Nurturing Success

Lauren Rockett, Liability Advisor

Host: John Thompson

Guest: Lauren Rockett

In this episode of Nurturing Success, host John Thompson speaks with Lauren Rockett, a dynamic real estate professional and mortgage strategist with over two decades of hands-on experience. Lauren shares her journey from flipping homes as a single mom to becoming a sought-after coach for real estate agents and financial educators. They discuss how real estate sits at the center of a “three-sided balance sheet,” why financial literacy is critical for both professionals and clients, and how collaboration between mortgage advisors, realtors, and financial planners can lead to stronger outcomes for everyone involved.

Lauren also introduces her 12-Month Homebuying Roadmap and explains why debt, taxes, and long-term planning must be part of every real estate conversation.

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💡 What You'll Learn:

• How Lauren turned real estate into a tool for financial freedom

• The critical role of leverage, budgeting, and planning in real estate

• Why most real estate agents lack financial education—and how that impacts clients

• The concept of the three-sided balance sheet

• Common homeownership pitfalls and how to avoid them

• How mortgage payments evolve and why long-term forecasting matters

• The cost of waiting to buy and planning for property expenses

• How advisors and realtors can better collaborate to protect client wealth

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⏱ Timestamps:

[00:00] Opening gratitude: Momentum and the power of leverage
[02:00] Lauren’s real estate and finance journey—from flipping homes to full-time investing
[04:30] Why most agents don’t understand investor needs or client risk
[06:30] Coaching agents on financial concepts and client protection
[08:00] The danger of clients overextending—and how to plan for the unknown
[10:00] Understanding the Three-Sided Balance Sheet: Assets, liabilities, and real estate
[12:00] Real estate as the pivot point of a financial plan
[14:00] Helping financial advisors think differently about housing decisions
[16:30] Her custom 12-Month Homebuying Roadmap and why it matters
[18:30] Real stories: Clients priced out by waiting too long
[20:00] The importance of community, education, and showing up for others
[22:00] Closing advice: Learn from your falls—and help others rise

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🔗 Resources & Mentions:

• 12-Month Homebuying Roadmap by Lauren Rockett

• The Three-Sided Balance Sheet Concept

• Financial literacy education for real estate professionals

• Zillow, Credit Tools, and Mortgage Planning Insights

Connect with Us:
Please reach out to Lauren with any questions or feedback. Contact with Lauren here

Follow us on social media for the latest updates and additional insights. @smplmortgage

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe to Nurturing Success for more insights from industry leaders. Stay tuned for the next episode, where we continue to explore successful financial strategies and practices. If you're interested in being our next guest, please reach out to jack@smplmortgage.com to schedule a time. 

Chris Mastro, CFP® of Impact Fiduciary

Host: John Thompson

Guest: Chris Mastro

In this episode of Nurturing Success, John Thompson talks with Chris Mastro, CFP® of Impact Fiduciary, about building a purpose-driven financial planning practice rooted in sustainability, intentionality, and efficiency. Chris shares his nontraditional path into financial planning, how the 2008 financial crisis ignited his passion for empowering others through education, and why sustainable investing has become a core value in his work. They also explore how Chris uses AI and automation tools to streamline his practice and deliver high-quality advice to a growing client base.

💡 What You'll Learn:

• Chris’s journey from operations management into financial planning

• Why the 2008 crisis shaped his mission around financial literacy

• What sustainable investing really means and how clients respond to it

• How to help clients reach the “freedom point” — where work becomes optional

• Tools and tech Chris uses to stay efficient while scaling

• How AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and JUMP AI enhance client service

• Why asking for referrals and being intentional about growth matters

• How young professionals can enter financial planning with impact and reward

⏱ Timestamps:

