Navigating Legacy and Wealth in Family Business with Jason Smith

Secret Thoughts of CEOS Ep. 133

Navigating Legacy and Wealth in Family Business with Jason Smith

In this powerful episode, host Chris Yonker sits down with Jason L Smith, founder of JL Smith Group, author of The Bucket Plan, and a nationally recognized financial advisor. Jason opens up about being fired by his own father, building a purpose-driven business from the ground up, and the holistic philosophy that now guides his wealth management firm—which oversees more than $4 billion in assets. Jason also shares deeply personal stories about resilience, raising grounded kids, and how intentional structure and values shape both his legacy and his clients’.

Timestamps

• 03:30 – Jason’s origin story: Fired by his dad, starting from scratch
• 14:20 – "Everything’s fine" vs. proactive planning: health + financial parallels
• 22:45 – The biggest tax mistake business owners make
• 34:00 – Educating next-gens: Financial stewardship in action
• 41:45 – The Bucket Plan: Now, Soon, Later framework
• 53:15 – Self-worth after financial collapse and bouncing back

Quotes

· “I’m actually the youngest of 11 and, um, it was a mixed marriage like my mom and dad, you know, both had kids came together and had me kinda like the Brady Bunch and I was like, uh, Alice or the dog.”[03:24]

· “Yeah, I. I. I feel like unfortunately our educational system is pretty broken in, in, in regards to teaching basic, you know, financial literacy, right?” [27:32]

· “And my top five are the top five most important things to me, like my true north in life. And you know, my top five is number one is health. Mind, body, and soul. Number two is Holly, my wife. Number three is my kids. Number four is my family and friends. And number five is leading and learning.” [48:45]

Websites:

fambizforum.com.

www.chrisyonker.com.

jlsmithgroup.com

Buy “The Bucket Plan” book Bucket-Plan®

Facebook: @JLSmithGroup

Instagram: @jl_smith_holistic_wealth

LinkedIn: @JLSmithGroup