Tag Archives: Enterprise Value

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



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.


The Power of Personalized Gratitude: Building Client Loyalty with Cathi Durrell (Ep. 64)



Join Duncan as he sits down with Cathi Durrell, co-founder of Lavish Cards, to discuss the power of personalized gratitude in building lasting client relationships for Financial Advisors. Discover how sending customized cards to clients can enhance your client retention strategies, foster loyalty, and increase client advocacy.

Cathi shares insights from her 12+ years of experience in helping Financial Advisors use hand-crafted greeting cards to make a lasting impact with clients.

Tune in to learn:

  • Why Thanksgiving cards can give your business an edge over competitors
  • How to make gratitude part of your daily routine to deepen client relationships
  • Real stories of financial advisors using gratitude to boost referrals and client advocacy
  • The BRAG method: How Belonging, Recognition, Appreciation, and Gratitude drive client engagement
  • A look at Lavish Cards’ One Card at a Time program designed for financial professionals

This episode is full of actionable strategies to humanize your client experience, foster stronger client loyalty, and generate organic referrals.

Resources:

Connect With Duncan:

Connect With Cathi:

 

About Our Guest:

Cathi Durrell, along with her husband Glen, who is a professional photographer, are the owners of Lavish Fine Art Cards, a company they co-founded 11 years ago. Lavish has grown extensively over the past 11 years and specializes in catering to the bespoke communication needs of their clients. The entire crew at Lavish are committed to creating and supplying the highest quality greeting cards. In her spare time, Cathi enjoys traveling and exploring “the back-roads” with Glen, in search of the next image for Lavish.


Unlock Success in Family Dynamics and Next-Gen Wealth with Jackie Wilke (Ep. 60)



Are you ready to become the indispensable advisor who guides entire families through wealth building and legacy planning?

Remember, it’s not your client’s responsibility to introduce you and it’s not the family member’s job to ask. You must be proactive and cultivate relationships across the family tree!

In this enlightening and highly relevant episode, Duncan MacPherson speaks with Jackie Wilke, VP of Advisor Consulting at First Trust Portfolios. They provide a step-by-step guide to progressively foster relationships with your clients’ family members (including the next-gen wealth inheritors).

They discuss:

  • How to initiate the conversation with the “family phone call”
  • How to position yourself as a valuable resource for the client’s family (you must lead with a give, not an ask!)
  • Major opportunities to create educational content and develop social proof
  • Connecting with the sandwich generation
  • The sweet spot between high-tech and high-touch
  • How to adapt to the evolving needs of the next-gen
  • And more

Resources:

Connect With Duncan:

Connect With Jackie:

Promotions:

About Our Guest:

Jackie Wilke is a speaker, author, consultant, and coach for select partners of 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. Jackie’s focus is business development and innovation including expertise in helping financial professionals, teams, and the next generation of high-net-worth individuals/households and multi-generational families. She is also the author of Insights & Innovations, a business development blog for financial professionals and enterprises.


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)



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.


From Organic to Scalable Growth with Bill Sowell (Ep. 51)



The transition to fee-based services has prompted advisors to prioritize fee-worthiness, with clients focusing less on cost and more on perceived value.

Plus, the complexities of relationship management may be amplified in a B2B upscaling model.

In this episode, Duncan MacPherson speaks with Bill Sowell, CEO of Sowell Management, about the distinction between salesmanship and stewardship, and what it takes to cultivate lasting client relationships. They also talk about the shift from a B2C organic growth model to a franchise-ready B2B upscaling model.

They discuss:

  • Being a consolidator versus adopting a methodical organic growth model
  • How Bill’s firm struck a powerful balance between the proverbial Wall Street-Main Street dynamics
  • Why advisors should never lose sight of relationship management
  • The path to strong advisor partnerships and an effective fit process
  • How technology and the Great Wealth Transfer are shaping financial services
  • And more

Resources:

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Connect With Bill:

Promotions:

About Our Guest:

Bill began his career in the financial services industry in 1990 and quickly became a top producer within the industry. In 1995, he began a fee-only practice now known as Sowell Management, which services a broad spectrum of some of the top Independent Advisor Representatives (IARs), and Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) in the United States. He and his wife, Cindy, have worked as a team for more than 20 years. Bill is a bridge builder. He is passionate about helping advisors see an independent and prosperous future and guiding them through the entire journey.


Timely and Timeless Best Practices with Chris Jeppesen (Ep. 50)



In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of financial advising, get ready to discover timely and timeless strategies that help you achieve professional contrast and create enduring value for clients.

In this 50th-episode special, Duncan MacPherson is back with co-author of The Blue Square Method, Chris Jeppesen, Chief of Advisory Practices at First Trust. Gleaning from their life experiences and the success stories of high-performing advisors, they share valuable best practices to achieve long-term growth.

