Lobbying isn’t just for billion-dollar corporations or hot-button issues — it’s about protecting your business before someone else rewrites the rules. In this episode, Meghan McNulty sits down with Neal Tomlinson, a U.S. Army veteran, business attorney, and Founding Partner of Hyperion Advisors with nearly three decades of legal and lobbying experience. A registered lobbyist in Nevada and Wyoming — and a five-time Super Lawyers® honoree — Neal shares what lobbying really looks like, how legislation gets made (and changed), and why regulated industries like healthcare, gaming, and energy need to stay close to the policymaking process.

Whether you're operating in a highly regulated space or simply scaling fast, this conversation is a must-listen for any founder, board member, or advisor who wants to protect long-term value.

In this episode, they explore:  What lobbying is — and why it’s often misunderstood  How a single piece of legislation can impact entire industries  What makes a lobbying campaign credible and effective  Why trade groups and industry associations are essential

Key takeaways:  Unmonitored legislation can lead to costly “unintended consequences”  Trust, transparency, and preparation are the bedrock of influence  Having a lobbyist isn’t about politics — it’s about protecting your business  Staying engaged means shaping the future, not reacting to it

About Meghan’s Guest Neal Tomlinson is a business attorney, political strategist, and Founding Partner of Hyperion Advisors. With over 28 years of legal experience and a background in public service, he focuses on regulated industries where business and government intersect.

He began his career as a regulatory attorney for state agencies in Wyoming and Nevada, later building and selling a successful multi-state lobbying firm.

A five-time Super Lawyers® honoree and Best Lawyers in America® designee, Neal brings both legal insight and political strategy to every engagement. He currently serves on the Advisory Board of the Medical Aesthetics Advocacy Council. (MAAC), supporting responsible growth and advocacy across the medical aesthetics industry.

Want to see Neal’s work in action? Visit www.hyperionlawyers.com or follow him on Linkedin

In this episode of Business Talk with Meghan McNulty, she speaks with Brian McNulty, former CEO and seasoned advisor to business owners, for a candid conversation on the risks many entrepreneurs overlook — and strategies that can protect their wealth. beyond the business.

They explore:  Why business owners often concentrate too much wealth inside the company or in real estate  How shifting from earned income to passive income opens up new freedom and flexibility  Why formal, written succession and transition plans are essential to protecting both business value and personal wealth  The critical need for integrating legal, financial, and operational plans into a cohesive strategy.

Key Takeaways:  Business success ≠ personal financial security — Without careful planning, your personal wealth can be overly exposed to business risks.  Passive income is key — Building income streams outside the business creates more options and freedom.  Liquidity matters — Real estate-heavy wealth can create cash flow challenges when you need to transition or pass assets.  A written plan protects everyone — Succession and exit plans need to be more than just ideas — they need to be documented, coordinated, and actionable.  It’s never “set it and forget it” — Your financial, legal, and operational plans need regular updates as your business and life evolve.

About Meghan’s Guest Brian McNulty brings over four decades of experience helping business owners navigate critical transitions — from ownership changes and succession to expansions and mergers. As a former CEO himself, Brian deeply understands the challenges leaders face and offers practical, strategic financial guidance designed to support long- term success.

He is a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®), holding Series 6, 7, 24, 63, and 65 Securities Registrations. As a member of Cetera Advisor Networks LLC and Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, Brian provides access to innovative solutions tailored to the evolving needs of businesses in transition.

Disclaimer: Securities offered through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC (doing insurance business in CA as CFGAN Insurance Agency LLC, CA Insurance Lic# 0644976), member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment adviser. Tax & Financial Group is independent of Cetera. |4001 MacArthur Blvd., 3rd Floor | Newport Beach, CA 92660

20240400202 DOFU 04/2024 Want to connect with Brian or explore strategies for your business transition? Book a. discovery meeting or follow him on LinkedIn.

In this special guest feature, Meghan McNulty joins the Full Count Podcast to unpack the estate planning mistakes she sees most often—from relying solely on a will to overlooking how trusts and LLCs actually work.

Drawing from her background as both a business owner and estate planning attorney, Meghan breaks down the 3 levels of estate planning, how to avoid costly probate, and why legal strategy—not just documents—is key to protecting your family, your business, and your legacy.

Whether you're a homeowner, entrepreneur, or building multi-generational wealth, this episode will help you rethink your approach to estate planning.

Key Topics:  Why a will alone won’t keep your family out of court  What a revocable living trust actually does—and who needs one  The difference between liability protection (LLCs) and probate protection (trusts)  How to prevent family fights over inheritance  What happens if you become incapacitated—and no plan is in place

Listen now to get ahead of the curve and protect what you’ve built.

About the Host: Andrew Vargas Andrew Vargas is a Southern California–based realtor, entrepreneur, and host of the Full Count Podcast—a show that explores high-pressure moments in life and business with real people and real conversations. With a background in real estate and a passion for leadership and networking, Andrew brings a grounded, relatable voice to topics that matter—from personal growth to legacy planning. His goal? To help listeners navigate pivotal decisions with more clarity, confidence, and connection.