Category: Wealth

Roadmap For Success with Tony Sifuentes (Ep. 75)

Roadmap For Success with Tony Sifuentes (Ep. 75)

What can independent advisors learn from 20 years of experience?

In this episode, Jeremy Houser connects with Tony Sifuentes, the VP Advisor Development Consultant at Simplicity InsurMark, who brings over two decades of experience in the financial services industry. 

This conversation highlights proven strategies to help advisors maximize their potential, offering fresh insights into business planning, lifelong learning, and embracing new challenges.

Jeremy and Tony discuss:

  • The significant impact of guiding lights 
  • The importance of being a lifelong learner to adapt and grow
  • The “do it now” attitude crucial for top advisors in executing plans effectively
  • Overcoming obstacles such as shiny object syndrome and imposter syndrome to ensure business growth
  • Strategic insights into effective business planning for 2025 and beyond
  • And more!

Connect With Tony Sifuentes:

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

About Our Guest:

Tony Sifuentes joined Simplicity InsurMark in 2001, shortly after earning his BS in Psychology from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. Tony views himself as an “Advisor’s Advisor” and considers it a privilege to serve some of the top advisors in the nation, including one of Senior Market Magazine’s Top Advisors of the Year.

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)

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:

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

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.

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

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

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:

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

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.

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)

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:

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

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.

Running 100 Miles in One Month! (Ep. 71)

Running 100 Miles in One Month! (Ep. 71)

Many believe that setting lofty goals amidst a busy life is a recipe for failure. But in the case of Jeremy Houser, he’s proved it’s not only possible, but can also be immensely rewarding.

In this episode of the Advisor Mentorship Podcast, Jeremy recounts his extraordinary journey of running 100 miles in the month of August while juggling multiple life-altering events, including the birth of his third child and moving homes. 

Jeremy discusses how he managed to balance these intense challenges and learn valuable insights on combating procrastination, maintaining commitment, and setting ambitious goals to elevate your personal and professional life.

Jeremy Discusses: 

  • His goal and preparation to run 100 miles in August.
  • Why goals are required for success 
  • Raising personal standards and being committed 
  • How he balanced multiple life events alongside a challenging fitness goal.
  • The value of setting ambitious goals and discovering new tactics to overcome procrastination along the way.
  • How embracing mindset and commitment can lead to personal growth and satisfaction.

 

Resources: 

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

 

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Institutionalizing Your Business for Long-Term Success with Ken McGee (Ep. 70)

Institutionalizing Your Business for Long-Term Success with Ken McGee (Ep. 70)

The most successful financial advisors in 2024 are laser-focused on one thing above all, and that’s operations. 

In this installment of the Advisor Mentorship Podcast, host Jeremy Houser welcomes Ken McGee, the COO of Simplicity, for an in-depth discussion on how focusing on operations is transforming entrepreneurial financial advisory practices. 

Learn about the most critical aspects of institutionalizing your business model, overcoming common challenges, and the recent recapitalization news that’s creating waves in the industry. Ken provides valuable insights into how Simplicity’s proven systems can help your business thrive and grow sustainably, ensuring long-term success and stability.

Jeremy and Ken highlight: 

  • The importance of aligning interests and culture during mergers and acquisitions.
  • Tips for integrating new operations to scale your business effectively.
  • Simplicity’s recent recapitalization and what it means for advisors going forward.
  • Opportunities for advisors to benefit from Simplicity’s long-term growth and stability.
  • And more!

 

Connect With Ken McGee:

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

 

About Our Guest:

Ken McGee serves as Simplicity’s Chief Operating Officer. Mr. McGee is responsible for overseeing Simplicity’s daily business operations, with a focus on driving efficiency and assuring quality control. In this role Mr. McGee leads Simplicity’s middle-office functions, including technology, enterprise data management, and managing third-party service providers. Prior to joining Simplicity, Mr. McGee held various roles at several insurance brokerages, including NFP and Dixon Wells for which he had P&L responsibility and managed sales, marketing, operations, and integration. Mr. McGee has more than 20 years’ experience in insurance management. Mr. McGee earned his B.S. in Occupational Safety, Business Management from Keene College.

 

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How to Leverage Volatility in Today’s Market with Tony Barchetto (Ep. 69)

How to Leverage Volatility in Today’s Market with Tony Barchetto (Ep. 69)

Do you think volatility control is too complex or risky to manage? 

It can feel confusing, but you may reconsider those feelings as new technology continues to change the financial landscape.

Join host Jeremy Houser as he chats with Tony Barchetto, Founder and CEO of Salt Financial. Drawing from his extensive experience in senior leadership roles across firms like BATS Global Markets and Knight Capital, Tony shares the innovative approaches Salt Financial employs to aid financial advisors in today’s volatile markets. Get an in-depth understanding of how leveraging advanced data analytics and volatility control mechanisms can provide a competitive edge in the annuity market and beyond.

Jeremy and Tony discuss: 

  • The unique volatility control mechanism, truVol, used by Salt Financial
  • The impact of interest rates on multi-asset volatility targets
  • Dynamic adaptations that Salt Financial employs to react to market changes
  • Upcoming indices and partnerships set to launch in the near future
  • And more!

