What does it take to build a brand that inspires lasting loyalty while navigating decades of growth and rapid change? In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy sit down with Chris Gheysens, CEO and Chairman of Wawa Inc., to explore the leadership mindset, ownership structure, and long‑term strategy behind one of the nation’s most recognizable retail brands.

Chris shares how servant leadership, employee ownership through Wawa’s ESOP, and a disciplined focus on customer experience fuel the company’s performance. He also discusses Wawa’s pragmatic approach to technology and AI, the realities of national expansion, and why protecting human connection remains central to the brand’s competitive edge.

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**note: This guest is a non‑paid member of the WSFS Financial Corporation Board of Directors**

College costs keep rising, but the financial side is only part of the story. How do you plan for education while balancing emotions, expectations, and long-term goals?

In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy break down smarter, more flexible ways to fund education while navigating the emotions, expectations, and values that shape these decisions.

They unpack practical strategies around tax‑free growth, frontloading contributions, new Roth rollover rules, and talking with kids about money.

Whether you’re a parent, planner, or just thinking ahead, this conversation delivers insights most families overlook.

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What does life look like after selling the business you’ve poured decades into building? How do you prepare for one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make?

In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy are joined by Mark Bradford, Director of Wealth Planning at Bryn Mawr Trust Advisors, to explore the critical process of exit planning for business owners. They discuss why understanding enterprise value matters more than cash flow, the importance of assembling the right advisory team, and the stark differences between internal and external transitions. The conversation also covers common pitfalls, emotional challenges of letting go, and what happens when business wealth suddenly converts to liquid assets.

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About our Guest: 

Mark Bradford is the Director of Wealth Planning, where he leads the wealth planning team. He collaborates closely with advisors to develop and implement the company’s long-term vision for wealth planning, which focuses on enhancing client relationships by providing an exceptional client experience through comprehensive and personalized planning.

Why does tax time feel so overwhelming, and what can be done throughout the year to avoid those stressful moments in April?

In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy are joined by Michael W. Valenti, CPA, CFP®, CEPA®, MAcc, Tax Director at Bryn Mawr Trust Advisors, to break down why taxes feel emotional and how proactive planning can ease that burden. They explore common causes of under-withholding, challenges for high earners, small business owners, and retirees, and how simple adjustments can reduce surprises. 

The conversation also covers bonus income, equity compensation, crypto reporting, and when it makes sense to work with a CPA.

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About Our Guest: 

Michael Valenti serves as the Director of Personal Tax Services, where he leads a team of tax professionals specializing in individual tax compliance and planning.  Additionally, Mike serves as a financial advisor. He joined the company in 2025.

Specializing in planning for high-net-worth individuals, Mike provides a unique tax perspective to the wealth management and financial planning arena. Mike holds the CPA, CFP®, and CEPA designations and approaches financial planning through a holistic lens. 

Periods of rapid growth can be both exhilarating and overwhelming—especially when new opportunities arrive faster than the plans to support them. So how do family‑run businesses scale without losing their values, identity, or sanity?

In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy talk with Katey Evans, Founder of The Frozen Farmer, about how she transformed upcycled fruit into a beloved national brand. Katey shares how intentional planning, family collaboration, and building the right advisory team helped her navigate retail expansion, direct‑to‑consumer pivots, and a high‑visibility moment on Shark Tank.

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An entrepreneur, innovator, and Founder of The Frozen Farmer, Katey Evans appeared on the ABC’s critically acclaimed, Emmy-nominated television show “Shark Tank,” landing a $125,000 investment deal from Lori Greiner for her farm creamery business. Katey is passionate about her platform of reducing food waste by sustainably sourcing “upcycled fruit” in The Frozen Farmer’s line of frozen confections. Evans has taken The Frozen Farmer from a small business started at her Sunday supper table to a national brand that is on the shelf in more than 8,000 stores across the U.S. During the pandemic shutdown, Katey launched d2c sales online, shipping into nearly every state in the U.S. in the first week of sales launch. Named Inc. Magazine’s 2023 Most Dynamic Woman in Business, Katey was recently honored on the magazine’s prestigious Female Founders 200 list for starting one of the fastest-growing private companies, as The Frozen Farmer ranked No. 6 on the Inc. 5000 list. Katey is a recipient of the Kroger Innovative Item placement, a Delaware Business Times 40 Under 40 Awards, has earned a $50,000 USDA Value Added Producer Grant for creating a value-added line of sorbet, ice cream and Frobert, and was a panelist for the Global Food Forum with USDA Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, where she was the only female farmer representing the food production industry. Katey is a member of the Delaware Women’s Workforce Council, aimed to achieve gender equality in the workplace in the First State, and has obtained national certification by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) for The Frozen Farmer. Katey’s most important role of all is being a mom to her four daughters and teaching them that women can do anything.

For those who receive a year-end bonus, it can be tempting to splurge or treat yourself. But what if that extra money could help you check off a major financial goal??

