About
With over 25 years of experience in leading and transforming marketing and growth…
Activity
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Excited to kick off at ECHELON Partners #dealsanddealmakers!
Excited to kick off at ECHELON Partners #dealsanddealmakers!
Liked by John Wernz
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Sequoia buys accounting firm's $1.6bn RIA arm:
Sequoia buys accounting firm's $1.6bn RIA arm:
Liked by John Wernz
Experience
Education
Volunteer Experience
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Board Member
Pinky Swear Foundation
- Present 2 years 8 months
Health
www.pinkyswear.org
Pinky Swear Foundation's mission is helping kids with cancer and their families with financial and emotional support. -
Investing Partner
Social Venture Partners
- 3 years 3 months
Civil Rights and Social Action
www.socialventurepartners.org/minnesota
SVP is an accelerator, empowering nonprofits tackling the equity and achievement gaps experienced by teens in Minnesota. In this engaged philanthropy model, we pool resources and talent to help nonprofits scale capacity and impact in service of their missions and communities. -
Board Member
MINNESOTANS MILITARY APPRECIATION FUND
- 13 years
i18n_veterans
www.thankmntroops.org
Minnesotans’ Military Appreciation Fund (MMAF) is a statewide fundraising initiative by the citizens of Minnesota, for Minnesota military personnel and their families. Launched in August of 2005, MMAF is a non-partisan, non-political, 501(C)(3) non-profit corporation. The mission of MMAF is to say "thanks" to Minnesota Service members and their families who are making sacrifices in the defense of our freedoms in combat zones around the world. MMAF has raised over…www.thankmntroops.org
Minnesotans’ Military Appreciation Fund (MMAF) is a statewide fundraising initiative by the citizens of Minnesota, for Minnesota military personnel and their families. Launched in August of 2005, MMAF is a non-partisan, non-political, 501(C)(3) non-profit corporation. The mission of MMAF is to say "thanks" to Minnesota Service members and their families who are making sacrifices in the defense of our freedoms in combat zones around the world. MMAF has raised over $13 million, making it the nation’s largest-ever statewide fundraiser of its kind. MMAF has provided more than $8 million dollars in grants to more than 14,000 recipients. -
Board Member
CaringBridge
- 6 years
Health
www.caringbridge.org
CaringBridge, the nonprofit caring social network, offers many ways for people to care for each other during any type of health event. Our mission is to amplify the love, hope and compassion in the world, making each health journey easier. -
Board Member
BestPrep
- 4 years
Education
www.bestprep.org
2014 Service Award Winner - Top 1% of Volunteers; Recognized for sponsoring brand meaning and visual refresh including web site and social media.
BestPrep is a statewide nonprofit organization with a mission to best prepare Minnesota students with business, career and financial literacy skills through experiences that inspire success in work and life.
Publications
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Transferable Skills and Relationships Makes Exiting More Pleasant - John Wernz
Dreamcatchers Hosted by Jerome Myers
🎙️New episode: What defines a successful career trajectory in the fast-paced world of wealth management and private equity? Get ready for an eye-opening episode of the Dreamcatchers podcast; John Wernz offers an intimate account of his journey, revealing how critical decisions and pivotal moments have shaped his professional life. Host Jerome guides listeners through a discussion filled with stories of strategic shifts, career-defining moves, and the surprising role of fortune and…
🎙️New episode: What defines a successful career trajectory in the fast-paced world of wealth management and private equity? Get ready for an eye-opening episode of the Dreamcatchers podcast; John Wernz offers an intimate account of his journey, revealing how critical decisions and pivotal moments have shaped his professional life. Host Jerome guides listeners through a discussion filled with stories of strategic shifts, career-defining moves, and the surprising role of fortune and timing.
