A Journey of Purpose, Financially and Spiritually with Gary Sirak
Release Date: 04/01/2025
Faith, Ambition, and AI: Meet ModelFA’s Chief Growth Officer, Joseph Pietrocini
The Model FA
In this inspiring episode, host David DeCelle sits down with ModelFA’s newest team member, Joseph Pietrocini, Chief Growth Officer. Joseph shares his entrepreneurial journey, from launching a lawn care business in sixth grade to building a digital marketing agency in college, and how his faith and vision have shaped his career. Discover how Joseph’s passion for innovation and impact led him to ModelFA, where he’s helping drive the next wave of AI-powered tools and automations for financial advisors. Hear about his big goals, including his commitment to generosity and making a difference...
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Lessons from Jiu Jitsu Applied to Financial Advisory Marketing with Graham Gardner
The Model FA
Today we go inside of the mind of Model FA's Chief Marketing Officer, Graham Gardner, as he shares his path from OG Model FA employee to Partner at Model FA. In this episode, Graham discusses his role, the significance of strategic marketing, and how he helps clients build lasting relationships. Key Takeaways: From Gaming to Marketing: Graham's unique transition from running a gaming server to becoming a marketing expert. Fractional CMO Role: Insights into how Graham serves as a fractional CMO, providing deep, strategic marketing support to multiple clients. Long-Form Content Strategy: The...
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From Cold Calls to AI: Michael Barasso’s Blueprint for Modern Wealth Managemen
The Model FA
In this episode of the Model FA Podcast, host David DeCelle sits down with Michael Barasso, Director of Business Development at United Financial Planning Group and founder of Wealthline. Michael shares his journey from software sales to joining and transforming his family’s wealth management firm, and how he leveraged technology and process improvements to drive explosive growth. Discover how United FPG doubled their lead flow, harnessed the power of client reviews, and implemented innovative solutions like dynamic client questionnaires and an AI-powered receptionist. Michael also...
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From Adversity to Advocacy: Cary Carbonaro’s Journey in Wealth Management
The Model FA
In this inspiring episode of the Model FA Podcast, host David DeCelle sits down with award-winning financial advisor, author, and female advocate Cary Carbonaro. Cary shares her remarkable journey from learning about money at her father’s side to becoming a leading voice for women in wealth management. Discover how Cary built her brand, the importance of marketing in financial services, and why women are poised to control the majority of the nation’s wealth in the coming years. Cary opens up about the challenges she faced in a male-dominated industry, her passion for empowering...
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Demystifying Digital Assets: Security, Tax Strategies, and the RIA Crypto Revolution with Chris King
The Model FA
Welcome to Model FA Episode 194! David DeCelle sits down with Chris King, CEO of Eagle Brook Advisors, to dive deep into the evolving world of crypto in financial planning. Chris shares his journey from early Bitcoin research in college to building Eagle Brook, a leading digital asset platform for RIAs. Discover how Eagle Brook empowers advisors with automated tax loss harvesting, direct Bitcoin ownership, and seamless integration with major reporting platforms. In this episode, you’ll learn: Chris King’s backstory and what inspired him to launch Eagle Brook Advisors The unique value...
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Unlocking Growth: Andrea Schlapia’s EOS Blueprint for Advisory Firms
The Model FA
In this episode of the Model FA Podcast, host David DeCelle welcomes Andrea Schlapia, a certified EOS Implementer and founder of Ironstone Business Coaching. Andrea shares her extensive experience in the financial industry and her journey from advisor to coach, ultimately embracing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to help advisory firms achieve clarity, accountability, and growth. Key Topics Covered: Andrea’s background and the evolution of Ironstone Business Coaching What EOS is and why it matters for advisory firms of all sizes The six key components of EOS: Vision, People,...
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How to Find High-Quality Prospects with Matt Mossbarger from WealthFeed
The Model FA
In this episode, David sits down with Matt Mossbarger, co-founder of WealthFeed, to discuss innovative strategies for financial advisors to find and engage potential clients. In This Episode: 0:00 - Introduction to Matt Mossbarger 1:00 - Matt's background in wealth management 2:30 - Origins of Wealth Feed 4:26 - Building the tech team 7:39 - Catalyst events for prospecting 11:55 - Effective outreach strategies 16:29 - Multi-channel marketing approaches 18:55 - Handwritten note strategies 23:42 - Importance of social media content 26:11 - Platform integrations Special Offer: 20% off WealthFeed...
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Disrupting Financial Services: How Sterling Shire is Changing the Game with Steven Woods
The Model FA
David DeCelle interviews Steven Woods, CEO of Sterling Shire, about his journey and the firm's innovative approach to the financial industry. Steven shares his background, including dropping out of high school, joining Wall Street, and founding Sterling Shire. The firm aims to revolutionize the industry by offering advisors a 100% payout model, eliminating back-end revenue streams, and automating compliance processes. Woods highlights the "advice on demand" model, where clients pay only for successful recommendations. In This Episode: 0:00 - Introduction 0:04 - Guest Background 5:00 - Wall...
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Bucket List Wealth: Your Guide to Financial Freedom with Jason L Smith
The Model FA
Stand by Model FAs! Today I am sitting down with Jason L Smith, founder of JL Smith and Prosperity Capital Advisors, to chat about his journey in the financial industry. Jason shares his early aspirations, setbacks, and eventual success in holistic wealth management. He discusses the evolution of his financial planning process, the "bucket plan," and its impact on clients. Jason also explains the "tax trilogy" of services: tax planning, tax management, and tax preparation. He emphasizes the importance of documenting processes, building a strong team, and differentiating through tax services....
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How Financial Advisors Can Scale Through CPA Partnerships ft. Andree Mohr
The Model FA
In this episode of the Model FA Podcast, David DeCelle sits down with Andree Mohr, President at Integrated Partners, to discuss how advisors can double their business through intentional partnerships with CPAs. With over $21 billion in AUM, 212 advisors, and 200 CPA partners, Integrated Partners has mastered the art of aligning tax professionals and financial advisors to serve high-net-worth clients with deeper, more integrated planning. Andree shares how personalized introductions, regular CPA meetings, and clear expectations can unlock growth and referrals. From systemizing partnerships...
info_outlineIn this episode, David is joined by Gary Sirak is an experienced financial advisor who has been in the industry for 45 years. He wrote a book called "How to Retire and Not Die" based on his experiences seeing clients struggle with retirement. The key themes of the book are purpose, passion, and having a plan for retirement. Gary emphasizes the importance of retirees finding meaningful activities and not just sitting around, as that can lead to health issues. He shares examples of clients who have thrived in retirement by staying active and engaged.
In this episode:
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Having a plan for retirement is crucial - retirees need to have purpose, passion, and a plan, not just sit around.
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Transitioning to retirement gradually by working part-time can help people adjust and figure out their new routine.
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Staying engaged, whether through travel, volunteering, or other hobbies, helps retirees avoid withering away.
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Spouses need to be on the same page about retirement plans and activities to avoid conflicts.
Connect with Gary:
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Website: https://garysirak.com/contact-us/
About the Model FA Podcast
The Model FA podcast is a show for fiduciary financial advisors. In each episode, our host David DeCelle sits down with industry experts, strategic thinkers, and advisors to explore what it takes to build a successful practice — and have an abundant life in the process. We believe in continuous learning, tactical advice, and strategies that work — no “gotchas” or BS. Join us to hear stories from successful financial advisors, get actionable ideas from experts, and re-discover your drive to build the practice of your dreams.
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Our Team:
President of Model FA, David DeCelle
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