Gray to Great

16. Advisors Plan for Everyone’s Retirement—Except Their Own | Andrew Mirolli

Great Gray Trust Company — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:52:54 -0700

In this episode, Dan Dal Degan speaks with Andrew Mirolli, co-founder of buyAUM, about the unique challenges and opportunities faced by financial advisors, particularly in the context of succession planning and retirement. Andrew shares his journey from a financial wholesaler to a business owner focused on helping advisors navigate their transitions. The conversation delves into the emotional aspects of selling a business, the importance of planning for life after work and the need for a structured approach to succession. Andrew emphasizes the significance of finding purpose in the next chapter of life and offers advice for business owners looking to prepare for their future.

More About Andrew Mirolli:

Andrew Mirolli, CEPA®, is Co-Founder and Head of Client Services at buyAUM.com, where he partners with Registered Investment Advisors to grow through acquisition and navigate succession planning with confidence. He works with both buyers and sellers to structure transitions that protect enterprise value, preserve client relationships, and honor the legacy that advisors have built.

Prior to buyAUM.com, Andrew worked directly with advisors in roles across wholesaling, capital markets, and advisory consulting. Early in his career, he worked closely with RIAs and independent advisors, building relationships across the industry and gaining a foundation for how advisory practices are built, scaled, and eventually transitioned.

Andrew is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) and he holds his Series 63 license. His practical focus is on helping advisors think beyond discretionary revenue to the structural and relational elements that drive valuation and continuity. He graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Real Estate Development and currently resides outside Atlanta.

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Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:03 Introduction and Andrew's Journey with BuyAUM
04:29 The Importance of Succession Planning
06:36 Finding Purpose After Retirement
07:38 Creating a Third Act Business Plan
13:02 The Emotional Transition of Selling a Business
15:18 Timing the Transition: When to Start Planning
18:07 Understanding Buyer Perspectives
21:06 The Role of Advisors in Personal Planning
23:57 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs

15. It’s Not Where You Start, It's Where You Finish: Participant Education & an Unexpected Secret to Retirement Readiness | Mark Forbes

Great Gray Trust Company — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 08:40:17 -0700

In this episode of Gray to Great, Dan Dal Degan speaks with Mark Forbes of Strategic Retirement Partners about helping participants cross the retirement finish line with confidence. Mark draws on more than 30 years in the industry to explain why intimidation around investing is often the biggest barrier and how small, consistent actions, supported by compounding and automation, can meaningfully improve outcomes.

This conversation explores why retirement is a marathon rather than a sprint and how budgeting decisions connect to allocation and long-term outcomes. It also addresses the emotional side of retirement, including finding purpose beyond the workplace. Mark also shares insights on tax planning and preparing for what he calls “the descent down the mountain,” along with the importance of personalized guidance and fiduciary discipline. The episode closes with practical advice for the next generation of advisors and a clear reminder that long-term retirement outcomes are shaped less by initial conditions and more by disciplined guidance, sound process, and consistent execution over time.

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More About Mark Forbes:

Mark Forbes has spent more than 30 years working alongside retirement plan sponsors and participants, helping them navigate fiduciary responsibility and the real-world decisions that shape long-term retirement outcomes. At Strategic Retirement Partners, Mark is known for his process-driven approach, bringing structure and discipline to plan oversight while helping employers manage risk and giving participants a clearer path toward retirement readiness. His work consistently centers on practical education, meaningful one-on-one conversations, and keeping the fiduciary process clean and well documented.

Mark holds the C(k)P designation from The Retirement Advisor University at UCLA Anderson School of Management Executive Education, as well as the Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA) designation. He earned his BBA from Drake University and holds the Series 66 license.

Outside of the office, Mark enjoys golf, biking, following his favorite sports teams, and spending time with his family. He previously served on the Board of Directors for the Oklahoma Aquarium and currently serves on the University of Iowa Parent and Family Council.

Disclosures:
Investment advisory services are offered through WELLth Advisory Services, LLC, dba Strategic Retirement Partners (SRP), an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. WELLth Advisory Services, LLC, Strategic Retirement Partners (SRP), and Great Gray Group are separate entities.

