• Banking on Relationships with Toni North
    Sep 3 2026

    On the ValiantCEO Podcast, host George Wright III interviews Toni North, branch manager at SSB Bank in Pennsylvania, about relationship-based banking, small business growth, and community connection. Toni shares how she entered banking as a teller and stayed due to long-term customer relationships, contrasting big banks’ pressure to “sell, sell, sell” with SSB’s philosophy of “build a relationship, not a product.” She explains practical ways she builds trust—greeting customers by name, understanding life events, being honest when she needs to research answers, providing personal access (including her cell phone), and helping customers switch direct deposits and bills step-by-step. Toni highlights SSB’s local, high-touch service, including no-fee small business accounts and direct access to real people at the branch, and notes that even the bank’s president and CFO regularly interact with customers.


    00:00 Build Relationships First

    01:57 Toni’s Banking Origin Story

    03:35 Why Community Banking Wins

    05:34 Trust and Personal Service

    07:05 Customers Like Family

    08:19 Community Growth and Media

    09:33 Helping Small Businesses Save

    11:59 Switching Banks Made Easy

    13:51 Small Bank Big Leadership


    About Toni North:

    Toni North is an Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager at SSB Bank. Drawing on years of experience across multiple banking institutions, she specializes in building lasting deposit relationships through personalized service and trust. Toni brings practical insight into how relationship-driven banking strengthens customer loyalty, communities, and long-term business growth.


    Links

    https://www.ssbpgh.com/


    About George Wright III:

    George Wright III is a Proven, Successful Entrepreneur- and he knows how to inspire entrepreneurs, companies, and individuals to achieve Massive Results. With more than 20 years of Executive Management experience and 25 years of Direct Marketing and Sales experience, George is responsible for starting and building several successful multimillion-dollar companies. He started at a very young age to network and build his experience and knowledge of what it takes to become a driven and well-known entrepreneur. George built a multi-million-dollar seminar business, promoting some of the biggest stars and brands in the world. He has accelerated the success and cash flow in each of his ventures through his network of resources and results driven strategies. George is now dedicated to teaching and sharing his Prosperity Principles and Strategies to every Driven and Passionate Entrepreneur he meets. His mission is to Empower Entrepreneurs Globally to create Massive Change and LIVE their Ultimate Destiny.


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    16 mins
  • Strategies for Small Business Success with Mark Amell
    Aug 25 2026

    George Wright III interviews Mark Amell — former leader of an early US military AI project and founder of DMA Consulting and Local Business Rising — about helping small businesses avoid overwhelm and failure. Amell argues you "can't scale a mess," and explains that many owners struggle because marketing is complex, budgets are limited, and agencies often sell only a few services while successful businesses use many techniques to cover the full buyer journey. He recommends creating four guiding documents (business, marketing, financial, and health/wellness plans) to evaluate "shiny objects" and strengthen foundations, and outlines a buyer journey framework from awareness to credibility verification, onboarding, follow-up, and long-term nurturing. He also discusses the collaborative book "Biz Golden Nuggets" and emphasizes surrounding yourself with the right people.


    • 02:28 Early AI Lessons
    • 03:59 Why Small Businesses Fail
    • 06:49 Four Plans Foundation
    • 10:36 Shiny Objects and 80 20
    • 12:00 Mapping the Buyer Journey
    • 15:19 Credibility and Trust
    • 16:37 Biz Golden Nuggets Book
    • 19:02 Community and Lonely Top
    • 21:37 Final Advice and Wrap


    About Guest

    Mark Amell is an entrepreneur, engineer, and AI pioneer with a master's degree in Computer Engineering and bachelor's degrees in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mathematics. He helped lead the U.S. Air Force's first artificial intelligence project before founding a software company that has maintained customer relationships for more than 20 years. Today, he also leads a marketing company focused on helping small businesses solve real business challenges through practical, low-risk solutions. Mark is the author of an upcoming book that will be distributed free to more than 200,000 small businesses to help simplify their path to growth.


    Get the FREE Book

    https://bizgoldennuggets.com/free-copy


    Links

    Website: https://localbusinessrising.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markamell/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DMAMarkAmell

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/localbusinessrising

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    22 mins
  • Authority & Relationships to Scale Your Business with Jed Morley
    Feb 10 2026

    In this episode of the ValiantCEO Magazine podcast, host George Wright III interviews successful entrepreneur Jed Morley, CEO and managing member of PLA Pay. Jed shares his journey from a real estate broker to a pioneering figure in the payment processing industry. They discuss the importance of building relationships, leveraging authority, and utilizing technology to scale businesses. Jed also sheds light on his innovative venture, Payment Cowboys, and how it's making waves in the FinTech space. Additionally, he offers valuable insights on the current market landscape, the impact of AI, and the significance of finding purpose and fulfillment in both personal and professional life.



