Philly Fortune Talks with Jake Penny
”Philly Fortune Talks” is an inspirational podcast that delves into the entrepreneurial spirit, celebrating the drive, determination, and ingenuity of entrepreneurs and business leaders not just in Philadelphia but also beyond its borders. Hosted by Jake Penny, each episode features insightful conversations with successful entrepreneurs, industry experts, and thought leaders who share their inspiring stories, valuable insights, and actionable tips for aspiring and established business professionals. Whether you’re looking for motivation, strategic advice, or a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in the business world, ”Philly Fortune Talks” is your go-to source for entrepreneurial wisdom and inspiration. So follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts to learn and be inspired.
Episodes

Friday Jun 28, 2024
Healthcare Innovation: Syed Siddiqi's Vision for the Future
Friday Jun 28, 2024
Friday Jun 28, 2024
In this episode of Philly Fortune Talks, host Jake Penny sits down with Syed Siddiqi, the innovative founder and CEO of the American Journal of Healthcare Strategy. Syed shares his inspiring journey in healthcare, discussing how his platform, which reaches over 50,000 listeners and viewers monthly, has become a pioneer in healthcare administration.
Syed also serves as the administrative coordinator for Thomas Jefferson University Hospital’s Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, where his practice includes a diverse clientele. His dedication and innovative approach have led him to speak at prominent venues, including the National Capital Building and LaSalle University's Health Sciences Forum.
During this episode, Syed talks about his path to founding the American Journal of Healthcare Strategy, the pivotal moments that shaped his career, and the strategies that fueled his platform's rapid growth. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and staying informed through continuous learning.
Syed also shares insights into his leadership style, the challenges he faced in marketing, and how he balances his various professional commitments. He discusses the exciting future projects for his journal, including accreditation programs and publishing books, and offers advice for aspiring healthcare entrepreneurs.
Guest Information:
Name: Syed Siddiqi
Title: Founder and CEO, American Journal of Healthcare Strategy
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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!"

Thursday Jun 27, 2024
Mastering Real Estate and Life: The Warrior Spirit of David Bokman
Thursday Jun 27, 2024
Thursday Jun 27, 2024
Mastering Real Estate and Life: The Warrior Spirit of David Bokman
Welcome to another episode of Philly Fortune Talks, where we highlight the journeys of Philadelphia's most dynamic and influential entrepreneurs. In this episode, host Jake Penny sits down with David Bokman, a seasoned real estate investor and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience. As the CEO of Bachman Investment Group, David has closed multimillion-dollar deals and grown his company tenfold since its inception.
David shares his incredible journey from being a medical device rep to becoming a powerhouse in the real estate industry. He talks about his first steps into real estate, the rapid growth of his company, and the strategies that set him apart. Beyond his professional success, David is also a dedicated husband, father, and lifelong martial artist. His practice of Muay Thai and Jujitsu, combined with meditation and teachings of the Buddha, has deeply influenced his approach to business and life.
In this episode, David opens up about:
His unexpected transition from the corporate world to real estate.
The challenges and triumphs of closing large-scale deals.
The importance of building strong networks and maintaining professionalism.
Balancing personal and professional life, including his martial arts practice and meditation.
His mission to empower men through his unique coaching program focused on honor, discipline, health, and integrity.
Join us as we delve into David Bokman's inspiring journey, exploring his leadership in real estate, commitment to personal growth, and dedication to helping others achieve their best selves.
Guest Bio: David Bokman is the CEO of Bachman Investment Group, renowned for its expertise in large-scale off-market development deals. With a background in the corporate world, David transitioned to real estate in 2015 and has since closed significant deals, including entire city blocks. Outside of work, David is a dedicated family man and martial artist. He also runs a coaching program for men, emphasizing personal development and integrity.
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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!"

