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Sterling Insights

Sterling Insights

By: Roger Silk
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 Tune into Sterling Insights: Stand Out & Supercharge Your Assets, the premier podcast for financial advisors in growth mode who serve high net worth clients. If you work with clients who own appreciated capital assets and are looking to sell without incurring capital gains taxes, this show is for you. Each episode features insights and strategies from top financial advisors, experienced lawyers, and knowledgeable CPAs. Learn practical solutions to help your clients maximize their wealth while minimizing taxes, and discover how to grow your assets under management. Join us on Sterling Insights and empower your advisory practice with the knowledge to succeed.Copyright 2024 Sterling Insights. Roger Silk. All Right Reserved. Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Marketing Marketing & Sales Personal Finance
Episodes
  • Bonus: From Farm to FinPro: Holistic Accounting for Blue-Collar Clients

    Bonus: From Farm to FinPro: Holistic Accounting for Blue-Collar Clients
    Jan 15 2026
    What happens when a small-town kid from a dairy farm builds a modern, cloud-based accounting firm serving blue-collar business owners nationwide? You get a fresh take on holistic financial services that’s rooted in hard work and real-world impact.In this episode of Sterling Insights, guest host Charles Trakas sits down with Cody Roos, Enrolled Agent and founder of FinPro Accounting. Together, they explore how to build a full-service, client-first accounting firm tailored to the unique needs of blue-collar entrepreneurs and financial professionals. Cody draws from his diverse background in farming, financial services, and tax planning to discuss the gaps small business owners face in accounting, payroll, and tax compliance, offering actionable advice for advisors and entrepreneurs alike. This episode is a must-listen for advisors, accountants, and business owners who want to deliver greater value while scaling smartly.Key Takeaways: 💼 Holistic Service Wins: Cody shares how adding tax, payroll, and bookkeeping services filled critical gaps for clients—and grew his business. 🧠 AI as a Study Partner: He credits ChatGPT with helping him pass the Enrolled Agent exam quickly and effectively. 🧰 Supporting Blue-Collar Entrepreneurs: Many clients just want to do great work—Cody handles the rest so they can grow. 🌐 Cloud-Based, Nationwide Firm: Learn how FinPro serves clients across the U.S. with zero paper and 100% trust. 📊 Tiered Pricing = Smarter Scaling: A client told Cody he wasn’t charging enough—now he offers three tiers that align value with service. "I don’t necessarily think I’ve become an expert in any one area—my focus is adding as much value as possible." "Every person you meet knows something you don’t know." "I never want to become a tax return factory. Quality is everything." Quotes from Cody Roos:Connect with Cody:Website: https://www.finproaccounting.com/wp/wp-admin/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-roosConnect 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    30 mins
  • Episode 48: Succession Planning for Financial Advisors: How to Build Value and Transition Clients

    Episode 48: Succession Planning for Financial Advisors: How to Build Value and Transition Clients
    Jan 14 2026
    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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    30 mins
  • Bonus: How Businesses Win Big in Insurance Recovery and Legal Disputes

    Bonus: How Businesses Win Big in Insurance Recovery and Legal Disputes
    Jan 8 2026
    Think you understand how insurance companies operate behind the scenes? Think again. This episode dives deep into how businesses can protect themselves—and win—when insurers don't play fair.In this episode of Sterling Insights, guest host Peter Florio sits down with Evan Schwartz, a nationally recognized attorney and insurance recovery expert. Together, they explore the complex world of insurance claims litigation and recovery, sharing valuable insights and practical tips for listeners. Evan draws from over 30 years of experience to discuss what businesses often misunderstand about legal battles with insurers, offering actionable advice for advisors, entrepreneurs, and business owners. This episode is a must-listen for professionals who work with high-net-worth clients or manage risk, providing both knowledge and tools to navigate this important subject.Key Takeaways:● 📈 Understanding Insurance Recovery: Learn how businesses can fight back when insurance companies deny or delay legitimate claims.● 💼 From Law to Business: Why many lawyers struggle running a firm—and what Evan did differently to build a successful, client-focused practice.● 🧠 Empathy in Advocacy: Discover how emotional intelligence and listening deeply can set legal professionals apart.● 🧩 Big Picture Strategy: Why Evan believes that lawyers must stop being “just lawyers” and start thinking like business owners.● ⚖️ Landmark Legal Action: Hear how Evan’s class action lawsuit reshaped a national insurance company’s claims practices—and helped thousands of policyholders.Quotes from Evan Schwartz:● “Clients want to spend as little time and money with their lawyer as possible—and that’s the truth.”● “Empathy is one of the great keys of life, especially for a lawyer. You need to truly listen with intent.”● “You can learn about many different professions as a lawyer without actually being in those professions—that’s what keeps me engaged.”🔗 Conclusion:Whether you're advising clients, running a business, or navigating your own insurance dispute, this episode offers a front-row seat to the mindset and strategy behind real legal impact.Connect with Evan:Firm Website: https://schlawpc.com/LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evansschwartz/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.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/florio-wealth-management-group/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floriowmgCalendly: https://calendly.com/floriowmgNew boost Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    26 mins
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