Great Gray Trust Company, LLC Collective Investment Funds (“Great Gray Funds”) are bank collective investment funds; they are not mutual funds. Great Gray Trust Company, LLC serves as the Trustee of the Great Gray Funds and maintains ultimate fiduciary authority over the management of, and investments made in, the Great Gray Funds. Great Gray Funds and their units are exempt from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Securities Act of 1933, respectively.

Investments in the Great Gray Funds are not bank deposits or obligations of and are not insured or guaranteed by Great Gray Trust Company, LLC, any bank, the FDIC, the Federal Reserve, or any other governmental agency. The Great Gray Funds are commingled investment vehicles, and as such, the values of the underlying investments will rise and fall according to market activity; it is possible to lose money by investing in the Great Gray Funds.

Participation in Collective Investment Trust Funds is limited primarily to qualified retirement plans and certain state or local government plans and is not available to IRAs, non-governmental health and welfare plans and, in certain cases, Keogh (H.R. 10) plans. Collective Investment Trust Funds may be suitable investments for plan fiduciaries seeking to construct a well-diversified retirement savings program. Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of any pooled investment fund carefully before investing. The Additional Fund Information and Principal Risk Definitions (PRD) contains this and other information about a Collective Investment Trust Fund and is available at www.greatgray.com/cit-fund-info/principal-risk-definitions/ or ask for a free copy by contacting Great Gray Trust Company, LLC at (866) 427-6885.

This material has been prepared solely for informational purposes and does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of any investment, strategy or CIT by Great Gray. This material is not intended to provide legal, tax, fiduciary, or investment advice. For legal, tax, fiduciary, or investment advice, please consult your own consultant, advisor or lawyer as appropriate.

Great Gray® and Great Gray Trust Company are service marks used in connection with various fiduciary and non-fiduciary services offered by Great Gray Trust Company, LLC.

Chapters:
00:00 - The Starting Line and Finish Line in Retirement Planning

04:19 - Understanding the Power of Compounding Interest

07:45 - Demystifying Retirement Planning for Participants

09:31 - Emotional Readiness for Retirement

11:14 - Finding Purpose Beyond the Workplace

12:44 - Tax Planning and the Descent from the Mountain

16:07 - Navigating Personal and Financial Concerns

17:49 - Mentoring the Next Generation of Advisors

19:44 - Advice for Young Advisors and Continuous Learning

14. The #1 Secret to Simplicity: Engagement, Education, and Plan Design | Doug Bermudez

Great Gray Trust Company — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 08:29:42 -0800

In this episode of Gray to Great, Doug Bermudez, Managing Director at Strategic Retirement Partners, joins Dan Dal Degan to discuss the role clear communication plays in improving retirement outcomes for plan sponsors and participants. Doug shares how his background as a bilingual advisor has shaped his approach to participant education. He explains how organizations can simplify complex retirement concepts and communicate in ways that reflect employees’ real-world needs, time constraints, and financial realities.

Doug explores how advisors can balance brevity with impact, use technology to improve engagement, and apply thoughtful messaging to support better decision-making. He also shares his perspective on collective investment trusts, fiduciary responsibility, and the lessons from his career that continue to shape how he serves plan sponsors, participants, and advisory teams.

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More About Doug Bermudez:

Doug and his team work with both organizations and professionals, along with their families, to help work towards their life dreams through establishing long-term, trusting relationships and delivering comprehensive financial services. He works with each client to create customized wealth management solutions and provides ongoing services through a complete range of financial resources.

Doug’s team provides advisory consulting services to organizations for pursuing retirement plan success through best practices that provide plan design and administration, fiduciary responsibility, and employee retirement readiness. When working with individuals and families, his team provides clients with comprehensive advice that seeks to build, manage, preserve, and transition wealth.

