The Customer Wins

Michael Jeanfreau is the Director of Advisor Enablement at Mariner Wealth Advisors, a firm that provides wealth planning, investment management, tax, and estate-planning services to individuals and businesses. He leads strategies and tools to make financial advisors more effective and client-centric. Michael holds Series 63 and 65 licenses and has over 25 years of experience in financial services, spanning roles in wealth management and product development. He joined Mariner in 2021 and works to strengthen the advisor experience and support firmwide growth. In this episode… Many financial advisors are hindered by inefficiencies — from last-minute paperwork and disconnected tech tools to corporate-centered processes. These obstacles waste valuable time and limit the ability to deliver personalized service. How can firms better equip advisors with the tools and processes they need to thrive? Michael Jeanfreau, an expert in advisor enablement, demystifies how streamlining workflows and adopting practical technology boost efficiency. He emphasizes that freeing advisors from manual tasks, such as filling forms or gathering scattered client data, is essential. He urges firms to implement AI-powered tools, such as digital agents and note-taking companions, and to establish stronger feedback loops between advisors and operational teams. For Michael, success means giving advisors more time to strengthen relationships and serve clients. In this episode of The Customer Wins, Richard Walker interviews Michael Jeanfreau, Director of Advisor Enablement at Mariner Wealth Advisors, about creating better advisor and client experiences. Michael explains how AI and digital tools can reduce inefficiencies, why empowering advisors with time drives growth, and how fostering communication between the field and the home office leads to better outcomes.

Brian Edelman is the CEO of FCI, a firm that provides NIST-based endpoint and network cybersecurity and compliance solutions for heavily regulated industries. He founded the company in 1995 and has grown it into a managed security service provider specializing in cyber-regulated organizations. Brian is widely recognized as a cybersecurity expert and frequently speaks at industry conferences on topics like regulatory compliance and incident response. He holds a certificate in cybersecurity risk management from Harvard and serves as a Cybersecurity Technology Expert on the Forbes NY Council. In this episode… Cybercriminals are evolving, and the threats facing financial services have never been more severe. From stolen data sold on the dark web to AI-driven email scams that can drain accounts in days, the risks are escalating. How can firms protect sensitive client information while meeting strict regulatory requirements? Brian Edelman, a cybersecurity expert in the financial services industry, explains how firms can strengthen their defenses. He emphasizes the importance of building trust with clients, adopting a zero-trust security model, and preparing with incident response drills. Brian highlights automation as a means to protect endpoints without overwhelming advisors, while warning that AI is making cyberattacks both faster and more sophisticated. His insights provide practical steps for organizations to safeguard data, finances, and reputation. In this episode of The Customer Wins Podcast, Richard Walker interviews Brian Edelman, CEO of FCI, to discuss cybersecurity in financial services. Brian shares how automation simplifies compliance, why zero trust matters for firms, and how AI is reshaping cybercrime. He explores incident response preparedness, the role of regulators, and the growing responsibility of financial advisors to educate their clients about cyber risks.

Ty Peck is the Co-Founder and CEO of Business Draft, a career acquisition platform that helps companies hire faster through smart matchmaking, video tools, and streamlined applicant tracking. He drives the company’s growth, fundraising, and product strategy, with a focus on cutting time-to-hire and enhancing the candidate experience. Under his leadership, Business Draft has secured seed funding and launched tools designed to simplify the hiring process for both candidates and employers. With over a decade of experience in corporate strategy and a candidate-first approach, Ty is passionate about leveraging technology and AI to eliminate hiring busywork. In this episode… Many job seekers today face a frustratingly opaque application process. Candidates often submit resumes and never hear back, while companies drown in unqualified applications and struggle to communicate effectively. With trust eroding on both sides, how can the hiring experience become faster, clearer, and more human? Ty Peck, an experienced entrepreneur in talent acquisition, discusses solutions that make hiring easier for both candidates and employers. He emphasizes designing the process around the candidate first, with tools that bring transparency, automate repetitive tasks, and standardize profiles for easier review. Ty also highlights the value of clear communication, trust scores that reinforce accountability, and AI-driven efficiency that preserves the human touch. In this episode of The Customer Wins, Richard Walker interviews Ty Peck, Co-Founder and CEO of Business Draft, about transforming the hiring process with candidate-first innovation. Ty shares how automation and AI simplify applications, why transparency builds trust, and how cultural fit matters just as much as skills. He also dives into candidate tracking systems, customer-driven product features, and the evolving role of videos in showcasing talent.

