Episodes

  • George Berg
    Apr 26 2024

    In this episode of "Everybody Needs a Nudge," hosts Dan and Keith delve into the remarkable life story of George Berg, a seasoned architect whose path from a small-town upbringing to designing health centers is nothing short of inspiring.


    Born and raised with his roots firmly planted in Weymouth, George's journey began with humble beginnings. Despite not being drawn to youth sports, he found his rhythm working for a precast concrete company after school. However, his true passion lay elsewhere – in the world of architecture.


    From a young age, George knew he wanted to be an architect, captivated by the profession's ability to shape tangible outcomes. His knack for sketching and envisioning designs led him to pursue an associate's degree in architecture and engineering from Wentworth.


    Juggling a full-time job as a co-op student, George's dedication to his craft was unwavering. He eventually transitioned to the Boston Architectural College (BAC), navigating work demands during the day and school at night. Amidst this whirlwind, he found love, marrying in 1993, and later expanding his family to include three children.


    George's journey took an unexpected turn when he became a partner in the company he worked for, putting his education on hold to steer the business through challenging times. However, his perseverance paid off, culminating in his graduation from BAC in 2000.


    His career trajectory soared when he was tapped by a larger company to spearhead their architectural division, specializing in designing cancer centers. George dedicated himself to this noble cause for over five years, but the onset of Covid prompted a reevaluation of priorities.


    Seeking a change aligned with his values, George transitioned to Raymond Design Associates, where he's been for nearly four years. His commitment to his craft remains unwavering, even amidst personal health challenges such as undergoing triple bypass surgery.


    Through George's story, we glean insights into the importance of resilience, dedication, and a strong work ethic. As he continues to shape spaces and communities, his journey is a testament to the transformative power of following one's passion, even in the face of adversity.

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • The Dynasty!
    Mar 29 2024

    We’re BACK with the back-to-back champions! Long story short, tune into our latest episode of Everybody Needs a Nudge as we catch up with the Crowd Lending team.

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    43 mins
  • Wendel Viana
    Feb 23 2024

    Get ready for a wild ride in this episode of "Everybody Needs a Nudge," featuring the one and only Wendel Viana! Join us as we dive headfirst into the rollercoaster of his life, from the sunny streets of southern Brazil, where the weather surprisingly mirrors Massachusetts, to his immigration to the US.


    Wendel's childhood was a symphony of soccer in the lively neighborhoods of Brazil before he embarked on an epic journey to the States in 2000 with his parents and older brother. Settling in Somerville, his parents played the ultimate balancing act, working at a cleaning company by day and delivering newspapers by night. Interestingly, Wendel perfected his driving skills navigating those newspaper routes – talk about a unique American initiation!


    This episode paints a vivid picture of Wendel's educational saga, including a bilingual program in Somerville that helped him bridge the language gap and facilitated his integration into the American school system.


    Wendel's professional journey unfolds from a thriving career in the auto industry at Honda Cars of Boston to a managerial role at Bank of America. Wendel eventually shifted to the mortgage industry, getting his mortgage license in 2020, and is currently thriving as a loan officer with Cross Country Mortgage. He resides in Rowley, MA, with his wife and two daughters.


    It's not all about career pivots; we're dishing out life lessons, too – the gospel of being exceptional, delivering customer service that wows, and having your game face on for the unpredictable opportunities life throws your way. We're sprinkling in some of Crowd Lending's impressive stats, the magic of manifesting, and a few Mafia stories and jokes because why not?


    This episode is not just a podcast; it's a front-row seat to a blockbuster tale of resilience, adaptability, and the crazy, unexpected journeys that lead us to exactly where we need to be. Tune in now– you won't want to miss this!

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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • Shannon Sullivan
    Feb 16 2024

    Get ready for a heartwarming episode of "Everybody Needs a Nudge" featuring the wonderful Shannon Sullivan! Join us as we dive into Shannon's life, starting off in the charming town of Pembroke alongside her brother Steve O, a familiar face from a previous podcast.


    Shannon's soccer journey takes center stage, leading her to the halls of Notre Dame Academy. Faced with the challenge of funding her college dreams, she ingeniously joined a club team to up her chances of getting scouted. Spoiler alert: it worked! Northeastern came knocking, and Shannon rocked varsity soccer while conquering a degree in communications and media throughout her time there.


    Post-college, Shannon cranked up the volume on her love for music, landing a gig at a radio station. A career twist (and the lovely Daryce) led her to an impressive nine-year stint at Blue Cross Blue Shield before venturing into the non-profit realm. She met her husband through a coed soccer league, and the duo fulfilled their dream of settling down in the lively Southie. Plus, we'll dish on her journey through motherhood, a return to Pembroke, and her current gig in the scenic Duxbury, working for Vetcor.


    This episode isn't just a stroll down memory lane – it's a rollercoaster of laughs, touching on the impact of education on creativity and reminding us all not to get caught up in comparing our journeys to others' highlight reels. Shannon's wisdom shines as she underscores the importance of building networks and self-sufficiency. Don't miss out on the fun – hit play now!

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • The Nudges of Crowd Lending, Inc.
    Feb 2 2024

    Embark on a captivating journey with us as we explore the extraordinary evolution of Crowd Lending, a trailblazing force in the lending world.


    In 2015, Christopher Fiumara called up Dan Najarian and ignited the spark, envisioning a hard money lending empire. Those early days were a paperwork pilgrimage, laying the groundwork for the triumphs that followed.


    By 2016, the team expanded with the addition of Christopher Roche, bringing a valuable book of business. The first loan was successfully executed, marking a significant milestone. The subsequent year, 2017, witnessed a pivotal move from Watertown to A street in Boston, accompanied by the invaluable addition of Victoria Shea for Operations.


