The Secret Behind 400% Growth in One Year with James & Kris Rea

This week, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Triad Members James Rea and Kris Rea with?Rea Financial .

Their story highlights the power of authenticity and how crafting the right mission, messaging and values can massively impact the success of your business.

The Reas had to take a few steps back before they could leap forward, but their efforts paid off, growing from $8M to $36M in total assets in a single year. This transformation wasn't easy—it required deep, sometimes messy work—but it was essential for creating a brand that truly reflects who they are and the exceptional service they offer.

Key Takeaways

Stand Out from the Crowd

• Understanding your mission and values can transform your business into a powerhouse. James and Kris moved to Florida to align their business with their vision, showing that bold, value-driven decisions can lead to standout success.
• Differentiating yourself from other advisors starts with authenticity. The Reas emphasized that knowing what you stand for and letting that guide your decisions can attract the right opportunities.
• Making significant changes can be a catalyst for growth. The Reas' journey highlights how aligning your environment with your mission can set the stage for remarkable achievements.

"If you have been in the business for 25 years but you really only have one year's experience 25 times over and over year after year, it doesn't really change much."??- James Rea

Attract and Retain Top Talent

• Building a strong team begins with the right mindset. James and Kris shared how shifting their perspective on talent helped them focus on finding people who believed in their vision.
• Kris’s transition into a significant role after their kids were grown illustrates the importance of placing the right talent in roles where they can thrive, freeing up time and unlocking new levels of success.
• Investing in team growth is essential. By expanding their team and seeking a chief operating officer, the Reas showed that surrounding yourself with top talent can drive your business forward and allow you to serve clients better.

"I think you can be more than you think you can be. You might even be a big thinker. You might even see big visions. But I think you can do more. And so, when you line yourself up with the right people, you will do it. You will do more than you think."??- James Rea

Your Words Shape Your Reality

• Crafting a unique message that reflects your true beliefs can transform your business. James and Kris worked with Triad to develop a brand manifesto that resonated deeply with their team and with clients.
• Speaking passionately about what you do can attract the right clients. James found that when he communicated his services with confidence and authenticity, clients were more engaged and appreciative.
• Believing in your mission makes your message more compelling. James and Kris experienced a shift in their business once they fully embraced and communicated their unique value proposition.

"We're not perfect but we want to be, and we strive for that."??- James Rea

I’m offering up three, 30-minute one-on-one coaching calls this week.?

• Text “Coaching” to (785) 800-3235 and we’ll send you a link to apply.

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Doing Business and Doing Life.

I first saw?this clip ?during a private mastermind group with Darren Hardy, and I remember being tremendously impacted by it over a decade ago. This clip comes from the documentary?The Lost Interview , which showcases a previously unaired interview Steve Jobs gave in 1995, before his return to Apple.

Keep in mind, this was before the iPod, the iPhone and the triumphant growth of Apple and Jobs' second chapter. In the clip, he's telling a story about what he realized when he built the original Macintosh team in 1984, which created the personal computer revolution and changed the future of technology forever.

During the podcast this week, we delved into the realization James and Kris Rea had about why having A players on the team made all the difference in the world. So, I thought it was fitting to hear Steve Jobs' take on the difference between an A player and a C player and why the talent you recruit to your team matters more than you realize.

This is one of the most impactful pieces of business advice I've ever received and one of the reasons we say "A players only" at Triad Partners when looking to recruit great talent onto our team.