Wednesday Jun 26, 2024
Leading with Purpose: Maria Quattrone’s Real Estate Revolution
Wednesday Jun 26, 2024
Wednesday Jun 26, 2024
Welcome to another episode of Philly Fortune Talks where we highlight the stories of Philadelphia's most successful and inspiring leaders. In this episode, we are thrilled to introduce Maria Quattrone, a visionary in the real estate industry with over 25 years of experience. Maria, the founder and CEO of Maria Quattrone & Associates of Remax at Home, has transformed the real estate landscape in Philadelphia, its surrounding suburbs, and New Jersey.
Key Points:
Maria’s journey from advertising sales to founding her own real estate company.
How Maria built her company into a powerhouse with a consumer-first approach.
The pivotal moments and challenges that shaped her career.
Maria’s innovative strategies that led to over $700 million in sales and numerous accolades.
Her dedication to mentorship and community service.
Insights on leadership, innovation, and maintaining a successful career in real estate.
Guest Information: Maria Quattrone is the founder and CEO of Maria Quattrone & Associates of Remax at Home. A Philadelphia native and Temple University alumna, Maria has been a leading figure in the real estate industry for over two decades. She is a mentor, educator, and host of the popular "Be the Solution" podcast.
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Follow Maria on social media: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn.
Subscribe to "Be the Solution" podcast for more insights from Maria.
Leave a rating and review for Philly Fortune Talks on Apple Podcasts.
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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!"

Tuesday Jun 25, 2024
Unlocking Real Estate Success: Hoan Thai's Collaborative Approach
Tuesday Jun 25, 2024
Tuesday Jun 25, 2024
In this episode of Philly Fortune Talks, Jake Penny sits down with Hoan Thai, also known as the Home Zone, to delve into the journey of a real estate investor who has mastered the art of collaboration and mentorship. Hoan shares his experiences from leaving a 9-to-5 engineering job to becoming a successful real estate investor.
Key Points Discussed:
Hoan's transition from a corporate engineer to a real estate investor.
The impact of mentorship and how it accelerated his success.
The importance of calculating risks and minimizing potential losses.
How real estate can be a vehicle for financial freedom and lifestyle design.
Real-life examples of managing tenants and properties.
The significance of having thick skin and being a problem solver in real estate.
Guest Information: Hoan Thai is a seasoned real estate investor, mentor, and founder of the Home Zone. With a focus on risk management and collaboration, Hoan offers a comprehensive mentorship program to help others succeed in real estate.
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Follow Philly Fortune Talks on social media for the latest updates.
Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.
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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!"

Monday Jun 24, 2024
Leading with Vision: Charlie Crawford's Impact on Community Banking
Monday Jun 24, 2024
Monday Jun 24, 2024
Leading with Vision: Charlie Crawford's Impact on Community Banking
Welcome to another episode of Philly Fortune Talks! This week, Jake Penny sits down with Charlie Crawford, the esteemed chairman and CEO of Hyperion Bank. Under Charlie's visionary leadership, Hyperion Bank has expanded its presence to Atlanta, launched new mortgage and lending ventures, and achieved remarkable growth. Discover how Charlie's commitment to community and education has shaped his career in community banking.
In this episode, Charlie shares his journey from starting at Bankers Trust Company in New York to leading Hyperion Bank. He discusses the strategies behind Hyperion's success, the importance of building a strong team, and the role of community involvement in banking. Charlie also touches on his experiences as a mentor, his approach to financial planning, and the future of community banking.
Guest Bio: Charlie Crawford is the chairman and CEO of Hyperion Bank. With over 30 years of experience in community banking, Charlie has founded and successfully grown three banks. He holds degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, the Wharton School of Business, and Georgia State University. Charlie is active in numerous boards and nonprofit organizations, including the Young Presidents' Organization and the Chief Executive Organization.
Calls to Action:
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Leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform to help others find the show.
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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!"

