Shows
Going Beyond the Deal13 | Chris Murphy | How to Treat Every Role as Essential in Your FirmWhat 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 bu...2025-07-1549 minGoing Beyond the Deal12 | Michael Johnson | How to Cultivate Essential Habits for SuccessWhat 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 co...2025-07-0846 minGoing Beyond the Deal11 | Zach Kuehne | How to Lead a Legacy Business into the FutureEver 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 beginn...2025-07-0153 minGoing Beyond the Deal11 | George Alifragis | How to Leverage Private Credit for Business GrowthWhat if financing your business didn’t feel like begging a bank, but instead felt like partnering with a strategic ally? 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 private credit offers more than just funding—it provides flexibility, operational support, and relationship-driven growth partnerships. Whether you’re a founder preparing for expans...2025-06-2450 minGoing Beyond the Deal10 | Darek Hahn | How to Build Authentic Leadership in a Tech-Driven WorldHow can business owners thrive in a tech-driven world without losing human connection?In this episode of Going Beyond the Deal podcast, J. Michael Fischer Jr. sits down with executive and cybersecurity expert Darek Hahn for an eye-opening conversation about navigating business growth, technology, and authentic leadership. Far from a typical tech talk, this episode focuses on how genuine relationships and intentional leadership can transform both company culture and security practices.Darek shares lessons from his journey as CEO of AffinIT, a company redefining the relationship between people and technology. Together, they explore why too...2025-06-1057 minGoing Beyond the Deal09 | Buddy Valastro | How to Build a Business That’s Both Famous and GroundedWhat if the defining moment of your life came at 17, and you had to grow up overnight?In today’s episode of the Going Beyond the Deal podcast, J. Michael Fischer Jr. sits down with the one and only Buddy Valastro, a.k.a. the Cake Boss, for a deeply personal conversation about legacy, leadership, and the drive that turned a Hoboken bakery into a globally recognized brand.From taking over Carlo’s Bakery as a teenager after the loss of his father, to navigating the early challenges of keeping a family business alive in the...2025-06-0349 minGoing Beyond the Deal08 | Charles Scott | How to Embrace Discomfort for Personal GrowthWhat if the real pivot in your life isn’t about chasing more, but choosing growth over comfort?In today’s episode of the Going Beyond the Deal podcast, J. Michael Fischer Jr. sits down with Charles Scott, former Intel Corporation executive turned executive mentor, to explore what it truly means to live a life of vitality, purpose, and self-directed growth. Charles shares the deeply personal journey that led him to leave a high-level corporate role at Intel to build a legacy centered around family, meaning, and transformation.From cycling across Japan with...2025-05-2759 minGoing Beyond the Deal07 | Bill Duerr | How to Lead a Family Business into the Digital AgeIn today’s episode of the Going Beyond the Deal Podcast, J. Michael Fischer Jr. sits down with Bill Duerr, President and CEO of Hatteras, a leading print and packaging company with deep family roots and a strong innovation streak. What began as a bold move by Bill’s father in 1983 has since evolved into a thriving middle-market business that blends traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge data-driven marketing.Bill shares his personal journey from wanting nothing to do with the family business to eventually taking the reins, applying lessons from coaching and team leadership to grow Hatteras into a na...2025-05-2048 minGoing Beyond the Deal06 | Manuel Aczualdez | How to Build a Sustainable Brand in the Spirits IndustryWhat drives an entrepreneur to leave a successful corporate career and start something entirely their own? In this episode of Going Beyond the Deal podcast, I sit down with Manuel Aczualdez, founder and CEO of Drink Good Spirits, to uncover the story behind his journey from working for industry giants like Diageo and Clase Azul to creating a brand that blends sustainability, authenticity, and craftsmanship.Manuel shares how he leveraged decades of experience in the spirits industry to develop a unique portfolio of premium tequila, mezcal, and gin brands. From navigating the challenges of launching a brand—fr...2025-05-1337 minGoing Beyond the Deal05 | John Ziss | How to Transition from Family Business to Venture CapitalWhat does it take to transition from family business leadership to venture capital, M&A, and sustainable investing? In this episode