Zombie Advisor

James Knapp

As a client do you feel like you could be missing out? Welcome to Zombie Advisor with James Knapp, the podcast that shows you how to take control of your future! Here, we focus on putting clients first, delivering top-tier customer service, and building powerful strategic partners. With education, real stories, and a bit of fun, each episode is designed to help you rise above the rest. If you’re ready to break free, take charge, and join a community of advisors who prioritize growth and service, Zombie Advisor is the place for you. Come for the lessons, stay for the stories – and let’s build a better future together!

  1. 1d ago

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

    Financial advisors want to give every client thoughtful, personal attention, but outdated systems often consume the time needed to provide it.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! Connect with us! Boyum Wealth Architects LinkedIn: James Knapp, CFP® LinkedIn: Boyum Wealth Architects info@boyumwa.com Subscribe to the podcast here! Connect with Thomas Clawson: LinkedIn: Thomas Clawson Website: Slant CRM thomas@slant.app   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.

  2. Jul 21

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

    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! Connect with us! Boyum Wealth Architects LinkedIn: James Knapp, CFP® LinkedIn: Boyum Wealth Architects info@boyumwa.com Subscribe to the podcast here! Connect with Ian Davy: State Farm LinkedIn: 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.

  3. Jul 7

    Tax Planning Beyond the Numbers with Greg Carlson (Ep. 12)

    Taxes often get the spotlight in financial decisions, but they’re rarely the only factor that matters. How do you balance tax efficiency with family goals, business transitions, lifestyle preferences, and long-term planning without letting one consideration dominate every decision? In this episode, James Knapp sits down with Greg Carlson, Tax Partner with Boyum Barenscheer, for a conversation about business succession, entity structure, tax planning, and family decision-making. Greg shares how he found his way into accounting, why creativity plays a role in tax strategy, and how thoughtful planning can improve outcomes for both buyers and sellers. They also explore estate planning considerations, charitable giving opportunities, business transitions, and why personal priorities often matter more than reducing taxes. Key takeaways: How business entity selection can influence taxes during operations and eventual ownership transitions Why buyer and seller goals should guide transaction planning before tax strategies are considered A real example where minor structural changes created substantial federal income tax savings How charitable giving strategies may create favorable outcomes when coordinated with tax planning Why family, community, healthcare, and lifestyle often outweigh tax considerations in retirement And more! Connect with us! Boyum Wealth Architects LinkedIn: James Knapp, CFP® LinkedIn: Boyum Wealth Architects info@boyumwa.com Subscribe to the podcast here! Connect with Greg Carlson: Boyum Barenscheer LinkedIn: Greg Carlson About Our Guest: As a CPA focused on estate and trust planning for high-net-worth individuals and families, Greg Carlson helps clients preserve wealth, reduce complexity, and plan for the efficient transition of assets across generations. His work extends beyond compliance, providing strategic guidance on the financial, tax, and structural decisions that contribute to a lasting legacy. At Boyum Barenscheer, Greg collaborates closely with estate attorneys, investment advisors, and family offices to develop coordinated, tax-efficient strategies tailored to each client’s goals and values. His experience includes sophisticated trust planning, business succession strategies, charitable giving planning, and estate tax mitigation. Clients value Greg’s ability to bring clarity, precision, and discretion to complex planning matters. He recognizes that estate and trust planning is about more than financial outcomes. It is about families, values, and responsible stewardship across generations. His goal is to help clients move forward with confidence, knowing their plans are both financially sound and aligned with the legacy they hope to leave behind.

  4. Jun 16

    Insurance Is Changing, Is Your Business Ready? With Jake Jeatran (Ep. 11)

    Insurance is changing fast, and business owners can’t afford to treat it like just another expense line item anymore.  In this episode, James Knapp sits down with Jake Jeatran of Marsh McLennan Agency to talk about AI, cyber risk, underwriting, and why strong advisory relationships still matter in a tech-driven world. James and Jake explore how insurance has evolved into a strategic business decision, especially for manufacturers, distributors, and growing companies. Jake shares insights from both the underwriting and brokerage sides of the industry, along with practical perspectives on cyber insurance, captive insurance structures, M&A planning, and the future impact of AI on risk management. What to expect: How AI is changing underwriting and cyber insurance Why insurance matters during mergers and acquisitions What business owners should know about captive insurance Why relationship-driven advisory work still matters And more! Connect with us! Boyum Wealth Architects LinkedIn: James Knapp, CFP® LinkedIn: Boyum Wealth Architects info@boyumwa.com Subscribe to the podcast here! Connect with Jake Jeatran: Marsh McLennan Agency LinkedIn: Jake Jeatran LinkedIn: Marsh McLennan Agency About Our Guest: Jake Jeatran is a third-generation insurance professional at Marsh McLennan Agency, specializing in middle-market manufacturing and distribution companies. With experience in both underwriting and brokerage, Jake helps businesses navigate complex risk management decisions, including cyber insurance, captive strategies, total cost of risk analysis, and mergers and acquisitions planning. Disclaimer: At 10:25, single parent captives are 831(b) not 531(b).

