True wealth isn’t just about money — it’s about choices, relationships, and making a lasting impact. Russell Budd, Founding Partner of PBS Contractors, shares his journey of balancing professional success with meaningful contributions to the Naples community. From advocating for mental health to hosting impactful community events, Russell provides actionable insights on living with purpose and making a difference.

Key Takeaways:

(01:36) Lifelong ties to Naples inspire work to better the community.

(02:21)  Marine biology turned to construction management

(04:14) Leadership Collier deepened understanding of Naples and sparked greater community engagement.

(07:21) Hosting barbecues combines a passion for cooking with raising funds for mental health.

(09:12) Farm City Barbecue unites 2,000 attendees to support Naples youth charities.

(11:31) Building community impact starts with like-minded people and shared goals.

(13:39) Mental health treatment needs outpace resources, creating a critical care gap.

(15:24) Mentoring future leaders is key to Russell’s five-year community vision.

(17:34) Russell defines true wealth as faith, family, friends, and meaningful work.

Resources Mentioned:

Russell Budd -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/russellabudd/

PBS Contractors LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/pbs-construction-inc-/

PBS Contractors website -

https://www.pbscontractors.com

David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health -

https://davidlawrencecenters.org/

NAMI Collier County -

https://namicollier.org/

Farm City BBQ -

https://www.farmcitybbq.com/

Thanks for joining us for the latest episode of “Day in a Canoe.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of our insightful conversations.

If you’d like us to help you define what true wealth means to you, go to www.planningalt.com and take our assessment.

Planning Alternatives is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any opinions expressed may not reflect those of Planning Alternatives.

#LeadershipInsights #TrueWealth #SelfAwareness #EmotionalIntelligence #MindfulLeadership #PersonalGrowth

We’re joined by Denise Ilitch, President of Ilitch Enterprises, to explore her journey in business, leadership, and community impact. Denise shares insights from her upbringing in the entrepreneurial Ilitch family and reflects on her experiences building a legacy in Detroit. From the importance of calculated risks to maintaining a strong community focus, Denise’s wisdom offers a fresh perspective on balancing professional and personal priorities. Key Takeaways: (02:38) The story behind naming Little Caesars. (03:28) Denise worked closely with her father in the business. (05:24) The reasons behind the decision to franchise. (08:30) Learning the value of calculated risks. (12:18) The importance of giving back to the community. (16:15) Advice for facing adversity with resilience. (19:05) Keep work in perspective — it isn’t everything.

Resources Mentioned: Denise Ilitch - https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-ilitch-4013aa2a/

Little Caesars - https://littlecaesars.com/en-us/

University of Michigan - https://umich.edu/

The Skillman Foundation - https://www.skillman.org/

Thanks for joining us for the latest episode of “Day in a Canoe.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of our insightful conversations.

If you’d like us to help you define what true wealth means to you, go to www.planningalt.com and take our assessment.

Planning Alternatives is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any opinions expressed may not reflect those of Planning Alternatives.

#LeadershipJourney #CommunityImpact  #CalculatedRisks  #Entrepreneurship #LeadershipInsights

In this episode, host Nathan Mersereau speaks with Jonathan Ward, CEO of ICON4x4. Jonathan shares his journey from restoring vintage vehicles to building a thriving business that combines nostalgia with modern functionality. He discusses the challenges of balancing creativity with business demands and the importance of staying true to his vision. Key Takeaways:

(06:31) Mr. Toyoda’s surprising visit to the shop. (10:13) The appeal of nostalgia in classic cars. (14:44) Balancing modern features with vintage design. (18:44) Culture and diversity as a driving force in growth. (22:12) Building a business rooted in craftsmanship. (25:50) Crafting humanity despite market pressures.

Resources Mentioned:

Jonathan Ward - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-ward-b3750353/ 

ICON Website - https://www.icon4x4.com/about-icon/

Toyota Global - https://global.toyota/

Pendleton Woolen Mills - https://www.pendleton-usa.com/

Thanks for joining us for the latest episode of “Day in a Canoe.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of our insightful conversations. If you’d like us to help you define what true wealth means to you, go to www.planningalt.com and take our assessment. Planning Alternatives is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any opinions expressed may not reflect those of Planning Alternatives.