[00:00] Opening gratitude: Halloween joy and human connection
[02:30] Chris’s career journey and discovering financial planning
[05:00] Building a client-centered practice at Impact Fiduciary
[06:30] What sustainable investing looks like in practice
[08:30] Attracting values-aligned clients through intentional positioning
[09:30] Top client concerns: inflation, early retirement, and financial independence
[11:00] The power of planning in reducing client anxiety
[12:00] Creating a tech-forward experience for modern clients
[14:00] Using AI for research, communication, and meeting efficiency
[17:00] Behind the scenes: JUMP AI, Zapier, and time-saving tools
[18:30] Growth strategies: referrals, Google reviews, and intentional marketing
[19:30] Talking debt, liabilities, and when to bring in outside experts
[20:30] Advice for future advisors: Impact + income is possible
[22:00] Final thoughts: Gratitude as a daily antidote to stress

🔗 Resources & Mentions:

• Impact Fiduciary

• Sustainable Investing Strategies

• AI Tools: ChatGPT, Perplexity, JUMP AI

• Zapier (automation platform)

• RightCapital (planning software)

Connect with Us:
Please reach out to Chris with any questions or feedback. Contact with Chris here

Follow us on social media for the latest updates and additional insights. @smplmortgage

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe to Nurturing Success for more insights from industry leaders. Stay tuned for the next episode, where we continue to explore successful financial strategies and practices. If you're interested in being our next guest, please reach out to jack@smplmortgage.com to schedule a time. 

Lisa Rehberg of Rehburg Life Settlements

Host: John Thompson

Guest: Lisa Rehburg

In this eye-opening episode, John Thompson sits down with Lisa Rehburg to explore the often-overlooked opportunity of life settlements — turning unwanted or unaffordable life insurance policies into a powerful financial planning tool. Lisa brings over three decades of insurance industry experience, sharing how life settlements can offer clients much-needed liquidity, improve cash flow, and unlock hidden value. They also dig into why financial advisors need to be aware of this solution, how the process works, and the critical role education and regulation play in building trust.

💡 What You'll Learn:

• What life settlements are and who they benefit

• Why millions of seniors lapse or surrender life insurance policies

• How Lisa helps advisors unlock policy value for their clients

• The regulatory landscape of life settlements today

• Why policyholders may be leaving serious money on the table

• How to talk to clients about reviewing life insurance as an asset

• Advice for younger professionals exploring niche areas of insurance

• How Lisa balances education, advocacy, and execution in a unique dual-role business model

⏱ Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction & what Lisa is grateful for
[01:30] What life settlements are and how they work
[03:00] Why people lapse policies—and how to avoid it
[05:00] Common misconceptions among advisors
[07:00] Direct buyers vs. brokers: Why fiduciary duty matters
[09:30] Top concerns from clients considering a life settlement
[11:00] Who actually buys these policies? (Spoiler: Not the mafia)
[13:00] Lisa's path from corporate insurance to life settlements
[15:00] Building a relationship-based business
[17:00] Timeline and process for life settlement transactions
[19:00] Is this a career path for young professionals?
[20:00] Final advice for financial advisors on reviewing policies
[22:00] When cash flow relief is more important than payout
[23:00] Closing thoughts: Peace, love, and prosperity

🔗 Resources & Mentions:

• Rehburg Life Insurance Settlements

• Life Settlement Market Regulations

• Use cases: Long-term care, retirement funding, aging in place

Connect with Us:
Please reach out to Lisa with any questions or feedback. Contact with Lisa here

Follow us on social media for the latest updates and additional insights. @smplmortgage

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe to Nurturing Success for more insights from industry leaders. Stay tuned for the next episode, where we continue to explore successful financial strategies and practices. If you're interested in being our next guest, please reach out to jack@smplmortgage.com to schedule a time. 

Suzanne Patrick Lawrence of Advisor Business Solutions

Host: John Thompson

Guest: Suzanne Patrick Lawrence

In this episode of Nurturing Success, host John Thompson welcomes Suzanne Patrick Lawrence, a seasoned business strategist and CEO of Advisor Business Solutions. Suzanne shares her multi-decade journey working with independent financial advisors, helping them grow through more innovative marketing, succession planning, and intentional leadership. She reflects on the evolution of the advice industry, what makes a firm stand out today, and how embracing transition—both personally and professionally—can unlock the next chapter of success.

