Do Business. Do Life. — The Financial Advisor Podcast — DBDL

Brad Johnson
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Jan 28, 2026 • 1h 16min

153: Daniel Harkavy - How Advisors Accidentally Build Businesses They Hate

What would make a 30-year-old with a corner office, a clear path to CEO, and more money than he ever imagined… walk away from it all?That’s the question at the center of this conversation with Daniel Harkavy.Daniel spent his 20s grinding in the mortgage banking world, chasing deals, money, and success. By 30, he was next in line to run the company—but a quiet inner voice told him this wasn’t the life he was meant to live. So he walked away.For the last three decades, Daniel has helped high-performing leaders do what this show is all about: build successful businesses without sacrificing their life in the process. As Founder of Building Champions, he’s coached CEOs and executive teams at organizations like Chick-fil-A, Pfizer, and Bank of America.We talk about why so many leaders burn out after they scale, how culture and leadership behavior quietly shape everything, and what it really means to do business and life by design.5 of the biggest insights from Daniel Harkavy…#1.) Walking Away Wasn’t Quitting, It Was ClarityDaniel walked away at the height of his career because success didn’t feel sustainable anymore. A one-year sabbatical forced him to realize that continuing would have meant building a life he didn’t want, no matter how successful it looked.#2.) A Smart Approach to Hiring Top PerformersDaniel built his team by intentionally spending time building relationships with his competitors — learning their goals, understanding where they were stuck, and finding ways to help them improve. By genuinely helping competitors grow where they were, he built trust, loyalty, and credibility. And when the time came, people chose him willingly.#3.) Scaling Without Vision Is How Advisors Get StuckA lot of advisors scale because they think they’re supposed to. But if the “why” isn’t clear, growth just adds complexity, stress, and people problems. Scaling only works when you’re being pulled forward by a clear vision — not pushed by ego, comparison, or fear of missing out.#4.) Emotional Volatility Quietly Destroys CultureEmotional blowups cost more than most leaders realize. The energy spent repairing internal damage is energy not spent growing the business. Over time, volatility wears down culture, momentum, and trust, even when intentions are good.#5.) Fear Loses Power When You Zoom OutWhen you really ask, “What’s the worst case?” most of the fear driving decisions starts to shrink. Failure is part of building anything meaningful, but it’s rarely the disaster we imagine. Perspective changes the weight of decisions and helps you build with intention instead of fear.SHOW NOTEShttps://bradleyjohnson.com/153FOLLOW 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.TP01255162010 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Jan 21, 2026 • 42min

152: Triad Members – How to Step Out of Client Meetings and Scale with Matt Dixon & Byron Hurren

In this episode, I sit down with Triad members Matt Dixon and Byron Hurren to break down how True North evolved from a founder-led advisory firm into a scalable, system-driven business.Just a few years ago, Matt was still running client appointments, and growth flowed almost entirely through him. Byron was another advisor on the team, trying to keep up inside a model that relied heavily on individual talent. Today, Matt is fully out of client meetings, Byron is leading and training a five-person sales team, and the firm is pacing for over $200M in new assets this year.We unpack exactly what changed — how they replaced personality-driven selling with a repeatable sales process, why conversations are replicated nearly word-for-word, and how training, accountability, and culture turned individual production into firm-wide scale. This episode is a clear look at what it actually takes to grow beyond the founder without losing control of the business. 3 of the biggest insights from Matt Dixon & Byron Hurren… #1.) Scaling Requires One Process, Not Multiple StylesTrue North didn’t grow by hiring more talented closers. They grew by eliminating variation. Once every advisor followed the same repeatable process, results became predictable, coachable, and scalable. #2.) Selling the Plan Changed EverythingThe shift from pitching products to selling an ongoing planning process created clarity for clients and confidence for advisors. Planning became the product, and the team became the value. #3.) Accountability Is the Growth MultiplierWeekly training, recorded meetings, and direct feedback created a culture where improvement was non-negotiable. Advisors either followed the process or self-selected out.SHOW NOTEShttps://bradleyjohnson.com/152FOLLOW 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.
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Jan 14, 2026 • 1h 1min

151: Shasta Nelson - The Science Every Advisor Needs to Know About Human Connection

