Building a Unique Retirement Services Business

Have you ever wondered what it takes to make the leap from a conventional career to a fulfilling entrepreneurial journey?

Glenn Harper and Julie Smith sit down with Matt Ruttenberg, co-owner of Business Development of Life Inc. Retirement Services, to unravel his path from Ohio to Hawaii. You'll hear about his transition from the traditional financial services industry to creating meaningful retirement solutions for clients.

Discover how Matt managed to blend his passion for helping others with his entrepreneurial spirit to build a flourishing business. This is an inspiring conversation filled with actionable insights and dynamic twists that could alter the way you think about your entrepreneurial journey.

The end might just stop you in your tracks.

Top Empowering Takeaways

Entrepreneurial Journey: Matt's entrepreneurial journey shows the importance of discovering what truly interests you and pivoting when necessary. He shifted from traditional financial services to providing more specialized retirement plan services.

Mentorship and Family Influence: Matt's background in a finance-savvy family and mentorship from his father played a significant role in molding his career path. His father's work ethic and approach influenced Matt's decision to become an entrepreneur.

Adaptability and Patience: Matt emphasizes the importance of patience and adaptability. Entrepreneurs need to be prepared to take a long journey, understanding that initial steps might lead to unexpected but valuable opportunities.

Collaboration and Team Building: To scale and excel in business, especially in providing specialized services like 401(k) plans, building a knowledgeable and strong team is essential. Matt moved from working independently to partnering with a team to leverage their collective expertise.

Client-Centered Approach: The focus on understanding the client's specific needs, whether for tax saving or providing value to employees, is essential in the retirement plan services business. Tailoring plans to meet these specific needs makes a big difference.

Geographical Flexibility: Matt transitioned from different locations like Ohio, Florida, and eventually Hawaii, showing that geographical flexibility can play a role in pursuing entrepreneurial dreams and exploring new opportunities.

Real Estate Investment: Matt's real estate ventures with his brother and cousin during college highlight the potential of real estate as a secondary business avenue for entrepreneurs.

Importance of Networking: Matt's involvement in financial media networks and conferences underscores the importance of networking in fostering professional growth and staying updated with industry trends.

Family Support: Having a supportive spouse who understands and encourages the entrepreneurial journey can significantly impact an entrepreneur's success. Matt credits his wife's support as pivotal in his journey.

Continuous Learning and Evolution: The concept of continuous improvement and evolution in career and business decisions is vital. Matt's path shows the need to keep learning, adapting, and re-strategizing to find the most fulfilling and successful role.

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Empowering Moments

05:36 Entrepreneurs: Nature or Nurture?

08:50 Early Golf Passion Fades

12:24 Real Estate Journey and Discovery

14:59 Independent Financial Journey in Florida

19:13 Journey of Career Pivots

20:36 "Finance Media Network and 401k Service"

24:32 Challenges in 401(k) Advisory Industry

27:31 Entrepreneurs Benefit from Financial Advice

32:17 Embrace Change with Professional Guidance

32:53 Invest in Professional Advice

36:57 Business Expansion from Three Owners

40:15 "Connecting Through 1-on-1 Conversations"

43:45 Building Generational Wealth Mindset

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year. 

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast. 

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

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