Rabih Ramadi is the Co-Founder and CEO of Avantos, an AI-native operating system that streamlines customer onboarding and servicing for financial institutions. Rabih previously served as a founding team member and Chief Revenue Officer at Unqork and was a Senior Partner at KPMG, where he led the Capital Markets sector. He holds an MBA from The Wharton School and an ME in engineering from Cornell University. Rabih also sits on the board of Leathwaite as a non-executive director. In this episode… Many financial institutions struggle with slow, manual onboarding and servicing processes that hamper efficiency. Advisors and operations teams spend significant time re-entering data and managing compliance, creating obstacles to optimal client service. How can financial firms leverage AI to streamline these workflows and elevate client experiences? Rabih Ramadi, an expert in financial technology and artificial intelligence, shares how his team built an AI-driven operating system to address these challenges. He explains how linking clients, products, and advisors through AI agents helps automate tasks, prefill data, and trigger compliant workflows. Rabih emphasizes building flexible systems, embedding human approvals, and prioritizing the right recommendations so advisors can focus on high-value client relationships while still maintaining trust and compliance. In this episode of The Customer Wins, Richard Walker interviews Rabih Ramadi, Co-Founder and CEO of Avantos, about using AI to transform client onboarding and servicing. Rabih discusses the rise of AI agents, how to prefill data from trusted integrations, and why compliance must remain central to innovation. He also explores the risks of too many recommendations, the future of chat-based interfaces, and the importance of pairing business knowledge with technical vision.

Paul Osterberg is the CEO and Managing Director of Security Basecamp, a company that helps financial services firms simplify cybersecurity and compliance while reducing risk. He has over 15,000 hours of experience building and leading information security programs and has completed more than 300 cybersecurity risk assessments. Previously, Paul held senior roles at AFAM Capital, National Financial Partners, and NFP Securities. He holds a degree in finance from the University of Minnesota and has completed further studies at Columbia University and the Wharton School. In this episode… Many businesses struggle with growing cybersecurity risks, from weak passwords and unpatched systems to sophisticated AI-driven scams. These threats not only endanger company data but also erode customer trust when breaches occur. How can organizations strengthen defenses and safeguard their clients while staying ahead of evolving attacks? Paul Osterberg, a cybersecurity leader with decades of experience, explains how companies can take practical steps to reduce vulnerabilities. He highlights the value of risk assessments, the value of multifactor authentication, and the dangers of reusing credentials. Paul also emphasizes the human side of security, showing how training employees to think critically and “trust but verify” can prevent costly mistakes. His insights stress that technology and culture must work together to create resilient organizations. In this episode of The Customer Wins, Richard Walker interviews Paul Osterberg, CEO and Managing Director of Security Basecamp, about building trust through cybersecurity. Paul shares how companies can reduce fear after breaches, why AI presents both risks and opportunities, and how cultivating better human behavior is as important as technical safeguards. He also delves into ransomware, client trust recovery, and the personal side of raising security-aware families.

