Tag: Advisor Mentorship Podcast
Getting Your Ducks in a Row: Scott Leonardi on Retirement & Change (Ep. 96)

Getting Your Ducks in a Row: Scott Leonardi on Retirement & Change (Ep. 96)

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Change can feel uncomfortable, but it often opens the door to growth.

How do you adapt your business, embrace new tools, and still stay true to building strong client relationships? How do you bring awareness to crucial issues like long-term care while running a thriving practice?

In this episode of the Advisor Mentorship Podcast, Jeremy Houser sits down with Scott Leonardi, Founder and President of Complete Solutions, to talk about embracing change, building a recognizable brand, and helping clients prepare for the financial challenges of retirement. Scott shares how he’s grown his business, the role of long-term care planning, and his unique way of framing retirement as “The Great Adventure.”

Key points:

  • The story behind Scott’s “ducks in a row” branding and how it builds awareness
  • Why embracing change, from logos to technology, has fueled a 40% business growth
  • How hiring staff and building a “not-to-do” list shifted his focus to revenue-generating activities
  • Why asset-based long-term care solutions are essential for protecting both wealth and families
  • How Scott reframes retirement as “The Great Adventure” and equips clients with guidebooks to prepare
  • And more!

Resources: 

Connect With Scott Leonardi:

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About Our Guest:

Scott Leonardi is the President and Owner of Complete Solutions and a Certified Financial Fiduciary who has dedicated his career to educating individuals about retirement. For over 25 years, he has helped pre-retirees get their ducks in a row by focusing on key areas such as making the money they’ve worked their whole lives to obtain work for them in retirement, maximizing Social Security benefits through tailored claiming strategies, and finding medical or prescription coverage that fits their unique needs and budget.

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Redefining Index Design and Value Creation with Alan Grissom (Ep. 95)

Redefining Index Design and Value Creation with Alan Grissom (Ep. 95)

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Innovation in indexing is reshaping the way advisors deliver value to clients.

What happens when you blend insurance insight with market index design? How can efficiency and transparency create stronger outcomes for clients and advisors alike?

In this episode, Jeremy Houser speaks with Alan Grissom, CEO of 12 South Capital and founding partner of Brooklyn Investment Group, about his journey from building annuity products to designing disruptive indices like the 500 IQ. He shares how his approach to index design is helping advisors align expectations, manage volatility, and unlock meaningful value in fixed index annuities.

Alan discusses:

  • His career path from AIG to leading the S&P index business for insurance and founding Brooklyn Investment Group
  • The design of the 500 IQ index and how it delivers transparency, efficiency, and stronger outcomes for clients
  • Why many volatility-controlled indices underperform and the importance of intraday pricing
  • How interest rate environments impact fixed index annuities and advisor expectations
  • The future of disruptive index design and upcoming innovations from 12 South Capital
  • And more

Resources: 

Connect With Alan Grissom:

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About Our Guest:

Alan Grissom is the CEO of 12 South Capital, an independent firm focused on creating index-based investment strategies for financial products, and a founding stage partner with the direct indexing firm, The Brooklyn Investment Group.

Prior to founding 12 South Capital in 2022, Alan spent the previous 12 years with S&P Dow Jones Indices, culminating as the Head of Business North America and the Global Head of Insurance with a remit covering over $15 Trillion of assets.

Before joining S&P Dow Jones Indices, Alan held several positions within AIG, including head of annuity products, and was instrumental in establishing the Independent Distribution Channel for life and annuity sales in the US.

Alan has a master’s degree from Vanderbilt University’s Owen School of Management and a bachelor’s degree from The University of Alabama, where he is a member of the Board of Visitors for the Culverhouse College of Business.

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Business Lessons from the Boat: Culture, Standards, and the Value of Experience (Ep. 94)

Business Lessons from the Boat: Culture, Standards, and the Value of Experience (Ep. 94)

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Sometimes it takes stepping away to see your life and business with fresh eyes.

In this episode, Jeremy Houser shares reflections from a cruise through Europe, his first time abroad without the kids, where business and pleasure blended through unforgettable experiences. 

From cultural observations to fireside chats with industry icons, Jeremy explores how leadership, family, and elevated standards shape successful advisors and thriving firms.

Jeremy discusses:

  • The value of reconnecting with his spouse during a nine-day, kid-free European cruise that blended business and pleasure
  • How meeting and traveling with successful advisors highlighted shared standards, culture, and leadership styles
  • Key insights from conversations with Jeremy Siegel and Robert Shiller on the economy, Bitcoin, and business mindset
  • Why culture isn’t just about talk, it’s built through actions, expectations, and how you lead your team and clients
  • The personal and professional benefits of stepping away to gain perspective, observe global differences, and reset your standards
  • And more!

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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:

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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

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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:

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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!

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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:

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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:

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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:

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