From Trauma Surgery Dreams to Financial Freedom: Adam Koós' Journey and Generational Wealth Strategies

In this episode, host Adam joins Axel Meierhoefer on The Ideal Investor Show to share his journey from aspiring trauma surgeon to founding Libertas Wealth Management Group. Adam opens up about the life-changing injury that redirected his career path, how his father inspired his love for business, and the unique approach he takes to help clients - both business owners and individuals - build and protect wealth across generations.

From the critical differences between a 'practice' and a 'business,' to why most Americans start planning far too late, this conversation dives deep into the strategies, mindsets, and planning essentials that create lasting financial security.

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Episode Timestamps:
01:00 – Adam's origin story - from Cleveland roots to business inspiration
03:00 – Early career dreams in trauma surgery and competitive TaeKwonDo
05:00 – A career-ending injury changes everything
06:00 – The surprising conversation with his father that led to financial advising
07:00 – Launching Libertas Wealth Management Group and building a client family
10:00 – Generational wealth and the difference between practices and scalable businesses
12:00 – Why starting retirement planning at 52 is too late
14:00 – Business exit planning and the power of intangibles
16:00 – Using commercial real estate as a pseudo-pension
20:00 – Social Security realities and the income test
24:00 – Bridging the retirement income gap with multiple income streams
27:00 – Why many business owners never fully retire
31:00 – The compounding effect of starting early
36:00 – Combining time and leverage to build wealth
39:00 – Overcoming fear of failure with trusted guidance

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Key Takeaways:
💡 Your career path can pivot unexpectedly - build adaptable skills and a strong network.
💡 Start retirement planning well before age 52; time is your most valuable asset.
💡 Business owners need exit strategies that address both tangible and intangible value drivers.
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