Tag Archives: Enterprise Value

Volatility, Value, and Vision: How Leading Advisors Are Winning in Changing Times (Ep. 76)

Advisor, Business, Education, Finance, Financial, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In this episode of Always On, Duncan MacPherson welcomes back Chris Jeppesen, Chief of Advisory Practices at First Trust, for a timely conversation rooted in real-world field experience. As volatility continues to test the industry, the best financial advisors aren’t retreating, they’re leaning in. Duncan and Chris unpack how the most effective teams are embracing this environment as a catalyst for deeper relationships, elevated leadership, and long-term enterprise value.

They explore the mindset and tactical shifts that top performers are making, from transitioning toward advice-centric models and AI adoption, to scaling their practices without diluting the client experience. The conversation also addresses the advisor’s personal evolution, with insights on leadership, strategic planning, and legacy-building.

Key takeaways include:

  • How to “value stack” with proactive communication, personalized planning, and future-focused conversations
  • What advisors must do now to stay ahead of shifting client expectations and emerging competition
  • Why AI isn’t optional, and how to use it to develop IP, scale client acquisition, and enhance team efficiency
  • Leadership, delegation, and building a business that creates both freedom and fulfillment

Resources:

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Connect With Chris:

About Our Guests:

Chris Jeppesen is the head of advisory practices at First Trust, a firm known not only for its robust investment product line which includes UITs, ETFs, SMAs, and VAs (to name a few) but also for its commitment to the growth of financial advisors. First Trust has dedicated many years to finding (and investing in) creative ways to help financial advisors grow their practices. Chris’ goal over the last 18 years has been to give financial advisors the tools to develop an efficient business model focused on building long-term client trust and loyalty. Chris is also the co-author of The Advisor Playbook and The Blue Square Method.

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

Advisor, Business, Education, Finance, Financial, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

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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

 

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Making the American Dream a Reality: A Conversation with Sathya Chey Patterson (Ep. 70)

Advisor, Education, Finance, Financial, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In this episode of the Always On Podcast, host Duncan MacPherson engages in a profound and inspiring discussion with Sathya Chey Patterson CFP®, Esq., AIF®, Managing Partner at Arise Private Wealth. Recognized as a 2023 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisor and a 2024 AdvisorHub Advisors to Watch, Sathya shares her incredible journey from adversity to achievement, demonstrating the power of resilience and vision.

This conversation is divided into three compelling parts:

  1. Honoring the Past – Sathya’s remarkable personal story, including her family’s survival through the Cambodian genocide, and how those experiences shaped her perspective and purpose.
  2. Thriving in the Present – Insights into the strategies and tools she uses to differentiate herself as a financial advisor, from leveraging cutting-edge technology to building authentic client relationships.
  3. Designing the Future – Sathya’s vision for scaling her impact by empowering advisors and clients alike with a structured, values-driven approach to achieving financial independence.

Whether you’re a financial professional, a leader, or simply seeking inspiration, this episode delivers invaluable lessons on purpose, perseverance, and professionalism.

Resources:

Connect With Duncan MacPherson:

Connect With Sathya Chey Patterson:

About Our Guest:

Sathya is a trailblazing leader in wealth management, co-founder of Arise Private Wealth, and a dedicated advocate for empowering others through financial clarity and purpose. With nearly two decades of experience, she is renowned as a financial architect, crafting personalized strategies that secure her clients’ futures while helping them live purpose-driven lives. Her name, meaning “truth” in Sanskrit, reflects her commitment to understanding clients’ deepest needs and aspirations, enabling them to navigate complex decisions with confidence.

Born in a Thai refugee camp after her family fled the Cambodian genocide, Sathya’s story is one of resilience and transformation. Her journey fuels her passion for mentoring women and minorities, empowering them to achieve generational success. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CSRIC®, and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®, Sathya holds an MBA from USC and was named a 2024 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisor Best-In-State.

Beyond her practice, she serves on the Long Beach Commission for Women & Girls, the MemorialCare Governing Board, and supports critically ill children through Miracle for Kids. A wife, mother, and mindfulness advocate, Sathya is unwavering in her mission: to inspire others to create not only financial abundance but lives of profound meaning and impact.

