What if the biggest breakthrough in your relationship wasn't changing your partner, but finally understanding them?

In this episode of Caddo Convos, host Buddy Broyles of Blue Mic Studios welcomes Risper Wangari, founder of Love Seat Counseling & Therapy, to explore how empathy, emotional connection, and trauma-informed counseling can transform relationships.

Originally from Kenya, Risper shares her remarkable journey from a successful international corporate career to discovering her calling as a therapist after experiencing the life-changing benefits of counseling herself.

Specializing in couples therapy, trauma recovery, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Risper and her team help couples navigate communication challenges, rebuild trust, heal emotional wounds, and strengthen their connections. From newly engaged couples to partners married for decades, her approach emphasizes understanding the deeper emotions behind relationship conflicts.

Risper also shares why she chose Caddo Office Reimagined's North Tarrant location as a home for her growing practice and offers inspiring advice about courage, trusting yourself, and following your heart.

Whether you're looking to strengthen your relationship, navigate a career change, or better understand the power of empathy, this conversation offers valuable insights.

Contact: https://loveseatcounseling.com/about-risper-wangari/

- Healing Begins with Understanding: Many relationship conflicts stem from unresolved emotional wounds and trauma. Recognizing the pain behind a partner's behavior can open the door to empathy and connection.

- Therapy Isn't Just for Relationships in Crisis: Love Seat Counseling & Therapy works with couples at every stage, from premarital preparation to marriages spanning 30–50 years.

- A Proven Approach to Couples Counseling: Risper's team specializes in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), first helping couples de-escalate conflict before rebuilding deeper emotional bonds and security.

- Finding the Right Therapist Matters: With approximately 10–12 therapists, Love Seat uses a personalized matching process to connect clients with professionals suited to their specific needs.

- Sometimes Healing Means Letting Go: Not every relationship can or should be saved. Counseling can also help couples find clarity, closure, and healthier ways to separate, particularly when children are involved.

- A Career Transformation Inspired by Personal Healing: After earning an MBA and building a successful corporate career, Risper's own counseling experience inspired a decade-long transition into helping others heal.

- Courage Doesn't Mean Being Fearless: Reflecting on her move from Kenya to the United States, Risper encourages others to trust themselves, follow their hearts, and recognize their courage even when they feel afraid.

Podcast services provided by Blue Mic Studios, the podcast production division of Visual Learning Solutions, LLC.

https://www.bluemicstudios.com/

Blue Mic Studios is located in Frisco at the Westridge location of Caddo Offices Reimagined.

https://caddooffices.com/

What happens when a future commercial pilot makes an emergency landing and discovers an entirely different calling?

On this episode of Caddo Convos, host Buddy Broyles welcomes Richard "Rick" Faletti, President of Innovative Safety Solutions, Inc., a North Texas-based company helping businesses protect their people through workplace safety consulting, specialized training, and industrial safety services.

Rick shares his unexpected journey from aviation school to working at NASA's Johnson Space Center and eventually launching a nationwide safety consulting business in 2018. Today, his team of 15 employees across 13 states supports organizations including General Motors, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon Technologies.

From potentially deadly confined-space situations to the importance of trusting your instincts, Rick explains why effective safety leadership means more than identifying problems — it means solving them.

But this conversation goes beyond workplace safety. Rick shares valuable lessons about entrepreneurship, following your passion, embracing unexpected career changes, and developing the grit needed to succeed when things get difficult.

It's a conversation about protecting people, finding purpose, and building the strength to overcome life's challenges.

Learn more: www.mysafetyexperts.com

- An unexpected career change led to his calling. A severe motion sickness episode during a solo flight forced Rick to reconsider becoming a commercial pilot. He switched to occupational safety and landed his first job at NASA's Johnson Space Center.

- Safety is about solutions, not just identifying problems. Innovative Safety Solutions helps organizations solve complex workplace challenges through consulting, employee training, audits, confined-space rescue, and hazardous-energy control procedures.