Shannon Rosic is the Director of Content and Solutions for the Wealth Management Group at Informa Connect, a global provider of events, media, and research for financial professionals. In her role, she leads the omni-channel growth and development of WealthStack, one of the leading events focused on wealth management technology. Shannon regularly represents the group through webinars, podcasts, and video series. Known industrywide as the Gadget Girl, she brings a passion for creative brand storytelling and innovative marketing. In this episode… Financial professionals face the challenge of keeping up with rapid technological change while still nurturing strong client relationships. With AI tools, compliance demands, and shifting client expectations, it can feel overwhelming to decide where to focus. How can advisors and firms adapt quickly while staying human-centered in an increasingly digital world? Shannon Rosic, an expert in content strategy and wealth management media, shares how embracing technology as a co-pilot rather than a replacement helps advisors stay relevant. She highlights the importance of adopting simple AI tools like note takers, building a strong digital presence, and showing up consistently at industry events. Shannon emphasizes the need for authenticity in branding and communication, encouraging professionals to showcase their human side while using technology to streamline workflows, improve compliance, and enhance the client experience. In this episode of The Customer Wins, Richard Walker interviews Shannon Rosic, Director of Content and Solutions for the Wealth Management Group at Informa Connect, about the future of wealth management and technology. Shannon discusses how AI can empower advisors, why authentic storytelling matters, and the importance of consistency in digital and in-person presence. She also shares insights on client-centered experiences and her favorite AI tools for compliance and engagement.

Joshua B. Lee is the Founder and CEO of StandOut Authority, a company dedicated to humanizing marketing by helping entrepreneurs and executives grow their brands through the power of LinkedIn. Known as “The Dopamine Dealer of LinkedIn,” Joshua has managed nearly $1 billion in ad spend and driven over 35 trillion online impressions, building influence for high-powered professionals in a noisy digital world. With over 20 years of experience, he has founded 16 companies, worked with platforms such as MySpace and Google, and continues to transform how professionals create genuine human connections online. In this episode… In today’s digital world, it’s harder than ever to stand out authentically online. Social media is saturated with overproduced content, shallow connections, and constant sales pitches, leaving people feeling overwhelmed and disconnected. How can professionals break through the noise, build real trust, and create opportunities rooted in human connection rather than empty metrics? Joshua B. Lee, a digital marketing leader known as the Dopamine Dealer of LinkedIn, shares how professionals can cut through digital clutter by humanizing their brand. He explains why vulnerability is more powerful than polished promises, how to use personal stories to spark genuine engagement, and why quality always outweighs quantity in content creation. Joshua also introduces his 10-20-70 method for balancing personal insights, company achievements, and value-driven thought leadership, while encouraging gratitude and meaningful conversations as the foundation of growth. In this episode of The Customer Wins, Richard Walker interviews Joshua B. Lee, Founder and CEO of StandOut Authority, about building authentic influence on LinkedIn. Joshua emphasizes the importance of vulnerability in content, explains the human algorithm versus platform algorithms, and outlines his 10-20-70 content framework. He also discusses relationship-based networking, the value of gratitude, and how to humanize even large organizations through employee-driven stories.

Brandon Castaneda is the Founder and CEO of EZ Bombs, a Hispanic food brand known for its seasoned meat bombs that turned traditional Mexican recipes into a viral sensation on TikTok Shop. The company achieved over $20 million in sales within its first year by leveraging creator-driven engagement and viral social strategy. Brandon scaled operations rapidly — transitioning from fulfillment out of his mom’s kitchen to co-packing and outsourcing logistics to 3PL partner ShipBob — saving around 1,600 labor hours per month. His leadership reflects a family-first ethos and keen digital growth acumen that transformed a homegrown idea into a breakout CPG success. In this episode… Cooking traditional meals at home can feel overwhelming for busy families. Many lack the time, skills, or even access to the right ingredients, leading them to rely on fast food or packaged options instead. How can people reconnect with authentic flavors while keeping meal preparation simple and enjoyable? Brandon Castaneda, a seasoned entrepreneur and business leader, shares how his family transformed cultural recipes into convenient seasoning bombs that make cooking easy and flavorful. He explains the trial-and-error process of developing a product that dissolves seamlessly, the viral strategy that turned a kitchen experiment into a social media phenomenon, and the importance of building a brand rooted in authenticity. Brandon also highlights how customer feedback, international demand, and smart use of AI have guided decisions, showing that rapid growth is possible when innovation meets customer experience. In this episode of The Customer Wins, Richard Walker interviews Brandon Castaneda, Founder and CEO of EZ Bombs, about creating a viral food brand from family recipes. Brandon discusses building trust with customers, scaling into thousands of retail stores, and expanding into international markets. He also explores lessons in customer satisfaction, the role of AI in operations, and future plans to diversify flavors and reach new audiences.

