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.

What does it take to transform innovation from buzzword to impact? Michael Johnson, PhD, has built his career around bridging the gap between ideas and execution across biotech, business, and fatherhood.

In this episode of the Going Beyond the Deal podcast, J. Michael Fischer Jr. dives deep into Michael’s remarkable career path—from his early days in a Rutgers lab to building and selling a drug discovery company, and now leading one of New Jersey’s top innovation engines. Michael opens up about raising capital against the odds, recognizing when to sell in a bubble, and why consistency in fitness is a direct reflection of success in business.

If you’re an entrepreneur, a father, or someone building something from scratch, this episode will challenge your thinking, inspire action, and leave you with practical tools to level up in life and leadership.

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

Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• Why biotech entrepreneurship is a completely different ballgame than tech startups
• What led Michael to sell his company at the top, despite his board’s resistance
• How NJII is connecting higher ed with real-world innovation in AI, defense, and healthcare
• What makes ”1% Dad” more than just another fitness book for fathers
• The three essential habits Michael believes drive long-term health and leadership success
• Why most people don’t seek mentorship—and how to be the exception
• The core question every aspiring founder needs to ask before jumping in
• And much more…

Guest Bio:

Dr. Michael Johnson is the President of the New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII), a former biotech founder, and author of the book ”1% Dad”. With a PhD in Environmental Sciences and real-world experience taking a biotech company from lab bench to acquisition, Michael brings a unique blend of scientific rigor, entrepreneurial grit, and operational leadership to everything he does. A recognized voice in the conversation around fatherhood, discipline, and high performance, Michael is also a seasoned CEO and father of two who teaches men how to win in all areas of life without compromise.

Resources:

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

DBD Investment Bank

1% Dad

Connect with Dr. Michael 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 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.

Ever wonder what it takes to keep clean water flowing to millions of homes—day after day, year after year? For Zach Kuehne, it’s more than a job. It’s a family legacy spanning over a century. As the president of the Kuehne Company, Zach is on a mission to modernize one of the oldest and most vital services in the world: water disinfection.

In this episode of Going Beyond the Deal, host J. Michael Fischer Jr. sits down with Zach to explore the fascinating story of a third-generation family business in chemical manufacturing. From humble beginnings in a basement bathtub to innovating the next generation of ultra-pure bleach, Zach shares a refreshingly candid take on legacy, leadership, and sustainability.

This is not just a story about chlorine—it’s about responsibility, reinvention, and redefining what it means to lead a century-old business into the future.

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

Enjoy!

Key takeaways:

• How Zach’s rural upbringing shaped his values and leadership approach
• Why his father insisted he work outside the family business before joining it
• How the advanced bleach manufacturing process serves over 36 million Americans
• What makes Paragon Ultra-Pure Bleach different—and why it matters
• How sustainability and efficiency drive Kuehne Company’s mission and operations
• How Zach is transforming a legacy business with modern tools and a culture of continuous improvement
• The small decision that changed the course of Zach’s life and career
• And much more…

Guest Bio:

Zach Kuehne is the President of the Kuehne Company, a third-generation, family-owned chemical manufacturing business. With a background in entrepreneurship and a hands-on approach to leadership, Zach has played a pivotal role in modernizing operations, improving sustainability, and expanding the company’s reach in servicing municipal water systems. His mission is to bridge the old with the new—preserving legacy while driving innovation.

Resources:

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

DBD Investment Bank

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

KuehneCompany.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.