

Do Business. Do Life. — The Financial Advisor Podcast — DBDL
Brad Johnson
"Do Business. Do Life." is a weekly podcast dedicated to helping the independent financial advisor create unlimited growth and freedom in their business AND life. Having been a coach for the top 1% of independent financial advisors for 15+ years, Brad Johnson has seen far too many leaders in financial services sacrifice their marriages, health, relationships, and everything else that matters to walk across an industry stage recognizing their "success." That model is broken, and Brad's on a mission to fix it. Join Brad as he distills the best advice from top thought leaders and applies it to the world of independent financial advising. Get actionable tips/tactics on sales, marketing, entrepreneurship, business growth, lead generation, hiring, training, team building, company culture, core values, work/life integration, family, relationships, and more! "Do Business. Do Life." is way more than just another podcast for financial advisors. It's an experience. It's a community. And more than anything, it's a movement. #DBDL Want to discover what it truly means to succeed as a financial advisor? Subscribe to Do Business, Do Life OR visit https://bradleyjohnson.com/
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 26, 2025 • 41min
144: Triad Member: The Playbook That Took Reliance Financial Partners from $35M to $100M Per Year with Dana Dunkelberger
A few years ago, Triad members Dana and Tyler Dunkelberger were gathering $35M in new assets with a four-person team. And like most advisors, when growth started ramping up, they kept their foot on the gas.They ran 100+ dinner seminars a year, added clients as fast as they could, and tried to solve capacity issues by adding more advisors to the team.But the harder they pushed, the more obvious it became — their model couldn’t keep up. They were growing, but it was completely unsustainable. They were building a service nightmare that was slowly swallowing their time, their energy, and their quality of life.Fast forward to today, and not only has their firm tripled growth, pacing for $100M in new assets, but they now have a 17-person team, clearly defined roles, and a model that actually scales. Dana is here today to walk through the steps they took, the hires they made, and the mindset shifts that turned an unsustainable business into one that scales with purpose and significance.3 of the biggest insights from Dana Dunkelberger…#1.) Why “Stepping on the Gas” Eventually Stops WorkingDana talks about how running 100+ seminars a year filled the pipeline fast — but also created more service work than he and Tyler could ever keep up with. The harder they pushed, the more buried they became. Adding another advisor didn’t fix it either, because it just duplicated the same problem. The real issue wasn’t effort… it was the model.#2) The Shift That Quietly Fueled Their $100M PaceFor a long time, Reliance looked like every other firm — same products, same conversations, same playbook. Then Dana and Tyler built a simple, repeatable framework that showed clients exactly how they work and what makes them different. That shift in structure and message made their meetings clearer, their value easier to understand, and became a major driver behind their growth.#3) The One Hire That Opened the Door to $1M+ ClientsDana didn’t realize how much he was holding the business back by trying to build all the plans himself. Bringing on a dedicated planner changed everything. The plans got better, the advisors got to stay in their lane, and higher-net-worth clients suddenly saw a firm with real depth. It was the missing piece that finally allowed the business to scale.SHOW NOTEShttps://bradleyjohnson.com/144FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIALTwitterInstagramLinkedInFOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL:YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebookDISCLOSURE DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations. The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies. TP11254981357 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nov 19, 2025 • 23min
143: Solo - Your Office Space Could Be Costing You Million-Dollar Clients with Brad Johnson
Are you struggling to attract and close more high-net-worth clients?What if the reason has nothing to do with your financial plans and everything to do with your office design?In this solo episode, I share one of the most surprising lessons I’ve learned in 20+ years of coaching advisors: the design and intention behind your office directly impacts the clients you attract and the culture you create.Your office is more than a workspace. It’s a physical reflection of your values, beliefs, and the experience you promise to your clients. I’ll show you how thoughtful design can elevate your credibility, boost team culture, and transform how prospects perceive your brand.I’ll also walk you through the three lessons that shaped Triad’s new headquarters, so you can apply the same principles to your own firm and start attracting higher-net-worth clients while building a culture your team loves coming to every day.3 of the biggest insights from Brad…#1.) Celebrate What Matters in Business and LifeMost advisors design an office that looks good on paper, but doesn’t feel like them. In this episode, I share how to build a space that actually tells your story. From our Do Business, Do Life wall filled with team goals to the way you showcase client experiences instead of sales awards, I’ll show you how to create an environment that instantly connects and builds trust with million-dollar clients.