Richard Walker is the CEO of Quik!, a provider of forms automation and management solutions for companies looking to maximize efficiency and productivity. He started Quik! in 2002 to help people spend less time on paperwork and more time on what they do best. Before Quik!, Richard was a business consultant with Arthur Andersen. He is also a published author of two books and a father of three boys. In this episode… Many businesses struggle to consistently deliver exceptional customer experiences, often missing the subtle but crucial elements that foster lasting loyalty. From poor listening to unclear expectations, these gaps erode trust and satisfaction. How can companies build experiences that not only meet but exceed customer expectations every time? Rocky Chugani, a custom clothing expert, stresses the importance of genuinely loving your customer and tailoring services to their unique needs. Building on the theme of empathy, David Steele, a hospitality and financial services leader, advises becoming your own first customer to anticipate pain points better. Golf pro Bobby Steiner offers a different perspective, highlighting the value of joining your customer’s team, focusing fully on their goals. Shelli Taylor, a cinema executive, emphasizes the importance of setting clear boundaries to protect the experience, proving that well-defined rules can significantly enhance satisfaction. In this episode of The Customer Wins, Richard Walker reviews previous episodes on building meaningful customer relationships. These guests share insights on valuing your customer, being your own first customer, joining your customer’s team, and setting boundaries. They also explore tailoring details, hospitality best practices, and creating distraction-free experiences.

Matt Goebel is the Founder and CEO of Woven, an all‑in‑one workplace management platform created in 2017 to help multiunit franchises streamline operations, manage people, facilities, and locations from a single system. With over 15 years of experience as a franchisor, consultant, and multiunit franchisee, Matt has gained firsthand insight into the operational gaps that challenge modern operators. Before Woven, he founded several tech ventures, including a wedding‑planning startup and a software agency specializing in franchising needs. A 2005 Purdue University graduate in computer information technology, Matt also holds Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) credentials. In this episode… Managing a business with multiple locations and frontline employees comes with a unique set of challenges. Communication silos, inconsistent operations, and disengaged deskless workers can quickly erode a brand’s consistency and customer experience. How can business leaders create streamlined systems that keep all teams aligned while supporting long-term growth? Matt Goebel, a seasoned expert in franchising and operations strategy, shares actionable insights for solving these common pain points. He emphasizes the importance of consolidating tools and systems so that frontline teams — especially those without corporate emails or consistent access to technology — can stay informed and engaged. He advocates for designing mobile-first solutions that are simple, intuitive, and tailored to support workers. Matt also highlights the power of listening to feedback from multiple user groups and iteratively improving systems to reduce burnout and increase accountability, particularly for frontline leadership. In this episode of The Customer Wins, Richard Walker interviews Matt Goebel, Founder and CEO of Woven, about streamlining operations for multilocation businesses. Matt shares how simplifying technology for deskless teams improves consistency and scalability. He also discusses prioritizing product features, balancing innovation with real needs, and why proactive customer listening is a key part of long-term success.

