Monthly Archives: July 2025

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#94 – From Stuck to Scaling: How Top Advisors Build Momentum with David DeCelle

Life Management, Practice Management, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Are you building a business you love — or one that’s wearing you down?

In this episode of Top Advisor Podcast, I interview David DeCelle, CEO of Model FA, whose passion is helping advisors fall in love with their practice – either “again” or for “the first time.”

David shares actionable insights on scaling your business while maintaining passion and enthusiasm.

David said, “Success in financial advising is about more than strategies; it’s about loving your business and creating genuine connections.”

How can financial advisors simplify operations to regain focus? What practical steps foster trust and meaningful growth?

David discusses strategies for systematization, identifying personal strengths, and the importance of nurturing client relationships authentically. 

Bill and David discuss:

    • Why advisors lose enthusiasm and how to reignite it.
    • The four personality types in advising and the tailored growth method.
    • Creating balance by leveraging the “Energy Audit” framework.
    • The “Deposits vs. Withdrawals” approach to deepening client trust.
    • Utilizing AI to enhance business efficiency without replacing human connections.
    • …And more!

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About David DeCelle:

Raised in a middle-class household, David knew at an early age that he wanted to redefine success for his generation of the family. Making money was a big motivation, but knowing how to put money to work was his main goal. That’s why he chose to become a financial advisor. And he’s never looked back. He’s a compulsive learner, the guy who cares the most, and one of the hardest workers you will ever meet. He loves nothing more than acquiring layers of life-enhancing knowledge – from social media strategies to self-actualization – and sharing it to help others grow and succeed. His most treasured moment is watching a financial advisor fall in love with the business again.

He is equally committed to his own mind and body fitness, and to intentionally spending quality time with family and friends.

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#93 – Advising Business Owners Through Their Exit with Scott Bushkie, CBI, M&AMI, CM&AP

Client Experience, Client Experience & Loyalty, communicating your value, Creating Advocates, Education, Finance, Generational Wealth, Leadership, Marketing, Practice Management, Prospecting, Referrals & Introductions, Social Media, Top Advisors, , , , , , , , ,

Selling a business is a monumental decision, filled with considerations that can significantly impact the owner’s future.

How can advisors provide real value beyond investment advice during this crucial transition?

In this episode, Referral Coach Bill Cates interviews Scott Bushkie, CBI, M&AMI, CM&AP, founder of Cornerstone Business Services, about the key steps and considerations involved in selling a business. Scott shares findings from a national study on business owners’ perspectives on their financial advisors during this process. He also provides guidance for advisors looking to assist their clients through a business sale.

Scott discusses: 

  • (06:03) The top reasons business owners switch advisors after selling
  • (08:52) Key proactive moves advisors can make to maintain their client relationships
  • (18:20) The importance of teamwork in selling and enhancing business value
  • (24:29) Why it’s crucial to involve a team and never accept unsolicited offers blindly
  • (30:31) Real-life case studies demonstrating successful business sales and advisor retention
  • …And more!

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About Scott Bushkie:

Scott Bushkie is the Managing Partner and Founder of Cornerstone Business Services. With more than 20 years in the M&A industry, Scott is a recognized leader in the field, providing exit strategies and M&A advisory services to business owners in the lower middle market. He has successfully executed sales to domestic and international buyers, private equity firms, family offices, and strategic buyers.

Scott is the founder and past chair of the Wisconsin chapter of MBBI and also the past chair of the IBBA. In 2014, Scott became the youngest person ever awarded the IBBA prestigious fellow designation. In 2017, Scott was named a fellow of the M&A Source, once again the organization’s youngest recipient. He writes for regional business press, including a monthly syndicated column for Gannett, and has been quoted by the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, and other news outlets across the country.

In 2018, Scott launched the Cornerstone International Alliance, providing member firms with enhanced buyer reach, access to industry experts, resources, and structured best practice sharing. Operating with the philosophy that success breeds success, the alliance helps top-tier lower-middle-market M&A firms create more value for their clients.

Scott holds the Mergers & Acquisitions Master Intermediary (M&AMI) certification. He is a Certified Business Intermediary and a FINRA registered broker holding securities licenses 62 and 63.

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#92 Connecting Generations Through Financial Literacy with Jeff Panik, CFP®, MSFS, CRPS

Client Experience, Client Experience & Loyalty, communicating your value, Creating Advocates, Education, Finance, Generational Wealth, Leadership, Marketing, Practice Management, Prospecting, Top Advisors, , , , , , , , ,

Building strong financial foundations isn’t just about numbers, it’s about nurturing relationships and leaving a legacy.

How can financial advisors inspire trust and empower the next generation? What role does education play in creating lasting client relationships?

In this episode, Referral Coach Bill Cates interviews Jeff Panik, CFP®, MSFS, CRPS, Principal of Balanced Wealth Partners, about his journey from military service to financial advising. Jeff shares his strategies for fostering financial literacy across generations, leveraging books to educate and connect, and creating balance in clients’ lives.

Jeff discusses:

  • (04:00) His transition from the US Army to becoming a financial advisor
  • (06:13) Using books to engage clients and their children
  • (08:41) Strategies for approaching financial planning as solving a retirement puzzle
  • (24:17) The significance of humility and relationship-building in the financial industry
  • (25:33) Advice for newer advisors on mentorship and navigating the industry 
  • …And more!

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Connect With Jeff Panik:

About Jeff Panik:

With almost twenty-five years of experience as a financial advising professional, Jeffrey Panik, MSFS, CFP®, knows that his job is to help clients strike a balance between living well today and planning for the future. Throughout his career, Jeff has worked with hundreds of families, individuals, and small businesses to help them set goals, strategically manage their assets, and work toward achieving their dreams.

The first in his family to attend college, Jeff believes it is imperative to start the discussion of financial literacy early to best prepare for financial success throughout life. Jeff served in the US Army after college, which, as part of his service agreement, paid the student loans he had accrued. He was honorably discharged and began working as a Financial Advisor trainee at a large brokerage firm.

Though Jeff grew up in Southwestern Pennsylvania, he has lived in the Atlanta area for two decades. Jeff and his wife Rebecca currently live in Atlanta, Georgia. When he isn’t working, Jeff enjoys spending time with family, traveling, reading, and all types of sports.

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