The Chris Salerno Show

Chris Salerno
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Apr 12, 2025 • 1h 27min

Taxing the Limits: From Private Equity to High-Net-Worth Advisory

In this episode, we’re joined by Greg Silberman, a seasoned CPA with more than 20 years of international financial expertise across Europe, Asia, and North America. With an impressive background spanning public accounting at Grant Thornton, derivative accounting for JPMorgan Chase, and management consulting, Gregory brings an extensive range of skills to his work with high-net-worth individuals and growing businesses.Nearly a decade ago, Greg founded CJ Tag LLC, a firm providing complex accounting, tax, and business services, as well as fractional CFO services for corporate clients across various industries. Prior to that, Greg was the Chief Investment Officer at ACG Investment Management, managing private equity, hedge fund, and real assets portfolios.Greg’s deep experience in accounting, tax planning, and investment management makes this episode invaluable for anyone interested in high-net-worth financial strategies, private equity, and complex accounting services.Connect with Greg: Website: https://www.gregsilberman.com/LinkedIN: https://bit.ly/3GhZU4tSupport the showConnect with Chris Salerno:Website: www.qccapitalgroup.com LinkedIn: Christopher Salerno Instagram: @chris_salerno_ X (formerly Twitter): @Chris_Salerno_ TikTok: @chris_salerno_
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Apr 5, 2025 • 1h 32min

GEN AI Revolutionizes Precision Medicine!

In this episode, we sit down with Brian Keane, a seasoned professional with 25 years of capital markets experience and over $3 billion in investments transacted. Brian’s career spans multiple roles, from advisor and banker at investment banks to co-founder, director, and advisor to dozens of private and public companies in both the USA and Canada. Today, Brian is the Chairman and CEO of DiaGen.ai, a cutting-edge pre-IPO Gen AI company that’s revolutionizing the fields of drug discovery, diagnostics, vaccine development, and precision medicine.Brian shares his journey from capital markets to the forefront of biotech and AI innovation, explaining how his expertise in investments and technology led him to DiaGen.ai. He also discusses the role Gen AI is playing in transforming the healthcare industry, from speeding up drug development to improving diagnostics and personalized medicine.Brian’s vast experience in capital markets and his current leadership role in a pioneering Gen AI company make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of medicine, technology, and investment.Connect with Brian: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-d-keane-47b09b2/DiaGen.ai QualifiedCap.comSupport the showConnect with Chris Salerno:Website: www.qccapitalgroup.com LinkedIn: Christopher Salerno Instagram: @chris_salerno_ X (formerly Twitter): @Chris_Salerno_ TikTok: @chris_salerno_
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Mar 29, 2025 • 1h 28min

From Dorm Room to $650M: Ben McDonald's Rapid Rise in Entrepreneurship and Finance

In this episode, we sit down with Ben McDonald, a true entrepreneurial success story whose journey began at just 19 years old while he was a college sophomore. Starting a basketball training company, Status Pro Athletics, from his dorm room, Ben grew it into a regional business that trained NCAA Division 1 athletes and overseas professionals. After selling his first business at 24, he made the pivotal decision to pursue a career in finance, eventually founding his own wealth management firm.He shares how he turned around an unprofitable Edward Jones office and grew his current firm, Destination Wealth, from $6 million to a staggering $650 million in assets under management in just three years. His story is a testament to hard work, dedication, and the power of investing wisely.Whether you're interested in entrepreneurship, finance, or living a balanced life, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.Connect with Ben: IG: @benmcdonaldncLinkedin: http://bit.ly/4hRwFTe Website: https://www.destinationwealthadvisors.com/Support the showConnect with Chris Salerno:Website: www.qccapitalgroup.com LinkedIn: Christopher Salerno Instagram: @chris_salerno_ X (formerly Twitter): @Chris_Salerno_ TikTok: @chris_salerno_
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Mar 21, 2025 • 1h 16min

From Risk Compliance to Ammo Design: Joshua Avitan’s Unconventional Entrepreneurial Journey

