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,...