Guest: Maryori Jones | Founder, Ave Sportwear

Host: Ken Baden | CEO/Owner, Baden Consulting & Potomac Custom Remodeling

Podcast: The Kitchen Table Podcast | thekitchentablepodcast.net

Key Takeaways:

• Ave stands for Agua Viva Empire — a faith-first brand for women of all body types
• The brand was born from Maryori's postpartum experience and the loss of identity many mothers face after childbirth
• She grew up between Honduras and Mexico and was selling fruit to help her family at age 6 — entrepreneurship has always been in her DNA
• Ave is strictly women's athletic apparel, designed to serve all body types and life stages
• She is also building a hair product line alongside Ave Sportwear
• Maryori and her husband (active military) are relocating to the Chicago area soon — Ave will continue to grow online
• Social media comparison is a real issue for women — Ave is a counter-cultural brand encouraging women to love themselves from the inside out
• First-generation immigrants often carry a stronger hunger and appreciation for opportunity in America
• Both Ken and Maryori connect over rebuilding their lives and how hitting rock bottom removes the fear of failure

Resources Mentioned:

• Ave Sportwear: avesportwear.us
• State & Liberty (men's athletic-fit clothing, mentioned by Ken)
• Good Vibes Only (another clothing brand in the TKT circle)

Host: Ken Baden — CEO & President, Potomac Custom Remodeling and Baden Consulting Format: Solo episode, no guest Runtime: Approx. 21 minutes

People & Companies Mentioned:

• Dmitry Lipinskiy — Roofing Insights (hosted Ken on his podcast and radio show in Minnesota)
• Chris Simberman — industry contact discussing business pivots
• Network shoutouts: John Cena, Chris Jericho, Adam Vidzeme, Brandon J., Todd Price, John McCainbridge, Adam Champagne, Tony Flahom, Kurt Lindemann

Key Topics:

• ICE enforcement & the Hispanic labor workforce — staffing, costs, and project timelines
• Credit score landscape — 64% of Americans have a FICO above 700 (live ChatGPT lookup done on air)
• National roofing market dropped ~19% in 2025
• UPPA law — what it means for contractors working insurance claims
• Insurance drop letters — companies requiring roof replacement within 30 days or canceling policies
• Retail vs. insurance restoration — pros, cons, and why diversification is critical
• What a working retail sales system looks like (lead gen, setter-closer model, 30–35% close rate)
• Super Bowl local ad spot secured a week before the game
• 2026 mindset — down markets create market share opportunities

Baden Consulting is currently accepting a limited number of clients per quarter. Reach out to Ken directly for availability or referrals to vetted industry consultants.

Guest Information:

• Name: Ron Kmetovicz
• Book: Ghost Money: The Pathway to Financial Independence
• Website: https://ghostmoneythebook.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-k-34218017/
• Background: Retired engineer, 20 years in Silicon Valley, consulting practice owner
• Current Location: Reno-Lake Tahoe area
• Age: 78 (still actively skiing, mountain biking, hiking)

Key Concepts Discussed:

1. Ghost Money Strategy
   • Separate investment account from 401(k)/retirement funds
   • Focus on long-term compound growth
   • Built to outlast inflation
   • Started early for maximum effect
2. Why Traditional Advice Falls Short
   • 401(k)s have limitations and restrictions
   • Inflation erodes purchasing power over time
   • Traditional retirement planning may not provide true independence
   • Need for additional wealth-building strategies
3. Ron's Background & Credibility
   • Pennsylvania farm boy upbringing
   • Penn State engineering degree
   • 20 years in Silicon Valley with top talent and equipment
   • Started consulting practice and multiple businesses
   • Successfully mentored children and grandchildren through financial development
4. Book Origins
   • Written at age 78 as legacy document for great-grandchildren
   • Based on real experience mentoring family members
   • Simple, accessible approach to complex topic
   • Not profit-driven—focused on helping youth
5. Investment Philosophy
   • Avoid gambling mentality (crypto, day trading, meme coins)
   • Focus on steady, proven growth strategies
   • Understand the difference between investing and speculation
   • Start early, stay consistent
6. Life Philosophy: "Live Where You Play"
   • Integrate work and lifestyle choices
   • Reduce commuting and unnecessary travel
   • Build life around activities you love
   • Financial independence enables lifestyle freedom

Actionable Takeaways:

• Start a separate "Ghost Money" investment account today
• Make consistent contributions, no matter how small
• Focus on long-term growth over quick wins
• Understand inflation's real impact on your purchasing power
• Avoid the allure of day trading and crypto gambling
• Read "Ghost Money" for the complete strategy
• Consider where you live vs. where you want to play

Resources Mentioned:

• Ghost Money: The Pathway to Financial Independence (book)
• Website: ghostmoneythebook.com
• Available on Amazon (search for Ron Kmetovicz to find the correct book)
• The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod (referenced by Ken)

Warning for Book Buyers: There are other fiction books titled "Ghost Money" - make sure you're getting Ron Kmetovicz's book (spelled K-M-E-T-O-V-I-C-Z). Easiest way is to go directly to ghostmoneythebook.com.