What if stronger relationships really did come down to just three things?In this episode, I sit down with Shasta Nelson, one of the most respected voices on the science of connection. She’s a speaker, author, and researcher whose work on relationships has been featured in Harvard Business Review and TIME, whose TEDx talks have reached nearly a million viewers, and whose frameworks are used by companies like Google, LinkedIn, and Walmart.Shasta breaks down the simple relationship triangle that explains why some connections grow deeper while others quietly drift away. We explore how this framework applies directly to the relationships advisors care about most, including clients, teams, spouses, and close friends.We also talk about why high-performing advisors can still feel disconnected, how trust is shaped in small moments rather than big gestures, and how you can intentionally start, strengthen, or even repair relationships instead of leaving them to chance.If you want deeper client trust, stronger teams, and relationships that actually support your life outside the office, this episode gives you a clear way to think about all of it.3 of the biggest insights from Shasta Nelson…#1.) The Relationship Triangle Explains Why Connections Grow or DriftShasta introduces a simple triangle built on positivity, consistency, and vulnerability. Every relationship, whether with clients, team members, or family, operates on these three forces. When one weakens, trust doesn’t usually break. It slowly fades.#2.) High Performers Can Be Surrounded by People and Still Feel Lonely Many advisors interact with people all day and still feel disconnected. Shasta explains that loneliness isn’t about a lack of relationships. It’s about a lack of depth. Without relationships at the top of the triangle, connection feels transactional instead of meaningful.#3.) Stronger Client and Team Relationships Can Be DesignedOnce you understand the triangle, relationships stop being accidental. From first impressions to final moments, rituals, and shared experiences, advisors can intentionally start, strengthen, and even repair relationships instead of leaving trust to chance.SHOW NOTEShttps://bradleyjohnson.com/151FOLLOW 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.
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Jan 7, 2026 • 21min

150: Solo - 3 Lessons Every Advisor Can Learn From Their Doctor with Brad Johnson

When clients feel understood, everything gets easier. When they don’t, even the best advice falls flat. In this solo episode, I break down three lessons we can borrow from good doctors that make a huge difference in your meetings as an advisor.Just like in medicine, the best advisors don’t rush to solutions. They slow down, ask better questions, and explain things in a way people can actually follow. I’ll walk through why diagnosing before you prescribe matters, how your “bedside manner” shows up in financial conversations, and why a real plan is something you build with clients over time—not something you hand them once and hope for the best.If you’ve ever left a meeting thinking, “I know I gave them good advice, so why didn’t it land?” these three simple ideas will help you connect better, simplify your process, and create a better experience for every person you serve.3 of the biggest insights from Brad Johnson…1.) Diagnose Before You PrescribeClients don’t want another advisor pushing their “favorite product.” They want someone who seeks to understand—who asks layered questions, listens deeply, and helps both spouses feel heard. This is the foundation of trust and the secret behind higher conversions.2.) Simplify the Complex with Better Bedside MannerPlanning jargon and 80-page printouts don’t impress clients—they overwhelm them. The advisors who win are the ones who translate complexity into simple, relatable frameworks and make clients feel comfortable, safe, and cared for.3.) Build a Planning Journey, Not a One-Time PlanDelivering a plan is not the finish line, it’s the starting line. When you walk clients through decisions one step at a time and commit to ongoing planning, you avoid overwhelm, deepen your relationship, and increase lifetime value.SHOW NOTEShttps://bradleyjohnson.com/150FOLLOW 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. TP12254981392See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Dec 31, 2025 • 1h 18min

149: Carey Lohrenz - Navy’s First Female Top Gun on Performing Under Pressure

Carey Lohrenz, the Navy’s first female F-14 Tomcat pilot, dives into the art of performing under pressure. She discusses the importance of rigorous simulation training and the necessity of checklists to prevent human error during high-stakes scenarios. Lohrenz highlights how debriefing can significantly enhance team dynamics and trust. She draws fascinating parallels between military training and financial advisory onboarding, offering actionable insights that can help improve performance and mentorship in both fields.
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Dec 24, 2025 • 59min

148: Triad Member: Fired for Putting Clients First and How He Rebuilt a Family Practice Gathering $65M of New Assets with Keith Leverentz

