Arash Shokouh is the Founder and Managing Principal of Ophtek LLC, a company specializing in cybersecurity, managed IT security and support for small- and medium-sized businesses. With over 18 years of experience in computer technology, his background includes roles at several startups and a tenure at IBM, where he contributed to developing some of the world's fastest computer processors and holds patents in computer architecture. Beyond his professional endeavors, Arash has served as a small business development commissioner for the City of San Jose and teaches computer engineering at his alma mater, San Jose State University.

Cyberattacks are no longer just a risk for large corporations — they’re an everyday threat to individuals and small businesses alike. With phishing emails, AI-powered scams, and persistent system intrusions growing more sophisticated, what can the average person do to protect our data and avoid becoming the next target?

Cybersecurity expert and IT professional Arash Shokouh outlines the essentials for fortifying digital systems, drawing from over two decades of experience. Arash emphasizes adopting a Zero Trust mindset, which means verifying every request — even those from familiar contacts — and avoiding convenience at the cost of security.

With riveting anecdotes, including his recruitment by the CIA, he demonstrates the increasingly sophisticated nature of cyber adversaries and why individuals should migrate to secure platforms like Gmail and install trusted tools such as Malwarebytes. For businesses, he advocates consolidating services under platforms like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 and hiring professionals to strengthen account security, monitor systems, and ensure compliance with best practices.

In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, Roman Polnar interviews Arash Shokouh, Founder and Managing Principal of Ophtek, on IT security essentials for businesses and individuals. Arash shares insights into persistent cybersecurity threats, the critical shift toward Zero Trust, practical steps to secure communications, and how to vet managed service providers.

• Roman M. Polnar on LinkedIn
• Pillar6 Advisors
• Arash Shokouh: LinkedIn | Email | Phone no.: (650) 731-7154
• Ophtek: Website | Blog | LinkedIn
• Malwarebytes
• Check if Your Email Was Part of a Breach: Have I Been Pwned?
• 1Password
• The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg

David Goldman is the Founder of Ruby Peak Recruiting, a firm specializing in direct-hire recruiting for top level executive assistants nationwide. After moving to San Francisco from Colorado in 2001, he began his recruiting career and established Ruby Peak Recruiting in 2008. With over two decades of experience, David has been instrumental in connecting companies with exceptional talent, particularly in administrative and executive assistant roles. His dedication to building long-standing relationships and reducing friction points at every step of the process has made him a respected figure in the recruiting industry.

Starting and running a business doesn’t have to follow a rigid script, especially in industries built on human connection. Often, doing what simply makes sense can lead to better outcomes and better engagement from all sides. So what happens when you ditch the conventional playbook and trust your instincts instead?

According to David Goldman, a recruiter with over two decades of experience, having genuine curiosity, trusting his intuition, and being adaptable have been his biggest business advantages.

David highlights how traditional recruiting methods, especially ones focused on control, convention, and rigid processes, can stifle connections, slow the rate of progress, and produce subpar outcomes.

David also explains why being present, letting go of “the way it’s always been done,” and truly understanding each person’s unique working style has shaped his unconventional but highly successful approach.

In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, host Roman Polnar sits down with David Goldman, Founder of Ruby Peak Recruiting, to talk about building a business by breaking away from convention. David explains why trusting intuition can create stronger client relationships, how curiosity unlocks better hiring decisions, and why rigid interview processes often backfire. David also shares his take on post-pandemic hiring trends and how to work best with recruiters.

• Roman M. Polnar on LinkedIn
• Pillar6 Advisors
• David Goldman on LinkedIn
• Ruby Peak Recruiting
• Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell

Ryan Shane is the President of The Housing Guild Management Co., a property management company based in San Francisco that specializes in managing apartments, homes, and commercial spaces throughout the Bay Area. Under his leadership, the company continues the legacy established by his father, Lawrence Shane, who founded The Housing Guild in 1977 with a commitment to providing exceptional service to property investors. Ryan brings a personal perspective to property management as an owner and investor, which ensures that clients' investments are well cared for and their returns maximized.

Buying and owning investment property is one thing, but managing it successfully is another. Individual property investors can get blindsided by making emotional investment decisions or focusing solely on the bottom line. What if I told you that the key to long-term success was finding the right balance between the two?

According to Ryan Shane, a seasoned real estate investor and second-generation property manager, adopting an investor and owner’s mindset is critical for maintaining a thriving real estate portfolio while maximizing returns. He highlights the importance of viewing each property decision through an ROI lens, from maintenance choices to tenant selection. By thinking beyond short-term gains and prioritizing long-term value, owners can avoid costly mistakes and increase profitability.

