CBS Spotlight

In Part 2 of Industry Spotlight, Nick May, Vice President of Non-Qualified and Business Solutions Distribution at Principal, rejoins Eric Alvarado and Tedd Hikes of CBS Brokerage to talk through what carrier partnership looks like when a business owner case gets complicated and why advisors don’t need to have every answer themselves.A key theme of the conversation is knowing which questions to ask and having a strong bench behind you when the answers get technical. Nick shares how a simple, positive question can open the door to a meaningful conversation with a business owner and why recognizing these opportunities often takes practice. As he explains, it can take more than twenty tries before an advisor begins to spot them within their own book of business.The case they discuss brings those ideas together, showing how the right questions, experience, and carrier support can help advisors navigate more complex opportunities with confidence.#IndustrySpotlight #LifeInsurance #NonQualified #BusinessSolutions #RetirementPlanning #AdvisorSuccess #FinancialAdvisor #CBSBrokerage

What opportunities are advisors walking past in the business market?In Part 1 of Industry Spotlight, Nick May, Vice President of Non-Qualified and Business Solutions Distribution at Principal, joins Eric Alvarado and Tedd Hikes of CBS Brokerage to talk through a shifting landscape, fewer specialists, more generalists gathering assets, and a business market full of cases advisors often aren't positioned to spot.A key theme of the conversation is that the non-qualified and business solutions space looks more complicated than it is, and the right carrier support makes it accessible to generalists who never set out to specialize in it. As Nick puts it, "We're not just slinging products and hoping that they buy something. These are things that people really need."Nick also shares the case that shaped his conviction about this work. A newly engaged electrician whose policy was pending delivery when a live wire ended it before the first premium was ever paid and makes the case for carriers that work across lines instead of in silos.Part 2 coming soon!#IndustrySpotlight #LifeInsurance #NonQualified #BusinessSolutions #RetirementPlanning #AdvisorSuccess #FinancialAdvisor #CBSBrokerage 

How can advisors make sure they’re using the right tools to meet their clients’ retirement income needs?In Part 2 of Industry Spotlight, Gary Preisser of Stonebriar Wealth Advisors continues his conversation with Eric Alvarado and Tedd Hikes of CBS Brokerage, expanding on the Cash Flow Clock and the importance of aligning retirement assets with when clients will need them.A key theme of the conversation is that financial products are ultimately tools, and their effectiveness depends on how they’re used. As Gary puts it, “If you're trying to use a screwdriver to hammer in a nail, that's not the screwdriver's fault. That's our fault for using the wrong tool for the job.”This episode highlights the importance of matching the right strategy to the right client need, particularly when building a plan designed to provide consistent income throughout retirement.#IndustrySpotlight #FinancialPlanning #RetirementPlanning #WealthManagement #RiskManagement #RetirementIncome #FinancialAdvisor #CBSBrokerage

How do advisors help clients navigate market volatility without disrupting their long-term financial plans?In Part 1 of Industry Spotlight, Gary Preisser of Stonebriar Wealth Advisors joins Eric Alvarado and Tedd Hikes of CBS Brokerage to discuss the importance of liquidity planning and risk management.A key theme of the conversation is the need for a dedicated cash flow strategy during periods of market volatility. Gary explains why maintaining a "cushion" of liquid assets can help clients meet income needs without being forced to sell long-term investments during market downturns.This episode highlights an important reality of retirement planning: success isn't just about investment performance. It's about ensuring clients have access to the resources they need when they need them most.Stay tuned for Part 2.#IndustrySpotlight #FinancialPlanning #RetirementPlanning #WealthManagement #RiskManagement #RetirementIncome #FinancialAdvisor #CBSBrokerage

In this episode of CBS Spotlight, the conversation features Teresa De Leon, National Director of Sales at Arden Trust, who discusses how trust planning can help families preserve wealth, protect beneficiaries, and create continuity across generations. Teresa shares how Arden Trust partners with financial advisors and their clients to navigate complex trust and estate planning needs, emphasizing the value of engaging a corporate trustee early in the planning process.The discussion explores the importance of proper trust administration, the challenges that can arise when family members are tasked with trustee responsibilities, and how a professional trustee can provide objectivity, continuity, and fiduciary oversight. Teresa also highlights Arden's relationship-focused approach, which seeks to complement the advisor-client relationship while helping families manage sensitive dynamics, protect aging clients, and ensure their wishes are carried out effectively. Ultimately, the conversation centers on how thoughtful trust planning can bring clarity, confidence, and peace of mind to both clients and their loved ones.

In this Part 2 episode of CBS Spotlight, Kim Luthy, Partner and Director of Wealth Planning at Synthesis Wealth, shares her perspective on growth, resilience, and intentional living. She discusses viewing life in “seasons,” using transitions as opportunities to reflect and realign priorities.Kim reflects on her time as a single mother, emphasizing how firm boundaries allowed her to stay focused at work while being fully present for her children. She also challenges the idea of “balance,” encouraging individuals instead to align with the priorities of their current season and protect their time.The conversation highlights her belief that money is a tool—not the source of happiness—but a way to live out values like kindness, generosity, and growth. She also credits persistence as a key driver of success, viewing challenges as lessons and encouraging others to take ownership of their path.Kim closes by emphasizing mentorship and legacy, with a passion for inspiring women to believe in themselves, claim their seat at the table, and support one another in their growth.

In this episode of CBS Spotlight, the conversation features Kim Luthy, Partner and Director of Wealth Planning at Synthesis Wealth, who shares her remarkable personal and professional journey. Kim reflects on her 38‑year career in the financial industry and how life’s challenges—from stepping into a caregiver role at a young age to advocating fiercely for her children during serious health crises—shaped her into a resilient leader and advisor. The discussion explores her definition of “grit,” the importance of advocacy and generosity in leadership, and how her lived experiences directly inform the way she shows up for clients, mentors others, and builds deep, trust‑based relationships within her practice.

Part 2 of our conversation with Liz Hand goes even deeper. Liz expands on how values‑based planning shapes better outcomes for clients, especially women navigating retirement transitions. She shares practical insights on creating space for meaningful conversations, balancing growth with sustainability, and leading with empathy in an industry that often prioritizes numbers over people. It’s an honest look at how intentional firm design—and intentional listening—can transform both client relationships and long‑term success.

In this episode of CBS Spotlight, features Liz Hand from Pleasant Wealth. Liz shares her journey as a second‑generation financial advisor and how she’s helped reshape her family’s practice into a more intentional, human‑centered firm. The conversation dives into the intersection of money and mindset, serving women approaching and entering retirement, and building an advisory practice rooted in purpose, clarity, and long‑term sustainability

In this episode, we feature James Wong, founder of The Founder's Chair. With over two decades in financial services, James brings deep experience in insurance, technology distribution, startups, and M&A. He shares his personal journey and the philosophy behind The Founder’s Chair, focused on helping founders lead with clarity and connecting funders with meaningful growth opportunities.