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Using Leadership Agility to Scale Your Business with Rob Ferguson, CEPA (Ep. 74)

Using Leadership Agility to Scale Your Business with Rob Ferguson, CEPA (Ep. 74)

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Can you lead your business through change without losing balance?

In this episode of the Advisor Mentorship Podcast, Jeremy Houser is joined by Rob Ferguson, CEO of Ferguson Alliance, to explore how independent advisors can differentiate themselves through effective restructuring and strategic planning. 

You’ll gain insights on how to evolve from a salesperson to a business leader, ensuring your practice’s sustainability while balancing work-life dynamics. 

They discuss: 

  • Strategies for successful business restructuring and growth planning
  • Tips for 2025 Business Planning
  • The importance of balancing structure and flexibility in leadership
  • Ways to delegate task efficiently 
  • How to maintain a sustainable business while planning for future succession
  • The power of mentorship and advisory boards for business growth
  • And more!

Connect With Rob Ferguson:

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About Our Guest:

With over a decade of steering middle-market family-owned companies, Rob Ferguson, Founder and President of Ferguson Alliance, harnesses his NACD Board Leadership Fellowship and Certified Exit Planning Advisor credentials to guide CEOs and boards through generational transitions. His team’s focus on strategic implementation and value creation prepares business leaders for successful exits, fostering sustainable growth and operational excellence.

Leveraging his skills in family business governance, succession planning, and process improvement, Rob’s clients thrive on strategic insights that enable concrete results. In collaboration with stakeholders, he has shaped robust strategies that drive growth, optimize operations, and ensure the realization of his clients’ business objectives.

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From Solo Advisor to CEO with Michael Ginsberg, CFP, JD (Ep. 73)

From Solo Advisor to CEO with Michael Ginsberg, CFP, JD (Ep. 73)

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Success isn’t just about working harder—it’s about working smarter and knowing when & how to scale.

In this episode of the Advisor Mentorship Podcast, Jeremy Houser sits down with Michael Ginsberg, founder of Ginsberg Financial Strategies, who shares his remarkable journey from being a solo advisor to building a thriving team, highlighting the dramatic impact it’s had on his business and personal life.

You’ll learn the importance of mindset shift in hiring, the power of a well-crafted recruitment process, and how focusing on high-value activities can lead to significant business growth.

They discuss: 

  • Michael’s transition from a solo advisor to managing a team
  • Strategies that led to 5X growth within 12 months
  • Leveraging a third-party consulting firm to hire the right people
  • The role of mindset in making pivotal business decisions
  • Insights on improving client relationships through operational efficiency
  • The significance of having a well-structured hiring process
  • And more!

Resources: 

Connect With Michael Ginsberg:

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About Our Guest:

Michael Ginsberg founded Ginsberg Financial Strategies in 2012 to move beyond traditional financial advice that left retirement-focused clients vulnerable to market losses.

He is passionate about helping clients create reliable retirement income and was fed up with risky market-based solutions. Therefore, he developed a simple income-based blueprint that empowers clients to create lifetime wealth.

Now, he helps diligent savers in the East Bay use his Lifetime Wealth BlueprintSM to protect what they have, grow it carefully, and feel confident retiring knowing their money will last as long as they need it to.

Everything they do—their services, operations, and outreach—is shaped by this goal.

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Mastering the Game: Proven Systems for Thriving Financial Advisors with Chad Willardson (Ep. 72)

Mastering the Game: Proven Systems for Thriving Financial Advisors with Chad Willardson (Ep. 72)

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Balancing multiple businesses and a fulfilling personal life is a challenge many entrepreneurs face.

How do you manage a thriving career while maintaining a strong family foundation? How do you leverage social media to grow your brand and connect with clients?

In this episode of the Advisor Mentorship Podcast, Jeremy Houser is joined by Chad Willardson—a five-time bestselling author and manager of $1.2 billion in investments. We’ll dive deep into Chad’s journey from a successful career at Merrill Lynch to founding Pacific Capital, and discover how he balances running multiple businesses with family life. 

Whether you’re an advisor looking to differentiate yourself or a young entrepreneur in need of guidance, this episode is packed with insights that can elevate your game.

They discuss: 

  • Chad’s transition from Merrill Lynch to founding Pacific Capital after the 2008 financial crisis
  • The importance of having a disciplined, growth-focused mindset
  • How effective use of LinkedIn has transformed Chad’s business and personal brand
  • Practical advice for young professionals on blending personal authenticity with business growth
  • And more!

 

Resources: 

Connect With Chad Willardson:

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About Our Guest:

Chad Willardson is the Founder and President of Pacific Capital, a fiduciary wealth advisory firm that serves high-net-worth entrepreneurs and families. He is also the Founder of Platinum Elevated, a coaching program designed to help entrepreneurs achieve financial and lifestyle freedom.