Jeffrey Rusin is the Co‑founder and CMO of Advisor Tech Partners, where he specializes in helping financial advisors optimize their operations through CRM tools, email marketing, and social media strategies. He grew up in Massachusetts, attending Wilbraham & Monson Academy, and earned a business degree from Whittier College, where mentors like Dr. Gary Gold shaped his professional drive. Jeffrey’s early career included hands-on work with residents of retirement homes, which helped him develop empathy and a deep understanding of client relationships. A lifelong Nickelback and Boston Celtics fan, he balances his tech and marketing expertise with a love for hiking, weightlifting, and binge‑watching shows. In this episode… Many financial advisory firms struggle with inefficient workflows, disorganized CRMs, and a lack of accountability across teams. Without the right systems in place, tasks get missed, client experiences suffer, and firm growth stalls. How can firms transform their operations to streamline processes, improve data reporting, and enhance client engagement — all without overwhelming their teams? Jeffrey Rusin, a CRM automation expert for advisory firms, shares how he helps streamline operations by customizing and automating workflows inside platforms like Redtail and Wealthbox. He emphasizes the importance of properly configuring foundational CRM elements, such as contact sources, event types, and user-defined fields, before layering in automation. Additionally, Jeffrey explains how workflows can be designed by observing team dynamics, identifying process bottlenecks, and automating task assignments based on meeting types. He also offers tips on using Zapier to automate common actions, such as drafting follow-up emails, and advocates for using the simplest tech stack possible to avoid unnecessary complexity. In this episode of The Customer Wins, Richard Walker interviews Jeffrey Rusin, Co-founder of Advisor Tech Partners, about automation and workflow design for financial advisory firms. Jeffrey shares how to optimize CRMs to improve reporting and accountability. He also discusses the benefits of Zapier, tips for teaching clients automation, and his thoughts on the future of AI notetakers.

David Steele is the Co‑founder and CEO of One Wealth Advisors, a San Francisco–based, fee‑only RIA managing over $1 billion in assets that helps clients simplify their financial lives through comprehensive planning. He brings nearly 30 years of experience in finance and entrepreneurship, having launched his career at JP Morgan before building One Wealth into a fiduciary‑driven firm focused on holistic client well‑being.  Beyond wealth management, David is the Co‑founder and Executive Chairman of Flour + Water Hospitality Group and Great Gold Hospitality, leading acclaimed restaurant brands committed to culinary excellence and sustainability. A passionate supporter of the arts and community initiatives, he serves on the boards of Playground and Zero Food Print, while also promoting cultural programs through ventures like Noise Pop Industries. In this episode… Many professionals struggle to find a balance between achieving financial success and living a peaceful, fulfilling life. In a world that often equates wealth accumulation with personal worth, how can individuals prioritize harmony without sacrificing ambition? David Steele, a financial advisor and hospitality entrepreneur, shares how he helps clients align financial decisions with their core values. He emphasizes the importance of intentionally stepping back from relentless wealth-building in favor of a more balanced life. David also advises using money as a tool to reduce friction and enrich experiences, rather than as a measure of achievement. Drawing on his career, David explains how focusing on leadership, delegating responsibilities, and staying true to customer-centric principles can create businesses that are both successful and personally sustainable. In this episode of The Customer Wins, Richard Walker interviews David Steele, Co-founder and CEO of One Wealth Advisors, about creating harmony in wealth and life. David discusses why dying with less money can mean living more fully, how customer-first thinking shaped his restaurant ventures, and how AI enhances — not replaces — human service. He also touches on leadership lessons from his mother, the psychology of risk, and blending tech with touch in both finance and hospitality.

Vickie Lewin is the Chief Growth Officer at Amplify, a leading wealthtech platform designed to streamline operations for RIAs and enterprise firms. With over 30 years of experience in financial services, fintech, and asset management, she previously served as Senior Vice President and Chief Success Officer at AssetMark, where she played a pivotal role in scaling the firm from a $1 billion TAMP to an industry leader managing over $100 billion in assets. At Amplify, Vickie leads sales and marketing efforts, driving strategic growth and aligning product development with market needs. She is also a passionate advocate for increasing the representation of women in the financial services industry and actively mentors the next generation of female leaders. In this episode… In a rapidly evolving financial technology ecosystem, RIAs are overwhelmed by the complexity of choosing the right tech stack to support their growth and streamline operations. With hundreds of tools on the market and many offering overlapping functionality, how can advisory firms confidently select solutions that deliver long-term value without creating more operational headaches? Vickie Lewin, an expert in sales strategy and customer success, highlights two key inflection points that drive advisors to seek new platforms, namely breaking away to start independent firms and growing frustrated with outdated systems. She shares that the solution lies in offering flexible, all-in-one systems that integrate with existing tools while still delivering best-in-class capabilities for functions like trading and risk scoring. She emphasizes the importance of innovation, thoughtful customer experience, and a roadmap that prioritizes meaningful feedback over sheer volume. Vickie advises firms to innovate proactively, value service over product, and always stay close to client needs. In this episode of The Customer Wins, Richard Walker interviews Vickie Lewin, Chief Growth Officer at Amplify, about how financial advisors can make smarter tech choices. Vickie discusses the challenges of technology overload, how to balance innovation with client service, and the future role of AI in the wealthtech industry. She also explores integration strategies, the power of user experience, and navigating a crowded advisor tech market.

