From Number Crunching to Relationship Building with Brent Gunderson

Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) have long been recognized for their meticulous number-crunching abilities. However, beyond the spreadsheets and balance sheets, the essence of CPA work lies in fostering relationships, providing sound advice, and guiding clients toward financial prosperity. For some, this realization becomes the catalyst for embarking on a new journey — building a wealth management firm that focuses on fostering a collaborative environment where every member strives for collective growth. In this episode, Steve talks with Brent Gunderson, Owner of Connected Wealth Solutions. In 2015, Brent co-founded the company alongside Michael Poe, to further support and educate their clients. Brent's experience in financial planning, investing, taxes, and estate planning enables him to provide comprehensive financial guidance. A practicing CPA and a business owner, Brent talks about building a firm in a small rural community like La Grande, Oregon. He also shares the importance of everyone on the team doing the little things and getting above doing anything to run the business, the challenges and successes of building a wealth management company, and the values he and his team uphold.   Key Takeaways [02:29] - What motivated Brent to create Connected Wealth Solutions? [05:32] - Brent's journey to building an RIA firm. [08:26] - How Connected Wealth Solutions is doing at the moment. [10:39] - How Connected Wealth Solutions qualifies prospective clients. [16:14] - The values Brent and his team uphold. [17:30] - Brent's approach to finding the right person for his team. [22:34] - The importance of having a financial conversation between spouses. [28:35] - The challenges Brent faces when running the financial firm. [32:11] - How Brent and his team created a collaborative workplace culture. [35:24] - Brent's favorite part of his wealth management career.   Quotes [25:03] - "When we transitioned into wealth management, and based on some really good coaching from Buckingham, it was a requirement that when we do a financial plan and have these deeper dive meetings, it's both spouses in the room." ~ Brent Gunderson [32:39] - "CPAs are notorious for having crazy partner compensation models of slicing the pie. But in our firm, we always had a share-like process. If we make decisions with the good of the client and the firm in mind, we will all do well individually." ~ Brent Gunderson [36:11] - "What I love about being a CPA is not the number crunching. It is relationship building and advising. And starting a wealth management company is a natural extension of what I love on the CPA side." ~ Brent Gunderson   Links  Brent Gunderson on LinkedIn Brent Gunderson on Twitter Connected Wealth Solutions   Connect with our hosts Steve on LinkedIn Buckingham Strategic Partners   Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify Steve on LinkedIn Follow Buckingham Strategic Partners on Twitter   Disclosure For informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as specific investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Certain information is based upon third party data which may become outdated or otherwise superseded without notice. Third party information is deemed to be reliable, but its accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. Some analysis presented is based off current economic information and may become outdated or irrelevant without notice. Individuals should speak with their qualified financial professional based on his or her unique circumstances. Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) nor any other federal or state agency have approved, determined the accuracy, or confirmed the adequacy of this podcast. © 2022 Buckingham Wealth Partners, LLC. Buckingham Strategic Wealth, LLC and Buckingham Strategic Partners, LLC (collectively, Buckingham Wealth Partners)