What's Kenner French Thinking!

Defined benefit plans are powerful retirement and tax-saving tools for business owners, yet they can seem highly technical and overwhelming. Unlike 401(k)s where employees contribute individually, defined benefit (DB) plans are employer-sponsored, with the company making large contributions on behalf of the participant—often the business owner. This structure allows much higher contribution limits...

Liz Brooks, a PR pro turned podcast marketing specialist, explains why podcasting is a powerful complement to traditional PR: it delivers authentic “voice,” builds trust faster than filtered press quotes, and reaches busy audiences on the go. She stresses blending—don’t ditch TV/print—but use podcasts to expand share of voice and thought leadership, especially for entrepreneurs and real estate pro...

R. Kenner French introduces a discussion on the new tax bill and its significant implications for business owners. He emphasizes that the changes will allow many entrepreneurs to save substantial amounts of money, particularly through the use of federal and state research and development (R&D) tax credits. This is especially relevant to small business owners and communities focused on lowering...

Shane Carter opens with one big lesson: focus. In his early years he chased shiny objects, made some money, but not “real” money—and burned relationships in the process. Getting calm and centered changed everything: better relationships, more income, less grind, and genuine work–life balance. 🌱 He runs a diversified real estate fund centered on housing with three prongs: (1) Multifamily—primarily...

The discussion opened with Kenner introducing Carolyn Lowe, founder of ROI Swift, as a proven expert in helping brands grow on Amazon. Carolyn shared her ambitious goal of helping 500 brands profitably scale, noting she has already guided over 200. A standout success story involved a father-and-son team who grew from six figures to seven figures per month under her guidance and eventually achieved...

R. Kenner French begins by explaining what a qualified plan is—retirement savings vehicles like 401(k)s, IRAs, profit-sharing plans, and defined benefit or cash balance plans. He emphasizes that these aren’t just for large corporations; even solopreneurs and entrepreneurs without employees can establish them. The appeal lies in their ability to lower taxes, build long-term wealth, and create finan...

R. Kenner French, together with Veronica Weindl, discussed how artificial intelligence (AI), particularly large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, can be used not only for personal convenience but also for business growth. Kenner emphasized that while many pretend to be AI experts, it’s important to first understand the basics—how to log in, use prompts, and apply AI tools to real-life situation...

Cost segregation is introduced as a powerful tax strategy for real estate investors, allowing them to accelerate depreciation on certain property components and reduce their taxable income. R. Kenner French explains the concept with humor, comparing his own “short-term value depreciation” to his wife’s “long-term value,” to show how the IRS permits faster write-offs on assets that lose value quick...

R. Kenner French opens the conversation by framing Dean Rogers as a “hands-on” real estate coach who truly guides students through deals end to end. Dean immediately sets the tone: there’s no “easy button” in real estate—like any worthwhile business, results come from consistent work. What differentiates his program, he says, is direct access: instead of being handed off to junior coaches, student...

A new strategic alliance between R. Kenner French and the Asset Defense Team combines tax, finance, and AI expertise with nationwide asset protection and estate-planning legal services. French frames the session around a simple premise: many owners postpone estate planning, but doing it early enables an orderly transfer of assets and can reduce taxes for heirs. The partnership aims to deliver “one...

Elaine Mingus shares her incredible entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing resilience and reinvention. Despite raising seven children and facing financial hardship, she pivoted during the pandemic by founding a six-figure vintage furniture business in Austin, Texas—starting with flipping items she found on the curb. This pivot came after years in the background as a writer, speaker, and blogger, and...

Business owners often juggle countless tasks, and automation through artificial intelligence (AI) offers a powerful solution. R. Kenner French highlights five of the best resources that small business owners can use to streamline operations and save both time and money. He notes that AI tools are no longer luxuries reserved for large corporations—they’re now accessible, affordable, and practical f...

R. Kenner French introduces the concept of AI R&D tax credits as a powerful way for entrepreneurs—especially real estate investors and small business owners—to save money while innovating. He emphasizes that these credits are different from standard tax deductions. While deductions reduce taxable income, R&D credits provide a direct financial benefit that can put real money back into entre...