Doug recognized early in his career that providing comprehensive financial advice was his true passion. He helps achieve this by understanding his or her current financial situation through investment, liability management, risk management, and legacy planning needs. By working one-on-one with his clients, Doug defines his success when his clients can achieve a dignified retirement. Doug also has developed an extensive knowledge of employer-sponsored benefit programs, such as 401(k), 403(b) plans, and 457 deferred compensation plans. He works directly with decision makers in designing, administering, and servicing their retirement plans.

Doug began his career in the financial services industry in 1994 with Empower Retirement. He later joined ABD Insurance & Financial Services, a predecessor firm of Wells Fargo Insurance Services. In 2007, he joined Wells Fargo Advisors and formed the Bermudez/Hall Retirement Group with his associate, Erin Hall. They provide high-level service to both corporations and individuals through comprehensive financial advice. Doug and Erin joined SRP in June of 2019, opening the Los Angeles area office. In 2005 and 2012, respectively, Doug earned the Certified Fund Specialist® and Certified 401(k) Professional certifications after completing approved educational programs, passing rigorous examinations, and meeting stringent experience requirements

Doug is dedicated to the ongoing development of the financial services industry—recently participating as a member of the NAPA Next Generation committee and the NAPA DC Fly-In Forum steering committee. He is also devoted to the betterment of his community with his participation in Leadership Manhattan Beach (LMB) and the Kiwanis Club of Manhattan Beach. Above all, Doug values his time with his wife, Nuria (an accountant), and his three children—Emma, Alissa, and DJ. Doug also enjoys a good round of golf with friends and is an avid cyclist.

13. What Advisors Need to Know as Gen Z Becomes the Newest Plan Participants | Kristine Meyer

Great Gray Trust Company — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 08:36:05 -0800

In this episode of Gray to Great, Kristine Meyer of Stiles Financial Services joins Dan Dal Degan to explore what adaptability looks like as workforce demographics continue to shift. She discusses the importance of understanding client needs, communicating effectively, and adjusting to generational differences. Kristine reflects on the realities of Gen Z entering the workforce and how advisors can align with evolving expectations and new plan demographics. She also shares her path into the field, how she builds client relationships, and why adaptability matters as plan demographics shift. Kristine's insights provide valuable takeaways for both plan advisors and participants looking to better understand their financial futures.

More About Kristine Meyer:
Kristine Meyer is a Retirement Plan Specialist at Stiles Financial Services, where she has delivered tailored guidance to employers and participants for more than six years. She began her career at a small trust company as a Trust Operations Specialist and later became Operations Supervisor as the firm expanded. Her work has focused on high-quality service and helping plan sponsors maintain compliant, well-designed plans that support both organizations and employees.

Kristine is known for building strong client relationships and her dedication to improving financial literacy through participant education. Beyond her client work, she serves as Chair of the Minneapolis Pension Council and leads a study group for industry professionals that encourages collaboration and shared learning across ERISA attorneys, actuaries, accountants, and advisors. Kristine has always called the Twin Cities home and enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring new recipes and restaurants, and spending quality time with her husband and daughter.

12. How Wealth and Retirement are Converging from an RIA Trailblazer | Scott Colangelo

Great Gray Trust Company — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 12:27:56 -0800

In this episode of Gray to Great, Dan Dal Degan interviews Scott Colangelo, chairman of Prime Capital, discussing his journey from starting at Edward Jones to establishing the first RIA in Kansas. Scott shares insights on building a scalable retirement advisory firm, the convergence of wealth management and retirement advising, and his advocacy efforts in the industry. He emphasizes the importance of finding passion in one's work and the impact of education on participants' financial futures.

More About Scott Colangelo:
Scott Colangelo is the Chairman of Prime Capital, where he has been instrumental in pioneering fee-based asset management and establishing the first Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) in Kansas. With a career spanning over two decades, Scott has been a trailblazer in the convergence of wealth management and retirement advising. He began his career at Edward Jones, where he was recognized as a top producer, and later co-founded Prime Capital with Tim Hakes.

Scott's innovative approach includes managing risk-based portfolios and advocating for participant education and wellness in retirement plans. He has been actively involved in legislative advocacy, focusing on issues like collective trusts for 403(b) plans. Scott resides in Kansas, where he is committed to giving back to the community that has supported his career and family.