In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, Roman Polnar sits down with Ryan Shane, President of The Housing Guild Management Co., to discuss why every property owner needs an investor and owner’s mindset. Ryan shares key strategies for evaluating real estate opportunities, making cost-effective property decisions, and balancing cash flow with long-term appreciation. He also explains the common pitfalls that owners face and how professional management can help you avoid them.

• Roman M. Polnar on LinkedIn
• Pillar6 Advisors
• Ryan Shane on LinkedIn
• The Housing Guild Management Co.
• Email: hello@housingguild.com
• San Francisco Apartment Association (SFAA)
• California Apartment Association
• San Francisco Association of Realtors
• “Unlocking DSTs: A Hidden Tool in 1031 Exchanges With Amit Urban” on the Pillar6 Podcast
• Nothing Down for the 2000s: Dynamic New Wealth Strategies in Real Estate by Robert G. Allen
• Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It by Chris Voss and Tahl Raz

Michelle Lerman is an attorney specializing in estate planning, real estate law, and business law, with a focus on serving high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, business owners, and real estate investors. Michelle and her husband co-founded Lerman Law Partners, LLP, and joined forces with Cunningham Legal to enhance their collective expertise. She has been named a Top Attorney and received the Top Women Attorneys award in Northern California by San Francisco Magazine multiple times. In 2018, Michelle released the third edition of her book, Create Your Best Legacy: What Every Homeowner, Real Estate Investor, and Parent Must Know About Estate Planning, Living Trusts, and Probate.

Increased wealth brings increased options and opportunities — but also complexities, especially when it comes to estate planning. With recent tax law changes and potential changes on the horizon, ultra-high-net-worth individuals need proactive strategies to safeguard their assets and minimize estate taxes. What key planning techniques should affluent families consider right now to protect their wealth for future generations?

According to Michelle Lerman, a renowned estate planning attorney with over 35 years of experience, ultra-high-net-worth individuals must act to give themselves options in advance of any significant estate and gift tax changes. She highlights the importance of irrevocable trusts as a powerful tool to preserve wealth while maintaining flexibility. Strategic gifting, life insurance planning, and entity structuring can also help minimize tax burdens and protect family assets. Without a proactive approach, wealthy families risk losing millions to unnecessary taxation and legal complications.

In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, host Roman Polnar sits down with Michelle Lerman, an Attorney at Cunningham Legal, to discuss advanced estate planning strategies for ultra-high-net-worth individuals. They explore the impact of upcoming estate tax changes, why now is the time to establish irrevocable trusts, and how to protect family wealth from divorce or legal risks. Michelle also shares key liquidity strategies, including how life insurance can cover estate taxes.

• Roman M. Polnar on LinkedIn
• Pillar6 Advisors
• Michelle Lerman: LinkedIn | Contact no.: (415) 308-3640
• Cunningham Legal
• “Estate Planning for Families with Non-Taxable Estates With Rachel Dodson” on the Pillar6 Podcast
• The Other Einstein: A Novel by Marie Benedict
• Nexus by Ramez Naam

Amit grew up in a family of real estate professionals, and early on, he saw how smart investing has helped people generate wealth and help them to live the way they dreamed.

Now, as a real estate professional with Fortitude Investment Group, Amit helps rental property owners and investors navigate 1031 exchanges, Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs), and passive real estate investment opportunities.

With over 15 years of experience in real estate, Amit has worked in both domestic and international markets, including developing shopping malls in China.

Many real estate investors know that 1031 exchanges are a powerful way to defer capital gains taxes, but few have explored the Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) as an alternative to traditional 1031 exchanges. Could this lesser-known tool provide greater flexibility, diversification, and passive income for investors looking to simplify their portfolios?

According to Amit Urban, a seasoned real estate expert, DSTs are highly effective tools that allow investors to reinvest their 1031 exchange proceeds into institutional-grade properties without the burden of direct management. He highlights that DSTs provide diversification across multiple asset classes, passive income, and estate planning benefits, making them an attractive option for those transitioning out of hands-on property management. Amit highlights common examples and reasons investors are turning to DSTs as a way to preserve and grow their wealth while reducing taxes and operational headaches.