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AI in Financial Services: Unlocking Potential and Future Opportunities with Kevin Bishopp

AI in Financial Services: Unlocking Potential and Future Opportunities with Kevin Bishopp (Ep. 69)

Advisor, Education, Finance, Financial, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In this episode, Duncan MacPherson and Kevin Bishopp dive deep into how artificial intelligence is reshaping the financial services industry. From optimizing client communication to enhancing business efficiency, they unpack the immense potential AI offers to financial professionals. This forward-thinking discussion explores practical steps advisors can take to integrate AI tools into their practices and position themselves as leaders in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Whether you’re curious about AI’s role in wealth management, looking to future-proof your practice, or aiming to deliver an elevated client experience, this episode delivers actionable insights tailored for financial advisors.

Key Takeaways:

  • How AI can streamline operations and improve client engagement.
  • Practical ways to integrate AI tools into your financial services business.
  • Real-world examples of how advisors are leveraging AI to enhance profitability and scalability.
  • A discussion on the challenges and ethical considerations of adopting AI in financial services.
  • Insight into upcoming trends shaping the future of AI in the financial sector.

Resources:

Connect With Duncan MacPherson:

Connect With Kevin Bishopp:

About Our Guest:

Kevin Bishopp is a Vice President and Performance Coach for the Advisor Consulting Group at First Trust. His focus is the best practices and mission-critical strategies that propel professionals/firms to be truly unique within the industry. His insights into key metrics, resource allocation, team structure, marketing and client acquisition equip professionals/firms to make high-quality strategic decisions that can generate dynamic results. Prior to joining First Trust, Kevin spent 12 years with Russell Investments, where he held positions as Director of Practice Management, RIA Channel Head and Business Development Director. In those roles, he focused on coaching, content creation, sales management, national account management, and business development. Before joining Russell Investments, Kevin spent 5 years as a wealth manager for The Bishopp Group LLC, a family-owned wealth management practice. In 1994, he started his career in financial services as an associate for Principal Financial Group. Kevin holds an MBA from the Michael G. Foster School of Business at the University of Washington and a BA in Finance from Eastern Washington University.

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Always On podcast

Elevate Your Practice – The Power of a Partial Book Sale with Ted Jenkin (Ep. 67)

Advisor, Education, Finance, Financial, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In this episode of the Always On podcast, host Duncan MacPherson welcomes back serial entrepreneur Ted Jenkin, CEO of Oxygen Financial and President of Exit Stage Left Advisors. Together, they explore the powerful concept of a partial book sale and how it can help financial advisors grow upmarket by refining the client relationships they manage. They discuss why letting go of the “wrong” clients can be one of the most liberating moves an advisor can make—and how it often leads to growing deeper relationships with the “right” clients.

If you’ve been feeling like your current book of business is becoming a plateau rather than a path, this episode will guide you through the steps of creating professional scarcity, improving client engagement, and increasing your firm’s enterprise value. Learn why managing fewer relationships, but with a more exclusive focus, not only elevates your enterprise but also enhances client outcomes.

Ted shares insights into why specializing, rather than generalizing, creates professional contrast that attracts ideal clients—and why your next best move might be downsizing the number of clients you serve while maximizing your fulfillment and profitability.

Resources:

Connect With Duncan MacPherson:

Connect with Ted Jenkin:

About Our Guest:

Ted Jenkin is a serial entrepreneur with more than 15 years of experience in building and selling successful businesses in various sectors, such as finance, media, insurance, bookkeeping, and technology. As the President at Exit Stage Left Advisors, Ted helps small and medium-sized business owners maximize their valuation and get top dollar when they sell their companies.

Ted has multiple credentials in the financial industry, including Certified Financial Planner, Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist, and Accredited Wealth Manager Advisor. He is also a national media personality, appearing on various outlets such as Fox, CNN, HLN, The Weather Channel, WSJ, CNBC, and more. Ted hosts a national entrepreneur podcast called The Shrimp Tank and a national small business television network called America’s Small Business Network. His mission is to empower and educate business owners and individuals on how to achieve the highest possible multiple when they sell their business.

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The Lost Art of Client Events – Creating Unforgettable Moments with Angela York & Elyse Stone

The Lost Art of Client Events – Creating Unforgettable Moments with Angela York & Elyse Stoner (Ep. 66)

Advisor, Education, Finance, Financial, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In this episode, Duncan MacPherson sits down with Angela York and Elyse Stoner from Event Advisors to discuss the lost art of client events and how financial professionals can reinvigorate their approach. As they explore the comeback of in-person gatherings, Angela and Elyse share strategies for designing meaningful, memorable, and measurable client experiences. Listeners will learn about the concept of ROM (Return on the Moment), creative approaches to blending education and entertainment, and how to ensure that events deepen relationships and build client loyalty.