    00:50 Welcome to the Authority Formula Podcast

    02:11 Jed Morley's Background and Career Journey

    04:04 Transition from Real Estate to Payment Processing

    06:01 Innovations in Payment Processing

    10:56 The Birth of Payment Cowboys

    13:22 The Importance of Relationships in Business

    14:37 Building Authority and Brand Strategy

    16:28 Building Authority Through AI and Machine Learning

    16:52 Interviewing Kathy Ireland: From Script to Friendship

    17:08 The Importance of Trust and Credibility in Business

    17:56 Opportunities in FinTech and Banking

    19:23 Creating a Personal Brand and Legacy Asset

    22:58 Leveraging AI for Business Success

    24:32 Finding Purpose and Value in Business and Life

    25:51 Advice for Entrepreneurs and Business Owners

    28:34 The Impact of Personal Passions on Business


    About the Guest: Jed Morley

    Jed Morley is a seasoned entrepreneur, brand strategist, and FinTech leader. As the CEO of PlatPay and co-founder of Payment Cowboy, Jed has spent over two decades helping businesses navigate the complexities of secure payment solutions and brand scaling. He is a featured contributor for Entrepreneur and ValiantCEO, specializing in high-volume transaction platforms and authority positioning.



    Guest Resources

    Published Works

    Book: Building a Brand That Scales: How to Unlock the Hidden Value in Your Brand and Business (Fast Company Press)


    Framework: Creator of the Backstory Brand Wheel™ Framework


    Connect Online

    Website: JedMorley.com / Backstory Branding


    LinkedIn: Jed Morley on LinkedIn


    Business: PlatPay (Platinum Payment Systems)


    About George Wright III:


    George Wright III is a Proven, Successful Entrepreneur- and he knows how to inspire entrepreneurs, companies, and individuals to achieve Massive Results. With more than 20 years of Executive Management experience and 25 years of Direct Marketing and Sales experience, George is responsible for starting and building several successful multimillion-dollar companies. He started at a very young age to network and build his experience and knowledge of what it takes to become a driven and well-known entrepreneur. George built a multi-million-dollar seminar business, promoting some of the biggest stars and brands in the world. He has accelerated the success and cash flow in each of his ventures through his network of resources and results driven strategies. George is now dedicated to teaching and sharing his Prosperity Principles and Strategies to every Driven and Passionate Entrepreneur he meets. His mission is to Empower Entrepreneurs Globally to create Massive Change and LIVE their Ultimate Destiny.

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    31 mins
  • Why Massage Therapy Is More Than Just A Luxury With Dr. Dominique Carson
    Feb 6 2026

    Massage therapy is often seen as a luxurious way of relaxation. However, it offers more medical benefits than you could imagine. George Wright III pulls back the curtain on the science behind it with licensed massage therapist Dr. Dominique Carson. Together, they discuss how massage therapy regulates the nervous system as well as the other body systems, making it essentially an extension of nursing. Dr. Dominique also breaks down how grief vastly transformed her outlook in life, her unique TRIBE philosophy, and her reason for pursuing a doctorate degree. This inspiring conversation will redefine your idea of wellness and learn how to align actions with intention.


    01:26 Dr. Dominique’s Work As A Licensed Massage Therapist

    06:11 Why Massage Therapy Is More Than Just A Luxury

    09:21 Understanding The Core Philosophy Of TRIBE

    13:48 How Grief Can Reshape Focus And Clarity

    18:25 Challenges Of Pursuing Further Education

    22:06 Dispelling Misconceptions About Massage Therapy


    About the Guest

    Every rose has its thorn, but the beauty of the flower makes the pain worth it in the end. Dr. Dominique M. Carson has been remarkable in her current state, Virginia, and her hometown, New York City. She has beaten all odds by becoming an award-winning massage practitioner, freelance journalist, author, and orator. From the time she was eight years old, she used her artistic and writing abilities to inform and inspire others, leading her to greater heights. As a result, she received her bachelor's and master's degrees before she was 25.


    Carson became the first African American to receive the Brooklyn College Wall of Fame award in 2011. Carson has interviewed over 100 figures in popular culture as a freelance journalist. She received various awards, including 2x Author All-Star, the Global Iconic Changemaker Award, and the Global Recognition Award for her editorial and health/wellness work. In Spring 2024, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Humanitarianism from the Global International Alliance Advocate University.


    Her story has been featured in media outlets such as Speakers Magazine, Courageous Woman Magazine, Sheen Magazine, Impact Magazine, Femi Magazine, Industry Times, and Forbes.One. VoyageLA, ShoutoutLA, and Bold Journey, to name a few.


