In this episode of Financial Planner Search, Chris Clepp, founder of Building Towards Wealth, shares his journey from entering the insurance industry on September 11, 2001, to managing a specialized wealth practice for Gen X and Gen Y business owners. Chris focuses on helping high-speed entrepreneurs decrease their "mental load" so they can focus on their highest and best use being a great parent, spouse, and founder. He discusses the critical need for proactive exit planning, the pitfalls of last-minute liquidity events, and why he prefers the concept of "autonomy" over "retirement". Chris outlines his values-first onboarding process, which involves a deep dive into a client's "end in mind" to ensure their money serves as a servant rather than a master.

Takeaways

• Decreasing Mental Load: Delegating the "what ifs" to a professional so founders can focus on their business and family.

• Autonomy Over Retirement: Creating a financial engine that allows for flexibility and contentment rather than just stopping work.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Specializing in Gen X & Y Business Owners

• 01:11 Inspiration: Lessons from 9/11 and the 2008 Financial Crisis

• 04:36 Client Triggers: Liquidity Events and Business Transitions

• 08:50 Key Questions: Taxes, Valuation, and Exit Timing

• 13:00 Values & Approach: Choosing Autonomy and Contentment

• 17:07 Vision for the Future and Generational Planning

• 20:51 Behind the Scenes: Coordinated Strategy and Cadence

• 22:35 Process: 90-Day Values Discovery and Long-Term Roadmap

• 26:47 Guidance and Next Steps

You can find them at: https://buildingtowardswealth.com/

If you are a financial advisor looking to grow your business, you can find out more about Wilnau Design at https://www.wilnaudesign.com/

#financialplanning #finance #financialplannersearch #exitplanning #entrepreneurship #GenX #GenY