#128 - From 250 Clients to a Purpose-Built Practice with Tommy Blackburn and John Mason

What happens when two advisors decide to completely rebuild their firm from the ground up? In this episode, Tommy Blackburn and John Mason share how they transformed Mason & Associates from a commission-based practice to a thriving fee-only RIA focused on federal employees. Driven by a desire for stronger client relationships and a clear vision for the future, they took on the challenge of “rightsizing” their client base—John had been serving over 250 families. The transition allowed them to realign their firm with the kind of practice they truly wanted to run. They break down how they made those tough decisions, how they preserved relationships, and why having a partner with complementary strengths made the journey possible. Their niche-focused marketing—including a podcast and YouTube channel—now attracts exactly the clients they want to serve. Thinking about your own transition? Their advice: plan for scale early, embrace technology, find a community, and specialize fast. Learn more at masonllc.net or subscribe to their Federal Employee Financial Planning Podcast.