Gray to Great

In this episode, Michaela Scott, Principal and Founder of Strategic Retirement Benefits Group and RPAG Council Member, shares her inspiring journey of becoming a leading and award-winning retirement plan advisor, emphasizing the importance of clarity, client selection, prioritizing your time, and how to build a strong team. Discover her insights on creating impact, fostering a positive culture, an...

In this episode, Dan Dal Degan speaks with Andrew Mirolli , co-founder of buyAUM, about the unique challenges and opportunities faced by financial advisors, particularly in the context of succession planning and retirement. Andrew shares his journey from a financial wholesaler to a business owner focused on helping advisors navigate their transitions. The conversation delves into the emotional asp...

In this episode of Gray to Great, Dan Dal Degan speaks with Mark Forbes of Strategic Retirement Partners about helping participants cross the retirement finish line with confidence. Mark draws on more than 30 years in the industry to explain why intimidation around investing is often the biggest barrier and how small, consistent actions, supported by compounding and automation, can meaningfully im...

In this episode of Gray to Great, Doug Bermudez, Managing Director at Strategic Retirement Partners, joins Dan Dal Degan to discuss the role clear communication plays in improving retirement outcomes for plan sponsors and participants. Doug shares how his background as a bilingual advisor has shaped his approach to participant education. He explains how organizations can simplify complex retiremen...

In this episode of Gray to Great, Kristine Meyer of Stiles Financial Services joins Dan Dal Degan to explore what adaptability looks like as workforce demographics continue to shift. She discusses the importance of understanding client needs, communicating effectively, and adjusting to generational differences. Kristine reflects on the realities of Gen Z entering the workforce and how advisors can...

In this episode of Gray to Great, Dan Dal Degan interviews Scott Colangelo, chairman of Prime Capital, discussing his journey from starting at Edward Jones to establishing the first RIA in Kansas. Scott shares insights on building a scalable retirement advisory firm, the convergence of wealth management and retirement advising, and his advocacy efforts in the industry. He emphasizes the importance...

In this episode of "Gray to Great," host Dan Dal Degan and guest Lloyd Engleman, a Managing Director of Alkeme Financial Services of Accelerate Retirement, discuss the intricacies of scaling efficiently as a retirement plan advisor. They explore strategies for success, the importance of building trust with clients, the power of the RPAG platform, and the evolving landscape of retirement planning....

In this episode of "Gray to Great," Dan Dal Degan speaks with Steven Puckett, Managing Partner of Fiduciary Pension Partners, about the evolving landscape of corporate retirement planning. They discuss the importance of personalized, 1:1 consulting, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, and how proactive communication can lead to business growth. Steve shares his effectiv...

In this episode of "Gray to Great," Dan Dal Degan interviews Phil Senderowitz, a 2025 Plan Advisor of the Year in the Covering the Gap category, focusing on the importance of providing retirement solutions for small and mid-size businesses. They discuss the impact of recent legislation, the significance of understanding client needs, and the value of specialization in the retirement planning indus...

This episode is the second of a two-part special edition of the Gray to Great podcast, dissecting private assets in defined contribution plans with 2 special guests: Zachary Rosenoff, Director of Investments at Marsh McLennan Agency, and Charlotte Hickey, Director of National Accounts at BlackRock. In this special episode of Gray to Great, host Dan Dal Degan engages in a rich conversation with gue...

This episode is the first of a two-part special edition of the Gray to Great podcast, dissecting private assets in defined contribution plans with 2 special guests: Zachary Rosenoff, Director of Investments at Marsh McLennan Agency, and Charlotte Hickey, Director of National Accounts at BlackRock. In this special episode of Gray to Great, host Dan Dal Degan engages in a rich conversation with gues...

In this episode of "Gray to Great," host Dan Dal Degan is joined by Rick Unser, a managing director at Creative Retirement Planning Services. They discuss Rick's career journey, focusing on his specialization in private equity retirement plans. Rick shares insights on the importance of curiosity and specialization in career development, emphasizing the value of building relationships and becoming...

In this episode of "Gray to Great," Board Member of the Great Gray Group and host, Dan Dal Degan, is joined by Virginia Ryan, a plan advisor with 401(k) Plan Professionals in the Twin Cities. Virginia shares her unique journey from being a flight attendant to becoming a 401(k) plan advisor. She discusses the challenges and learning experiences she faced while transitioning into the financial world...

Summary   In this conversation, Dan Dal Degan (Board Member of Great Gray Group) and Holly Knight (Director of Retirement Services at Alera Group) discuss the impact and role of AI in financial services.   They explore topics around how to use AI to make your daily schedule more efficient, the trade-offs and risks of AI and how to address those concerns, how AI may impact the financial services in...

Summary : In this conversation, Burak Alpaslan and Dan Dal Degan discuss the importance of educating clients and how that builds a trusted relationship.  They explore topics around the strategy and playbook Burak uses for client retention, how to help and educate clients through storytelling, lessons around identifying and prospecting for clients, and how culture plays a role in Vital Planning Gro...

Discover the power of authenticity and human connection in sales with Renee Scherzer. Summary: In this episode of "Gray to Great," host Dan Dal Degan has a value-packed conversation with Renee Scherzer, Senior Vice President at OneDigital Retirement & Wealth, to discuss the importance of being authentic and personable in your network and connections. They delve into topics such as differentiat...

In this episode, Sean Kelly, Vice President at Heffernan Retirement Services, shares practical tips to deepen connections with clients and prospects. Sean reminds us, “Hopes, dreams, fears, and goals in personal life also drive the ways people do business.” Here’s why you should listen: ·          Human Connection : Master the art of meaningful client relationships. ·          Sales Best Practices...