Do Business. Do Life. — The Financial Advisor Podcast — DBDL cover art

Do Business. Do Life. — The Financial Advisor Podcast — DBDL

Do Business. Do Life. — The Financial Advisor Podcast — DBDL

By: Brad Johnson
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About this listen

"Do Business. Do Life." is a weekly podcast dedicated to helping the independent financial advisor create unlimited growth and freedom in their business AND life.

Having been a coach for the top 1% of independent financial advisors for 15+ years, Brad Johnson has seen far too many leaders in financial services sacrifice their marriages, health, relationships, and everything else that matters to walk across an industry stage recognizing their "success." That model is broken, and Brad's on a mission to fix it.

Join Brad as he distills the best advice from top thought leaders and applies it to the world of independent financial advising. Get actionable tips/tactics on sales, marketing, entrepreneurship, business growth, lead generation, hiring, training, team building, company culture, core values, work/life integration, family, relationships, and more!

"Do Business. Do Life." is way more than just another podcast for financial advisors. It's an experience. It's a community. And more than anything, it's a movement. #DBDL

Want to discover what it truly means to succeed as a financial advisor? Subscribe to Do Business, Do Life OR visit https://bradleyjohnson.com/

© 2025 Bradley Johnson Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Personal Finance
Episodes
  • 144: Triad Member: The Playbook That Took Reliance Financial Partners from $35M to $100M Per Year with Dana Dunkelberger

    144: Triad Member: The Playbook That Took Reliance Financial Partners from $35M to $100M Per Year with Dana Dunkelberger
    Nov 26 2025
    A few years ago, Triad members Dana and Tyler Dunkelberger were gathering $35M in new assets with a four-person team. And like most advisors, when growth started ramping up, they kept their foot on the gas.They ran 100+ dinner seminars a year, added clients as fast as they could, and tried to solve capacity issues by adding more advisors to the team.But the harder they pushed, the more obvious it became — their model couldn’t keep up. They were growing, but it was completely unsustainable. They were building a service nightmare that was slowly swallowing their time, their energy, and their quality of life.Fast forward to today, and not only has their firm tripled growth, pacing for $100M in new assets, but they now have a 17-person team, clearly defined roles, and a model that actually scales. Dana is here today to walk through the steps they took, the hires they made, and the mindset shifts that turned an unsustainable business into one that scales with purpose and significance.3 of the biggest insights from Dana Dunkelberger…#1.) Why “Stepping on the Gas” Eventually Stops WorkingDana talks about how running 100+ seminars a year filled the pipeline fast — but also created more service work than he and Tyler could ever keep up with. The harder they pushed, the more buried they became. Adding another advisor didn’t fix it either, because it just duplicated the same problem. The real issue wasn’t effort… it was the model.#2) The Shift That Quietly Fueled Their $100M PaceFor a long time, Reliance looked like every other firm — same products, same conversations, same playbook. Then Dana and Tyler built a simple, repeatable framework that showed clients exactly how they work and what makes them different. That shift in structure and message made their meetings clearer, their value easier to understand, and became a major driver behind their growth.#3) The One Hire That Opened the Door to $1M+ ClientsDana didn’t realize how much he was holding the business back by trying to build all the plans himself. Bringing on a dedicated planner changed everything. The plans got better, the advisors got to stay in their lane, and higher-net-worth clients suddenly saw a firm with real depth. It was the missing piece that finally allowed the business to scale.SHOW NOTEShttps://bradleyjohnson.com/144FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIALTwitterInstagramLinkedInFOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL:YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebookDISCLOSURE DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations. The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies. TP11254981357 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    41 mins
  • 143: Solo - Your Office Space Could Be Costing You Million-Dollar Clients with Brad Johnson

