What if the secret to scaling a tech business wasn’t just strategy but soul?

In this deeply human conversation, Michael sits down with Nexus IT Consultants founder and CEO Earl Foote to unpack how he’s built one of the fastest-growing managed IT and cybersecurity firms in the country, not through hustle and grind alone, but by leading with creativity, culture, and conviction.

From musician to entrepreneur, Earl shares how art and architecture led him to tech, and how aligning people with purpose is now the fuel behind Nexus’ 40%+ organic growth. Whether you’re an MSP founder thinking about your next chapter, or a leader navigating scale in a crowded market, this episode reveals what’s possible when you stop chasing transactions and start building something bigger.

This isn’t your average IT conversation. It’s a masterclass in building a movement.

[00:00] – Meet Earl Foote: CEO of Nexus IT and creator of a people-first tech culture

[00:02:00] – Why Nexus only hires growth-minded, mission-aligned people

[00:04:00] – The philosophy behind building a world-class team environment

[00:06:00] – From dropping out to play music… to building a multimillion-dollar firm

[00:10:00] – Creativity as a competitive edge in business

[00:14:00] – How an e-commerce experiment led to a cybersecurity empire

[00:20:00] – Inside Nexus’ non-dilutive growth strategy (and 8 MSP acquisitions)

[00:23:00] – Why Earl is the acquirer founders actually want to work with

[00:29:00] – What’s the endgame? Earl’s long-term vision for Nexus and legacy

[00:33:00] – What “world-class service” really looks like—and how Nexus measures it

[00:38:00] – Red flags to avoid when choosing an MSP partner

[00:41:00] – How to connect with Earl (and maybe even jam on guitars in Salt Lake)

[00:42:00] – One small moment that changed everything: surviving a major fraud event

• Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO)
• Nexus IT Growth & M&A Insights
• Eddie Van Halen and Frankenstrat
• The Five Dimensions of Vitality by Michael J. Fischer

Earl Foote is the founder and CEO of Nexus IT Consultants, a nationally recognized cybersecurity and IT firm that has scaled through purpose-driven leadership and intentional culture. With over 25 years of experience, Earl is known for bringing art and humanity into the tech world, serving high-compliance industries with world-class service while building an award-winning company people love working for.

🔗 LinkedIn 📧 Email 🌐 Website

• Follow my blog here: https://rebrand.ly/7e3544
• Book a call with us: DBD Investment Bank

Going Beyond the Deal is an original podcast brought to you by J. Michael Fischer Jr. and Podcast Your Brand. Production and...

What if your next business opportunity wasn’t about building from scratch, but building smarter?

In this conversation, Michael reconnects with longtime friend and franchise entrepreneur Jeff Silbert, co-founder of 10 Hand & Stone locations and regional developer for Moxie Salon. Jeff shares how he went from coding at Accenture to scaling membership-based wellness brands and why his sweet spot isn’t startups at zero, but businesses just past lift-off.

They talk about what makes a franchise model work, how to identify scalable opportunities, and why people, process, and passion are the core of every successful expansion. Whether you’re exploring entrepreneurship, looking to scale a service business, or curious about entering the wellness space, this episode is full of lessons from the trenches of brand-building.

And if you’re wondering how to grow your business without burning out? This one’s a masterclass in doing it the right way with clarity, conviction, and a tight inner circle.

[00:00] – Meet Jeff Silbert: Hand & Stone co-founder and Moxie regional developer

[00:01:20] – From Accenture to entrepreneurship: Jeff’s early path to business ownership

[00:03:14] – Why he doesn’t like “idea-stage” businesses and what gets him excited instead

[00:05:00] – The power of the membership model: funnel thinking, retention, and revenue stability

[00:07:00] – Balancing the franchise playbook with entrepreneurial creativity

[00:08:45] – Why great franchisees are coachable and aligned with the brand’s vision

[00:11:32] – Can the average person really enter the franchise world? Here’s how.