#VintageRestoration #IndustrialDesign #ClassicCars #AutomotiveCraftsmanship

We’re joined by an incredible panel of creative entrepreneurs to explore the challenges and rewards of turning passion into a successful business. Elyse Allen, owner of Elyse Allen Textiles, Jonathan Ward, Founder and Industrial Designer at ICON, Chrissy Glenn, master Metal Sculptress, and Doug Nordberg, Furniture Designer at Nordberg Furniture, each share their journey of building unique brands, embracing creativity, and navigating the balance between business and art.

Key Takeaways: (03:16) Elyse shares her perspective on balancing creativity and business growth. (10:42) Jonathan reflects on letting go of control in his business. (15:33) Chrissy discusses the importance of focusing on quality over quantity. (20:06) Doug talks about finding joy in the creative process despite business pressures. (28:45) Elyse explains how she balances seasonal production with personal creative time. (36:00) Jonathan talks about the need to delegate tasks to grow a brand. (45:18) Chrissy shares her journey of transitioning from galleries to independent work. (50:03) Doug emphasizes the importance of stepping back to enjoy creative freedom.

Resources Mentioned:

Elyse Allen Textiles - https://www.elyseallentextiles.com/

ICON - https://www.icon4x4.com/about-icon/our_story

Chrissy Glenn’s Sculptures - https://www.chrissyglenn.com/

Nordberg Furniture - https://nordberggallery.com/

Thanks for joining us for the latest episode of Day in a Canoe. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of our insightful conversations. If you’d like us to help you define what true wealth means to you, go to www.planningalt.com and take our assessment. Planning Alternatives is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any opinions expressed may not reflect those of Planning Alternatives.

#CreativeWealth #ArtAndDesign #BusinessSuccess #PlanningAlternatives

In this episode, Julie Colwell,  Psychologist, Founder, and Director of the Evolutionary Power Institute, shares insights into redefining wealth beyond money. Julie discusses how energy, health and purpose play vital roles in living a fulfilled life. She emphasizes the importance of aligning personal energy with meaningful experiences, while also touching on the role of relationships and creativity in true wealth. Key Takeaways: (02:18) Money can be overemphasized, and it's easy to forget about other forms of energy. (02:45) We have a limited amount of energy, and how we invest it determines our return. (05:48) People often sacrifice their health to make money, but there should be a limit. (15:27) Without health, nothing else in your life can truly thrive. (16:48) Possibility makes life interesting and fun — it’s essential for long-term fulfillment. (18:30) Creativity allows you to access new ideas and possibilities that keep life exciting. (24:12) True wealth has nothing to do with money; it’s about meaning and purpose. Resources Mentioned: Julie Colwell - https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-colwell-67a966264/ Evolutionary Power Institute - https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolutionary-power-institute/ The Energy of Money by Maria Nemeth

- https://energyofmoney.com/ Gay and Katie Hendricks' Work - https://hendricks.com/

Planning Alternatives is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any opinions expressed may not reflect those of Planning Alternatives. Thanks for joining us for the latest episode of Day in a Canoe. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of our insightful conversations. If you’d like us to help you define what true wealth means to you, go to www.planningalt.com and take our assessment.

#FinancialPlanning #PersonalGrowth #Work-LifeBalance

In this episode, Nathan and Kathy discuss:

• What family systems are and how they operate
• Tools to reflect inward and examine your own operating system along with your family system
• The correlations between you and the generational systems you inherited
• The emotional attachments to success and money and the role those topics play in family systems

Key Takeaways:

• Addressing what you and your family have inherited emotionally over generations and what you want to do about it often leads to wonderful discussions and a way to talk about what is most important to you all as a unit.
• Giving yourself time to think about what is important to you to speak for yourself in family conversations is the best way to gain confidence and feel like each family member is heard
• Curiosity is the biggest motivator in taking action and starting these conversations with your family.

“Being yourself with people you are sensitive to, can be magic.”  —  Kathy Wiseman.   

About Kathy Wiseman: Kathy Wiseman is the Founder of Working Systems Inc and Partner at Navigating Systems, the Brown Center for the Study of Family. Kathy’s interest and expertise are in assisting family members, family executives, and legal and financial professionals in applying family systems theory to the challenges in their professional and personal lives. Her focus is on making available the groundbreaking research of Dr. Murray Bowen to the professionals who serve business families and organizations. She works with motivated leaders to think systems and increase their capacity to manage themselves in times of change.