    143: Solo - Your Office Space Could Be Costing You Million-Dollar Clients with Brad Johnson
    Nov 19 2025
    Are you struggling to attract and close more high-net-worth clients?What if the reason has nothing to do with your financial plans and everything to do with your office design?In this solo episode, I share one of the most surprising lessons I’ve learned in 20+ years of coaching advisors: the design and intention behind your office directly impacts the clients you attract and the culture you create.Your office is more than a workspace. It’s a physical reflection of your values, beliefs, and the experience you promise to your clients. I’ll show you how thoughtful design can elevate your credibility, boost team culture, and transform how prospects perceive your brand.I’ll also walk you through the three lessons that shaped Triad’s new headquarters, so you can apply the same principles to your own firm and start attracting higher-net-worth clients while building a culture your team loves coming to every day.3 of the biggest insights from Brad…#1.) Celebrate What Matters in Business and LifeMost advisors design an office that looks good on paper, but doesn’t feel like them. In this episode, I share how to build a space that actually tells your story. From our Do Business, Do Life wall filled with team goals to the way you showcase client experiences instead of sales awards, I’ll show you how to create an environment that instantly connects and builds trust with million-dollar clients.#2.). Speak Things Into Existence That MatterAt Triad, we believe language creates culture. So when we built our new office, we wanted our walls to literally speak our values. Instead of labeling rooms A, B, and C, we named them after the beliefs we live by—like the “Significance Suite” and the “Day One Café.” We even have an “Empty Chair” in every conference room to represent our members, reminding us to always build on their behalf. It’s a simple way to make sure what we say we believe shows up in how we work every day.#3.) Create a Collision-Friendly EnvironmentWe fixed one of the biggest mistakes from our first office—silos. In our new space, we built what I call a “hub-and-spoke” design that sparks connection. The hub is where ideas collide—coffee stations, couches, even a kegerator—and the spokes are where deep work happens. I’ll share how this setup boosted creativity, broke down barriers, and created a vibe that everyone—from team members to visiting advisors—can feel the moment they walk in.SHOW NOTEShttps://bradleyjohnson.com/143FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIALXInstagramLinkedInFOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL:YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebookDISCLOSURE DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations. The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies. TP11254897334. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    23 mins
  • 142: Jason Early - The AI Tool Advisors Are Using to Win Business-Owner Clients

    142: Jason Early - The AI Tool Advisors Are Using to Win Business-Owner Clients
    Nov 12 2025
    Live from Future Proof, I sat down with Jason Early, Founder and CEO of RISR — an AI platform that’s helping financial advisors rethink how they serve business-owner clients.Here’s the truth: for most entrepreneurs, their business is their biggest asset — but most advisors just ask, “What’s it worth?” jot down a guess, and move on. Jason and his team built RISR around a simple belief: business owners deserve better advice, and the advisors who serve them need better tools to give it.RISR connects directly to a company’s financials, uses AI to generate real-time valuations, and gives advisors the insights they need to guide clients through growth, succession, and exit planning. It helps advisors have the right conversations — earlier — so they’re there long before the liquidity event, not chasing it after the fact.In this conversation, Jason shares how top advisors are using RISR to win business-owner clients, deepen relationships, and deliver the kind of advice that builds lasting trust.3 of the biggest insights from Jason Early…#1.) How Top Advisors Are Using RISR to Stand OutAdvisors aren’t just running valuations, they’re using RISR to open doors, deepen trust, and win business-owner clients long before a liquidity event. By showing up with real data on what the client’s business is worth, advisors shift the conversation from “asset management” to “business strategy.” It’s helping them justify planning fees, spark succession discussions, and position themselves as the quarterback for every major decision that impacts the owner’s wealth and legacy.#2.) The Truth About Business Valuation (and Why It’s Usually Wrong)Most business owners miscalculate what their company is worth — often by millions. Jason breaks down why, from owner dependency and client concentration to “country club math” and non-normalized EBITDA. He also explains how objective valuation data brings alignment between partners and families, turning tough money talks into clarity.#3.) What Every Advisor Should Know About Succession & Exit PlanningBusiness owners rarely plan their exits well. Jason explains how advisors can use valuation insights to build readiness conversations, prevent conflict between partners, and even influence deal outcomes. These are high-trust, high-value planning opportunities that position advisors as long-term strategic partners — not just investment managers.SHOW NOTEShttps://bradleyjohnson.com/142FREE GIFT + JOIN THE DBDL INSIDER CREWToday's Gift: 30 minute 1:1 coaching call with BradAre you a financial advisor who feels stuck, needs help, or simply wants to have a conversation with Brad? Text “Coaching” to 785-800-3235 to apply for a 30 minute Zoom coaching session and we’ll send you a link to Apply. That will also make you a DBDL Insider with VIP access to future resources and exclusive content. *Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP at any time to opt-out of receiving text messages.FOLLOW BRAD JOHNSON ON SOCIALTwitterInstagramLinkedInFOLLOW DBDL ON SOCIAL:YouTubeTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebookDISCLOSURE DBDL podcast episode conversations are intended to provide financial advisors with ideas, strategies, concepts and tools that could be incorporated into their business and their life. No statements made in the episode are offered as, and shall not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Financial professionals are responsible for ensuring implementation of anything discussed related to business is done so in accordance with any and all regulatory, compliance responsibilities and obligations. The Triad member statements reflect their own experience which may not be representative of all Triad Member experiences, and their appearances were not paid for. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit Triadwealthpartners.com for more information. Triad Wealth Partners, LLC and Triad Partners, LLC are affiliated companies. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    36 mins
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