In addition to his professional roles, Chad is a five-time best-selling author. Some of his notable works include “Stress-Free Money” and “Smart, Not Spoiled”. He is recognized as one of the top wealth management experts in the country, helping clients manage their finances, increase cash flow, and reduce stress about money.

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The Entrepreneur Blueprint with Mike Milligan (Ep. 64)

The Entrepreneur Blueprint with Mike Milligan (Ep. 64)

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Adopting innovative ideas and a fresh approach is a great way to transform your financial advisory career. Lets dive into an industry leading Entrepreneurs mindset!

Join Jeremy Houser as he talks with Mike Milligan, the visionary entrepreneur and Certified Financial Planner® behind Ideas by Mike. Together, they touch on the ever-evolving landscape of the financial services industry, sharing insights on thriving in a post-COVID world, leveraging technology for growth, and the importance of adapting to meet clients’ changing needs. Follow along to elevate your practice and create impactful, lasting change within the industry.

Jeremy and Mike discuss: 

  • The transition to offering virtual financial services and the advantages of reaching clients nationwide
  • Strategies for effective entrepreneurship and business growth in the financial sector
  • Embracing financial technology in the virtual world
  • The struggles and perseverance of business owners from being overworked and under-resourced to overcome issues
  • The impact of COVID-19 on the industry and how it has reshaped advisor-client interactions
  • The importance of assembling the right team to foster innovation and improve service
  • And more

 

Resources:

Connect with Mike Milligan:

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Connect with Jeremy Houser:

 

About Our Guest:

Mike Milligan is the CEO of Ideas By Mike. With over 24 years of experience in guiding individuals through the complexities of finance and life, Mike is well-versed in offering support as an advisor, confidant, and mentor. He acknowledges the universal need for assistance and credits his own journey of personal growth and professional success to the invaluable guidance he has received.

Having transformed physical fitness and business acumen, Mike recognizes the power of mentorship and cognitive control in shaping one’s life choices. A lifelong learner, he channels his honed expertise to aid others, drawing from his qualifications in life and health insurance, as well as his CFP® (CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™) and Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designations.

Mike’s career trajectory spans stints at major financial institutions and boutique investment firms, culminating in the establishment of his own firm nearly a decade ago. His professional ethos centers on being the trusted advisor who prioritizes the best interests of every client. On a personal level, Mike aspires to excel as a devoted father to his three children—Zach, Grace, and Paige—and a supportive husband to his wife, Leigh Ana. The Milligan household is further enriched by the presence of their cherished canine companions, Lady Goos and Lady Luna.

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Wrapping Up The Third Quarter — The Power Of The Pen (Ep. 24)

Wrapping Up The Third Quarter — The Power Of The Pen (Ep. 24)

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In January, the year ahead seems so long, but suddenly, Labor Day hits, and we look back and realize we are ready to wrap up the third quarter. 

Throughout the year, there have been some big changes to our industry, allowing advisors to hone their skills to attract prospects and secure new deals. 

In this episode, Jeremy Houser explains must-know shifts in the advising industry while detailing ways you can use these to your advantage to pull in prospects and create a meaningful bond that will secure client and team loyalty.

Jeremy discusses: 

  • What types of conversations you should be having with prospects
  • The importance of adapting to different marketing tactics and strategies
  • The value in going against the grain, separating yourself from the competition
  • Ways to present yourself and your team as industry experts 
  • And more!

Resources:

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Houser Party of Four — Welcoming Baby Olivia (Ep. 23)

Houser Party of Four — Welcoming Baby Olivia (Ep. 23)

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After a long-awaited 9 months, Jeremy Houser and his wife Christina are overjoyed to welcome their newborn, Olivia. 

In this episode, Jeremy talks about everything newborn and how his lifestyle has evolved since becoming the ‘Houser Family of Four.’ Jeremy talks about his career, the steps he is taking for his children, and how he has been able to navigate his business amid the arrival of his daughter. 

Jeremy discusses: 

  • Ways he and his family have adjusted their life and work balance 
  • How he has used the help of advisors he trusts to create a sound financial plan for his children
  • His 2022 motto for keeping his advisors motivated
  • Understanding the value of a single-income household
  • What’s his future business looking like 
  • And more!

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Tips & Processes to Manage Your Practice In This Virtual Environment with Al Caicedo (Ep. 22)

Tips & Processes to Manage Your Practice In This Virtual Environment with Al Caicedo (Ep. 22)

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In the last couple of years, there has been a shift in businesses, creating an abundance of advisors working virtually. 

But it is not as easy as it may seem. To successfully manage a virtual business, you must stand out from the crowd.

In this episode, Jeremy Houser speaks with Al Caicedo, president, and owner of CKS Summit Group. Al shares different strategies advisors can incorporate when switching to an online platform and the personalization they need to create a loyal customer base. 

