Nurturing Success

Chris Johnson of CBJ

Host: John Thompson

Guest: Chris Johnson

In this episode of Nurturing Success, John Thompson speaks with longtime estate planning and probate attorney Chris Johnson about the practical realities of planning, family dynamics, and why so many people still avoid creating an estate plan. Chris shares insights from decades in practice, including how working with his wife has shaped his business, why most litigation stems from preventable issues, and the increasing value of professional fiduciaries.

They also explore the overlap between estate law and financial services, including how tools like reverse mortgages and intra-family loans can support legacy planning, property tax protection, and equitable settlements. Chris makes a compelling case for taking action now—and dusting off that old plan before it’s too late.

—

💡 What You'll Learn:

• Why only 30–35% of people actually complete an estate plan

• Common client roadblocks and how advisors can guide them forward

• Why naming co-trustees (especially siblings) often causes more harm than good

• The growing role and benefits of professional fiduciaries

• How contingency-based probate litigation is becoming a new legal industry

• Key tips for preserving Prop 13 and managing intergenerational property transfers

• How reverse mortgages and lending tools can help families retain real estate

• What it’s like to build a small, high-functioning law practice with your spouse

—

⏱ Timestamps:

[00:00] Chris shares what he’s grateful for: family and working with his wife
[02:00] Overview of Chris’s practice: 50% estate planning, 50% probate litigation
[04:00] Why most people don’t plan—and how it costs families time, money, and peace
[06:30] How advisors can encourage clients to prioritize estate planning
[09:00] The emotional motivators behind finally taking action
[10:00] Family conflict: how poor trustee choices lead to expensive litigation
[12:00] What “no contest” clauses do (and don’t) protect
[13:30] Why professional fiduciaries are on the rise—and who they help
[16:00] Building a lean, lifestyle-focused legal practice
[20:00] Thoughts on longevity, phased retirement, and doing meaningful work
[22:00] Mortgage strategy in estate planning: reverse, settlement, and Prop 13
[24:00] Chris’s final advice: make a plan—or dust off the one you’ve got

—

🔗 Resources & Mentions:

• California Prop 13 & Parent–Child Exclusion Rules

• Professional Fiduciary Association of California

• Basics of Wills, Trusts & “No Contest” Clauses

• Reverse Mortgages in Estate Planning

• Contact Chris Johnson, Esq., for estate and probate matters

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

Bill Gross of eXp Realty of California

Host: John Thompson

Guest: Bill Gross

In this episode of Nurturing Success, John Thompson sits down with Bill Gross, a high-performing real estate professional and probate expert who also hosts several podcasts. Bill shares his unique perspective on real estate as a critical part of a three-sided balance sheet for building wealth. With a passion for empowering professionals and consumers alike, Bill dives into how financial advisors can better collaborate with real estate experts to provide more holistic advice to their clients.

---

💡 What You'll Learn:

• Why real estate is a key component of long-term wealth building

• How probate and inheritance impact property transitions—and the opportunity for advisors

• Bill’s approach to growing his brand through podcasting and YouTube

• How real estate professionals and financial planners can better collaborate

• The mindset shift advisors need to embrace real estate as part of the planning conversation

• Practical tips for building content, leveraging YouTube, and growing influence authentically

---

⏱ Timestamps:

• [00:00] John introduces the guest: Bill Gross

• [01:00] What Bill is grateful for—his grandkids and designing life around them

• [02:30] The importance of real estate in a three-sided balance sheet

• [05:00] Why probate is overlooked and how Bill built a niche there

• [08:00] How financial advisors can support clients in real estate transitions

• [10:00] Content creation: why Bill started podcasting and creating video

• [13:00] Tips for professionals looking to grow their influence online

• [16:00] Final advice on collaborating and staying top of mind

---

🔗 Resources & Mentions:

• Bill Gross’s YouTube Channel & Podcasts (search “Bill Gross Probate”)

• Real estate as part of financial planning conversations

• Probate marketing and education

Connect with Us:
Reach out to Bill with your questions or feedback. Contact Bill 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 your visit. 

Tyrrell Nunez of FMBK Law

Host: John Thompson

Guest: Tyrrell Nunez

In this episode of Nurturing Success, John Thompson sits down with Tyrrell Nunez, a seasoned family law attorney and advocate for collaborative divorce planning. Tyrrell shares her unique journey from music and minor league sports to practicing family law, and how her background influences the thoughtful, client-focused approach she brings to her work.

