Today we’d like to introduce you to John Leithner.
Hi John, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
After leaving the wood products industry I started in the financial services industry with Edward Jones and then eventually ended up being an independent financial advisor with Commonweath Financial Network. I am also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER(R) professional. Through that journey, I’ve had many bumps along the way but always with a focus on serving clients and being a fiduciary which places the client first. We now have two offices. One is our original office in La Grande Oregon where we serve the rural community as well as our second office in Weatherford Texas where we can be close to our kids and grandkids.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not always been smooth. When I left my first broker dealer and we moved home to Eastern Oregon, I made the switch to another broker dealer who not only did not have the depth of investments available to offer our clients but pushed product that wasn’t in our clients best interest. That lasted about 4 years before we were able to truly go independent and truly serve our clients best.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Leithner Financial Group?
First and foremost John Leithner is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER(R) practioner. We manage client assets and retirement accounts. We also offer retirement, financial, and insurance planning services. Probably what sets us apart from others is the personal approach we take when we work with clients. Some of our most feel good moments are when we can tell a client that they are ready to retire financially. Not that some of them don’t keep working, but it provides them peace of mind they can pull that trigger when they are ready.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Funny story about risk taking. I am a risk taker. You have to be if you go into business for yourself. My wife on the other hand is a safety girl. I had to drag her kicking and screaming into this line of work. She likes the safety of a guaranteed paycheck, health insurance, etc. Starting out in this business and especially starting from scratch there are some lean months where we didn’t know if we could pay all the bills. It’s something I kid her about now as we are very blessed with the business we have built. I think more people should take risk to chase their dreams. However, you have to work hard too. Success is 1% luck and 99% sweat, blood, and tears.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.leithnerfinancialgroup.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leithnerfinancialgroup/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/
