Philly Fortune Talks with Jake Penny

In this inspiring episode of Philly Fortune Talks, Jake Penny sits down with Dr. Jenny Pinero, founder of the Children's Tooth Spa in Philadelphia. Dr. Jenny shares her journey from working long hours for a dental service organization (DSO) to creating her own practice, just steps from her home. She discusses the unexpected challenges she faced, such as managing finances and building a reliable team, and how she overcame them with resilience and innovation.
Dr. Jenny's practice stands out through its heart-led approach, where patients are treated as individuals, not just numbers. She explains the importance of creating a calming environment, using techniques like lavender-scented towels and soft lighting to ensure children and their parents feel comfortable and valued. Dr. Jenny also highlights the balance she strikes between compassionate, empathetic leadership and the necessary structure to maintain high-quality care.
Listeners will learn about her commitment to community, including initiatives addressing local food insecurity and upcoming expansions of her services to underserved areas like Chester. Dr. Jenny offers practical advice for women entering healthcare entrepreneurship, emphasizing the power of mentorship, determination, and seeking solutions over obstacles.
Tune in to discover how Dr. Jenny Pinero’s approach is redefining pediatric dentistry and making a positive impact on families and her community.
 
---------------------------------------------------------- Ready to Share Your Story? If you're a leader, innovator, or entrepreneur from the Philadelphia area and you're ready to inspire and connect with like-minded professionals, we'd love to hear from you. Fill out our brief questionnaire and book a time for your interview here (https://phillyfortunetalks.com/guest). Let's make something great together. Philly's finest, this is your spot to shine on "Philly Fortune Talks!"

In this episode of Philly Fortune Talks, host Jake Penny welcomes Kimberly Klayman, a seasoned legal professional with over 11 years of experience supporting high-growth companies from their inception through to acquisition. Kimberly brings a wealth of expertise in guiding venture-backed companies through the challenges of scaling, securing funding, and managing the complexities of mergers and acquisitions.
Tune in to learn about:
Common pitfalls that startups face on the path to growth and how to avoid them
The importance of resilience and support systems for founders
What venture capitalists and private equity investors look for in high-potential startups
Key legal and strategic considerations for businesses entering new growth phases
Kimberly offers insightful perspectives on balancing innovation with sustainable growth, discussing trends, challenges, and essential strategies for high-growth businesses in today’s rapidly evolving landscape.
Guest Bio:Kimberly Klayman is an expert in corporate law specializing in representing startups and investors. Currently at Ballard Spahr LLP, she supports emerging companies throughout the business lifecycle with a focus on venture capital and mergers and acquisitions. 
 
---------------------------------------------------------- Ready to Share Your Story? If you're a leader, innovator, or entrepreneur from the Philadelphia area and you're ready to inspire and connect with like-minded professionals, we'd love to hear from you. Fill out our brief questionnaire and book a time for your interview here (https://phillyfortunetalks.com/guest). Let's make something great together. Philly's finest, this is your spot to shine on "Philly Fortune Talks!"

In this episode of Philly Fortune Talks, host Jake Penny sits down with Sam Wegert, known as the “CoLiving Guy,” to explore the transformative potential of co-living in real estate and affordable housing. From a humble beginning as a self-driven entrepreneur to a successful investor managing over 150 co-living units, Sam reveals the power of the co-living model to generate both financial freedom and vibrant communities.
Sam shares his unique journey to early financial independence, offering insights into leveraging assets, minimizing expenses, and creating communal spaces that foster connection and well-being. He explains how co-living provides a simpler, more accessible entry point for investors, while also tackling social issues like loneliness and affordable housing shortages. Whether you're interested in real estate, community building, or achieving financial freedom, Sam's story offers valuable takeaways.
Listen to hear:
How Sam discovered co-living as a wealth-building tool
Tips for getting started in co-living real estate
Key strategies for creating harmonious co-living spaces
The impact of co-living on affordable housing and urban development
---------------------------------------------------------- Ready to Share Your Story? If you're a leader, innovator, or entrepreneur from the Philadelphia area and you're ready to inspire and connect with like-minded professionals, we'd love to hear from you. Fill out our brief questionnaire and book a time for your interview here (https://phillyfortunetalks.com/guest). Let's make something great together. Philly's finest, this is your spot to shine on "Philly Fortune Talks!"

