AUTHOR ARCHIVES :

An Overview of the Elks National Foundation with Mitch Hanlon of Fullerton

Mitch Hanlon

Key Takeaways

  • Mitch Hanlon, a respected Southern California music educator and conductor, continues his legacy of service through the Elks National Foundation (ENF).
  • The Elks National Foundation, founded in 1928, has distributed over $500 million to charitable projects nationwide.
  • With more than 124,000 active donors and an $851 million endowment, the ENF funds scholarships, veteran support, and community initiatives.
  • Scholarship programs include the Most Valuable Student awards ($3M annually) and Legacy Awards ($1.6M for children and grandchildren of Elks members).
  • ENF initiatives also support youth drug awareness programs, veteran services, and local lodge community investment projects.
  • A board of seven trustees, all past Elks national presidents, oversees the foundation’s operations from Chicago.
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Jonathan Macht on Home Ownership Becoming Increasingly Unaffordable

Jonathan Macht

Key Takeaways

  • Jonathan Macht, a top-performing Realtor, highlights the growing crisis of housing affordability in the U.S.
  • Only 20% of homes on the market in 2025 are affordable for households earning $75,000 annually, compared to 50% pre-pandemic.
  • Median home prices reached $420,000 in Q1 2025, creating barriers for middle-income earners in teaching, nursing, and skilled trades.
  • Restrictive zoning and limited new construction have deepened affordability gaps in 26 of the top 100 U.S. markets.
  • Creative solutions include converting office buildings to apartments, co-living designs, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
  • States like California, Arizona, and Massachusetts, along with several cities, are supporting ADUs to expand affordable housing options.
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Blackcat Website: A Gateway to Modern Banking and Controversy

BlackCatCard website

Key Takeaways

  • The Blackcat website offers free IBAN accounts, Mastercard access, and crypto integration in one platform.
  • Users praise its convenience, global accessibility, and rewards such as cashback and interest on balances.
  • Critics report frozen accounts, delayed transfers, and poor customer support, raising transparency concerns.
  • Blackcat operates under an EMI license in Malta, which provides regulation but not the same protections as traditional banks.
  • The platform suits digital nomads, freelancers, and crypto enthusiasts, but caution is advised when holding large sums.
  • The Blackcat website illustrates both the opportunities and risks of fintech innovation in modern banking.
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David Colakovic on Why Founders Should Stay Involved in the Day-to-Day

David Colakovic

TL;DR

  • Conventional advice to “step back” during growth can miss the benefits of founder involvement in daily operations.
  • Staying close to the work ensures tighter feedback loops, early problem detection, and faster, better decision-making.
  • Operational awareness comes from direct exposure to customers, frontline teams, and processes—not just filtered reports.
  • Founders shape company culture by example; stepping back too soon risks dilution of core values.
  • Involvement provides critical context for strategic choices, enabling speed without sacrificing quality.
  • Hands-on founders see higher retention, stronger alignment, and a reduced risk of drift from the original mission.
  • Effective leaders avoid micromanaging by “leading with context, not control,” keeping teams empowered yet aligned.
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Skills Associated with Fly Fishing: Insights from Ralph Byer

Fly fishing

photo credit: Miguel Cuenca / Pexels

TL;DR

  • Ralph Byer, a seasoned wealth management leader, is also passionate about fly fishing, philanthropy, and community engagement.
  • Fly fishing uses specialized lightweight flies and casting techniques with a weighted line to mimic natural prey and attract fish.
  • Success depends on selecting the right fly type—nymphs, dry flies, or streamers—based on season, location, and fish feeding habits.
  • Essential skills include precise casting, reading water conditions, and adapting to changing light, temperature, and fish behavior.
  • Fly fishing builds patience, focus, and mindfulness, helping anglers stay resilient and present in nature.
  • The sport fosters interpersonal skills through mentorship, group activities, and conservation efforts.
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Beyond the Ball: Reed Harradine on Technology in Soccer

Reed Harradine

TL;DR

  • Reed Harradine, an elite goalkeeper and scholar athlete, brings unique insights into how technology is transforming soccer.
  • Key innovations like goal-line technology, VAR, and AI are enhancing fairness, accuracy, and performance analysis in the game.
  • AR, VR, and wearable tech are improving both training methods and fan engagement with immersive, data-rich experiences.
  • Data analytics and GPS/LPS systems help coaches optimize strategy, training loads, injury prevention, and player recruitment.
  • Even off-field elements like sleep tracking and smart stadiums contribute to a holistic, tech-driven evolution of modern soccer.

Reed Harradine is a scholar athlete whose years as an elite goalkeeper and collegiate first?string…

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Integrating AI into Finance and Wealth Management with Mark Lezanic

Mark Lezanic

photo credit: PrincipalPost.com

TL;DR

  • Mark Lezanic, a Florida-based wealth manager, integrates AI to help high-net-worth individuals manage complex portfolios and tax strategies.
  • AI investment tools are transforming wealth management, with 80% of retail investors expected to use them by 2028.
  • Machine Learning (ML) analyzes large financial datasets to optimize asset allocation and predict market movements.
  • Natural Language Processing (NLP) connects AI insights to market news, client goals, and real-time sentiment data.
  • Robotic Process Automation (RPA) automates routine tasks like reporting and data reconciliation, boosting efficiency.
  • Generative AI enhances client communication by creating tailored proposals and portfolio insights.
  • Real-world AI examples include MarketPsych (sentiment tracking), Salesforce Financial Cloud (client profiling), and SARGE by EY (compliance automation).
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Jeff Ales on Brand Visibility: An Overview of Brand Visibility Strategies

Jeff Ales is a seasoned sales and operations executive with more than 15 years of leadership experience across construction, custodial services, and performance improvement sectors. As general manager and executive vice president of sales at Legacy Service Solutions, LLC, he oversees high-impact projects throughout Michigan and beyond. He specializes in construction, remediation, and commercial cleaning services for healthcare and industrial clients.

Jeff Ales

photo credit: JeffAles.com

Jeff has driven exponential business growth—achieving a 500% annual increase in regional sales—by deploying innovative marketing campaigns and strengthening client engagement. His previous leadership roles at Reliant Supply Group, Finish Line Floors, and Tuckers of Northport have equipped him with a deep understanding of visibility, customer experience, and strategic brand positioning.…

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How US Airmail Began, with Insight from Jake Gaskell

As a financial advisor with nearly two decades of experience and a background in aviation, Jake Gaskell brings a unique perspective to the evolution of air travel and its impact on American infrastructure. Before guiding clients at RBC Wealth Management in Clive, Iowa, Jake trained international pilots on high-performance aircraft and served as second in command at Flight Safety International. His dual expertise in aviation and strategic planning offers a valuable lens on the early innovations that connected the country starting with airmail.

Jake Gaskell

One of the milestones in American aviation history was the launch of air mail services that linked distant regions of the country.…

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Ari Segal on Managing Up: Strengthening Alignment with Goals and Leadership

Ari Segal is a seasoned strategic consultant and executive coach known for helping mission-driven organizations improve operations, align leadership, and drive sustainable growth. As the founder and CEO of Segal Consulting, he partners with clients across the United States and Israel to implement data-driven solutions in both nonprofit and private-sector environments. His extensive experience includes transformative leadership at Shalhevet High School and investment success at Pentable Capital.

Ari Segal

photo credit: Ari-Segal.com

With degrees in Sociology, Communal Organization, and an MBA from Emory University, Mr. Segal is recognized for his ability to blend strategic foresight with human-centered problem-solving. His insights on leadership, communication, and organizational alignment have helped numerous teams navigate complex challenges and achieve lasting impact.…

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