- Trust your instincts when something feels wrong. Rick recounts a dangerous natural gas facility incident where workers were preparing to enter a confined space with dangerously low oxygen levels and an explosive atmosphere. His attention to warning signs helped prevent a potentially catastrophic situation.

- Building a nationwide business requires expertise and trust. Since founding his company in 2018, Rick has expanded to 15 employees across 13 states, serving major clients in manufacturing, construction, aviation, and oil and gas.

- Passion and curiosity help reveal your purpose. Rick encourages young professionals to explore different opportunities rather than feeling pressured to have their entire careers figured out early in life.

- Entrepreneurship takes discipline and grit. Success doesn't mean avoiding hardship. Rick believes difficult experiences develop the resilience, character, and strength needed to persevere.

- Genuine care is a competitive advantage. Rick credits his team's commitment to helping people and solving real problems as a major reason clients trust and refer Innovative Safety Solutions.

What happens when an unexpected career setback becomes the opportunity to build your own business?

On this episode of Caddo Convos, host Buddy Broyles welcomes Frank Campise, founder of Campise Consulting and Inspections, to explore his journey from a decades-long career in the elevator industry to becoming what he calls a "reluctant entrepreneur."

Frank shares how a difficult professional transition pushed him to launch his own company, helping property owners, building managers, and investors navigate the surprisingly complex world of elevator safety, inspections, maintenance, and multimillion-dollar modernization projects.

From debunking Hollywood elevator myths to explaining the importance of trusted business relationships, Frank offers valuable insights into building a successful company through expertise, integrity, and perseverance.

He also explains why he chose Caddo Office Reimagined's Lakewood location in Dallas, where a familiar community, personalized service, and a productive workspace help him stay focused.

His biggest lesson for aspiring entrepreneurs? Know your strengths, recognize your limitations, and be honest with yourself about what it takes to succeed.

- The Reluctant Entrepreneur: After nearly three decades in the elevator industry, an unexpected career change pushed Frank to establish his own successful consulting business.

- Elevator Safety Is Serious Business: Licensed third-party inspections help verify critical safety systems, while proper maintenance keeps elevators operating safely and reliably.

- The Hidden Cost of Building Ownership: Elevator modernization can cost millions, making expert evaluations essential for property acquisitions, budgeting, and long-term planning.

- Beware of Proprietary Technology: Advanced elevator systems can improve efficiency but may lock building owners into costly, long-term maintenance relationships.

- Relationships Build Businesses: Frank's established reputation, trusted clients, and industry connections helped his independent company grow through referrals.

- Why Caddo Works: Frank values the convenience, personalized service, and focused environment at Caddo's Lakewood location, just minutes from where he grew up.

- Know Yourself Before Taking the Leap: Successful entrepreneurs must recognize their strengths, acknowledge weaknesses, seek support, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Podcast services provided by Blue Mic Studios, the podcast production division of Visual Learning Solutions, LLC.

https://www.bluemicstudios.com/

Blue Mic Studios is located in Frisco at the Westridge location of Caddo Offices Reimagined.

https://caddooffices.com/

In this episode of Caddo Convos, host Buddy Broyles welcomes David Porter, PhD, founder of The Red Dot Group, to discuss executive development and unlocking the next gear in leadership . Drawing from a pivotal personal epiphany after hitting a wall, Dr. Porter shares how he helps highly successful executives move beyond grit and talent to overcome brain fog, burnout, and emotional fatigue . Discover how uncovering broken thinking, leading with dignity, and aligning identity between home and work allows leaders to achieve sustained, high-level success without losing themselves.

https://www.thereddotgroup.org/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidporter-red-dot/

• Unlocking the Next Gear: Dr. Porter specializes in helping talented, high-performing leaders who have plateaued discover their untapped potential when raw grit and talent are no longer enough .