    Guest Resources

    Professional Portfolio: https://dominiquecarson.contently.com

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/domcarson

    Facebook: https://facebook.com/dmc922

    Instagram: https://instagram.com/domcarson90

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdominiquemcarson

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    26 mins
  • Teaching People To Beat Chronic Fatigue With Miguel Bautista
    Jan 9 2026

    Many high achievers with Type A personalities often push themselves too hard that they get stuck in chronic fatigue and constantly experience brain fog. Being in such an unhealthy state of mind will never bring you success, and you have to deal with it as soon as possible to avoid hitting rock bottom. George Wright III is joined by Miguel Bautista, who has developed the CFS Recovery System that has helped over a thousand people go from bedridden to thriving. He shares how his personal struggles with undiagnosed symptoms as a former athlete opened his eyes to the concept of a hypersensitive nervous system and harness the power of brain retraining. Discover how to get rid of burnout, reclaim your best self, and achieve peak performance by regulating stress and alleviating chronic fatigue through science-based approaches.


    01:58 Looking Back To Miguel’s Inspiring Personal Journey

    09:17 Understanding What A Hypersensitive Nervous System Feels

    13:53 How Miguel’s CFS Recovery System Works

    20:05 Importance Of Taking A Break From The Grind

    21:47 Get In Touch With Miguel

    22:38 Episode Wrap-up And Closing Words


    About the Guest

    Miguel Bautista, author of Thriver, Not Survivor: How to Beat Chronic Fatigue, has helped thousands overcome fatigue, brain fog, and chronic pain, using the CFS Recovery System—a proven program he developed that has guided over 1,000 people from being bedridden to thriving. A former athlete, Bautista personally overcame years of mysterious, undiagnosed symptoms by discovering the power of brain retraining and neuroplasticity, and now leads a global coaching team composed of former clients who have fully recovered and guide others through the same transformative process.


    Guest Resources

    Website: cfsrecovery.co/apply

    Book: Thriver, Not Survivor: How to Beat Chronic Fatigue

    YouTube: CFS Recovery Channel

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    25 mins
  • Secrets of Tax Lien Investing Revealed with Dale Merkord
    Oct 27 2025

    In this episode of ValiantCEO Podcast, host George Wright III discuss wealth planning strategies with seasoned real estate investor Dale Merkord. They delve into the complexities and lucrative potential of tax liens and deeds, a lesser-known investment strategy that offers guaranteed returns. Dale shares his transition from bank foreclosures to tax liens, the intricate process of property evaluation, and how his company, Certainty Investment Group, simplifies this for investors. They highlight the due diligence required, the common mistakes to avoid, and the benefits of partnering with experts to achieve consistent, secured returns. Perfect for those seeking to enhance their investment portfolios or venture into real estate with minimal hands-on involvement.


    00:00 Welcome to the ValiantCEO Podcast Podcast

    00:32 Introducing Dale Merkord: Real Estate Investment Expert

    01:31 Understanding Tax Liens and Deeds

    05:00 Challenges and Risks in Tax Lien Investing

    08:21 Certainty Investment Group: Ensuring Safe Returns

    15:23 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

    17:54 Final Thoughts and Getting Started



    About the Guest

    Dale Merkord is a seasoned real estate investor who began his career pursuing bank foreclosures before discovering the opportunities in U.S. tax lien and tax deed sales. Fascinated by the consistency and profitability of this centuries-old market, he has dedicated himself to mastering the complex, state-by-state process of tax sales. Through Certainty Investment Group, Dale offers investors a truly passive way to earn secure annual returns of 12–15%, handling all the research, due diligence, and property inspections required to make smart, low-risk investments. His mission is simple: take the guesswork out of real estate investing and provide safe, reliable returns that perform in any economy


    Guest Resources

    Website: https://certaintyinvestmentgroup.com/



    About George Wright III:

    George Wright III is a Proven, Successful Entrepreneur- and he knows how to inspire entrepreneurs, companies, and individuals to achieve Massive Results. With more than 20 years of Executive Management experience and 25 years of Direct Marketing and Sales experience, George is responsible for starting and building several successful multimillion-dollar companies. He started at a very young age to network and build his experience and knowledge of what it takes to become a driven and well-known entrepreneur. George built a multi-million-dollar seminar business, promoting some of the biggest stars and brands in the world. He has accelerated the success and cash flow in each of his ventures through his network of resources and results driven strategies. George is now dedicated to teaching and sharing his Prosperity Principles and Strategies to every Driven and Passionate Entrepreneur he meets. His mission is to Empower Entrepreneurs Globally to create Massive Change and LIVE their Ultimate Destiny.



