In this insightful episode of Uncorked, we sit down with Richard Vague, a visionary entrepreneur, economist, and philanthropist whose journey from humble beginnings to building financial empires is nothing short of remarkable. As the Secretary of Banking and Securities of Pennsylvania from 2020 to 2023, Richard played a pivotal role in shaping financial policies and guiding the state through economic challenges.

Richard shares his story of perseverance, starting from his early days putting himself through college and his unexpected entry into the banking industry. Discover how his innovative thinking propelled him from a marketing role at a small bank to founding major financial institutions like First USA, Juniper Bank, and Energy Plus.

We explore Richard’s groundbreaking use of Affinity Marketing in the credit card industry, his pioneering venture into the deregulated energy market with Energy Plus, and his approach to building successful companies through strategic partnerships.

Richard also provides valuable insights on the current state of the U.S. economy, discussing why he believes the economy is more resilient and innovative than ever. He touches on his experience as Chairman of Pennsylvania’s Largest Pension Fund, his tenure as Secretary of Banking and Securities, and his views on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Additionally, we dive into his passion for philanthropy, his journey into venture capital with Gabriel Investments, and his ongoing commitment to mentoring young entrepreneurs. From his passion for leadership to his pursuit of new challenges well into his 60s, Richard’s story is a testament to lifelong curiosity and drive.

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In this episode of Uncorked: Wine-Business-Life, hosts Bill Green and Jerrold Colton sit down with former professional golfer and broadcaster Morgan Pressel. From making history as the youngest golfer to make the cut at the U.S. Women’s Open at just 12 years old to transitioning into a successful broadcasting career, Morgan shares her incredible journey on and off the course.

Morgan opens up about her unique path from a tennis background to golf stardom, the impact of losing her mother to breast cancer, and how she channels her passion into philanthropy through the Morgan Pressel Foundation. She also discusses the mental challenges of competitive golf, her decision to retire from professional play, and how broadcasting reignited her passion for the sport. Plus, don’t miss Morgan’s candid thoughts on the evolution of women’s golf and her love for fine wine.

Get ready for an inspiring and insightful conversation with a trailblazer in the world of golf. Cheers!

In this episode of Uncorked: Wine-Business-Life, hosts Bill Green and Jerrold Colton sit down with Devon Perry, the dynamic Executive Director of the Garden State Wine Growers Association. Devon shares her passion for elevating New Jersey’s wine industry and how the state is overcoming the stigma of being a lesser-known wine region.

Devon discusses the rapid growth of New Jersey wineries, the importance of collaboration among vineyard owners, and the strategic initiatives aimed at increasing the visibility of local wines on the national and international stage. As a passionate advocate for local agriculture, Devon's leadership has been instrumental in connecting winemakers and driving innovation across the state.

The episode also delves into Devon’s background, from launching digital initiatives at the American Red Cross to pioneering wine-friendly dining databases. Her relentless drive and commitment to the New Jersey wine community make this conversation both inspiring and insightful.

Tune in to learn how the Garden State is transforming into a thriving wine destination and how local producers are making a name for themselves with bold, high-quality wines. Cheers to New Jersey wine!

In this episode of Uncorked: Wine-Business-Life, hosts Bill Green and Jerrold Colton welcome Dr. Larry Coia, a trailblazer in New Jersey winemaking and a former radiation oncologist. Dr. Coia's journey from practicing medicine to pioneering grape growing is a fascinating story of passion and innovation.

Dr. Coia shares his unique approach to viticulture, including experimenting with unconventional grape varieties like the bold, Italian-inspired San Marco and the complex Blaufränkisch. Discover how his scientific mindset shaped his winemaking techniques and led to the production of some of New Jersey’s finest wines.

The episode also dives into the recent controversy sparked by the Surgeon General’s proposed alcohol warning labels. As both a wine expert and a medical professional, Dr. Coia provides insightful, balanced perspectives on the real health risks associated with moderate wine consumption, advocating for scientific accuracy in public health messaging.

