188 episodes

The Freedom Nation podcast is the home of Freedom Day, the achievement of a work-optional lifestyle. Our show focuses around personal finance, real estate, multiple sources of income, cashflow, and the stories of people that have achieved their own Freedom Days. Our host is Jeff Kikel a 30 year veteran of the Financial Services industry that attained his own Freedom Day by building multiple streams of income, selling some, buying more and sharing his story with the audience.

Freedom Nation Podcast Jeff Kikel

    • Business
    • 5.0 • 14 Ratings

The Freedom Nation podcast is the home of Freedom Day, the achievement of a work-optional lifestyle. Our show focuses around personal finance, real estate, multiple sources of income, cashflow, and the stories of people that have achieved their own Freedom Days. Our host is Jeff Kikel a 30 year veteran of the Financial Services industry that attained his own Freedom Day by building multiple streams of income, selling some, buying more and sharing his story with the audience.

    Georgia Homsany on Turning Passion into Profit: A Corporate Escapee's Guide

    Georgia Homsany on Turning Passion into Profit: A Corporate Escapee's Guide

    In this inspiring episode of the Freedom Nation Podcast, we explore Georgia Homsany’s transformative journey from a high-pressure corporate career to founding her own successful corporate wellness company, Daily Dose. Georgia shares candid insights on the pivotal moments that led her to redefine her life's work, her struggles with burnout, and how she harnessed her passion for wellness to create a thriving business. Listen as she offers invaluable advice for anyone looking to make a meaningful career transition.
    Key Takeaways:
    • Embracing Change: Learn about the importance of recognizing burnout and the courage it takes to step away from a seemingly dream job to pursue a more fulfilling path.
    • The Role of Passion: Georgia discusses how following her passion for wellness, rather than returning to the familiar realm of marketing, helped her find true professional satisfaction and success.
    • Starting a Business Amid Uncertainty: Discover how Georgia navigated the uncertainties of starting a business during the pandemic and the strategic decisions that led to her success.
    • Corporate Wellness Focus: Gain insights into the growing need for corporate wellness programs that address not only physical health but also mental well-being, and how Georgia’s company, Daily Dose, is leading the charge.
    • Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Georgia offers practical tips for entrepreneurs, including the importance of networking, finding a support system, and the power of positive self-talk.
    About the Guest:
    Georgia Homsany is the Founder & CEO of Daily Dose Wellness, a corporate wellness company providing virtual “wellness breaks” to give employees the time needed to prevent burnout and promote positive mental health.
    She is a self-taught wellness guru with a business background and has completed courses on “Managing your Mental Health during COVID,” Yoga Psychology and Decoding Digestion.
    She is a member of the Raleigh Metro Society for Human Resource Management and writes their Wellness Blog. She also serves on the Program Advisory Committee for Everglades University.
    Georgia is a New Jersey native with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Scranton and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Boston University. She is trained in Reiki, has traveled to 32 countries (planned for 37 by the end of 2024!), and loves Yoga and Human Design.

    Links:
    https://georgiahomsany.com/
    Fast Five Questions:
    1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? "I would actually go to a conference. I don't know what conference but I want to go to an event where I would feel like I have the opportunity to meet people and be inspired and I think that would Give me indication of what to do next."
    2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? "I would say not investing In marketing and different tools earlier on I think we try to do everything ourselves in the beginning. And if I had just taken my savings and instead of harboring if I had just come up with a plan okay this is how we're going to come out of the gate and how we're going to invest that money. I think I would be. Maybe further along earlier."
    3. What is a book that you would recommend? "You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero”
    4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? "LinkedIn Sales Navigator."
    5. What is your definition of freedom? ”I think freedom is. Being able to do live your life however...

    • 31 min
    Dream Big and Ride Free: Lucie Ptasznik on Building a Seven-Figure Horse Business

    Dream Big and Ride Free: Lucie Ptasznik on Building a Seven-Figure Horse Business

