Tag: Financial Planning
How AI-Native CRM Can Help Financial Advisors Serve Clients Better with Thomas Clawson (Ep. 14)

How AI-Native CRM Can Help Financial Advisors Serve Clients Better with Thomas Clawson (Ep. 14)

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Financial advisors want to give every client thoughtful, personal attention, but outdated systems often consume the time needed to provide it.

What could change when your CRM starts helping you recognize needs, complete routine work, and stay connected?

In this episode, James Knapp speaks with Thomas Clawson, Co-Founder of Slant CRM, about building an AI-native client relationship management platform for financial advisors. Thomas explains how advisor feedback shaped Slant, why useful AI needs access to the system of record, and how automation can reduce repetitive back-office work. They also examine data protection, document generation, annual review tracking, money movement, and the human relationships that remain at the center of financial advice.

Thomas discusses:

  • Why AI becomes more useful when client data, documents, tasks, and team workflows are connected in one place
  • How advisor feedback helped Slant address annual reviews, compliance tasks, money movement, and onboarding
  • Where automation may complete much of a multi-step process while keeping the advisor involved in key decisions
  • How job changes, family events, and client records can create timely opportunities for thoughtful advisor outreach
  • Why technology should give advisors more time to provide attentive service and build lasting client relationships
  • And more!

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Connect with Thomas Clawson:

About Our Guest:

Thomas Clawson is the Co-Founder of Slant CRM, an AI-native client relationship management platform built specifically for financial advisors. Before launching Slant, he worked at high-growth technology companies including Podium and Whatnot, where he gained experience building products that scale around customer needs. Guided by a philosophy of listening closely to users, Thomas focuses on creating technology that reduces administrative work, strengthens client relationships, and helps advisors spend more time delivering meaningful advice. His work centers on combining artificial intelligence with practical workflows that improve the everyday experience of financial advisory firms.

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Building Better Client Relationships Through Insurance and Customer Service with Ian Davy (Ep. 13)

Building Better Client Relationships Through Insurance and Customer Service with Ian Davy (Ep. 13)

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Insurance isn’t just about comparing prices. It’s about understanding what could happen when life doesn’t go as planned.

How do you choose coverage that actually protects you? What kind of service matters when you’re dealing with a major claim instead of a routine question?

In this episode, James Knapp welcomes Ian Davy, Agent at State Farm, to discuss how meaningful customer relationships are built through communication, education, and ongoing reviews instead of one-time transactions. Ian shares how he entered the insurance industry, why his team focuses on catastrophic risk rather than small inconveniences, and how proactive conversations help clients prepare for life’s unexpected events. 

Together, they also explore responsiveness, long-term client care, and why answering the phone still makes a lasting difference.

Key takeaways:

  • How cold calling helped build communication skills and opened the door to an insurance career
  • Why reviewing catastrophic risks matters more than focusing only on premium costs
  • How regular client reviews help keep insurance aligned with changing life circumstances
  • Why responsiveness and consistent communication strengthen long-term client relationships
  • How customer service extends beyond answering questions to helping clients make informed decisions
  • And more!

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Connect with Ian Davy:

About Our Guest:

Ian Davy is a State Farm Agent based in the Twin Cities, serving individuals and families across Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Since opening his agency in 2013, he has built his business around proactive communication, thorough risk management, and long-term client relationships. Ian is passionate about helping people understand the difference between everyday inconveniences and catastrophic risks, believing that insurance should be an ongoing conversation rather than a one-time transaction. He also enjoys mentoring his team, developing future leaders, and creating a customer experience centered on responsiveness, education, and trust.

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From CPA Track to Client-First Advice with Stewart Rallis (Ep. 8)

From CPA Track to Client-First Advice with Stewart Rallis (Ep. 8)

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Great advisors do more than present information. They listen closely, stay steady when conditions shift, and build relationships that last.

What separates a responsive advisor from one who simply goes through the motions?

In this episode of Zombie Advisor, James Knapp talks with Stewart Rallis, Managing Principal at Stairway Partners, about his path from studying accounting to building a long career in financial advice. They cover early lessons from Doug Lennick, why goals still matter, how advisors can avoid becoming disconnected from clients, and why discipline, curiosity, and genuine human connection remain central to meaningful long-term advice.

Key takeaways:

  • Stewart shares how an accounting path and a small business pushed him toward financial advice and client work
  • A spontaneous job offer from Doug Lennick changed his direction and started his advisory career
  • The episode explains how goal setting and focusing on what you control still shape planning today
  • Stewart describes zombie advisors as people who show up, report out, then fail to truly engage
  • James and Stewart stress discipline, emotional control, and real curiosity about clients’ lives
  • And more!

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Connect with Stewart Rallis:

About Our Guest:

Stewart Rallis is the Managing Principal at Stairway Partners. Stew is responsible for institutional strategy, business development, and client relationship management at Stairway Partners. Previously, Stew held senior advisory and management positions at several large financial institutions, including American Express, Prudential, and Morgan Stanley. Stew has served as manager and portfolio liaison for a variety of institutional investment relationships, and in his role, worked closely with their investment boards and financial committees to develop and implement portfolio strategy. Prior to joining Stairway Partners, Stew was Managing Principal of a private investment firm, where he led the firm’s institutional consulting and advisory business. Stew has over 35 years of investment experience and holds a Bachelor of Science Business degree in Accounting from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management.

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Building a Client-First Practice in the RIA Space with Haris Kopic (Ep. 7)

Building a Client-First Practice in the RIA Space with Haris Kopic (Ep. 7)

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Choosing the right business model can shape your entire career as a financial advisor. But what drives someone to leave commissions behind and embrace independence?

In this episode, James Knapp sits down with Haris Kopic, CFP®, who recently joined Boyum Wealth Architects after 16 years in the industry. Haris shares his journey from graduating during the 2008 financial crisis to finding his footing in the RIA space, driven by a desire for client-centric service and fiduciary responsibility. Together, they explore memorable client experiences, the importance of curiosity in financial planning, and how going above and beyond creates lasting trust.

Haris discusses:

  • His transition from commission-based sales to the independent RIA model and why fiduciary duty matters
  • A creative airport solution that saved a client $10,000 annually on life insurance premiums
  • Common mistakes advisors miss, from outdated policies to overlooked tax strategies
  • How curiosity and problem-solving define the best client relationships
  • Advice for new advisors and those looking to specialize and find their niche
  • And more!

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Connect with Haris Kopic:

About Our Guest:

Haris Kopic, CFP®, is a Wealth Architect at Boyum Wealth Architects with 16 years of experience in the industry. After graduating from Iowa State University in 2008, Haris navigated the challenges of the financial crisis before finding his way to the RIA space in 2011. His approach to financial planning is rooted in curiosity, teamwork, problem-solving, and a commitment to fiduciary responsibility. Haris specializes in helping clients navigate complex financial decisions by understanding their motivations, values, and long-term goals, while delivering the kind of white glove service that builds lasting trust.

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