What Works

Tune in to “What Works: Over 2500+ Years Experience in Financial Planning” hosted by Don Patrick. In each episode, Don sits down with an experienced financial planner, uncovering the unique insights and experiences that have shaped their careers. From navigating market fluctuations to building successful client relationships, Don and his guests share invaluable business tips and strategies for financial planners looking to thrive in the industry. 

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Latest Episodes

EPISODE 41

Ep 41: From Paraplanner to Financial Advisor Through Life’s Hardest Lessons with Steve Reents

Discover how leveraging deep technical training, disciplined risk storytelling, and a "plan-first" philosophy builds trust and creates a resilient, referral-only practice that stands the test of time.
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Ep 40: Building a Systems-Driven Advisory Firm from Engineering Careers with Thomas Barnes & Derek Keeney

EPISODE 40

Ep 40: Building a Systems-Driven Advisory Firm from Engineering Careers with Thomas Barnes & Derek Keeney

Discover how applying engineering-level precision, tracking data-driven metrics, and prioritizing the development of a business "entity" over a solo practice can create a scalable, sustainable, and lifestyle-oriented financial firm.
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“Planning-First” Wins in Advisory Practices with William Black

EPISODE 39

Ep 39: Why “Planning-First” Wins in Advisory Practices with William Black

Discover how leveraging deep technical training, disciplined risk storytelling, and a "plan-first" philosophy builds trust and creates a resilient, referral-only practice that stands the test of time.
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Ep 38: The Realities of Advisor Partnerships and Succession Planning with Melissa Ekeberg & Chase Gunter

EPISODE 38

Ep 38: The Realities of Advisor Partnerships and Succession Planning with Melissa Ekeberg & Chase Gunter

Discover how a structured tranche-based buyout, a culture of radical autonomy, and deep-seated community branding provide the blueprint for a resilient, multi-generational independent practice.
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Ep 37: From Wholesaler to Financial Advisor: Building a Business on Relationships with Troy DeCastro

EPISODE 37

Ep 37: From Wholesaler to Financial Advisor: Building a Business on Relationships with Troy DeCastro

Discover how radical transparency and deep community roots can build a high-margin business in the "sweet spot" of client satisfaction.
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EPISODE 36

Ep 36: How Philosophy and Hard Work Drive Client Satisfaction with Gary Alpert

Discover how a transition from "introverted analyst" to a high-touch business owner—fueled by unrelenting persistence, a "village" of peers, and a specialist tech stack—can redefine long-term client loyalty in an independent practice.
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Ep 35: Terrell Boone

EPISODE 35

Ep 35: Why Purpose Matters More Than Profit in Wealth Management with Terrell Boone

Discover how a "planning-first" mindset and strategic technology integration can transform a hollow, product-driven career into a purpose-filled, high-growth independent practice.
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Ep 12: Persistence, Planning, and Networking with Mike Irvin

EPISODE 12

Ep 12: Persistence, Planning, and Networking with Mike Irvin

Discover how adopting a disciplined, transparent financial planning process and leveraging authentic personal motivation are key to sustaining a successful practice.
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Ep 15: From Financial Struggles to Financial Success with Cindy Skaggs

EPISODE 15

Ep 15: From Financial Struggles to Financial Success with Cindy Skaggs

Discover how leveraging warm referral sources and meticulous systematization enables an independent advisor to scale successfully and plan for a seamless exit.
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Ep 10: Leadership, Coaching, and Client Engagement with David Gaynes

EPISODE 10

Ep 10: Leadership, Coaching, and Client Engagement with David Gaynes

Discover how to build a systematized, successful practice by prioritizing coaching, strategically hiring ahead of need, and leveraging business networking to secure both growth and work-life balance.
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Ep 09: Simplifying Wealth Management Through Trust and Transparency with Bain Nickels

EPISODE 9

Ep 09: Simplifying Wealth Management Through Trust and Transparency with Bain Nickels

Discover how transitioning from a product-driven model to a client-centric, simplified planning approach unlocks long-term success and freedom.
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Ep 08: Building a Successful Niche Marketing Financial Planning Practice with Mike Tarrant

EPISODE 8

Ep 08: Building a Successful Niche Marketing Financial Planning Practice with Mike Tarrant

Discover how persistence, structured client engagement, and a deep commitment to serving a specialized niche can transform an advisory practice into a confident, profitable, and enduring business.
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Ep 07: Strategic Client Engagement with Rich Lombardi

