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SummaryIn this episode of Business & Brews, Matt Pierce sits down with Nick Fraunfelder, CEO of Sure Oak, to discuss how AI is reshaping search, brand authority, B2B buying decisions, and the way companies approach growth. Nick explains Sure Oak’s evolution from a traditional SEO company into one focused on helping brands build authority across search engines and AI platforms. He unpacks the growing importance of Generative Engine Optimization, or GEO, and why tools like ChatGPT are becoming proxies for trust by evaluating what a company says about itself alongside third-party sources, reviews, and online conversations. Matt and Nick also explore the value of narrowing your ideal customer profile, moving upstream, and building long-term partnerships through genuine, relationship-driven selling. They discuss why the best salespeople operate like consultants, why value should come before price, and how knowing when to say no can strengthen your company, team, and customer experience. The conversation closes with an honest look at leadership and the difficult people decisions that come with the CEO role. For Nick, leadership means staying focused on the company’s mission, showing up with value, and accepting that even the right decisions can come at a personal cost. In This Episode:How AI is changing search and the B2B buying journeyWhat Generative Engine Optimization means for brandsWhy AI has become a proxy for brand trustHow to create a safe environment for employees to experiment with AIWhy narrowing your ideal customer profile can improve growth and retentionThe difference between selling a product and solving a customer’s problemWhy relationship-driven selling matters in mid-market and enterprise salesThe importance of establishing value before discussing priceHow saying no to the wrong opportunities protects your team and your productThe difficult people decisions that come with leadershipKey Takeaway:The strongest growth comes from knowing where you create the most value and having the discipline to stay focused there. Build trust, solve real problems, invest in genuine relationships, and do not be afraid to say no when an opportunity is not the right fit. About Nick FraunfelderNick Fraunfelder is the CEO of Sure Oak, a search and AI optimization company helping brands build authority and grow revenue. A longtime entrepreneur and growth leader, Nick has spent more than 15 years working across startups, SaaS, healthcare technology, sales, and business development. At Sure Oak, he helps companies strengthen their visibility and credibility across traditional search engines and emerging AI platforms. Sure Oak Podcast Sure Oak Website

SummaryIn this episode of Business & Brews, Matt Pierce sits down with Corey Towe, CEO of WildSparq, to unpack his unconventional journey from college ministry to startups, SaaS, and ultimately the CEO seat. Corey shares the career lessons that shaped his leadership philosophy, including why exceeding expectations creates opportunity, the importance of building trust through follow-through, and his approach to entering a new role: listen, learn, then lead. Matt and Corey also discuss what it takes to move into greater levels of leadership, why crushing your current role matters before chasing the next title, and how faith, wise counsel, and a bigger sense of purpose have guided some of Corey's most significant career and family decisions. The conversation closes with an important reminder: leadership is costly. But for Corey, the reward is found in helping people and teams accomplish what they never thought possible. In This Episode:Why exceeding expectations creates career opportunitiesThe difference between simply doing your job and developing an ownership mindsetHow to “listen, learn, then lead” when stepping into a new organizationWhy your “say-do ratio” matters when building trustHow to position yourself for greater responsibility and leadershipThe role of faith, prayer, and wise counsel in major career decisionsWhy leadership comes with a costFinding purpose beyond a job titleKey Takeaway:If you want the next opportunity, start by crushing the role you're in today. Build trust, follow through on what you say you'll do, and look for opportunities to add value beyond your job description. About Corey ToweCorey Towe is the CEO of WildSparq, a leadership development platform helping organizations equip leaders to lead with greater precision and impact. His career spans ministry, startups, SaaS, private equity-backed companies, and public organizations, giving him a unique perspective on leadership, career growth, and building high-performing teams.