In today’s episode, we sit down with Joshua Avitan, a jack of all trades with a unique career that spans risk compliance consulting for banks and designing ammunition. Joshua has seen it all—starting with hand machines in his garage to overseeing large-scale loading factories around the world. His versatile career has given him a deep understanding of manufacturing, risk management, and the challenges of starting a brand from the ground up.Joshua shares his journey from navigating the complex world of banking compliance to diving into his true passion, ammunition design. His story is one of innovation, persistence, and overcoming the unique challenges that come with building a business in both the financial and manufacturing sectors.If you’re interested in risk compliance, manufacturing, or simply love hearing entrepreneurial stories from those who’ve truly seen it all, this episode is packed with valuable insights!Connect with Joshua: Website: https://loadingrepublicammo.com/about-us/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-avitan-ab303489/Support the showConnect with Chris Salerno:Website: www.qccapitalgroup.com LinkedIn: Christopher Salerno Instagram: @chris_salerno_ X (formerly Twitter): @Chris_Salerno_ TikTok: @chris_salerno_
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Mar 14, 2025 • 56min

BIG Shift from Multi-Units to Spec Homes for MAXIMUM Success

In this episode, we sit down with Philip, a successful real estate investor who began his journey in 2011 with a small townhouse in Cornelius, NC. From there, Philip quickly scaled his investments, moving into single-family homes and duplexes before taking on larger apartment complexes. By 2016, he had exponentially grown his portfolio by purchasing a 20-unit, 19-unit, and 61-unit apartment complex with his brother, Paul, and sister, Maria. With strong cash flow and a deep understanding of the business, Philip worked his way up to 114 units by 2021.However, in 2023, Philip made a strategic pivot. He sold all of his larger apartments and returned to his roots, focusing on smaller apartments and single-family homes for investments, which he prefers. Today, Philip is building spec homes and is excited about growing this part of his business by keeping some of the homes he develops. He spends most of his time finding land to build on and overseeing the development process.Philip’s story is a great example of how flexibility, adaptability, and a focus on what works best for you can lead to long-term success in real estate. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your own portfolio, this episode is full of valuable insights.Connect with Philip: IG: @philipcoroneosSupport the showConnect with Chris Salerno:Website: www.qccapitalgroup.com LinkedIn: Christopher Salerno Instagram: @chris_salerno_ X (formerly Twitter): @Chris_Salerno_ TikTok: @chris_salerno_
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Mar 7, 2025 • 1h 8min

Transparent Donations REVOLUTIONIZE The Way You Give!

In this episode, I chat with Will Hedrick, a 3x founder whose entrepreneurial journey spans custom furniture, luxury real estate, and now, a groundbreaking nonprofit aimed at changing how we donate. Will's story is one of passion, drive, and a desire to make a tangible impact on the world.At 17, Will and his brother started their first company building custom furniture, and from there, Will moved into real estate, where he set sales records and became known for selling some of the most expensive homes in his market. His success in real estate eventually led him to launch his own firm, SPEEK. But Will’s journey didn’t stop there, his latest venture, myCharity, is on a mission to transform the world of charitable giving.Will dives into how myCharity makes donating easier, more transparent, and more engaging for everyday people. The platform empowers users to choose the causes they care about, make monthly donations, and, unlike traditional donations, actually see the impact of their contributions in real time with photos, videos, financial reports, and more.Will's mission is to make giving something people love to do, and his enthusiasm is contagious. If you’ve ever felt disconnected or disappointed by the donation process, this episode will inspire you to rethink how your contributions can make a difference!Connect with Will: IG: @willhedrick1Website: https://mycharity.app/Support the showConnect with Chris Salerno:Website: www.qccapitalgroup.com LinkedIn: Christopher Salerno Instagram: @chris_salerno_ X (formerly Twitter): @Chris_Salerno_ TikTok: @chris_salerno_
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Feb 27, 2025 • 1h 10min

Trauma to Triumph: High Performance Through Psychedelic Integration

In this episode, we’re joined by Palveshey, a psychedelic integration coach who specializes in helping leaders from all walks of life transcend trauma and unlock their highest potential. Through her work, Palveshey helps individuals identify and break through limiting beliefs and subconscious narratives that shape their behavior, health, relationships, and performance. Her unique approach combines powerful mind-body techniques with deep self-awareness, guiding her clients toward a life of freedom, high performance, and inner peace.Palveshey’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Before becoming a coach, she served as an AI Researcher at MIT, a lecturer at both the University of Florida’s World Bank Program and Harvard University, and completed graduate studies in financial technology at Harvard and postgraduate work in Quantum Physics. Despite an impressive academic career, Palveshey faced her own personal struggles, including addiction and the trauma of a difficult childhood as a homeless youth. It was through confronting these challenges and embracing psychedelic integration that she was able to heal, transform, and now help others do the same.Palveshey’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and the power of the human mind to heal and perform at its highest level. This episode is packed with profound insights into leadership, healing, and personal growth.Connect with Palveshey: Psychedelic Coaching Program: https://www.palveshey.com/Support the showConnect with Chris Salerno:Website: www.qccapitalgroup.com LinkedIn: Christopher Salerno Instagram: @chris_salerno_ X (formerly Twitter): @Chris_Salerno_ TikTok: @chris_salerno_
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Feb 21, 2025 • 56min