Discover the why, the how, and the what’s next for client events in the financial industry. Angela and Elyse also share practical examples, from small micro-events to larger thematic experiences, and how advisors can leverage partnerships with wholesalers to elevate event success. For those looking to expand their thinking about client engagement, this episode is packed with innovative ideas to help create client events that leave a lasting impact.

Resources:

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Connect With Event Advisors:

Promotions:

The Blue Square Toolkit™ by Pareto (Start your 14-day free trial today!)

ProudMouth – Be Your Own Loud

About Our Guests:

Event Advisors – Elyse Stoner & Angela York

Meet Elyse Stoner and Angela York, the driving force behind Event Advisors. Their collaboration brings together Elyse’s extensive background in sports, entertainment, and higher education strategic event marketing with Angela’s wealth of experience in advisor marketing and event planning within the financial services industry. Together, they offer a fresh perspective and innovative strategies, revolutionizing the approach to client relationship events for financial services professionals.

Elyse’s emphasis on the “Return on the Moment” (ROM) paradigm redefines the marketing value of events. By uncovering the underlying motivations behind events and leveraging psychographic stimuli, she creates engaging opportunities that inspire attendees not only during the event, but also before and after, driving sustained momentum. Her firsthand experience in converting infrequent buyers into committed supporters translates seamlessly into the realm of Financial Services, providing unique insights for client relationship growth.

Angela’s decades-long expertise in FinServ event planning and marketing adds a layer of depth to their collaborative efforts. Her forward-thinking approach to event organization, coupled with a deep network of industry relationships, equips her to craft compelling marketing experiences. Angela’s commitment to sharing her knowledge within the financial services sector underscores her dedication to helping clients realize their business objectives.

Their collective mission revolves around delivering high event ROM through Ideal Client-focused goal setting, meticulous planning, and detailed follow-up for each event moment. By challenging traditional FinServ marketing and event paradigms, Elyse and Angela have established themselves as the go-to experts for professionals seeking innovative and actionable insights in the event space

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Purpose-Driven Practice: Elevating Client Experiences with Rob Brown (Ep. 65)

Advisor, Education, Finance, Financial, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Building meaningful client relationships is essential for long-term success in financial services.

How can you enhance client experiences and ensure lifelong fulfillment while delivering unmatched value?

This week, Duncan MacPherson is joined by Rob Brown, Founder of the Truest Fan Coaching and co-host of The Purpose-Focused Advisor podcast.

They explore the significance of purpose in building a client-centric practice, the distinctions between client service and client experience, and actionable insights from Rob’s book, “The Truest Fan” and its forthcoming sequel, “The Truest Fan Blueprint.”

They discuss:

  • Enhancing Client Experience: The difference between client service and client experience
  • The Truest Fan Blueprint: Rob’s upcoming book, which provides a roadmap for financial advisors to incorporate purpose into their practice
  • Balancing Productivity with Purpose: The importance of maintaining purpose-driven productivity and understanding clients to solve their problems effectively
  • Leveraging Technology: The role of AI and video messaging in personalizing client relationships and enhancing process efficiency
  • Personal Touches: The value of small, thoughtful gestures in client interactions
  • Niche Marketing: Strategies for identifying and serving specific client segments effectively
  • And more!

Resources:


Connect With Duncan MacPherson:

Connect With Rob Brown:

Promotions:

About Our Guest:

Rob Brown is the founder of Truest Fan Coaching and the author of Truest Fan: Live, Love, and Lead with Purpose and Impact and Delivering the Ultimate Client Experience. His journey from being a top financial advisor to becoming a sought-after mentor for hundreds of advisors highlights his leadership strengths. Now, as a coach to some of the industry’s top advisors, Rob turns his insights into actionable strategies—the foundation of Truest Fan Coaching. He also hosts The Purpose-Focused Advisor podcast, where he shares his experience and wisdom. His upcoming book, The Truest Fan Blueprint, will be released soon. On a personal note, Rob is a devoted husband, father of triplet daughters, proud grandfather, and a lifelong Cleveland Guardians fan.

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Leaving No Stone Unturned: How to Maximize Your Exit Strategy with Ted Jenkin (Ep. 54)

Leaving No Stone Unturned: How to Maximize Your Exit Strategy with Ted Jenkin (Ep. 54)

Advisor, Education, Finance, Financial, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Want to receive maximum value for the business you’ve worked so hard to build?

