Category: Advisor
Numbers into Clarity: How Steve Goldstein Empowers Advisors with Retirement Analyzer (Ep. 93)

Numbers into Clarity: How Steve Goldstein Empowers Advisors with Retirement Analyzer (Ep. 93)

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What began as a clunky Excel-based solution has transformed into a tool used by thousands of advisors to help clients make informed financial decisions with clarity and precision.

In this episode, Jeremy Houser sits down with Steve Goldstein, CFP®, ChFC®, Founder of Thomas Gold Solutions, to explore how Retirement Analyzer has evolved over 15 years into a highly detailed yet accessible financial planning software. 

They discuss how user feedback, thoughtful development, and a focus on simplicity help advisors deliver more confident and customized client experiences.

Steve discusses:

  • How Retirement Analyzer developed from a vague spreadsheet tool into a detailed, client-focused software solution
  • The importance of simplifying financial concepts for clients while giving advisors full control over plan depth
  • How new features like client portals and docu trackers foster stronger advisor-client collaboration
  • The role of community feedback in shaping ongoing updates, features, and training opportunities
  • Why focusing on planning outcomes, not products, creates longer-lasting client relationships
  • And more!

Connect With Steve Goldstein:

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

About Our Guest:

Steve, a graduate of Drexel University in Philadelphia, resides in Western Pennsylvania. He began his career in the financial industry 1983, where he worked on Wall Street for 22 years trading stock and index options in New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago. Steve was a Partner at Liberty Capital Group through the late 1990s and a Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing of a large FMO from 2008 to 2010. 

In 2010, Steve teamed with partner Brooke Thomas to purchase Cravens & Associates and form Thomas Gold Solutions. His experience as an advisor is an asset when creating software solutions that help advisors and clients understand the value of the financial planning process. Steve and Brooke work continuously to keep the Retirement Analyzer software cutting edge with updates and new functionality. Steve holds his CFP® and ChFC® designations.

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Unstoppable Ascent: Rod Mims on Athene’s Rise to the Top (Ep. 92)

Unstoppable Ascent: Rod Mims on Athene’s Rise to the Top (Ep. 92)

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From launching a retail annuity business to becoming the leading annuity distributor, Athene’s journey is a masterclass in growth and adaptability.

This week, Jeremy Houser sits down with Rod Mims, EVP and Head of Retail at Athene USA, to explore the strategies and pivotal decisions that fueled their rapid ascent.

This episode pulls back the curtain on technology breakthroughs, the power of people and culture, and the “silver tsunami” driving unprecedented annuity demand. They also dive into what it truly takes to sustain growth while delivering meaningful value to clients and partners.

Rod discusses:

  • The founding story of Athene’s retail business and lessons from scaling up from $10 billion to $36 billion in annual premium
  • The role of technology, especially moving from paper applications to 90% electronic processing and piloting paperless carrier-to-carrier transfers
  • The importance of building strong strategic partnerships and maintaining operational efficiency to support exponential growth
  • The impact of demographic shifts, interest rates, and volatility on the future of the fixed index annuity industry
  • How Athene fosters a high-retention, engaged culture through communication, leadership training, and employee feedback
  • And more!

Connect With Rod Mims

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

About Our Guest:

Rod Mims serves as the Executive Vice President and Head of Retail Sales at Athene USA. In his role, he is responsible for overseeing Athene’s retail annuity business and driving continued growth through the development of strong partnerships.

Mr. Mims joined Athene in 2011 and served as Senior Vice President and National Sales Manager until he assumed his current role, bringing extensive institutional experience and strategic initiative to continue the successful execution of the organization’s growth plans.

Prior to joining Athene, he was the National Sales Manager for Genworth Financial, with responsibility spanning its bank, wirehouse, and independent broker-dealer channels.

Mr. Mims received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, accompanied by a degree in Marketing and Supply Chain Management. He graduated from the GE Management Development Institute- Crotonville and completed Executive Education from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business.

About Athene:

Athene is a leading retirement services company that specializes in helping its customers retire with confidence and is a solutions provider to institutions. As a company, Athene is driven to do more and is never satisfied with the status quo. Athene strives to create innovative financial solutions and has a strong team to serve our policyholders and our communities.

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From Practice to Enterprise: Scaling with Intention with Duncan MacPherson (Ep. 91)

From Practice to Enterprise: Scaling with Intention with Duncan MacPherson (Ep. 91)

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Growth in financial advising demands a balance between serving current clients effectively and exploring transformative strategies for business development.

