From Crisis to Coaching: Building Businesses That Solve Real Problems

This past week on the Beyond Fulfillment podcast, we’re spotlighting two entrepreneurs who took very different paths, but landed in the same place: solving big, real-world problems through grit, service, and strategy. From tax deferral to executive transformation, their stories offer grounded insights for anyone navigating growth.

1. Brett Swarts — Capital Gains Tax Solutions Brett shares his journey from real estate broker during the 2008 crash to founding a firm that helps clients defer capital gains taxes. He reflects on early struggles, building trust, and using media platforms to scale.

3 Key Takeaways:

• Challenging economic times can clarify purpose and highlight the need for solutions.
• Consistency, resourcefulness, and embracing new platforms helped overcome skepticism.
• Centering on client outcomes and telling their stories fuels long-term growth.

2. Ted Santos — Turnaround Investment Partners Ted opens up about his path from running a transportation company to coaching top executives. He shares lessons on innovation, culture, and why CEOs should be creating, not just solving, problems.

3 Key Takeaways:

• Innovation often comes from outside your industry.
• Great leaders create problems that challenge teams to grow.
• Culture change starts at the top—with leadership behavior.

Both episodes underscore a powerful truth: solving problems starts with how we show up. Whether you’re guiding clients through financial exits or transforming your team from within, success lies in asking better questions and staying grounded in purpose.

Listen to both episodes here → Beyond Fulfillment Podcast