Richard Walker is the CEO of Quik!, a provider of forms automation and management solutions for companies looking to maximize efficiency and productivity. He started Quik! in 2002 to help people spend less time on paperwork and more time on what they do best. Before Quik!, Richard was a business consultant with Arthur Andersen. He is also a published author of two books and a father of three boys. In this episode… Many businesses struggle with inefficient paperwork processes that waste time, frustrate customers, and introduce costly errors. Even as technology advances, companies often fail to streamline form handling, creating friction that can harm customer experiences and limit growth. How can businesses transform this outdated process into a seamless, value-driven customer interaction? Richard Walker, an entrepreneur and process efficiency expert, shares how focusing on form automation can significantly improve both internal operations and customer satisfaction. He emphasizes the importance of eliminating redundant data entry by standardizing form fields across documents, reducing errors, and minimizing rework. He suggests that embracing technology, particularly digital solutions and AI, can expedite transactions and enhance the overall experience. Richard also highlights the importance of resilience, leveraging enterprise partnerships, and continuously improving solutions to meet evolving customer needs. In this episode of The Customer Wins, Chad Franzen of Rise25 interviews Richard Walker, CEO of Quik!, about creating smoother customer experiences through form automation. Richard shares his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of scaling a technology company, and the strategies that helped him persist. He also discusses building industry partnerships, launching his podcast, and the importance of embracing AI to stay competitive.

Tracy Lee is the Co-founder and CEO of This Dot Labs, a JavaScript consultancy that assists enterprises with digital transformation through staff augmentation and consulting services. She is recognized as a Google Developer Expert, Microsoft MVP, and GitHub Star and serves on the RxJS Core Team. Tracy is also a frequent keynote speaker at conferences, sharing her expertise in web development and open-source technologies. Her passion lies in building communities and fostering innovation within the tech industry. In this episode… Many organizations face challenges in effectively integrating external engineers into their teams, often fearing resistance, miscommunication, and disruption to internal culture. Moreover, teams can become stuck in inefficient practices and struggle to keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies, particularly in AI. How can companies embrace external expertise and emerging tools without jeopardizing their workflows or culture? Tracy Lee, an expert in software engineering and team enablement, shares strategies for overcoming these challenges by focusing on education, collaboration, and proactive communication. She emphasizes the importance of embedding engineers who contribute technically and uplift and empower existing teams. She encourages leaders to push for clarity on business value before development begins and to leverage cutting-edge AI tools to speed up product prototyping. Tracy also highlights the critical need for engineers and teams to adopt AI tools quickly to avoid falling behind and suggests that leaders must foster a culture of continuous learning and higher-level strategic thinking. In this episode of The Customer Wins, Richard Walker interviews Tracy Lee, CEO of This Dot Labs, about empowering engineering teams and embracing AI-driven efficiencies. Tracy discusses how embedding engineers enhances collaboration, the transformative impact of AI on software development, and how to cultivate forward-thinking team cultures. She also delves into product prototyping, overcoming resistance to team augmentation, and shifting employee mindsets to leverage time-saving technologies.