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    22 mins
  • From Survival to Freedom: Charlie Chen & Ultra Wellness Gear on Reclaiming Agency Through Mindset
    Oct 17 2025

    In this insightful episode of ValiantCEO Podcast, host George Wright III interviews Charlie Chen, founder of Ultra Wellness Gear. Charlie shares his unique journey from growing up in a Buddhist monastery to becoming a successful entrepreneur. The discussion dives into the importance of mindset, overcoming past stories, and developing leaders within organizations. Charlie outlines his three-step transformation process: uncovering your story, getting complete with your past, and inventing new possibilities. He also touches on the significance of daily rituals like 'The Miracle Morning' and offers final tips for achieving inner peace and addressing external challenges through leadership strategies.


    00:47 Welcome to the ValiantCEO Podcast

    01:21 Meet Charlie Chen: Background and Journey

    02:04 Charlie's Early Life in a Buddhist Monastery

    05:12 Transition to Business and Personal Development

    10:52 The Three-Step Transformation Process

    18:56 Daily Rituals for Consistency and Success


    About Guest:

    Charlie Chen is an entrepreneur and mindset/wellness coach who focuses on practical tools for peak performance and recovery. He leads Ultra Wellness Gear, a brand offering at-home cold plunges and saunas, and blends Eastern mindfulness principles with modern leadership coaching to help founders and teams improve clarity, energy, and execution.


    Resources:

    Company: https://ultrawellnessgear.com/

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mrcharisma

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    23 mins
  • Deep Dive Into Physical Therapy With Dr. Ray Waters
    Sep 15 2025

    As the common saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure.” This rings true in the world of physical therapy. Joining George Wright III is Dr. Ray Waters, owner and founder of Prevent & Restore Physical Therapy, who talks about his one-on-one approach to address the specific needs of his patients, particularly overhead athletes. He discusses the crucial role of preventative care to reduce the likelihood of experiencing chronic pain. Dr. Ray also shares practical tips on how desk workers, who move way less than athletes, should still prioritize active mobility to avoid severe neck and back pain.


    In this episode of ValiantCEO Podcast, George Wright III talks to Dr. Ray Waters, a world-class orthopedic physical therapist and owner of Prevent and Restore Physical Therapy. Dr. Waters shares his journey into physical therapy inspired by personal experiences with his mother’s injuries and discusses why he chose a one-on-one approach to patient care. They delve into the importance of preventative measures, how commercial pressures can compromise patient care, and why specialization, particularly with athletes, is crucial. Dr. Waters also provides insights and strategies for professionals and desk workers to maintain their physical health and prevent injuries.


    01:26 Dr. Ray Waters' Background and Inspiration

    06:35 Challenges of Starting a Business

    08:52 The One-on-One Approach

    16:07 Specializing in Overhead Athletes

    18:59 Overworked Athletes and Shoulder Mechanics

    20:26 Workshops and Corporate Wellness

    24:42 Strategies for Desk Workers

    25:09 Understanding Neck Pain and Posture

    29:56 Thoracic Spine Mobility


    About the Guest: Dr. Ray Waters

    Dr. Ray Waters is highly credentialed, holding certifications in Certified Strength and Conditioning

    Specialist (CSCS), Functional Movement Screening (FMS), and Certified Ergonomic

    Assessment Specialist (CEAS). His CSCS certification uniquely equips him to design

    Advanced strength and performance programs, allowing patients to progress beyond traditional physical therapy and achieve their highest potential. He has also trained in advanced manual techniques, including the Stecco Fascial Manipulation method, and is certified in dry needling to further optimize recovery and reduce pain.


    With extensive experience treating Division I athletes, weekend warriors, desk workers, and

    post-surgical patients, Dr. Ray has developed a particular expertise in working with overhead athletes, especially baseball players and throwers. He is dedicated to providing one-on-one, personalized treatment plans that restore movement, improve performance, and keep athletes competing at their best.


    Guest Resources

    Website: www.preventandrestorept.com

    Location: Marietta, GA

    Phone: 404-907-2734


    About George Wright III:

    George Wright III is a Proven, Successful Entrepreneur- and he knows how to inspire entrepreneurs, companies, and individuals to achieve Massive Results. With more than 20 years of Executive Management experience and 25 years of Direct Marketing and Sales experience, George is responsible for starting and building several successful multimillion-dollar companies. He started at a very young age to network and build his experience and knowledge of what it takes to become a driven and well-known entrepreneur. George built a multi-million-dollar seminar business, promoting some of the biggest stars and brands in the world. He has accelerated the success and cash flow in each of his ventures through his network of resources and results driven strategies. George is now dedicated to teaching and sharing his Prosperity Principles and Strategies to every Driven and Passionate Entrepreneur he meets. His mission is to Empower Entrepreneurs Globally to create Massive Change and LIVE their Ultimate Destiny.

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    37 mins