[00:14:00] – Why Jeff and his brother diversified into Moxie after 10 Hand & Stone locations

[00:17:00] – Moxie’s team-based salon model and how it flips the stylist/client dynamic

[00:20:00] – Building culture without relying on individual “star” stylists

[00:23:00] – The dig in the neighborhood: why the wellness space is bigger than business

[00:25:00] – What COVID taught them and how loyal members saved the business

[00:27:00] – How Jeff maintains vitality: people, boundaries, and the power of EO

[00:33:34] – The moment that changed everything: investing in long-term friendships

[00:36:14] – Thinking about a franchise? Jeff shares who Moxie is looking for

• Moxie Salons & Beauty Bars
• Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa
• Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO)
• P90X by Tony Horton
• Danny Meyer’s book Setting the Table (on hospitality leadership)
• 
  

Jeff Silbert is a seasoned franchise operator and business builder. As co-founder of 10 Hand & Stone

What if the secret to long-term success isn’t about who you can work with but who you refuse to?

In this candid solo episode, Michael J. Fischer breaks down a principle that’s shaped both his personal and professional life: The No Asshole Rule. From his early years as a “baby banker” grinding through endless networking events to his current role as Managing Director at DBD Investment Bank, Michael shares how saying no to misaligned clients, partners, and even bosses became the key to protecting his energy and integrity.

You’ll hear what happens when you chase every deal out of desperation, why gut instincts are your most underused business tool, and how real success starts with one simple rule—only work with people whose values match yours.

If you’ve ever felt drained by the wrong client, team, or deal, this episode is your reminder that boundaries aren’t arrogance; they’re leadership.

[00:00] – What “Going Beyond the Deal” really means for Michael Fischer

[00:01:00] – Introducing the No Asshole Rule and why it changed everything

[00:01:45] – The early days as a “baby banker” with a $3.5M goal and no filter

[00:03:00] – Thousands of handshakes, thousands of business cards, and total burnout

[00:04:00] – The annual reset that sparks every rainmaker’s anxiety

[00:05:00] – The heavy cost of saying yes to misaligned clients

[00:06:00] – Trust your gut: why your first impression is usually right

[00:07:00] – Red flags to watch for and the “Would I invite them to dinner?” test

[00:08:00] – What happens when alignment meets energy—it’s magical

[00:08:45] – Saying no doesn’t make you rude—it makes you a leader

[00:09:10] – A look ahead: The Five Dimensions of Vitality and why protecting your circle matters

• The Five Dimensions of Vitality (upcoming book by Michael J. Fischer)

• Follow my blog here: https://rebrand.ly/7e3544
• Book a call with us: https://rebrand.ly/dbd-investment-47fca2

Going Beyond the Deal is an original podcast brought to you by J. Michael Fischer Jr. and Podcast Your Brand. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

What if your greatest opportunity for growth starts the moment your comfort zone ends?

In this powerful solo episode, J. Michael Fischer, Jr. shares a raw, personal reflection on how personal development transformed not just his career but his identity. From working as a janitor and rebuilding alternators to becoming Managing Director at a bespoke investment bank, Michael reveals the pivotal mindset shifts that helped him rewrite his life in his 40s.

You’ll hear how COVID offered a catalyst, why he traded a cushy salary for entrepreneurship, and the honest truth about what it takes to design your “Second Half Playbook.”

If you’re coasting in a career that no longer excites you, this episode is your urgent wake-up call. Hit play now to discover why the second half of your life deserves your boldest moves and why the cost of delay is steeper than you think.

• Michael’s “Second Half Playbook” article on LinkedIn
• Tony Robbins' podcast on midlife transformation
• 
  

• Follow my blog here: https://rebrand.ly/7e3544
• Book a call with us: https://rebrand.ly/dbd-investment-47fca2
• 
  

Going Beyond the Deal is an original podcast brought to you by Michael J. Fischer and Podcast Your Brand. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

What if the future of business isn’t just about hiring more people, but about creating organizations where humans and AI collaborate to unlock 100x growth?

