs explained: 50–70% saving…

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Amiee Blake & William Johner, co-founders of Sugar Sugar, a clean-beauty franchise built around their trademarked Comfort Sugaring™ method. From one Scottsdale studio to 100+ employees, 3 corporate stores, and 7+ franchises, Amiee and William share how they turned a niche service into a nationally scaling brand—all while balancing marriage and entrepreneurship.🎯 Inside This Episode:• The leap: leaving tech careers & moving states to launch a beauty startup• Scaling smart: 12 years of growth → from 1 location to a national franchise• Why sugaring beats waxing (less heat, no breakage, shorter regrowth windows)• Building Sugar Sugar University: 40+ hours of advanced esthetician training• The Sugar Fix membership model & creating recurring revenue• Choosing the right franchise sites: Target, Sprouts, Whole Foods, Pilates/Yoga hubs• Clean services beyond sugaring: spray tans, vegan facials, brow sci…

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Jennifer Rizzo, founder of Earth Sugar Energy Bars—an organically made, desert-born snack brand recently named Best Hiking Bar by Phoenix Magazine. A Jersey transplant who landed in Arizona with a one-way ticket and a big idea, Jennifer shares how she built a community-first food company from her apartment to 100+ wholesale accounts.🎯 Inside This Episode:• Leaping first: moving states, starting a business with zero local network• Testing → pivoting: from 1-lb “bricks” to grab-and-go bars that actually sell• How AZ’s farmers market ecosystem + cottage laws jumpstart food startups• Scaling smart: 300+ events/year, 115+ wholesale accounts, tiny footprint (≈800 sq ft)• Product DNA: whole foods, soft (not chalky!), 7-month shelf life, no-melt in AZ heat• Sales craft: improv for booths, “always be selling,” kindness as a competitive edge• Founder mindset: start now, iterate fast, kill bad ideas, serv…

In this inspiring episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser welcomes longtime friend Anna Marie Castana, a Valley native, accomplished entertainer, and mentor shaping the next generation of performing artists.🎯 Inside This Episode:• Balancing motherhood, performing arts, and entrepreneurship• Lessons learned from LA auditions, Broadway training, and behind-the-scenes production work• Building Arizona’s creative economy through the Glowframe Initiative• The reality of Hollywood deals — and why discernment matters• Why rejection is just part of the numbers game for entrepreneurs and artists alikeWhether you’re a performer, producer, or startup founder, Anna’s story reveals the grit, resilience, and relationships that fuel creative careers.📌 Learn more: glowframeinitiative.org | Costa Productions & Enterprises🔔 Subscribe to WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV for more stories from entrepreneurs, creatives, and leaders shaping their industries.📣 Drop a comment: What’s …

Entrepreneurs don’t have time to get sidelined. In this episode, Dr. Eric Bloom (owner of Bloom Performance & Rehab and faculty for a DPT program) breaks down a practical wellness model that complements traditional PT—so you stay healthy, recover faster, and keep moving.🔥 What’s inside:Why the illness model misses prevention—and how to build a true wellness planIn-clinic + at-home tools: Red Light Therapy, PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field), and EWOT (exercise with oxygen)Dr. Bloom’s upright red-light beds (space-saving, post-workout friendly)What to look for when buying red-light devices (price ≠ performance)The role of nutrition as medicine + partnering with functional care prosHow to transition from rehab → self-care without getting “stuck” in the system🎯 Perfect for:Founders, busy leaders, athletes, and anyone who wants a simple, evidence-informed prevention routine that doesn’t eat your calendar.📌 Learn more: letsgounwind.com | bloomperforma…

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser welcomes Dr. Eric Bloom — entrepreneur, physical therapist, and faculty member at Tufts University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Dr. Bloom shares how change, resilience, and patient-first care shape his business and leadership.🔥 Inside This Episode:• Adapting a physical therapy practice through COVID’s shutdowns• Why cash flow is the toughest challenge for insurance-based businesses• Staying independent vs. joining big corporate healthcare systems• How dry needling and other techniques help patients recover faster• Prevention vs. treatment — why wellness matters more than ever• The impact of AI, telehealth, and robotics on healthcare’s future• Why his philosophy is “people over profit”📌 Learn more: bloomperformance.com| 480-357-6500🔔 Subscribe to WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV for more stories from entrepreneurs and leaders shaping their industries.📣 Drop a comment: How do you adapt to change in your…