They dive into the emotional and logistical challenges of divorce, explore mediation and collaborative law options, and unpack how financial professionals and attorneys can work more effectively together to serve clients navigating one of life’s most difficult transitions. Tyrrell emphasizes the importance of setting realistic expectations, forward-thinking financial planning, and making decisions that set clients up for success — not just today, but years into the future.

—

💡 What You'll Learn:

• Tyrrell’s journey from music and sports into the legal field

• The different legal paths families can take during divorce: litigation, mediation, and collaborative law

• Why client education is critical for informed decision-making

• Common financial planning mistakes seen during divorce proceedings

• How capital gains, inheritance, and home buyouts play into settlement strategy

• The importance of thinking 5–10 years ahead when making divorce-related decisions

• How attorneys and financial professionals can create a cohesive client experience

—

⏱ Timestamps:

• [00:00] Intro and what Tyrrell is grateful for

• [02:00] Emotional toll of family law and the value of perspective

• [04:00] Legal options during divorce: litigation vs. mediation vs. collaborative law

• [07:00] The role of neutral third parties and retired judges in mediation

• [10:00] Tyrrell’s nontraditional path to law: from piano performance to family law

• [13:00] Why family law is both procedural and deeply personal

• [16:00] Financial advisors and the dangers of one-size-fits-all advice

• [18:00] The value of realistic expectations and nuanced asset division

• [21:00] Liability, capital gains, and planning for the long-term

• [23:00] Final thoughts on team-based divorce support and future planning

—

🔗 Resources & Mentions:

• St. Paul Saints (minor league baseball team)

• Southwestern Law School

• California Community Property Law

• Collaborative Law Resources

Connect with Us:
Reach out to Tyrrell with your questions or feedback. Contact Tyrrell Here

Follow us on social media for updates and more 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 are interested in being our next guest, reach out to jack@smplmortgage.com to get scheduled. 

Alex Leu of LA Wealth Advisors

Host: John Thompson

Guest: Alex Leu

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Nurturing Success, John Thompson speaks with Alex Leu, the founder of LA Wealth Advisors. Alex shares his journey from working at large firms like Morgan Stanley and Charles Schwab to launching his own independent financial advisory firm. He discusses his client-centered approach, the importance of comprehensive financial planning, and how his passion for cycling and community engagement influences his work. The conversation also explores team-building, liability management, and the role of technology in the future of financial advising.

What You'll Learn:

• How Alex transitioned from major financial firms to founding LA Wealth Advisors

• The benefits of a structured financial planning process for clients

• Why building a strong, collaborative team is essential for long-term success

• The importance of educating clients and their families about finances

• How liability management plays a role in financial planning

• The impact of AI and technology on the financial services industry

• Why networking and community involvement are key to growing a practice

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Introduction to the episode and guest, Alex Leu

• [01:00] What Alex is grateful for: The success of LA Wealth Advisors in its first year

• [03:00] Passion for cycling, becoming a Schwinn-certified instructor, and community involvement

• [05:00] Why Alex left major financial firms to start his own independent practice

• [07:00] How LA Wealth Advisors structures its financial planning process

• [09:00] Working with mass-affluent clients and addressing their complex financial needs

• [10:00] Alex’s early exposure to finance and the personal experience that shaped his career

• [13:00] How financial literacy education is crucial for young people

• [15:00] Building and managing a high-performing advisory team

• [18:00] The importance of integrating tax, estate, and liability planning into financial advice

• [20:00] How Alex successfully took a month-long vacation while running a growing business

• [22:00] Liability management: Why structuring debt properly is crucial for long-term wealth

• [24:00] The evolving role of AI and technology in financial planning

• [26:00] Final thoughts: The future of financial advising and staying ahead of industry changes

Resources Mentioned:

• LA Wealth Advisors – Alex’s independent financial advisory firm

• Liability Management Strategies – How debt management fits into financial planning

• AI in Finance – The growing role of technology in wealth management

• Schwinn Indoor Cycling Certification – Alex’s passion for fitness and community involvement

Connect with Us:
Reach out to Alex with your questions or feedback. Contact Alex Here

Follow us on social media for updates and more 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 are interested in being our next guest, reach out to jack@smplmortgage.com to get scheduled. 

