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About John McGee

Helping business owners turn years of hard work into lasting financial confidence

At Arete Financial Group, our work centers around a simple idea: financial planning should help people turn success today into long-term security and freedom tomorrow.

Many of the people we work with have spent decades building something meaningful — a business, a career, or a life that reflects years of discipline and determination. Our role is to help ensure that the financial decisions surrounding that success are thoughtful, coordinated, and aligned with what matters most to them.

A background built around coaching

I grew up in Longmont, Colorado and have always been fascinated by financial markets and the idea that wealth could grow independently of the hours we work.

Early in my career, I followed another passion: coaching. I had the opportunity to coach at the University of Wyoming, helping athletes pursue their goals and push themselves to improve.

While I loved coaching, I eventually realized that the financial services industry offered something similar in a different form. Instead of coaching athletes, I could coach individuals and families through important financial decisions — helping them build, protect, and transition the wealth they had worked so hard to create.

That realization led me into financial planning more than a decade ago.

Hilltop

Why I enjoy working with business owners

Over time, I discovered that I naturally connected with business owners.

My wife and I also own a local business, Hilltop Beverage, which has given me firsthand experience with the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. Running a business involves risk, long hours, and an incredible amount of dedication.

That experience has deepened my appreciation for the people who build and run businesses in our communities.

Small business owners are often the people quietly keeping the wheels turning in our economy. They employ people, support their communities, and create opportunities for others.

I enjoy hearing their stories, understanding their businesses, and helping them think through the financial decisions that come with building something from the ground up.

A planning philosophy built around the bigger picture

One of the things I’ve learned over the years is that financial planning is about much more than managing investments.

While investments are important, the difference between successful financial outcomes often comes from the broader strategy — how taxes, retirement planning, business decisions, and long-term goals all work together.

A strong financial plan considers the full picture:

Current income and future goals

Tax considerations over time

Business ownership and potential transitions

Risk management and protection strategies

Retirement income and long-term lifestyle planning

Equally important is recognizing that plans evolve. Life changes, businesses grow, markets move, and priorities shift.

For that reason, our process is built around ongoing planning, not a one-time document.

Another important part of that process is coordination. While we may identify planning opportunities, our clients’ CPAs are ultimately responsible for preparing their tax returns. We believe the best outcomes occur when advisors work together so that financial strategies and tax decisions remain aligned.

Life outside the office

My wife Lisa is a district administrator in the Greeley School District, and together we are raising our daughter Brooklyn, who is currently in first grade.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors and staying active. Golf, hunting, snowboarding, weight training, and cycling are all activities that help me recharge and stay balanced.

Coaching remains a passion of mine as well. I have continued to coach high school and youth sports teams in the area and enjoy helping young athletes develop both skills and confidence.

I also serve on the planning committee for Colorado Youth Outdoors, an organization dedicated to connecting young people and families with the outdoors.

Working together

The clients who tend to be the best fit for our firm are people who value thoughtful planning, clear communication, and long-term relationships.

Many are business owners, executives, or high-income households who are navigating complex financial decisions — whether that involves preparing for retirement, planning for a business transition, or coordinating tax-aware strategies over time.

If you’re exploring how your financial plan can better support the next stage of your life, we would welcome the opportunity to start a conversation.

John McGee offers investment advisory services through Eagle Strategies LLC, a Registered Investment Adviser, and securities through NYLIFE Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.