Tune in to this thought-provoking episode for a closer look at the elements that forge a path through business and personal evolution complexities. Join us on the Dreamcatchers podcast to explore these themes and discover the keys to turning professional challenges into opportunities for growth. Don't miss this engaging and inspiring journey!Other authorsSee publication -
Avoid Costly Mistakes & Build Your Marketing Foundation First With John Wernz
Top Advisor Marketing Podcast Proudmouth
You know what marketing is, right? But what about the difference between foundational and growth marketing?
In this episode, Matt Halloran talks to John Wernz, a seasoned marketing expert in financial services. They reveal why knowing the difference is key to marketing success — and why doing foundational vs growth marketing in the right order can save your marketing budget. Spoiler alert: John recommends getting your foundational marketing right before pouring money into growth in…You know what marketing is, right? But what about the difference between foundational and growth marketing?
In this episode, Matt Halloran talks to John Wernz, a seasoned marketing expert in financial services. They reveal why knowing the difference is key to marketing success — and why doing foundational vs growth marketing in the right order can save your marketing budget. Spoiler alert: John recommends getting your foundational marketing right before pouring money into growth in order to maximize the leads you generate and ultimately close more business.
Matt and John discuss:
The major differences between foundational and growth marketing
How to quickly nurture and connect with leads
The role of center of influence (COI) marketing in a thriving advisory practice
And more
“But so many times, people skip foundational marketing. It drives me bananas. And you don’t have the social proof, and you don’t have the influence — people are going to go to your website, and they’re going to be like, ‘What? No, I’m not ready to work with you.’” – John Wernz
Resources:
PodRocket Influence Academy (Enroll for FREE)
Company: SmartAsset
Company: Datalign Advisory
Company: Zoe Financial
Company: Wealth Enhancement Group
Study: Fidelity Research
Connect With John Wernz:
LinkedIn: John Wernz
Twitter/X: John Wernz
Website: Great Hill PartnersOther authorsSee publication -
Marketing Expert John Wernz On Digital Marketing, SEO, Media Efficiency Ratio, and a ChatGPT-4 Marketing Plan
Between Now and Success Podcast w/ Steve Sanduski
John Wernz and I discuss:
Understanding the difference between sales and marketing.
When — if ever — should your firm start spending money on paid marketing?
Who should your first marketing hire be?
The effectiveness of various marketing techniques, from newsletters (good!) to sponsorships (usually not great).
How I used SEO and better web design to dramatically improve my Google search ranking for “top financial advisor coaches.”
Identifying ideal client personas. (Download a…John Wernz and I discuss:
Understanding the difference between sales and marketing.
When — if ever — should your firm start spending money on paid marketing?
Who should your first marketing hire be?
The effectiveness of various marketing techniques, from newsletters (good!) to sponsorships (usually not great).
How I used SEO and better web design to dramatically improve my Google search ranking for “top financial advisor coaches.”
Identifying ideal client personas. (Download a free example.)
Why the quality of your company’s website is every bit as important as your social media presence. (Learn how to build a high-performing website.)
Using a “face of the firm” to broadcast your company’s personality and strengthen its brand.
The truth behind conversion rate metrics.
Why you can’t turn companies that don’t refer into referral partners.
Are your clients just satisfied or are they true advocates?
Strategies and metrics for creating a better marketing budget.
How marketing can build an infrastructure to help your firm grow organically.Other authorsSee publication -
Finding Success in Organic Growth for Your Firm in 2024 with John Wernz
MileMarker Connected Podcast
[02:07] - Intro to John Wernz
[02:53] - Intro to Jud Mackrill
[03:42] - Are webinars trending down? What key topics drive engagement?
[06:13] - We currently show up on Google for "retirement planning near me" but not high enough. What are the best practices to increase ranking organically for certain key phrases?
[08:59] - What's the typical lead-to-client conversion timeline?
[11:28] - What percentage of top-line revenue should firms spend on lead generation…[02:07] - Intro to John Wernz
[02:53] - Intro to Jud Mackrill
[03:42] - Are webinars trending down? What key topics drive engagement?