11. The 2 Secrets to Scale Efficiently as a Retirement Plan Advisor | Lloyd Engleman

Great Gray Trust Company — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 11:39:19 -0800

In this episode of "Gray to Great," host Dan Dal Degan and guest Lloyd Engleman, a Managing Director of Alkeme Financial Services of Accelerate Retirement, discuss the intricacies of scaling efficiently as a retirement plan advisor. They explore strategies for success, the importance of building trust with clients, the power of the RPAG platform, and the evolving landscape of retirement planning. Lloyd shares personal stories of growth, mentorship, and the impact of effective communication in the industry. Engleman reflects on the profound impact of his work, emphasizing the life-changing potential of effective retirement planning.

More About Lloyd Engleman:
Lloyd Engleman has worked in the Financial Services sector for 18 years. As a Retirement Plan Specialist, Lloyd serves clients throughout the western United States and was awarded as Plan Adviser of the Year by Plan Sponsor Magazine. Based on nominations from industry peers and quantitative factors, including number of plans and dollar value of plan assets under advisement.

Prior to joining Accelerate Retirement, Lloyd worked as a Registered Representative/401K plan consultant for Total Retirement Solutions. Additionally, he worked at Investor Solutions, Inc., also serving the western region. Prior to entering the Financial Services field in 2000, Lloyd worked in hardware technology resales, as the owner of Surcom Technology. Lloyd holds his Series 6, 63, and 65 licenses.

Interests

Lloyd is a board member of Moreno Valley Optimist Foundation and volunteers on their fund raisers. Lloyd is well-known for his love of golf. He also considers himself an RV enthusiast. Lloyd currently resides in Riverside with his family.

Disclosures:
Retirement Plan Advisory Group, LLC (“RPAG”) provides technology, solutions and services for a fee to its customers, who are primarily retirement plan advisors and associated institutions. The services include ratings of various third-party investment vehicles based on RPAG’s proprietary quantitative and qualitative scoring methodology. The investment vehicles do not pay to be evaluated and scored; nor do the companies that provide services to the investment vehicles pay for them to be evaluated and scored, but those companies may have commercial relationships and affiliations with RPAG. In addition, RPAG’s affiliate, Great Gray Trust Company, LLC, offers CITs, some of which include fee classes with customized pricing that it makes available to RPAG subscribers.

Great Gray Trust Company, LLC (“Great Gray”) serves as trustee and provides administrative services for collective investment trust funds (“Great Gray CITs”) that are scored by RPAG. Great Gray and RPAG are wholly owned by Great Gray Group, LLC (“Great Gray Group”). Great Gray has a commercial relationship with RPAG that does not involve the evaluation and scoring of Great Gray CITs.

10. The Lead Generation Blueprint for Retirement Plan Advisors | Steven Puckett

Great Gray Trust Company — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 14:39:21 -0700

In this episode of "Gray to Great," Dan Dal Degan speaks with Steven Puckett, Managing Partner of Fiduciary Pension Partners, about the evolving landscape of corporate retirement planning. They discuss the importance of personalized, 1:1 consulting, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, and how proactive communication can lead to business growth. Steve shares his effective lead generation strategies, including the use of webinars and maintaining a human touch in an increasingly automated retirement ecosystem. He emphasizes the significance of client education and storytelling in building trust, as well as the importance of mentorship for young professionals entering the finance industry. Fun fact: Steven arrives before the rest of his office to maintain best practices of seemingly "old-fashioned" cold calling to gain new business.

More About Steven Puckett:
Steve manages and consults on retirement plans in the areas of investment advisory services, fiduciary services, forensic plan audits, fiduciary risk mitigation solutions, compliance assistance, and fee audits for 403(b) plans, 401(k) plans, 457 plans, Defined Benefit plans, and Non-Qualified Plans. With over 30 years of experience in the retirement plans industry, Steve has assisted and consulted with hundreds of companies with their retirement plans concerns.

