Quotes from Mark Stiles:

Connect with Mark:
Website:  https://www.markstilescpa.com
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/mascpa/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/share/1AscCpnvMy/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mascpa_?igsh=Z2ZkYzk3c3RueDlm&utm_source=qr

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Xgh8G0ENtln59anAwZwFI?si=nr6-xh12R26JcV9lqBtcqQ&nd=1&dlsi=27d11b68be02409a
Connect with Tracy:
Website:  https://tracwealthmanagement.com/
🔗 Conclusion:
This episode shows how CPAs can be growth engines—not just compliance officers—for trades and high-net-worth clients. With storytelling, strategy, and specialization, accounting becomes a superpower.

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Quotes from Cody Roos:

Connect with Cody:
Website:  https://www.finproaccounting.com/wp/wp-admin/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-roos
Connect with Charles:
Website:  https://proactivetaxreductions.com/about-us/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/businessownertaxreductionadvisor/ Facebook Business:https://www.facebook.com/TrakasFinancial  Facebook Personal:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011447285280
🔗 Conclusion:
Whether you serve farmers, contractors, or financial advisors, delivering integrated, high-trust accounting services can transform your client relationships—and your business.

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What happens to your clients, your team, and your business if something happens to you tomorrow? This episode dives into why every financial advisor needs a documented succession plan—before it’s too late.

In this episode of Sterling Insights, Roger sits down with PJ McDaniel, Partner at Socium Advisors and a leader in advisor growth strategy within Northwestern Mutual. Together, they explore succession planning for financial advisors, sharing valuable insights and practical tips for listeners. PJ draws from his extensive experience in wealth management and M&A to discuss the demographic shift in the industry, the risks of poor planning, and how to transition client relationships and enterprise value effectively, offering actionable advice for advisors working with high-net-worth clients. This episode is a must-listen for advisors looking to protect their legacy, their clients, and their families, providing both knowledge and tools to navigate this critical business decision.

Key Takeaways:

● Most Advisors Lack a Plan: Up to 94% of advisors don’t have a documented succession plan—leaving clients and families vulnerable.
● Start Early: Succession planning isn’t just for retirement; it's risk management in case of unexpected events.
● Trusted Partnerships Matter: A successful transition hinges on finding the right next-gen partner and building trust over time.
● Valuation Confusion: Many advisors don’t fully understand what their business is worth or how M&A dynamics affect value.
● Culture Fit First: When considering a merger or acquisition, cultural alignment is more important than revenue or AUM.

Quotes from PJ McDaniel:

● “It’s like having a will—you hope you never need it soon, but if you do and don’t have it, the consequences can be huge.”
● “The most successful transitions we’ve seen are built over two to three years, not two to three months.”
● “If you’re not spending most of your time with clients, something needs to change—that’s where we come in.”
🔗 Conclusion:
If you’re an advisor without a clear, written succession plan—or just want a second opinion—this episode offers the clarity and next steps you need.
Connect with PJ:
Website:  https://sa.nm.com/
Connect with Roger:Website:  https://www.sterlingfoundations.comFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/sterlingfoundations/Twitter:  https://x.com/SterlingFndMgt?mx=2LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/sterling-foundation-management-llc/

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What does it take to build a family office with a $25M minimum and serve first-generation entrepreneurs navigating complex wealth? This episode breaks it down.

In this episode of Sterling Insights, Roger sits down with Chad Willardson, founder of Pacific Capital and advisor to ultra-high-net-worth founders. Together, they explore how to serve first-gen entrepreneurs with complex financial lives, sharing valuable insights and practical tips for advisors and families alike. Chad draws from his extensive experience building a boutique family office to discuss client fit, private investments, multi-generational planning, and how to say no—even to $100M prospects, offering actionable advice for those working with high-net-worth individuals. This episode is a must-listen for financial advisors, family office professionals, and entrepreneurial families, providing both knowledge and tools to navigate this important subject.

Key Takeaways:

● 💼 Know Your Ideal Client: Why Chad only serves first-gen founders with $25M+ and how he defines perfect-fit clients.

● 🧠 Be the Peer, Not Just the Planner: How being an entrepreneur himself makes Chad more effective as an advisor.

● 📊 Private Deals Are Everywhere: How his team evaluates hundreds of private investment opportunities each year for clients.

● 🧒 Smart, Not Spoiled: Why teaching kids about money early is essential—and how not to ruin the next generation.

● 🛩️ Lifestyle Decisions Matter: What to consider when clients ask, “Should I buy a jet?”

