What does it take to walk away from a secure, successful career in commercial banking to pursue something entirely new?

In this episode of Going Beyond the Deal podcast, J. Michael Fischer Jr. speaks with Blake Balsamo, Executive Director, Americas at i2i Logic. Blake shares how he transitioned from being one of New Jersey’s most well-known commercial bankers to helping transform the way bankers and clients interact through data-driven insights.

From the challenges of leaving behind stability to embrace uncertainty, to his vision for the future of commercial banking in an AI-driven world, Blake offers an insightful look at risk-taking, reinvention, and why being “comfortable with being uncomfortable” is the key to growth.

Hear why Blake believes generative AI will reshape the future of banking and how to prepare for it today. If you've enjoyed this episode of Going Beyond the Deal podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

Key takeaways:

• Why Blake chose to leave a successful career in commercial banking to join i2i Logic
• The role of mentors and trusted advisors in making career-defining decisions
• Why every banker should start in risk management
• The frustrations clients face with repetitive banking pitches, and how to break that cycle
• How i2i Logic helps bankers create deeper, more meaningful conversations with clients
• The impact of generative AI on the future of banking and client relationships
• Why mentors, habits, and hobbies are essential to avoiding burnout and staying effective
• And much more…

Guest Bio:

Blake Balsamo is the Executive Director, Americas at i2i Logic, a fintech company transforming how bankers engage clients through data and insights. A former top commercial banker in New Jersey, Blake built his career at institutions like Citibank, Goldman Sachs, and JPMorgan Chase before taking the leap into fintech.

Resources:

Connect with Blake on LinkedIn

i2i Logic

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

DBD Investment Bank

Book Mentioned:

The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About

Disclaimer:

The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Going Beyond the Deal podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to...

How do you build a brand in the digital age without falling for hype, gimmicks, or empty metrics?

In this episode of the Going Beyond the Deal podcast, host J. Michael Fischer Jr. sits down with Abe Kasbo, marketing strategist, entrepreneur, and author of the upcoming book Irresponsibly Digital, to unpack what’s really working in marketing today. With over two decades of experience leading successful campaigns and advising top-tier brands, Abe brings a rare blend of insight, candor, and hard-earned wisdom.

From his immigrant roots to leading a business built on clarity and strategy, Abe’s journey is rich with lessons in resilience, authenticity, and disciplined thinking. He shares how relying on instinct has often served him better than overthinking, why the American brand still holds unmatched global influence, and how marketers can stop “dropping bombs” and start asking smarter questions.

Whether you're a business owner, marketing leader, or someone who simply wants to make better decisions in a noisy world, this episode is packed with real talk and valuable perspective.

If you've enjoyed this episode of the Going Beyond the Deal podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

Key takeaways:

• Why strategic prioritization beats scattered, unfocused marketing efforts
• How Abe uses instinct and experience to guide high-stakes decisions
• What makes the American brand so globally powerful
• Why some marketing works—and some simply doesn’t
• The problem with “marketing bombs” and one-size-fits-all tactics
• How to be more self-critical without being self-destructive
• Why getting into the weeds is essential to truly serving your clients
• How Abe’s immigrant experience shaped his grit and perspective
• And much more…

Guest Bio:

Abe Kasbo is the Founder and CEO of Verasoni, a marketing communications advisory and agency serving Fortune 500, middle-market, and startup clients worldwide. He advises C-Suite executives on branding, communications, and public relations, and has been featured in major outlets including The New York Times, Forbes, and PBS. Abe is also the producer and director of the acclaimed PBS documentary The Arab Americans and the author of the upcoming book Irresponsibly Digital.

Resources:

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

DBD Investment Bank

Irresponsibly Digital

Verasoni

Connect with Abe on LinkedIn

Disclaimer:

The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Going Beyond the Deal podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a...

What if financing your business didn’t feel like being capped by traditional bank constraints or compromising majority control and equity? In this insightful episode of Going Beyond the Deal, J. Michael Fischer sits down with George Alifragis to explore how private credit is reshaping the world of business financing.