Prior to joining FPP, Steve held senior level positions at HANYS Benefit Services, Gallagher Retirement Services, MetLife, Oppenheimer Funds, and Nicholas Applegate Capital Management. Steven has been a featured retirement plans speaker at the American Bar Association (ABA), Securities Industry Association (SIA) conference and the National Tax Sheltered Accounts Association (NTSAA) national conferences.

Steven has been named as one of the Top 100 retirement plan advisors in the United States by Plan Sponsor Magazine in 2015 and 2016. He was also named as one of the Top Retirement Advisers by The Financial Times in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021. Steve was also named one of the Top 300 in the years 2008, 2009, 2010.

Steven has been awarded his Accredited Investment Fiduciary designation (AIF®) from the University of Pittsburgh, the Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisors (CPFA®) from the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA), and the Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist (CRPS®) designation from the College for Financial Planning. Steve earned his Bachelor’s Degree (BBA) in Finance from the University of Iowa. Steven resides with his family in Westfield, New Jersey.

Disclosure: Steven Puckett is the managing member of Fiduciary Pension Partners. Fiduciary Pension Partners is a registered investment adviser with its principal place of business in the State of New Jersey. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. The content provided herein is not intended to provide specific legal, tax, financial or other professional advice. Mr. Puckett was not compensated for his participation in this program.

9. Applying Unreasonable Hospitality to Closing the Retirement Plan Access Gap | Phil Senderowitz

Great Gray Trust Company — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 08:15:05 -0700

In this episode of "Gray to Great," Dan Dal Degan interviews Phil Senderowitz, a 2025 Plan Advisor of the Year in the Covering the Gap category, focusing on the importance of providing retirement solutions for small and mid-size businesses. They discuss the impact of recent legislation, the significance of understanding client needs, and the value of specialization in the retirement planning industry. Phil shares his personal journey into retirement planning, lessons learned from market downturns, and insights on how to effectively engage with clients to ensure their financial well-being.

More About Phil Senderowitz:
Phil is an Investment Advisor Representative with Global Retirement Partners. As a Managing Director for Strategic Retirement Partners, Phil is responsible for servicing clients, as well as growing the firm’s practice in the Central Florida market. He is a specialist in investment due diligence processes, fiduciary best practices, and provider benchmarking. Phil also provides extensive experience in delivering customized employee education services to help promote more positive retirement outcomes.

With more than two decades of industry experience, Phillip has served as Chief Investment Officer for Chepenik Financial and also as a Private Financial Advisor at SunTrust Bank. Phillip is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and a Certified Financial Planner (TM) professional. He is a regular speaker at industry conferences, actively serves on the board of several community organizations, and is a trustee of the City of Maitland Police & Fire Pension Fund.

Phillip lives in Orlando, Florida with his wife, two sons. He is an avid runner and has completed three marathons. He also enjoys reading and spending family vacations skiing.

8. Private Markets in Defined Contribution Plans: Navigating the New Frontier, Part 2 | Charlotte Hickey, Zachary Rosenoff

Great Gray Trust Company — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 08:53:42 -0700

This episode is the second of a two-part special edition of the Gray to Great podcast, dissecting private assets in defined contribution plans with 2 special guests: Zachary Rosenoff, Director of Investments at Marsh McLennan Agency, and Charlotte Hickey, Director of National Accounts at BlackRock.

In this special episode of Gray to Great, host Dan Dal Degan engages in a rich conversation with guests Charlotte Hickey and Zachary Rosenoff about the evolving landscape of retirement planning and investment strategies in relation to the incorporation of private assets in defined contribution plans. They discuss the impact of recent legislation on retirement plans, the importance of understanding new terminology, and the need for financial advisors to build trust with clients. The conversation emphasizes the shift from focusing on optionality in investment choices to prioritizing participant outcomes, highlighting the growing role of alternative assets in retirement portfolios.

The opinions and thoughts expressed here are those of the individual speaker providing them based on their professional and personal experience and does not represent the views or opinions of Marsh & McLennan Agency, its parent companies or any of its affiliated companies.

