Category Archives: Business

Mastering Referrals, Systems, and Endgame Preparation with Peter Velardi (Ep. 74)

Mastering Referrals, Systems, and Endgame Preparation with Peter Velardi (Ep. 74)



In this episode of The Always On Podcast, host Duncan MacPherson sits down with Peter Velardi, founding partner at JPTD Partners, to discuss the essential systems financial advisors need to scale their businesses, optimize referrals, and maximize enterprise value for a successful exit.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • The three-phase approach to business growth: survival, scaling, and monetization
  • How to automate referrals without looking opportunistic
  • Why financial professionals should start planning their exit strategy earlier than expected
  • The evolving M&A landscape and how private equity is reshaping opportunities for advisors
  • Common blind spots in succession planning and the best ways to mitigate risk

If you’re looking to build a business that’s valuable, sellable, and scalable, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss.

Resources:

Connect With Duncan MacPherson:

Connect with Peter Velardi:

About Our Guest

Peter has spent the last 40+ years helping organizations and individuals grow and monetize in the financial services industry. He spent half that time as a senior leader working for a Fortune 50 Financial Advisory/Wealth Management firm leading a distribution organization of over 5,000 Financial Advisors and leaders. Over recent years, Peter has exercised his entrepreneurial muscles in various roles with 20+ startups as an advisor, board member, C Suite leadership and M & A consultant, investor, owner operator and more. He is grateful for both the learnings and multiple exits that have led to the success he is experiencing now. Most recently, Peter spends most of his time talking with C Suite leaders of Financial Advisory/Wealth Management firms. He helps them grow, scale and exit through his AI based automated referral software company, ReferMe IQ and as a partner in a boutique PE consulting firm, JPTD Partners. Personally, he is married to Janine for 35 years, and has 3 adult children – Peter, Nick and Serena. The Velardi’s enjoy all things health and fitness, water sports (wakesurfing), snow skiing/boarding and travel and adventure.


Unlocking Growth in Financial Services with Paul Blanco: Small Steps, Big Wins (Ep. 73)



In this episode, Duncan MacPherson speaks with Paul Blanco, CEO of Barnum Financial Group and host of the “Small Steps, Big Wins” podcast. Paul shares insights into cultivating a growth mindset, avoiding plateaus, and the importance of working on your business, not just in it. He discusses how his firm has scaled from 9 to 365 advisors, leveraging efficiency tools like Zoom AI and CRM systems to stay ahead in the competitive world of financial services. Paul also reflects on the evolving role of financial advisors, the shift from advisors to CEOs, and the growing importance of embracing technology like AI to stay relevant.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • How Barnum Financial Group scaled from 9 to 365 advisors by embracing a growth mindset.
  • Practical tips for staying efficient with tools like Zoom AI and CRM systems.
  • Why financial advisors need to focus on relationships and process, not just products, for long-term success.

Resources:

  • Small Steps, Big Wins Podcast – Paul’s weekly podcast focusing on industry insights and entrepreneurial success.
  • Zoom AI – Explore how Zoom’s AI can help improve client interaction efficiency.
  • AI Whitepaper for Financial Professionals – Join the Waitlist

Connect With Duncan MacPherson:

Connect with Paul Blanco:

About Our Guest

Paul Blanco is the founder and CEO of Barnum Financial Group, an award-winning provider of comprehensive personalized planning, investment and protection solutions, and financial literacy programs to clients across the United States. Throughout his career, Paul has been a tireless advocate for his firm and the communities it serves as well as for the financial services industry.

He hosts a weekly podcast – Small Steps, Big Wins – which focuses on the financial world and more. Paul sits down with a special guest each week to discuss important topics within the financial sector and explore what it takes to be successful in our everyday lives.

CRN202802-8131593 Securities and investment advisory services offered through qualified registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC.  6 Corporate Drive, Shelton, CT 06484, Tel: 203-513-6000. CRN202802-8118135