SummaryWhat are people really worried about financially? Matt Pierce answers three of the most common questions being asked inside Fortuna, Immediate's AI-powered financial health coach. These are real questions from people looking for practical guidance on improving their financial future. In this episode, Matt breaks down: How to pay off credit card debt fasterThe difference between debt consolidation, debt management, debt settlement, and credit counselingHow much you actually need to save before buying your first home Along the way, he explains why personal finance isn't just about math, it's also about psychology. Building momentum often matters more than building the perfect plan. Key TakeawaysCredit card debt isn't all created equal. Prioritize high-interest balances or choose the strategy you're most likely to stick with.Stop adding new debt while paying off existing debt, and build even a small emergency fund to avoid repeating the cycle.Debt relief can mean several different things. Understand the difference between nonprofit credit counseling, debt consolidation, debt management plans, and debt settlement before making a decision.Don't assume you need a 20% down payment to buy your first home. Many first-time buyers purchase with significantly less.A savings goal becomes much more achievable when you turn it into a monthly plan instead of an overwhelming number.Connect with ImmediateLearn more about how Immediate is helping employees improve their financial wellbeing at joinimmediate.com. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Business & Brews and leave a review. Your feedback helps us continue bringing practical conversations about business, leadership, and financial wellbeing.

SummaryIn this episode of Business & Brews, Matt Pierce sits down with Del Smith, Co-Founder and CEO of Acclinate, to discuss leading with purpose, building trust at scale, and why great businesses solve meaningful problems. Del shares how Acclinate is working to improve representation in clinical research by educating and empowering underserved communities to make informed healthcare decisions. The conversation also explores startup leadership, company culture, learning to delegate, and the mindset required to build an enduring business. Del also shares the deeply personal story that inspired his passion for healthcare and why reaching his 50th birthday represented a milestone far beyond business success. Whether you're a founder, leader, or simply passionate about building organizations that make a difference, this episode is packed with practical leadership lessons and meaningful perspective. In This EpisodeWhy Acclinate was founded to improve diversity and trust in clinical researchThe importance of education before engagementHow to scale a mission without compromising your valuesBalancing purpose with business growthLeading teams through both wins and setbacksWhy founders must evolve from player to coach to ownerBuilding leadership teams that complement your strengthsDel's personal health journey and the family legacy that drives his mission Key TakeawaysPurpose drives sustainable businesses.Companies that focus on solving real problems create stronger long-term value than those focused solely on revenue. Leadership requires emotional consistency.Celebrate victories, learn from losses, and remain steady through both. Hire for your weaknesses.Great leaders surround themselves with people whose strengths complement their own. Growth means letting go.Founders must continually evolve from doing the work to empowering others to lead it. Business success is measured by impact.The legacy you leave matters more than the number in your bank account.

Summary This week on Business & Brews, Matt welcomes two special guests, his daughters Kathryn and Whitley Grace, for an honest conversation about money. From saving and spending to allowance, summer jobs, and impulse purchases, they share the lessons they're learning about financial responsibility and what they think adults could do better with money. At Immediate, we believe financial wellness starts with education, and those conversations can begin at home. In this episode:Why financial literacy should start earlyTeaching kids the difference between wants and needsHow allowance and summer jobs build healthy money habitsPractical ways parents can start money conversations at homeA fun rapid-fire round with two future financial pros Whether you're raising kids or simply passionate about financial wellness, this episode is full of practical takeaways and a few laughs along the way.

Summary In this episode of Business & Brews, Matt Pierce sits down with Brandon Horne, Head of Commercial Partnerships at Greenlight, to discuss his unconventional path from biochemistry student to Army officer to fintech executive. Brandon shares lessons learned from helping scale high-growth companies, including his experience at Cardlytics and Greenlight. The conversation explores leadership, entrepreneurship, sales, company culture, career growth, and why great middle managers are often the unsung heroes behind successful organizations. From building relationships that drive enterprise sales to creating opportunities for young professionals to grow, Brandon offers practical insights for anyone navigating a fast-paced career or helping build a company from the ground up. Key Takeaways Growth happens when you step into opportunities before you feel ready.Shared challenges build stronger teams than shared successes.Relationships and persistence remain critical in enterprise sales.Great middle managers are often the foundation of strong company culture.Leadership is measured by the people you help develop.Small gestures can create lasting professional impact.