Connect with Kathy Wiseman: 

• LinkedIn: Kathy Wiseman | LinkedIn
• Website: Faculty — Navigating Systems DC 

Connect with Nathan Mersereau: 

• Phone: 248-645-1520

• Website: www.dayinacanoe.com

• Email: [email protected]

• Twitter: @NathanMersereau

• LinkedIn: Nathan Mersereau

Address: 255 S Old Woodward, Suite 310

Birmingham, MI 48009

In this episode, Nathan and Mark discuss:

• The landscape of residential real estate and the ever-increasing demand for homes despite low inventory and high interest rates.
• Recent lawsuits against the National Association of Realtors and what it means for real estate professionals and homebuyers.
• Building businesses and taking risks, particularly in situations where your back is against the wall.

Key Takeaways:

• The real estate business is constantly changing, now more than ever we are seeing low inventory, shifting brokerage practices and constant market fluctuation trying to catch up with increasing demand.
• Entrepreneurial ventures take time, patience and risk taking. The best lessons in life aren’t through education, but in living through experiences and learning from them.
• Investing in yourself can be the most powerful way to impact your life. Avoiding lifestyle creeps and reinvesting in things that can pay you back in the long run is of great value.

“One of lessons that I learned from the guy that recruited me into the business… when you close a deal, take 25% of your commission and somehow get it into the real estate business.”  —  Mark McLaughlin.   

About Mark McLaughlin: A visionary leader in the real estate industry for more than 20 years, Mark McLaughlin’s success is founded in collaboration, early adoption of technology applications, open communication and a keen emphasis on fact-based decisions. He has been highly effective in building dynamic organizations and developing successful business partnerships by establishing clear, measurable objectives for his team and clients. McLaughlin personally directs key strategic initiatives with intense passion and draws on various experiences to achieve elite performance. By the time Compass had acquired Pacific Union in 2018, McLaughlin had grown the San Francisco-based brokerage’s sales volume from $2.2 billion in 2009 to more than $14 billion, ranking as the 5th-largest residential real estate brokerage in the US. At mid-year 2020 the business was on pace for $20 billion in sales volume in 2021. McLaughlin has been at the forefront of industry innovations by enabling his real estate professionals to have a voice in which marketing and educational programs allow them to best serve their clients and grow their businesses. These initiatives have shaped his companies’ service offerings and put cutting edge tools in the hands of every team member to better serve their clientele. McLaughlin was named San Francisco Business Times top CEO in 2017, was honored as RISMedia CEO of the year in 2013 and has been consistently recognized by Inman News and the T3 Swanepoel rankings as one of the top 10 most influential industry executives. Under his leadership, Pacific Union International was named Christie’s International Real Estate Affiliate of the Year, in 2013, and Top Real Estate firm in the world by the International Properties Awards in London in 2018.

Connect with Mark McLaughlin: 

• LinkedIn: Mark A McLaughlin | LinkedIn
• Website: McLaughlin Ventures | Mark McLaughlin (mclaughlin-ventures.com)

Connect with Nathan Mersereau: 

• Phone: 248-645-1520

• Website: www.dayinacanoe.com

• Email: [email protected]

• Twitter: @NathanMersereau

• LinkedIn: Nathan Mersereau

Address: 255 S Old Woodward, Suite 310

Birmingham, MI 48009

In this episode, Nathan and Breck discuss:

• Art as an investment and the value it holds from a monetary and aesthetic standpoint
• The rise of fine art as an alternative asset class
• The role of an art consultant in the buying and selling process of fine art 
• The impact Breck’s grandfather had on his life and the community they lived in thanks to his influence as the founder of Xerox
• How family values and community involvement shape who you are

Key Takeaways:

• There is a hunger for people to understand art as an asset while also appreciating the aesthetic of the works itself
• Follow your passion and find a way to incorporate it into your work each and every day.
• Determining the impact you want to make with generational wealth starts and ends with your family dynamic. Finding common ground, a shared vision and how you orient together is key to a successful family experience.
• Embrace your strengths, have sure footing, and maintain a bit of a practical planning view to see the bigger picture in life.

