From Startup Struggles to Seven Figures: Cory Budovitch’s Empowering Journey with Trent Fortner’s Coaching

What happens when a smart, driven advisor outgrows traditional methods but knows there’s another level waiting?

For Cory Budovitch—a Top of the Table producer and seasoned advisor to ultra-high-net-worth clients—the answer came through the right questions, the right mindset shift, and the right coach.

That coach? Trent Fortner.

The Early Years: Picking a Lane and Sticking With It

Cory Budovitch didn’t stumble into the financial industry—he charged into it with intention.

He entered the business in the year 2000 (an easy milestone to remember thanks to the Y2K panic) and, like many advisors, started with little more than a phone and a quiet office. Early on, Cory made a pivotal decision that would serve him well: he chose a specific market to serve and committed to it.

“My mentor told me that no matter how hard it is in the beginning, you’ve got to stick with your market and become an expert,” Cory recalled. His first niche? Medical professionals.

It worked. He built a reputation, developed his process, and gained traction. But Cory wasn’t content to stay in one lane forever.

A New Focus—and a New Coach

About six or seven years into his career, Cory shifted his focus toward working with business owners. He began to study corporations, tax structures, ownership strategies, and succession dynamics. He even incorporated himself to better understand the challenges business owners face.

Around that same time, he crossed paths with Trent Fortner.

What started as a coaching relationship soon became a catalyst for exponential growth.

“I was already doing pretty well—into the mid-six figures—but after working with Trent, I cracked seven figures in production within the first year,” Cory said. “And it’s only grown since then.”

Why Trent? The Power of Precision

When asked what sets Trent apart, Cory doesn’t hesitate: “Trent is one of the most knowledgeable people I’ve ever met in the industry—maybe the most.”

But it’s not just about technical mastery. According to Cory, Trent’s true genius lies in his ability to ask powerful, targeted questions—the kind that uncover what clients really want, what’s truly at stake, and how to frame solutions in a way that resonates.

“He’s not just a sales coach,” Cory said. “He understands people. He understands psychology. He knows how to get favorable outcomes—for clients and for advisors.”

From Coach to Consultant

Despite the reduced frequency of their one-on-one interactions in recent years, the influence of Trent’s coaching continues to shape Cory’s practice.

“I still run cases by him when I need a sounding board,” Cory shared. “He’s been a coach, a consultant, and a strategic partner. Even when we’re not talking regularly, the framework he taught me still guides how I operate.”

How Cory Built a 7-Figure Practice

Today, Cory works almost exclusively with ultra-high-net-worth families, entrepreneurs, and business owners. His average case size ranges between $350,000 - $400,000 in annual premium. He has a trusted internal team and support staff that handle joint work, allowing him to stay focused on the high-level conversations that drive results.

But despite the size of his cases and the sophistication of his clientele, Cory’s core philosophy is refreshingly simple:

“I focus on what people want. I remove my needs from the conversation and just try to solve real problems. That’s what creates value.”

This client-first mindset, combined with Cory’s background in psychology and personal development, makes him a rare advisor—one who blends logic with empathy, structure with intuition, and sales with service.

Beyond Business: Shared Values and Mutual Respect

One of the things Cory appreciates most about Trent is that their connection goes beyond the professional.

“He’s a great guy—a great family man. We’ve bonded over baseball—my son plays, and so does his. I’ve learned a lot from Trent, not just as a coach, but as a dad and leader,” Cory said.

It’s a reminder that great coaching isn’t just about tactics—it’s about trust, alignment, and shared values.

Final Thoughts: When to Re-Engage a Coach

Even with a thriving practice, Cory doesn’t rule out working closely with Trent again in the future.

“Look at top athletes—they still have coaches even when they’re number one,” he said. “Sometimes you just need someone to sharpen your thinking and hold you accountable.”

Whether it’s through one-on-one coaching or attending events like the Producers Success Mastery gathering, Cory believes the right support can create a lasting shift in how you do business—and how successful you ultimately become.

Want to Create Results Like Cory?

If you’re a financial professional ready to elevate your results and deepen your client impact, consider exploring Trent Fortner’s coaching programs.

Like Cory, you might be just one conversation away from your next breakthrough.