Podcast that makes sense of the things people do to make cents... Making Cents of It All with Jesse Stakes gives the spotlight to the small businesses that make America run. We look to share the "why" behind why people choose what they do professionally and showcase their expertise in their chosen profession for the benefit of our audience. We also dive into the services that support those small businesses and provide information on the technology and services that allow them to do what they do each and every day effectively and more efficiently. Making Cents of It All with Jesse Stakes looks to help businesses succeed financially and give them the spotlight while doing so! #smallbusiness #entrepreneur #sba #sales #training #why #businessservices #learning #america #ai #automation #podcast #makescents #jessestakes
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June 16, 2026Episode 13047 min
The Business Behind the 2026 U.S. Open
This week on Making Cents of It All with Jesse Stakes, the Tin Cup Club joins me to break down one of the biggest economic engines in sports — the U.S. Open.We dig into:• How the USGA generates millions through TV rights, sponsorships, and hospitality• The real economic impact on host cities — jobs, tourism, infrastructure, and local business• What volunteers actually receive (and why they still line up to help)• Course setup, fan experience innovations, and the storylines shaping 2026It’s golf, business, community, and strategy all in one conversation.If you love the game — or the economics behind major events — this one’s for you.
June 3, 2026Episode 12936 min
Inside Back 9 Golf Lakewood: Meshia & Aniekan Sampson on Entrepreneurship, Franchising, and the Love of Golf
In this episode of Making Cents of It All, Jesse sits down with Meshia and Aniekan Sampson, the husband‑and‑wife team behind Back 9 Golf Lakewood, one of Jacksonville’s newest and most exciting indoor golf destinations.The Sampsons share the story behind their decision to step into entrepreneurship, what inspired them to take the leap into business ownership, and how Back 9’s unique franchise model opened the door for them to build something of their own in the Lakewood community.From their first conversations about owning a business to the moment they realized Back 9 was the perfect fit, Meshia and Aniekan talk candidly about the challenges, the learning curve, and the joy that comes with creating a space where people can play, practice, and connect. And of course, they dive into their love of the game — how golf became a shared passion, why it brings people together, and what they hope Back 9 Lakewood will mean for golfers of all skill levels across Jacksonville.Whether you’re a golfer, an entrepreneur, or someone who loves a good origin story, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and heart.
May 12, 2026Episode 12840 min
From Philly to the Fairways: The Stories Behind the 2026 PGA Championship
Jesse and the Tin Cup Club are diving into one of the biggest sporting and economic stories heading toward the East Coast in 2026: the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.This isn’t just another major. This is a week that’s expected to bring more than two hundred thousand visitors into Delaware County and pump an estimated one hundred and twenty‑five million dollars into the local economy. Hotels are already booking out, restaurants are gearing up for record traffic, and small businesses across the region are preparing for what could be the most impactful week they’ve ever seen.Aronimink itself is a historic venue — a Donald Ross masterpiece that’s hosted everything from the AT&T National to the BMW Championship to the KPMG Women’s PGA. And now, for the first time since 1962, it’s back on the global stage for the PGA Championship.Today, we’re going to break down what makes this course such a demanding test, why the economic impact is so massive, and what fans, businesses, and players can expect when the world of golf descends on Newtown Square.
May 6, 2026Episode 12740 min
The Exit - The Ultimate Guide to Exit Planning: Deal Structure, Valuation & Life After the Sale
Making Cents of It All with Jesse Stakes welcomes Jeffrey Condren, CFP®, Senior Vice President at Mesirow Wealth Advisors, for a powerful, insight‑packed conversation on one of the most misunderstood financial milestones a business owner will ever face: the exit.Drawing from years of advising founders, entrepreneurs, and multi‑generation business owners, Jeffrey breaks down the real drivers of a successful sale — the operational, financial, emotional, and personal factors that determine whether an exit becomes a wealth‑building event or a missed opportunity.🔍 What We Cover in This Episode1. Setting the Stage: When Owners Should Start Thinking About an ExitJeffrey explains the earliest signals that it’s time to prepare, the mindset shifts that separate successful sellers from those who struggle, and why the emotional side of letting go often catches founders off guard. 2. Preparing the Business for SaleWe dig into the operational and financial blind spots owners commonly discover, the ideal preparation timeline, and the metrics buyers scrutinize most. Jeffrey also highlights why leadership succession planning is one of the most underrated value drivers. 3. Building the Right Advisory TeamJeffrey outlines the essential advisors every owner needs, the risks of relying solely on internal teams, and how a strong advisory bench protects value during negotiations. 4. Understanding Valuation & Deal StructureWe unpack the biggest misconceptions around valuation, how to think beyond the headline number, and the long‑term impact of earn‑outs, rollover equity, and seller financing. 5. The Wealth Event: Preparing for Life After the SaleJeffrey shares how he helps clients prepare for the sudden shift in wealth, avoid common post‑liquidity mistakes, and build a long‑term plan that integrates tax strategy, investments, and stewardship. 6. Emotional & Personal TransitionsWe explore the identity challenges founders face once the business is no longer theirs, how to prepare family members for the impact of a liquidity event, and what a healthy transition truly looks like. 7. Lessons Learned & Real‑World StoriesJeffrey shares examples of owners who prepared exceptionally well — and those who didn’t — and the lessons every business owner can apply today. Rapid‑Fire TakeawaysBiggest value‑killerMost underrated value‑driverOne thing owners should stop doingOne thing they should start doingThe question owners never ask but should This episode is a must‑listen for any founder, entrepreneur, or family‑owned business preparing for the next chapter.
