In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast, co-host Sean Phelps is joined by Dave Foster, the Founder and CEO of Gateway Wealth Management.

In this insightful conversation, Sean and Dave explore a nuanced journey of personal growth, career evolution, and the often-overlooked importance of perseverance. Through stories of early challenges and surprising pivots, you'll learn how formative experiences—especially those that test one's limits—can shape not just career paths but also character.

Dave reflects on a transformative period of his life, recounting both the obstacles and the small wins that contributed to his long-term success. These reflections highlight a broader theme: that the path to professional fulfillment isn't always linear, and sometimes the most valuable lessons are learned not through easy victories, but through enduring tough seasons with intention.

This episode is a compelling reminder that personal and professional mastery often emerges from taking the long view—and having the courage to try, stumble, and keep going anyway.

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What You Will Learn In This Show:

• Dave's initial interest in business, influenced by his father, who was a CEO of an animal feed manufacturing company.
• The value of thick skin and persistence, essential skills for a career in sales and business management.
• The challenges of selling financial advice with Edward Jones, where rejection feels personal compared to selling paint jobs at College Works.
• The psychological aspects of financial advice, particularly in helping clients through life changes like the death of a spouse.
• The importance of balancing long-term goals with enjoying the present as outlined in the book 'Die with Zero' by Bill Perkins.
• And much more...

Guest Bio:

Dave Foster is the Founder and CEO of Gateway Wealth Management, a fee-only advisory firm based in St. Louis. A CFP®, RICP®, and CAP® professional, he specializes in retirement income and tax planning. Dave is also the host of the Gateway Giving Podcast, where he explores philanthropy and purposeful wealth. When he’s not helping clients or behind the mic, you’ll find him hiking, playing baseball, or hanging out with his wife and three kids.

Resources:

Dave's LinkedIn

Gateway Wealth Management

Die with Zero book