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser welcomes Ramsey Bergeron — leadership growth strategist, resilience & mindset development facilitator, founder of Bergeron Well-Being, and author of Cake on the Floor.🎯 Inside This Episode:• The story behind Cake on the Floor and why your response matters more than the setback• How endurance sports (and two back surgeries) taught Ramsey to push through obstacles• The B/F/G Goals system: Beginner → Fantastic → Gigantic• Why overwhelm isn’t about capacity — it’s about clarity• How listening to clients helped evolve his business from training to keynotes to long-term programs• Where AI can help small business owners save time and spot blind spotsWhether you’re just starting out or already scaling, Ramsey’s lessons on mindset and resilience will inspire you to embrace challenges as stepping stones.📌 Learn more: bergeronwellbeing.com📖 Grab Ramsey’s book: Cake on the Floor🔑 Hashtags:#RamseyBergeron #E…

In this inspiring episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Ramsey Bergeron — leadership growth strategist, resilience and mindset development facilitator, Ironman athlete, and author of Cake on the Floor. Recently named one of MSN’s top 10 speakers to follow, Ramsey shares how setbacks can shape strength and how perspective drives performance.🔥 Inside This Episode:• From personal trainer to executive coach: the pivot that reshaped his mission• The story behind Cake on the Floor — and why mindset matters most when plans collapse• How stress is just the gap between expectation and reality• Why entrepreneurs should focus on where they want to go — not what they want to avoid• Tools like the Energy Leadership Index to uncover how leaders and teams show up under stress• The balance between accountability and grace in building a sustainable business• Turning keynotes into lasting impact with workshops, coaching, and leadership programs📌 Learn m…

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser welcomes Mark Briden, CPA and founder of 360 Advisor, to dive into the realities of business funding — from the risks of bankruptcy to navigating sources of capital.🎯 Inside This Episode:• What really happens when your business files for bankruptcy (Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 11)• How turnaround consultants and restructuring can protect your business• Why clean books and financials are essential for SBA and traditional lending• The role of alternative lenders — and how to vet them wisely• Golden nuggets for building an advisor network every entrepreneur needsWhether you’re facing financial headwinds or planning for growth, this episode gives you practical strategies to protect and fund your business.📌 Learn more: 360advisor.com🔔 Subscribe to WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV for more insights from entrepreneurs and experts.📣 Drop a comment: What’s your biggest funding question or challenge right now?🔑 Hashtags:…

In this inspiring episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser welcomes Paul Jeffrey, founder of Paul Rene Furniture, to explore how furniture can transcend function and become living art. From his early career designing concept cars at Ford to building custom, story-driven furniture, Paul shares the risks, lessons, and vision that fuel his entrepreneurial journey.🔥 Inside This Episode:• How Paul made the leap from Ford concept cars to furniture design• Why every piece begins with a personal interview and story• The challenges of balancing art, function, and comfort• What keeps him up at night: scaling beyond Phoenix to a global audience• Lessons from failure, resilience, and staying humble in entrepreneurship• Why America needs to “make things” again — and how Paul is building community through craft📌 Learn more: paulreneefurniture.com🔔 Subscribe to WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV for more conversations with creators and entrepreneurs redefining their industries.…

In this follow-up episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down again with Stacie Garlieb — founder of Successful Impressions — to unpack why first impressions, professional presence, and volunteerism matter so much for entrepreneurs and students alike.🎯 Inside This Episode:• Why you only have 30 seconds to make a lasting impression• How entrepreneurs should approach networking without burning bridges• The value hidden inside “safe risks” and so-called failures• Why your social media presence is part of your business brand• How volunteering and pro bono work can spark unexpected opportunities• Stories from Stacie’s partnerships with JAG, FBLA, and Junior Achievement• How giving back creates both personal fulfillment and business growth📌 Whether you’re a student preparing for your career or an entrepreneur building your network, this episode offers practical wisdom on presence, resilience, and purpose.🔔 Subscribe to WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV for more…