This week, Jeremy Houser engages Duncan MacPherson, founder and CEO of Pareto Systems, to uncover principles for scaling a financial advisory practice while enhancing client relationships. From mastering practice management to leveraging technology like AI, Duncan provides actionable insights to redefine value and elevate advisory practices.

Duncan discusses:

  • Strategies to strengthen client advocacy by focusing on existing relationships
  • The evolution from organic growth to scalable, team-oriented practices
  • The significance of creating structured processes to enhance business efficiency
  • The importance of balancing emotional intelligence with technological advancements
  • Steps for crafting a robust exit strategy that maximizes business value and legacy
  • And more!

Resources: 

Connect With Duncan MacPherson:

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

About Our Guest:

Driven by a deep passion for unlocking potential, Duncan MacPherson steers Pareto Systems in his role as CEO. Together with financial professionals and visionary firms, he is committed to designing businesses that achieve both profitability and purpose.

Duncan, alongside his team, leverages the unique ‘The Blue Square Method’ – a methodology inspired by best practices – to guide professionals toward discovering their ‘Blue Square.’ This represents the ideal state where their business activities are in perfect harmony with their passion and purpose.

As a speaker in high demand, he travels extensively throughout North America and around the world, conveying dynamic and fact-rich presentations that have made him a popular spokesperson for the Financial Services industry.

His expertise in demystifying business development and marketing in the financial world has universal appeal, from the high-level advisor to the successful wholesaler, to corporate financial institutions. His primary goal is to help Professionals achieve liberation and order in their businesses through step-by-step methodology and execution.

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Building Momentum Through Systems, Training, and Delegation (Ep. 90)

Building Momentum Through Systems, Training, and Delegation (Ep. 90)

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Growth is possible, even in a slower market, when advisors focus on what matters most.

In this episode, Jeremy Houser checks in with listeners on personal and professional wins while sharing how his team continues to outperform the broader industry. He breaks down the tools, training, and strategies that have helped advisors thrive in 2025 and beyond, even as the market cools.

Jeremy discusses:

  • How his team achieved 15% growth year-over-year despite the fixed indexed annuity market declining 5% in Q1
  • The critical role of advisor trainings, masterminds, and personal development resources like book lists and mindset work
  • Leveraging technology and AI tools for efficient marketing, faster client communication, and content creation, including replacing costly agencies
  • The value of delegation in building strong advisor teams, including examples of growing from solo shops to teams of 19+
  • How consistency in content, authenticity, and strategic use of social media drive trust, visibility, and client engagement
  • And more!

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

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Beyond Financial Planning: Integrating Real Estate and Legacy with Mark Taylan, CRPC (Ep. 89)

Beyond Financial Planning: Integrating Real Estate and Legacy with Mark Taylan, CRPC (Ep. 89)

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Financial advising can extend far beyond numbers—it’s about building trust, adapting strategies, and planning for a meaningful legacy.

In this episode, Jeremy Houser speaks with Mark Taylan, CRPC, Founder and Managing Director at Advisors360 LLC, about his journey in blending real estate expertise with financial planning to create a client-focused legacy. They discuss Mark’s unique approach to integrating personal values and long-term vision into his practice while training the next generation of advisors.

Mark discusses:

  • Building trust and connection with clients by crafting a compelling founder story
  • The role of real estate as a significant asset in shaping financial strategies
  • The importance of planning for legacy and training the next generation of advisors
  • How focusing on growth-oriented planning reshaped his independent practice and helped his mindset to scale
  • The impact of joining Advisor Mentorship Program to his business
  • The value of using workshops and a podcast to connect with and educate clients
  • And more!

Connect With Mark Taylan:

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

About Our Guest:

Mark Taylan has a 22+ year track record of guiding clients through some of the most challenging financial markets. His extensive experience with traditional Wall Street firms, big banks, and independent brokerage firms has been instrumental in identifying the best solutions for his clients. Through this journey, he has learned that no single investment firm or strategy is consistently superior to the others. Over his many years as a financial advisor, Mark has faced real-life challenges, including helping clients transition through different phases of their lives, navigating personal tragedies, and celebrating achievements. He considers it a privilege to have walked alongside many clients to the end of their lives and to continue their legacies with their loved ones.