What do you do when doing the right thing gets you fired?That’s the question at the center of this conversation with Keith Leverentz. Keith started his career as a high school science teacher before being recruited into a captive financial firm. He quickly became the number one producer in the organization—but he was doing something most advisors weren’t. He was putting clients first, even when it meant recommending solutions that were less profitable for the company.In 2012, that decision cost him everything. He lost his business, his clients, his niche, and spent a season wondering if he’d ever get back on his feet.Keith didn’t just bounce back. He rebuilt—this time with intention. Today, he leads a 25-person firm that’s on pace for more than $65M in new assets this year. He’s done it by building a real team, integrating his entire family into the business, and putting purpose, generosity, and client outcomes at the center of everything.If you’re a founder who’s been knocked down—or you’re carrying a weight that feels heavier than it should—Keith’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible on the other side.3 of the biggest insights from Keith Leverentz…#1.) The Cost of Doing What’s Right (And Why It Paid Off Later)Keith was the #1 producer in his captive agency — until he refused to sell products that weren’t in his clients’ best interest. That decision got him fired. Keith explains the ethical dilemma that forced him out, the fear and isolation that followed, and how starting over with nothing eventually led to building a 25-person firm. If you’ve ever felt tension between growth and integrity, this part will hit close to home.#2.) Why Most Advisors Feel Overwhelmed (And How to Fix It)Keith explains why hiring an Executive Assistant dropped his stress by 40% — and why this role is one of the most overlooked leverage points in advisory firms. He also breaks down a hard truth about his own business: the org chart was “a mile wide and an inch deep.” This section is a masterclass on why founders become bottlenecks, how poor structure slows growth, and what it actually takes to scale beyond yourself.#3.) Why Undercharging Holds Advisors BackKeith shares how he realized he was undercharging — and why raising fees actually improved client outcomes instead of hurting relationships. You’ll hear how expanding planning capabilities, trusting a bigger team, and clearly communicating value allowed him to move up-market with confidence. If you’re worried about fee pressure, higher-net-worth clients, or whether you’re “ready” for the next level, this section reframes the entire conversation.SHOW NOTEShttps://bradleyjohnson.com/148FOLLOW 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.
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Dec 17, 2025 • 28min

147: Solo - Top 5 Most Replayed Moments in 2025 (According to the Stats) with Brad Johnson

Every advisor is looking back at the year — what worked, what didn’t, and what’s worth carrying into 2026. So I pulled the analytics, reviewed the conversations, and rounded up the five moments that advisors like you rewatched the most.Each clip reveals something different: how to build real structure inside your firm, how to scale yourself out of the bottleneck, how to create a compelling workshop experience, how to master your message, and how elite performers think about growth.If you want a quick way to reset your focus, sharpen how you lead, and build more freedom into your business next year, this episode will give you the clearest lessons from across the show in 2025. These are the ideas advisors trusted the most — and they can help you tighten your model, strengthen your team, and build a business that runs without burning you out.3 of the biggest insights from the episode…1.) Structure Is a Growth Multiplier, Not a Corporate ExerciseYour business can only scale as quickly as your structure allows. Ladders, levels, delegated authority, and consistent titles aren’t bureaucracy — they’re clarity. And clarity is what frees a founder from becoming the bottleneck.2.) You Can Duplicate Yourself Faster Than You ThinkWhether it’s sales or marketing, the advisors who scale the fastest stop relying on personality and start relying on process. When you systematize your approach, you unlock the ability to build a team that produces without you.3.) Mastery Comes from Focus, Not Doing MoreJordan. Kobe. Elite advisors. The common thread? They ignore the noise and obsess over the few skills that drive 80–90% of results. Growth isn’t adding more, it’s deleting what no longer serves the next level.SHOW NOTEShttps://bradleyjohnson.com/147FOLLOW 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. TP 12254981392See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Dec 10, 2025 • 1h 2min

146: Glenn Street - What Creating a Pro Sports Mascot Taught Me About Differentiating Your Advisory Practice