Quotes from Chad Willardson:

● "I’m more of a peer to my clients than just their advisor."

● "You don’t have to do business with people who aren’t a good personal fit."

● "Making money easy doesn’t make someone good with money."

🔗 Conclusion:

Serving ultra-wealthy entrepreneurs isn’t just about investing—it’s about simplifying their lives, protecting their time, and helping them think clearly in high-stakes moments.

Connect with Chad:

Website:  http://chadwillardson.com/

Connect with Roger:

Website:  https://www.sterlingfoundations.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/sterlingfoundations/

Twitter:  https://x.com/SterlingFndMgt?mx=2

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/sterling-foundation-management-llc/

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You might think you have time to plan your legacy—but waiting too long could cost your family dearly. In this episode of Sterling Insights, host Seth Krussman sits down with Aaron Frishman, of counsel at Gevurtz Menashe and an expert in estate, tax, and elder law planning. Together, they explore the complexities of estate planning for business owners and high-net-worth families, sharing valuable insights and practical tips to protect what matters most. Aaron draws from over two decades of legal experience to discuss common missteps, asset protection strategies, and long-term care planning, offering actionable advice for families, entrepreneurs, and financial professionals alike.
This episode is a must-listen for business owners, advisors, and affluent families looking to stay ahead of tax changes, preserve generational wealth, and avoid costly planning mistakes.

Key Takeaways:

Quotes from Aaron Frishman:

🔗 Conclusion: Estate planning isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy—it’s about protecting your legacy, your family, and your future. Starting now is the smartest move you can make.
Connect with Aaron:
Website:  www.gevurtzmenashe.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfrishman/
With Your Guest Host Seth Krussman:
Seth Krussman is a seasoned financial advisor and partner at Brayshaw Financial Group, LLC, with over 30 years of experience in entrepreneurship, business development, and wealth management. A Registered Representative and Investment Advisor Representative with Osaic Wealth, Inc., Seth specializes in tax-efficient investment strategies, executive compensation, and succession planning for high-net-worth clients. Based in Hillsboro, Oregon, he is also the nationally recognized co-host of the radio show Money On Tap and an active community leader, husband, and father.
Connect with Seth:
Website:  https://www.brayshawfinancial.com/
Podcast:  https://www.brayshawfinancial.com/money-on-tap
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/3Dinvesting/
X:  https://x.com/BFG_LLC/

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Most advisors manage money—but what separates the top 20% from the rest is how they manage relationships, structure their practice, and scale with intention. Are you investing your time where it matters most?

In this episode of Sterling Insights, Roger sits down with Duncan MacPherson, CEO of Pareto Systems and a practice management expert for top financial advisors. Together, they explore how elite advisors create enterprise value by professionalizing their client experience, sharing valuable insights and practical tips for listeners. Duncan draws from over 30 years of experience to discuss the pitfalls of plateauing, the power of process, and how to grow a business that truly serves your life. This episode is a must-listen for advisors who work with high-net-worth clients and want to grow by design—not by default, providing both knowledge and tools to navigate this critical evolution.

Key Takeaways:

● 🧠 The 80/20 Principle in Practice: How elite advisors focus 80% of their energy on the 20% of clients who drive results—and why most advisors still get it backward.

● 🛠️ Professionalizing the Client Experience: Why it’s no longer enough to rely on product and performance, and how to build a proprietary process that creates real differentiation.

● 📈 From Practice to Business: The stages of growth—growing, teaming, scaling, and exiting—and how to move from reactive to intentional.

● 🎯 Finding and Serving Your Ideal Client: Tools like the Practice Management Index (PMI) help advisors identify gaps and realign around what matters most.

● 🤝 Positioning vs. Pitching: Why complex clients don’t want to be sold—they want to buy into a vision, process, and partnership.

Quotes from Duncan MacPherson:

● "You’re not asking a client to buy something—you’re asking them to buy into something."

● "The business is supposed to serve your life, not the other way around."

● "If you're not adapting, you're plateauing. Minor adjustments over time can lead to major improvements."

🔗 Conclusion:

Success today isn’t just about assets under management—it’s about building a business with process, purpose, and professional contrast. If you want to scale intentionally and future-proof your practice, this episode is your starting point.