Episode SummaryThis week on Business & Brews, Matt Pierce takes a step back from the usual guest interviews to talk about something impacting millions of people every day: the connection between financial stress and mental health. From rising costs and paycheck-to-paycheck living to anxiety, burnout, and the emotional weight of uncertainty, Matt breaks down why financial pressure affects far more than just bank accounts. He also shares practical ways people can regain a sense of control, create breathing room, and start reducing the mental load that money stress creates. This episode covers: Why financial stress impacts mental and physical wellbeingHow “survival mode” thinking affects long-term planningThe importance of financial literacy without shame or guiltPractical steps to create visibility, stability, and breathing roomWhy hope and consistency matter more than perfection Whether you’re personally navigating financial pressure or leading teams that are, this conversation is an important reminder that financial wellness and mental wellness are deeply connected. Key TakeawaysFinancial stress impacts far more than money — it affects sleep, relationships, confidence, and physical health.Most people experiencing financial pressure are not irresponsible; they’re reacting to tight margins and rising costs.Financial literacy is less about perfection and more about creating clarity, confidence, and control.Small habits and small wins can create meaningful psychological relief over time.Open conversations about money can help reduce shame and remind people they’re not alone.

SummaryIn this episode of Business & Brews, Matt Pierce sits down with Jordan Wright to discuss entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation, and building a transparent company culture. Jordan shares how his entrepreneurial mindset started as early as childhood, eventually leading him into fintech through companies like Unbill and now Atomic. The conversation explores how Atomic evolved from simplifying direct deposit switching into a broader infrastructure company helping consumers better manage their financial lives through connected systems and data intelligence. Jordan also shares lessons on product-market fit, customer obsession, startup resilience, and how Atomic competed against much larger players in the market. Matt and Jordan dive into leadership philosophies around transparency, empowering teams, and creating organizations where people can do the best work of their lives. They also discuss the growing role of AI inside modern businesses and how both leaders are using it to create efficiencies and improve execution. The episode closes with a thoughtful conversation about balancing ambition with family, recognizing what truly matters, and intentionally creating space for life outside of work. Key Takeaways Customer conversations fuel innovation: Atomic’s leadership team stays deeply connected to customers to uncover real needs and shape product direction.Startups can outperform larger competitors: Jordan shares how Atomic successfully competed against Plaid by staying agile and customer-focused.Transparency strengthens culture: Open communication around company priorities, metrics, and leadership decisions helps build trust and alignment across teams.AI is most valuable when applied practically: The conversation highlights real operational uses for AI, from RFP workflows to productivity tracking.Success means more than business growth: Jordan reflects on prioritizing family and making time for what matters most outside of work.

SummaryOn this episode of Business & Brews, Matt sits down with longtime friend Josh Etress for a conversation on leadership, career growth, faith, and the power of showing up. Josh shares his journey from ministry to software sales, from operational leadership to executive coaching, and the lessons he learned along the way. From taking bold risks early in his career to navigating major life and career transitions, this episode is full of practical insight for founders, operators, and leaders. Matt and Josh unpack what separates high performers, why solving problems makes you invaluable, how faith can shape major decisions, and why rest is essential for sustainable leadership. Josh also shares the story of how he broke into tech by betting on himself in a way most people would not. If you are building, leading, or trying to figure out your next step, this episode is for you. In this episode:Josh’s path from ministry into businessWhy high performers focus on solving problemsThe advantage of working in a growth-stage companyTransitioning from sales into operationsMoving from Birmingham to NashvilleThe role of faith and patience in career decisionsSabbath and rest as a leadership disciplineBreaking into tech by creating your own opportunityWhat excites Josh about coaching todayLeading with both confidence and honestyKey Takeaways:Solve problems beyond your role to create opportunityEffort and consistency can outpace experience earlyGrowth environments accelerate careersStrong principles apply across any industrySometimes you have to bet on yourselfFaithfulness often comes before clarityRest is critical to long-term performanceGreat leaders operate in truth, not just perception

