Sometimes, a business begins with a simple question: “Can you help me with this?” That’s how Shmuel Moshe Nachfolger, owner and tax accountant at Borderless Tax Consultants, described the beginning of his journey on Episode 236 of Growth Through Positivity. During the pandemic, friends asked him for help navigating the process of applying for U.S. stimulus payments. Helping a few people turned into helping many more — and along the way, he began learning about tax preparation and saw an opportunity to build a business. Today, his focus includes U.S. tax returns for Americans living abroad, particularly in Israel, as well as other clients with U.S. filing needs. What stood out to me wasn’t just the business he built. It was his willingness to keep learning as the work became more complex. He spoke with appreciation about the friends and family in the tax and accounting field who mentored him, and about continuing his education as he works toward becoming an enrolled agent. We also discussed how he found his niche. Through working with clients, he noticed situations where people living abroad needed more specialized attention. He described offering a free review of prior returns to help identify potential issues and explain what correcting them would involve. One part of our conversation that I especially appreciated was his perspective on professional collaboration. He shared an example of a CPA referring a return to him because expat taxes weren’t that CPA’s area of expertise. There’s something meaningful about being able to say, “This person is better suited to help you.” To me, that puts the client first. It also reminds us that building expertise doesn’t mean having every answer — it means understanding where you can contribute and when to bring someone else in. From selling soda cans in eighth grade to building a specialized tax practice, Shmuel Moshe’s story is a reminder that an entrepreneurial journey doesn’t always begin with a detailed plan. Sometimes, it begins by helping someone, discovering a need, and being willing to learn what comes next. Thank you, Shmuel Moshe, for sharing your story and your commitment to serving your clients! Connect with him here on LinkedIn, or reach out to me and I’ll be happy to make an introduction.

“You’re allowed to mess this up.” That simple reminder helped Baruch Schwartz move past the fear of starting a conversation — and it became one of my favorite takeaways from Episode 235 of Growth Through Positivity. I sat down with Baruch, Sales Specialist at FRIDAY, to discuss his move from construction into sales, the uncertainty that came with it, and the daily actions he takes to build relationships and grow. Baruch shared a moment when he was standing outside a prospective client’s office, hesitating to walk in. He had been trying to connect for months, but the fear of rejection was still there. Giving himself permission not to get it perfect helped him take the next step. That resonated with me. Even after years in sales, I still recognize the hesitation that can come before reaching out to someone new. Sometimes, we put so much pressure on the outcome that we delay the conversation altogether. We also talked about turning ambition into action. Baruch described his team’s morning planning calls, his efforts to connect with accountants, and the importance of checking in with existing customers — not just when there’s something to sell, but to ask how things are going. I appreciated that emphasis on staying connected. Building a relationship doesn’t end when someone becomes a customer. Another meaningful moment was Baruch’s honesty about reading. He had recently bought a book but hadn’t started it yet. We discussed making the goal manageable by choosing a completion date and setting aside a consistent time to read, even if it’s only a few minutes. Different challenges, but a similar theme: take the bigger goal and identify the next action you can actually take. Thank you, Baruch, for bringing your honesty, enthusiasm, and willingness to grow to the conversation. And a special shoutout to our mutual friend Pinchas Shev, whose connection with Baruch helped open the door to his sales journey.