In this episode of the Going Beyond the Deal Podcast, J. Michael Fischer Jr. speaks with Amos Bar Joseph, co-founder and CEO of Swan AI, a company building AI agents designed to transform go-to-market operations for modern businesses. Amos shares how his childhood in a scientific community and his early career in game theory shaped his approach to problem-solving, entrepreneurship, and building companies that scale intelligently rather than just adding headcount.

From founding and selling two startups, including one that worked with major airlines worldwide, to pioneering the concept of an “autonomous business,” Amos explains why companies of the future will empower employees to work in their zone of genius while AI handles the repetitive, mundane tasks. This episode dives into AI adoption, organizational culture, mental health, and the radical ways technology is reshaping business.

Learn why ruthless prioritization and self-care are the keys to thriving as an entrepreneur in the AI era. If you've enjoyed this episode of the Going Beyond the Deal podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

Key takeaways:

• Why AI is one of the most intuitive technologies ever created, and how to embrace it in your business
• How to identify and operate within your “zone of genius”
• Why the future of work is about autonomy and vision alignment, not bureaucracy
• How Amos scaled Swan to over 200 customers with a three-person founding team
• The mental habits that help entrepreneurs avoid burnout
• Why marketing is about emotions, not just analytics
• How AI agents can 100x the effectiveness of every employee
• And much more…

Guest Bio:

Amos Bar Joseph is the co-founder and CEO of Swan AI, a company on a mission to build the first truly autonomous business by leveraging AI agents to transform go-to-market operations. An entrepreneur at heart, Amos previously founded and sold two tech companies. A graduate of Tel Aviv University’s PPE honors program, he is passionate about game theory, entrepreneurship, and helping businesses scale with intelligence rather than headcount.

Resources:

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

DBD Investment Bank

Connect with Amos on LinkedIn

Subscribe to The Big Shift Newsletter

Disclaimer:

The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Going Beyond the Deal podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By...

What would make someone leave a high-paying Big Four accounting career, take a 50% pay cut, and join a four-person startup with no systems in place? And how do you grow that business into a globally recognized health and wellness brand?

In this episode of the Going Beyond the Deal Podcast, host J. Michael Fischer Jr. sits down with Chase Ramey, CFO of Organifi, a purpose-driven supplement company known for its high-quality, efficacious products. Chase shares how burnout early in his career pushed him to reevaluate his path, leading him to Organifi, where he rebuilt his health, career, and personal life while helping scale the company from a tiny office in San Diego to a brand trusted worldwide.

Chase reflects on the lessons learned from Deloitte, why personality and people skills matter more than technical complexity, and the challenges of balancing a visionary founder’s big ideas with the financial realities of a bootstrapped business. He also discusses building a life connected to nature, working alongside his wife, and putting priorities in the right order so that career supports life, not the other way around.

Thinking about leaving corporate life for something more meaningful? Learn how Chase made the leap and why it paid off. If you've enjoyed this episode of the Going Beyond the Deal podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

Key takeaways:

• Why burnout can be the catalyst for finding purpose and alignment
• How Chase went from Deloitte to Organifi and why he took a massive pay cut
• The importance of learning to manage risk and cash flow
• Why novelty and routine together create long-term fulfillment
• How Organifi has scaled without outside capital while staying true to its mission
• Why lifestyle choices matter more than supplements and how to use them to fill the gaps
• How to prioritize relationships and health while building a successful career
• The power of listening to your intuition and acting on small nudges
• And much more…

Guest Bio:

Chase Ramey is the CFO of Organifi, a leading health and wellness company dedicated to creating high-quality, efficacious supplements. With a background in accounting at Deloitte, Chase combines financial expertise with operational strategy to help scale Organifi without outside capital.

Resources:

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

DBD Investment Bank

Connect with Chase on LinkedIn

Follow Chase on Instagram

Organifi

TheMedicin

Disclaimer:



The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Going Beyond the Deal podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness,...