Friday Jun 21, 2024
Fun Phonics: Toby Johnson's Mission to Revolutionize Children's Reading
Friday Jun 21, 2024
Friday Jun 21, 2024
In this inspiring episode of Philly Fortune Talks, host Jake Penny sits down with Toby Johnson, an ardent advocate for children's education. Toby's journey is nothing short of remarkable, beginning in Idaho and extending through 13 years in Beijing, ultimately leading him to the University of Pennsylvania. With a passion ignited by the science of reading movement and restrictive educational policies in China, Toby has dedicated himself to enhancing children's literacy.
As the architect of the Fun Phonics program, Toby has developed a comprehensive online curriculum featuring over 275 Lexile-level decodable e-books, designed to guide students from their ABCs to grade 4 reading fluency. In this episode, Toby shares his experiences volunteering in West Philadelphia schools and the transformative power of phonics and decodable books in children's education.
Key Points:
Toby's background and journey from Idaho to Beijing and the University of Pennsylvania.
The development and impact of the Fun Phonics program.
The challenges and successes of teaching phonics in diverse educational settings.
The future of education with advancements in AI and personalized learning.
Insights on financial planning and maintaining a sustainable educational program.
Toby's advice for those looking to follow in his footsteps and make a difference in children's literacy.
Guest Bio: Toby Johnson is a passionate advocate for children's literacy with over 15 years of experience in the field. He has worked extensively in both China and the United States, developing innovative reading programs that focus on phonics and decodable books. Toby is currently involved in tutoring and continues to expand his online curriculum to reach children globally.
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Follow us on social media and leave a rating and review to support Philly Fortune Talks.
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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!"

Thursday Jun 20, 2024
From Trials to Triumphs: Frank McGovern's Real Estate Journey
Thursday Jun 20, 2024
Thursday Jun 20, 2024
In this compelling episode of Philly Fortune Talks, host Jake Penny sits down with Frank McGovern, a self-made real estate investor from Northeast Philadelphia. Frank's journey from humble beginnings to becoming a prominent figure in Philadelphia's real estate scene is both inspiring and instructive. Listen in as Frank shares his experiences, strategies, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career. From starting with wholesaling to dealing in large asset acquisitions, Frank’s story is a testament to resilience, learning, and transformation.
Key Takeaways:
Frank's Background: Born and raised in Northeast Philadelphia, Frank overcame numerous challenges, including growing up on welfare and becoming a father at 18.
Starting in Real Estate: Frank's initial interest in real estate began in his late teens, but it wasn't until he was laid off from a job in 2009 that he fully pursued this path.
First Steps: Frank got his real estate license and quickly discovered the potential of wholesaling through BiggerPockets.com.
Rapid Growth: Despite initial struggles, Frank closed his first deal within three months and went on to complete over 600 transactions in a decade, including wholesaling, fix-and-flips, and rental acquisitions.
Shifting Focus: In 2020, Frank pivoted from high-volume transactions to focusing on larger assets like apartment buildings and storage facilities, aiming for sustainable cash flow and equity growth.
Personal Development: Alongside his professional journey, Frank has also transformed his health and fitness, which he credits with improving his overall well-being and business acumen.
Advice and Insights: Frank emphasizes the importance of perseverance, learning from mentors, and maintaining a balance between personal and professional growth.
Guest Bio: Frank McGovern is a dedicated real estate investor based in Philadelphia. Known for his integrity and community involvement, Frank has raised funds for underfunded schools and is passionate about giving back. Outside of real estate, he is a devoted husband, father, and fitness enthusiast.
Follow us:
Leave a rating and review for Philly Fortune Talks on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform.
Connect with host Jake Penny on LinkedIn for more insights and updates on future episodes.
-------------------------------------------------------------- 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!"