In this episode of Philly Fortune Talks, host Jake Penny sits down with Joshua Horn, co-chair of Fox Rothschild's nationally-ranked Cannabis Law Practice Group. With over 20 years of experience, Josh has helped guide clients through the rapidly evolving cannabis industry. Josh shares the unique path that led him from trial law to cannabis law and his firsthand experiences navigating its challenges. He discusses the varied approaches to cannabis legalization across states, the complexities of cannabis financing and regulatory compliance, and how Fox Rothschild supports both corporate and mom-and-pop businesses.
Tune in to learn more about the legal landscape, the importance of responsible law practices, and how Josh envisions the future of cannabis law. Whether you’re in the industry or just curious, this episode provides essential insights into a field that’s quickly transforming. Josh also shares where listeners can reach him for more guidance or cannabis law expertise.
Guest Bio:Joshua Horn is co-chair of the national Cannabis Law Practice Group at Fox Rothschild, LLP, where he focuses on regulatory strategy and compliance. With a background as a trial lawyer, Josh brings a unique perspective to cannabis law, representing a wide range of clients from mom-and-pop shops to large corporations. He’s recognized for his expertise in complex mergers and acquisitions and pioneering work within the cannabis legal field.
 
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Ready to Share Your Story?
If you're a leader, innovator, or entrepreneur from the Philadelphia area and you're ready to inspire and connect with like-minded professionals, we'd love to hear from you. Fill out our brief questionnaire and book a time for your interview here (https://phillyfortunetalks.com/guest). Let's make something great together. Philly's finest, this is your spot to shine on "Philly Fortune Talks!"

In this episode of Philly Fortune Talks, Jake Penny welcomes James Harris, a visionary in educational leadership and business strategy. With a background spanning over 20 years in both education and entrepreneurship, James discusses his transition from business to education, how his military and corporate experience with companies like Coca-Cola shaped his innovative approach, and his journey as COO of United Lutheran Seminary. From turning around school districts to managing multimillion-dollar budgets, James shares insights on leadership, the importance of empathetic communication, and the power of community in driving educational success.
James provides practical wisdom for aspiring leaders and offers his thoughts on entrepreneurial education for today’s students. His commitment to student success shines as he emphasizes the role of hands-on experiences and exposure to diverse career paths. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about balancing fiscal responsibility with visionary change in education.
About the Guest: James Harris is COO of United Lutheran Seminary and a former superintendent with over two decades of experience in both the private and public sectors, blending business acumen with educational leadership. You can reach James through the United Lutheran Seminary website.
 
----------------------------------------------------------- Ready to Share Your Story? If you're a leader, innovator, or entrepreneur from the Philadelphia area and you're ready to inspire and connect with like-minded professionals, we'd love to hear from you. Fill out our brief questionnaire and book a time for your interview here (https://phillyfortunetalks.com/guest). Let's make something great together. Philly's finest, this is your spot to shine on "Philly Fortune Talks!"

In this episode of Philly Fortune Talks with Jake Penny, we explore the world of tech innovation with Ben Williams, a seasoned entrepreneur and the CEO of Exyn Technologies. Ben’s journey spans more than two decades across roles at major corporations like AT&T, Lockheed Martin, and numerous tech startups. As a former U.S. Navy officer and Wharton’s “40 Under 40” recipient, Ben brings unique insights on leadership, scaling businesses, and nurturing innovation.
Ben dives into his core principles on effective communication, team culture, and clarity in customer understanding as essential to any business venture. He also discusses the challenges of balancing profitability with growth, maintaining resilient business models, and refining operations across industries. Tune in to learn from Ben’s experiences in tech, his advice on building sustainable businesses, and his strategies for handling M&A integration while preserving corporate culture.
Key Takeaways:
Balancing leadership and team culture in innovation-driven spaces
Importance of customer focus in product and strategy development
Navigating growth and profitability in early-stage startups
M&A strategies and integrating corporate cultures for success
----------------------------------------------------------- Ready to Share Your Story? If you're a leader, innovator, or entrepreneur from the Philadelphia area and you're ready to inspire and connect with like-minded professionals, we'd love to hear from you. Fill out our brief questionnaire and book a time for your interview here (https://phillyfortunetalks.com/guest). Let's make something great together. Philly's finest, this is your spot to shine on "Philly Fortune Talks!"
 

In this episode of Philly Fortune Talks, Jake Penny sits down with Matthew Brenner, an accomplished martial artist, school owner, and visionary entrepreneur dedicated to reshaping the way martial arts can serve young students and empower school owners. Matt shares his unique approach to martial arts as a tool for teaching essential life skills—confidence, resilience, and focus—that are rarely addressed in traditional classrooms. Through his teaching philosophy, Matt is helping kids build grit and overcome adversity in a safe, structured environment.
Beyond the mat, Matt’s passion extends to mentoring other martial arts school owners. He reveals his secrets to sustainable, organic growth without relying on ads, comparing his approach to “fishing in a barrel” by strategically partnering with schools, daycares, and local businesses to bring students directly to their dojos. Matt’s expertise has helped numerous school owners thrive, with his program, The Triangle Codex, now supporting dozens of locations across Philadelphia and New Jersey.
Listeners will gain valuable insights on:
The role of martial arts in developing life skills for kids
Key techniques for fostering confidence and resilience
Matt’s tried-and-true methods for building a sustainable student base without heavy ad spending
----------------------------------------------------------- Ready to Share Your Story? If you're a leader, innovator, or entrepreneur from the Philadelphia area and you're ready to inspire and connect with like-minded professionals, we'd love to hear from you. Fill out our brief questionnaire and book a time for your interview here (https://phillyfortunetalks.com/guest). Let's make something great together. Philly's finest, this is your spot to shine on "Philly Fortune Talks!"