• Recognizing Burnout Signals: High achievers often reach out when experiencing chronic brain fog, emotional fatigue, intense relational strain, and dropping deadlines.

• Separating Business vs. Family Mindsets: Success strategies in business can destroy personal relationships; Dr. Porter helps executives isolate corporate tools while developing relational tools for home life .

• Change with Dignity: Grounded in executive development rather than traditional counseling, the coaching process provides leaders with a side-by-side "backstage pass" to transform with self-motivated dignity .

• Pit Crew Mentality: Operating like a pit crew for "Formula One" executive drivers, Dr. Porter delivers fast, targeted, 30-day to 6-month curated frameworks without wasting time on superfluous meetings .

• A Sacred Trust: Working in clients' lives is viewed as an invitation-only partnership built purely on earned trust and referrals rather than cold sales tactics .

• Concierge Flexibility via Caddo: Leveraging Caddo Office Reimagined's multi-location network allows Dr. Porter to offer concierge-level, frictionless meeting spaces across DFW for his executive clients .

Podcast services provided by Blue Mic Studios, the podcast production division of Visual Learning Solutions, LLC.

https://www.bluemicstudios.com/

Blue Mic Studios is located in Frisco at the Westridge location of Caddo Offices Reimagined.

https://caddooffices.com/

#TheRedDotGroup

#CaddoConvos

#ExecutiveCoaching

#LeadershipDevelopment

#OrganizationalLeadership

#ExecutivePerformance

#DFWBusiness

#MindsetShift

#BusinessGrowth

#CaddoOffices

David Porter PhD, The Red Dot Group, Caddo Convos, executive coaching, leadership development, organizational leadership, DFW business, mindsets and perspectives, executive burnout, business strategy

In this episode of Caddo Convos, host Buddy Broyles welcomes Ethan Leifer, founder of Novum Real Estate, who recently relocated from New York City to Prosper, Texas . Bringing a luxury standard forged in the nation's most competitive market, Ethan discusses how his firm is elevating client service across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex . He breaks down current DFW market dynamics—including why it's currently a buyer's market with builder incentives, and shares how Caddo's multi-location network supports his growing team from Prosper to Fort Worth .

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethan-leifer-02621028a/

https://www.instagram.com/novem_real_estate/

• Bringing NYC Luxury Standards to DFW: Ethan built his luxury-rooted real estate background in New York City's competitive $5M+ market before launching Novum Real Estate in Dallas-Fort Worth .

• Current Buyer's Market Dynamics: Heavy new home construction across North Texas has created a strong buyer's market, with builders offering price cuts and aggressive incentives that existing sellers must compete against .

• Selective Demand for Existing Homes: Sellers offering turn-key, properly priced homes with modern updates continue to draw multiple bids despite overall market shifts .

• Broad Regional Coverage: Serving all price points from $750k+ luxury estates down to equestrian ranch properties, Novum's founding agents cover a vast territory stretching from Celina, Prosper, and Melissa down to Fort Worth and Highland Park.

• Equal Standard of Service: Regardless of price point, Ethan ensures every client receives the same level of white-glove commitment, transparency, and accountability .

• Embracing Texas Culture: Beyond appreciating local hospitality and Hutchins BBQ, Ethan notes his newfound love for Texas friendliness—and the endless availability of Dr Pepper!

• Strategic Flexibility with Caddo: Leveraging Caddo Office Reimagined in Prosper allows Ethan's team to utilize modern workspace facilities while giving Fort Worth agents easy access to regional office hubs .

