What Works - 2,500+ Years of Experience in Financial Planning

What does it really take to build a successful financial advisory business while staying grounded in your values and your clients’ best interests? In this episode, Brett Bringuel of Cast Ahead Wealth Management shares his journey from cold-calling early in his career to building an independent advisory firm centered on financial planning, relationships, and long-term client success. He reflects on...

What if the secret to exceptional financial planning isn't better investment management, but understanding people on a deeper level? In this episode, Morris and Morgan Shank reveal the systems, philosophy, and personal approach that have helped them build a highly personalized advisory practice. You'll learn why they believe financial planning extends far beyond numbers, and how proactive service...

What does it take to build a long-term career in financial planning when life doesn’t go according to plan? In this episode, Steve Reents, Senior Financial Advisor at Gaynes Financial Services, opens up about his journey from growing up in Illinois to building a career in Atlanta’s financial services industry—while navigating major life transitions along the way. Listen in as Steve shares how he m...

What happens when two engineers walk away from decades in 24/7 manufacturing environments and apply that same discipline to financial planning? In this episode, Thomas Barnes and Derek Keeney of Nida Financial Group share how they transformed their careers from paper mills, breweries, and industrial engineering roles into building a highly structured, systems-driven advisory firm. Their story reve...

What does it actually take to build a financial advisory business that lasts, especially when you’re starting from scratch in uncertain times? In this episode, William Black of WHB Wealth Management Group shares the real story behind his journey, from working in a small-town community bank to launching and growing his own firm. You’ll learn how early career experiences, wearing multiple hats, and...

What does it really take to build a financial advisory business that supports both your clients and your life? In this episode, Melissa Ekeberg, AIF®, and Chase Gunter share how they’ve built a thriving, independent wealth management firm grounded in education, accountability, and strong client relationships. With over 23 years in the financial services industry, Melissa explains how identifying c...

What happens when someone spends decades in the investment world before becoming a financial advisor later in their career? In this episode, Troy DeCastro shares his unconventional journey from actuarial science and investment consulting to wholesaling and eventually building his own financial planning firm. You’ll learn what he discovered during his 20 years as a wholesaler, why he made the trans...

How do great advisors turn strategy into real, lasting security for their clients? Today, I’m joined by Gary Alpert, Principal & Financial Advisor at Gary Alpert Financial Strategies, who shares his journey from navigating countless interviews to stepping into a lead advisor role. He reveals how mentorship, persistence, and a relentless drive to keep learning shaped his career—and why surround...

What does it really take to build a financial advisory business that changes lives instead of just balancing portfolios? In this episode, Terrell Boone, Partner and Wealth Advisor at Highlands Wealth Group, shares how his upbringing, values, and entrepreneurial drive shaped the way he approaches financial planning and leadership. You’ll learn why simply making money wasn’t enough for him, and how...

What does it take to prepare the next generation of advisors to lead a firm forward? In this episode, brothers Chris and Nicholas Rios from Financial Strategies Group share how their firm is building for the future—through intentional succession planning, strong processes, and a culture that values growth, trust, and adaptability. They discuss what it’s really like stepping into an established fir...

What if the most challenging moments in your life were the ones that prepared you best for your purpose? In this episode, we sit down with Temp Davis, a financial planner whose journey from a successful corporate career to financial planning was anything but smooth. Temp shares how unexpected setbacks, personal growth, and hard-earned wisdom led him to discover his true calling: guiding others thr...

What does it really take to build a lasting financial advisory practice that clients can trust through every season? In this episode, Alan Bratic, President of ThompsonBaker Financial, shares the journey that shaped his approach to guiding clients through both calm markets and turbulent times. With decades of experience, Alan brings insights from his early days in investment services to his leader...

What does it take to grow a financial planning practice while staying true to your values and clients? In this episode, Rebekah Fero, Principal, Financial Planner at Fero Financial, shares how human behavior and psychology play a powerful role in money decisions, and how understanding these factors has shaped the way she supports her clients.  Listen in as Rebekah opens up about her own journey, b...