George opens up about his personal entrepreneurial journey and how that experience shaped his view on capital, optionality, and work-life integration. He explains why certain private credit partners offer more than just funding—it provides flexibility, operational support, and relationship-driven growth partnerships. Whether you’re a founder preparing for expansion or simply rethinking your financing strategy, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and inspire new perspectives.

If your 2025 strategy includes growth, optionality, and smart partnerships, don’t miss what’s coming next. Also, if you've enjoyed this episode of Going Beyond the Deal podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

Key takeaways:

• Why private credit is gaining ground as the future of financing
• The difference between traditional lending and relationship-driven private credit
• When private credit is most impactful, particularly as true growth capital
• How to create optionality for your business and protect your equity
• Why entrepreneurs should plan to "make plan"—not just hope for outcomes
• How George views work-life integration instead of balance
• The mindset shift needed to enjoy and grow through your work hours
• Why authenticity and fulfillment are critical to personal and professional success
• And much more…

Guest Bio:

George Alifragis is the Senior Vice President at Metropolitan Partners Group, bringing nearly two decades of experience as a trilingual revenue leader, GTM operator, and award-winning partnerships strategist. Throughout his career, he has consistently exceeded growth objectives, delivering transformative results across industries. George is known for his data-driven approach to strategic planning, scaling and his expertise in business development, brand building, ecosystem growth, and cross-functional collaboration. With a passion for helping founders grow, build optionality, preserve equity, and thrive both professionally and personally, George stands out as a top-tier communication, thought leader and innovation driver in the world of private credit and beyond.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Resources:

Connect with J. Michael Fischer Jr. on LinkedIn

DBD Investment Bank

Connect with George on LinkedIn

Disclaimer:

The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Going Beyond the Deal podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a...

What happens when a high-performing sales engineer with ADHD launches a nootropics company from scratch and actually makes it work?

In this episode of the Going Beyond the Deal podcast, J. Michael Fischer Jr. sits down with TJ Bongiorno, founder of Ramp Health, for a dynamic and wide-ranging conversation about entrepreneurship, brain performance, personal development, and building a business that aligns with who you truly are. From selling knockoff sneakers in Queens to launching a science-backed supplement brand while raising a toddler, TJ’s story is equal parts hustle, experimentation, and purpose.

You’ll hear how he bootstrapped his startup with just a presale and a Shopify store, what nootropics actually are (and how to use them), and why he believes launching a business is the fastest path to self-actualization. Whether you're a founder, biohacker, or professional chasing your next level, this episode is packed with real talk and actionable gems.

Curious how a nootropics founder with ADHD bootstrapped a supplement brand while raising a toddler? TJ Bongiorno shares how he turned his brain chemistry into a business advantage and built Ramp Health from a presale and a purpose. Tune in to hear how entrepreneurship can become the most powerful tool for self-awareness, resilience, and legacy.

If you've enjoyed this episode of the Going Beyond the Deal podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

Key takeaways:

• How TJ went from selling fake sneakers to launching a health brand
• TJ’s lean approach to testing a business idea with just $12K in presales
• What nootropics are, how they work, and how to use them safely
• How TJ turned ADHD into an entrepreneurial advantage
• What entrepreneurship taught TJ about himself and the impostor syndrome
• How to test a business idea in under 30 minutes with AI and $25 in ads
• What legacy means to a founder balancing business, fatherhood, and purpose
• And much more…

Guest Bio:

TJ Bongiorno is the founder of Aurenza and Ramp Health, a nootropics and wellness brand focused on performance, clarity, and harm reduction. With a background in sales engineering and tech, TJ bootstrapped his supplement company while raising a toddler and working full-time. Diagnosed with ADHD, he’s on a mission to help professionals unlock their cognitive edge through evidence-backed formulas. TJ shares his entrepreneurial journey transparently on social media and is building not just a business, but a legacy for his family and future generations.