💡 What You'll Learn:

• Why marketing isn’t sales—and how advisors should think differently

• The emotional and business challenges of succession planning

• How Suzanne helps match advisors with next-gen successors

• The importance of defining your message and staying consistent

• Why client relationships are critical in protecting your business

• How to grow with intention and lead your firm through transition

• Lessons from working with family in a multigenerational business

⏱ Timestamps:

[00:00] John welcomes Suzanne and asks what she’s grateful for
[01:30] Suzanne’s career journey and founding Advisor Business Solutions
[03:00] The evolution of financial planning and the rise of holistic advice
[05:00] Marketing vs. sales: what advisors still misunderstand
[06:00] The challenge of standing out in a crowded, high-budget industry
[08:00] Why consistency in communication is key
[10:00] How emotional value differentiates independent advisors
[12:00] Creating connection in a digital-first world
[13:00] The rise of succession planning—and why many aren't ready
[16:00] Navigating the emotional side of letting go
[18:00] When succession planning really means coaching
[20:00] Bringing family into the business—rewarding and revealing
[22:00] Letting go, moving forward, and redefining your role
[24:00] Final thoughts: Everyone moves at their own pace—but forward is the goal

🔗 Resources & Mentions:

• Advisor Business Solutions – Suzanne’s firm

• Succession Planning, Growth Consulting, and Team Coaching

• The emotional side of practice transitions

• Marketing strategy for RIAs and financial professionals

Connect with Us:
Please reach out to Suzanne with any questions or feedback. Contact Suzanne Here

Follow us on social media for the latest updates and additional insights. @smplmortgage

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe to Nurturing Success for more insights from industry leaders. Stay tuned for the next episode, where we continue to explore successful financial strategies and practices. If you're interested in being our next guest, please reach out to jack@smplmortgage.com to schedule a time. 

Sheree Tromblee of Weaver & Associates, Inc

Host: John Thompson

Guest: Sheree Tromblee

In this episode of Nurturing Success, host John Thompson sits down with Sheree Tromblee, a passionate and experienced insurance advisor at Weaver & Associates. Sheree brings clarity, urgency, and compassion to the world of property and casualty insurance—helping clients and financial professionals understand how risk protection is foundational to any long-term plan.

They explore the critical role insurance plays in financial planning, discuss the hidden risks most clients overlook, and break down how recent wildfires, rising premiums, and shifting carrier policies are reshaping the industry. Sheree also shares what it means to build a proactive, education-first practice in today’s environment and why she believes insurance is a rewarding path for the next generation of professionals.

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💡 What You'll Learn:

• Why insurance is more than a product—it’s about protection and partnership

• How to identify hidden liability risks in everyday life (like golf carts and e-bikes)

• What financial professionals often miss when it comes to client coverage

• How home updates, location, and AI-driven inspections impact policy approvals

• Why today’s insurance market is more volatile—and how to navigate it

• The difference between standard vs. non-admitted insurance carriers

• Why Sheree believes insurance is a powerful, purpose-driven career path

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⏱ Timestamps:

[00:00] Intro and what Sheree is grateful for
[02:30] Sheree’s journey into insurance and the family legacy at Weaver & Associates
[04:00] Insurance as education: changing the way clients think about protection
[05:30] How financial advisors and insurance professionals can collaborate better
[07:30] Understanding umbrella coverage—and the hidden exposures that matter
[10:00] The overlooked risks of e-bikes, golf carts, and co-signing loans
[12:00] Why major carriers are pulling back and how that impacts consumers
[14:00] The importance of roof, plumbing, and electrical updates for policy eligibility
[17:00] Policy changes affecting replacement cost coverage for roofs
[22:00] Insurance challenges for condo units and wildfire risk
[26:00] The rise of water damage claims and the trouble with aging properties
[28:00] Inside Sheree’s team, tech stack, and client-first service model
[30:00] Why insurance is a fulfilling career for the next generation
[32:30] Final thoughts on legacy, love, and protecting what matters most

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🔗 Resources & Mentions:

• Weaver & Associates Insurance

• California Fair Plan

• Understanding Umbrella Coverage

• Homeowners & Wildfire Risk in California

• Standard vs. Non-Admitted Carriers

Connect with Us:
Please reach out to Sheree with any questions or feedback. Contact Sheree Here

Follow us on social media for the latest updates and additional insights. @smplmortgage

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe to Nurturing Success for more insights from industry leaders. Stay tuned for the next episode, where we continue to explore successful financial strategies and practices. If you're interested in being our next guest, please reach out to jack@smplmortgage.com to schedule a time. 

