Welcome back to the Entrepreneur’s Journey Podcast. In this episode, Michael Pallozzi and Jason Gabrieli kick off a new podcast series focused on BuiltWealth™, a service model developed specifically for business owners in the trades. Michael and Jason explore why this audience—roofers, electricians, HVAC companies, plumbers, painters, and other home-service professionals—is underserved when it comes to financial advice.

They explain the inspiration behind the BuiltWealth™ Ladder: a 7-rung system designed to help trades-based entrepreneurs organize their financial lives, grow their wealth, and eventually transition their businesses successfully. Drawing from their own experience as business owners and financial planners, Michael and Jason share how their unique approach brings together financial planning, business consulting, and strategic partnerships to create lasting value for their clients.

● Why trades-based entrepreneurs are often overlooked by traditional financial advisors.

● How the BuiltWealth™ Ladder helps simplify complex business and financial decisions.

● Key triggers that indicate when a business owner needs help coordinating their finances.

● The unique process HFM uses to onboard and serve business owners at different stages.

● [00:01:05] Introduction to the BuiltWealth™ service model and why trades-based entrepreneurs are the focus.

● [00:07:10] How many trades business owners grow their companies without formal business training.

● [00:13:07] The seven rungs of the BuiltWealth™ Ladder, from early growth to legacy planning.

● [00:18:00] The importance of having a second engine of wealth outside the business.

● [00:24:43] Understanding the BuiltWealth™ onboarding process: JobWalk, SiteSurvey, Blueprint, and BuildOut.

● [00:30:00] What’s coming next: future episodes exploring each rung in detail and featuring expert guests.

1. Trades business owners often lack the financial coordination needed as their businesses grow and become more complex.
2. The BuiltWealth™ Ladder offers a clear, relatable framework tailored to the real-life progression of business owners in the trades.
3. HFM's team brings both financial planning expertise and entrepreneurial experience—giving clients a unique, well-rounded partnership.

Connect with Michael Pallozzi: mpallozzi@hfmadvisors.com | LinkedIn

Connect with Jason Gabrieli: jgabrieli@hfmadvisors.com | LinkedIn

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In this episode, Michael Pallozzi is joined by Bobby Giurintano of Premium Recovery Experts to unpack a little-known strategy that helps business owners recover overpaid workers' compensation premiums. Bobby explains how his firm audits past audits—examining insurance carriers' work to uncover errors that could mean real money back for clients. Learn how his risk-free process has helped companies reclaim tens of thousands in refunds with minimal time investment. This episode is especially relevant for entrepreneurs in the trades, where workers' comp costs can be substantial.

Tune into this episode to also learn:

● How workers' comp classification codes and risk scores impact premiums.

● Why businesses with multiple state operations have higher refund potential.

● How Bobby’s process uncovers errors without disrupting broker relationships.

● Common red flags and real-world savings from past clients.

What we discussed

● [00:02:08] Bobby introduces Premium Recovery Experts and how they help businesses recover workers' comp overpayments.

● [00:04:20] Bobby’s background and how a networking event launched his transition into the audit business.

● [00:05:41] Trades businesses that are ideal candidates—and those that aren’t—for recovery audits.

● [00:07:30] The step-by-step client process, including how minimal time is required.

● [00:10:58] Common reasons for overcharges: classification errors, misapplied risk scores, and claim mismanagement.

● [00:14:32] What experience modification ratings (EMR) are and why they matter in construction.

● [00:16:52] The forward-looking benefits of correcting audit errors—not just refunds, but future premium savings.

● [00:17:43] Ideal company size and premium range to work with Bobby’s team.

● [00:18:45] Limitations: states and business models that may not qualify.

● [00:20:04] Why union companies often pay higher premiums and how that plays into savings potential.

● [00:22:15] What happens if Bobby finds favorable conditions in your current setup—spoiler: they walk away.

● [00:24:02] How to get in touch with Bobby and what to expect from your first call.

3 Things To Remember

1. Many businesses are unknowingly overpaying workers’ compensation premiums due to classification or risk score errors.
2. Premium Recovery Experts provides a hands-off, no-upfront-cost process that identifies and corrects these errors.
3. Correcting past audits not only recovers money but can also reduce future premiums and improve competitiveness.

Useful Links

Connect with Michael Pallozzi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpallozzihfm/

Connect with Bobby Giurintano on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbygiurintano/

Premium Recovery Experts: https://premiumrecoveryexperts.com/

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Learn more about HFM HERE

In this episode of The Entrepreneur’s Journey, Jason Gabrieli is joined by Nicola Reasoner, partner at V&R, to explore what it really takes to prepare a business for sale. From financial cleanup to team dynamics, and even the emotional readiness required to exit, Nicola offers invaluable advice from years of experience guiding entrepreneurs through transitions. If you're a business owner—even just considering a future sale—this episode will equip you with clarity and concrete steps to prepare for that journey the right way.

Tune into this episode to also learn:

● Why starting the sale prep process too late can hurt your outcome.

● How financials should be restructured for buyers—not just for taxes.

● What buyers are really looking for during due diligence.

● How emotional readiness plays a critical role in a successful exit.

What we discussed

● [00:01:26] Introduction to Nicola Reasoner and her role helping entrepreneurs prepare for sale.

● [00:04:18] The most common mistake business owners make when preparing to sell.

● [00:07:28] Why going unrepresented can lead to a poor outcome.

● [00:09:42] Ideal vs. rushed timelines for preparing a business for sale.

● [00:14:17] How to properly present EBITDA and clean up financials for investors.

● [00:18:13] The importance of emotional readiness in the exit process.

● [00:21:01] How to manage confidentiality with your team during a potential sale.

● [00:27:02] Understanding the buyer landscape: strategic vs. financial buyers.

● [00:33:22] Life after a sale: what changes and how to prepare for it.

3 Things To Remember

1. Begin the exit planning process at least 12–24 months before you intend to sell.
2. Understand and adjust your financials through the lens of a buyer, not just your CPA.
3. Emotional preparation is just as important as operational readiness—know why you're selling and what comes next.

Useful Links

Connect with Michael Pallozzi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpallozzihfm/

Like what you’ve heard…

Learn more about HFM HERE

Schedule time to speak with us HERE