As a coach to independent financial advisors, I see a lot of advisors struggling with the same issue—they blend in with the advisor down the street. And when prospects can’t see what makes you unique, it becomes a lot harder for them to understand why they should choose you over anyone else.That’s why I loved today’s conversation with Glenn Street. Glenn built one of the most differentiated businesses I’ve ever seen—Street Characters, the company behind many of the most iconic mascots in the NFL, NHL, MLB, and major college sports. But the real lesson from this episode isn’t about mascots. It’s about how he picked a niche, went deep, and created a level of expertise and service that big competitors couldn’t match.Glenn didn’t try to be everything to everyone. He focused on a narrow lane, understood his customers better than anyone else, and delivered a product and experience no one else in his space could touch. Advisors can do the exact same thing—especially in a market where most firms look and sound identical. When you specialize with intention, understand your audience on a deeper level, and build a brand that feels unmistakably yours, you become the advisor people talk about, remember, and seek out.3 of the biggest insights from Glenn Street…#1.) Niching Down in a Commoditized IndustryOne of the things I loved about Glenn’s story is how he didn’t try to compete with the Disneys of the world. He found a narrow lane—sports mascots—and went deeper than anyone else. That’s exactly what most advisors need today. When you pick a niche and truly understand the people you serve, you stop blending in and start becoming the advisor everyone talks about.#2.) Core Values Don’t Matter Unless You Actually Live ThemA lot of firms have core values, but very few bring them to life the way Glenn does. His team starts and ends their day with them. They use them to make decisions, solve problems, and hold each other accountable. It’s a simple reminder that culture isn’t something you write, it’s something you practice.#3.) The Right Incentives Turn Good Teams Into Great OnesGlenn has built a culture where A-player behavior is recognized and rewarded—whether that’s through peer shoutouts, clear performance targets, or a team trip to Mexico when they hit their goals. These aren’t random perks; they’re intentional systems that reinforce what “great” looks like. SHOW NOTEShttps://bradleyjohnson.com/146FOLLOW 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. TP11254981386See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Dec 3, 2025 • 1h 6min

145: Lindsey Lewis - Why Women Will Drive the Next Era of Advisor Growth (According to the Data)

Advisors everywhere are feeling the pressure to scale, hire, and prepare for a wave of retirements that will reshape the industry. At the same time, firms are struggling to attract women, keep next-gen advisors engaged, and build teams that actually create freedom instead of more work.That’s why I wanted to bring Lindsey Lewis on the show. After building a $200M book in her first year at Vanguard, Lindsey shifted her career toward research at The American College so she could help the profession fix its biggest blind spots—especially around women in finance, advisor retention, and the future talent pipeline.We dig into the data shaping the next decade of financial services: what women uniquely bring to advisory firms, why Gen Z is more interested in this profession than any generation before them, and how training, compensation, and career clarity determine whether young advisors stay or disappear.4 of the biggest insights from Lindsey …#1.) The Biggest Talent Gap in Advisor HistoryWe’re staring down a generational shift in this profession. Tens of thousands of advisors are aging out. And when you run the math, the industry would need to hire over a million new people just to meet today’s demand. Lindsey walks through the data behind this massive workforce gap and why the firms who build real training, career paths, and development now will be miles ahead of everyone else over the next decade.#2.) Women Advisors Are a Huge Missed OpportunityThe numbers don’t lie: women make up 25% of CFPs… but only a small fraction are in sales/growth positions. And it’s not a talent issue, it’s how the industry has shaped roles, pay structures, and expectations over time. Lindsey breaks down why women often outperform in retention, personalization, referrals, and relationship depth, yet get pushed into service tracks or stay risk-averse because of cultural narratives, confidence gaps, or biases inside firms. The upside for the firms who fix this is enormous. Women represent one of the biggest untapped growth engines in financial services.#3.) Gen Z Wants In, But Poor Onboarding Pushes Them OutHere’s the part no one expects: financial services is now Gen Z’s top-preferred industry over tech and medicine. But at the same time, 1 in 4 early-career advisors say their onboarding wasn’t effective — and those are the same people who leave within seven years. Lindsey lays out exactly what this generation needs to stay: mentorship, sponsorship, clear career paths, ongoing education, and roles that evolve with their confidence. If you want a talent pipeline that sticks, it starts with the first 12–18 months.#4.) Compensation Makes or Breaks Your TeamComp plans aren’t just about money, they’re about psychology. Young advisors need stability before they’re ready to take on variable comp. Others crave upside and hate the idea of a flat salary. Lindsey explains the difference between income risk tolerance and income risk capacity, and why misalignment between the person and the pay structure is one of the biggest drivers of turnover. When firms get comp wrong, they churn through talent. When they get it right, people stay, grow, and eventually step into the very roles the industry is desperate to fill. SHOW NOTEShttps://bradleyjohnson.com/145FOLLOW 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. TP11254981366See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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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.

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