 

Resources: 

Connect With Tony Barchetto:

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

 

About Our Guest:

Tony is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Salt Financial, responsible for creating the firm’s product vision and strategy. He has over twenty years of experience in financial technology companies and institutional trading across multiple asset classes. Prior to founding Salt, Tony served in senior leadership roles at BATS Global Markets and Liquidnet, product management at Citigroup’s Lava Trading, and market making at Knight Capital. He holds a BS in International Economics from Georgetown University and is a CFA Charterholder.

 

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From Power Outages to Parenthood: Thriving Through Life’s Curveballs (Ep. 68)

From Power Outages to Parenthood: Thriving Through Life’s Curveballs (Ep. 68)

How can advisors strike a balance between their career goals and personal responsibilities, especially in challenging times?

Join host Jeremy Houser as he shares his personal experiences and insights on managing both professional and family life. In this episode, Jeremy, Vice President at InsurMark, opens up about his recent challenges and how he stayed productive through recent disruptions. From power outages and a new baby to hiring household help and adjusting to a family of five, Jeremy discusses the strategies he used to maintain balance in both areas.

Jeremy discusses:

  • Overcoming challenges to maintain work efficiency during power outages
  • The impact of his wife’s pregnancy and the arrival of their third child on his professional life
  • The importance of hiring help and staying focused on controllable aspects
  • Reflections on fatherhood, societal expectations, and the benefits of a larger family
  • How the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped his priorities towards family and work-life 
  • The importance of partnerships in business and personal life, and choosing the right partners
  • Team Houser , upcoming sales training, and video content initiatives
  • The value of creating family traditions and collective experiences
  • And much more!

 

Resources: 

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

 

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Understanding the Past, Present, and Future of Annuities with Sheryl Moore (Ep. 67)

Understanding the Past, Present, and Future of Annuities with Sheryl Moore (Ep. 67)

Many believe that annuities are just high-commission products that lock up your money. 

But is this really the case? Looking deeper into the positive aspects of annuities can help you understand how they could enhance your financial plans.

Join host Jeremy Houser as he welcomes Sheryl Moore, Founder and CEO of Moore Market Intelligence, to define and discuss the intricacies of annuities, as well as their vital role in securing clients’ financial futures. Learn from Sheryl’s personal experiences and industry insights as she shares her passion for educating both advisors and consumers about the true value of annuities and life insurance.

Jeremy and Sheryl discuss: 

  • Sheryl’s journey from industry entry to becoming a top expert in annuities and life insurance
  • The misconceptions and blind spots about annuities, and how to effectively communicate their benefits
  • The future of indexed annuities and life insurance, and what advisors should be aware of going forward
  • Sheryl’s book, “Why I Bought Indexed Annuities” and the personal experiences and policyholder statements it talks about
  • And more

 

Resources: 

Connect With Sheryl Moore:

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

 

About Our Guest:

Sheryl J. Moore is the President & CEO of Moore Market Intelligence as well as the chairwoman and CEO of Wink, Inc. She is the founder and creator of many competitive intelligence tools, such as Wink’s AnnuitySpecs and LifeSpecs tools, and Wink’s Sales & Market Report. Her competitive intelligence firm specializes in providing tools to the insurance industry, particularly the life and annuity markets. Sheryl strives to provide competitive intelligence, market research, product development, consulting services and insight to financial services companies looking to broaden or strengthen their services. 

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Are You Ready For the Truth with Jason Jenkins (Ep. 66)

Are You Ready For the Truth with Jason Jenkins (Ep. 66)

To grow your advisory business, you may actually need to do less, not more.

That may sound backwards, but productivity and growth is all about having the right systems and processes in place to save yourself and your team from spending time on busy work and tedious tasks.

Join Jeremy Houser, Vice President of InsurMark, as Jason Jenkins, Simplicity’s Executive Vice President of Sales shares insights from his vast experience, including giving Ted Talks, selling his practice, and coaching thousands of advisors over the past 10 years. Follow along to learn how to harness technology, build a defined process, and adopt strategies that can drive exponential growth for your advisory practice.

Jeremy and Jason discuss: 

  • How AI and modern technology can streamline your workload
  • The importance of a well-defined business process and how it contributes to your practice’s scalability and saleability
  • Key attributes that top advisors possess and how to cultivate them in your practice
  • How Simplicity’s platforms and resources can help meet your unique business needs and growth ambitions
  • The art of human connection 
  • And more

 

Resources: 

Connect With Jason Jenkins:

Book Time with Jeremy Houser: 

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

 

About Our Guest:

Jason Jenkins serves as Simplicity’s Executive Vice President of Sales. Jason is responsible for directing and overseeing the planning, development, and implementation of the Group’s sales and marketing strategy. He is also the founder of AssetLock®, the Group’s proprietary portfolio communication system. Prior to founding AssetLock® and joining Simplicity, Jason was an independent investment advisor and maintains his life and health insurance licenses. 

 

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