Trevor Hammond of Neo Home Loans

Host: John Thompson

Guest: Trevor Hammond

In this insightful episode of Nurturing Success, John Thompson welcomes Trevor Hammond, a veteran mortgage professional and regional leader with a passion for financial education. With over two decades in the industry, Trevor has shifted his focus from originating loans to empowering mortgage professionals to think more strategically and collaboratively—particularly with financial planners.

John and Trevor explore the intersection of mortgage advice and holistic financial planning, emphasizing the missed opportunities when mortgage professionals operate in silos. They discuss how loan officers can evolve into trusted advisors and how financial planners can benefit from working with mortgage partners who focus on long-term strategy, not just transactions.

💡 What You'll Learn:

• Why many mortgage pros are missing the mark—and how to change that

• The value of building partnerships between mortgage professionals and financial planners

• How daily habits and routines (like yoga!) impact professional performance

• What “crossing the balance sheet” really means

• How financial professionals can think beyond transactions to add real, lasting value

• Why reading, curiosity, and lifelong learning are non-negotiables for success

• The impact of proactive vs. reactive client strategies

• How liability management fits into holistic financial planning

⏱ Timestamps:

[00:00] Welcome and guest introduction
[03:00] The value of yoga, health routines, and gratitude
[06:00] Morning rituals and their role in daily success
[10:00] How Trevor discovered the power of financial literacy
[13:00] Becoming the educator clients didn’t know they needed
[15:00] Why most advisors aren’t thinking about mortgages strategically
[18:00] Training mortgage pros to become planning partners
[22:00] Why financial planners need better mortgage allies
[26:00] Creating investable cash flow through smart debt strategies
[30:00] The Certified Liability Advisor (CLA) designation
[33:00] Reactive vs. proactive mortgage planning
[36:00] Unlocking cash flow and boosting client wealth
[39:00] Closing thoughts on purpose, opportunity, and optimism

🔗 Resources & Mentions:

• Certified Liability Advisor (CLA)

• The Road Less Stupid by Keith J. Cunningham

• Peloton App – Strength, yoga, and more

• Rick Edelman and The Millionaire Next Door

• Todd Ballinger – Financial planning thought leader

Connect with Us:
Please reach out to Trevor with any questions or feedback. Contact Trevor Here

Follow us on social media for the latest updates and additional insights. @smplmortgage

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe to Nurturing Success for more insights from industry leaders. Stay tuned for the next episode, where we continue to explore successful financial strategies and practices. If you're interested in being our next guest, please reach out to jack@smplmortgage.com to schedule a time. 

Val Miller of Neo Home Loans

Host: John Thompson

Guest: Val Miller

In this special episode of Nurturing Success, host John Thompson chats with Val Miller, a rising talent in the mortgage and financial advice space. With a background in marketing and a bold leap into full-time production, Val represents a new generation of professionals redefining what it means to be a Mortgage Advisor. She shares her career evolution, the value of mentorship, how she’s building a business around community, and her mission to bridge the gap between mortgage and financial planning for next-gen clients.

💡 What You'll Learn:

• Why the mortgage industry needs a fresh, creative perspective

• The power of financial literacy and how it shapes opportunity

• How Val is building her practice from the ground up—with intention and impact

• How real estate, mortgage, and financial advice intersect

• What makes a great partnership between mortgage professionals and financial planners

• Why younger professionals should consider careers in mortgage or financial advice

⏱ Timestamps:

