What if your daily actions were directly shaping the life you’ll look back on years from now?
And what if growth, both personal and professional, could be engineered with clarity and discipline?
In this episode, Dan Gilmartin interviews Michael Graham, CFP®, President and Co-Founder of Midwestern Securities, about building a firm rooted in intentionality and disciplined growth. Mike shares how starting with the end in mind, including writing your own obituary, can shape decisions across business and life. He explains how structured KPIs, guided client conversations, and repeatable systems drive consistent advisor performance.
The conversation also explores coaching, accountability, and how investing in people can unlock untapped potential across a team.
Key takeaways:
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Website: Midwestern Securities
About our Guest:
As the Chief Executive Officer of Midwestern Securities, Michael Graham, CFP®, provides visionary leadership and guides the company in pursuing bold ideas for the next chapter of its continued growth. He also provides consultation to the company’s financial institution partners on their long-term strategic growth and mutual success. In addition, Mike shares his many years of investment knowledge and time-tested philosophy as he serves on the Midwestern Securities Investment Committee, which oversees the Midwestern Securities Lighthouse Portfolios™.
Mike has been in the financial services industry since 1996. An alumnus of Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, Mike obtained his securities licensing soon after graduation. He then joined his father, John, to start John Graham & Associates, Inc., which he has since built into a thriving retail wealth management firm from which he continues to manage and serve the financial planning needs of multigenerational clients.
He completed the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ education program and passed the accompanying board exam in the spring of 2000. He currently holds seven other professional licenses. Mike was a driving force in the formation of Midwestern Securities Trading Company, LLC in 1999. He had a goal to bring accountability, expertise, and personal service to registered reps through a premier, emerging firm centrally located in the U.S.
Mike is the host of the Banking on Growth podcast, interviewing industry professionals on topics that impact community banks and credit unions, as well as the financial advisors who operate within them.
Mike resides with his wife and sons in the local area. Together, they keep focused on the 4Fs: Faith, Family, Fitness, and Fun.
Mike is very involved in his community. He has served as a Peoria Riverfront Museum Foundation board member; is a past president of the East Peoria Chamber of Commerce; served on the Roanoke-Benson CUSD 60 School Board; served as president of the Pediatric Resource Center Board; is a past president of the East Peoria Police Pension Board; served on the Finance Committee of Peoria Christian School; and the Board of Trustees for Eureka College. He was recognized in 40 Leaders Under 40 Class of 2007 and was the 2016 Pediatric Resource Center recipient of the Champions for Children award.
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