Merging Expertise and Purpose: Rich Kurkowski’s Shift to Financial Advising

What happens when a tax attorney with a razor-sharp mind and an entrepreneurial spirit decides to pivot into financial services?

For Rich Kurkowski, JD, LLM, the leap from tax law to financial advising wasn’t just a career move; it was a chance to create deeper meaning, deliver real value, and build a business that aligned with both his skills and purpose. And guiding that transition? Trent Fortner’s coaching is a force multiplier for advisors ready to grow faster, with more clarity and confidence.

From Tax Strategy to Purpose-Driven Planning

Rich’s career didn’t start in financial services. After two years in public accounting at Deloitte, he pivoted to law school, then spent a decade specializing in tax law; five years at a large firm and five in-house. He even earned a master’s in tax law from NYU, the gold standard in the industry.

But something was missing.

“There wasn’t much purpose,” Rich recalled. “Helping a Fortune 500 company shave 0.2% off their tax rate didn’t feel meaningful. I wanted to help people in a more personal way.”

That search for impact led him to invest in franchises, test the waters of business ownership, and ultimately discover his true fit: advising entrepreneurs and solopreneurs as a financial planner.

Rediscovering His Zone of Genius

Through his work as an EOS Implementer® (Entrepreneurial Operating System), Rich spent four years consulting with financial advisory teams, including six at once.

“I saw firsthand how powerful financial advising could be—especially when it’s comprehensive,” he said. “Once I was introduced to the LEAP® model, it clicked. It aligned with my legal background, but more importantly, it showed me how much was being overlooked in traditional planning.”

The contrast was striking. In the past, Rich had worked with advisors who only focused on investments or sold insurance products in isolation. Now, he was seeing a holistic approach that integrated tax, risk management, protection, and long-term planning.

That shift opened the door to a new path, one where he could combine his tax expertise with real-world client outcomes.

The Trent Factor: Coaching That Creates Clarity

As Rich began his transition into advising, he knew he didn’t want to wing it. He’d seen what mastery looked like, and he wanted to build his practice with intention.

That’s where Trent Fortner came in.

“I saw the level of discipline and skill Trent had instilled in his son, Brock,” Rich said. “If he could do that with someone in their 20s, I knew I needed to work with him.”

Rich dove into Trent’s one-on-one coaching program, gaining access to the Courageous Advisors Mastermind community as well.

“Trent is a master of language,” Rich shared. “He’s helped me frame better questions, refine how I present ideas, and spotlight the areas of my business that need tightening up. He doesn’t just tell you what to do—he makes you think strategically about how you’re showing up.”

That push, especially around appointment setting and mastering the open meeting, has already delivered tangible results. In one case, Rich’s first meeting not only earned him a follow-up but a referral to the client’s parents.

Solopreneurs, Small Businesses & Strategic Tax Planning

Today, Rich is building his firm, Insyte Financial, with a clear niche in mind: solopreneurs and small business owners, especially those earning $400,000+ in net income.

Why that number?

Because that’s where things get interesting from a tax standpoint. Under current rules, business owners can lose their Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction once they cross certain income thresholds—potentially missing out on tens of thousands in tax savings.

“Most people don’t even know they’re at risk of phasing out,” Rich explained. “That’s where my background gives me a major edge. I can help clients restructure income, make smart retirement planning decisions, and capture savings others might overlook.”

He’s even going a step further—working through the Tax Planning Certified Professional (TPCP) designation through The American College to deepen his playbook.

For advisors without that tax expertise, Rich is also open to joint work opportunities, especially when serving business owners or retirees with complex planning needs.

Coaching that Goes Beyond Tactics

Rich isn’t new to coaching; his EOS background ingrained the value of structure, mastery, and mentorship. But what sets Trent apart?

“He genuinely cares about helping you succeed,” Rich said. “He’s not some one-trick pony. There’s so much depth to what he knows, and he knows how to meet you where you are and stretch you to that next level.”

That depth and accountability are key for advisors balancing multiple demands. Even though Rich is still managing his EOS business while building his practice, Trent’s framework keeps him focused on the actions that move the needle.

“When I free up more time, I know I’m ready to accelerate,” he added. “Trent’s helping me build the right foundation so I’m not just busy—I’m building something that lasts.”

Advice for New Advisors: Master the Basics First

Having recently transitioned into the industry, Rich knows how overwhelming those early months can be. His advice?

“Don’t spread yourself too thin. Focus on three things: how you get appointments, what you say in the first meeting, and how you deliver the Currence talk. Master those before anything else.”

That’s exactly what Trent’s coaching is built to do: simplify the sales conversation, eliminate resistance, and help advisors lead with value—without feeling like they’re selling.

Final Thoughts: Partnering for Purpose

Rich Kurkowski’s journey is proof that your background—whether in law, tech, or entrepreneurship—can be a superpower in financial services when paired with the proper coaching.

With Trent Fortner’s guidance, Rich has:

• Transformed his legal and tax skills into high-impact advisory conversations
• Found a niche with solopreneurs and small business owners
• Laid the groundwork for a scalable, meaningful business

And he’s just getting started.

Want to Build a Purpose-Driven Practice?

If you’re a financial advisor or professional looking to accelerate results, uncover your unique strengths, and simplify your path to growth, it’s time to explore Trent Fortner’s coaching programs.

Ready for coaching that aligns with your values and vision? Let’s talk.