April 21, 2026Episode 12639 min
How RareShot Golf Is Bringing the Pokémon Craze to Golf — Brandon Fischer Interview
What happens when the world of golf collides with the thrill of collecting? In this episode of Making Cents of It All, Jesse Stakes sits down with Brandon Fischer, the visionary CEO and Founder of RareShot Golf, to explore how he’s bringing the Pokémon‑style chase to one of the most traditional sports on the planet.RareShot Golf isn’t just another golf brand — it’s a full‑blown collectible ecosystem built around performance‑grade golf balls designed with rarity tiers, limited drops, and the kind of “pull excitement” usually reserved for trading cards and sneaker culture. Brandon breaks down how he took inspiration from the Pokémon craze, modern collectibles, and the psychology of the chase to create product golfers don’t just play… they hunt.We dive into:• The origin story behind RareShot Golf• How rarity tiers (Common, Uncommon, Rare, and beyond) are reshaping golf culture• Why golfers are embracing the collectible mindset• The balance between high‑performance equipment and artistic design• What the future of golf collectibles looks like — and why this is only the beginningWhether you’re a golfer, a collector, an entrepreneur, or someone fascinated by how new markets are created, this episode shows how Brandon is turning a simple golf ball into a cultural moment.RareShot Golf isn’t just innovating — it’s igniting a movement.
April 8, 2026Episode 12555 min
Inside the 2026 Masters: Tiger’s Troubles, Augusta’s Genius, and the Business of Golf
The Masters isn’t just a golf tournament — it’s a masterclass in branding, scarcity economics, and operational excellence. In this episode of Making Cents of It All, Jesse Stakes sits down with the Tin Cup Club to break down why Augusta National continues to set the gold standard for sports events worldwide.We dig into the 2026 Masters storylines, including Tiger Woods’ latest challenges and what his future means for the sport. From there, we explore how the Masters has built one of the most powerful brands in sports through intentional scarcity, disciplined tradition, and a fan experience that feels almost immune to modern commercial pressures.The Tin Cup Club also unpacks the behind‑the‑scenes innovation that most fans never see — from Augusta’s cutting‑edge broadcast technology to the operational precision that keeps the course pristine and the coverage flawless. Whether you’re a golfer, a business leader, or someone who appreciates world‑class execution, this episode shows why the Masters remains the ultimate case study in doing things differently — and doing them exceptionally well.
March 31, 2026Episode 12415 min
FlingGolf: The Fast‑Growing Sport Changing the Game | Garry Callis Jr
Here comes part 2 of my conversation with Garry Callis Jr to dive into one of the fastest‑growing alternative sports in America: FlingGolf. We explore how the sport is evolving, why it’s attracting golfers and non‑golfers alike, and what its rise means for the broader golf and recreation industry. Garry breaks down the culture, the community, and the business opportunities emerging around this new hybrid sport. He also happens to own my favorite FlingGolf franchise, The River City Rogues! If you’re curious about where golf‑adjacent sports are heading, this conversation is a must‑listen.
March 25, 2026Episode 12328 min
AI + SEO in the Golf Industry: Garry Callis Jr Explains the Future of Golf Marketing
In this episode of Making Cents of It All, I sit down with Garry Callis Jr, a digital strategist and SEO expert, to explore how AI‑driven search optimization is reshaping the golf industry—from equipment brands and course operators to media platforms and influencer marketing.Garry breaks down how golf businesses can leverage AI tools to improve discoverability, personalize content, and drive engagement across search engines and social platforms. We dive into keyword strategy, voice search, local SEO, and how AI is changing the rules for ranking and relevance in a niche like golf.Whether you're a golf brand, course owner, or content creator, this episode offers actionable insight into how to stay visible in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
March 4, 2026Episode 12232 min
Rock Solid Estate Planning: Victoria Duke on Wills, Trusts & Protecting Assets
Attorney Victoria Duke of Rock Solid Law & Title joins Jesse Stakes on Making Cents of It All for a practical, eye‑opening conversation about protecting your legacy through smart estate planning. Victoria breaks down the essentials—wills, trusts, probate, guardianship, asset protection, and common legal mistakes families make—and explains how proactive planning can save time, money, and stress for the people you care about most. Whether you're starting from scratch or updating an existing plan, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to make informed decisions about your future.
February 10, 2026Episode 12133 min
2026 Trucking & Logistics Trends: Derek Rodriguez on Market Challenges and Transportation Finance
Jesse sits down with Derek Rodriguez, President of KC Financial, LLC, for an in‑depth look at the transportation industry in 2026—a sector navigating rapid change, shifting demand, and new financial pressures. Derek shares frontline insights from his work financing transportation companies across the country, breaking down how operators are adapting to market volatility, equipment costs, interest rate environments, and tightening credit conditions.The conversation explores the real challenges facing trucking and logistics companies today, including driver shortages, regulatory shifts, fuel and maintenance costs, and the impact of technology and automation on fleet operations. Derek also discusses what lenders are looking for in 2026, how companies can strengthen their financial position, and where he sees opportunities for growth despite industry headwinds.This episode is packed with practical perspective for anyone connected to transportation finance, trucking operations, logistics, asset‑based lending, or the broader supply chain economy.
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