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Building Trust Through Emotionally Intelligent Financial Conversations with Ashley Quamme (Ep. 88)

Building Trust Through Emotionally Intelligent Financial Conversations with Ashley Quamme (Ep. 88)

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Financial advice isn’t just about the numbers. It’s about understanding the people behind them.

In this episode, Jeremy Houser sits down with Ashley Quamme, LMFT, FBS®, CFT™, founder of Beyond the Plan®, to explore the emotional and behavioral aspects of financial advising. They explore how financial professionals can use emotional intelligence to build stronger relationships with clients, improve decision-making, and enhance trust. Ashley shares insights from her therapy background and practical strategies for virtual and in-person advisory work.

Ashley and Jeremy discuss:

  • The importance of collaborative language in client conversations and why it matters
  • The shift from therapy to financial services and the valuable crossover of skills
  • How body language and facial cues play a vital role in virtual meetings
  • Strategies for financial advisors to enhance trust with high-net-worth clients, even in online settings
  • The role of a Financial Behavior Officer in advisory practices and how it transforms client relationships
  • And more!

Resources: 

Connect With Ashley Quamme:

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

About Our Guest:

Ashley Quamme, LMFT, FBS®, CFT™, is the Owner of Beyond the Plan®, a consulting practice that partners with firms to integrate financial psychology into their practice. In addition to her work with advisory firms, she is a speaker and host of Planning & Beyond™, a podcast where she explores the intersection of financial planning and human understanding, bringing practical strategies and insights to advisors and financial professionals.

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Mastering Sales: Avoid Bad Habits and Remove Pressure with Marc Lamson (Ep. 87)

Mastering Sales: Avoid Bad Habits and Remove Pressure with Marc Lamson (Ep. 87)

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What’s the number one habit salespeople should avoid?

Join Jeremy Houser on the Advisor Mentorship Podcast, where he engages with special guest Marc Lamson, President of ASLAN, to dive into the essentials of other-centered selling.

Nail down the habits that may be holding you back and discover how beliefs can drive behaviors in impactful ways. Learn strategies to remove pressure, boost your confidence, and truly validate your customer’s perspective. This episode gives insights that stand to transform your sales approach, with actionable advice for today’s fast-paced and tech-driven sales world.

Jeremy and Marc discuss:

  • The significance of other-centered selling
  • Key traits that make a successful salesperson
  • Driving desire and productivity in sales organizations
  • Setting standards and defining your unique sales proposition
  • The detrimental effects of responding too quickly
  • Why beliefs drive behaviors and how this impacts sales
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect With Marc Lamson:

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

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Adapting to the Silver Tsunami: Growth Strategies for Entrepreneurial Advisors (Ep. 86)

Adapting to the Silver Tsunami: Growth Strategies for Entrepreneurial Advisors (Ep. 86)

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The financial advisory business is on the cusp of a massive transformation! 

Is your firm ready to catch the wave of the Silver Tsunami? Are you prepared to engage with the next generation of clients who communicate and consume information very differently?

In this episode, Jeremy Houser discusses the challenges and opportunities facing financial advisors in 2025. He emphasizes the importance of adapting to new technologies and communication methods to connect with both current and future clients. 

Additionally, Jeremy shares data and strategies on client engagement, tech implementation, and the necessity of connecting with the younger generation to sustain and grow advisory firms.

Jeremy highlights:

  • The “Silver Tsunami” and its effect on advisory practices
  • Technology preferences: Gen Xers vs. Baby Boomers
  • The “Great Wealth Transfer” and its ramifications for future services
  • Innovative strategies to engage clients’ children for generational loyalty
  • Strategies separating high-growth vs low-growth financial firms
  • The crucial role of social media in reaching younger generations
  • And more!

Resources: 

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

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Understanding Tax Reform and Political Shifts with Jeff Bush (Ep. 85)

Understanding Tax Reform and Political Shifts with Jeff Bush (Ep. 85)

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With tax laws set to change and political uncertainty shaping the economy, financial professionals must stay ahead of the curve.

How can advisors prepare their clients for potential tax hikes? What does the current administration mean for financial markets and regulations?

In this episode, Jeremy Houser speaks with Jeff Bush, founder of The Washington Update, about the tax landscape, political shifts in Washington, and key financial planning opportunities. 

Jeff shares insights on legislative challenges, market uncertainties, and strategies advisors can use to guide their clients effectively.