The key lies in being proactive with your exit strategy.

Dive into a thought-provoking conversation between Duncan MacPherson and returning guest Ted Jenkin, CEO of oXYGen Financial and president of Exit Stage Left Advisors. Together, they uncover practical insights to streamline your operations, improve client acquisition, and scale your credibility — ultimately garnering a higher multiple for your business.

They discuss:

  • The critical role of recurring revenue in enhancing enterprise value
  • Creating “proprietary” value as an advisor
  • Using client testimonials and online reviews to build trust
  • How to leverage AI for content creation (with a list of helpful resources)
  • How an exit plan helps you de-risk in the face of uncertainty and volatility
  • Navigating the HR and legal parameters of a sale
  • And more

Resources:

Connect With Duncan:

Connect With Ted:

Promotions:

About Our Guest:

Ted Jenkin is a serial entrepreneur with more than 15 years of experience in building and selling successful businesses in various sectors, such as finance, media, insurance, bookkeeping, and technology. As the President at Exit Stage Left Advisors, Ted helps small and medium-sized business owners maximize their valuation and get top dollar when they sell their companies. 

Ted has multiple credentials in the financial industry, including Certified Financial Planner, Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist, and Accredited Wealth Manager Advisor. He is also a national media personality, appearing on various outlets such as Fox, CNN, HLN, The Weather Channel, WSJ, CNBC, and more. Ted hosts a national entrepreneur podcast called The Shrimp Tank and a national small business television network called America’s Small Business Network. His mission is to empower and educate business owners and individuals on how to achieve the highest possible multiple when they sell their business.

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Strategic Acumen in Mergers and Acquisitions

Strategic Acumen in Mergers and Acquisitions with Martin Luc Derome (Ep. 44)

Advisor, Education, Finance, Financial, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Selling a business is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many advisors.

Do you really want to rush into the transaction? Or do you want to make sure you find the right buyer, receive maximum enterprise value, and leave your clients in good hands?

In this episode, Duncan MacPherson interviews Martin Luc Derome, president of Queenston. Specializing in mergers, acquisitions, and valuations in the financial services industry, Martin has invaluable insights for both buyers and sellers on how to navigate the transaction successfully and effectively.

They discuss:

  • The dos and don’ts of M&A in financial services
  • Actionable steps that help you maximum your enterprise value
  • Queenston’s proprietary process to navigate a business sale from start to finish
  • How to find the ideal buyer/seller (beyond just AUM or EBITDA)
  • And more

Resources:

Connect With Duncan:

Connect With Martin:

Promotions:

About Our Guest:

Martin Luc Derome is a seasoned business leader with over 25 years of experience in finance and insurance. He currently serves as President of Queenston M&A Inc., specializing in mergers, acquisitions, transfers and valuations in the financial products industries. He has held executive positions at Financial Horizons Group, and worked as M&A consultant for high-net-worth individuals, business owners, and professionals. Martin Luc is a trusted consultant dedicated to providing personalized solutions to clients. Mr. Derome has successfully completed the “Certified Financial Planner” program.

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The Art and Science of Exit Planning with Ted Jenkin (Ep. 26)

Advisor, Education, Finance, Financial, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , ,

When the time comes to exit your business, the goal is to drive your enterprise value, maximize your exit strategy, and elevate yourself qualitatively in the process.

In this episode, Duncan MacPherson talks to Ted Jenkin, CEO of oXYGen Financial, about the three E’s of successfully liquidating a business. They highlight steps advisors must take today to have a successful business exit in the future.

Ted discusses:

  • How liquidity events create a sense of self-actualization and personal fulfillment
  • Major drivers of enterprise value (and how to achieve them)
  • Negotiation tactics to secure the best deal for your business sale
  • Why now is an opportune time to consider selling your business
  • And more

Resources:

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Connect With Ted:

Promotions:

About Our Guest:

Ted Jenkin is the CEO of oXYGen Financial, CEO of Hyperchat Social, co-owner of Complete Concrete & Hardscapes, and a serial entrepreneur. With 26 years of experience and six advanced designations including the Certified Financial Planner degree, Ted is a featured columnist on the Wall Street Journal and can be seen regularly on CNN/Headline News. He is also featured locally on 93.7FM, 106.3FM, 680 The Fan, and NBC 11 Alive News. Ted is the author of “The 21 Day Budget Cleanse” and “100 Smart Money Moves To Make Now.”

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