John Kailunas: Mission Retirement — Helping Clients Plan for More Than Just Money

In this episode of The Purpose-Focused Advisor, Rob Brown sits down with John Kailunas, author of Mission Retirement and founder of Catalyst4Growth and Regal Holdings. With 25+ years of experience and over $4B in AUM/AUA, John shares how advisors can help clients retire with purpose, not just wealth. He unpacks the 10 “missions” of meaningful retirement and reveals how purpose-based planning deepens trust, inspires legacy conversations, and helps advisors stand out by focusing on what truly matters.

Key Takeaways: 

• Lead with Listening (05:04) – Great advisors start with presence, not plans—listening deeply lays the groundwork for purpose-driven advice.
• Retirement Needs a Mission (07:02) – Most clients haven’t truly defined what they want in retirement. Help them clarify, and you become more than a planner.
• Purpose Prevents Regret (08:15) - 40% of retirees feel lonely. Helping clients plan for meaning—not just money—can protect them from a purposeless retirement.
• Trust is Built Through Story, Not Spreadsheets (13:42) - Legacy conversations and life stories build deeper client relationships than charts ever will. The more personal the dialogue, the stronger the bond.
• It’s Not Your Money (20:30) - Advisors must remember they’re managing the client’s dreams. Your role is to help them align their resources with the life they truly want.

 

John Kailunas: “We’re so focused on running that when retirement finally comes, it’s like the merry-go-round suddenly stops—and most people don’t know what to do next.”

Rob Brown: “When advisors connect to a client’s story—not just their portfolio—they build trust that lasts far beyond the next review meeting.”

About John Kailunas: John Kailunas II is a first-generation immigrant and visionary leader in financial services since 1988. With over three decades of experience, he has built a legacy of growth through Apex, Regal Holdings, and now Catalyst4Growth—a professional development platform empowering advisors and entrepreneurs. John’s entrepreneurial drive has earned national recognition, including Investment News’ Hot 100 and Best Practice Management Program awards. A lifelong learner and mentor, he’s also a devoted husband, father, and adventurer who’s traveled to all 50 states and 34 countries.

Connect with John Kailunas: 

Website: https://www.catalyst4growth.org/

Mission: Retirement: https://www.amazon.com/Mission-Retirement-Provoking-Purposeful-Fulfilling/dp/B0DWGSHKF9/

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