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.

Join Aaron Levine and guest Chris Mulvaney as they explore the evolution of brand strategy, leadership, and team empowerment. Chris shares how his journey from music to marketing shaped his agency’s mission as a "business breakthrough agency." Learn actionable tips on finding your "why," creating purpose-driven teams, and achieving remarkable growth.

Key Highlights:

- Chris's unconventional path from Polo Ralph Lauren to leading a top marketing agency

- The importance of discovering your brand’s unique "why"

- How empowering teams boosts creativity and innovation

Don’t miss this insightful conversation on growth, chaos, and finding success through empowered leadership.

In this episode of Who You Work With Matters, Aaron Levine speaks with Ashley Napier from Solomon Strategic Advisors about the transformative power of listening with intent. Ashley shares her journey from struggling with anxiety to becoming an executive advisor and leadership coach. This insightful conversation dives into: Why listening is one of the most overlooked leadership skills.

How emotional intelligence can transform your approach to business and relationships.

Practical tips for developing self-awareness and managing anxiety. Tune in to discover how small shifts in mindset and communication can lead to big results.

Are you ready to transform your financial future with real estate? In this episode, Aaron Levine sits down with Anthony Marin to discuss his journey from working in IT to becoming a full-time real estate investor and property manager. Discover how Anthony started small, scaled up, and turned his investments into a multi-faceted real estate business. You’ll learn:

• The importance of taking calculated risks and doing your homework.
• How to leverage house hacking to build early wealth.
• Why larger properties can be easier (and smarter) to manage than small ones.
• The key to staying focused and balancing family, business, and growth.

If you’re thinking about investing in real estate or scaling your portfolio, this episode is a must-listen!

In this episode of Who You Work With Matters, host Aaron Levine is joined by Kelly Craig Louth, founder of Social Stamina. Kelly shares her inspiring journey from aspiring journalist to social media leader, discussing how stepping outside her comfort zone transformed her career and approach to business.

In this conversation, Kelly reveals how she blends creativity, charity, and social media to help businesses thrive while staying true to her values. She also discusses her exciting role with Big Brothers Big Sisters and her upcoming appearance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Tune in for actionable insights on:

• Building authentic relationships both online and offline
• Leveraging social media to create meaningful connections
• Using community and mentorship to drive personal and business growth

Packed with inspiration, laughter, and real-world advice, this episode will show you how the people you work with truly make a difference!

Join Aaron Levine of LG Insurance Agency as he welcomes Toby Stark, founder of Stark Associates Insurance Agency, to the Who You Work With Matters podcast. In this engaging episode, Aaron and Toby delve into the art of networking, the personal fulfillment of philanthropy, and the realities of client management in business. With humor and candid anecdotes, they reflect on 15 years in the industry, including lessons from their first days as entrepreneurs to the nuanced dynamics of choosing the right clients. Perfect for anyone passionate about business growth, personal development, and the power of relationships, this episode reminds us that who you work—and network—with truly shapes success.