7. Private Markets in Defined Contribution Plans: Navigating the New Frontier, Part 1 | Charlotte Hickey, Zachary Rosenoff

Great Gray Trust Company — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 14:47:40 -0700

This episode is the first of a two-part special edition of the Gray to Great podcast, dissecting private assets in defined contribution plans with 2 special guests: Zachary Rosenoff, Director of Investments at Marsh McLennan Agency, and Charlotte Hickey, Director of National Accounts at BlackRock.

In this special episode of Gray to Great, host Dan Dal Degan engages in a rich conversation with guests Charlotte Hickey and Zachary Rosenoff about the evolving landscape of retirement planning and investment strategies in relation to the incorporation of private assets in defined contribution plans. They discuss the impact of recent legislation on retirement plans, the importance of understanding new terminology, and the need for financial advisors to build trust with clients. The conversation emphasizes the shift from focusing on optionality in investment choices to prioritizing participant outcomes, highlighting the growing role of alternative assets in retirement portfolios.

6. The Power of Specialization for Retirement Plan Advisors | Rick Unser

Great Gray Trust Company — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 08:48:13 -0700

In this episode of "Gray to Great," host Dan Dal Degan is joined by Rick Unser, a managing director at Creative Retirement Planning Services. They discuss Rick's career journey, focusing on his specialization in private equity retirement plans. Rick shares insights on the importance of curiosity and specialization in career development, emphasizing the value of building relationships and becoming a trusted advisor. The conversation also touches on the complexities of retirement planning, the evolving market, and the significance of understanding both B2B and B2C dynamics. Rick offers advice for younger advisors and highlights the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the financial services industry.

More About Rick:
Rick Unser is on a mission to positively influence the retirement outcomes of 10 million people.

His experience in the trenches, insatiable curiosity and constant need to separate the forest from the trees has put him in the watchtower of an industry managing quickly shifting demographics, product and platform innovation, and everchanging regulation.

Come join Rick as he challenges conventional thinking and champions positive change:
• on Forbes: become a reader of his Forbes column on the 401(k) and workplace retirement plan topics
• on your podcast player: listen to his podcast, 401(k) Fridays, where I interview industry experts from public policy thinktanks, asset management, and leading service providers.

5. Meeting Clients Where They Are... Even at a Rest Stop | Virginia Ryan

Great Gray Trust Company — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 12:54:05 -0700

In this episode of "Gray to Great," Board Member of the Great Gray Group and host, Dan Dal Degan, is joined by Virginia Ryan, a plan advisor with 401(k) Plan Professionals in the Twin Cities. Virginia shares her unique journey from being a flight attendant to becoming a 401(k) plan advisor. She discusses the challenges and learning experiences she faced while transitioning into the financial world, emphasizing the importance of open conversations and financial education.

Virginia highlights the role of financial advisors as "financial therapists," helping clients navigate the often intimidating world of retirement plans. She shares stories of working with clients, including a memorable experience with a long-haul trucker, and discusses the significance of meeting clients where they are, both physically and emotionally. The episode also touches on the dynamics of her all-female advisory team and the value of curiosity and continuous learning in one's career. Virginia's insights provide valuable takeaways for both plan advisors and individuals looking to better understand their financial futures.

More About Virginia Ryan:

Virginia enjoys working with retirement plans as it allows her to help increase financial literacy among employees while communicating complex ideas with ease. She also enjoys helping plan sponsors feel confident and secure about their retirement benefit offering. and helping sponsors execute efficient plan design while customizing strategies to connect with every employee.

Virginia lives in St. Paul, Minnesota with her husband and 3 kids and enjoys spending time outside with friends and family, watching her kids conquer their fears, and taking family road trips.

Virginia is recognized by the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA) to the Top Woman Advisor List for 2024.

4. The Future of AI in Financial Services | Holly Knight

Great Gray Trust Company — Wed, 07 May 2025 04:00:00 -0700

Summary

In this conversation, Dan Dal Degan (Board Member of Great Gray Group) and Holly Knight (Director of Retirement Services at Alera Group) discuss the impact and role of AI in financial services.