“Art is about context, and the reason why art is in our museums is because it resonates with a moment in time.” —  Breck Kling  

About Breck Kling: Breck is an Acquisitions and Collection Management Specialist and Fine Art Consultant that has been with Heather James Fine Art since 2017. He spends his time between Palm Beach Florida and Jackson Hole Wyoming. First introduced to HJFA as a collector, Breck’s collection includes works by Robert Rauschenberg, Chuck Close, Takashi Murakami, Yoshimoto Nara, and Dana Schutz. He was a longtime board member of the Memorial Art Gallery, Rochester, NY, and was an advisor to the first VOLTA art fair in Basel, CH, in 2005. Breck has sat on the board of his family’s foundation (www.wilsonfdn.org) for over 25 years and he is also a co-founder and a trustee of Silicon Couloir, a network for entrepreneurs based in Jackson Hole. 

Breck’s passions are art and meeting new people.  He spends the majority of his time meeting new collectors and helping clients navigate collecting decisions . Breck’s perspective as a collector and decades of experience in the artworld offers his clients unique insights at any stage in their collecting process.  Breck has also assisted collectors in selling works by Claude Monet, Jackson Pollock, Pat Steir, Andy Warhol, Willam de Kooning, Louise Bourgeois, Robert Motherwell, Yayoi Kusama, Takashi Murakami, James Rosenquist, Alexander Calder, and Zao Wou-Ki among others. 

Breck spends winters in Palm Beach and enjoys time with his two kids, golf and recently discovered pickle ball. 

Connect with Breck Kling: 

• LinkedIn: Breck Kling | LinkedIn
• Website: Art Consultant | Heather James Fine Art

Connect with Nathan Mersereau: 

• Phone: 248-645-1520

• Website: www.dayinacanoe.com

• Email: [email protected]

• Twitter: @NathanMersereau

In this episode, Nathan and Chris discuss:

• The beauty of the entrepreneurial journey and knowing when to enter and exit an opportunity in the world of business  
• Emphasizing business development and customer acquisition as key drivers in your organization’s growth and success
• The power of choice and taking action when things don’t pan out the way you thought they would
• Resiliency in the face of the toughest challenges life and business can throw your way

Key Takeaways:

• If you have the entrepreneurial itch, particularly at a young age, follow it.
• Find your niche, discover what makes you invaluable at a company and make it known.
• Slow down, stop and smell the roses, and spend time with the people you love most; you never know what curveballs life has to offer.

“If you’re going to fail, fail fast. Don’t spend millions of dollars to fail, spend hundreds of thousands.” —  Chris Hessler

About Chris Hessler: Chris Hessler is a serial entrepreneur, with multiple successful exits, who has launched 12 Advisory Boards throughout his career (mostly because he needed talent/experience he couldn’t afford to hire). Previously, Chris was an Operating Partner at Alpine Investors, and is currently Executive Chairman of Linkwell Health, bringing his extensive network to the platform.

Connect with Chris Hessler: 

• LinkedIn: Chris Hessler | LinkedIn
• To Be Alive! By Chris Hessler: Amazon.com: To Be Alive!: There, but for the Grace of God, Go I eBook : Hessler, Chris: Kindle Store

Connect with Nathan Mersereau: 

• Phone: 248-645-1520

• Website: www.dayinacanoe.com

• Email: [email protected]

• Twitter: @NathanMersereau

• LinkedIn: Nathan Mersereau

Address: 255 S Old Woodward, Suite 310

Birmingham, MI 48009

In this episode, Nathan and Mykolas discuss:

• Protecting your personal data and privacy in an ever-increasing digital world
• The existing cybersecurity landscape and the threats, scams, and modes of protection you need to be on the lookout for
• Action that is being taken to protect children and adults from the threats of social media at the local, state, and federal level
• The growing role artificial intelligence today and how it will impact our world from a business and economic standpoint

Key Takeaways:

• One out of seventeen Americans have had their identity stolen and one out of four Americans are harassed, stalked, or otherwise intimidated online at some point in their life. Taking the time to run a diagnostic on your individual and family’s online presence is a best practice to stay safe.
• Legislation does not move as fast as new technology does. Waiting for laws and regulations to be put in place by the government to protect individuals and families is not as realistic. Solutions will likely lie in the hands of private enterprise and individuals to act against cyber threats.
• Right now, it is increasingly challenging for people to differentiate what is real and what is fake in the online world. AI will significantly impact that trend in this new era of technology, staying informed and aware of what is real and what has been manufactured by technology and bad actors is key.

