Kate Atwood, Zack Hubbard, and David Brown: Taking Financial Planning Beyond Numbers to Elevate the Client Experience

In this episode of The Purpose-Focused Advisor, Zack Hubbard, Kate Atwood, and David Brown join Rob Brown for an insightful panel discussion on the evolving role of financial planning in creating an impactful client experience. Each guest brings a unique perspective on how advisors can deepen relationships and enhance client satisfaction by centering financial planning in their practice.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Making Financial Planning Accessible to All (02:14) – Zack discusses his mission to bring financial planning to a wider audience, challenging the traditional focus on high-net-worth clients.
  2. The Power of Intentional Communication (20:43) – David compares old and new client experiences, emphasizing the need for conversational, goal-focused engagements.
  3. Building Trust Through Consistency (26:16) – Kate shares how proactive, transparent communication can foster trust and build long-term client relationships.
  4. Technology as an Enabler, Not a Replacement (17:49) – Zack explains how technology should be used to facilitate more human connections rather than replace them.
  5. The Importance of Succession Planning (31:12) – Kate highlights the need for young advisors in anticipation of the largest wealth transfer in history.

Zack Hubbard: “The concerns we have, the goals we have—those aren’t exclusive to the ultra-wealthy. Everyone deserves high-quality, fiduciary financial planning advice.”

Kate Atwood: “At the end of the day, it’s all about building trust with clients. Trust is earned over time, through consistent communication and truly understanding what matters most to them.”

David Brown: “A great client experience isn’t just a checkup twice a year—it’s an ongoing, meaningful conversation about their goals, their lives, and how we can help them get there.”

Rob Brown: “The goal is to make your client experience memorable, repeatable, and referable. When you get communication right, clients will remember why they love working with you.”

About Zack, Kate, and David:

Zack Hubbard is the Director of Financial Planning and Participant Engagement at Greenspring Advisors. Zack is passionate about expanding access to financial planning to the masses. [LinkedIn | Website]

Email: zack.hubbard@greenspringadvisors.com

David Brown has been a professional in the financial services industry since 2000 and is currently on the Business Development team at Davidson Investment Advisors. David advocates for making financial planning more accessible and meaningful for clients. [LinkedIn | Website]

Email: dbrown@dadco.com

Kate Atwood, Founder and Managing Partner of Founders Grove is an experienced wealth manager with a passion for creating personalized financial solutions. Kate is a past President and current Chairman of the Central Virginia Financial Planning Association, advocating for industry excellence. [LinkedIn | Website]

Email: kate@fgwp.com

Episode References:

Connect with Rob Brown:

Website: http://truestfan.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/truestfan/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@truestfancoaching