[06:13] - We currently show up on Google for "retirement planning near me" but not high enough. What are the best practices to increase ranking organically for certain key phrases?
[08:59] - What's the typical lead-to-client conversion timeline?
[11:28] - What percentage of top-line revenue should firms spend on lead generation or organic marketing services?
[15:16] - How should advisors be thinking about podcasting as a marketing channel?
[18:29] - How are you thinking about AI in terms of supporting organic growth?
[21:48] - How do we best enable our tech stack? How can this help prompt growth within the firm?
[27:05] - Is it more effective to have dedicated business developers rather than assigning business development responsibilities to advisors?
[31:01] - How many clients should an advisor work with and still have time for business development activities? How should the time break down?
[33:46] - What results do you need to see to show that you have a successful organic growth strategy?
[40:03] - How much time should you give a strategy to see if it is working before adjusting or terminating?
[43:17] - What new or seldom used strategies are worth considering or researching?
[45:56] - What are three things advisors can do right away to improve and accelerate their organic growth?Other authorsSee publication -
Unlocking the Power of Marketing in Financial Services with John Wernz
WealthTech On Deck Podcast
Marketing in financial services has transitioned to being a strategic imperative. Financial firms are now recognizing the power of marketing to drive organic growth, capture new markets, and capitalize on untapped opportunities. As the industry explores the potential of marketing, they unearth the chances for exponential growth and enhanced brand recognition. The journey may have started later for financial services, but they are undeniably on their way to realizing the transformative potential…
Marketing in financial services has transitioned to being a strategic imperative. Financial firms are now recognizing the power of marketing to drive organic growth, capture new markets, and capitalize on untapped opportunities. As the industry explores the potential of marketing, they unearth the chances for exponential growth and enhanced brand recognition. The journey may have started later for financial services, but they are undeniably on their way to realizing the transformative potential of effective marketing.
In this episode, Jack talks with John Wernz, Executive in Residence at Great Hill Partners. John has spent over 20 years as a leader in financial services marketing with a specific focus on driving accountable organic growth. His work with firms like Fisher Investments and Wealth Enhancement Group has contributed to the fastest-growing and most successful players in the financial services sector. John is an investor and advisor to many Fintech firms, including LifeYield. Having led marketing for fast-growing financial firms for the last 20+ years, John experienced the power of showing a client tangible and holistic solutions.
A leader in brand storytelling and helping colleagues position themselves for success, John talks with Jack about marketing in financial services. He dives deeper into the importance of organic growth, how he creates effective marketing strategies, and his secret to staying on top of his marketing game.Other authorsSee publication -
Solving the organic growth mystery, with John Wernz of Great Hill Partners
Financial-planning.com
During his conversation with FP Podcast host and lead editorial producer Justin L. Mack, Wernz talks about the common mistakes firms make when pursuing organic growth; why early stage growth is so exciting; and how a nudge in the right direction from his big brother has led to a 20-year career he can't get enough of.
Listen to the new episode — as well as to all future and past episodes — by subscribing to the FP Podcast on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get podcasts. -
Building A Scalable Advisor Marketing Engine That Eliminates Reliance On Rainmakers Or Referrals
Financial Advisor Success Podcast with Michael Kitces
My guest on today’s podcast is John Wernz. John is the former chief marketing officer for Wealth Enhancement Group, an independent RIA based in Minneapolis that has nearly 20 billion of assets under management for nearly 20,000 affluent clients. What’s unique about John, though, is the way he’s scaled Wealth Enhancement Group’s organic growth through marketing over the past decade, as the firm has grown from nearly 1 billion of AUM to nearly 20 billion, attracting more than 1.5 billion of net…
My guest on today’s podcast is John Wernz. John is the former chief marketing officer for Wealth Enhancement Group, an independent RIA based in Minneapolis that has nearly 20 billion of assets under management for nearly 20,000 affluent clients. What’s unique about John, though, is the way he’s scaled Wealth Enhancement Group’s organic growth through marketing over the past decade, as the firm has grown from nearly 1 billion of AUM to nearly 20 billion, attracting more than 1.5 billion of net new client assets in the past year alone, not including acquisitions.