They discuss:

  • Why more and more advisors are finding personal rejuvenation in their work
  • The upcoming retirement wave in the industry and the opportunities it presents
  • A process-driven approach to exhibiting empathy and personalization 
  • How AI is revolutionizing financial services
  • The power of testimonials in building trust and attracting clients
  • And more

Resources:

Connect With Duncan:

Connect With Chris:

Promotions:

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.


Embracing the C-Suite with Max and Lucas Winthrop (Ep. 49)

Embracing the C-Suite with Max and Lucas Winthrop (Ep. 49)



For years, financial advisors saw themselves as brokers, being mostly transactional and product-driven.

Today, advisors wear many hats. It’s no longer just a book of business, but an actual business!

In this episode, Duncan MacPherson joins Max Winthrop, CEO, and Lucas Winthrop, COO, of Winthrop Wealth and long-time clients of Pareto Systems. They emphasize the importance of embracing a C-suite approach to streamline core business functions and deliver a consistent and elevated client experience.

They discuss:

  • How to build effective functional teams with high functional accountability
  • How key C-suite positions can be refined and optimized for an advisory practice
  • The need for a philosophical alignment across the firm, which spills over to clients and strategic partners
  • Strategies for creating a process-driven and well-integrated business structure
  • And more

Connect With Duncan:

Connect With Winthrop Wealth:

Connect With Max Winthrop:

Connect With Lucas Winthrop:

Promotions:

About Our Guests:

Max Winthrop is the Chief Executive Officer at Winthrop Wealth. Max has consistently challenged the industry norms for wealth management providers, investing in creating a team-based wealth management experience that is complemented by a cutting-edge technology platform. He has over ten years of experience in the financial services and investment management industry. He is responsible for setting the firm’s strategy, broadening the service offering, and constantly working to enhance the client experience.

Max spearheaded the creation of the Winthrop Wealth Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) in 2017, implementing a partnership structure, a scalable technology infrastructure, and built out an experienced team of professionals. Since the creation of the new RIA, Winthrop Wealth has grown its asset base of regulatory advisory assets, won numerous employer awards, and was recently named to the INC 5000 (2021) list of fastest growing private companies.

Max’s prior work experience with a Fortune 500 Financial Organization equipped him with a leadership/management skillset. He also spent time as an investment analyst structuring large, institutional, Regulation D private placements.

Max believes that the industry needs an injection of youth and is working towards extending services, previously reserved for only wealthy individuals, to the younger millennial generation.

Lucas Winthrop is the Chief Operating Officer at Winthrop Wealth, where he collaborates with the leadership team to shape the firm’s strategic direction and plan. He plays a crucial role in focusing and marshaling firm resources to see the firm’s vision come to fruition. Winthrop Wealth’s current strategic plan includes initiatives related to building exceptional teams, implementing innovative solutions, and designing streamlined processes and structures to help drive scalable, positive outcomes. With over a decade of experience in financial services, Lucas is determined to disrupt outdated industry practices and usher in a new era of possibilities by focusing not on what has been but instead asking what could be.

To drive business optimization and strong business performance outcomes, Lucas focuses on anchoring and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation that is ready to disrupt outdated industry practices or take advantage of disruption. Since launching the RIA alongside his brother Max in 2017, Winthrop has achieved remarkable success, including securing a coveted position on the esteemed INCE 5000 (2021) list of the fastest-growing private companies. Before joining Winthrop Wealth, Lucas was co-founder and CFO of a non-profit organization, and co-founded a music entertainment company.

Lucas’s obsession is to find out what interests and drives those around him and to unlock their utmost potential. With a profound love for the financial services industry, he enjoys connecting with his industry peers and assisting them in optimizing their businesses.


Strategic Acumen in Mergers and Acquisitions

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



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.


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



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:

Connect With Duncan:

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.”


Feature

How to Achieve the Maximum Enterprise Value With Ted Jenkin



Do you have a succession plan in place? Have you considered your exit strategy and the enterprise value of your business?

In this episode Duncan MacPherson and Ted Jenkin, serial entrepreneur and CEO of oXYGen Financial discuss how to drive enterprise value, re-imagining what it means to be a financial professional, and how to get out of the wealth management business. Ted also shares his experience as a serial entrepreneur and his favourite books.

Duncan and Ted discuss:

  • Deploying a process to work on your business and drive enterprise value 
  • Re-imagining what it means to be a financial professional
  • Getting out of the wealth management business
  • Ted’s experience as a serial entrepreneur
  • And more

Resources

Connect With Duncan MacPherson:

Connect With Ted Jenkin:

About Our Guest:

Ted grew up in NJ (actually off of exit 8), he is a Boston College grad, and has the best wife in the world Genna, with three wonderful kids (Olivia, Lyla, and Louden). Ted is now a Milton, GA resident and in his spare time Ted can be found playing tennis, working out, and running businesses.