Summary In this episode of Business and Brews, Matt sits down with John Burdett, Founder and CEO of Fast Slow Motion, for a conversation about what it really takes to grow a business beyond the founder stage. John shares his journey from Birmingham startup operator to entrepreneur, along with the lessons he’s learned about leadership, systems, ego, and scaling well. The conversation explores the shift from being the person who does everything to becoming the kind of leader who builds a business that can run without them. John talks candidly about how founders can become the bottleneck in their own companies, why process matters more than most people want to admit, and how defining the right scoreboard changes everything. John also opens up about an incredibly difficult personal season, including a life-threatening health crisis and a cancer diagnosis, and how those experiences tested everything he had built. What he found on the other side was clarity: a business designed the right way can create freedom, resilience, and room for what matters most. This episode is a thoughtful conversation on leadership, identity, and building a company that supports your life instead of consuming it. In this episode, Matt and John discuss: John’s path to founding Fast Slow MotionThe difference between being a founder and being a CEOWhy many entrepreneurs become the biggest obstacle to scalingThe role of ego, humility, and self-awareness in leadershipHow systems and process create freedom over timeBuilding a business that can operate without the founderWhat John’s health challenges taught him about life and leadership Key Takeaways A great business is not one that depends on the founder for everything. It is one that can grow, thrive, and create impact while also making room for a meaningful life.

Episode SummaryIn this special solo episode, Business & Brews host Matt Pierce takes a break from guest interviews to talk about financial literacy and why it matters. Drawing on his experience building Immediate, Matt shares a key insight: most people don’t have a money problem, they have a timing problem. When paydays don’t line up with real life expenses, financial stress builds quickly. This episode covers why so many Americans feel financially stretched, how behavior and planning impact money more than income alone, and three simple ways to take control of your cash flow. Key TakeawaysFinancial stress is more common than most people thinkCash flow timing is often the root issueSmall, consistent changes are more effective than perfect plansUnderstanding your behavior is just as important as understanding your budget

In Episode 11 of Business & Brews, Matt Pierce is joined by Phil Goldfeder and Charles Potts of the American Fintech Council for a conversation about responsible innovation, collaboration across the fintech ecosystem, and what it takes to build durable, consumer-first financial products. From Phil’s journey into fintech and the growth of AFC, to Charles’ perspective on standards, trust, and long-term industry success, this episode explores how fintechs, banks, and regulators can work together to move the industry forward the right way. Episode SummaryThis conversation dives into the evolution of the American Fintech Council and how it has grown into a major voice across fintech. Phil and Charles share why AFC has focused so heavily on responsible innovation, pragmatic policymaking, and creating a space where competitors can align on best practices for the good of the broader ecosystem. The episode also highlights earned wage access as a powerful example of what can happen when companies collaborate around shared standards while still competing in market. Matt, Phil, and Charles discuss why governance, transparency, accountability, and compliance are not barriers to growth, but core ingredients for building lasting companies and products. Timestamps00:54 – Charles’ coffee shoutout and entrepreneurial roots 01:31 – Phil’s origin story 05:40 – How American Fintech Council came together 06:35 – AFC’s growth and evolution 08:35 – Charles on why AFC’s growth matters 11:23 – Navigating fintech, banks, and government 12:52 – Responsible innovation and pragmatic leadership 16:18 – Mission, optimism, and building with purpose 21:26 – Earned wage access as a case study in collaboration 25:48 – Building standards, durability, and trust 27:44 – Competitors aligning for the good of the industry 29:42 – What’s ahead for fintech in the next 9 months Key TakeawaysThe American Fintech Council has grown into a major collaborative voice across the fintech ecosystemResponsible innovation requires governance, transparency, and accountability from the startCompliance can be a competitive advantage, not just a requirementEarned wage access is a strong example of how competitors can align around shared standards