    In this empowering episode of the Freedom Nation podcast, host Jeff Kikel sits down with Lucie Ptasznik, a remarkable entrepreneur who transformed her childhood passion for horses into a thriving seven-figure business. Lucie shares her inspiring journey from craving horse ownership as a young girl to becoming a leading figure in the equestrian industry, all while overcoming the conventional confines of corporate life. Discover Lucie's insights into leveraging the laws of the universe, the pivotal role of mindset in achieving success, and her strategic move into real estate for financial stability.
    Key Takeaways:
    • Lucie's Early Passion: Discover how Lucie's childhood dream of owning a horse transformed into a lucrative business that blends her love for equestrian activities with savvy entrepreneurship.
    • Transition from Corporate to Entrepreneurship: Gain insights into Lucie's decision to leave her secure corporate job and the pivotal moments that propelled her toward pursuing her passion full-time.
    • Building a Business from Passion: Learn how Lucie built and scaled a seven-figure business by training and selling horses, and how she later expanded into one of Michigan's largest public trail riding companies.
    • Challenges and Triumphs: Lucie shares the highs and lows of her entrepreneurial journey, including the challenges she faced and how she overcame them to find success and personal fulfillment.
    • Leveraging Multiple Income Streams: Explore how Lucie diversifies her income through real estate investments and other ventures to create a stable financial base that supports her equestrian business.
    • Quantum Physics and Personal Growth: Lucie discusses how she uses principles of quantum physics to coach others on achieving their own goals and living intentionally.
    • Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Lucie offers practical advice for listeners contemplating a leap from a traditional career path to one driven by passion and entrepreneurship.
    About the Guest:
    Lucie Ptasznik is a captivating National Speaker and Manifestation Coach known for lighting up rooms and inspiring transformation through her personal experiences of placing faith over fear.
    Despite the challenges of growing up in the suburbs of Detroit with big dreams of one day owning her own horse, it wasn’t long before she was training and selling horses all over the country and then went on to accidentally open one of Michigan’s most successful public trail riding companies!!
    Graduating with Summa Cum Laude honors from the University of Michigan fluent in Spanish, Portuguese and French, Lucie's decision to leave the comfort and security of Corporate America to follow her passion and live life on her terms was a defining moment, marked by both immense fear and extraordinary reward. Lucie specializes in teaching people the principles of quantum physics, the laws of the universe and the power of intention.
    She gives people the tools to instantly shift their state, raise their vibration and deliberately create the life of their dreams. Passionate about meditation, she empowers others to kick start their meditation journeys and visualization practices to collapse time lines and accelerate their success.
    Fascinated by mind hacking tools and techniques to reprogram the subconscious mind, she emphasizes the importance of repetitious study, releasing limiting beliefs and crafting new empowering narratives.
    Lucie’s journey brilliantly illustrates how to courageously overcome fear by leaping outside of your comfort zone and embracing unshakable faith. She understands that we are all in on this together, all divinely connected, and explains the quickest way to true success and ultimate fulfillment is through selfless love and service to...

    • 38 min
    Escape the Grind: Ingo Schulmeyer's Journey from Corporate Success to Life Coaching in Mexico

    Escape the Grind: Ingo Schulmeyer's Journey from Corporate Success to Life Coaching in Mexico

    In this episode of the Freedom Nation podcast, host Jeff Kikel talks with Ingo Schulmeyer about his inspiring journey from a high-level position in the semiconductor industry to finding personal and professional fulfillment through a drastic lifestyle change. Ingo shares how he and his family left their conventional lives behind to embrace new opportunities in Mexico, transitioning into a successful coaching career that helps others achieve their true potential.
    Key Takeaways:
    • Life Beyond the Paycheck: Ingo discusses the realization that his successful career and the conventional markers of success weren't fulfilling his deeper life aspirations. This led to his decision to leave behind the security of a steady paycheck for a more uncertain but potentially rewarding path.
    • The Decision to Move: Ingo and his family made a bold move to Mexico, selling all their belongings. This segment of the podcast delves into the logistics and emotional impact of making such a life-altering decision.
    • Adapting to New Realities: After initially traveling around Mexico, Ingo's family decided to settle in a city that felt right for them. He shares insights into the challenges and joys of adapting to a new culture, including the children's experience in local schools.
    • Career Transition to Coaching: Ingo discusses how he transitioned from his career in semiconductors to starting his own coaching business, focusing on transformational coaching to help others live the lives they truly deserve.
    • Mindset and Personal Growth: A significant part of the discussion focuses on the importance of mindset in achieving freedom. Ingo emphasizes the role of overcoming limiting beliefs and societal conventions to find personal happiness and fulfillment.
    About the Guest:
    Ingo Schulmeyer is a transformational health and life coach with a compelling journey from corporate life to personal fulfillment. Formerly a director in the semiconductor industry, Ingo left his high-stakes career to seek inner peace and a healthier, more balanced life. This quest led him to relocate with his family to Mexico, where he now helps others achieve similar transformations through his coaching program. Ingo is passionate about helping individuals make fundamental changes for a healthier, happier, and more energetic life. Additionally, Ingo is an accomplished athlete, having completed six Ironman competitions, including the prestigious World Championships in Hawaii. His adventures and experiences enrich his coaching, making him a unique and inspiring figure for many seeking significant life changes.
    Links:
    https://thesmallreset.org/
    linkedin.com/in/ingoschulmeyer
    Fast Five Questions:
    1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? "I would start the same journey I did before, using my creativity and flexibility to come up with new ideas. I believe it's important to stay flexible and adaptable, focusing on the skills and knowledge I've accumulated over the years."
    2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? "My biggest business mistake was investing in 'shit coins' or cryptocurrencies without fully understanding the crypto market. I followed random videos and recommendations, which led to losing money."
    3. What is a book that you would recommend? "'Narcissus and Goldmund' by Hermann Hesse”
    4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? "I use journaling...

