Episode 4 : Building Wealth and Long Term Success With Greg Johnson

/ Investing & Capital / By

In episode four of Light Bulb Moments, I speak with Greg Johnson, a wealth manager at Paradigm Wealth Management. With over 30 years in the financial services industry, Greg’s experience spans top firms like Northern Trust, Bear Stearns, and Koch Industries. 

Meet Greg Johnson

Greg is a strategic thinker and community advocate. His understanding of advanced tax strategies and the growing accessibility of private equity companies sets him apart. Greg’s approach is all about personalized strategies that prioritize long-term success and growth for his clients.

Greg has an MBA from the University of Chicago, and outside of work, you’ll find him coaching girls’ lacrosse at Hinsdale Central High School, playing a round of golf, listening to live music, or walking with his 100-pound Labrador, Arnie.

Why This Episode Matters 

This episode highlights the power of continuous learning and the impact of relationships in building long-term success. By engaging with others, staying open to new ideas, and embracing every opportunity to grow, you create momentum that extends far beyond any single moment. 

In this Episode, We Discuss: 

In this episode, Greg Johnson shares his insights on:

  • Strategic Planning and Advanced Tax Strategies: Greg talks about how investment is more than just financial ups and downs. It’s about strategic planning to maximize after-tax income. He dives into accessible strategies like 1031 exchanges with DST, tax loss harvesting, and municipal bond investments, shedding light on the fiscal and political nuances, especially in areas like oil and gas.
  • Client-Aligned Approaches: Moving away from the commission-based structures, Greg emphasizes the importance of the modern, fee-based advisory model. This approach focuses on customized strategies that foster better client partnerships and investment outcomes.
  • Accessibility for Private Equity Companies: Greg discusses the shift towards making private equity investments more accessible, the economic significance of middle-market companies, and the importance of recognizing market trends and the decline of public companies.
  • The Role of Alternative Investments: Greg explains how alternative investments are crucial for portfolio diversification. They can cushion against volatile returns, ensuring smoother growth trajectories for the average investor.

Conversation Takeaways

  • Strategic planning maximizes after-tax income and leverages advanced tax strategies.
  • Fee-based advisory models provide customized, client-centered approaches.
  • Private equity investments are becoming more accessible, especially for middle-market companies.
  • Alternative investments help mitigate volatility and promote long-term growth.

A Quote to Remember

“People can take a longer-term approach to their investments and still participate in these private companies, and how successful they bet. That’s where I think it’s a unique opportunity because, from the data, historically, these investments are typically less correlated to the public markets, they could take a longer-term approach.” – Greg Johnson

Light Bulb Moments – Episode 4

Building Wealth and Long Term Success with Greg Johnson

The Light Bulb Moment of This Episode 

Growth comes from continuous learning, strong relationships, and leveraging your network to create meaningful opportunities. 

Light Bulb Moments & Reflections from the Episode 

  1. Learning never stops. 
    Every conversation and experience is an opportunity to gain new insights.  
  1. Your network creates opportunity. 
    Meaningful relationships can open doors you didn’t expect.  
  1. Friendships can come from business. 
    Strong professional connections often evolve into lasting personal relationships.  
  1. Shared knowledge benefits everyone. 
    What you learn doesn’t just help you—it creates value for others as well.  
  1. Stay open to new perspectives. 
    Growth comes from listening and being willing to see things differently.  
  1. Engagement leads to deeper understanding. 
    The more you participate and connect, the more you gain from the experience.  
  1. Your journey is part of the message. 
    Learning alongside your audience strengthens authenticity and impact.  
  1. Experiences build long-term value. 
    The lessons you accumulate compound over time.  
  1. Community enhances growth. 
    Being part of a network accelerates learning and development.  
  1. Keep seeking your next light bulb moment. 
    Each insight builds on the last and pushes you forward.  

Connect with Greg Johnson

Tune in to this episode to learn how Greg Johnson uses strategic planning, client-aligned approaches, and alternative investments to build wealth and ensure long-term success. Don’t forget to subscribe to Light Bulb Moments for more.