Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the world of building wealth through commercial real estate, entrepreneurial leaps, and personal growth. Joining me is Meredith Mears, an accomplished Senior Advisor at SVN Miller Commercial Real Estate and co-chair of the SVN National Self Storage Product Council. Meredith brings decades of experience in commercial real estate, specializing in industrial and office assets—and her unique journey from the rural Eastern Shore of Virginia to a trailblazing career in development and brokerage is as inspiring as it is instructive.

In our conversation, Meredith and I trace her path from humble beginnings—growing up with a scarcity mindset in a family of immigrants and Depression survivors—through her education at Salisbury University and formative roles in workforce and economic development. We discuss how she made the courageous leap from public sector “safe” employment to private consulting, development, and eventually managing her own investment portfolio. Meredith shares how real estate can be a powerful long-term vehicle for wealth, why she values owner-occupied properties, and the intricate dynamics of landlord-tenant negotiations.

We also dig into the gender dynamics of commercial real estate, the critical role of mentorship, shifting from scarcity to abundance mentality, and why developing properties that serve and uplift her community is her true definition of “success” as she continues to grow—personally and professionally.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Long-Term Wealth Through Real Estate: Meredith emphasizes that real estate is not a “get rich quick” endeavor but rather a slow, steady path to building family and generational wealth, requiring patience, liquidity, and a focus on long-term holds.
2. The Value of Owner-Occupied Properties: We discuss how owner-occupants place higher value on their spaces, often investing more into the property—making these transactions particularly beneficial for both the buyer and the asset itself.
3. Courage in Career Transitions: Meredith’s leap from secure government work to the uncertainty of private development and brokerage highlights the importance of preparation (financial and emotional), calculated risk-taking, and capitalizing on opportunity.
4. The Power of Mentorship and Networks: Throughout her journey, mentors and professional networks provided Meredith with opportunities, support, and knowledge—demonstrating the necessity of seeking out guidance even (and especially) as you advance in your career.
5. Purpose-Driven Development: Meredith’s vision for “when I grow up” is centered around creating and redeveloping properties that serve community needs—like transforming a dilapidated dentist office into a thriving therapist center—underscoring how wealth-building and positive impact can go hand in hand.

Join us for this energetic and enlightening episode as we explore the jungle of commercial real estate, the importance of mindset shifts, and how courage and community can fuel financial freedom. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with anyone who’s ready to make their own leap into a wealthier, more purpose-filled future!

To learn more about Meredith Mears, visit m3synergies.com or find her advisor profile at svnmiller.com

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s special episode, we’re closing the chapter on our beloved “Diary of a Financial Advisor” segment as part of this podcast. It’s a bittersweet milestone, but I’m excited to have a fantastic guest to help us celebrate and reflect. Joining me is Kobe Bolanos, a rising star at BFG Financial Advisors whose journey from Operations Associate to budding financial advisor is both inspiring and insightful.

I kicked off our conversation by sharing how Kobe Bolanos has been with BFG for just over four years and is rounding out our five-year apprenticeship program, well on his way to leading clients into brighter financial futures. We talked about his academic background—hailing from Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and earning his degree at Stevenson University before taking on the rigorous Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation. Beyond the office, Kobe Bolanos finds joy in reading and taking on unique fitness challenges—a testament to his discipline both personally and professionally.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Growth Beyond the Textbook: Kobe Bolanos emphasizes that real financial advising isn’t just about technical knowledge; it’s about understanding clients’ emotions and unique situations—skills you only build through experience.
2. Importance of Emotional Intelligence: Emotional intelligence is crucial, especially when guiding clients through transitions, losses, or fears. Effective advisors translate technical concepts into language clients can relate to, tailoring advice on a client-by-client basis.
3. Early Advocacy for Estate Planning: Kobe Bolanos is committed to bringing estate planning awareness to younger generations, having witnessed firsthand the financial and emotional impact of being prepared—or not.
4. Building Young Professional Networks: By connecting with the Young Lawyers Group and leading professional organizations, Kobe Bolanos is fostering relationships that will shape the future of the industry, proving the value of starting early in building a professional community.
5. Learning from Mistakes: Neither career nor personal growth happens without a few stumbles. Kobe Bolanos’s ability to laugh at himself, learn, and roll with mistakes demonstrates resilience—an invaluable trait for any professional.

Join us as we continue to inspire and educate you on your journey toward financial freedom and purpose. Thank you for supporting “Diary of a Financial Advisor.” Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode, and stay tuned for exciting updates with BFG University. As always, don’t retire—graduate!

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, we’re taking the mystery out of one of the most overlooked financial assets: life insurance. I’m joined by Jamie Mendelsohn, Executive Vice President of the Ashar Group, a nationally licensed life settlement broker dedicated to helping families, business owners, and institutions maximize the value of their existing life insurance policies. Jamie’s family business has been leading the way in educating advisors and policyholders since 2003, and she’s recognized as a go-to resource for anyone seeking a profitable exit solution for their policies.

In our conversation, Jamie and I dive deep into the world of life insurance—far beyond the “death benefit” stereotype. We unpack the concept of treating life insurance as an asset, not just a checkbox or a forgotten document in a drawer. Jamie shares how the Ashar Group acts as an “auctioneer” for policies, helping clients leverage the secondary market for life insurance—often unlocking significant liquidity for retirement, long-term care, business needs, or philanthropic goals. We also discuss the importance of insurability, the little-known benefits of buying insurance early (especially for kids and grandkids), and how life settlements can empower policyholders to give while living, creating immediate impact for charities and loved ones. Throughout the episode, Jamie brings relatable stories and real-life scenarios that illustrate the life-changing potential of managing—rather than discarding—your life insurance policies.

We wrap up with Jamie’s personal story and her authentic, heartfelt perspective on what she wants to be when she grows up, sprinkling in a few laughs, some Orioles nostalgia, and a reminder to see the value in assets you might be overlooking.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Life Insurance Is an Asset: Life insurance isn’t just “death insurance”—it’s a buy-and-manage asset that can be valued, sold, and leveraged for retirement, business liquidity, or charitable giving.
2. The Life Settlement Market: Many policyholders don’t realize they can sell their policies in a regulated secondary market, often for more than the surrender value. This liquidity can solve long-term care needs, support philanthropy, or keep a business afloat.
3. Insurability Matters: Buying life insurance for children or grandchildren can preserve their insurability for life, opening doors for future financial planning—even if health challenges arise later.
4. Charitable Solutions and Giving While Living: Life settlements can fund significant charitable gifts, allowing donors to witness the impact of their generosity now rather than waiting for a bequest after passing.
5. Don’t Throw Away Your Policy—Value It First: Before surrendering or lapsing a policy, policyholders should explore its market value. Life insurance can be worth tens, hundreds of thousands, or even millions—and could change the trajectory of a family, business, or community.

Join us as we build purpose, passion, and financial wisdom for every stage of life. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with anyone curious about the real value of their life insurance policy!