[00:00] John introduces Val Miller and her background
[01:30] Val’s unique journey: from marketing to mortgage production
[03:00] What sparked Val’s leap into becoming a Mortgage Advisor
[04:00] Val shares what she’s grateful for—collaboration and mentorship
[05:30] What it means to give real mortgage advice, not just quotes
[07:30] Building community and masterminds: Val’s creative marketing strategy
[10:00] Remote work, flexibility, and growing a national practice
[12:00] How Val is planning to work with financial advisors
[14:00] Explaining the “three-sided balance sheet”
[16:30] Partnering with advisors to help clients win
[18:00] Advice for other young professionals entering the industry
[20:00] Entrepreneurship and redefining success in financial services
[22:00] Val’s personal story of financial literacy, safety nets, and taking risks
[24:00] Final thoughts: impact, intention, and the power of being proactive

🔗 Resources & Mentions:

• Neo Home Loans (Val’s company)

• Trevor Hammond (Mentor & Branch Leader)

• Borrow Smart, Repay Smart Philosophy

• Three-Sided Balance Sheet (Assets, Liabilities, Real Estate)

Connect with Us:
Please reach out to Val with any questions or feedback. Contact Val Here

Follow us on social media for the latest updates and additional insights. @smplmortgage

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe to Nurturing Success for more insights from industry leaders. Stay tuned for the next episode, where we continue to explore successful financial strategies and practices. If you're interested in being our next guest, please reach out to jack@smplmortgage.com to schedule a time. 

Emily Vincent of Douglas M. Farr & Co

Host: John Thompson

Guest: Emily Vincent

In this episode of Nurturing Success, John Thompson sits down with Emily Vincent, CEO of a fast-growing third-party administration (TPA) firm and second-generation business leader. Emily shares how she successfully took over her family’s business, built a strong team, and grew it through education-based marketing and deep collaboration with financial professionals.

They explore the misunderstood world of TPAs, why solo business owners often miss powerful retirement planning opportunities, and how 401(k)s and defined benefit plans can strategically align with broader financial goals — including home ownership. Emily also opens up about parenting, coaching youth soccer, running global endurance races, and how she maintains balance with purpose and joy.

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💡 What You'll Learn:

• What a third-party administrator (TPA) really does — and why most people don’t know they exist

• Why solo entrepreneurs and small business owners should consider 401(k)s and defined benefit plans

• The risks of missed compliance filings and common retirement planning mistakes

• How retirement plan contributions intersect with major financial goals like home purchases

• Emily’s approach to marketing through education, webinars, and strategic networking

• The importance of team culture and learning how to lead (and fire) effectively

• How fitness, parenting, and entrepreneurship all fit into a high-performance lifestyle

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⏱ Timestamps:

[00:00] John introduces Emily and asks what she’s grateful for
[01:00] Coaching kids’ soccer and lessons from sports
[02:30] Applying team sports mindset to business leadership
[03:30] Tips for letting go of the wrong employees quickly and compassionately
[05:00] What a TPA actually does — and who benefits from these services
[07:00] Bundled vs. unbundled retirement plan providers
[08:00] Solo 401(k)s, compliance risks, and correcting missed filings
[10:00] How Emily markets through education and community
[12:00] Peer learning groups and the power of professional collaboration
[14:00] Why Emily gets up at 2:30 AM — and trains for global endurance events
[16:00] Coaching, parenting, and evolving business/life balance
[18:00] Creative business planning during 3 AM runs and tech hacks for capturing ideas
[20:00] How mortgage planning intersects with retirement strategy
[22:00] Serving younger business owners who want both a plan and a home
[23:00] Final thoughts: loving what you do and modeling work-life balance for the next generation

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🔗 Resources & Mentions:

• Emily Vincent’s LinkedIn + Website (for upcoming webinars & newsletters)

• High Rocks Global Fitness Competitions

• IRS Guidelines on Solo 401(k)s & Plan Compliance

• Retirement Plan Design for Small Business Owners

• The Value of Unbundled Plan Structures for Advisors

Connect with Us:
Please reach out to Emily with any questions or feedback. Contact Emily Here

Follow us on social media for the latest updates and additional insights. @smplmortgage

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe to Nurturing Success for more insights from industry leaders. Stay tuned for the next episode, where we continue to explore successful financial strategies and practices. If you're interested in being our next guest, please reach out to jack@smplmortgage.com to schedule a time.