Other authorsSee publication -
Perspectives: How Jumping on the Technology and Accountability Bandwagon Could Cost You Your Job
American Marketing Association - Marketing Power
Over the last 10 years, we’ve seen an explosion in the technology available to marketers as well as the accountability to the bottom line for marketing executives. Accountability, often enabled by technology, has made the return on investment of marketing increasingly measurable. And marketers who haven’t been able to keep up with the transformation are going to be left behind.
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CMO Close-Up with John Wernz
BtoB Magazine
The company's marketing department, headed by Exec VP-CMO John Wernz, is responsible for client acquisition. Its multiple marketing channels focus on awareness and brand-building, which in turn support an aggressive direct marketing program.
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Shattering the Status Quo
With Foreward from Ketih Ferrazzi, #1 Bestselling Author
Interviews with Business Leaders who are Making the Rules Today. Shattering the Status Quo brings together 11 interviews with proven business leaders. These individuals have led companies large and small, including Sun Country Airlines, United Healthcare, Snap Fitness and Periscope.
Honors & Awards
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2014 Service Award Winner BestPrep
BestPrep
2014 Service Award Winner - Top 1% of Volunteers; Recognized for sponsoring brand meaning and visual refresh including web site and social media.
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2014 Community Impact - Good Leader Award Finalist
Minnesota Business Magazine
MINNEAPOLIS, MN 2/27/2014 - Winners for the 2014 Community Impact Awards by Minnesota Business Magazine.
With the help of presenting sponsors McGladrey, Media Relations, and Sunrise Banks, hundreds gathered to honor Minnesota businesses and organizations working to make a difference in the communities they serve.
Category winners and finalists are profiled in the March 2014 issue of Minnesota Business magazine. Listed below are the winners of each category, along with the top…MINNEAPOLIS, MN 2/27/2014 - Winners for the 2014 Community Impact Awards by Minnesota Business Magazine.
With the help of presenting sponsors McGladrey, Media Relations, and Sunrise Banks, hundreds gathered to honor Minnesota businesses and organizations working to make a difference in the communities they serve.
Category winners and finalists are profiled in the March 2014 issue of Minnesota Business magazine. Listed below are the winners of each category, along with the top finalists.
The companies honored in the 2014 Community Impact Awards are going beyond "Minnesota nice."
They are taking tangible, life-changing actions that have a real impact on the people touched by their efforts. Somewhere inside of each one of us, we all want to leave the world a little bit better than we found it — and these companies are doing just that.
Good Leader Award
Recognizes businesspeople whose excellence in character and leadership have made a positive impact
Finalist: John Wernz, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Wealth Enhancement Group
Wealth Enhancement Group's John Wernz has made significant contributions to his industry, profession, and the Minnesota community through successful partnerships, volunteering, and mentoring the next generation of leaders. Wernz supports a variety of organizations that share both his personal and professional passions. With a father who was active in the military and knowing firsthand the struggles that military families can go through, Wernz volunteers his leadership and marketing skills to Minnesotans' Military Appreciation Fund, which supports troops and their families. Wernz also has a passion for developing emerging leaders in financial services and marketing. To help prepare the next generation, he mentors startup businesses to help them get off the ground. -
2013 Rising Star Award - Marketing EDGE
Marketing EDGE
New York, NY, March 12, 2013 — Marketing EDGE (DMEF) today announced the 2013 winners of its Rising Stars and Corporate Commitment Awards. These awards recognize emerging leaders in the direct and interactive marketing field who demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to supporting the next generation of talent in this field.
"The awards presented at the Rising Stars Awards acknowledge a whole new level of achievement among young professionals and corporate citizens in our field. To…New York, NY, March 12, 2013 — Marketing EDGE (DMEF) today announced the 2013 winners of its Rising Stars and Corporate Commitment Awards. These awards recognize emerging leaders in the direct and interactive marketing field who demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to supporting the next generation of talent in this field.