In this episode of Philly Fortune Talks, host Jake Penny sits down with Pankaj Sharma, the President of S & S Property Investments and a second-generation multifamily real estate investor. Starting in the business at the age of 10, Pankaj’s journey evolved from property management chores to owning and managing a portfolio of over 2,400 units across Eastern Pennsylvania.
Jake and Pankaj dive into multifamily real estate, exploring how Pankaj integrates meditation, mindset, and inner peace into his life and work. They discuss building a real estate empire from the ground up and the importance of preparing the next generation—Pankaj’s sons—for a lasting family legacy in real estate.
Tune in to hear insights on:
The early challenges and rewards of growing up in the family real estate business
Navigating market trends and finding opportunities outside of Pennsylvania
How meditation and mindset shape his approach to leadership and decision-making
Preparing his children for a future in real estate with hands-on experience and compassion for all levels of work in the business
Thoughts on “embodying spirit” and embracing a more holistic approach to success
Pankaj’s story inspires anyone interested in multifamily investing or looking to balance success with mindfulness and family values. Don’t miss this engaging episode on how to turn generational knowledge into a meaningful legacy.
 
----------------------------------------------------------- Ready to Share Your Story? If you're a leader, innovator, or entrepreneur from the Philadelphia area and you're ready to inspire and connect with like-minded professionals, we'd love to hear from you. Fill out our brief questionnaire and book a time for your interview here (https://phillyfortunetalks.com/guest). Let's make something great together. Philly's finest, this is your spot to shine on "Philly Fortune Talks!"

In this episode of Philly Fortune Talks, host Jake Penny sits down with Natasha Bryant, LCSW—founder of Speak Life Transformation and Unapologetic Living University. With over 14 years of experience in mental health, Natasha shares her journey from aspiring cosmetologist to transformational leader in mental health. Her dedication to helping women and thought leaders embrace unapologetic living comes through as she discusses the power of mental wellness outside the traditional therapy space.
Natasha talks candidly about the societal and cultural challenges that her clients face, especially around overcoming "the 3 P’s"—pleasing, proving, and perfecting. Listeners will hear how she empowers clients to embrace self-confidence, authenticity, and healing. Jake and Natasha explore her programs, from Speak Life Transformation to Unapologetic Living University, and her latest projects, including her unique affirmation coloring book designed to support mindfulness and stress management.
Guest Bio:Natasha Bryant, LCSW, is a licensed psychotherapist, mental health educator, and transformational speaker. She is the founder of Speak Life Transformation and Unapologetic Living University, where she helps people move from self-doubt to self-empowerment. Through her online programs, speaking engagements, and resources, Natasha is on a mission to make mental health accessible and meaningful beyond traditional therapy.
 
----------------------------------------------------------- Ready to Share Your Story? If you're a leader, innovator, or entrepreneur from the Philadelphia area and you're ready to inspire and connect with like-minded professionals, we'd love to hear from you. Fill out our brief questionnaire and book a time for your interview here (https://phillyfortunetalks.com/guest). Let's make something great together. Philly's finest, this is your spot to shine on "Philly Fortune Talks!"

In this episode of Philly Fortune Talks, host Jake Penny sits down with Josh Gelles, a seasoned sales and finance expert. Josh shares his journey from research to sales leadership in the elevator industry, revealing how he forged powerful relationships and navigated high-stakes negotiations. He provides a candid look at what it takes to build trust, manage contracts, and foster win-win outcomes in a B2B context.
Josh also shares insightful strategies for sales professionals, highlighting the importance of understanding client needs, aligning solutions with customer pain points, and leading sales teams effectively. Whether you’re in finance, sales, or just curious about the elevator industry, this episode offers valuable takeaways for building lasting relationships and mastering strategic selling.
Key Takeaways:
Josh’s unique path from research to a thriving sales career.
Strategies for building trust and maintaining long-term client relationships.
The importance of creating win-win outcomes in contract negotiations.
Leadership insights for managing successful sales teams.
---------------------------------------------------------- Ready to Share Your Story? If you're a leader, innovator, or entrepreneur from the Philadelphia area and you're ready to inspire and connect with like-minded professionals, we'd love to hear from you. Fill out our brief questionnaire and book a time for your interview here (https://phillyfortunetalks.com/guest). Let's make something great together. Philly's finest, this is your spot to shine on "Philly Fortune Talks!"