Resources:

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

DBD Investment Bank

Ramp Health

Connect with TJ on LinkedIn

Follow TJ on X

Follow Ramp Health on Instagram

Disclaimer:

The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Going Beyond the Deal podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and...

What does it mean to build a business around purpose instead of profit?

In this episode of the Going Beyond the Deal podcast, J. Michael Fischer Jr. speaks with Trent Steele, founder of the Anti-Predator Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating human trafficking and sexual predators in the United States through the use of specially trained private investigators. Alongside their investigative and protective services for victims, the organization is also deeply committed to educating the public about the true scope of human trafficking across the country.

Trent shares what it takes to operate in one of the most emotionally and operationally demanding spaces, how his personal mission has evolved, and why choosing impact over income has changed his entire definition of success. He also opens up about the leadership challenges, the emotional weight of rescue work, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who believe in something bigger than themselves.

Want to know what it really means to build a career around purpose instead of profit? In this episode, Trent Steele shares his story of fighting human trafficking through nonprofit work—and how choosing impact over income changed his life.

If you're feeling stuck or searching for more meaning in your work, this conversation will shift your perspective. Hit play and hear what happens when you follow your mission, not just the money.

If you've enjoyed this episode of the Going Beyond the Deal podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

Key takeaways:

• Why Trent created the Anti-Predator Project and how it fills a critical gap in law enforcement efforts
• The emotional and personal transformation that comes from doing mission-driven work
• How living with gratitude and purpose reshaped Trent’s life and perspective
• The challenges of nonprofit work and why more funding = more lives helped
• How small decisions can lead to massive changes in life and career
• Why purpose outweighs any paycheck
• How to support the Anti-Predator Project and get involved
• And much more…

Guest Bio:

Trent Steele is the founder and CEO of the Anti-Predator Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating human trafficking and sexual predators in the U.S. through the use of specially trained private investigators. With a strong background in law enforcement and emergency management, Trent brings extensive expertise in crisis response, intelligence, and computer forensics.

Resources:

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

DBD Investment Bank

Connect with Trent on LinkedIn

Anti-Predator Project

Follow the Anti-Predator Project on Facebook

Follow the Anti-Predator Project on X

Follow the Anti-Predator Project on Instagram

Disclaimer:

The views,...

In this episode of the Going Beyond the Deal podcast, J. Michael Fischer Jr. speaks with Jeff Parnell, a seasoned CEO, advisor, and author with deep expertise in helping businesses navigate major transitions. With decades of experience spanning ecommerce, consumer goods, food manufacturing, and more, Jeff shares how his work with companies of all sizes, especially family-owned and private-equity-backed businesses, has helped them achieve clarity and direction during high-stakes periods of change.

Listeners will hear insights on what makes or breaks a transition plan, why succession is about more than leadership change, and how owners can build scalable value while preparing for a smooth exit. Jeff also discusses the importance of outside advisory voices, the emotional dynamics of business succession, and how his work at JHP Advisors supports CEOs in developing a clear vision for the future.

Curious how to exit your business with both value and peace of mind? This episode unpacks the emotional, financial, and strategic layers behind successful transitions—press play to get ahead of the curve.

If you've enjoyed this episode of Going Beyond the Deal podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

Key takeaways:

• Why being honest with yourself is essential before any major business transition
• The role of ego, pride, and emotional readiness in exiting your business
• How to identify and work with a truly effective advisor
• What qualities to look for in someone supporting your transition (and what to avoid)
• The importance of asking good questions over having all the answers
• How Jeff’s personal mission to “help people come out the other side” shapes his work
• And much more…

Guest Bio:

Jeff Parnell is a CEO, advisor, and author who specializes in succession and exit planning for CEOs, business owners, boards, and investors. Through his work with JHP Advisors, Jeff draws on decades of C-suite experience across ecommerce, consumer goods, home furnishings, food manufacturing, and family-owned businesses. He has led companies through high-stakes transitions, tripled and quadrupled revenue in established businesses, and launched a $100M ecommerce division within a publicly traded firm. As an interim and fractional CEO, he helps organizations scale with clarity, efficiency, and confidence.