What happens when you achieve everything you thought would bring happiness — and still feel empty?

In this episode of the Going Beyond the Deal Podcast, J. Michael Fischer Jr. sits down with Reggie Ford, a TEDx speaker, bestselling author of Perseverance Through Severe Dysfunction, and founder of the Vulnerability Muscle framework. Reggie shares his extraordinary journey from growing up in poverty and chaos to building a successful career in finance, only to realize that money alone couldn’t solve the deepest challenges.

Through raw honesty and powerful insights, Reggie opens up about grief, shame, and the breaking point that led him to redefine his life. He explains how vulnerability became his greatest strength, why storytelling matters, and how he helps others build resilience, self-awareness, and purpose. This conversation is about much more than success; it’s about learning to love yourself, heal from pain, and create impact by being authentic.

If you've enjoyed this episode of the Going Beyond the Deal podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

Key takeaways:

• Why money only solves money problems, and what really drives fulfillment
• The importance of checking in with yourself and others to prevent burnout
• How compartmentalizing emotions can help you survive — and why it eventually breaks down
• Why sharing your story can transform shame into connection
• How vulnerability builds stronger relationships and makes you a better leader
• The pervasive belief that “we are not enough”, and how to reframe it
• Practical strategies for gratitude, self-talk, and living with more love and purpose
• And much more…

Guest Bio:

Reggie Ford is a TEDx speaker, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate. His bestselling book, Perseverance Through Severe Dysfunction, is a powerful memoir about trauma, healing, and the journey from pain to peace. As the founder of the Vulnerability Muscle framework, Reggie helps corporate leaders and organizations build emotionally intelligent cultures rooted in trust, resilience, and psychological safety. He is also the host of the Vulnerability Muscle podcast, where leaders and changemakers open up about what it means to lead with heart.

Resources:

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

DBD Investment Bank

ReggiedFord.com

Connect with Reggie on LinkedIn

Follow Reggie on Instagram

Follow Reggie on Facebook

Follow Reggie on X

Vulnerability Muscle with Reggie D. Ford Podcast

Reggie’s Book: Perseverance Through Severe Dysfunction: Breaking the Curse of...

What does it take to walk away from a secure, successful career in commercial banking to pursue something entirely new?

In this episode of Going Beyond the Deal podcast, J. Michael Fischer Jr. speaks with Blake Balsamo, Executive Director, Americas at i2i Logic. Blake shares how he transitioned from being one of New Jersey’s most well-known commercial bankers to helping transform the way bankers and clients interact through data-driven insights.

From the challenges of leaving behind stability to embrace uncertainty, to his vision for the future of commercial banking in an AI-driven world, Blake offers an insightful look at risk-taking, reinvention, and why being “comfortable with being uncomfortable” is the key to growth.

Hear why Blake believes generative AI will reshape the future of banking and how to prepare for it today. If you've enjoyed this episode of Going Beyond the Deal podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

Key takeaways:

• Why Blake chose to leave a successful career in commercial banking to join i2i Logic
• The role of mentors and trusted advisors in making career-defining decisions
• Why every banker should start in risk management
• The frustrations clients face with repetitive banking pitches, and how to break that cycle
• How i2i Logic helps bankers create deeper, more meaningful conversations with clients
• The impact of generative AI on the future of banking and client relationships
• Why mentors, habits, and hobbies are essential to avoiding burnout and staying effective
• And much more…

Guest Bio:

Blake Balsamo is the Executive Director, Americas at i2i Logic, a fintech company transforming how bankers engage clients through data and insights. A former top commercial banker in New Jersey, Blake built his career at institutions like Citibank, Goldman Sachs, and JPMorgan Chase before taking the leap into fintech.

Resources:

Connect with Blake on LinkedIn

i2i Logic

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

DBD Investment Bank

Book Mentioned:

The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About

Disclaimer:

The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Going Beyond the Deal podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to...