Success in business is rarely about what you know alone—it’s about who you know, how you show up, and how consistently you build trust. In this episode of Fried On Business, I sit down with Jeffrey Meshel, founder of Candor Capital Partners, master networker, and author of four books, to explore how relationships become real assets when cultivated intentionally.

Jeffrey shares how networking shaped every stage of his career—from sourcing opportunities to building credibility in competitive rooms. We talk about why most people misunderstand networking, focusing on transactions instead of long-term connection, and how that mindset limits growth. Jeffrey explains his personal framework for building authentic relationships at scale without losing sincerity or burning bridges.

We also discuss how his experience as an author sharpened his thinking on influence, communication, and positioning. Jeffrey walks through how writing books forced him to clarify his ideas, define his principles, and articulate what separates shallow contact from meaningful connection. He explains why generosity, consistency, and follow-through quietly compound over time.

Listeners will learn how disciplined networking creates optionality—new partnerships, capital access, mentorship, and credibility that money alone can’t buy. Jeffrey shares stories from his career that highlight how trust accelerates deals, rescues stalled negotiations, and opens doors that formal credentials never could.

This episode is practical, candid, and immediately useful for entrepreneurs, investors, professionals, and anyone who wants to expand opportunity without compromising integrity. Whether you’re early in your career or building at scale, Jeffrey’s approach reframes networking from a chore into a long-term strategy.

If you believe relationships shape outcomes, this conversation will sharpen how you build yours.

This episode of Fried on Business is brought to you by our presenting sponsor, Warren Henry Auto Group.

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Personal branding isn’t about logos, social media tricks, or chasing attention—it’s about clarity and direction. In this solo episode of Fried On Business, Jim Fried asks a simple but powerful question that frames the entire conversation: Who are you in 2026? Jim challenges listeners to stop drifting through their careers and start intentionally designing the identity they want others to experience.

Drawing directly from his own work with professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders, Jim explains why most people struggle with personal branding. They define themselves by where they’ve been instead of where they’re going. In this episode, Jim walks through how reputation is built over time through consistent decisions, behavior, and communication—not slogans or self-promotion.

Jim breaks down how to audit your current personal brand honestly, identify the gaps between intention and perception, and decide what you want to be known for over the next several years. He discusses why discomfort is often a signal of growth, how avoiding clarity creates stagnation, and why waiting for permission to evolve is one of the biggest career mistakes people make.

Listeners will learn how personal branding applies across roles and industries—from executives and founders to professionals considering reinvention. Jim emphasizes that this process isn’t about becoming someone you’re not; it’s about aligning your actions with the future version of yourself you’re already moving toward.

This episode is a practical reset for anyone thinking about their next chapter. If you don’t define who you are becoming, the world will do it for you. Jim’s goal is to help listeners move into 2026 with intention, confidence, and a personal brand that actually works.

This episode of Fried on Business is brought to you by our presenting sponsor, Warren Henry Auto Group.

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6126418013716480

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Wynwood didn’t become a global destination by accident—it was built through vision, coordination, and long-term commitment. In this episode of Fried On Business, I sit down with David Lombardi, Chairman of the Wynwood Business Improvement District and founder of Lombardi Properties, to unpack how one of Miami’s most recognizable neighborhoods was intentionally shaped.

David shares the behind-the-scenes reality of building Wynwood: the early risks, the role of private investment, and the importance of public-private collaboration. We discuss how the Business Improvement District model helps maintain safety, cleanliness, infrastructure, and brand identity—while allowing creativity and culture to thrive. David explains why governance matters just as much as design and why successful districts require constant stewardship.

We also explore the evolution of Wynwood from an industrial area into a mixed-use hub for art, dining, offices, and experiential retail. David breaks down the balance between growth and authenticity, how zoning and land use decisions influence outcomes, and what developers must consider when working in culturally sensitive neighborhoods.

Listeners will gain insight into how Lombardi Properties approaches development with a long-term lens—focusing not just on buildings, but on creating places where businesses, residents, and visitors coexist. David also shares lessons for investors and city leaders on managing rapid success without losing the character that made a neighborhood special in the first place.

Whether you’re a developer, investor, urban planner, or simply fascinated by Wynwood’s rise, this episode offers a practical look at how thoughtful leadership and structure can turn vision into reality.

This episode of Fried on Business is brought to you by our presenting sponsor, Warren Henry Auto Group.