Resources:

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

DBD Investment Bank

Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn

The Heart of Transition

The Heart of Transition Book

In this episode of the Going Beyond the Deal podcast, J. Michael Fischer Jr. welcomes John Carpenter, National Practice Partner at ERA Group and a strategic advisor known for helping companies stop cash leakage and improve profitability through smarter expense management.

John shares real-world strategies for driving EBITDA growth by optimizing vendor contracts, identifying overlooked cost centers, and rethinking long-standing supplier relationships. He explains why many companies overpay, especially in high-spend areas like insurance and medical supplies, not out of necessity, but out of habit and assumption. Through this conversation, John makes a compelling case for why effective procurement and strategic cost control aren't just operational concerns but they’re key levers for business valuation and sustainable success.

Whether you're a business owner, executive, or dealmaker, this episode will sharpen your lens on financial efficiency and challenge how you view cost and value across your organization.

If you've enjoyed this episode of Going Beyond the Deal podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

Key takeaways:

• Why strategic expense management is one of the fastest ways to grow your EBITDA
• How to identify hidden cash leakage within your organization
• The risks of staying loyal to long-time vendors without reviewing contracts
• Why medical supplies and insurance are common areas of overspending
• How to negotiate better value without always switching providers
• Why you need to challenge assumptions like “we’re already getting the best deal”
• How fitness and networking play a surprising role in long-term business performance
• And much more…

Guest Bio:

John Carpenter is the National Practice Partner at ERA Group and a leading expert in strategic cost optimization, vendor management, and financial efficiency. With a passion for helping mid-to-large-sized companies take command of their expenses, John has helped organizations unlock significant profitability by reevaluating long-held supplier strategies. As a board member, advisor, and sought-after speaker, he works with clients to identify cash leaks, maximize EBITDA, and build lasting value through smart financial operations.

Resources:

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

DBD Investment Bank

Connect with John on LinkedIn

ERA Group

Disclaimer:

The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Going Beyond the Deal podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that any reliance on the content is at your own risk.

What does it take to build a law firm that runs like a high-performance business—not just a legal practice? In this episode of the Going Beyond the Deal podcast, host J. Michael Fischer Jr. sits down with Chris Murphy, partner and co-founder of Murphy Schiller & Wilkes LLP, to explore the entrepreneurial mindset behind building a thriving, people-centered commercial real estate law firm.

Chris shares how he and his partners approached the firm from day one with the intention of creating something scalable, sustainable, and mission-driven. He discusses the value of running a firm like a real business, building a team that believes in a shared vision, and treating every role, no matter how public-facing or behind the scenes, as equally vital to the firm’s identity.

Listeners will also hear candid reflections on the challenges and sacrifices of entrepreneurship, the importance of risk tolerance, and what it really means to go “beyond the deal” in the legal space.

Enjoy!

Key takeaways:

• What separates great firms from good ones in commercial real estate law
• How shared mission and equity partnerships foster strong internal culture
• Why every role, from receptionist to partner, is equally essential
• The personal trade-offs of owning and running your own firm
• The value of risk tolerance and following your instincts
• And much more…

Guest Bio:

Chris J. Murphy is a partner and co-founder of Murphy Schiller & Wilkes LLP, where he leads the Land Use, Zoning and Redevelopment, and Tax Credits and Incentives practice groups. With experience securing over $800M in tax credits and incentives, Chris is a trusted advisor to major developers across New Jersey. He is also co-author of the Financial Incentives chapter in Commercial Real Estate Transactions in New Jersey and has been featured in publications such as NJBIZ and The Wall Street Journal. Before practicing law, Chris competed professionally in both ice hockey and boxing.

Resources:

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

DBD Investment Bank

Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

MurphyLLP.com

Disclaimer:

The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Going Beyond the Deal podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that any reliance on the content is at your own risk.