#2.). Speak Things Into Existence That MatterAt Triad, we believe language creates culture. So when we built our new office, we wanted our walls to literally speak our values. Instead of labeling rooms A, B, and C, we named them after the beliefs we live by—like the “Significance Suite” and the “Day One Café.” We even have an “Empty Chair” in every conference room to represent our members, reminding us to always build on their behalf. It’s a simple way to make sure what we say we believe shows up in how we work every day.#3.) Create a Collision-Friendly EnvironmentWe fixed one of the biggest mistakes from our first office—silos. In our new space, we built what I call a “hub-and-spoke” design that sparks connection. The hub is where ideas collide—coffee stations, couches, even a kegerator—and the spokes are where deep work happens. I’ll share how this setup boosted creativity, broke down barriers, and created a vibe that everyone—from team members to visiting advisors—can feel the moment they walk in.SHOW NOTEShttps://bradleyjohnson.com/143FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIALXInstagramLinkedInFOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL:YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebookDISCLOSURE DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations. The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies. TP11254897334. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nov 12, 2025 • 36min
142: Jason Early - The AI Tool Advisors Are Using to Win Business-Owner Clients
Live from Future Proof, I sat down with Jason Early, Founder and CEO of RISR — an AI platform that’s helping financial advisors rethink how they serve business-owner clients.Here’s the truth: for most entrepreneurs, their business is their biggest asset — but most advisors just ask, “What’s it worth?” jot down a guess, and move on. Jason and his team built RISR around a simple belief: business owners deserve better advice, and the advisors who serve them need better tools to give it.RISR connects directly to a company’s financials, uses AI to generate real-time valuations, and gives advisors the insights they need to guide clients through growth, succession, and exit planning. It helps advisors have the right conversations — earlier — so they’re there long before the liquidity event, not chasing it after the fact.In this conversation, Jason shares how top advisors are using RISR to win business-owner clients, deepen relationships, and deliver the kind of advice that builds lasting trust.3 of the biggest insights from Jason Early…#1.) How Top Advisors Are Using RISR to Stand OutAdvisors aren’t just running valuations, they’re using RISR to open doors, deepen trust, and win business-owner clients long before a liquidity event. By showing up with real data on what the client’s business is worth, advisors shift the conversation from “asset management” to “business strategy.” It’s helping them justify planning fees, spark succession discussions, and position themselves as the quarterback for every major decision that impacts the owner’s wealth and legacy.#2.) The Truth About Business Valuation (and Why It’s Usually Wrong)Most business owners miscalculate what their company is worth — often by millions. Jason breaks down why, from owner dependency and client concentration to “country club math” and non-normalized EBITDA. He also explains how objective valuation data brings alignment between partners and families, turning tough money talks into clarity.#3.) What Every Advisor Should Know About Succession & Exit PlanningBusiness owners rarely plan their exits well. Jason explains how advisors can use valuation insights to build readiness conversations, prevent conflict between partners, and even influence deal outcomes. These are high-trust, high-value planning opportunities that position advisors as long-term strategic partners — not just investment managers.SHOW NOTEShttps://bradleyjohnson.com/142FREE GIFT + JOIN THE DBDL INSIDER CREWToday's Gift: 30 minute 1:1 coaching call with BradAre you a financial advisor who feels stuck, needs help, or simply wants to have a conversation with Brad? Text “Coaching” to 785-800-3235 to apply for a 30 minute Zoom coaching session and we’ll send you a link to Apply. That will also make you a DBDL Insider with VIP access to future resources and exclusive content. *Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP at any time to opt-out of receiving text messages.FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIALTwitterInstagramLinkedInFOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL:YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebookDISCLOSURE DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations. The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nov 5, 2025 • 35min
141: Eden Ovadia - The AI Platform Helping Financial Advisors Find and Convert Ideal Clients Faster
Live from Future Proof, I sat down beachside with Eden Ovadia, Co-Founder and CEO of FINNY—the AI-powered marketing platform helping advisors solve one of the biggest challenges in wealth management: organic growth.For years, the industry has relied on market returns and acquisitions to drive scale. But when the market slows, most firms discover they don’t actually have a growth engine—they have a valuation problem.Eden saw that gap and built FINNY to fix it. In less than a year, she launched the company, joined Y Combinator, raised $6.5 million, and created a 15-person team that’s helping advisors identify ideal prospects, automate personalized outreach, and attract new clients at scale.Eden also shares how her decision to live in her office became a powerful expression of belief in what she’s building. That unwavering faith in the mission inspired her team to buy in completely—creating a culture grounded in trust, shared conviction, and the certainty that they’re building something extraordinary together.3 of the biggest insights from Eden Ovadia…1.) The Industry’s Organic Growth Problem Is Getting Too Big to IgnoreAdvisors have been riding market returns and acquisitions for years—but when the market