Wednesday Jun 19, 2024
Designing the Future: Brian Corcodilos on Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Wednesday Jun 19, 2024
Wednesday Jun 19, 2024
Join host Jake Penny as he sits down with Brian Corcodilos, a visionary leader in the real estate industry and the founder of Designblendz. Brian's entrepreneurial journey began at the young age of 10, and today he heads a full-service firm recognized on the Inc. 5000 list and Philadelphia's 100 fastest-growing companies. In this episode, Brian shares his unique insights on innovation, architecture, and 3D visualization, discussing how Designblendz transforms concepts into virtual realities for clients like the PGA and GoPuff.
Key Points:
Brian's Early Ventures: From selling video game services at 10 to founding Designblendz.
Evolution of Designblendz: Starting as a blog and growing into a comprehensive architectural and visualization firm.
Industry Innovations: How Designblendz uses 3D virtual environments to revolutionize real estate development.
Leadership Philosophy: Brian’s approach to building a successful team and the importance of core values.
Entrepreneurial Challenges: Overcoming speed bumps and maintaining growth during tough times like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Future Ventures: Brian’s vision for expanding into new business arenas, including a haunted house and an indoor golf project.
Guest Bio: Brian Corcodilos is the founder and CEO of Designblendz, a leading architecture and visualization firm based in Philadelphia. With a passion for innovation and a knack for seeing future trends, Brian has grown his company from a college blog to a recognized industry leader. He is also the host of the "New Hell" podcast, where he shares insights with aspiring entrepreneurs.
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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!"

Tuesday Jun 18, 2024
Eradicating Food Insecurity: The Visionary Leadership of Harry Hayman
Tuesday Jun 18, 2024
Tuesday Jun 18, 2024
Join us in this inspiring episode of Philly Fortune Talks, where host Jake Penny sits down with Harry Hayman, a social impact advocate, humanitarian, and sustainability expert. Harry shares his journey and mission to combat food insecurity through innovative indoor agricultural solutions, as highlighted in his documentary, "I Am Hungry."
In This Episode, We Discuss:
Harry’s background and what sparked his passion for addressing food insecurity.
The shocking statistics of food insecurity in Philadelphia and the systemic issues contributing to the problem.
How the restaurant industry's inefficiencies lead to significant food waste and what can be done to address this.
The inception and success of the Food Connect Group and its simple yet effective app to upcycle food.
The legislative efforts Harry supports to make throwing away good food illegal, aiming to protect both people and the environment.
The development of Hero Kitchen during the pandemic to feed the less fortunate and the importance of controlled environmental agriculture.
The fascinating insights from the "I Am Hungry" documentary, including the realization that food is not a recognized human right in the United States.
Harry's entrepreneurial journey, from the restaurant business to pursuing an MBA and focusing on social entrepreneurship.
The various initiatives and projects Harry is involved in to create a fair, diverse, and equitable local food economy.
About Harry Hayman: Harry Hayman is a dedicated social impact advocate with a career spanning various roles in startup ventures, marketing strategy consulting, and community partnership development. Active in the Philadelphia nonprofit scene, Harry supports initiatives like Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and founded the Feed Philly Coalition. His work emphasizes community empowerment and social causes.
Follow us:
Follow us on social media, leave a rating and review, and support the ongoing efforts to combat food insecurity by visiting the "I Am Hungry" documentary website and contributing to their Kickstarter campaign. Every dollar counts!
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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!"

Monday Jun 17, 2024
Monday Jun 17, 2024
Join Jake Penny as he sits down with Robert Coldwell, owner of Rentwell, in this insightful episode of Philly Fortune Talks. Robert, a multifamily investor and real estate redeveloper, shares his journey from a young entrepreneur mowing lawns to managing thousands of units across Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey. He delves into his unique real estate strategies, including value-add workforce housing and co-living models, providing listeners with a wealth of knowledge on increasing cash flow and managing properties effectively.
Key Topics Discussed:
- Robert's early entrepreneurial ventures and his path to real estate The business model of Rentwell and its expansion
-The intricacies of value-add workforce housing Navigating real estate legislation and local government interactions
-The benefits and challenges of co-living arrangements
-Strategies for maintaining high property standards and tenant satisfaction
-Robert's personal and business philosophies on risk, growth, and spirituality
Guest Bio: Robert Coldwell is the owner of Rentwell, a property management company that oversees thousands of units in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey. With a background in finance and real estate from Penn State University, Robert has built a successful career in multifamily investment and property redevelopment. An advocate for spiritual growth, he integrates his personal philosophies into his business practices, making him a well-rounded and insightful leader in the real estate industry.
Follow us:
Follow Philly Fortune Talks on Twitter and Instagram.
Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
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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!"