Tag: Business Growth
Roadmap For Success with Tony Sifuentes (Ep. 75)

Roadmap For Success with Tony Sifuentes (Ep. 75)

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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.

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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:

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.

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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:

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.

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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:

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.

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Elevating Advisor Productivity: Lessons from The 2024 Founder’s Club Experience (Ep. 59)

Elevating Advisor Productivity: Lessons from The 2024 Founder’s Club Experience (Ep. 59)

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Don’t just imagine your success, strategize for it and make that dream a reality. 

In the latest installment of the Advisor Mentorship Podcast, Jeremy Houser reflects on the incredible growth and success his team has experienced this year so far. From reducing the number of advisors in monthly strategy calls to fostering a hyper-focused and value-driven community, Jeremy shares insights into the dedication and progress of these advisors. Jeremy also goes on to share highlights from the most recent Founders’ Club experience in Nashville, which featured impactful speakers like Dr. Kevin Elko, Brittany Hodak, Carl Richards and more.

Jeremy discusses:

  • The continuing growth and success among top advisors on his team
  • Highlights from the recent Founders’ Club experience in Nashville
  • Impactful takeaways and quotes from guest speakers
  • Strategies for attracting Gen X clients
  • And more 

 

Resources: 

Book Time with Jeremy Houser: 

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

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The Roadmap To Financial Wellness with Erik Sussman, CLU®, ChFC®, CFP® (Ep. 37)

The Roadmap To Financial Wellness with Erik Sussman, CLU®, ChFC®, CFP® (Ep. 37)

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Year by year, the InsurMark team strives to make sure advisors have all kinds of systems and processes in place to grow their businesses while retaining clients and generating new prospects. 

From proven sales and marketing systems to helping you get there, advisors — you are about to discover the financial wellness resource you need for you and your clients.

In this episode, Jeremy Houser is joined by Erik Sussman, the CEO, and founder of the Institute of Financial Wellness (IFW), to unveil the firm’s approach to developing clear, unbiased, engaging, fact-based financial education, resources, and services for advisors and consumers.

Erik discusses: 

  • What you should know about the IFW Retirement Roadmap Experience
  • The firm’s bucket approach to retirement planning and how it blends in with volatile markets
  • The value of taking a step back every once in a while to work on your business instead of in your business
  • Ways the IFW can help you leverage your time effectively when it comes to marketing
  • The power of a concierge service added to your team
  • And more!

Connect with Erik Sussman:

Book Time with Jeremy Houser: 

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

About Our Guest:

Erik C. Sussman, CLU®, ChFC®, CFP®, and CEO of The Institute of Financial Wellness founded the company to provide financial education, resources, and services that help people live their best lives.

For Financial Professionals:

The Institute of Financial Wellness provides proven sales and marketing systems, state-of-the-art technology, training, and support to financial professionals nationwide. 

For Consumers:

The Institute of Financial Wellness is the most comprehensive multi-media network for financial education, resources, and services.

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Reflecting on 2022 & Building on 2023 with Steve Kerns, Founder and President of InsurMark (Ep. 33)

Reflecting on 2022 & Building on 2023 with Steve Kerns, Founder and President of InsurMark (Ep. 33)

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After witnessing a record-breaking year in 2022, the future of InsurMark looks brighter and more inspiring than ever.

This week, Jeremy Houser and Steve Kerns, the Founder, and President of InsurMark, sit down to talk about all things InsurMark. From starting in this industry to what’s to come in the future ahead, Steve unpacks 2022 as the firm’s 39th year in business, as well as what to look forward to during their 40th anniversary in 2023. 

Steve discusses: 

  • His and his wife Becky’s motivation to start InsurMark right out of college
  • His definition of purpose 
  • Ways the firm gives back to their loyal advisors 
  • His approach to leveraging and adapting to a more digital and online space
  • And more!

Connect with Steve Kerns:

Book Time with Jeremy Houser: 

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

About Our Guest:

Steve Kerns is the Founder and President of InsurMark. Steve is a visionary and coach with a keen ability to spot industry and demographic trends. This is why he functions as our chief strategic officer, in addition to his responsibilities as President. He positions InsurMark to proactively capitalize on opportunities–not just stay in the game, but stay on top of it.

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2023 New Year’s Resolutions with Felicia Turner, Dave Ray, Binh Nguyen, and Maria Thibodeaux (Ep. 30)

2023 New Year’s Resolutions with Felicia Turner, Dave Ray, Binh Nguyen, and Maria Thibodeaux (Ep. 30)

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As this year comes to a close, Jeremy Houser is checking in with his team at InsurMark to celebrate their wins and hear from them.

An important part of Jeremy’s team process (that gets them closer as a company) is to review and share the goals and resolutions they have set for themselves going into the new year.

And that’s exactly what this week’s episode is all about. Jeremy chats with Felicia Turner, Dave Ray, Binh Nguyen, and Maria Thibodeaux as they reveal how they want to elevate their business in the new year, as well as the processes that have led the team to succeed in 2022.  

The team discusses: 

  • Some personal resolutions for 2023 and how they want to go about achieving them
  • Big 2022 wins and their approach to keeping the momentum going into the new year
  • Some important processes that have elevated their business this year
  • Future company projections moving into the new year
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Felicia Turner — Annuity Case Manager:

Jeremy and Felicia have worked together for 10+ years. Felicia is one of the top advisor services admins at InsurMark. She was announced as the 2021 employee of the year.

Connect with Dave Ray — Life Advisor Development Consultant:

Connect with Maria Thibodeaux — Life Insurance Case Manager:

Connect with Binh Nguyen — Life Case Design Specialist:

Book Time with Jeremy Houser: 

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

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Celebrating Big Business Wins with Tim Whisler, CRPC®, CLTC® (Ep. 27)

Celebrating Big Business Wins with Tim Whisler, CRPC®, CLTC® (Ep. 27)

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As the third quarter numbers are being finalized, we are excited to announce that Jeremy’s team has already surpassed 2021’s numbers, even with one final quarter left. 

In this episode, Jeremy Houser speaks with Tim Whisler CRPC®, CLTC® President and Founder of The Whisler Agency. After their annual advisor family reunion trip to Cabo, the advisors at InsurMark left feeling well-equipped and confident in the work that they are doing through engaging with other professionals in the industry. So, get ready to listen to Tim unveil some common business wins he has to share with Jeremy. 

Tim discusses: 

  • Key business nuggets he has gained from talking with other advisors during his  time in Cabo
  • Ways Tim has been able to double his business in a one-year timeframe 
  • Advice for advisors looking to connect with prospects online to see results
  • Reasons consistency is key
  • The power of ‘writing things down’
  • Podcasts and how they work as a tool to expand your network and build credibility 
  • Why he chose to work with InsurMark 
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Tim Whisler:

Book Time with Jeremy Houser:

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

About Our Guest:

Tim Whisler is the president and founder of The Whisler Agency, an independent and comprehensive financial services firm. His mission statement is “to provide retirees and soon-to-be retirees with a greater sense of confidence about their retirement plan.” Tim holds the Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM designation and the Certified in Long-Term Care designation. These advanced studies provide him the additional knowledge to help effectively evaluate your financial situation and design a retirement plan tailored for you.

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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:

Book time with Jeremy Houser: 

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

 

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