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6126418013716480

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Great companies don’t happen by accident—they’re built intentionally, one person at a time. In this episode of Fried On Business, I sit down with Lindsey Willis from Publix for a deep conversation about leadership, culture, and what it takes to build an organization that people are proud to be part of. Publix has long been recognized as one of the most respected companies in America, and Lindsey offers a firsthand look at why its people-first philosophy continues to work.

We talk about how Publix develops leaders internally, creates real career pathways, and maintains consistency while operating at massive scale. Lindsey shares insights into how trust, accountability, and service shape day-to-day decision-making—and why investing in employees ultimately delivers better outcomes for customers. This episode highlights how culture is not a slogan, but a set of behaviors reinforced every day.

Listeners will hear how Publix empowers associates, encourages long-term growth, and balances performance with humanity. Lindsey explains how strong leadership shows up during challenging moments, how mentorship plays a critical role in career development, and why alignment between values and actions is essential for sustainable success.

We also discuss what professionals at every stage of their career can learn from Publix’s model: take ownership of your development, seek environments that value people, and understand that consistency compounds over time. Whether you’re leading a team, building a business, or navigating your own career, there are lessons here that translate far beyond retail.

This conversation is a reminder that the strongest brands are built from the inside out—and that when people feel valued, performance follows.

This episode of Fried on Business is brought to you by our presenting sponsor, Warren Henry Auto Group.

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6126418013716480

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The holidays are supposed to be joyful—but for many people, they bring stress, exhaustion, complicated family dynamics, and unrealistic expectations. In this solo episode of Fried On Business, Jim Fried shares his personal guide to surviving the holidays with clarity, balance, and intention.

Jim talks honestly about why the holiday season can feel overwhelming, especially for entrepreneurs, professionals, parents, and anyone carrying responsibility for others. He breaks down the pressure to “do it all,” the emotional weight of family gatherings, and the exhaustion that comes from trying to meet everyone else’s expectations while ignoring your own limits.

In this episode, Jim offers practical strategies to help listeners navigate the season without burning out. He discusses the importance of setting boundaries, managing time realistically, and recognizing when to step back instead of pushing harder. Jim also explores how gratitude, perspective, and self-awareness can transform holiday stress into moments of connection and meaning.

Listeners will hear Jim’s advice on handling difficult conversations, protecting mental and emotional health, and staying present instead of reactive. He emphasizes that surviving the holidays doesn’t require perfection—it requires intention. Jim encourages listeners to redefine success during the season, focusing on what truly matters rather than what looks good on the surface.

Whether you’re juggling family obligations, work deadlines, financial pressure, or emotional triggers, this episode is a reminder that you’re not alone—and that it’s okay to slow down. Jim’s goal is simple: help listeners enter the holidays with a plan, exit with their sanity intact, and carry forward lessons that last beyond the season.

If you’re looking for a grounded, honest, and compassionate approach to the holidays, this episode delivers guidance you can actually use.

This episode of Fried on Business is brought to you by our presenting sponsor, Warren Henry Auto Group.

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6126418013716480

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Seventeen years ago, Fried On Business began as a simple idea: create a platform where leaders, innovators, and everyday entrepreneurs could share their stories, offer insights, and open doors for others. In this special retrospective episode, Jim Fried reflects on nearly two decades of broadcasting—revisiting the moments, relationships, and lessons that shaped the show into what it is today. From early radio days to full-scale digital podcasting, Jim walks listeners through the evolution of the brand and the community built around it.

Jim shares personal stories about the people who believed in the show long before it had an audience, including mentors, business partners, recurring guests, and listeners who tuned in faithfully each week. He talks about the breakthroughs, the unexpected twists, the on-air magic, and the behind-the-scenes grit required to keep a program going for 17 years. Throughout the episode, Jim emphasizes the importance of authenticity, curiosity, and resilience—qualities that have allowed Fried On Business to remain relevant while the media landscape changed around it.

Listeners will hear how the show impacted Jim’s professional path, expanded his network, and deepened his commitment to helping others build meaningful businesses and lives. He also shares the lessons learned from interviewing hundreds of top leaders, industry experts, innovators, and community changemakers.

This anniversary episode serves as both a celebration and a thank-you—to the audience, the supporters, the sponsors, and every guest who shared their wisdom. Jim closes with a look at the future of the show, what excites him about the next chapter, and why the mission today feels more important than ever.

This episode of Fried on Business is brought to you by our presenting sponsor, Warren Henry Auto Group.