From Operating Room to Pizza Oven: Journey to PIE.ZAA and Entrepreneurial Success

In today’s episode, we chat with Tyler Kotch, the owner and Chief Morale Officer of PIE.ZAA, a unique pizza place with a focus on quality, culture, and exceptional customer experience. Tyler’s career journey took an unexpected turn—transitioning from working in the operating room to running a business in the pizza industry. In this episode, Tyler shares how his attention to detail, a touch of OCD, and his no-nonsense attitude from the operating room have influenced how he runs PIE.ZAA.Tyler opens up about the vision behind PIE.ZAA, his approach to leadership, and how he creates a positive team culture as a “Chief Morale Officer.” We also dive into the balance of striving for perfection while navigating the unpredictability of the restaurant world, the customer experience, and what makes PIE.ZAA stand out in a crowded industry.Connect with Tyler: IG: @pie_zaaWebsite: https://www.piezaapizza.com/Support the showConnect with Chris Salerno:Website: www.qccapitalgroup.com LinkedIn: Christopher Salerno Instagram: @chris_salerno_ X (formerly Twitter): @Chris_Salerno_ TikTok: @chris_salerno_
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Feb 13, 2025 • 57min

Empowering Minority Communities ONE HOME AT A TIME!

In today’s episode, we sit down with Montell Watson, a six-year veteran of Movement Mortgage, who is stepping into the newly created role of Director of Diversity Lending & Strategic Partnerships. Montell’s mission is to lead the charge in addressing homeownership disparities while advancing diversity and equity in the lending industry.Montell’s journey at Movement has been nothing short of impressive. From his role as Director of Movement Direct, where he led the direct-to-consumer strategy and focused on customer acquisition and retention, to helping develop the Grab The Key initiative, Montell has been at the forefront of efforts to bring generational wealth to underserved communities through homeownership education. His passion stems from his own experiences and the inequities he witnessed during the financial crisis of 2008, which inspired him to improve homeownership opportunities for marginalized communities.Connect with Montell: IG: @montell3, movementmtgSupport the showConnect with Chris Salerno:Website: www.qccapitalgroup.com LinkedIn: Christopher Salerno Instagram: @chris_salerno_ X (formerly Twitter): @Chris_Salerno_ TikTok: @chris_salerno_
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Feb 6, 2025 • 58min

How To Turn $50k into $135M: Mastering Entrepreneurship

In today’s episode, Chris sit's down with Jason, an Australian entrepreneur who has built multiple successful brands across industries such as Sports Marketing, Telecommunications, Consumer Electronics, and Healthcare. His most notable achievement is founding blu, the worldwide electronic cigarette brand, in 2009 with just a $50,000 investment. By doubling revenue each year, Jason grew blu into a $135 million business and sold it three years later.But Jason didn’t stop there, he continued to serve as President of blu and helped facilitate its sale to Imperial Tobacco as part of the $28 billion Lorillard/RJ Reynolds merger, the largest US merger at the time.Now, Jason is the founder of Monksee Apparel, a high-end clothing brand designed for those who value confidence, individuality, and purpose. With only 100 units of each product, Monksee Apparel combines timeless style with unmatched comfort, offering exclusive pieces crafted from premium materials. This brand isn’t just about looking good—it’s about embodying confidence and standing out from the crowd.Jason’s experience is a masterclass in taking bold risks, scaling rapidly, and pivoting into new, exciting ventures with purpose.Connect with Jason: IG: @theMonkseeWebsite: monksee.comSupport the showConnect with Chris Salerno:Website: www.qccapitalgroup.com LinkedIn: Christopher Salerno Instagram: @chris_salerno_ X (formerly Twitter): @Chris_Salerno_ TikTok: @chris_salerno_

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