dips, most firms realize their “growth” isn’t really growth. Eden breaks down why the industry’s obsession with M&A has masked a massive organic growth crisis—and how advisors who solve it are commanding double the valuations of their peers.2.) AI Is Revolutionizing Prospecting for AdvisorsEden’s company, FINNY, gives advisors access to over 300 million data profiles and turns that data into personalized marketing automation—helping them find and convert ideal clients faster than ever before. From identifying business owners researching “exit planning” to filling dinner seminars with precision, FINNY shows what’s possible when prospecting meets AI.3.) Great Leaders Build Belief Before They Build TeamsEden scaled FINNY from 0 to 15 employees in a year—but her real advantage wasn’t speed, it was conviction. From living in her office to creating a culture that feels like family, she proves that people don’t just join startups—they join founders who believe deeply in their vision. Her playbook for culture, hiring, and customer obsession applies to any advisor building a business that lasts.SHOW NOTEShttps://bradleyjohnson.com/141FREE GIFT + JOIN THE DBDL INSIDER CREWToday's Gift: 30 minute 1:1 coaching call with BradAre you a financial advisor who feels stuck, needs help, or simply wants to have a conversation with Brad? Text “Coaching” to 785-800-3235 to apply for a 30 minute Zoom coaching session and we’ll send you a link to Apply. That will also make you a DBDL Insider with VIP access to future resources and exclusive content. *Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP at any time to opt-out of receiving text messages.FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIALTwitterInstagramLinkedInFOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL:YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebookDISCLOSURE DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations. The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies. TP11254897301See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Oct 29, 2025 • 60min
140: Triad Member - How RPC Unlocked 264% Growth in 3 Years with Gary Hansen, Jaris Hansen and Josh Cumrine
Join Gary Hansen, the founder of the Retirement Planning Center of the Rockies, alongside his son Jaris and son-in-law Josh, as they reveal their journey from a chaotic, founder-led firm to a structured, process-driven powerhouse. They discuss the pivotal shift that led to 264% growth over three years and how unifying their approach transformed client interactions. Insights on prioritizing leadership over product selling, creating a branded process, and maintaining a culture of continuous improvement highlight their impressive evolution in the financial advisory space.

Oct 22, 2025 • 26min
139: Daniel Crosby - The Psychology Behind High-Growth Financial Advisors (Live from Future Proof)
Live from Future Proof, I sat down with my friend Dr. Daniel Crosby to talk about the psychology behind the fastest-growing advisors in our industry.Daniel had spent time with a number of Triad members who were doubling, tripling, even quadrupling their firms — and he wanted to understand what was driving that kind of growth. What he found wasn’t a secret tactic or marketing hack. It was mindset.In this conversation, we get into what separates advisors who stay stuck from those building thriving, high-growth firms built on belief, culture, and intention. We talk about how mindset drives growth, how language creates culture, and what it really takes to go from being a great advisor to being a great CEO.3 of the biggest insights from Brad Johnson & Daniel Crosby…#1.) Growth Starts with Mindset, Not MarketingI see a lot of advisors use the term “lifestyle practice” as a way to justify staying small. The truth is, that mindset keeps you stuck. If you want to attract top talent and grow something meaningful, you’ve got to think more like a professional sports team—always recruiting, always building, always chasing the next level.#2.) What Culture Really Means (And How to Build It)Everyone talks about culture, but few people actually define it. To me, real culture lives at the intersection of growth and belief. It’s not top-down—it’s built through shared language, lived values, and the behavior you model every day. You can’t just write it on the wall; you’ve got to be it.#3.) The Path from Advisor to CEOIf you want to scale beyond yourself, you’ve got to evolve how you think and lead. I walk through the four stages every advisor goes through—from “advisor in charge” to true CEO—and how each stage requires more structure, more delegation, and a team that’s empowered to think, not just execute.SHOW NOTEShttps://bradleyjohnson.com/139FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIALTwitterInstagramLinkedInFOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL:YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebookDISCLOSURE DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations.The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for.Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies. TP057272 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Oct 15, 2025 • 59min
138: Robert Glazer - Uncover Your Core Values and Build a Business You Never Want to Retire From