“Be ethically non-negotiable in business. There are plenty of shortcuts that can be had in business, whether it’s in hiring, whether it’s firing, restructurings, dealing with clients; all of those things exist and I have never found it advantageous to even think about the shortcuts because the right way is almost always the best way to build a business.” —  Mykolas Rambus

About Mykolas Rambus: Mykolas Rambus is a data and technology leader from Detroit, with a passion for great teams, new ventures, and doing the improbable. Mykolas is Co-founder and CEO of Hush, a new service dedicated to helping families take back control of their financial, physical, and reputation security. Previously, Mykolas was General Manager of Equifax’s marketing services division, a business unit engaged with thousands of clients ranging from Fortune 25 to SMB’s, providing IXI data exchange, digital, and highly regulated credit marketing data and insights. He is a frequent commentator on data and technology, has presented at numerous conferences, and been interviewed by CNBC, CNN, BBC, Bloomberg, Financial Times, Thomson Reuters, the New York Times and more. Mykolas studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he concentrated his undergraduate studies on Operations Research, Information Technology, and Urban Studies and Planning.

Connect with Mykolas Rambus: 

• Website: https://www.mykolas.com/
• Hush: Hush – Premium Privacy Platform (gohush.com)
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mykolasrambus/

Connect with Nathan Mersereau: 

• Phone: 248-645-1520

• Website: www.dayinacanoe.com

• Email: [email protected]

• Twitter: @NathanMersereau

• LinkedIn: Nathan Mersereau

Address: 255 S Old Woodward, Suite 310

Birmingham, MI 48009

In this episode, Nathan and Desirée discuss:

• How mentorship at an early age can unlock young people’s potential

• Leveraging the education you get in all areas of life, not just within the classroom

• The benefits of having a purpose-driven company and social enterprise, going beyond business

• How to attract and retain young talent within your organization through a defined purpose-driven approach

• The intention behind money - how does it become the support system of your values and impact on the world 

Key Takeaways:

• One’s childhood is pivotal, it has the potential to determine how a person’s growth journey will unfold. It is a time when people may meet a teacher, a coach, or a mentor that ignites that spark for them to go on to do great things. 

• McKinsey's research says that 70% of people say that they define their purpose through their work. People are now associating their personal brand with their place of work and the career they have. 

• Having a purpose-driven company that’s focused on initiatives such as corporate social responsibility and sustainable practices will not only attract and retain talented recruits, they will also attract investors. 

• The purpose of money isn’t just to make more. The money that we earn allows us to leave the world a better place. Money enables us to leave a legacy that helps the world and gives back to others. 

"It's really important to understand that these days in order to attract and retain young talent, you have to have some type of purpose behind what you do. " —  Desirée Bombenon

About Desirée Bombenon:

Desirée Bombenon is the CEO and Chief Disruption officer of SureCall Contact Centers Ltd. She has over 30 years of business operational experience and strategic leadership. Awarded RBC’s Women’s Entrepreneur for 2020, Ernst & Young 2019 Entrepreneur of the year for the Prairies in Communication Technology, she is a bold innovator, futurist, and purpose-driven leader. Her portfolio includes business strategy, social enterprise, and culture building. Desirée was named WXN Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women for 2020, 2017, & 2016. She is an active member of a number of organizations including YPO and International Women’s Forum and has chaired several industry boards and focus groups. 

Connect with Desirée Bombenon: 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DesireeBombenon 

Website: https://www.surecallcc.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/desireebombenon/?originalSubdomain=ca 

Connect with Nathan Mersereau: 

Phone: 248-645-1520

Website: www.dayinacanoe.com

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @NathanMersereau

LinkedIn: Nathan Mersereau

Address: 255 S Old Woodward, Suite 310

Birmingham, MI 48009

Show notes by Podcastologist: Justine Talla

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.