Tag: Client Experience
Building Equity Value and Freedom Through Systems, Teams, and Strategic Growth (Ep. 108)

Building Equity Value and Freedom Through Systems, Teams, and Strategic Growth (Ep. 108)

By |

What would it take for your business to operate without you? And how much value are you leaving on the table by building around yourself instead of around systems?

In this episode, Jeremy Houser speaks with Bob Zamary, Partner and Director of Practice Management at Simplicity, about helping advisors build enterprise value and long-term freedom. They outline the foundations of equity value, from repeatable processes and documented sales systems to mission-driven hiring and leadership. Bob also shares how revenue diversification, data tracking, and intentional onboarding strengthen both valuation multiples and client experience.

Bob highlights:

  • Why documented sales, onboarding, and service workflows increase valuation and scalability
  • How revenue diversification expands enterprise value and attracts stronger multiples
  • The role of mission-driven hiring in retention and long-term team alignment
  • Why data tracking and CRM visibility are essential for strategic growth decisions
  • When is an advisor truly ready to scale and bring on a business consultant?
  • How efficiency must translate into a better client experience to sustain referrals
  • And more!

Connect with Bob Zamary:

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

About Our Guest:

Bob Zamary is a Partner and Director of Practice Management at Simplicity, leading a team dedicated to empowering financial advisors. Drawing on over 25 years of experience leading operations and client services through large-scale integrations, he provides the practical guidance and streamlined operations advisors need to become confident business owners and grow their practices. Bob and his wife, Caroline, live in Scottsdale, Arizona. They enjoy spending time with their four adult children and four grandchildren nearby, and Bob’s hobbies include community service, travel, hiking, and mountain biking.

Disclosure #: 5207200 – 0226

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

From Frustation to Freedom with Jeff Maxey (Ep. 107)

From Frustation to Freedom with Jeff Maxey (Ep. 107)

By |

Big growth strategies rarely fail because the ideas are bad; they fail because the business doesn’t have the systems to execute them.

What happens when you take the leap from “top producer” to “business owner”… and suddenly you’re responsible for hiring, operations, marketing, forecasting, and leadership on top of selling?

In this episode, Jeremy Houser sits down with Jeff Maxey, President at Simplicity InsurMark, to unpack what’s changed since Jeff took the helm and why building a senior leadership team became the unlock for faster execution. Jeff shares the mindset shift that comes with leadership, how Simplicity InsurMark runs weekly/monthly/quarterly planning rhythms, and why the “system for managing” (meetings, reports, dashboards, accountability) is what creates freedom, not the title of being independent.

They also break down the waterfall report, how seasonality impacts sales forecasting, and why advisors who know their numbers and plan with their teams keep winning year after year. The conversation closes with how great advisors stand out through world-class client experience (think Amazon and Chewy), plus why hiring and communication tools like the Predictive Index help eliminate bias and build stronger teams.

Key takeaways:
● Why advisors lose freedom and face frustration when they lack strong systems and processes
● How a senior leadership team helps you execute more, faster (without drowning in ideas)
● The weekly meeting rhythm Simplicity InsurMark uses to create clarity, alignment, and accountability
● Why the waterfall report is a must-have for forecasting and decision-making
● How seasonality affects sales goals when tracking numbers
● The real competition: any company delivering elite customer experience
(Amazon-level)
● How client experience moments (Chewy’s “Bear” story) create clients for life
● Why advisors should hire for complementary strengths not clones of
themselves
● How the Predictive Index helps reduce bias and improve hiring +
communication

And more!
Connect with Jeff Maxey:
LinkedIn: Jeff Maxey

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

About Our Guest:

Jeff Maxey is the President at Simplicity InsurMark. Since stepping into the role, Jeff has helped lead a period of strong growth with a major focus on leadership development, building a senior leadership team, and implementing systems that help advisors and internal teams execute at a higher level. He’s passionate about mentoring the next generation of leaders and helping advisors move from frustration to freedom through structure, accountability, and repeatable business rhythms.

Disclosure #: 5129437 – 0226

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
Building a One-of-a-Kind Advisory Firm That Can Scale with Mike Milligan, CFP® (Ep. 105)

Building a One-of-a-Kind Advisory Firm That Can Scale with Mike Milligan, CFP® (Ep. 105)

By |

Most advisory firms look similar on the surface, yet growth often stalls when everything is built around one person or a single approach.

What happens when you intentionally step away from one-size-fits-all thinking and design a firm around individuality, adaptability, and long-term vision?

In this episode, Jeremy Houser welcomes back Mike Milligan, CFP®, Founder of 1.oak Financial, to talk about his firm’s rebrand and the thinking behind it. He shares why scalability required a shift away from personality-driven branding, how client-centered planning became the foundation, and what advisors need to rethink as they prepare for the future of the industry.

Key takeaways:

  • Why personal brands can limit growth when a firm is designed to scale beyond one individual
  • How one-size-fits-all planning models often overlook client stories and individual goals
  • The role listening plays in converting prospects into long-term clients
  • Why creativity and partnerships matter more than repeating old solutions
  • Some tips on how to run a virtual practice across the country
  • How advisors can plug into training platforms to grow faster
  • And more!

Resources: 

Connect with Mike Milligan:

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

About Our Guest:

Mike Milligan is the founder of 1.oak Financial. Mike’s interest in business and money started early. At age 11, he helped his grandmother count her cash each day after work, acting as her informal “CFO” since she did not use a bank. Watching her build a small collard sandwich business later in life shaped his entrepreneurial mindset and respect for purpose-driven work.