If you don’t know your core values, you’ll likely build a business that looks successful on paper but leaves you burned out and misaligned in real life.That’s why I invited my friend Robert Glazer on the podcast. He’s an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and someone I always learn from when it comes to leadership. Robert built a global business that won dozens of “Best Place to Work” awards, writes the Friday Forward newsletter read by hundreds of thousands each week, and has published five books translated worldwide. His new book The Compass Within is about uncovering the values that drive you—and using them to align your business and life so success actually feels fulfilling.In this conversation, Robert and I dig into where core values really come from, why it’s so important to share them with your team, and how to infuse them into your culture so your firm can grow without losing what makes it special. We also talk through his “three climbs” framework, and why so many advisors get to the top of the wrong mountain and wonder why it doesn’t feel like freedom.3 of the biggest insights from Robert…1. The Compass Within: Why Advisors Need a Core Values FrameworkRobert’s new book isn’t just another leadership parable—it’s a tool to help you figure out the values that drive every decision you make. When you know those, you can build a firm that scales without burning you out, gives your team clarity, and actually supports the kind of freedom you want.2. Core Values Are Formed Earlier Than You ThinkMost values are rooted in childhood—they usually come from one of two places: the moments that lit us up, or the painful experiences we swore we’d never repeat. When you understand those drivers, you can lead more authentically, set clearer expectations, and avoid the blind spots that derail teams.3. From Words on the Wall to Culture That WorksValues don’t matter if they just sit on a wall—they’ve got to show up in daily behavior. Robert shares how firms can turn values into real systems so your firm attracts the right people, and scales trust without the founder needing to be in every room.4. The 3 Climbs: How to Build a Business You Never Want to Retire FromToo many advisors grind their way up the wrong mountain, only to find emptiness at the top. Robert explains the 3 climbs of entrepreneurship and how to design your firm so the journey itself is energizing.SHOW NOTEShttps://bradleyjohnson.com/138FREE GIFT + JOIN THE DBDL INSIDER CREWToday's Gift: Get copy of Robert’s book, "The Compass Within" [while supplies last]To get access to today's free gift AND become a DBDL Insider with VIP access to future resources and exclusive content, text "138" to 785-800-3235. *Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP at any time to opt-out of receiving text messages.FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIALTwitterInstagramLinkedInFOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL:YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebookDISCLOSURE DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations. The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies. TP10254797117See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Oct 8, 2025 • 22min
137: Jason Khalipa & Daniel Crosby - Why My Family Asks Me to Travel More for Work (LIVE from Triad's DBDL Retreat)
Most advisors I know have felt that tug-of-war: do I grow my firm, or do I show up at home? The truth is, you don’t have to choose.At our Founder’s Retreat in Maui, I sat down with two guys who really live this out: Daniel Crosby, a behavioral finance expert, and Jason Khalipa, a CrossFit Games champ turned entrepreneur. They’ve both spoken at Triad experiences before — not as “fly-in, fly-out” speakers, but as part of the community. They show up with their families, they engage, and they embody what it means to “Do Business. Do Life.”Together, we dug into how including family in business events removes the guilt of being away. It lets you go deeper on the business side, knowing you’ll walk out of the room and step straight into making memories with your family. If you’ve ever carried the guilt of missing a soccer game or dinner with your family in the name of work, this conversation will hit home.3 of the biggest insights from Daniel Crosby & Jason Khalipa…#1.) You Don’t Have to Choose Between Business and LifeBusiness success and family life don’t have to compete. You can thrive in both without compromise.#2.) Eliminate Guilt by Including Family in the JourneyJason and Daniel shared how events that welcome spouses and kids create freedom instead of guilt. You’re no longer worried about missing dinners or soccer games — family is part of the journey. That integration lets you be fully present in business sessions and fully engaged at home.#3.) Core Values Only Matter if You Live ThemIt’s easy to carve values into a wall or throw them on a website. Living them is harder. At Triad, values show up in how members treat each other, how families are included, and how community comes before transactions. That’s what builds trust and belonging — for advisors and their families.SHOW NOTEShttps://bradleyjohnson.com/137FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIALTwitterInstagramLinkedInFOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL:YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebookDISCLOSURE DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations. The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Oct 1, 2025 • 1h 19min
136: Triad Member - The Mindset Shift That Unlocks Scale with Matt Rowley & Daveda Phillips
In the early days, Matt Rowley was doing whatever it took to keep his firm alive — running 60+ seminars a year, making 13-hour road trips, and pushing forward with a business model that was unsustainable.Everything shifted when he made the scary decision to hire his first full-time employee, Daveda Phillips, who took a leap of faith and accepted the position for only $25K a year. She didn’t say yes because of the paycheck, she said yes because she believed in Matt’s vision. That same vision is what kept the team committed, even when challenges (like misalignment or running lean) could have torn things apart.In today’s episode, we unpack how Matt and his team broke through the roadblocks that hold so many advisors back. Their model was broken, and fixing it took tough conversations and a new structure. But it was their culture — where trust was sacred, loyalty ran deep, and leadership meant serving the team first — that made real change possible and turned a fragile startup into a business of significance.3 of the biggest insights from Matt & Daveda…#1.) The $25K Leap That Changed EverythingMatt was barely making ends meet when he hired Daveda as his first full-time employee for $25,000 a year with no benefits. It was terrifying, but that leap of faith became the turning point. Without it, the firm never would have scaled past the founder grind.