Jeremy Baker of Arroyo Financial

Host: John Thompson

Guest: Jeremy Baker

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Nurturing Success, John Thompson speaks with Jeremy Baker of Arroyo Financial. With over 22 years in the insurance and financial services industry, Jeremy shares his journey, the challenges of the industry, and the strategies that have led to his long-term success. They discuss the importance of consistency, diversification in financial planning, networking, and how financial professionals can better serve their clients. Jeremy also highlights the critical role of life insurance in estate planning and business protection.

What You'll Learn:

• How Jeremy built a successful career in financial services over 22 years

• Why consistency and perseverance are key in the financial industry

• The importance of diversifying financial products and services

• The role of networking and in-person connections in building a strong client base

• How life insurance plays a vital role in estate planning and business protection

• Best practices for time management and calendar blocking for financial professionals

• Why collaborating with other advisors benefits both clients and the industry

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Introduction to the episode and guest, Jeremy Baker

• [01:00] What Jeremy is grateful for: Longevity and success in the financial industry

• [03:00] The challenges of working in insurance and financial planning

• [05:00] Financial planning during uncertain times: Why history repeats itself

• [07:00] The importance of long-term, consistent investing strategies

• [09:00] How diversification in products and services has led to business growth

• [11:00] Cross-selling financial products and the value of multiple service offerings

• [13:00] Why mass affluent and high-net-worth definitions need to evolve

• [15:00] Partnering with other advisors: When and how to refer clients

• [17:00] The power of in-person networking and building strong referral relationships

• [19:00] Time management tips: Blocking schedules and optimizing client meetings

• [21:00] Life insurance and estate planning: Creating liquidity for future generations

• [23:00] Final thoughts: Collaborating with advisors and building industry success

Resources Mentioned:

• Arroyo Financial – Jeremy’s firm specializing in insurance and financial services

• Networking Groups – The benefits of in-person connections through groups like BNI, Chamber of Commerce, and Toastmasters

• Life Insurance & Estate Planning – How policies can provide liquidity and protect family wealth

Connect with Us:
Reach out to Jeremy with your questions or feedback. Contact Jeremy Here

Follow us on social media for updates and more 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 are interested in being our next guest, reach out to jack@smplmortgage.com to get scheduled. 

Tori Sierra of Cetera Advisors

Host: John Thompson

Guest: Tori Sierra, CFP®

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Nurturing Success, John Thompson speaks with Tori Sierra, a Certified Financial Planner® specializing in empowering female entrepreneurs of color. Tori shares her journey into financial planning, how she identified and honed her niche, and the importance of intentionality in both business and personal finance. They discuss the role of community, the advantages of subscription-based financial planning, and key strategies for young advisors navigating the industry. Tori also highlights the power of behavioral finance, liability management, and leveraging AI for efficiency.

What You'll Learn:

• How Tori transitioned from working with teachers to serving female entrepreneurs of color

• The impact of community on financial success and client relationships

• How subscription-based financial planning allows advisors to serve clients at all stages

• Why behavioral finance plays a crucial role in long-term financial success

• Strategies for young advisors entering the industry and finding their niche

• The role of AI and technology in financial planning and client engagement

• The importance of liability management and integrating home equity into financial plans

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Introduction to the episode and guest, Tori Sierra

• [01:00] What Tori is grateful for: A healthy pregnancy and supportive team

• [03:00] Tori’s journey into financial planning and how she found her niche

• [04:30] Building a team: Working alongside her husband and supporting young advisors

• [07:00] The importance of diversity in financial services and intentional industry growth

• [09:00] Advice for young advisors: Learning the business and finding your passion

• [11:00] The value of business coaching and how it shaped Tori’s career

• [13:00] How financial advisors can help clients focus on controllable factors

• [15:00] The role of emotions in investing and why planning trumps market timing

• [17:00] Subscription-based financial planning: How it makes financial advice accessible

• [19:00] Leveraging AI for efficiency in financial planning and marketing

• [21:00] Liability management: When debt is good and when to prioritize paying it off

• [23:00] Home equity and its role in financial planning and retirement strategies

• [25:00] Final thoughts: The importance of intentional time management for advisors

Resources Mentioned:

• AdvicePay - Subscription-based financial planning platform

• AI Tools - Used for content creation, client engagement, and workflow optimization

• Canva - AI-assisted marketing and content creation

• ChatGPT - Used for brainstorming video outlines, social media captions, and presentations

Connect with Us:
Reach out to Tori with your questions or feedback. Contact Tori Here

Follow us on social media for updates and more 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 are interested in being our next guest, reach out to jack@smplmortgage.com to get scheduled. 