  5. Jun 2

    What a Good Retirement Plan Service Actually Looks Like with Shawn Van Winkle (Ep. 10)

    What happens when no one explains the rules, and everyone assumes someone else is handling it? In this episode of Zombie Advisor, James Knapp sits down with Shawn Van Winkle, a retirement plan advisor whose path into financial services began with a personal mission to help others avoid the financial struggles he faced growing up.  Shawn shares how his early experience in large institutions shaped his perspective, what he learned about both good and bad client service, and why education is often the missing piece in retirement planning.  They talk about what a retirement plan advisor actually does, how small incremental changes can change outcomes over time, and how a lack of communication can quietly cost employees and employers more than they think.  What to expect: Why most employees feel stuck or unsure when it comes to retirement plans How small, consistent increases, even 1%, can change long-term outcomes The hidden risks employers take on when retirement plans aren’t clearly structured The difference between transactional service and true partnership in financial planning And more! Connect with us! Boyum Wealth Architects LinkedIn: James Knapp, CFP® LinkedIn: Boyum Wealth Architects info@boyumwa.com Subscribe to the podcast here! Connect with Shawn Van Winkle: Boyum Wealth Architects LinkedIn: Shawn Van Winkle info@boyumwa.com About Our Guest: Shawn Van Winkle is a retirement plan advisor at Boyum Wealth Architects. He began his career in law enforcement before transitioning into financial services, joining Principal Financial Group in 2017. There, he focused on retirement education and later expanded into executive compensation strategies, working with stock options and equity-based planning. Today, Shawn focuses on helping business owners and their employees better understand and engage with their retirement plans through education, efficiency, and partnership-driven service.

  6. May 19

    Planning Beyond the Sale: Flexible Strategies with David Soczek, CLU, ChFC (Ep. 9)

    What happens when plans meet reality and reality changes everything? How do you prepare for outcomes you cannot predict while still making confident decisions today? In this episode, James Knapp interviews David Soczek, CLU, ChFC, Owner and Vice President of National Benefits Group, about building flexible strategies for business owners. They explore how planning for multiple outcomes, not just ideal scenarios, shapes better decisions. David explains the importance of collaboration with advisors, attorneys, and CPAs, along with balancing simplicity and complexity. The conversation also highlights how insurance, estate planning, and business succession intersect in real client situations. Key takeaways: Why planning must account for unexpected life events like death, divorce, or shifting business outcomes How collaboration between advisors, CPAs, and attorneys leads to more complete client solutions The challenge of balancing simple strategies with complex financial realities and client comfort levels Why fairness in family business transitions often requires separating business control from financial outcomes How flexibility in insurance and estate structures can create better long term outcomes for business owners And more! Connect with us! Boyum Wealth Architects LinkedIn: James Knapp, CFP® LinkedIn: Boyum Wealth Architects info@boyumwa.com Subscribe to the podcast here! Connect with David Soczek: LinkedIn: David Soczek Website: National Benefits Group About Our Guest: Dave joined National Benefits Group (NBG) in 2004 and became an owner in 2009. His responsibilities include guiding clients through the design, implementation and administration process of non-qualified plans for both private and public companies. Dave began his financial services career in 1992 with a local office of a national firm where he specialized in the design and implementation of individual financial plans. In 1995, Dave joined the original NBG, with an emphasis in plan administration of non-qualified plans. In 2000, when NBG was purchased by Marsh & McLennan, Dave remained with their national executive and non-qualified plan group as a client executive. While at Marsh, Dave specialized in the design and implementation of corporate owned life insurance and non-qualified plans. Dave holds the professional designations of Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) and is an active member of the Association for Advanced Life Underwriting (AALU). Dave resides in the northern suburbs of Minneapolis with his wife, Janet, and has survived raising two children, Samantha and Sydney, both of whom now have graduated college and on to their next adventures in life.

  7. May 5

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

    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! Connect with us! Boyum Wealth Architects LinkedIn: James Knapp, CFP® LinkedIn: Boyum Wealth Architects info@boyumwa.com Subscribe to the podcast here! Connect with Stewart Rallis: LinkedIn: Stewart Rallis Website: Stairway Partners 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.

  8. Apr 21

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

    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! Connect with us! (651) 289-6444 Boyum Wealth Architects LinkedIn: James Knapp, CFP® LinkedIn: Boyum Wealth Architects info@boyumwa.com Subscribe to the podcast here! Connect with Haris Kopic: LinkedIn: 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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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

As a client do you feel like you could be missing out? Welcome to Zombie Advisor with James Knapp, the podcast that shows you how to take control of your future! Here, we focus on putting clients first, delivering top-tier customer service, and building powerful strategic partners. With education, real stories, and a bit of fun, each episode is designed to help you rise above the rest. If you’re ready to break free, take charge, and join a community of advisors who prioritize growth and service, Zombie Advisor is the place for you. Come for the lessons, stay for the stories – and let’s build a better future together!

Information

  • Creator
    James Knapp
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyright ©️ Zombie Advisor 2025
  • Show Website
    Zombie Advisor