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What do autopsy assistants, nuclear medicine, and successful financial planning have in common? For Matt Roop, Partner at Deerfield Financial Advisors, they're all stepping stones on an extraordinary career journey guided by a simple principle: "always raise your hand" for new opportunities.

Matt's path to financial planning began nowhere near the industry. With a degree in nuclear medicine technology, he found himself working as an autopsy assistant during a period of career exploration – a position that led to meeting his wife "over a dead body" as they joke. When the opportunity to join Charles Schwab's expanding operation appeared in the late 1990s, Matt's willingness to try something new set him on an unexpected trajectory through the financial world.

Following his wife's Air Force career took him from Indianapolis to Biloxi, Mississippi, to Washington D.C., each move providing new professional experiences and perspectives. After briefly joining his family's construction business and later running his own financial practice, Matt found his home at Deerfield Financial Advisors, where he eventually became a partner.

Throughout our conversation, Matt shares valuable insights about navigating career transitions, finding fulfillment through client relationships, and balancing business ownership with personal life. His self-described "small boat philosophy" – preferring deep connections with fewer people over numerous shallow relationships – has shaped both his approach to wealth management and his definition of success, which centers on family and meaningful client relationships rather than traditional metrics.

For Matt, failure isn't defined by unsuccessful attempts but by not trying at all. His story reminds us that the most rewarding career paths often emerge when we're brave enough to raise our hands, seize unexpected opportunities, and build genuine connections along the way.

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Ever wonder what happens when a theatrical Navy veteran with a rebellious streak becomes an IT entrepreneur? Meet Steve Schulenberg, the self-proclaimed "Cyber Cowboy," who's breaking every stereotype about tech professionals while building a thriving cybersecurity business.

Steve's journey began over 14 years ago when, sitting at his local bar contemplating his future, a bartender suggested he simply call his business "Just Call Steve" – and JCS Technologies was born. From those humble beginnings, Steve has crafted a unique approach to IT services that blends technical expertise with genuine human connection.

What makes Steve's story particularly compelling is his willingness to embrace his naturally outgoing personality in an industry often dominated by introverts. Rather than conforming to expectations, he leverages his theatrical background to bridge the gap between complex technology and business owners who find IT intimidating. This authentic approach has become his secret weapon in business development and client relationships.

The conversation takes a serious turn when Steve reveals a startling statistic: 80% of small businesses that suffer a ransomware cyber attack never recover. As he explains, too many companies entrust their vital technological infrastructure to underqualified individuals, often with catastrophic results. His mission has become protecting these vulnerable businesses through professional IT services and comprehensive cybersecurity measures.

Throughout our discussion, Steve shares invaluable insights on networking, time management, and defining success on your own terms. His philosophy that "success is any advancement from where you were before" and "failure is refusing to change" offers a refreshing perspective for entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey.

Whether you're a business owner concerned about cybersecurity, an entrepreneur struggling to find your authentic voice, or someone contemplating a major career pivot, Steve's story will inspire you to embrace your unique qualities and turn them into your greatest business assets. Listen now to discover how being yourself might be the most powerful business strategy of all.

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Unlock the secrets of strategic thinking and transform your entrepreneurial journey with our latest episode of the Owner's Odyssey. Drawing inspiration from Keith Cunningham's "The Road Less Stupid," we promise to guide you on fostering clarity and innovation amidst the chaos of business ownership. We'll share personal stories and insights that illuminate the power of asking the right questions to drive both personal and professional growth.

Imagine creating a dedicated space for uninterrupted thinking, where you can reflect and strategize like never before. That's exactly what we explore as we discuss the impact of strategic and emotional thinking on managing life's challenges. Just like athletes who must balance proactive planning with reactive responses, business leaders can benefit from a disciplined approach to decision-making. Through relatable sports analogies, we highlight how prioritizing objectives over personal pride can prevent costly misdirection and maintain focus.

In this episode, we also dive into the art of journaling with intention and how it can enhance your personal development. Discover how altering your approach to self-reflection can unlock deeper understanding and clarity in your decision-making process. As we revisit Cunningham's financial lessons, reminiscent of Robert Kiyosaki's "Rich Dad, Poor Dad," we emphasize the power of maintaining focus and harnessing the right questions to achieve your desired outcomes. Join us for this compelling discussion filled with gratitude and inspiration.