Parker Ence is the CEO and Co-founder of Jump AI, the leading Advisor AI meeting assistant for financial advisors, designed to cut meeting admin time by 90% while elevating client and advisor experience by putting meeting prep, note taking, meeting compliance, CRM updates, and meeting follow-ups on AI autopilot. He works daily with RIA and broker-dealer teams to implement award-winning, safe, and compliant AI built for advisors, customizable to the advisor’s style, and deeply integrated with the advisor tech stack. Parker is a 4x technology CEO with experience in fintech, data, AI, and briefly at Google Cloud AI. He received an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business and a bachelor's in economics from the University of Utah. In this episode… Financial advisors often spend 20 to 60 minutes on administrative work for every client meeting, from prepping beforehand to updating CRMs and task lists afterward. This time-consuming cycle detracts from what matters, such as being fully present with clients and building strong relationships. But with today’s technology, is there a better way to manage client meetings without losing valuable time and insights? An expert in AI automation and customer experience, Parker Ence shares how advisors can reclaim hours of their workweek by offloading prep, note-taking, and follow-up tasks to AI tools. He explains that leveraging meeting-specific AI enables advisors to actively listen without distraction while ensuring all key data is recorded and follow-ups are promptly assigned. Parker emphasizes the importance of transparency when introducing AI to clients and the benefits of structured collaboration across advisor teams to improve responsiveness and trust. In this episode of The Customer Wins, Richard Walker interviews Parker Ence, CEO and Co-founder of Jump AI, about using AI to streamline the client meeting cycle in financial advising. Parker discusses time-saving automation, improving client engagement through active listening, and real-time team collaboration. He also explores data-driven insights, compliance considerations, and the future of agent-based workflows.

Joseph Loria is the Founder and CEO of RetentionCX, a company dedicated to helping businesses boost revenue retention through structured customer experience strategies. With over 20 years of senior leadership experience, he has led customer-facing teams across high-growth companies backed by venture capital, private equity, and bootstrapped models. Known for designing a proprietary framework that ensures customer value realization, Joseph has played a pivotal role in driving 10x exits and long-term client success. His background as a chemical engineer and project manager in the medical device industry brings a disciplined, results-driven approach to the world of SaaS and CX. In this episode… Customer retention is critical to business growth, yet many companies struggle to demonstrate value to their clients post-sale. Often, organizations assume customer success will follow once a product is implemented — overlooking the clients' complex, layered needs. How can businesses ensure that their solutions get adopted and lead to long-term customer loyalty and measurable business impact? Seasoned customer experience strategist Joseph Loria shares a proven framework for ensuring customer value attainment. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the multi-dimensional environment in which customers operate, including each organization's varying goals and roles. Outlining nine essential factors contributing to successful customer relationships, he offers actionable tactics, such as using Likert scale assessments for proactive health scoring and mapping strategic relationships with stakeholders. Joseph argues that businesses can build trust, predict risk, and organically grow customer accounts over time by focusing on measurable outcomes and not overselling early on. In this episode of The Customer Wins, Rich Walker interviews Joseph Loria, Founder and CEO of RetentionCX, about building value-driven customer relationships. Joseph explains how to prevent churn by mapping stakeholder goals, the significance of a post-sale strategy, and the importance of aligning pricing with perceived value. He also discusses measuring subjective client outcomes, managing growth beyond early adopters, and selling through customer experience rather than pressure.

Cameron Howe is the Co-founder and CEO of Investipal, a Toronto-based fintech platform designed to empower individual investors and financial advisors through AI-driven portfolio management and onboarding tools. Under his leadership, Investipal remains a bootstrapped company focused on financial literacy and democratizing access to professional-grade investment tools. With a quantitative and ETF research analyst background at a global investment bank, Cameron recognized the need for more personalized and accessible investment solutions. This insight led to the creation of Investipal, which began as a DIY investing tool and has since evolved into a comprehensive platform serving advisors and investors. In this episode… Financial advisors are currently facing the challenge of providing deeply personalized investment strategies while managing a large volume of manual tasks that can be time-consuming. As client expectations for customization increase, the complexity of portfolio construction and compliance processes also rises. How can financial advisors balance personalized service with scalable, efficient operations? Cameron Howe, a quantitative research analyst turned fintech leader, shares insights into transforming the advisor-client relationship through AI and automation. He emphasizes why shifting from one-size-fits-all investment models to more tailored solutions based on individual client values and risk profiles is necessary. Outlining how AI tools can automate tasks like account statement analysis and portfolio optimization, Cameron demonstrates how it frees time for advisors to focus on relationship-building. He also highlights the importance of explainable AI to ensure compliance and build trust, suggesting deep learning as a powerful tool for managing complexity in modern portfolios. In this episode of The Customer Wins, Richard Walker interviews Cameron Howe, Co-founder and CEO of Investipal, about using AI to modernize financial advising. Cameron discusses advisor inefficiencies, how automation enhances client onboarding, and the evolving advisor tech stack. He also delves into data extraction from investment documents, managing AI model complexity, and how deep learning improves portfolio design.