#2.) Why Lean and Mean Doesn’t ScaleIn the early years, Matt ran 60+ seminars a year and even opened a second office six hours away to keep the pipeline full. It worked — but it nearly broke him and his team. The hard truth: running lean will only take you so far. To build a sustainable business, you have to invest in people and infrastructure.#3.) Breaking Through Partnership MisalignmentOne of the hardest moments in the journey was realizing Matt’s original partner didn’t share his vision for growth. Ending that partnership — and aligning fully with a team that believed in the bigger mission — was painful but absolutely necessary. For advisors, this is a reminder that the wrong partner will hold you back no matter how good the numbers look.Bonus: Loyalty and Ownership Are the Real Growth MultipliersWhat kept the firm alive through tough times wasn’t marketing or seminars — it was a team that showed up with ride-or-die loyalty. Daveda and others took ownership, not just jobs, and Matt led by putting his employees before clients. That servant-leadership approach — where the team eats first, trust is sacred, and loyalty is valued above all — became the foundation for everything that followed.SHOW NOTEShttps://bradleyjohnson.com/136FREE GIFT + JOIN THE DBDL INSIDER CREWToday's Gift: 30 minute 1:1 coaching call with BradAre you a financial advisor who feels stuck, needs help, or simply wants to have a conversation with Brad? Text “Coaching” to 785-800-3235 to apply for a 30 minute Zoom coaching session and we’ll send you a link to Apply. That will also make you a DBDL Insider with VIP access to future resources and exclusive content. *Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP at any time to opt-out of receiving text messages.FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIALTwitterInstagramLinkedInFOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL:YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebookDISCLOSURE Investment advisory services are offered through Coppell Advisory Solutions LLC, dba, Fusion Capital Management, a registered investment adviser that only conducts business in jurisdictions where it is properly registered, or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. Registration as an investment adviser is not an endorsement of the firm by securities regulators and does not mean the adviser has achieved a specific level of skill or ability. The firm is not engaged in the practice of law or accounting.DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations. The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies. Investment advisory services are offered through Coppell Advisory Solutions LLC, dba, Fusion Capital Management, a registered investment adviser that only conducts business in jurisdictions where it is properly registered, or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. Registration as an investment adviser is not an endorsement of the firm by securities regulators and does not mean the adviser has achieved a specific level of skill or ability. The firm is not engaged in the practice of law or accounting. TP09254797085See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sep 24, 2025 • 1h 12min
135: Garrett Gunderson - Comedy, Rockefellers, and Tax Secrets Used by the Ultra-Wealthy
Garrett Gunderson has worn a lot of hats—New York Times bestselling author, financial educator, entrepreneur, and even stand-up comedian. And in this episode, he connects the dots between all of them to give advisors fresh tools for both business and life.We explore what advisors can borrow from stand-up comedy to level up their presentations, how the Rockefellers built a system to preserve wealth while the Vanderbilts lost theirs, and the advanced tax strategies that capture the attention of entrepreneurs and high-net-worth clients.3 of the biggest insights from Garrett …#1.) How Comedy Translates Into More Engaging PresentationsAdvisors face the same challenge as comedians: keeping an audience engaged. Garrett explains why presence matters more than polish, how to handle disruptions with confidence, and why the best connection often comes from the unplanned moments.#2.) The Rockefeller Method in ActionTwo wealthy families took very different paths: the Rockefellers built a system that preserved wealth for seven generations, while the Vanderbilts lost theirs in just three. Garrett unpacks the specific tools—like trusts, family constitutions, and insurance—that made the difference.#3.) The Tax Plays That Make Affluent Clients Lean InEntrepreneurs and high-net-worth families don’t want surface-level advice—they want strategies they’ve never heard before. Garrett shares advanced ideas like reclassification of income, overlooked deductions, and even how donating art can unlock surprising tax advantages.SHOW NOTEShttps://bradleyjohnson.com/135FREE GIFT + JOIN THE DBDL INSIDER CREWToday's Gift: Get a free digital copy of Garrett's book, "What Would the Rockefellers Do? "To get access to today's gift, visit GarrettGunderson.com/bradFOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIALTwitterInstagramLinkedInFOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL:YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebookDISCLOSURE DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations.The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for.Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