of Going Beyond the Deal podcast, I sit down with John Ziss, President of Coral EV, to discuss his journey through entrepreneurship, leadership, and strategic business growth.John shares how growing up in a family business shaped his leadership mindset and why stepping away to gain outside experience was a game-changer. He also dives into his work in private equity, renewable energy, and EV infrastructure, offering insights on how businesses can scale strategically while staying ahead...2025-05-0648 minGoing Beyond the Deal04 | Kyle Shroufe | How to Scale Your Business Without Debt or InvestorsHow do you build a multi-eight-figure company from scratch without taking on debt or investors? In this episode of Going Beyond the Deal podcast, I sit down with Kyle Shroufe, CEO and Co-Founder at Opal Energy Group, to discuss his journey in the commercial solar industry and the strategies behind his company's massive success.Kyle shares how he went from working in real estate and project management to identifying a major gap in the solar industry—one that allowed him to build a company that delivers better solutions for clients. He dives into the key principles that fu...2025-04-2948 minGoing Beyond the Deal03 | Ted Stone | How to Bridge the Gap Between Tech and Executive TeamsWhat happens when you blend the precision of engineering with the strategic thinking of finance? In this episode of Going Beyond the Deal podcast, I sit down with Ted Stone, Managing Partner at TechCXO’s New York office, to explore how the right systems and leadership can make or break a business. From his early career as a “recovering engineer” to guiding companies through complex financial and operational decisions, Ted shares valuable insights on what it takes to scale successfully.Listene...2025-04-2532 minGoing Beyond the Deal02 | Steve Poliseo | How to Maintain High Performance in AccountingWhat makes a trusted advisor in accounting truly exceptional? In this episode of Going Beyond the Deal Podcast, Michael Fisher interviews Steve Poliseo, a partner at Citrin Cooperman and a highly regarded accountant in the New Jersey market. Steve shares his personal journey, from a blue-collar upbringing to becoming a trusted resource for business owners and an integral part of their success stories.This conversation dives deep into the value of collaboration between accountants, bankers, and other advisors, showcasing how these relationships can empower businesses to thrive. Steve discusses his role as a trusted advisor, the importance...2025-04-2251 minGoing Beyond the Deal01 | Joe Furey | How Legacies Thrive and Soar in Modern BusinessEver wondered what it takes to turn an iconic architectural firm into a global powerhouse? Imagine navigating the complexities of succession planning, acquisitions, and a rapidly evolving industry—all while preserving a legacy that spans over half a century. In this episode of Going Beyond the Deal podcast, I sit down with Joe Furey, the President and CEO of Michael Graves and Associates, a globally renowned architectural firm headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey. With a career that began in accounting and evolved into leading one of the most prestigious names in architecture, Joe has a unique perspective on...2025-04-2244 minGoing Beyond the Deal00 | Welcome to Going Beyond The Deal Podcast!Welcome to Going Beyond the Deal Podcast, where real conversations about strategy, leadership, personal growth, and long-term success take center stage.In today’s episode, host J. Michael Fischer Jr lays the foundation for what listeners can expect from the show. Drawing from his journey from a struggling musician to Managing Director at DBD Investment Bank, Michael shares the five core themes that guide his life and business philosophy: legacy over ego, real relationships over transactions, discipline as the foundation for freedom, holistic growth, and the power of a give-first mentality.He also unpacks why su...2025-04-2106 min
Business UnchainedFrom Barista to Managing Director: J. Michael Fischer Jr. Shares the Rules of the Game (S2:E10)Send us a textAbout Michael FischerJ. Michael Fischer Jr. is a financial strategist and investment banker with a passion for helping business owners navigate growth, acquisition, and exit strategies. His journey is anything but traditional—starting as a college dropout pursuing a rock-and-roll dream, he worked as a janitor, a plumber, and a bank teller before climbing his way up to leadership roles in finance. Through personal challenges, career pivots, and a transformative approach to self-improvement, Fischer has developed a methodology that integrates mindset, physical fitness, and financial acumen.Ou...2025-02-2738 min