Inspiring Conversations with Josh Zahn of Heartwood Advisory

Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Zahn.

Hi Josh, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Arizona, and I’ve always been fueled by movement and purpose. From the soccer field to the football stadium, I learned early that commitment, teamwork, and grit shape not only athletes—but professionals and people. I carried those values with me into college as a placekicker at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (Go Blazers!), and later into my career in financial services.

Since 2014, I’ve been helping individuals and families navigate the financial landscape with confidence and clarity. I lead with a client-first approach grounded in education and genuine care. I believe every strategy should be tailored, every conversation should be clear, and every client should feel heard, understood, and supported.

In March 2023, I underwent surgery to remove a cancerous brain tumor—a life-defining moment that forever reshaped my perspective. It taught me to live intentionally, listen closely, and honor what truly matters. That experience deepened my empathy and commitment to helping clients not just plan for the future, but appreciate and navigate the present. Life has its curveballs—I’m here to help you through them.

Outside the office, I’m most fulfilled by faith and family. I’m married to my high school sweetheart and best friend, Aly, and together we’re raising three amazing daughters. We’re active at church, and I find joy in sports, staying active, and savoring the everyday moments with loved ones.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Before my brain surgery, life felt steady. I was growing professionally, building strong client relationships, and doing work I genuinely loved. Things were moving in the right direction—and I was grateful.

Then everything changed.

After my brain surgery, I woke up to a reality I never expected—my brain had essentially forgotten I had a right side. I had to relearn how to walk, how to use my right side, how to navigate the world all over again. It was humbling, exhausting, and at times, deeply frustrating.

But healing has a way of teaching you things you never signed up for. Over time, I’ve learned to be grateful—not just for recovery, but for the perspective it gave me. I’ve become surprisingly good at left-handed tasks (silver lining!), and I continue to regain strength and function with patience and persistence.

That experience shaped how I approach life and work. It reminds me that progress isn’t always linear, and that resilience is built in the quiet, determined moments. I pray that I create something rooted in that same kind of strength and purpose for others. It’s what drives me to serve others the best I can and just “help”.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Heartwood Advisory is a financial advising firm built on clarity, integrity, and genuine connection. We specialize in helping individuals and families navigate their financial lives with confidence—whether they’re planning for retirement, managing transitions, or simply seeking peace of mind in a complex world.

What sets us apart isn’t just what we do—it’s how we do it. At Heartwood, we believe financial planning should feel personal, not transactional. We take time to understand each client’s story, values, and goals, and we tailor our strategies to reflect that. Our approach is grounded, relational, and built to adapt as life evolves.

The name Heartwood reflects our philosophy. In a tree, the heartwood is the strong, inner core that gives lasting structure and support. It’s quiet, resilient, and essential—just like a sound financial plan. That symbolism runs through everything we do.

We’re most proud of the trust our clients place in us. Our brand isn’t built on flashy promises—it’s built on consistency, care, and the kind of steady presence that helps people thrive over time. We offer comprehensive financial planning, investment guidance/management, and ongoing support—but more than that, we offer partnership.

At Heartwood Advisory, we don’t just manage wealth. We help people live with clarity, purpose, and confidence

How do you think about luck?
For much of my career, I’d say I’ve been fortunate. I’ve had great mentors, meaningful client relationships, and a clear path forward. Things felt steady, and I was grateful for that. I had momentum, and from the outside, it probably looked like good fortune.

Then came the curveball: brain surgery to remove a cancerous tumor. That was the kind of “bad luck” that stops everything. It was disorienting, exhausting, and humbling. And yet—even in that season—I saw grace.

Some people call it bad luck. I see it where my faith met fire. Tested and learning what it means to fully surrender.

With that, I’ve become unexpectedly skilled at left-handed tasks (an amusing silver lining), and I continue to heal with time. But more than that, I’ve gained clarity, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose. That experience led me to launch Heartwood Advisory—not just as a business, but as a calling.

So yes, I guess luck has played a role. But I believe every twist and turn has been touched by something greater. The good, the hard, the unexpected—it’s all part of a story I didn’t write alone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.heartwoodadvisory.com