Great organizations are not built only by people who take the obvious path. Sometimes, the biggest professional growth comes from being open to opportunities that were never part of the original plan. In this episode of Grow Through Positivity, I spoke with Kalmen Unger, COO of ID-Tech Solutions, about his career journey—from pursuing video editing as a creative passion to helping lead a growing technology company. Kalmen’s story began with a video project for Fabulous Cabinetry. What started as an opportunity to create content for the company evolved into a role split between marketing and IT. Eventually, he chose to focus fully on IT, learned how to build systems and teams, and grew the department from two people to 15 as the company expanded. His message is an important one: Working for a company is not being stuck. When you choose the right environment, it can be one of the greatest opportunities to learn, develop skills, gain experience, and prepare yourself for the next level. Kalmen later joined ID-Tech Solutions as COO, bringing the operations, leadership, and process discipline he developed throughout his earlier career. Today, ID-Tech identifies Kalmen as its COO.idtechsolutions We also spoke about the impact of EOS® at ID-Tech. Kalmen shared how the organization uses tools such as Level 10 Meetings™, scorecards, quarterly Rocks, core values, and a shared Vision/Traction Organizer to create alignment throughout the company. The EOS Vision/Traction Organizer is designed to clarify a company’s long-term vision, three-year picture, one-year plan, quarterly priorities, and issues list, while Level 10 Meetings create a recurring structure for reviewing metrics, priorities, and solving key issues.eosworldwide+2 One of my favorite lessons from Kalmen’s journey was about leadership: when someone on your team is ready to grow into their next opportunity, support them. The investment you make in people does not disappear when they move forward. It becomes part of the relationships, goodwill, and impact they carry with them. Thank you, Kalmen, for sharing your journey, your leadership lessons, and your perspective on growth. Looking forward to having you back to talk about cybersecurity, technology, and the work ID-Tech is doing to help businesses stay protected. #GrowThroughPositivity #Leadership #EOS #EntrepreneurialOperatingSystem #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #Operations #Technology #Cybersecurity #BusinessGrowth #IDTechSolutions

Most owners are brave enough to start a business.Far fewer are brave enough to really look at their numbers. In this episode, Aryeh (Ari) Braun – Owner at Braun’s Accounting Inc shared why so many small and mid‑sized business owners avoid their finances, and what changes when they finally face them. Specialists beat generalists when it matters mostAri’s background is in bookkeeping and accounting, but he chose to focus his firm on tax preparation and year‑end filings for small and mid‑sized businesses (typically 1–6 employees). That allows him to go deeper into returns, strategy, and tax savings instead of trying to “do everything for everyone.” The real problem isn’t ignorance, it’s avoidanceMost owners could understand profit, cash flow, and margins, but they don’t take the time. Often it’s fear: Fear of discovering they’re not really making money Fear of seeing the “leaks” in their businessSo they keep running, hoping it all works out, instead of pausing to look at their P&L and balance sheet. Clarity reduces anxiety, even if the news isn’t perfectAri sees over and over that once owners actually look at their numbers: They sleep better at night because they know where they stand They can see where the leak is and start fixing itConfusion is what keeps people up at night, not the reality itself. Your job is not just to file taxes; it’s to build a profitable businessAri’s 10‑year vision is to go beyond filing returns and act more like a CFO‑type advisor: helping business owners manage cash flow, understand profitability, and make better decisions during the year, not only at the end. This week, set aside 30–60 minutes and: Pull your latest profit and loss and balance sheet (even if they’re messy). Ask yourself three basic questions: Am I actually making money month to month? Where are my biggest expenses, and do they match my priorities? Is there any “leak” I already know about but haven’t addressed? If you feel stuck or overwhelmed, send these reports to your accountant and book a call with one clear agenda: “Help me understand if I’m truly profitable and where my leaks are.” The courage that got you into business is the same courage you need to look at your numbers. Key takeaways for business ownersSimplest way to apply this in your business

There is a big difference between being great at your craft and building a business that can grow beyond you. In this episode of Grow Through Positivity, I spoke with Ari Koth, founder of Ari K Design, about his journey from a creative passion for design to building a commercial interior design business that serves schools, multifamily projects, retail stores, offices, and more. Ari K Design has grown quickly through word of mouth, strong client relationships, and a clear focus on customer service. Ari shared that every call, email, or WhatsApp message is answered within three hours. In an industry where projects move quickly and details matter, that responsiveness has become a real differentiator. But the part of Ari’s story that stood out most was his realization that being talented at design does not automatically make someone a business owner. For the first few years, Ari was doing what many service-based entrepreneurs do: delivering great work, keeping clients happy, working long hours, and trying to do everything himself. The business was moving, but it was hard to scale because he was stuck working in the business instead of on the business. The turning point came when he looked honestly at the numbers, hired a business coach, and began building a team. He started viewing his service as a product with a real cost structure, clear pricing, systems, and people who could help execute the vision. That shift gave him room to do what a business owner is supposed to do: set direction, build the right team, create a clear process, and trust others to bring the work to life. Ari said something that many entrepreneurs can relate to: trusting others is hard when you care deeply about the quality of the work. But learning to delegate does not mean walking away from your standards. It means giving people the vision, the direction, and the opportunity to execute while you stay focused on the bigger picture. If you are a creative, consultant, designer, or service provider who feels like your business cannot grow without you doing every part of the work, this episode is worth listening to. #GrowThroughPositivity #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #CommercialInteriorDesign #Leadership #Delegation #Visionary #BusinessCoaching #ServiceBusiness #AriKDesign #InteriorDesign