    • 25 min
    Unlocking Real Estate Riches: Tax Deeds, Freedom, and Financial Success with Marcos Jacober

    Unlocking Real Estate Riches: Tax Deeds, Freedom, and Financial Success with Marcos Jacober

    In this episode of Freedom Nation, host Jeff Kikel sits down with Marcos Jacober, an expert in tax deed investments and the author of "The Deed Hunter." From starting with only $100 to becoming a real estate mogul, Marcos shares his journey and reveals how tax deeds can be a path to financial freedom and real estate success.
    Key Takeaways:
    • Tax Deeds Explained: Learn what tax deeds are and how they offer a unique opportunity to invest in real estate at significantly lower costs.
    • Marcos Jacober’s Journey: From moving to the U.S. with just $100 to becoming a real estate mogul through tax deed investments.
    • The Power of Persistence: Marcos shares his initial setbacks and how perseverance turned his fortunes around, leading to the purchase and sale of over 4,500 properties.
    • Strategies for Success: Insights into Marcos’s investment strategies that have allowed him to maximize returns and minimize risks in the tax deed space.
    • Financial Freedom Through Real Estate: How real estate investing, particularly through tax deeds and liens, can be a path to financial independence.
    • Educational Resources: Marcos discusses the importance of education in real estate investing and offers resources for listeners to get started.
    About the Guest:
    Brazilian immigrant Marcos Jacober, also known as The Deed Hunter, is an investor, author, international speaker, and professor. He moved to the United States in 1998 with just a dream and $100 in his pocket, and worked various jobs before saving enough money to invest in real estate… but he lost everything in the 2008 financial crisis. After learning about taxes and deeds, he was able to close hundreds of real estate deals. Today, he is an authority in the real estate industry with over 3,000 transactions in his portfolio. A proud father of two, Jacober has helped thousands of people from different countries start their real estate investment career here in the USA.
    Links:
    https://thedeedhunterworld.com/
    https://www.instagram.com/thedeedhunterworld/

    Fast Five Questions
    1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “Go to the tax office of the closest county, pull up the list of over-the-counter properties, buy a property for $500, and immediately start the process to sell it for a profit"
    2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “biggest business mistake was not focusing on scaling and believing that nobody could do as well as he did. He emphasizes the importance of empowering others and letting them learn through mistakes to truly create a passive income business.”
    3. What is a book that you would recommend? "Think and Grow Rich and The Secrets of Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker ”
    4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? "Virtual Assistants"
    5. What is your definition of freedom? “Is about having the liberty to do what you want, with whom you want, whenever you want. Marcos stresses that achieving financial freedom is more accessible than most people think, and it often just requires smart, strategic actions.”

    About Jeff:
    Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned...

    • 44 min
    Redefining Success: Barbara Spector's Journey from Artist to Sales Maven - Empowering Your Business and Personal Growth

    Redefining Success: Barbara Spector's Journey from Artist to Sales Maven - Empowering Your Business and Personal Growth

