From an unexpected connection to transforming the insurance industry! In this episode of *Who You Work With Matters, host Aaron Levine sits down with Jason Melando to explore how relationships shape success, why income protection is more important than ever, and how their VIP insurance services are redefining the client experience.

Aaron and Jason share the story of how a chance meeting in South Beach led to a thriving business partnership and discuss why your paycheck—not your home—is actually your most valuable asset. They break down common misconceptions about income protection, the risks of relying solely on employer-provided insurance, and how younger generations are approaching life and long-term care planning. Plus, they dive into how AI and automation are changing the insurance landscape and why personalized risk management will always be essential.

Jewelry is more than just metal and gemstones—it carries history, sentiment, and untold stories. In this fascinating episode ofWho You Work With Matters, host Aaron Levine sits down with Erica Hirsch, aprofessional gemologist, to explore what makes jewelry truly valuable beyond its raw materials. 💎

From family heirlooms to custom pieces, Erica shares how jewelry tells a story, why proper appraisals matter, and how history influences a piece’s worth. She also reveals the differences between lab-grown and natural gemstones, the surprising role of jewelry in historical trades (including a mansion-for-pearls exchange!), and how insurance plays a crucial role in protecting these treasures. Whether you’re a collector, a jewelry enthusiast, or simply curious about the hidden world of gemology, this episode is packed with expert insights.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How jewelry carries memories, history, and personal connections

✅ Why some jewelry increases in value over time while others do not

✅ The art and science of jewelry appraisals—how value is truly determined

✅ Lab-grown vs. natural diamonds—what you should know before buying

✅ Why jewelry insurance is essential and how different policies work

✅ Fascinating historical jewelry trades and industry secrets

✅ How an expert restores, redesigns, and repurposes heirloom pieces

Building a business isn’t just about strategy—it’s about people. In Episode 18 of Who You Work With Matters, host Aaron Levine sits down with Nicole Perrone, Senior Vice President of Production at CrossCountry Mortgage and a powerhouse in the lending industry. Known as the '$1,000,000,000 banker,' Nicole shares how she’s helping mortgage professionals find the right opportunities, empowering teams to thrive, and embracing the power of bold action.

Together, Aaron and Nicole discuss what it takes to succeed in today’s competitive landscape, from making smarter connections to creating opportunities where none exist. Tune in to uncover actionable insights on leadership, networking, and unlocking your potential.