In Episode 18 of the Finish Big Podcast, host Mark Dorman welcomes financial services veteran Rick Scruggs, founder of Financial Designs in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Rick's journey into financial planning was shaped by tragedy. When his father passed away unexpectedly just days before ERISA legislation would have secured a lifelong pension for his mother, Rick experienced firsthand the importance of financial preparedness. That defining moment ignited a lifelong mission: helping business owners protect what they build.
Since founding Financial Designs in 1983, Rick has worked with over 100 private and family business owners and more than 300 legacy families. His approach blends strategic thinking, financial clarity, succession planning, and deep questioning — helping entrepreneurs create abundant futures while ensuring they have time to enjoy them.
This episode explores mortality, mindset, business continuity, leadership responsibility, and why thinking deeply may be the most powerful business tool of all.
Mark and Rick discuss:
The Christmas Eve Turning Point – Losing his father and discovering the power of life insurance.
The ERISA Timing Lesson – How six days changed a family's financial future.
The Chief Mentor Story – Why "Are you coachable?" changed Rick's life.
5:00 a.m. Discipline – Discovering the other 5 o'clock.
Building Financial Designs (1983) – Walking away from a minority partnership to build independently.
Calling on Owners Early Morning – How 5–7 a.m. meetings built a B2B practice.
Breaking Down Silos – Installing "windows" between advisors.
The 10X Question Framework – Revealing the hidden magnitude of a business owner's future.
359 Degrees – Identifying the leakage point in financial strategy.
Thinking as a Leadership Discipline – Why breathing and thinking are equally non-negotiable.
Connect with Mark Dorman:
(330)-416-9271
Rick Scruggs is the founder and president of Financial Designs, established in 1983 in Lynchburg, Virginia.
He specialises in business continuity, succession planning, transition strategy, 401(k) design, executive compensation, and legacy planning for private and family businesses. Rick holds professional designations including Certified 401(k) Professional (C(k)P), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU).
He is also the author of What's Wrong with My Thinking?, a reflective leadership book focused on mindset, clarity, and intentional growth.
Rick currently works with over 100 private business owners and more than 300 legacy families.