    In this inspiring episode of the Freedom Nation podcast, host Jeff Kikel sits down with Barbara Spector, a management consultant with over two decades of experience transforming sales teams and businesses.
    From her beginnings as an artist to becoming a beacon of hope for businesses struggling with sales and leadership, Barbara shares her remarkable journey and the lessons learned along the way. Dive into Barbara's story of resilience, innovation, and success, and discover actionable insights to empower your own business and personal growth.
    Key Takeaways:
    • Transition from Artist to Management Consultant: Barbara’s journey began in the realm of art, taking a pivotal turn after a personal crisis. Her story is a testament to the power of self-reinvention and finding one's purpose through adversity.
    • The Importance of Asking the Right Questions: Barbara emphasizes the critical role of asking meaningful, insightful questions in both personal development and business success. This approach has been key in her ability to help businesses uncover underlying issues and drive substantial improvements in their sales processes.
    • Overcoming Workplace Challenges: Barbara’s experiences with abusive leadership and unfulfilling corporate roles highlight the importance of emotional intelligence and respectful workplace cultures. Her transition to entrepreneurship was fueled by a desire for autonomy and the ability to enact meaningful change.
    • Empowering Sales Teams: With her unique "Sales MRI," Barbara assists sales teams in identifying their strengths and weaknesses, leading to significant improvements in performance. Her work showcases the necessity of digging deep to understand and solve core issues rather than applying superficial fixes.
    • The Value of Curiosity and Continuous Learning: Throughout her career, Barbara has maintained a commitment to growth and learning. Her ability to think critically and remain open to new ideas has been crucial in her success and in the value she provides to her clients.
    About the Guest:
    Barbara Spector has never known a life outside of sales. Her career began with selling products, services, and intangibles, navigating through the myriad challenges that obstruct success. As a highly effective salesperson, Barbara dedicated herself early on to mastering her craft, learning the intricacies of excellence in sales. Her journey saw her ascending through the ranks, from a sales manager to a Vice President of Sales at several firms, and eventually leading to her owning a company dedicated to revolutionizing sales organizations, irrespective of economic fluctuations.
    Over a span of 26 years, Barbara has closely worked with thousands of companies across a wide range of sizes and sectors, uncovering a universal truth: business transition and change are both challenging and unavoidable.
    She has watched numerous CEOs and Sales Leaders grapple with the frustration of trying to kickstart stagnant sales. Despite their best efforts, their strategies often failed to address the core issues, leading to unsatisfactory outcomes. Barbara knows all too well that without the ability to measure problems accurately, finding a solution is nearly impossible.
    These leaders faced numerous issues, including high turnover rates, inflated sales pipelines, low win rates, and a general lack of motivation among sales teams and leadership.
    Thanks to Barbara's proven process, these companies have managed to escape the cycle of guesswork and disappointment. They have transitioned from mediocre performance to remarkable growth in revenue, setting a new standard for success.
    Fast Five Questions
    1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do...

    • 31 min
    Beyond the Cubicle: Shara Gabaldon's Leap from Government Job to Beauty Industry

    Beyond the Cubicle: Shara Gabaldon's Leap from Government Job to Beauty Industry

    In this inspiring episode of Freedom Nation Podcast with Jeff Kikel, we sit down with Shara Gabaldon, a former government employee who bravely left the security of her 9-to-5 job to embark on a journey into the beauty industry. Shara shares her incredible story of transformation, from her roots in business finance and mortgage to becoming a leading figure in the beauty space. Discover the challenges she faced, the successes she celebrated, and the lessons learned along the way.
    Key Takeaways:
    • The Spark of Change: Learn about the moment Shara decided to pivot from a secure government job to the uncertain yet rewarding world of entrepreneurship in the beauty industry.
    • Overcoming Challenges: Shara discusses the hurdles she encountered while making her transition, including skepticism from peers and navigating a new industry with no prior experience.
    • Strategies for Success: Gain insights into the strategies that propelled Shara's success, from identifying niche opportunities to leveraging her background in finance and business consulting.
    • The Power of Education: Shara emphasizes the importance of education, mentorship, and continuous learning in her journey to becoming a beauty industry maven and a successful entrepreneur.
    • to entrepreneurship, ensure you have a solid financial runway and safety net in place first.

    About the Guest:
    With an extensive 25-year background in the beauty industry, Shara brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every conversation, making her an invaluable guest for podcast hosts and their audiences alike. As a seasoned professional, she possesses deep insights and strategies for establishing successful beauty service businesses and enhancing the revenue of struggling salons.
    Shara's participation offers practical tips and advice on effectively growing and scaling their beauty ventures. Learning from her experiences and implementing her proven strategies can propel businesses to new heights. As a Beauty Business Coach, Shara's unique perspective enriches discussions, providing a fresh and informed outlook on the industry.

    Links:
    https://luxebeautyandbodyco.com/
    https://www.instagram.com/luxebeautyandbodyco/

    Fast Five Questions:
    1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I would start with Google, researching ways to make money, especially something in the digital realm that could be developed once and sold repeatedly, like digital courses.”
    2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “I can honestly say not starting sooner. There are so many things that I have done, whether it's starting the business sooner or making implementations or changes or updates, I have made some significant changes and updates. To my business in the last six to nine months, every change that I've made has enabled my business to grow that much more.”
    3. What is a book that you would recommend? ”isn't much of a book reader, preferring online research and self-help content, I highly advocated for therapy and personal growth, stressing the importance of mental health and self-care.”
    4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? "Louise Hay's meditations on YouTube"
    5. What is your definition of freedom? ”Freedom revolves around the ability to prioritize health and well-being over work.”

    About Jeff:
    Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had

    • 44 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
14 Ratings

14 Ratings

BarbSpec1 ,

I just was interviewed by Jeff

This was an Exceptional experience - thoroughly enjoyed the conversation!

Jruss211 ,

Great Business Tools and Strategies!

Love the variety of guests, I’ve learned everything from alternate passive investment to mapping business processes so they can run better (and without you!)

Rbroadhead ,

Try This Podcast

Jeff is an awesome host and asks incredible questions. HE brings out th best of his guests and is always worth a listen.

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