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6126418013716480

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Thanksgiving offers a moment to pause, breathe, and look at the world with clearer eyes. In this heartfelt episode of Fried On Business, Jim Fried steps away from real estate, capital markets, and deal flow to reflect on what he’s truly thankful for in 2025. Jim shares the personal, professional, and community experiences that shaped his year — the challenges that built resilience, the relationships that fueled growth, and the moments that reminded him of what really matters.

Jim opens up about how gratitude shifts perspective, especially in a fast-moving world where success is measured by numbers, deadlines, and achievements. He talks about the people who supported him, the opportunities that expanded his mission, and the lessons he learned from both wins and setbacks. He also highlights the importance of family, health, friendship, and the South Florida community that continues to inspire him every day.

Listeners will hear Jim’s appreciation for the incredible guests, partners, and supporters who helped Fried On Business grow throughout the year, as well as his gratitude for the audience that tunes in, shares episodes, and keeps the mission of education and conversation alive.

Jim reminds us that gratitude isn’t just a feeling — it’s a practice. It builds stronger relationships, deeper resilience, and a more grounded sense of purpose. Whether you’re closing deals, planning big changes, or just trying to stay centered during the holidays, this episode offers a warm reminder to slow down and acknowledge the good.

As we head toward Thanksgiving, Jim invites everyone to think about the people and moments that made 2025 meaningful.

This episode of Fried on Business is brought to you by our presenting sponsor, Warren Henry Auto Group.

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6126418013716480

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Local farmer’s markets are more than weekend shopping—they’re the heartbeat of a healthy, connected community. In this episode of Fried On Business, host Jim Fried shares why farmer’s markets have become one of the most important forces shaping neighborhoods, food culture, and local economies. Jim explores how these markets help small farmers thrive, ensure fresher and more nutritious produce, and create meaningful personal connections between growers and consumers.

Jim explains why farmer’s markets are an economic engine for small-scale agriculture. When shoppers buy local—rather than from industrial supply chains—small farmers earn more, reinvest in their land, and keep dollars circulating in the community. He highlights how markets promote environmental sustainability by reducing long-distance shipping, cutting packaging waste, and encouraging seasonal eating.

Listeners will learn why farmer’s markets build stronger communities—fostering relationships, supporting small businesses, and creating vibrant public spaces where people gather, talk, and reconnect with the food they eat. Jim also shares insights on how markets drive wellness by making fresh produce more accessible and inspiring families to cook healthier meals. Farmer’s markets offer something deeper than a grocery store ever could: authenticity, transparency, and the chance to meet the people who grow your food.

Jim encourages listeners to seek out their local markets, talk to local growers, and understand where their food comes from. The episode provides practical tips for navigating markets, choosing the best produce, and supporting vendors in ways that help them thrive year-round.

For anyone passionate about food, community, or sustainable living, this episode is a reminder that small choices—like shopping at a local farmer’s market—create big impact.

This episode of Fried on Business is brought to you by our presenting sponsor, Warren Henry Auto Group.

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6126418013716480

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Protecting wealth isn’t luck — it’s structure. In this episode of Fried On Business, Jim interviews Thomas J. Handler, one of the most respected attorneys in the country on family offices, complex tax strategy, and sophisticated wealth structuring. Thomas is widely known for advising ultra-high-net-worth families, entrepreneurs, and closely held companies on how to create legal and financial frameworks that protect assets and reduce risk.

Thomas explains the difference between wealth creation and wealth preservation, why most entrepreneurs underestimate risk exposure, and how the ultra-wealthy use entity design to control outcomes. Jim and Thomas discuss key elements that affect high-net-worth families: multi-entity structuring, tax efficiency, succession planning, governance, liquidity events, and investment oversight.

Listeners will learn the fundamental question that drives every structuring decision:
“What are we solving for — control, tax optimization, liability protection, or legacy?”

Key takeaways include:

• Why wealthy families use multiple entities
• How to reduce exposure during investment transactions
• The legal logic behind asset segregation
• How to design governance so the structure survives generational transition
• Why failing to plan leads to unnecessary tax loss

Thomas also explains how market uncertainty, elections, and interest rate cycles affect structuring choices — and why now is a critical moment for owners to review their architecture.

If you’re scaling a business, nearing a liquidity event, or managing family wealth, this episode delivers an inside look at how the most sophisticated investors protect what they’ve built.

This episode of Fried on Business is brought to you by our presenting sponsor, Warren Henry Auto Group.

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6126418013716480

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