Sometimes one book, one conversation, or one moment of curiosity can completely change the direction of your career. In this episode of Grow Through Positivity, I sat down with Shaina Keren, Career Consultant at SK Career Consulting, to talk about career clarity, aptitude testing, and why understanding yourself is one of the most important investments you can make. Shaina’s own journey began after spending years in work that did not feel right. She kept searching for answers, found The Pathfinder by Nicholas Lore, and eventually trained in the aptitude-based career approach that changed her own direction. Today, she works with mid-career professionals who know they are capable of more but feel stuck, bored, or disconnected from their work. She also trains and certifies other career consultants through the Rockport Institute. One of the most powerful parts of the conversation was the idea that the things we criticize about ourselves may actually be strengths that are being used in the wrong environment. Someone who constantly notices what is wrong may not be “too critical.” They may have exceptional diagnostic reasoning and be wired to solve problems, improve systems, or identify opportunities others miss. That shift in perspective can change everything. The goal is not to force yourself into a role that looks good on paper. It is to understand how you naturally think, what gives you energy, what drains you, and where your abilities can create the greatest value. When you have that clarity, you can make better career decisions and stop treating your natural wiring like a weakness. We also spoke about the power of cohorts and communities. Shaina’s training model does not end when someone earns a certification. It includes supervised client work, continued support, mastermind-style learning, and a community of professionals who keep helping each other grow. That kind of environment makes a big difference when you are building a new skill or stepping into a new direction. If you are feeling stuck in your career, questioning whether you are using your strengths in the right way, or looking for more alignment in the work you do every day, this episode is worth listening to. #GrowThroughPositivity #CareerClarity #AptitudeTesting #CareerCoaching #Leadership #PersonalGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #WorkingGenius #Kolbe #SKCareerConsulting #RockportInstitute

Sales leadership is not just about hitting numbers. It’s about helping people see what they’re capable of, setting clear goals, and giving them a reason to celebrate the wins along the way. In this episode of Grow Through Positivity, I sat down with Isaac Lichtenstadter, Director of Sales at B&C Industries. I recently had the opportunity to present to the B&C team on time management and Delegate & Elevate, so it was great to continue the conversation and learn more about Isaac’s approach to leading a sales team. One thing that stood out right away was his mindset: his success is tied to the success of his people. His goal is to help his sales team grow, win, and make more money. That takes intentionality. It means setting goals, checking in regularly, looking at progress month over month and year over year, and making sure people don’t just work hard, but recognize how far they have come. We also spoke about something many driven salespeople struggle with: celebrating wins. When you are always focused on the next number, the next client, or the next opportunity, it can be hard to stop and acknowledge what you accomplished. But recognition matters. Whether it’s taking a trip, going skiing, or finally buying something you have wanted for a long time, milestones deserve to be celebrated. Isaac also shared what he looks for when hiring salespeople. Above all, he wants someone with a real desire to win. Sales is challenging, especially in the beginning. Skills can be developed, but hunger, curiosity, and the willingness to keep going are what make the difference. One of my favorite parts of the conversation was his answer about trade shows and meeting people. He said he is naturally curious. He wants to know what people are building, what they are thinking about, what they dream about, and what challenges they are facing. That curiosity is a real sales superpower. It’s not about talking more. It’s about asking better questions, listening closely, and genuinely caring about the person across from you. #GrowThroughPositivity #SalesLeadership #SalesManagement #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #GoalSetting #TeamSuccess #Sales #Curiosity #BAndCIndustries