They explore topics around how to use AI to make your daily schedule more efficient, the trade-offs and risks of AI and how to address those concerns, how AI may impact the financial services industry, and how Holly became interested in AI and more specifically the role it plays in the finance industry.

More About Holly Knight:

My journey is rooted in helping people design and implement their financial story—one that leads to independence, confidence, and long-term sustainability. Whether through curriculum development, one-on-one coaching, or innovative fintech solutions, I specialize in meeting individuals where they are and equipping them with the tools to thrive.

In addition to my work in financial education, I bring a diverse skill set, including:
• Strategic Leadership: Proven experience in developing scalable programs, building cross-functional teams, and driving initiatives that align with organizational goals.
• Organizational Development: Expertise in process improvement, M&A integration, and creating systems that enhance collaboration and efficiency.
• AI/Technology Integration: Leveraging AI and machine learning to improve educational delivery and enhance user experience.
• Public Speaking & Training: Engaging audiences across various industries with relatable, actionable insights on financial wellness and retirement readiness.

I believe that financial health isn’t just about numbers—it’s about empowering people to make choices that lead to a fulfilling life. My approach is informed by behavioral finance, experiential learning, and a commitment to addressing challenges through innovation and collaboration.

With a master’s degree in education, a background in economics, and over 25 years of experience, I thrive at the intersection of teaching, advising, and strategic planning. As I continue to grow in my career, my focus remains on creating meaningful, integrated solutions that contribute to the greater good—whether it's through supporting advisors, improving retirement readiness, or fostering organizational excellence.

3. Knowledge as Potential Power: Education's Role in Retirement Plan Advising | Burak Alpaslan

Great Gray Trust Company — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 05:03:00 -0700

Summary: In this conversation, Burak Alpaslan and Dan Dal Degan discuss the importance of educating clients and how that builds a trusted relationship.

They explore topics around the strategy and playbook Burak uses for client retention, how to help and educate clients through storytelling, lessons around identifying and prospecting for clients, and how culture plays a role in Vital Planning Group’s success. The conversation emphasizes the significance of human connection and genuine relationships in any industry, and how that honesty really pushes for great client relationships.

Why You Should Listen:

Educating Clients: Master the art of meaningful client relationships via education best practices.
Strategy & Playbook on Client Retention: Flex your approach to meet clients' unique needs.
Building and Branding Your Practice: Burak shares best practices in building an advisory practice's brand from scratch.

More About Burak:
Burak combines his own experience as an entrepreneur with his knowledge of financial planning to help business owners and plan sponsors with the many opportunities and challenges they face both personally and professionally.

He works with business owners to help them create, manage, and protect family wealth. He partners with their tax and legal advisors to put together estate planning strategies to pass their wealth to the next generations and create a future legacy in a tax-efficient manner. Burak provides strategic financial advice at all stages of business ownership including succession and transition strategies for their business.

Over the course of twenty years, Burak has committed himself to understanding, and effectively supporting the needs of employer sponsored qualified plans. He has the expertise to make recommendations that removes obstacles and limitations on plan effectiveness, that avoids unnecessary risks and reduces unnecessary costs and associated fees. With a model that supports an on-going service, Burak provides education and reviews for both plan sponsors and participants throughout the year resulting in improved participant outcomes and compliant plans.

Burak, is a highly sought after financial planner, holding both the AIF and C(k)P designations, enhancing his expertise in investment management and retirement planning. He is also a credentialed CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and a Retirement Planning Specialist from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business. With a civil engineering degree from the Middle East Technical University and a master's in economics and finance from Hacettepe University, Burak brings a unique blend of analytical skills and financial expertise to his practice, offering clients a full scale of comprehensive guidance.

CRN202803 -8363360

Vital Planning Group is not a subsidiary or affiliate of MML Investor Services LLC., or its affiliated companies. Products and services offered by unaffiliated insurers are not guaranteed, endorsed or recommended by MML Investor Services LLC.

2. Differentiating Your Advisory Practice Through Human Connection | Renee Scherzer

Great Gray Trust Company — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 06:37:12 -0800

Discover the power of authenticity and human connection in sales with Renee Scherzer.