Mark Gilbert is the Co-founder and CEO of Zocks, an AI-powered platform helping financial advisors streamline workflows by automating tasks like meeting notes, CRM updates, and client communications. Under his leadership, Zocks has raised over $19 million in funding and is recognized as a leader in WealthTech innovation. Before launching Zocks, Mark held senior product leadership roles at Twilio, Hearsay Systems, and Microsoft. He earned a bachelor's degree in applied science in electrical engineering from the University of Waterloo. In this episode… Financial advisors are overwhelmed with administrative tasks that distract them from client engagement and strategic planning. From manual data entry to prepping and debriefing after meetings, these time-consuming workflows reduce their ability to scale personalized service. With AI advancing rapidly, how can advisors reclaim their time while ensuring accuracy and compliance? Mark Gilbert, an expert in product development and artificial intelligence, shares how financial professionals can leverage AI to automate unstructured client interactions — like emails and phone calls — into structured, actionable data. He explains how his team uses multiple large language models in parallel to ensure accurate output and eliminate hallucinations. This approach, he notes, is most effective when guided by real advisor pain points rather than by chasing the latest AI trends. Mark also offers practical strategies for increasing internal trust and adoption of AI through transparency, audit logs, and a user-friendly interface. In this episode of The Customer Wins, Richard Walker interviews Mark Gilbert, CEO of Zocks, about how AI is transforming the advisor-client relationship. Mark discusses building trust in AI systems, adapting to fast-changing models, and the differences between bootstrapping and venture-backed growth. He also shares thoughts on leading AI adoption, product design priorities, and his approach to building a scalable, secure solution.

John Corcoran is a recovering attorney, an author, and a former White House writer and speechwriter to the Governor of California. Throughout his career, John has worked in Hollywood, the heart of Silicon Valley, and ran his boutique law firm in the San Francisco Bay Area, catering to small business owners and entrepreneurs. Since 2012, John has been the host of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, where he has interviewed hundreds of CEOs, founders, authors, and entrepreneurs, including Peter Diamandis, Adam Grant, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Marie Forleo. John is also the Co-founder of Rise25, a company that connects B2B businesses with their ideal clients, referral partners, and strategic partners. They help their clients generate ROI through their done-for-you podcast service. In this episode… Many professionals understand the value of building relationships to grow a business, but they often struggle with scalable methods that are both authentic and efficient. Podcasting appears attractive but feels overwhelming — time-consuming, technical, and often uncertain in its ROI. So, how can business owners harness podcasting to build meaningful connections and drive growth without getting lost in the details? John Corcoran, a former White House writer and expert in lead generation, outlines how done-for-you podcasting provides a repeatable system for building strategic relationships. He emphasizes that the key lies in focusing on the conversations rather than obsessing over production. He highlights actionable strategies like creating a Top 100 guest blueprint, overcoming imposter syndrome by forming a podcaster identity, and leveraging each interview to foster genuine partnerships. John also underscores the importance of delegation and training your team to handle client communications effectively. In this episode of The Customer Wins, Richard Walker interviews John Corcoran, Co-founder of Rise25, about the power of podcasting to grow B2B businesses. John shares how podcasting accelerates relationship-building and strategies to overcome imposter syndrome, improve client communication, and incorporate AI for better customer service.