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser welcomes Stacie Garlieb — founder of Successful Impressions — to talk about how career search and hiring have transformed, and what students and job seekers must do to stand out.🔥 Inside This Episode:• How resumes, AI tools, and hiring platforms have changed the game• Why video interviews are here to stay (and how to master them)• The rule every candidate must follow: don’t ghost employers• Why practicing with “tough critics” builds better interview skills• How Stacie built Successful Impressions while balancing a corporate career• The importance of soft skills like communication, time management, and professionalism• What entrepreneurs can learn from students about impressions and influence📌 If you’re a student, job seeker, or entrepreneur, this episode will sharpen how you present yourself and stay competitive.🔔 Subscribe to WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV for more conversations with leaders who help people gr…

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Dennis Sage, founder of Dennis Sage Home Entertainment, to talk about the ups and downs of running a Phoenix-based low-voltage business for over 30 years.🔥 Inside This Episode:• From wiring stereos to building 100-employee teams• How the 2008 recession forced tough decisions—but resilience won out• Wired vs. wireless: the truth behind home automation and security• Tariffs, supply chain chaos, and absorbing costs as an owner• Why Dennis believes relationships and service—not budgets—set you apart• The coolest tech installs in Phoenix homes (think 20-foot video walls)• What keeps Dennis motivated after decades in business📌 If you’re an entrepreneur navigating uncertainty, scaling a team, or just curious about the future of connected homes, this conversation is a must-watch.🔔 Subscribe to WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV for more real-world insights from business leaders.📣 Drop a comment: Would you …

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser welcomes back Craig Darling, founder of Darling Local, for a deep dive into the mechanics of visibility, reviews, and AI-driven strategies that help small businesses rank first in local search.🔥 Inside This Episode:Why 92% of consumers search “near me” in the last 72 hours—and how to capture themHow Darling Local onboards new clients in under 24 hoursAI’s role in monitoring competitors thousands of times per weekWhy consistent updates, fresh photos, and metadata boost rankingsThe power of reviews: turning 4–5 star ratings into social proof and flagging bad ones for removalThe truth about citations (Yelp, Yellow Pages, directories) and why consistency mattersWhy local SMBs shouldn’t waste ad dollars before fully optimizing their Google Business Profile📌 Key TakeawayVisibility isn’t marketing—it’s survival. If you’re not showing up first, you’re invisible.🔔 Subscribe to WhatKeepsYouAwake…

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Craig Darling, founder of Darling Local, to unpack what really drives results in local search—visibility over vanity. From early internet wins in auto sales to today’s AI-driven “near me” landscape, Craig shares practical steps any SMB can use to get discovered and convert.🔥 Inside This Episode:The one thing that keeps a local SEO pro up at night: Google’s silent changesWhy visibility beats “marketing”: make your Google Business Profile your first-page anchorAI era realities: optimize for voice (Siri/Alexa/Google), Apple Maps, Bing, and AI overviewsFast wins most SMBs miss: product listings (1,500 chars), service definitions (300 chars each), and linking social so posts are searchablePPC vs. Profile: when to pause low-ROI ads and fully optimize GBP firstReal-world proof: first-page dominance, click-to-call spikes, and what “100% conversion” actually means📌 Key TakeawayIf you’re …

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser catches up with Ray Hughes—longtime martial arts school owner turned creator of Insight, a mobile national podcast he’ll record from a cross-country RV tour. Ray shares why he’s taking the show on the road, how martial arts mirrors entrepreneurship, and the lessons he wants to pass to the next generation.🎯 Inside This Episode:Why go mobile: building real, in-person conversations with masters, coaches, and young championsMartial arts ≈ business: discipline, pre-planning for “dark holes,” and working your way outCOVID pivots: a year of Zoom classes, what was lost—and what kept schools aliveThe show’s beats: women’s perspectives, the business of running a profitable school, old-school vs. sport karate, the mental gameSafety & parity: how mixed classes evolve, when/why to separate divisions, and creating empowering paths for girlsRoute & rollout: starting interviews in Arizona, then following a national…