SummaryIn this episode of Business & Brews, Matt Pierce sits down with John Bowman, founder and CEO of Sure Med, to explore the realities of building a company from the ground up. John shares lessons from early failures, the importance of preparation, and what it takes to scale a business through constant pivots. They also dive into the evolving overdose epidemic and how SureMed is working to equip physicians with better data and tools to make safer decisions for patients. Show NotesJohn’s early journey: military, boxing, and entering healthcareLessons learned from his first business and why preparation mattersThe shift from “winging it” to operating with discipline and strategyThe role of mentorship and surrounding yourself with the right peopleNavigating years of pivots to find product-market fitScaling challenges: growing fast without losing focusUnderstanding the overdose epidemic beyond prescription opioidsHow SureMed helps physicians make more informed, lower-risk decisionsBuilding a mission-driven business rooted in purpose and faith Key TakeawaysPreparation creates confidence and better decision-makingThere is no single path to building a successful companyGrowth often looks like chaos — constant pivots are part of the processThe people and inputs you surround yourself with matter deeplyYou have to survive long enough to figure out what works, then scale itSolving meaningful problems requires both persistence and adaptability

SummaryIn this episode of Business & Brews, Matt Pierce sits down with Kelsey Weaver, Partner at Castle Creek Launchpad, for a wide-ranging conversation on banking, fintech, venture capital, creativity, and innovation. Kelsey shares her unconventional path into the banking world, from real estate and media to founding FinXTech and ultimately joining Castle Creek Launchpad. She discusses why fintech and banks are stronger together, what makes a great investor-founder partnership, and why she is especially excited about the future of tokenization in banking. The conversation also takes a lighter turn with stories about doodling, publishing illustrations, and unexpected brushes with Hollywood. Key TakeawaysKelsey’s career path has been anything but traditional, shaped by grit, curiosity, and strong conviction.She believes fintech and banks are most effective when they operate as complementary partners rather than competitors.Community banks play a vital role, while fintechs help expand access, efficiency, and innovation.At Castle Creek Launchpad, hands-on support and trusted guidance matter just as much as capital.Kelsey is especially excited about tokenization and its potential to improve transparency, portability, and trust in banking.Visual thinking, doodling, and creativity can be powerful tools for communication and learning.Chapters00:00 Welcome and introductions 00:20 Kelsey’s travels and coffee shoutout 01:27 Kelsey’s early career journey and unconventional path 03:49 Discovering banking through Bank Director and launching FinXTech 05:04 Do fintechs compete with banks or strengthen them? 07:25 Why banks and fintechs work better together 08:29 Lessons from Castle Creek Launchpad and the venture world 12:10 What founders should look for in investment partners 14:07 Kelsey’s published illustrations and creative process 17:03 Doodling, note-taking, and visual learning 22:00 Side hustles, acting, and a Hollywood detour 30:56 What Kelsey is watching in banking for 2026 31:09 Why tokenization could reshape financial services 34:59 Final thoughts on banking innovation and customer needs

Summary Rick Elmore shares his inspiring journey from NFL athlete to successful entrepreneur, highlighting the power of problem-solving, discipline, and innovation in business. Listen in to learn how handwritten notes and AI are transforming customer engagement and business growth. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Rick Elmore's Background 01:37 Rick's Athletic Career and Transition to Business 04:01 Lessons from NFL and Corporate Career 08:18 The Power of Handwritten Notes in Business 09:34 Building Simply Noted: Challenges and Milestones 16:53 Innovating with Robotics and Print Automation 20:29 Problem Solving and Growth in Entrepreneurship 26:12 Future of Business, AI, and Automation Resources Simply Noted: https://simplynoted.com/ University of Arizona Eller Business School: https://eller.arizona.edu/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickelmore/