Investment Strategies and Career Shifts

Jan 14, 2025

An In-Depth Look at the Recently Podcast Interview with Adam Koós

The Journey from Premed to Financial Expert

Adam Koós’s career began with aspirations of becoming a trauma surgeon. A pre-med student at Ohio State University, Adam had a life-altering realization in his senior year: the medical field wasn’t his true calling. With encouragement from his father, Adam pivoted to financial advising. What began as uncertainty turned into a passion for ethical financial planning. In 2004, Adam founded Libertas Wealth Management Group, focusing on investment management and financial planning with a fiduciary-first approach.

Key Lessons for Navigating Career Shifts

  • Adam’s story highlights actionable insights for anyone considering a career change:
  • Be Open to Change: Allow yourself to rethink your career path if it no longer aligns with your goals.
  • Leverage Your Unique Strengths: Adam’s interpersonal skills and interest in finance gave him a foundation for success in a new field.
  • Prioritize Integrity: Building his firm allowed Adam to design a career aligned with his ethical values.

Real Estate Investment: Common Pitfalls and Strategies

Real estate is a cornerstone of wealth-building, but Adam emphasized the importance of doing it right. For real estate investors, he shared these key strategies:

  • Risk Management: Start with a plan, build in buffers for unexpected costs, and avoid over-leveraging.
  • Tax Planning: Manage quarterly taxes early to prevent costly penalties or financial stress.
  • Exit Planning: Consider long-term strategies like 1031 exchanges or Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) to simplify property management and defer taxes while preserving wealth.

Preparing Your Business for Sale: The Right Way

Adam highlighted staggering statistics: over 80% of businesses fail to sell, and most of those that do sell for less than market value. The key to a successful exit lies in preparation.

  • Organize Financials: Clean, transparent books are essential to attract buyers.
  • Diversify Your Client Base: Avoid over-reliance on a few key customers.
  • Create Continuity Plans: Implement strategies to retain employees and ensure operational stability post-sale.

Diversifying Wealth Beyond Your Business

Business owners often tie their wealth to their companies, leaving them vulnerable to market fluctuations. Adam stressed the importance of diversification:

  • Incorporate stocks, bonds, and other investments alongside real estate.
  • Focus on building a portfolio that balances growth and stability.

This strategy ensures financial security and creates flexibility for life beyond business ownership.

Emotional Readiness for Selling Your Business

The decision to sell a business is as emotional as it is financial. Adam underscored the need for a comprehensive plan for life after the sale. Without one, the transition can lead to a loss of identity. Creating a clear vision for personal goals and activities post-sale is essential to avoid the “what’s next?” dilemma.

Books That Shaped Adam’s Success

Adam credited two books for their significant impact on his life:

  1. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill – foundational for business success.
  2. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz – a guide to living with purpose and integrity.

How to Connect with Adam Koós

Adam offers resources tailored to individuals and business owners:

Adam also hosts webinars and podcasts delving into investment strategies, including 1031 exchanges and DSTs.

Final Thoughts

Adam Koós’s journey is a testament to the power of adaptability and integrity. Whether navigating career shifts, diversifying investments, or planning a business exit, his insights provide a blueprint for success.
To listen to the full podcast, listen to Apple Podcasts or watch it on YouTube here.