Today I'm joined by John Franklin of Franklin Watkins Financial Group, who shares how his upbringing and life experiences inspired his mission to help others make sound financial choices. John talks about how he built a thriving practice rooted in comprehensive planning, from retirement and education to charitable giving and risk management, all with a deep commitment to serving clients well. List...

What does it really take to build a thriving wealth management firm from the ground up? In this episode, Robert Day and Justin Burgess of Madison Financial & Associates share their personal journeys into the financial advisory world and how their partnership evolved into a successful, independent practice. They open up about the pivotal moments that shaped their careers, from unexpected beginn...

What does it really take to build a financial advisory firm that lasts across generations? In this episode, John Collins, MBA, CES, and Tim Fail, RICP®, of Collins Wealth Management, share their journey of growing a multi-generational, client-first business rooted in intentionality, values, and clear succession planning. You’ll learn how John transitioned from a background in farming and banking i...

Today, we sit down with Cindy Skaggs, CFP®, to hear her firsthand experience of having her business acquired. From deal structure to client communication, Cindy shares exactly how she navigated the transition, as well as the emotional highs and the practical strategies that made it all work. You’ll hear how she handled clients who didn’t want to transition and how stepping into a paid consultant r...

Darrin Bearden, MBA, is the Founding Partner of Clear Blue Wealth, and he joins the show today to share his unconventional journey from manufacturing and teaching English in Mexico to becoming a financial advisor. From the pivotal moments that led him to financial planning—including a life-changing realization from Dave Ramsey’s book and an unexpected event that made him rethink his future—to key...

Today we sit down with Karen Lee, founder of Karen Lee and Associates, as she shares her incredible journey from architecture to financial services. Karen discusses the challenges and triumphs she faced, her shift into financial planning, and how she built her business through referrals. You'll learn how trusting your intuition, focusing on long-term relationships, and providing value can lead to...

What does it take to build a successful financial planning business while staying deeply connected to your clients? In this episode, Josh Donley, founder of Mosaic Capital Management, shares his entrepreneurial journey, from starting his business to creating a niche. Josh reveals his comprehensive approach to financial planning, highlighting the power of referrals, effective client engagement, and...

Ever wondered how technology and strategic delegation can revolutionize a financial advisory practice? In this episode, Gerald Craig shares his journey from trust management to becoming an independent financial planner, driven by a desire to prioritize client needs. You'll discover how Gerald's adoption of tools like WealthVision and Holistiplan, along with strategies from the Strategic Coach prog...

What does it take to succeed in financial planning while navigating career transitions and building meaningful client relationships? In this episode, host Don Patrick speaks with Robert Davis and Micah Valentine of Pinnacle Wealth Management. Robert and Micah share their journeys from previous careers into financial planning, detailing how they overcame challenges, developed their unique sales str...

What does it take to build a successful financial advisory practice from the ground up? Cindy Skaggs, CFP, shares her personal and professional journey in this inspiring episode. She emphasizes the importance of aligning investments with client goals, risk management, estate planning, and tax strategies. Her success story is filled with invaluable lessons on how to build systems, manage high volum...

How do persistence and strategy play into achieving long-term success in financial planning? In today’s episode, Mike Irvin, CFP, from Integrated Financial Group, shares his inspiring journey and the critical lessons he's learned along the way. From cold calling to smart networking, Mike reveals how he made his own luck and used metrics to measure his growth.  You'll discover the value of having a...

In this episode, we sit down with David Gaynes, founder of Gaynes Financial in Atlanta, Georgia, to explore the strategies that have fueled his business success. You'll learn about the key benefits of engaging with a business coach early on, why David prioritizes hiring ahead of anticipated growth, and how his team structures compensation to drive performance. We'll also cover practical tips on si...