EPISODE 7

Ep 07: Strategic Client Engagement with Rich Lombardi

Discover how strategic niche development and resilient adaptation to change drive long-term success in financial planning.
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Ep 06: Building Trust and Business with Mark Cross

EPISODE 6

Ep 06: Building Trust and Business with Mark Cross

Discover how systematic processes and niche specialization can augment growth while building a supportive, client-first culture.
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Dan Miller and Jerrí Hewett Miller

EPISODE 4

Ep 04: Partnerships, Lifestyle, and Client-Centricity with Dan Miller and Jerrí Hewett Miller

Discover how strategic partnership, a virtual model, and specialized investment expertise can create a highly fulfilling and sustainable lifestyle practice.
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Ep 03: Outsourcing Operations, Client-Centric Planning, and Workflow Systems with Paul Peeler

EPISODE 3

Ep 03: Outsourcing Operations, Client-Centric Planning, and Workflow Systems with Paul Peeler

Discover how leveraging extensive strategic outsourcing (90% of operations) allows an advisor to focus entirely on life-centered client engagement.
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EPISODE 22

Ep 22: The Art of Client Engagement in Financial Services with Darrin Bearden

Discover how embracing a fiduciary, fee-only model and leveraging comprehensive financial planning can offer holistic guidance toward retirement.
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EPISODE 21

Ep 21: Growing a Business Through Authentic Relationships with Karen Lee

Discover how independent advisors achieve success by prioritizing the psychological basis of client wealth over product sales, leading to deep trust and financially fulfilled retirements.
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Episode #19 with Josh Donley

EPISODE 19

Ep 19: Client Engagement, Niche Markets, and Personal Growth with Josh Donley

Discover how a commitment to deep, personalized financial planning drives organic referrals and builds resilient, long-term practices.
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EPISODE 23

Ep 23: What It’s Really Like to Sell Your Advisory Business with Cindy Skaggs

Discover how to leverage a trusted partnership and professional support to create a long-term succession plan, offering seamless client service and maximum financial security.
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EPISODE 25

Ep 24: Building Legacy Through Intentional Succession with John Collins and Tim Fail

Discover how to secure the future of an advisory practice by establishing a clear, five-year buy-in plan with a trusted partner, intentionally focusing on serving the next generation and maintaining a highly efficient, process-driven business model
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Ep 25: Strategies for Successful Client Transitions with Robert Day and Justin Burgess

EPISODE 25

Ep 25: Strategies for Successful Client Transitions with Robert Day and Justin Burgess

Discover how to transition successfully from a captive firm to full independence, build a highly balanced partnership based on complementary skills, and implement a strategic acquisition plan for exponential growth and multi-generational security.
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EPISODE 29

Ep 29: Referrals, Boundaries, and Impact with John Franklin

Discover how an early start in operations, a strategic partnership, and a flexible service model can drive sustainable growth and provide clients with profound financial clarity.
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The Psychology of Money and Growing a Financial Practice

EPISODE 30

Ep 30: The Psychology of Money and Growing a Financial Practice with Rebekah Fero

Learn how financial advisor Rebekah Fero scaled her practice to $950K+ by mastering money psychology, niching down, coaching, and smart tech.
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Episode 31: Financial Lessons with Alan Bratic

EPISODE 31

Ep 31: From Turbulence to Trust: Financial Lessons with Alan Bratic

Learn how operational expertise, consistent client communication, and calm leadership during market turbulence build lasting trust in financial planning.
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EPISODE 32

Ep 32: Finding Purpose Through Change with Temp Davis

Discover how leveraging diverse life experiences, building an extreme discipline, and investing in high-quality educational marketing are essential for sustaining and growing an enduring financial advisory practice.
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EPISODE 33

Ep 33: Planning for the Next Generation of Advisors with Chris and Nicholas Rios

Discover the power of structured G2 onboarding, the critical five-year progression timeline, and how defined team roles lead to a sustainable, next-generation-ready financial practice.
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EPISODE 34

Ep 34: Building a Planning-First, People-Focused Firm with Kelly Lee & Shane Gaddy

Discover how establishing a clear niche, investing in specialized team expertise, and transitioning to an independent model are essential steps for maximizing revenue.
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Ep 02: Connection, Empathy and Owning Your Own Office Space with Matt Carpinelli

EPISODE 2

Ep 02: Connection, Empathy and Owning Your Own Office Space with Matt Carpinelli

Discover how designing the client environment for comfort and personalization can deliver true holistic financial planning.
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