Podcast services provided by Blue Mic Studios, the podcast production division of Visual Learning Solutions, LLC.

https://www.bluemicstudios.com/

Blue Mic Studios is located in Frisco at the Westridge location of Caddo Offices Reimagined.

https://caddooffices.com/

#NovumRealEstate

#CaddoConvos

#DFWRealEstate

#ProsperTX

#TexasRealEstate

#LuxuryRealEstate

#BuyersMarket

#NorthTexasHomes

#RealEstateExpert

#CaddoOffices

Ethan Leifer, Novum Real Estate, Caddo Convos, DFW real estate, Prosper TX real estate, North Texas buyer market, luxury real estate agent, builder incentives, Texas housing market, Caddo Office Reimagined

In this episode of Caddo Convos, host Buddy Broyles welcomes Celeste Vazquez, Financial Advisor with Stonewater Financial Group in Prosper, Texas . Celeste shares her personal journey from navigating a family environment without financial guidance to becoming a trusted advisor dedicated to empowering business owners and families . Discover why "cookie-cutter" financial plans no longer work, how to cut through online media noise to find financial clarity, and why regularly updating your strategy is essential to protecting your future .

https://www.linkedin.com/in/celeste-vazquez-82b800269/

https://www.stonewaterplanning.com/

• Driven by Personal Experience: Growing up around family and friends without financial guidance inspired Celeste to transition from banking to financial advisory, prioritizing financial literacy and her clients' best interests .

• Beyond Generic Templates: Stonewater Financial Group focuses on custom financial planning tailored to each client's real life, covering retirement, investments, income protection, insurance, and business strategies .

• Cutting Through Social Media Noise: With endless financial advice on platforms like TikTok and social media, Celeste emphasizes that clients are craving personalized clarity that fits their unique situation rather than generic rules .

• Bi-Annual to Quarterly Reviews: To keep up with life shifts, such as buying or selling a business or changing family dynamics, Celeste recommends reviewing and updating financial plans at least twice a year, ideally quarterly .

• Holistic Client Conversations: Rather than delivering sales pitches, Celeste asks the "fun and hard questions" to uncover what keeps clients up at night and protect them against unexpected risks .

• Avoiding the Corporate Machine: Stonewater Financial Group sets itself apart by fostering genuine, high-touch relationships where clients feel comfortable discussing personal and business finances .

• Professional Environment at Caddo: Operating out of Caddo Office Reimagined in Prosper, Texas, provides a welcoming and professional atmosphere for sensitive financial conversations .

Podcast services provided by Blue Mic Studios, the podcast production division of Visual Learning Solutions, LLC.

https://www.bluemicstudios.com/

Blue Mic Studios is located in Frisco at the Westridge location of Caddo Offices Reimagined.

https://caddooffices.com/

#StonewaterFinancial

#CaddoConvos

#FinancialAdvisor

#FinancialClarity

#ProsperTX

#WealthManagement

#FinancialLiteracy

#BusinessStrategies

#DFWBusiness

#RetirementPlanning

Celeste Vazquez, Stonewater Financial Group, Caddo Convos, financial advisor, financial literacy, Prosper TX, wealth management, custom financial planning, retirement planning, small business finance

In this episode of Caddo Convos, host Buddy Broyles welcomes Candace Ford, founder of Kimball Ridge Advisory Services . With over 26 years of accounting experience, Candace shares how her firm supports North Texas nonprofits by taking over back-office operations, bookkeeping, and grant management so founders can focus on their core mission . Learn what it truly means to be "grant ready," why nonprofits shouldn't fund operations out of pocket, and how expert advisory can unlock major funding opportunities .

https://kimballridgeadvisory.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/candace-n-ford-mba-927a52189/

• Comprehensive Nonprofit Support: Kimball Ridge Advisory Services provides specialized accounting, bookkeeping, and grant management to ensure nonprofit organizations remain fiscally responsible to donors and grantors .

• The "Grant Ready" Assessment: Before applying for funding, nonprofits complete a checklist auditing their 501(c)(3) status, bylaws, board structure, and website storytelling alignment .

• Strict Grant Reporting: Because 95% of grants are designated for specific programming rather than general operations, strict tracking and reporting are critical for receiving future awards .

