From Intern to CFO: Yanni Niebuhr’s Fourteen-Year Financial Journey at BFG

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to welcome someone I know not only as a colleague but as a friend and business partner—Yanni Niebuhr. As part of our Diary of a Financial Advisor series, I got to sit down with Yanni, who’s celebrating an incredible 14 years at BFG. From unpaid intern to Chief Investment Officer and soon-to-be CFO, Yanni’s path is a testament to growth, leadership, and staying passionate in a constantly evolving profession. In this candid conversation, Yanni shared his unique journey from his college days at Towson University all the way to serving on our executive team. We discussed what has kept his professional “fuse lit” over the years, and Yanni gave us an inside look into the complex world of business and succession planning for entrepreneurs—an area where he thrives thanks to his love of tackling intricate challenges. Yanni also opened up about spearheading initiatives like our Financial Planning for All program and driving BFG’s corporate financial wellness offerings for companies across the country. But it’s not all numbers and balance sheets—Yanni revealed some of the lighter (and more embarrassing!) moments from inside our office. From friendly wagers that led to crop tops on the boardwalk to interpretive dances after soccer bets gone wrong, you’ll get a real sense of our team’s camaraderie and culture. We also explored the transition of leadership roles within BFG—Yanni spoke about passing the Chief Investment Officer baton and his excitement about shaping our firm’s future as CFO. Our conversation wrapped up with Yanni’s advice for young advisors eager to make their mark in financial services, underscoring the importance of patience, continued learning, and never losing the human touch that defines our firm. 5 Key Takeaways:

1. Growth through Every Role: Yanni’s journey from unpaid intern to executive team member highlights the power of curiosity, adaptability, and patience in career progression—valuable lessons for any professional aiming for leadership.
2. Embracing Complexity: His passion for complex financial and business planning, especially for entrepreneurs and family businesses, shows how diving into challenging territory can fuel a rewarding and meaningful career.
3. Culture Matters: Office culture and shared laughter—like wagers, crop tops, and interpretive dances—create lasting bonds that make hard work and long hours enjoyable and sustainable.
4. Succession & Transition: Yanni’s move from CIO to CFO is a model for “graduating” from one role to another within a growing firm, and demonstrates the importance of recognizing team strengths and supporting new leaders.
5. Advice for the Next Generation: Yanni’s top guidance? Don’t rush. Take time to learn and develop before seeking instant advancement, and embrace the opportunities to grow in both skill and confidence at every stage.

Join us for an episode full of lessons in professional development, authentic office stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it really means to build a career—and a firm—with purpose. As always, I encourage you to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast with anyone looking to navigate their own journey toward financial independence and fulfillment! [embed]https://youtu.be/vR7e0id0Fx0[/embed]