Summary: In this episode of "Gray to Great," host Dan Dal Degan has a value-packed conversation with Renee Scherzer, Senior Vice President at OneDigital Retirement & Wealth, to discuss the importance of being authentic and personable in your network and connections. They delve into topics such as differentiating your sales practice, the significance of branding on LinkedIn, tips for networking with accomplished individuals, and how to create excitement for meetings and calls. The conversation highlights the value of human connection and genuine relationships in sales, as well as the need to maintain those relationships.

Why You Should Listen:

Embrace Authenticity: Learn how being genuine can set you apart in your sales practice.
Build Strong Networks: Get tips on networking with accomplished individuals and creating meaningful connections.
Excite Your Clients: Discover strategies to make your meetings and calls more engaging and impactful.

More About Renee: Renee Scherzer is a Senior Vice President of the Retirement + Wealth division of OneDigital and specializes in retirement plan consulting, focusing solely on the success of retirement plans for the benefit of the employee and confidence of the employer. Her team’s mission is to provide clients with strategies to empower their employees to build financial independence while managing the fiduciary liability of organizations and their executives while navigating the ever-changing regulatory environment.

Renee’s career began at Dean Witter Reynolds over 25 years ago, where she quickly distinguished herself by growing in various aspects of the financial services industry, including stock trading, investments, and asset management. In 1999, she made a bold move to focus on 401(k) plans, leaving the wire house environment to establish her own firm. Her entrepreneurial spirit led to the founding of 401K Resources in 2020. By 2023, she had strategically aligned with her husband’s benefits firm, integrating into OneDigital. This comprehensive integration of retirement plans, individual wealth, benefits, human resources, and corporate insurance allows Renee and her team to deliver unparalleled efficiencies aimed at exceeding client and employee expectations.

Renee’s extensive academic background, professional qualifications, and leadership roles are key drivers of her success. She holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Arizona State University and is an Investment Adviser Representative, Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor, and Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®). Renee’s leadership extends to her role as Past President of the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA) and her membership on the NAPA Leadership Council. Additionally, she serves on the Executive Board of the American Retirement Association (ARA) and participates in various industry committees.

Charity is an important part of Renee and her family’s lives. They are active in various organizations impacting the homeless, children in crisis, animal rescue, and other important causes. Renee prides herself on gaining awareness and engagement in her philanthropic activities with family, friends, clients, and industry partners. When she’s not leading her team to success or making an impact in the industry or community, Renee loves spending quality time with her husband Chris, their three children, and their two beloved dogs.

1. Humanizing Sales in Financial Services: Building Rapport, Listening, and Leveraging Technology | Sean Kelly

Great Gray Trust Company — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 07:27:27 -0800

In this episode, Sean Kelly, Vice President at Heffernan Retirement Services, shares practical tips to deepen connections with clients and prospects. Sean reminds us, “Hopes, dreams, fears, and goals in personal life also drive the ways people do business.”

Here’s why you should listen:

· Human Connection: Master the art of meaningful client relationships.

· Sales Best Practices: Proven strategies tailored for financial services.

· Adaptability: Flex your approach to meet clients' unique needs

Summary: In this episode of the Gray to Great podcast, Dan Dal Degan and Sean Kelly discuss the essential skills and strategies for success in sales, particularly in the financial services industry. They explore the importance of building genuine relationships with clients through active listening, the role of technology in enhancing client service, and how to make complex financial concepts relatable. The conversation emphasizes the timeless value of human connection in sales and the need for advisors to prioritize their client relationships effectively.

More About Sean: Sean Kelly is a Financial Advisor and VP for Heffernan Financial Services. He represents Heffernan in Southern California working out of the Orange County and Los Angeles offices. He also services the San Diego, Inland Empire and Santa Barbara markets. Sean’s specialty is group retirement plans in the private, public and nonprofit sectors. By providing comprehensive strategies for 401(k), 403(b), 457, 401(a), defined benefit and other retirement plans, Sean finds substantial worth by helping companies and organizations design and maintain a valuable retirement plan offering and benefit for their employees.