In this candid episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Ray Hughes—martial artist and school owner of 40+ years—to unpack the parallels between building a business and earning a black belt. From failing fast (and growing too fast) to buying his first building with grit and guidance, Ray shares why every founder needs a sensei—“one who has gone before”—in business and in life.🎯 Inside This Episode:• The “stages” of business—and why each comes with a new nightmare• Sensei mindset: finding mentors in finance, real estate, marketing, and ops• Lessons from scaling too quickly (and how to avoid productivity collapse)• Team over solo: military-style structure, roles, and clear protocols• Sales without the sleaze: be authentic, solve problems, make friends• Why founders must work “24/7”—not hours, but awareness and curiosity• The Scottsdale story: SBA financing, dark days, and resilient execution📌 Key Takeaway: Business is a contact sport. Build …

The biotech revolution is happening — and Arizona is leading the charge.In this game-changing episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down (again) with Joan Koerber-Walker, CEO of the Arizona Bioindustry Association (AZBio), to explore the bold vision shaping the future of healthcare, entrepreneurship, and economic development.🔥 Inside This Episode:• The $45B impact Arizona’s bioscience sector is already making• Real companies solving cancer prevention, hydrocephalus, and AI-assisted diagnostics• Why Joan doesn’t believe in “artificial intelligence” — and what she calls it instead• How the Health Innovation Trust Fund is unlocking funding for early-stage founders• Why passion is important — but profit and support networks matter moreWhether you’re an investor, a biotech founder, or someone with a big idea — this episode connects the dots.📌 Learn more: azbio.org/join📅 Explore October’s Arizona Bioscience Week events: azbio.org💡 Early-stag…

In this exclusive episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Joan Koerber-Walker, the powerhouse behind Arizona’s life sciences momentum. As the CEO of the Arizona Bioindustry Association (AZBio), Joan has impacted over 365,000 entrepreneurs, helped drive billions in economic growth, and continues to shape the future of health innovation in the state.🔥 Inside This Episode:• The surprising truth behind clinical trials and FDA hurdles• How Arizona turned a stadium loss into a biotech win• Joan’s hard-earned advice for entrepreneurs (and why passion alone isn’t enough)• What it really takes to build an industry — and why collaboration is non-negotiable📌 Learn more or get involved: azbio.org📅 Check out Arizona Bioscience Week this October under the Events tab!🔔 Like what you heard? Subscribe and share WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV with fellow founders and future leaders.📣 Drop a comment: What biotech or startup idea are you working on right now?🔑 …

From bowhunting to business-building — Mary Hagen shares her surprising startup story. In this insight-packed episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, Mary returns to reveal how she launched her first company — Hagen Hunting — at just 19 years old. What started as a personal frustration in the hunting gear space turned into a brand with a custom camo line, trade show presence, and eventually, an acquisition.🎯 Inside This Episode:• How she spotted a gap in the outdoor industry• The power of starting small (while working a full-time job)• Why not every exit needs to be big to be meaningful• The lessons she now brings to leading 100+ employees at ColossalThis one’s for aspiring founders, side hustlers, and anyone wondering if they’re “ready” to start a business.📌 Visit: maryhagen.com🔔 Like this episode? Subscribe to the channel & share with an entrepreneur who needs to hear it.📣 Drop a comment: What’s the big idea you’ve been sitting on?🔑 Hashtags:#MaryHagen #Hage…

💡 What if a *for-profit business* could raise $200 million for charity—while still scaling like a startup?Meet **Mary Hagen**, the visionary behind **Colossal.org**, a professional fundraising company that runs viral online competitions benefiting nonprofits nationwide. In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, Mary shares:• How Colossal’s model turns *votes into donations* • Why she pivoted from entrepreneur to full-time philanthropist • The secret to raising millions *without galas or 5Ks* • What keeps her up at night as she leads a 100-person mission-driven team • The one customer email that changed her business foreverMary’s model is shaking up the nonprofit world — and inspiring entrepreneurs everywhere to *do well while doing good*.🧠 Whether you're building a business, a nonprofit, or both — this is your blueprint for impact at scale.📌 Learn more:→ [https://www.colossal.org](https://www.colossal.org) → [https://www.maryhagan.com](https://www.m…