 In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy dive into the psychology behind bonuses and why timing, taxes, and emotions matter more than you think. They share practical strategies to turn windfalls into long-term wins, covering everything from tax withholding and automation to emergency funds, Roth accounts, and 401(k) contributions. Plus, they break down how to approach bonuses at different career stages so you can make the most of every dollar.

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Periods of economic uncertainty often lead people to question their financial choices, yet most long-term outcomes are shaped by steady decisions rather than day-to-day noise.

Why do we feel worried even when the data looks stable? How do rising prices, interest rates, and shifting job conditions influence real-life planning?

In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy talk with Andrew Davis, CFA, Head of Macroeconomic Research at Bryn Mawr Trust, about inflation trends, labor market shifts, and what the past year reveals about consumer behavior. 

They walk through the Fed’s direction, the impact of housing constraints, and how portfolios may evolve as rate cuts move closer. In addition, Andrew explains what investors should watch in 2026 and why staying focused on long-term planning matters more than reacting to news cycles.

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About our Guest: 

Andrew Davis is an investment strategist with more than a decade of experience applying macro insights and portfolio construction principles to help clients make informed decisions in changing conditions. He blends real-time market perspective with a long-term approach, offering guidance that is both thoughtful and actionable.

In his role as Head of Macro Research, he shapes asset allocation views, contributes to the firm’s wide investment strategy, and supports advisor teams with clear, data-focused commentary. His weekly video series, Two the Point, highlights key economic themes for an audience of investors looking for clarity amid constant noise. He has appeared as a guest commentator on CNBC’s Fast Money and has been recognized by the American Bankers Association’s 40 Under 40 in Wealth Management and WealthManagement.com’s Rising Star Award for leadership and innovation.

Andrew earned his MBA with honors from The Wharton School and holds a Master’s in Applied Economics from Johns Hopkins University, along with the CFA designation. His work is grounded in data, shaped by purpose, and focused on insights that build confidence and long-term value.

Many people talk about relationships in business, but few live it the way Sal Patti does.

His story shows how community, authenticity, and servant leadership can shape a career and the people around you.

From quiet beginnings to becoming Senior Vice President and Director of Commercial Banking at WSFS Bank, he reflects on the moments and mentors that shaped his success.

In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy talk with Sal Patti about his journey from Philadelphia University to leading commercial banking teams, his connector bridge philosophy, and the role of trust in guiding clients through changing conditions.

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About our Guest: 

Salvatore Patti is Senior Vice President, Division Director of Commercial Banking in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and New Jersey region at WSFS Bank. Sal has more than 30 years’ experience in the Philadelphia market, delivering strong and consistent operating and financial results for the Commercial and Wealth divisions. He is an active member of the community, serving on the Executive Board of the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, where he is Chairman of The Board. He is also a board member for Thomas Jefferson University – The Kanbar College of Design Engineering and Commerce, Rowan University Foundation and The Avenue of The Arts Board. Sal is a resident of Philadelphia and received his B.A. in Accounting and Finance from Philadelphia University.

Conversations about money, family, and purpose can be the hardest ones to have, yet they’re often the most important.

In this episode of The Planning Perspectives Podcast, hosts Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy sit down with Dr. George James, LMFT, MBA, licensed therapist, executive coach, and CEO of George Talks, to explore how communication, family roles, and personal narratives shape the way we live, lead, and love.

Dr. James opens up about his own experiences, the lessons behind his new book “I Give Myself Permission,” and how embracing open dialogue can transform relationships and redefine what “enough” really means.

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About our Guest: 

George James, Psy.D., LMFT, MBA, is the CEO of George Talks, where he blends humor, insight, and years of experience to tackle the big issues we all face, whether it’s work-life balance, navigating relationships, or stepping up as a leader. With 20+ years in the field, George is a familiar face on shows like The TODAY Show, CNBC, and CNN, where he breaks down complex topics with clarity and a touch of wit. As the host of the LEAPCAST podcast, George sits down with leaders, athletes, and entertainers to get real about their personal and professional challenges. And as the co-host of Strike Out the Stigma with the Philadelphia Phillies, he’s bringing mental health to the forefront of the sports world.

George works with everyone from professional athletes and entertainers to executives and couples, helping them tackle everything from anxiety and leadership to parenting and communication. His consulting work with companies like Paramount, NBC Universal, and Google focuses on bridging mental health and relationships in the workplace. Known for his approachable style and no-nonsense advice, George helps people and organizations find balance, stay resilient, and thrive in their lives and careers.

Retirement isn’t just about reaching a number or a specific age. It’s a significant life transition that requires preparation beyond financial planning.

How do you shift from a lifetime of saving to spending? How do you build new communities and find purpose when work becomes optional?

In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy explore the concept of “practicing retirement” and how to prepare for this major life transition at every stage of life. They discuss the psychological challenges of spending down savings, the importance of aligning your values with your spending, and practical strategies like bucketing, visualization, and test-driving retirement lifestyle choices. 

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