    Nick Todman joined the team in 2018, contributing to the financial aspects of the growing enterprise. In 2019, the company achieved an impressive feat of 218 loans, nearly hitting the $100 million mark. To manage the increasing loan volume, Alison Boyd was brought on board, and Keith Carter - Assistant (to the) CEO, entered the scene right before the chaos of Covid.


    2020 dealt a wild card with the pandemic, forcing a 6-7 month shutdown. However, Crowd Lending not only survived but also developed strategies to navigate through borrower non-payments, troubled loans, and property takeovers.


    In 2021, the company expanded its horizons by hiring your beloved Root Beer for marketing. A significant shift occurred in 2022 with the relocation of offices to Quincy. The following year, in 2023, a pivotal partnership was formed with Cahoon Capital, propelling Crowd Lending to new heights.


    Fast forward to the present, and the results speak for themselves. In 2023 alone, the company accomplished an impressive $158 million, reflecting a remarkable 50% increase from 2019. January 2024 has already seen a phenomenal start, with $12 million in transactions, a threefold increase from the usual January performance.


    Join us as we unravel the story of Crowd Lending – a tale of resilience, growth, and success in the ever-evolving landscape of hard money lending.

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    50 mins
  • David Madden
    Jan 26 2024

    In this episode, David Madden, the Regional Vice President at Anaplan, shares his life journey, growing up on the "wrong side of the tracks" in Duxbury. Raised by a determined mother who ensured her three kids had everything they needed, David excelled in high school, outsmarting his own algebra teacher. His passion for wrestling led him to become a team captain during his four years in the sport.


    After high school, David attended Union College, where he initially pursued mechanical engineering but later switched to industrial engineering. Post-college, David embarked on a career as a business analyst and, eventually, took on the role of opening a UK branch for Softscape in London, covering all of Europe. His European experience included a unique stint at NATO headquarters, complete with his very own bodyguard.


    But this podcast is not just about professional triumphs – it's a journey intertwined with personal connections. Discover the heartwarming tale of David's international love story with Kate, who fearlessly joined him on the London escapade. Return with them to the States, where they settled in Southie before the allure of more space led them to Hingham, the current backdrop for their bustling family life with three children.


    Get ready for a dose of humor and heart as the episode discusses the Yankees, the concept of winning, Paul Newman, and lots of laughs. This podcast is more than just a story – it's a captivating blend of triumphs, love, and laughter that will leave you both inspired and entertained.

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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Tory Moylan
    Jan 12 2024

    In today's episode, we're thrilled to have sunshine in a bottle, Mrs. Tory Moyland!


    Tory's story begins in Plymouth, where she spent her early years before moving to Duxbury in the 7th grade. At Duxbury High School, she not only thrived academically but also showcased her athletic prowess as a four-year varsity tennis athlete. Her love for algebra and a valuable life lesson from her Tball coach, "How do you catch a ball? With your eyes," shaped her mindset to keep her eye on the prize and pay attention to what's in front of her.


    Venturing into higher education, Tory pursued a Psychology major at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in upstate New York. Post-college, Tory set her sights on the bustling streets of New York City. Starting as an intern, she climbed the professional ladder, eventually becoming a business manager for an NBC News anchor/media coach. Her seven-year stint in the city was filled with growth, challenges, and unique experiences.


    In 2018, Tory returned to her roots in Duxbury, seeking a career with more flexibility. Inspired by her mother, a real estate agent for Coldwell Banker, Tory obtained her real estate license and has since thrived in the industry.


    Adding a touch of romance to her narrative, Tory is now married to the older brother of her best friend. A night at TSANG's with the family set the stage for a storybook romance as he slid into her DMs, and the rest is history.


    Join us as we discuss ensuring one's value, navigating the power broker in your head, conspiracy theories, speed skating, and, as always, sprinkles of humor.


    Tune in as Tory Moyland takes us on a journey from the vibrant streets of New York City to the serene landscapes of Duxbury, all while embracing the joys of marriage and the exciting anticipation of welcoming her baby girl in March. This is "Everybody Needs a Nudge" – where life's nudges shape extraordinary stories.

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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Matt Lazowski
    Jan 5 2024

    Welcome to another season of Everybody Needs a Nudge, where we bring you inspiring stories of resilience, determination, and triumph. In this episode, we have the incredible journey of Matt Lazowski, a man whose life has been a testament to the power of using difficulty as a stepping stone.


    Born and raised in West Hartford, Connecticut, Matt's upbringing was shaped by the experiences of his father, a Holocaust survivor. After enduring the unimaginable, Matt's father found a new life in America, becoming a plumber after spending two years living in the woods.


    A pivotal mentorship changed Matt's trajectory with high school football coach Frank Robinson, who imparted valuable lessons: Taking his advice to heart, Matt excelled on the football field, playing center and guard while also focusing on the fundamentals of life – where attention to the little things ensures that the big things take care of themselves.


    His academic journey led him to Syracuse University, where he studied Psychology and TV Production. There, he forged a lifelong friendship with his roommate, Derek. After college, Matt joined his father in the plumbing business, attending tech school at night to become a master plumber.


    However, life took another turn when he transitioned into the tech industry for transportation and parking. Matt soon ventured into entrepreneurship, creating his own business with a northeast territory and relocating to Sudbury.


    As 2020 unfolded and the world faced unprecedented challenges, Matt decided it was time for a change. Fueled by the philosophy of "life's too short," he transitioned to a completely different field, entering the world of mortgages at Fairway Mortgage. Today, he stands as a top 10 loan officer for the company and is among the top 1% in the country.


    Join us in this riveting conversation with Matt Lazowski as he shares his journey of using difficulty as a driving force and embracing the philosophy that "life's too short" to settle for anything less than what makes you truly happy.

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    1 hr and 2 mins