“Empowering People for a Bright Future.”

Jeff Bucher’s main inspiration for starting the Citizen Advisory Group (CAG) was the realization that hard-working people, like his parents, were not being served in the financial planning area as they deserved. Jeff’s brother, Kevin, wanted to build a company that took the stress and worry of retirement planning away and empowered people to live the retirement of their dreams. “To do this, we needed to provide experts across all disciplines of financial planning from investments, insurance solutions, and tax and estate planning,” explains Jeff. “A major obstacle for clients is finding a team like ours that can put all the pieces of the puzzle together and build a coordinated plan, with the right hand knowing what the left hand is doing.” CAG was established in 2006 to help area residents map out and implement successful retirement plans.

Being an active influence in the community, Jeff loves to serve others outside of work and continues to build his service heart, encouraging the CAG team to do their part. Jeff is also an active participant in conferences and events to learn from other leaders and those that have excelled in their journey. Borrowing from others' experiences, both good and bad, helps Jeff deliver a higher level of leadership to his team. “My greatest influences have been from outside the financial services industry. Authors and speakers like Zig Ziglar and Andy Andrews have been instrumental,” says Jeff. “I love to look at other businesses that provide exceptional client experience to help shape and guide what we can provide for clients. Companies like Chick-fil-A and the Four Seasons have taught me to take a commodity and deliver a unique experience to make people love doing business with your brand.”

CAG’s greatest strength is the people. Jeff is truly thankful to his team, where everyone cares about each other and is driven daily to provide an excellent client experience. “It is easy in financial services to make it all about the numbers, and I am proud that our team has built something so much more than that,” elucidates Jeff. “Improved client experience and outcomes are the driving force of every action we take. I look forward to continuing to build a company that is known for exceptional client experience.” Jeff likes to get into small huddles and major meetings where his team gets together to discuss issues and initiatives, both big and small.

“I think vulnerability, trust, and love for each other is important in any organization, but it certainly isn’t easy. Our team must be strong enough to be vulnerable and honest in all situations. This allows for genuine feedback and allows for empathy and understanding to flow,” says Jeff. “I have found that when vulnerability and honesty are lacking, feedback on any issues will suffer. I want my team to be empowered to be heard and to not be afraid that their idea or thought may be rejected.”

For Jeff, action is an essential part of making decisions. The pioneering leader learned early in his career that numerous companies fail because they get paralysis by analysis and end up not doing anything. “When we come up with ideas of how to improve client experience, I am comfortable moving forward, even if I don’t have all the details figured out. This takes tremendous trust in my staff to get the job done,” he states. “We serve families in an area that can cause the most amount of stress and challenge, so anything we can do to improve outcomes for those families I am onboard with, even if its above and beyond the scope of financial services.”

An example of this is CAG’s Retire Well client wellness program. Jeff and his team know that their client's physical and mental wellness is just as critical to retirement success as the financial side. And they know that providing these opportunities enhances their clients’ outcomes for retirement happiness and success.

“Some may think being a CEO means you have “made it” and can take your foot off the gas. I don’t see it that way. I love being involved with my team as we continually look for more effective ways to serve our clients,” says Jeff. “Empowering and mentoring my staff on a day-to-day basis allows me to be a part of every success, but also to be there and help pick up the pieces when we fall short.”

Investment advisory and financial planning services offered through Advisory Alpha, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor. Insurance, Consulting and Education services offered through Citizen Advisory Group. Property and Casualty Insurance services offered through Foresight Insurance, LLC. Advisory Alpha, LLC, Citizen Advisory Group and Foresight Insurance, LLC are separate entities. 2022 Citizen Advisory Group LLC. All Rights Reserved.