Al discusses: 

  • The importance of incorporating webinars and video messaging within your practice 
  • The truth about trust, ego, and commitment when it comes to building and maintaining a business in this virtual environment 
  • How to keep your clients informed without throwing them an abundance of oversaturated information
  • Ways to personalize your relationship with your clients 
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Al Caicedo:

Book Time with Jeremy Houser: 

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

About Our Guest:

Al Caicedo is the president and owner of CKS Summit Group. Al’s focus is to help his clients enjoy their lifestyle beyond the workplace and into their retirement years. He educates and enables them to come to understand for themselves the financial path they should follow. He has spent twenty years helping clients protect and preserve their assets. His safe money strategies helped clients save millions of dollars during the latest market collapse.



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A Mid-Year Review: Here’s How Advisors Can Continue Growing (Ep. 21)

A Mid-Year Review: Here’s How Advisors Can Continue Growing (Ep. 21)

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While gaining outreach in such a saturated market can be extremely challenging, this year has been very prosperous for advisors.  

This week, Jeremy Houser details ways to continue that growth for the remainder of this year and the years to come. 

Jeremy highlights the role of innovation, creativity, and even time off when it comes to business growth and the ever-changing and uncertain marketplace. Through the use of technology, Jeremy outlines ways you can keep your clients up to date on market trends while allowing your business to elevate its marketing efforts.

Jeremy discusses: 

  • The importance of vacation time and the value of setting realistic expectations with clients 
  • Reasons advisors shouldn’t be afraid of changes and challenges 
  • Important marketing tidbits for advisors 
  • Balancing remote work to keep up with clients 
  • And more!

Resources:

Book Time with Jeremy Houser: 

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Annexus: Your Innovative Annuities & Insurance Solutions Platform with Ron Shurts (Ep. 20)

Annexus: Your Innovative Annuities & Insurance Solutions Platform with Ron Shurts (Ep. 20)

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Advisors, it’s no secret that the annuity industry has substantially grown this year. 

So what better month to discuss annuities than June, which is Annuity Awareness Month? 

In this episode, Jeremy Houser is joined by Ron Shurts, entrepreneur and co-founder of Annexus. Ron talks about his path into the financial industry while detailing how Annexus has expanded within the annuities and insurance field. This expansion has allowed the firm to be named the “Annuity Innovator of the Year” for three years in a row.

Ron discusses: 

  • His beginnings in the financial services arena and the challenges he faced during the process
  • How Annexus provides annuities and insurance solutions to advisors and their clients
  • The secret sauce that makes the company set the standard for the industry
  • Changes and projections for the Fixed Index Annuity (FIA) space
  • And more!

Connect with Ron Shurts:

Book Time with Jeremy Houser: 

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About Our Guest:

Ron Shurts is an entrepreneur and the co-Founder of Annexus, a Scottsdale, Arizona-based company dedicated to designing and marketing innovative products that help people grow and protect their retirement savings. With his partner Don Dady, they’ve built a reputation for developing new business strategies and forging partnerships with industry thought leaders, leading insurance carriers Nationwide, Athene, and Securian, as well as some of the world’s largest investment banks, including J.P. Morgan, UBS, Zebra Capital Management, Barclays, Merrill Lynch, etc.



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Simplicity Life — Life Insurance Made Simple & Easy with Nathan Jacobson (Ep.19)

Simplicity Life — Life Insurance Made Simple & Easy with Nathan Jacobson (Ep.19)

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Often, misinformation leads to a missed opportunity for high returns. Thankfully, we have the knowledge you need to help your clients make an informed decision on their life insurance.

This week, the Executive Vice President at Simplicity Life, Nathan Jacobson, joins Jeremy Houser to explain how independent financial professionals can use the tools and resources Simplicity Life provides their advisors with best-in-class life insurance solutions. Whether it be protecting loved ones from an untimely death or as a tax diversification tool, Nathan highlights the array of benefits around life insurance. 

Plus, he unpacks some valuable wisdom words for financial advisors, like the importance of investing in your business and continuous education.

Jeremy and Nathan discuss: 

  • Ways Simplicity Life is now the largest independently-owned life brokerage in the country
  • The firm’s educational approach in offering their agents the highest level of knowledge to pass on to their clients
  • The power of life insurance as a financial vehicle
  • Ways advisors and prospects can benefit from Simplicity Life’s tax-free retirement platform 
  • Advice for financial advisors: The value of education and maintaining a digital presence
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Nathan Jacobson:

Book Time with Jeremy Houser: 

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

About Our Guest:

As the Executive Vice President of Simplicity Life, Nathan Jacobson takes his accomplished 18 years in the life insurance industry to the largest financial marketing organization, Simplicity Life. Nathan’s extensive knowledge in insurance distribution and sales management is poised to help him build new strategic alliances and industry best sales platform and proprietary insurance products for use across all of Simplicity Life.

 

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