• Sustainable Operations Budgeting: Candace advises that founders should avoid funding their mission out of pocket long-term, advocating instead for strategic corporate sponsorships, donor plans, and operational budgeting .

• Community Success Story: Kimball Ridge assisted Rising Builders in McKinney with web optimization, financial planning, and gaining approval for Texas Workforce Commission technical training funding .

• Expert Advisory Network: The firm collaborates with a specialized grant writer (a former attorney based in New Hampshire) to write compelling proposals that resonate with grantors .

• Dedicated Workspace: Transitioning from a work-from-home setup to Caddo Office Reimagined allowed Candace to boost creativity and focus while networking with fellow local entrepreneurs .

Podcast services provided by Blue Mic Studios, the podcast production division of Visual Learning Solutions, LLC.

https://www.bluemicstudios.com/

Blue Mic Studios is located in Frisco at the Westridge location of Caddo Offices Reimagined.

https://caddooffices.com/

#KimballRidge

#CaddoConvos

#NonprofitManagement

#GrantReadiness

#GrantWriting

#NonprofitAccounting

#DFWBusiness

#NorthTexasNonprofits

#FiscalResponsibility

#Entrepreneurship

Candace Ford, Kimball Ridge Advisory Services, Caddo Convos, nonprofit accounting, grant readiness, grant management, nonprofit funding, North Texas business, operational bookkeeping, grant writing

In this episode of Caddo Convos, host Buddy Broyles welcomes Tuba Fidan, LPC, and founder of Compassion Heals Counseling . Tuba shares her inspiring journey from working as a school counselor in Turkey to establishing a thriving private practice in Texas . Specializing in EMDR therapy, sandtray play therapy, and trauma-informed care for adolescents and adults, Tuba highlights how compassion and genuine connection drive deep emotional healing . She also discusses her work supporting immigrant communities with cultural transition challenges and co-founding a national directory for Turkish therapists .

https://www.compassionhealscounseling.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tuba-fidan-808562227/

https://turkishtherapists.com/

• Transition to Private Practice: Drawing from extensive experience as a certified school counselor, Tuba expanded her scope as an LPC to support adolescents (ages 14+) and adults through complex emotional challenges .

• Specialized Modalities: She utilizes EMDR therapy for trauma recovery and certified sandtray therapy, a creative combination of processing art and miniatures suitable for all age groups .

• Focus on Key Mental Health Struggles: Compassion Heals Counseling primarily focuses on depression, anxiety, grief, ADHD, life transitions, and relationship stress .

• Immigrant Advocacy & Support: Overcoming the challenges of adapting to a new country and language herself, Tuba helps immigrant clients process cultural assimilation and life transitions, and provides formal immigration reports for court proceedings .

• Co-Founding a Therapist Directory: Tuba co-created the Turkish Therapist Platform (turkishtherapists.com), a dual-language network offering resources, webinars, and state-by-state therapist matching for the Turkish community .

• Medication-Free Recovery Story: She highlights a success story of an immigrant client overcoming severe depression solely through open engagement in EMDR sessions and therapeutic processing .

• Modern Office Amenities: Operating out of Caddo Office Reimagined in Allen, Texas, Tuba utilizes the modern design and seamless conference room booking system to host her private practice

Podcast services provided by Blue Mic Studios, the podcast production division of Visual Learning Solutions, LLC.

https://www.bluemicstudios.com/

Blue Mic Studios is located in Frisco at the Westridge location of Caddo Offices Reimagined.

https://caddooffices.com/

#CompassionHeals

#CaddoConvos

#MentalHealthMatters

#EMDRTherapy

#SandtrayTherapy

#LicensedProfessionalCounselor

#AllenTX

#TherapistSpotlight

#TraumaHealing

#ImmigrantSupport

Tuba Fidan, Compassion Heals Counseling, Caddo Convos, EMDR therapy, sandtray therapy, mental health counselor, immigrant mental health, Allen TX therapist, trauma recovery, Turkish Therapist Platform