Alex Sierra of Cetera Advisors

Host: John Thompson

Guest: Alex Sierra, CFP®

Episode Summary: In this episode of Nurturing Success, John Thompson speaks with Alex Sierra, a Certified Financial Planner specializing in building generational wealth for educators, public employees, and nonprofits. Alex shares his journey into financial planning, how he developed his niche, and the importance of planning over investing in today’s market. They discuss the impact of community, the benefits of subscription-based financial planning, and strategies for advisors looking to grow and sustain their practice.

What You'll Learn:

• Alex’s journey into financial planning and his focus on creating generational wealth
• How Alex and his team specialize in different niches, including educators, nonprofits, and female business owners of color
• The benefits of subscription-based financial planning and how it works
• Why financial planning should focus on goal-based strategies over investment returns
• How community plays a role in Alex’s practice and his efforts to give back
• Liability management strategies and when to bring in professionals to assist with debt management and home equity

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Introduction to the episode and guest, Alex Sierra
• [01:00] What Alex is grateful for: His team and upcoming family addition
• [03:00] How having a team has expanded Alex’s capacity and allowed for specialization
• [04:30] Alex’s journey into financial planning and early influences from his family and community
• [07:00] The importance of community and how it integrates into Alex’s practice
• [09:00] Planning over investing: Why goal-based financial planning is more important than ever
• [10:30] Subscription-based financial planning: How Alex structures his services for different income levels
• [13:00] Client engagement process: Tri-annual reviews, monthly newsletters, workshops, and YouTube videos
• [15:00] Tips for advisors starting with social media and YouTube
• [17:00] Liability management: The role of debt in financial planning and when to bring in a liability advisor
• [20:00] Final thoughts: Be genuine, find your niche, and build authentic client relationships

Resources Mentioned:

• HolistaPlan: Tax Planning Software
• eMoney: Financial Planning Software

Connect with Us:
Reach out to Alex with your questions or feedback. Contact Alex Here

Follow us on social media for updates and more 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 are interested in being our next guest, reach out to jack@smplmortgage.com to get scheduled. 

Linda Polwrek of Polwrek Financial

Host: John Thompson

Guest: Linda Polwrek, CFP®, CDFA®, RICP®, MBA

Episode Summary: In this episode of Nurturing Success, John Thompson sits down with Linda Polwrek, a seasoned financial planner with multiple designations, including CFP®, CDFA®, and RICP®. Linda shares her journey into financial planning, how she built a successful practice while empowering women, and the importance of tax planning in today’s volatile market. They also discuss the benefits of liability management and how Linda has integrated these strategies into her work with clients, particularly women navigating life transitions such as divorce or widowhood.

What You'll Learn:

• Linda’s journey into financial planning and her experience working with her two sons in the business
• How Linda developed her niche in empowering women to achieve financial confidence
• The importance of tax planning in retirement and how to use tools like Roth conversions, QCDs, and donor-advised funds
• Recommended software for financial planners, including HolistaPlan and eMoney
• Linda’s client engagement process and how she segments her clients based on assets and engagement levels
• How Linda integrates liability management, including mortgage and reverse mortgage strategies, into her clients' financial plans

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Introduction to the episode and guest, Linda Polwrek
• [01:00] What Linda is grateful for: Family, business growth, and working with her sons
• [02:30] How Linda’s sons joined her practice and the evolution of their involvement
• [04:00] Empowering women in financial planning: Linda’s passion for helping women take control of their finances
• [06:30] Advice for advisors considering focusing on a specific niche
• [08:00] What consumers should focus on right now: Tax planning as a priority
• [09:30] Tax strategies Linda uses with clients: Roth conversions, QCDs, and more
• [10:30] Financial planning software: HolistaPlan, eMoney, and others Linda uses in her practice
• [12:00] Linda’s client engagement process and how she segments clients
• [15:00] Handling clients that may no longer fit within your practice
• [17:00] The increasing interest in reverse mortgages and liability management
• [19:00] Linda’s approach to leveraging debt in financial planning
• [21:00] Final thoughts for advisors: The importance of getting a financial plan and encouraging women to enter the profession

Resources Mentioned:

• HolistaPlan: Tax Planning Software
• eMoney: Financial Planning Software
• FP Pathfinder: Financial Planning Decision-Making Tool

Connect with Us:
Reach out to Linda with your questions or feedback. Polwrek Financial

Follow us on social media for updates and more 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 are interested in being our next guest, reach out to jack@smplmortgage.com to get scheduled.