Today we’d like to introduce you to Marc Shaffer.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up in Kansas with a curiosity for people and relationships, which naturally shaped my career path. Before college at Kansas State University, I made the decision to leave behind habits that weren’t serving me and instead focused on building meaningful connections. I chose financial planning as a major because it blended technical skills with the opportunity to help people achieve their dreams.
Early on, I leaned into the idea that growth happens outside your comfort zone. Joining organizations like the Financial Planning Association and Rotary gave me a network of mentors, peers, and friends who pushed me to become a stronger leader. I was fortunate to be mentored by people such as Dr. Bill Meredith and Mike Searcy, who encouraged me to explore the world, invest in relationships, and always strive to grow both personally and professionally.
Today, I serve as a partner at Searcy Financial Services, where I help clients build financial freedom and create more balanced, fulfilling lives. Along the way, I have also found great joy in community service, whether through Growing Futures Early Education Center, Band of Angels, or other local initiatives.
Looking back, my journey has been guided by a mix of intentionality and generosity. I have learned from others, focused on giving back, and tried to continually evolve into someone who can serve people better. That path also inspired me to write my upcoming book, One For All: How to Systemize Kindness, Grow Your Network, and Support Others Like It’s Your Job, which shares the lessons and systems I have developed to help others do the same.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely has not been a perfectly smooth road, and I don’t think it ever is for anyone building a career or a business. One of the biggest challenges early on was learning how to balance ambition with patience. I had a drive to grow quickly, but financial planning is about building trust over time, which requires consistency and follow-through more than instant results.
Another challenge came with taking on the responsibility of becoming a business owner. Buying into the firm meant carrying a significant loan and making tough financial decisions. There were times when I felt the weight of that responsibility heavily, but it also forced me to grow as a leader and sharpen my focus on what truly mattered.
Outside of business, I’ve faced struggles that shaped me on a personal level. My wife and I went through infertility treatment, which tested our resilience but ultimately blessed us with two wonderful children. At the same time, I have also served as a caregiver for my parents. My mom passed away after a six-year battle with Leukemia and Lymphoma, and last year my dad went through Car T Cell Therapy at KU Med for Mantle Cell Lymphoma. During his recovery, he lived with my family for two months while I worked remotely and took him in daily for treatment. That experience brought challenges, but it also deepened our relationship and gave my kids precious time with their grandfather. ❤️
While there have been bumps along the way, every struggle has taught me something important. Those experiences have made me more empathetic, more grounded, and better equipped to guide others not just financially, but through the ups and downs of life.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Searcy Financial Services ?
Searcy Financial Services is an independent, fee-only financial planning and investment management firm based in Overland Park. We specialize in helping individuals, families, and business owners create financial freedom and peace of mind by building customized strategies that align with their values and long-term goals. Our work goes beyond numbers on a spreadsheet because we help people live with intention and design a life they truly enjoy.
What sets us apart is the way we combine technical expertise with a personal, relationship-driven approach. Many firms focus only on investments, but we believe financial planning is about the whole person. We look at everything from retirement and estate planning to taxes, business succession, and even how financial decisions affect relationships and lifestyle. We also place a strong emphasis on education so our clients feel empowered and confident in the decisions they make.
One of the most important milestones in our journey was the creation of Allos Investment Advisors, a subsidiary company we designed to serve people who might not yet be ready for a traditional financial planning relationship. Allos was created from the belief that everyone deserves access to quality investment management and financial guidance, no matter where they are in their financial journey. By building a platform for younger professionals, families just starting out, and others in the early stages of building wealth, we expanded our mission to make financial planning more inclusive and accessible.
I am also proud of the succession plan we implemented as a firm. We transitioned ownership from our founder, Mike Searcy, to four partners with diverse talents and perspectives. As a younger second-generation leadership team, our goal is to cultivate the next generation of professionals who can take on leadership responsibilities. This ensures our clients are served seamlessly not only today but for decades to come.
In addition to my role as CFO, one of my greatest contributions to the firm is serving as a connector of resources. Our clients’ lives extend far beyond finances, and we take pride in being able to connect them with trusted professionals who can help in other areas. Whether it is an estate planner, business broker, plumber, or landscaper, we maintain a network of reliable experts we have vetted and know will deliver on their promises. Helping our clients build those connections strengthens their confidence in us and provides practical value in their daily lives.
At the end of the day, what makes our brand special is that we walk alongside our clients through every stage of life. We help them navigate challenges, celebrate milestones, and stay focused on what matters most. Our mission is to align money with purpose so people can live lives of greater impact and fulfillment.
What are your plans for the future?
Looking ahead, I am excited about both the future of our firm and the future of my family. From a business standpoint, we began implementing EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) earlier this year, and I am energized by the traction it is already bringing to our team. 🚀 We are focused on growing Searcy Financial Services in a way that honors our mission while preparing the next generation of leaders. As a second-generation firm, one of our key goals is to mentor and develop younger professionals so they are ready to take on leadership responsibilities. This ensures our clients are always cared for by a team they know and trust.
I also look forward to expanding the reach of our subsidiary company, Allos Investment Advisors. This platform has been a great way to attract younger talent who prefer to work with peers close to their own age rather than advising clients who are a generation older. Growing older alongside clients creates a natural bond and allows advisors to build true friendships with them. Celebrating both the life wins and the challenges together makes the work that much more rewarding. At the same time, Allos opens the door for younger professionals, families just starting out, and others earlier in their financial journey to have access to quality guidance.
Another big milestone I am looking forward to is sharing my book, One For All: How to Systemize Kindness, Grow Your Network, and Support Others Like It’s Your Job, when it comes out this September. My experience with the team I engaged to bring my book to market was AWESOME, and it has already inspired me to start thinking about my next book. This fall I will be busy speaking about the ideas in my book, and I am hopeful it will also help attract a graduating college student who wants to join a team focused on growing both a business and its community impact through relationships.
On a personal level, travel and adventure have always been passions of mine. Over the years I have hiked in Iceland, South Africa, Namibia, China, Nepal, Patagonia, Argentina, Chile, and Peru. I am hopeful that one or both of my kids will one day enjoy those adventure-style trips with me, since my wife happily leaves the hiking to me and the small group of friends I have traveled with in the past. She prefers the beaches and relaxing vacations, not what she lovingly calls trips.
Next year, we are mixing business and pleasure by organizing a Rhine River Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland. We will be joined by a small group of friends and clients, and I cannot wait for the experience. It will be time away from our kids, but my wife and I are really looking forward to it.
We are also blessed to be die-hard Chiefs fans and attended our first Super Bowl together in New Orleans. Despite the outcome, the NFL knows how to put on a party. We are confident the dynasty will continue, and we are planning to join our neighbor’s family, who serves as a coach, at the next Chiefs Super Bowl in San Francisco. 🤞
At the end of the day, my plans for the future center on growth, adventure, and creating meaningful experiences. I want to continue building a firm that makes a lasting impact while also creating a life full of family memories, travel, and yes, plenty of Chiefs celebrations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.searcyfinancial.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/searcyfinancial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marc.shaffer
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcshaffer/
- Other: https://www.allosadvisors.com