Jeff discusses:

  • The background and mission of The Washington Update
  • Challenges facing the new administration, including tax reform and tariffs
  • The potential impact of tariff policies on the economy
  • Strategies for advisors regarding upcoming tax changes
  • The significance of leveraging tech, DOGE and efficiency in government
  • And more!

Connect With Jeff Bush:

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

About Our Guest:

A dynamic and insightful speaker and author, Jeff Bush is known for his unique ability to translate difficult and confusing information coming out of Washington D.C. into winning growth strategies for business owners, executives, and high-net- worth investors. The Washington Update is widely considered the financial industry’s NONPARTISAN experts on all things Washington. Founded by Andy Friedman in 2008, Jeff is now the principal of the firm.

Jeff presents more than 200 times yearly in the US and abroad to a client base that includes a who’s who list of fortune 500 firms from Wall Street to Main Street and everywhere in between.

Jeff frequently appears on CNBC’s Nightly Business Report, is featured in various industry publications, including Investment News, ThinkAdvisor, Wealth Management, Wealth Solutions Report, and a guest on POTUS Sirius/XM Radio.

While Jeff is best known as a keynote speaker, he has shared the stage with many notables, including prior Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Federal Reserve, Ben Bernanke and Stanley Fischer, Ron Insana, a reporter for Market Score Board and former Senior CNBC Analyst, Consuelo Mack, host of Wealth Track, Jeffrey Applegate, CIO for Morgan Stanley, Robert Reynolds President and CEO of Putnam Investments, and John Theil, former Vice Chairman of Global Wealth Management at Bank of America.

Jeff is a 30+ year veteran of the financial industry. By the end of his career on Wall Street, he managed a $50+ billion sales organization. Before that, Jeff was the youngest managing partner in the 150-year history of The New England Financial.

Jeff holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration/Management with an emphasis in Accounting, Computers, and Philosophy from William Jewell College.

Jeff’s dedication, forward-thinking, and strategic abilities have resulted in performance records, industry awards, and industry accolades.

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Scaling Wealth Practices Through Systems with Terry Wheeler (Ep. 84)

Scaling Wealth Practices Through Systems with Terry Wheeler (Ep. 84)

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Building a thriving financial practice is not about working harder but working smarter.

How can systems transform how you serve clients and expand your business’s reach? How do emotional connections and holistic strategies pave the way for growth?

In this episode, Jeremy Houser interviews Terry Wheeler of WE Alliance Wealth Advisors, who shares his journey of doubling his assets under management while emphasizing the power of systems, goal-setting, and client-centric planning. From refining processes to implementing effective strategies, Terry unveils how to create value for clients and achieve growth.

Terry discusses:

  • The importance of breaking annual goals into 12-week plans to stay focused and achieve measurable outcomes
  • Terry shares the resources and systems that helped his team more than double their assets while working with Simplicity InsurMark
  • Incorporating fixed indexed annuities and other tools strategically within client portfolios
  • Leveraging video content and systematized processes to improve client experiences and generate referrals
  • His plans for expanding estate planning and tax strategies, supported by software and coaching programs
  • And more!

Connect With Terry Wheeler:

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

  • jeremy.houser@simplicitygroup.com
  • 713-808-8548
  • Schedule a Call
  • Our Teams Website
  • Connect with Jeremy
  • @jeremyhouser_amp
  • @jeremyhouserAMP
    About Our Guest:Terry is a highly accomplished Estate and Wealth Strategist Planner brimming with experience. He is an Estate Planning Attorney and taught tax at the University of California, Davis. His career in the financial industry began in 1987, underpinned by a strong educational foundation. Terry holds a Bachelor’s degree in Financial Planning from San Diego State University and a Juris Doctorate Degree in Law from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law. He furthered his studies with a post-doctorate program at the Masters program of the Esperti Peterson Institute.

    Terry is nationally recognized for his expertise in wealth accumulation, preservation, estate planning, charitable planning, and asset protection. He frequently educates attorneys, accountants, and financial professionals through lectures and writings on these subjects. He also authored various articles and presentations.

    He is affiliated with esteemed organizations like the American Bar Association, the Estate and Probate Section of the Sacramento Country Bar, the Financial Planning Association, the National Association of Enrolled Agents, Wealth Counsel, and the National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys. Terry holds law licenses in California and the United States Eastern District of California, in addition to being a Certified Financial Planner.

    On a personal note, Terry resides in Granite Bay, California, where he enjoys family time, vintage home renovation, and local outdoor activities.

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