In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, host Roman Polnar sits down with Amit Urban, Registered Representative at Fortitude Investment Group, to discuss how DSTs fit into the 1031 exchange landscape. They break down who benefits most from DSTs, how they compare to direct property ownership, and why they offer a compelling tax-deferral strategy. Amit also shares key considerations, risks, and estate planning advantages of using DSTs as a long-term wealth-building tool.

• Roman M. Polnar on LinkedIn
• Pillar6 Advisors
• Amit Urban on LinkedIn
• Fortitude Investment Group
• The Go-Giver, Expanded Edition: A Little Story About a Powerful Business Idea by Bob Burg and John David Mann

Becky Barton is the CEO of People415, a human resources consulting firm that helps growing businesses grow faster with streamlined workflow policies, talent management, and HR compliance. With over 20 years of experience in HR strategy and operations, she specializes in aligning workforce planning with business goals. She has worked with companies across various industries, advising on hiring practices, employee classification, compensation, and compliance. Becky also speaks on HR trends and workplace regulations, providing guidance to business owners and leaders.

The landscape of HR is shifting once again with the second Trump administration, which will impact companies in different ways. Naturally, employers are left wondering: how will this administration impact my business, and what should we be doing? How can business owners and HR professionals stay ahead and ensure they’re making the right moves?

According to Becky Barton, a leading HR expert and thought leader, in the short term, employers should prepare for a pro-business shift in federal labor policies, with many regulations likely being rolled back. She highlights how this could reduce compliance burdens at the national level but increase complexity for multistate employers as states like California continue to enforce stricter employment laws. With expected changes in wage laws, worker classification, workplace safety, and immigration enforcement, businesses must be proactive in auditing their HR policies to mitigate risk and adapt to new realities. In the longer term, continue to focus on best practices, building your corporate culture, and building a strong, committed, and motivated workforce.

In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, host Roman Polnar sits down with Becky Barton, CEO of People415, to discuss what the Trump 2.0 presidency means for HR and business owners. They explore the likely rollback of federal labor regulations, key compliance risks for employers, and strategies to prepare for shifting workplace policies. Becky also shares actionable insights on worker classification, AI’s role in HR, and best practices for building a resilient workforce.

• Roman M. Polnar on LinkedIn
• Pillar6 Advisors
• Becky Barton on LinkedIn
• People415
• Fisher Phillips
• Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain

Becky Brown and Morgan Holmes are the Founders of Stride, a comprehensive tax planning, bookkeeping, and accounting firm that helps companies accelerate growth. With a combined background in bookkeeping and taxation, Morgan and Becky joined forces to help MSPs, digital agencies, and professional services achieve their business goals through better financial planning and accounting. Focusing on small to midsize companies, Becky and Morgan help streamline financial operations, strategic planning, and effective tax management.

Keeping your books in order may be a chore, but it is essential to the financial success of any business. Whether it’s setting strategy, improving profitability, minimizing expenses, managing payroll, or navigating tax laws, accurate financial records are essential to making informed decisions and achieving sustainable growth. How can you incorporate all these elements into your annual business plan?

According to financial experts Becky Brown and Morgan Holmes, start with a check-up of your balance sheet and income statement. They highlight the importance of not only recording transactions accurately but also understanding the interplay between your balance sheet and income statement. Then, set cash flow projections and ensure that your “accounting team” is on the same page.

A holistic approach ensures accurate record-keeping, tax filing, and improves forward-looking projections. When paired with proactive tax planning, business owners can make more strategic decisions, maximize deductions, manage liabilities, and free up cash to invest in the growth of their business or personal financial goals. With these tools, businesses can reduce friction, improve efficiency, and gain peace of mind.

In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, Roman Polnar sits down with Becky Brown and Morgan Holmes, Founders of Stride, to discuss the essential strategies for smarter bookkeeping and tax planning. They cover the critical importance of monthly financial reviews, the benefits of aligning bookkeeping and tax services under one team, and actionable year-end tax-saving tips. Becky and Morgan also share insights on choosing the right entity structure for your business and planning for future financial changes.

• Roman M. Polnar on LinkedIn
• Pillar6 Advisors
• Becky Brown on LinkedIn
• Morgan Holmes on LinkedIn
• Stride: Website | Email
• Pilot
• Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! by Robert T. Kiyosaki
• Too Big to Fail: The Inside Story of How Wall Street and Washington Fought to Save the Financial System–and Themselves by Andrew Ross Sorkin
• “Avoiding Pitfalls of Business Entity Formation With Doug Bend” on the Pillar6 Podcast