Our Featured Guest for April 26, 2026 is Jace Graham, Our Entrepreneur Spotlight is Amy Scruggs and our Executive Spotlight Guests are Jackie Ott-Jaakola and Dr. Maggie Placer, DVM
Alternative Investing, Caregiving Resilience & Saving Cats: A Powerful Entrepreneurial Journey
In this episode of Passage to Profit, hosts Richard and Elizabeth Gearhart explore bold financial strategies, deeply personal resilience, and mission-driven innovation. From alternative investing in oil and minerals to rebuilding a business after caregiving, and advancing feline health research, this episode delivers powerful insights for entrepreneurs navigating uncertainty, purpose, and growth.
Jace Graham – Founder and CEO, Rising Phoenix Resources
🌐 https://www.rising-phoenix.com/
Jace Graham, a fourth-generation oil expert and CEO of Rising Phoenix Resources, challenges traditional investing wisdom by advocating for alternative assets like oil and gas minerals, real estate, and private credit.
Key Takeaways:
- Why “safe” investments like stocks and bonds may not be as secure as they seem
- How alternative investments can deliver 12–30% potential returns
- The power of tangible assets like oil, minerals, and real estate
- How global events (like oil supply disruptions) impact markets—and create opportunity
- The role of diversification across multiple “pillars” of investing
- How AI is being used to train sales teams and optimize performance
Jace also shares his entrepreneurial journey—from flipping houses with limited capital to building a multi-faceted investment firm—and explains how disciplined systems, metrics, and strategic hiring fueled his growth.
Amy Scruggs – Media Coach & Keynote Speaker
🌐 https://www.amyscruggsmedia.com/
Amy Scruggs returns to the show with a deeply personal story about stepping away from a thriving media career to care for her father during his battle with Alzheimer’s—and how she rebuilt her life and business afterward.
Key Takeaways:
- The emotional and professional impact of becoming a full-time caregiver
- How sharing authentic content during hardship built a stronger personal brand
- The importance of planning for family caregiving as an entrepreneur
- Re-entering the workforce after a long absence—and finding renewed purpose
- How resilience, relationships, and integrity can sustain a business long-term
Amy’s story is a powerful reminder that success isn’t just about growth—it’s about meaning, connection, and showing up when it matters most.
Jackie Ott-Jaakola & Dr. Maggie Placer, DVM – EveryCat Health Foundation
Representing EveryCat Health Foundation, CEO Jackie Ott-Jaakola and veterinarian Dr. Maggie Placer discuss their mission to improve the health and longevity of cats through research and education.
Key Takeaways:
- The impact of rebranding a nearly 60-year-old nonprofit
- How scientific research is advancing feline health worldwide
- The importance of awareness and funding for cat-specific medical research
- How small teams can leverage AI for efficiency and impact
- Using AI for research support, communications, and operational productivity
Their work is helping millions of cats live longer, healthier lives—and demonstrates how purpose-driven organizations can scale impact through innovation.
Additional Highlights
- Real-world AI use cases from entrepreneurs across industries
- A discussion on hiring, scaling, and building systems for growth
- Intellectual Property News: Taylor Swift faces a trademark dispute over “Life of a Showgirl”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are alternative investments and why consider them?
Alternative investments include assets like oil, gas, real estate, and private lending. They can offer higher returns and diversification compared to traditional stocks and bonds, though they may carry different risks.
How can entrepreneurs prepare for unexpected life events like caregiving?
Planning ahead is critical. Entrepreneurs should discuss contingency plans with family, build flexible business systems, and create support networks before a crisis occurs.
Can you rebuild a business after stepping away for years?
Yes. As Amy Scruggs demonstrates, maintaining strong relationships, a solid reputation, and authentic communication can make it possible to successfully re-enter and rebuild.
How is AI being used by entrepreneurs today?
AI is being used for content creation, sales training, meeting summaries, research, and operational automation—helping businesses save time and improve performance.
What is the EveryCat Health Foundation?
EveryCat Health Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to funding feline health research to improve the lives of cats worldwide.
Are oil and gas investments risky?
Like all investments, they carry risk—particularly tied to commodity price fluctuations. However, strategic acquisition and diversification can help mitigate those risks.