That experience influenced Mike’s approach to financial planning, learning to value every dollar and connect money to intention. Over more than 25 years in financial services, he has worked with individuals, advisors, banks, and independent firms, gaining perspective before founding his own firm nearly a decade ago.

A lifelong learner, Mike holds his CFP® certification and is licensed in life and health insurance. His professional focus is building a client-first financial planning firm rooted in purpose and thoughtful decision-making. Outside of work, he values family life as a husband, father, grandfather, and proud dog owner.

Disclosure #: 5098837 – 0126

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
From Practice to Enterprise: Scaling with Intention with Duncan MacPherson (Ep. 91)

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

By |

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
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)

By |

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:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
Ways to Influence in 2024 (Ep. 55)

Ways to Influence in 2024 (Ep. 55)

By |

Looking to stay ahead and on top of 2024’s financial advising game?

Dive into the future of financial advising with the latest episode of InsurMark’s “Advisor Mentorship Podcast,” featuring Vice President Jeremy Houser. Kicking off with a celebration of their record-breaking achievements in December, Jeremy sets the stage for an engaging exploration of the strategies vital for financial advisors in 2024.

Key Discussion Points:

  • Customer Preferences Shift: Understanding the trend towards secure financial products like annuities and life insurance
  • Execution in 2024: The vital role of implementing well-crafted plans in a favorable business climate
  • Authenticity in Advising: Insights on the power of authenticity in influencing client relationships
  • Practicing What They Preach: The importance of using the products they recommend for trust and credibility
  • 2023 Lessons for 2024 Strategies: Engaging clients through genuine communication and adapting to market changes
  • And much more!

 

Resources: 

Book Time with Jeremy Houser: 

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

FEATURE
Exploring Advisor-Focused Platforms: Introducing Kai-Zen® and ILIA with Jeremy Bickler, CLU® (Ep. 34)

Exploring Advisor-Focused Platforms: Introducing Kai-Zen® and ILIA with Jeremy Bickler, CLU® (Ep. 34)

By |

As advisors, it is incredibly important to differentiate ourselves from the competition.

In 2023, that might look like finding our niche, offering a unique service, or finding a way to create meaningful connections with our clients. 

While this is a good starting point, there’s more we can do. 

In this episode, Jeremy Houser is joined by Jeremy Bickler, the VP of Sales for the Central Region at NIW. Jeremy introduces Kai-Zen® and ILIA as two must-know advisor-focused platforms. Listen in as Jeremy details how these digital platforms support advisors in elevating their business and client experience. 

Jeremy discusses: 

  • Kai-Zen® as the strategy that provides advisors and their clients the opportunity to add up to three times more money to fund a cash-accumulating life insurance policy
  • What you should know about ILIA and its advantages for the preferred IMOs
  • Some advice for advisors looking to differentiate themselves in the industry
  • The benefits of his partnership with the Simplicity family 
  • And more!

Connect with Jeremy Bickler:

Book Time with Jeremy Houser: 

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

About Our Guest:

Jeremy Bickler is VP of Sales for the Central Region at NIW. He brings over 20 years of industry experience, working across multiple areas of the business. While life insurance is his passion and focus, he has marketed and sold annuities, asset-based LTC, and disability. Jeremy has worked as an external wholesaler for multiple top-rated insurance carriers and is the former owner of an IMO where he presided over the life insurance division. In his current role at NIW, he assists IMOs in implementing Kai-Zen® and other premium finance strategies into their business. He also trains IMO sales staff and individual agents on using leveraged IUL for estate planning and supplemental income solutions.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

FEATURE
Best Practices For The Fourth Quarter with Roger Smith (Ep. 25)

Best Practices For The Fourth Quarter with Roger Smith (Ep. 25)

By |

2022 has been an ever-changing environment for advisors.

Due to the change from the global pandemic to now feeling some sort of normalcy, there have been a lot of changes and adjustments that have had to be made over the past few months. 

In this episode, Jeremy Houser is joined by Roger Smith from Insurmark to unpack his business successes and how he and his team have achieved them through adapting to their clients and upping their customer service and product processes. 

Roger discusses: 

  • The importance of working as a team and knowing each other’s strengths
  • How to properly identify your client’s needs
  • Balancing client feedback when it comes to your services
  • The difference between good and great customer service
  • His team’s approach to supporting clients through annuities, retirement planning, and Medicare season 
  • And more!

Resources: 

Connect with Roger Smith:

Book time with Jeremy Houser:

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

About Our Guest: 

Roger Smith has been helping families protect and enjoy their retirement for over 30 years. Roger has over 5000 satisfied clients. Roger is blessed to have two daughters, Chesney & Kennedy, along with his granddaughter Camila.

He has served over the last 21 years as a Rotarian, including 2 terms as President. Chamber of Commerce President and Board of Directors. Board member of William Thomas Helton foundation, which helps people with disabilities. Sunday School Teacher at Waynesboro First Baptist Church. Benefactor for Abigail’s Plan, an organization dedicated to providing baseball fields and facilities to handicapped children, and Sheltering Tree Ranch, a small private Christian school for Autistic children.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Learn more about Advisor Mentorship Program

Visit the Simplicity InsurMark website