R. Kenner French opens by framing the audience—primarily U.S. solopreneurs and small business owners—and asks Laurel Pendle for a high-impact tip. Laurel emphasizes two foundations: start with a real strategy before leaping, and cultivate a leadership mindset that’s positive and grounded. Without those, she says, even fast-growing companies can crumble because momentum without structure magnifies...

Estate planning is often overlooked by entrepreneurs, but as R. Kenner French and attorney Robert J. Bluhm stress, it is essential for anyone who wants to protect their assets and their family. The conversation begins with a stark reminder: after working for 30 to 40 years, no one wants to lose their wealth to taxes, probate costs, or poor planning. Estate planning ensures that money stays in the...

Shane opens by framing travel as more than logistics—it’s about maximizing life’s limited leisure time with rich, immersive experiences. He argues many DIY planners “sell the experience short” by optimizing only for cost and clicks rather than design and depth. Lugos Travel’s promise is to leverage time and assets so vacations are “go big on experience,” blending what clients love with culture, fo...

R. Kenner French emphasizes that many entrepreneurs are "leaving money on the table" by overlooking the Research and Development (R&D) tax credit. He explains that even experienced CPAs sometimes forget about it, highlighting how often business owners miss out. Unlike a deduction, this incentive is a dollar-for-dollar credit against taxes, meaning direct savings. Kenner stresses that...

R. Kenner French introduced a product called AI Credit Max!, designed to help entrepreneurs and business owners unlock government tax credits—both federal and state—for innovation and AI-driven initiatives. He explained that many businesses already using artificial intelligence tools (such as ChatGPT) or pushing technological innovation may unknowingly qualify for significant tax credits. The goal...

R. Kenner French hosted real estate expert Jay Conner, known as “the Private Money Authority,” to discuss how real estate investors can grow their portfolios without relying on banks. Jay emphasized that private money lending—funding from individuals instead of institutions—has been the single biggest game-changer in his career since 2009. Unlike traditional financing, private money allows investo...

Beau Turner, founder of Abundant Mines, shared his journey from building a successful real estate portfolio to going all in on Bitcoin mining. While real estate offered strong wealth-building potential, he realized it didn’t ignite his passion long-term. After discovering Bitcoin in 2015 and gaining conviction by 2020, he transitioned into mining because it combined cash flow and tax advantages si...

R. Kenner French opened the discussion by asking Daniel Nikic why investors should look beyond U.S. markets. Daniel highlighted globalization’s undeniable impact, from supply chains in Asia to innovation emerging abroad. He pointed out that many successful companies, such as Grammarly, originated outside the U.S. but gained prominence globally. Population size and growing consumer bases in countri...

R. Kenner French introduces the importance of asset protection by framing it as a form of risk mitigation. He explains that many people are familiar with the term but often don’t fully understand its value until it’s too late. Without proper planning, decades of accumulated wealth can be wiped out by a single lawsuit. Asset protection strategies, such as the use of LLCs (Limited Liability Companie...

R. Kenner French interviews PR expert Jeremy Knauff on how press and media can rapidly expand a business. Jeremy’s core thesis: building authority status is one of the highest-leverage moves an entrepreneur can make. Third-party validation from reputable outlets (e.g., Entrepreneur, Forbes, Inc.) cuts through skepticism, shortens sales cycles, and positions you as the credible solution. Authority...

R. Kenner French explains the importance of registered agents for businesses. Many entrepreneurs set up LLCs in other states and don’t even realize they already have a registered agent appointed by their attorney. A registered agent’s role is to accept official legal and government documents—such as lawsuits, tax notices, and state communications—on behalf of a business or sometimes even individua...

Angela Totman has been a trusted partner to Sharon Lechter for over two decades, serving as the COO of Pay Your Family First, their financial education and entrepreneurship training company. She often describes herself as Sharon’s “right-hand,” helping bring Sharon’s vision to life through strategy, execution, and mentorship programs that support entrepreneurs and individuals on their path to fina...