What 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 of industry shifts.

If you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or business leader looking to navigate growth, embrace change, and leverage sustainability for long-term success, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways and lessons learned from decades of experience. Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• Why stepping outside the family business can be the best career move
• How to balance entrepreneurship with leadership in high-growth businesses
• The role of sustainability in modern business strategy
• How personal development and mindset training fuel long-term success
• The biggest lessons learned from operating and scaling businesses
• How to find and maximize opportunities in M&A and private equity
• And much more…

Guest Bio:

John Ziss is the President of Coral EV, helping businesses and institutions simplify EV charging installations. With 20 years of sustainability experience, he specializes in finance, M&A, and strategic growth. John began his career in his family’s business before transitioning into venture capital, private equity, and renewable energy.

Resources:

Connect with John on Linkedin

Coralev.com

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

DBD Investment Bank

Disclaimer

The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Going Beyond the Deal podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that any reliance on the content is at your own risk.

How 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 fueled his success, from mastering cash flow management to building a strong referral network and staying relentlessly consistent.

Beyond business strategy, Kyle also reveals the mindset shifts that helped him scale Opal Energy, including the power of chasing discomfort, the importance of paying attention to details, and why being the best in your field is non-negotiable.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or business leader, this episode is packed with valuable insights that can help you scale your own success. Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• Why commercial solar is a revenue-generating asset for businesses
• The cash flow management strategies that helped Kyle bootstrap Opal Energy
• How building a strong referral network transformed his business
• Why consistency, resilience, and attention to detail are the keys to success
• How chasing discomfort and setting the right identity drive long-term growth
• And much more…

Guest Bio:

Kyle Shroufe is the CEO and Co-Founder at Opal Energy Group, a leading commercial solar development company. With a background in real estate and project management, Kyle identified inefficiencies in the solar industry and set out to build a company that offered better solutions. Under his leadership, Opal Energy has grown into a multi-eight-figure business without taking on outside investors or debt. Kyle is passionate about business strategy, leadership, and personal growth, applying principles like consistency, discipline, and calculated risk-taking to every aspect of his work.

What 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.

Listeners will discover how Ted’s unique ability to connect tech teams with executive leadership has driven growth in companies ranging from startups to billion-dollar enterprises. Whether you’re running a small business or managing a large corporation, Ted’s experiences across industries—from pharmaceuticals to software—offer key takeaways on aligning finance with operations to maximize value.

Curious about when it’s time to bring in a fractional CFO or how to align business goals with execution? Ted breaks it all down, offering actionable advice for companies of all sizes looking to streamline their operations and drive success. Listen now and enjoy!

In This Episode You’ll Learn:

• Why the CFO plays a critical role in bridging the gap between tech and executive teams
• How to know when your business needs a fractional CFO or other leadership support
• The importance of systems in scaling a business, and how to develop them
• How early-stage companies can prepare for investment and growth
• Why aligning finance with operations is crucial for long-term success
• And much more…

Guest Bio:

Ted Stone is the Managing Partner of TechCXO’s New York office. With decades of experience as a CFO across industries including pharmaceuticals, software, and consumer products, Ted specializes in helping companies bridge the gap between technical teams and executive leadership. His expertise lies in operational management, financial strategy, and guiding companies through growth, investment, and exit strategies.

Resources:

Techcxo.com

ted.stone@techcxo.com

Book Mentioned:

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

DBD Investment Bank

Disclaimer

The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Going Beyond the Deal podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that any reliance on...

What 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 of building meaningful client relationships, and how his unique perspective—shaped by both professional expertise and personal experience—has allowed him to serve clients with empathy and effectiveness.

If you've enjoyed this episode of Going Beyond the Deal podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• Why an accountant should be more than just a service provider—they should be a trusted advisor
• How collaboration between accountants and bankers creates stronger outcomes for clients
• The importance of asking clients what success looks like to them and tailoring advice accordingly
• Why surrounding yourself with the right team is crucial for personal and professional growth
• How mental and physical fitness contribute to maintaining high performance
• And much more…

Guest Bio:

Steve Poliseo is a partner at Citrin Cooperman, one of the nation’s leading middle-market accounting firms. With over 25 years of experience, Steve specializes in providing tax and advisory services to a diverse client base, from startups to billion-dollar enterprises. Known for his hands-on approach, Steve is dedicated to helping clients navigate complex challenges, define success, and achieve their financial goals.

Resources:

Connect with Steve on LinkedIn

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

DBD Investment Bank

Disclaimer

The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Going Beyond the Deal podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that any reliance on the content is at your own risk.

Ever 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 balancing creativity with business acumen.

We delve into the fascinating history of Michael Graves and Associates, explore the current trends shaping the architectural industry, and unpack the firm's ambitious acquisition strategy that’s driving their growth in new and exciting ways.

How does a firm steeped in tradition stay relevant in a rapidly changing industry? What are the key elements to consider when acquiring and integrating new companies into an established brand? And most importantly, how do you ensure that a legacy not only survives but thrives in the hands of a new generation of leaders?

Ready to learn how to strategically grow your business while preserving its core values? Tune in to this episode and discover the blueprint for successful mergers and acquisitions in any industry. Listen now and enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• The importance of integrating financial acumen into creative industries for sustainable growth
• How strategic acquisitions can complement existing business strengths and fill critical gaps
• The evolving role of technology in modern architectural practices
• The need to balance innovation with tradition to maintain a company’s legacy while staying relevant in a rapidly changing industry.
• The significance of a strong internal and external team when executing a roll-up strategy
• Why people and relationships are the cornerstone of successful business deals
• Insights into the shifting trends in the architectural industry and how to navigate them
• The value of thinking ahead about succession planning and the future of your business
• And much more…

Guest Bio:

Joe Furey is the President and CEO of Michael Graves and Associates, a globally recognized architectural firm known for its innovative designs and extensive portfolio of world-renowned projects. With a background in finance and accounting, Joe joined the firm in 2008 as CFO and later took on the role of CEO, where he now leads the company’s ambitious growth and acquisition strategy. His unique blend of financial expertise and leadership in the creative industry makes him a formidable force in the architectural world.

Resources

Michaelgraves.com

Connect with Joe on LinkedIn

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

DBD Investment Bank

Disclaimer

The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Going Beyond the Deal podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional...

Michael Fisher drops truth bombs about business, life, and everything in between. This isn't your typical business podcast - it's real talk from someone who's been in the trenches.

Business isn't just numbers - it's about who you become. Discipline, authentic connections, and staying true to yourself matter more than any deal.

Subscribe now and join a community that's about real growth, not just another hustle.

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• How success is more than just making money
• Building meaningful relationships over quick wins
• Personal growth that goes beyond the bottom line
• Real stories from entrepreneurs who've been through it all

Resources:

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

DBD Investment Bank

Disclaimer

The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Going Beyond the Deal podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that any reliance on the content is at your own risk.