Connect with Duncan:

Website:  www.paretosystems.com

Podcast:  https://always-on-with-d-macpherson.blubrry.net/

Connect with Roger:

Website:  https://www.sterlingfoundations.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/sterlingfoundations/

Twitter:  https://x.com/SterlingFndMgt?mx=2

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/sterling-foundation-management-llc/

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Are CPA firms really ready for succession—or just hoping they’ll figure it out later? Discover why waiting is the costliest mistake a firm can make.
In this episode of Sterling Insights, guest host Charles Trakas sits down with a seasoned advisor and CPA-turned-growth consultant, Daniel McMahon. Together, they explore succession planning, governance, and building enterprise value in CPA firms, sharing valuable insights and practical tips for listeners. Drawing from decades of experience in public accounting and management consulting, the guest unpacks the common challenges firms face when planning for transition and offers actionable advice to create firms that are sustainable, transferable, and truly valuable.
This episode is a must-listen for firm leaders, partners, and advisors working with CPA firms, providing both knowledge and tools to navigate succession with confidence.

Key Takeaways:

● 🔁 Succession Is a Process, Not an Event: Planning early and treating succession like a process—rather than a one-time event—ensures smoother transitions and sustained firm value.
● 🧱 Strong Governance Builds Strong Firms: Implementing clear governance structures creates accountability, alignment, and sets the foundation for long-term growth.
● 🕰️ The Tyranny of the Now: Many firm owners delay planning because they’re overwhelmed by day-to-day demands—this mindset threatens future viability.
● 🧠 Intellect Isn’t Enough—Action Is Required: Even highly intelligent partners struggle to act on succession plans without outside support and structure.
● 💼 Build a Business, Not Just a Book: Firms that are sustainable and transferable command higher valuations and are more attractive to buyers or internal successors.

Quotes from Daniel McMahon:

● “I’m not here to outsmart my clients. I’m here to help them take a step forward.”
● “Governance isn’t just board minutes—it’s a cultural process that drives alignment.”
● “If your firm is sustainable and transferable, you’re not just selling a practice—you’ve built an enterprise.”
🔗 Conclusion:
Succession doesn’t start when you’re ready to exit—it starts when you decide to build a firm that can thrive without you.

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What happens when a corporate dealmaker hits midlife and chooses law school over a sports car? In this episode, discover how attorney Kevin Timson brings deep business insight to legal strategies that help entrepreneurs and auto dealers plan smarter exits and succession.

In this episode of Sterling Insights, guest host Peter Florio sits down with Kevin Timson, an attorney at ArentFox Schiff with over 25 years of combined business and legal experience. Together, they explore succession planning, business exits, and long-term legal strategy for entrepreneurs and automotive dealership owners, sharing valuable insights and practical tips for listeners. Kevin draws from his unique path—from business development to boutique law firms to a national firm—offering real-world advice on navigating ownership transitions, valuations, and family business complexities. This episode is a must-listen for advisors, attorneys, and business owners planning for the future, providing both knowledge and tools to navigate this critical phase of business life.

Key Takeaways:

● 🔁 Succession Planning Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All: Kevin explains how every succession plan must be tailored to the family dynamics, asset types, and future goals of each business owner.
● 💼 Valuation is More Art Than Science: Owners often cling to fixed numbers, but Kevin emphasizes that value is ultimately what a willing buyer and seller agree on.
● 🧠 Business Owners Struggle to Zoom Out: Many entrepreneurs get stuck in day-to-day operations and neglect long-term planning—until it's too late.
● 🧭 Trust is the Cornerstone of Advisory Relationships: Whether attorney or wealth advisor, success starts with mutual trust and a shared goal.
● 🛠️ Your Legal Partner Should Be a Problem-Solving Sherpa: Kevin sees himself as a flexible problem-solver who listens first and then curates legal strategies from a vast network of resources.

Quotes from Kevin Timson:

● "You never step in the same river twice—every business transition is unique."
● "The best valuation is what a willing buyer and a willing seller can agree on."
● "I aim to be a continuity-of-care provider—someone clients can trust across every phase of the journey."

🔗 Conclusion:
Whether you're a business owner nearing retirement or an advisor guiding clients through transitions, this episode delivers essential wisdom on how to plan with clarity, confidence, and the right team beside you.
Connect with Kevin:
Website:  https://www.afslaw.com/attorneys/kevin-timson
With Your Guest Host Peter Florio:
Peter F. Florio, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, CExP™, CLTC®, is the Founder and Managing Partner of The Florio Wealth Management Group in Westbury, NY. With nearly 40 years of experience, he provides comprehensive wealth, tax, and financial planning for high-net-worth individuals and business owners across the country.
Connect with Peter:
Website: https://www.floriowmg.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/florio-wealth-management-group/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floriowmg
Calendly: https://calendly.com/floriowmg

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