"The awards presented at the Rising Stars Awards acknowledge a whole new level of achievement among young professionals and corporate citizens in our field. To be named a Rising Star requires outstanding business success combined with extraordinary achievements in supporting and nurturing future generations in this field — through education, mentoring, and great generosity — setting one apart from their peers,” said Craig Wood, head of insights integration at The Futures Company and chair of the DMEF. “It is my distinct pleasure to introduce you to this year’s award winners.”
The awards will be presented at the Rising Stars Awards Dinner on June 11 at Three Sixty° in New York.
About Marketing EDGE (DMEF)
Headquartered in New York City, Marketing EDGE(DMEF) works to educate, develop, grow and employ college students in the field of marketing, thereby expanding and enriching the talent pool of trained, market-ready marketers. Established in 1966 by members of the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) who wanted to give something back to the community, DMEF is today a separate, 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that is supported solely by tax-deductible contributions from individuals and companies. Tax-deductible contributions are the lifeblood of the DMEF; funds raised support a broad range of world-class educational programs and scholarships.
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2012 40 Under 40 Award - Direct Marketing News
Direct Marketing News
NEW YORK, NY November 1, 2012: Direct Marketing News today announced the winners of its 2012 40 Under 40 awards.
This group of young stars from across the marketing industry has already left an indelible mark within their organizations and on the industry as a whole. They’ve launched initiatives that have helped to significantly grow their companies. They’ve wowed clients with creative or strategic plans that have made a major impact on those clients’ businesses. And they’ve influenced…NEW YORK, NY November 1, 2012: Direct Marketing News today announced the winners of its 2012 40 Under 40 awards.
This group of young stars from across the marketing industry has already left an indelible mark within their organizations and on the industry as a whole. They’ve launched initiatives that have helped to significantly grow their companies. They’ve wowed clients with creative or strategic plans that have made a major impact on those clients’ businesses. And they’ve influenced the industry in numerous ways—from product launches to book releases to education and more.
Their work is helping to guide other marketers in mastering such areas as integrating digital and social within their direct marketing initiatives, using Big Data to inform marketing decisions, and building customer loyalty at a time when customers have never been more promiscuous. Their stories are ones of determination, creativity, and adaptability.
“The success stories of the 2012 Direct Marketing News 40 Under 40 winners are truly inspiring,” said Editor-in-Chief Ginger Conlon. “It’s our honor to showcase the accomplishments of such a talented group of marketers.”
More activity by John
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Congratulations to our strategic advisor, Jamie Hopkins Esq., LLM, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, RICP®, on his new role as Chief Wealth Officer at WSFS…
Congratulations to our strategic advisor, Jamie Hopkins Esq., LLM, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, RICP®, on his new role as Chief Wealth Officer at WSFS…
Liked by John Wernz
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Our #weeklymarketcommentary is available! Check out the latest news on the market and key insights. https://hubs.li/Q02DYHN60
Our #weeklymarketcommentary is available! Check out the latest news on the market and key insights. https://hubs.li/Q02DYHN60
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Can't wait to listen to the whole episode! Proud of what Yesenia Beckmann, CFP® and I have created! A big thanks to Leah Alter for always being our…
Can't wait to listen to the whole episode! Proud of what Yesenia Beckmann, CFP® and I have created! A big thanks to Leah Alter for always being our…
Liked by John Wernz
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I second the notion! It was an incredible 2 days of collaboration with the Angi top performers across business development, account executives…
I second the notion! It was an incredible 2 days of collaboration with the Angi top performers across business development, account executives…
Liked by John Wernz
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In 2026, the tax code has many provisions that are set to sunset. Get prepared now by speaking to a financial planner and tax professional that can…
In 2026, the tax code has many provisions that are set to sunset. Get prepared now by speaking to a financial planner and tax professional that can…
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