Plus, hear Bill discuss his vision for Saddlehill and how collaboration, rather than competition, drives the local winemaking community. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or curious about the future of New Jersey wine, this episode uncorks an engaging mix of science, passion, and industry insights. Cheers!

In this episode of Uncorked: Wine-Business-Life, hosts Bill Green and Jerrold Colton sit down with Fred Fraenkel, a Wall Street veteran and wine enthusiast whose career spans decades of financial success and entrepreneurial ventures.

Fred takes us on a journey from his early days growing up in Allentown, Pennsylvania, to becoming one of the most influential figures in investment banking. Hear how Fred's relentless drive and strategic thinking led him to roles at Goldman Sachs, Lehman Brothers, Cowen, and beyond. His insights into financial markets, investment strategies, and the evolution of Wall Street make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the world of finance.

Beyond business, Fred shares his passion for wine with an enthusiasm and expertise that are nothing short of remarkable. His wine palate is both sophisticated and adventurous, with an impressive knowledge that spans Old World classics to New World innovations. Fred reflects on his first taste of fine Bordeaux, his love for bold Italian reds, and his experiences with rare vintages at prestigious auctions. As a dedicated collector and connoisseur, he shares unforgettable stories of meeting legendary winemakers and exploring renowned vineyards, offering listeners a masterclass in appreciating and curating exceptional wines.

Join Bill, Jerrold, and Fred for a captivating discussion blending financial acumen, entrepreneurial wisdom, and a shared love for extraordinary wines. Cheers!

In this inspiring episode of Uncorked: Wine-Business-Life, hosts Bill Green and Jerrold Colton welcome Walter Bond, a former NBA player turned motivational speaker. Walter’s journey from the inner city of Chicago to playing in the NBA is a story of determination, resilience, and relentless pursuit of greatness.

Walter shares his unique path, from going undrafted to becoming the first rookie free agent to start on opening night for the Dallas Mavericks. He talks about guarding Michael Jordan, playing overseas, and eventually finding his true passion as a motivational speaker. Discover how Walter transformed his setbacks into comebacks and why his father’s guidance played a crucial role in shaping his success.

Plus, enjoy a taste of Saddlehill’s 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon as Bill, Jerrold, and Walter share stories about wine, leadership, and life after professional sports. Cheers to achieving dreams and never giving up!

In this episode of Uncorked: Wine-Business-Life, hosts Bill Green and Jerrold Colton sit down with Dr. Lewis Gold—a visionary entrepreneur who pivoted from a successful medical career to building healthcare empires. Dr. Gold shares his remarkable journey from practicing anesthesiology to co-founding Sheridan Healthcare, a leading provider of hospital-based services that expanded to 23 states and ultimately sold for over $2 billion.

After retiring from Sheridan Healthcare in 2012, Dr. Gold co-founded Advanced Recovery Systems (ARS), a company dedicated to treating substance use and mental health disorders. As Chairman of the Board, he continues to make a difference in the behavioral health sector.

Listen in as Dr. Gold discusses the mindset behind leaving a lucrative medical career to build something bigger, taking calculated risks, and partnering with private equity firms. Plus, the hosts and Dr. Gold enjoy some top-tier wines while discussing their passion for wine and entrepreneurial spirit.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a wine lover, this episode offers invaluable insights into seizing opportunities and savoring life’s best moments. Cheers to reinvention and success!

In this powerful episode of Uncorked, we sit down with Stan Middleman, the visionary Found and CEO behind Freedom Mortgage, to talk about his incredible journey building one of the largest mortgage lenders in the world. Stan opens up about his business philosophy, the keys to scaling a company during turbulent markets, and what’s next for the housing industry.

We also dive into his predictions for the real estate market, his take on interest rates and inflation, and how Freedom Mortgage is preparing for the future. But that’s not all — Stan shares the fascinating story behind his investment in the Philadelphia Phillies and what it means to be part of an iconic MLB franchise.

If you're an entrepreneur, real estate investor, or just someone who loves an inspiring success story, this episode is packed with value you won't want to miss.

Also, be sure to purchase Stan Middleman's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Seeing-Around-Corners-Achieving-Business/dp/B0D5PTSJVC

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