Some people don’t seek out coaching because they’re weak. They seek it out because they’re tired of feeling stuck and ready to see what’s possible beyond the walls they’ve built around themselves. In this episode of Grow Through Positivity, I sat down with Yankel Meislin, transformational life coach, speaker, and author of The Journey to Oz. Yankel shared that life and business are deeply connected. The challenges someone faces at work, whether it’s standing up for themselves, leading a team, or dealing with pressure, often show up at home as well. His work is about helping people recognize those patterns, get honest about what may be holding them back, and become a stronger, more complete version of themselves. What stood out to me most was his personal journey into coaching. At one point, Yankel felt like he had hit a ceiling in his career. He described it like being stuck in an imaginary box. A coach helped him see that the walls were not as permanent as they felt, and that experience changed his direction completely. That’s the power of the right conversation. Sometimes you don’t need someone to hand you all the answers. You need someone who can help you see past the limits you’ve accepted as reality. We also spoke about why people often wait so long before asking for support. For many, it takes reaching a real pain point, getting tired of “banging their head against the wall,” before they are ready to make a change. But as we discussed, commitment often has to come before confidence. You make the decision to move forward, and confidence grows through the process. Yankel’s book, The Journey to Oz, was written to help people understand coaching before they ever step into the room. It gives readers a foundation so they can begin their own growth journey from a stronger place. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like there has to be more beyond your current situation, this conversation is worth listening to. #GrowThroughPositivity #TransformationalCoaching #LifeCoaching #Leadership #PersonalGrowth #Mindset #SelfAwareness #Confidence #TheJourneyToOz #YankelMeislin

Some people grow into leadership by climbing the ladder. Others grow into it by living through the pressure, the setbacks, and the lessons that come with building something alongside family. In this episode of Grow Through Positivity, I spoke with Ephraim Ausch, Chief Logistics Officer at Tactical Logistic Solutions, about the journey from Amazon seller to helping transform a family logistics business into something much bigger. What stood out most to me was how much of his story was about not just adapting to a role, but rethinking the role entirely. Ephraim shared how, after stepping into his father’s business, he and his dad realized that success would come from understanding what each of them brought to the table and building around that. That idea of knowing your seat, knowing your strengths, and not just “showing up” but really contributing is something every family business can learn from. We also talked about how he saw a gap in the market and used his Amazon experience to help Tactical expand into a more end-to-end logistics model for e-commerce sellers. That shift didn’t happen overnight. It came from getting close to the work, understanding the pain points, and building something that actually served the right audience. Five customers turned into 35, then 65, and now hundreds of brands. That kind of growth doesn’t happen by accident. One of my favorite takeaways from the conversation was simple but powerful: if you want to lead better, spend time understanding how each part of the business actually works. Don’t just say you’re the CEO — go sit with the team, learn the details, and get your hands around the reality. That’s where better decisions come from. If you’re part of a family business, or you’re trying to grow something from the inside out, this episode is worth the listen. #GrowThroughPositivity #Leadership #FamilyBusiness #Logistics #EOS #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #AmazonSellers #Operations #TacticalLogisticSolutions

Leadership can get lonely, especially when you’re carrying challenges that the people around you simply don’t understand. In this episode of Grow Through Positivity, I sat down with Jonathan Domsky, Business and Life Coach at Untangled Coaching, to talk about the power of peer-to-peer forums and why they matter so much, especially for leaders in the Jewish nonprofit space. Jonathan shared how forums have shaped his life for more than two decades, not just as an entrepreneur, but as a husband, father, coach, and human being. What stood out most is that a great forum is not about people telling you what to do. It’s about having a trusted space where you can be fully honest, speak without filters, and hear from others who have lived through similar situations. That’s what makes this so powerful. So many leaders are surrounded by people all day, yet still feel alone in the decisions they carry. A strong peer group changes that. It creates a space for real conversations, real perspective, and the kind of clarity that helps you move forward with more confidence. One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation was this: a great forum helps you find your blind spots. Sometimes the greatest value is not in solving the problem you already see, but in discovering what you didn’t even know you were missing. For nonprofit and business leaders alike, the simplest way to apply this is to ask yourself one honest question: do I have a space where I can talk openly about my real challenges with people who truly understand the weight of leadership? If not, that may be the next gap to solve. Jonathan is building something meaningful for Jewish nonprofit leaders, and I believe this kind of support is needed now more than ever. #GrowThroughPositivity #Leadership #PeerToPeer #JewishNonprofit #BusinessLeadership #Forum #Coaching #JonathanDomsky