An Interview with Joshua D. Mellberg – Leading with Clarity and Growth

Joshua D. Mellberg is the President and CEO of Secure Investment Management, a fast-growing firm that focuses on clear, client-first financial planning. With more than two decades of experience, he has built a career on helping people create durable retirement income strategies and training advisors to do the same.

Today, Josh leads Secure Investment Management, which has carried that momentum forward with Inc. 5000 recognition in 2024 and 2025. His leadership combines technology-driven solutions with a long-standing belief in transparency and education. He has hosted financial programming on Arizona PBS and frequently speaks on the role of annuities and income strategies in retirement planning.

Josh is also a member of YPO Scottsdale, where he has been active since 2014. Away from work, he lives in Tucson, Arizona, with his wife and son. His career reflects a consistent focus: building trust, scaling businesses, and helping clients and advisors navigate financial decisions with clarity and confidence.

Interviewer: Josh, let’s start at the beginning. What drew you into financial services right after university?

Joshua D. Mellberg: I graduated from Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business, and almost immediately I earned my Life and Health licence. I was young and eager, and what struck me most was how confusing financial planning felt for the average person. I saw an opportunity to make things clearer. That was the spark that set me on this path more than 20 years ago.

Interviewer: In 2005, you founded J.D. Mellberg Financial. What was the idea behind it?

Mellberg: The idea was simple: focus on income planning and make it understandable. I started the firm with the belief that people deserved straightforward strategies they could actually follow. It began small, but within a few years, we were gaining traction nationally.

Interviewer: The firm went on to achieve seven straight appearances on the Inc. 5000 list. What made that growth possible?

Mellberg: Two things: a commitment to client-first thinking and a team culture that valued learning. Growth came from focusing on the basics—serving clients well, training advisors thoroughly, and not cutting corners. I remember one year when our revenue doubled because we’d invested heavily in advisor education. That told me that when you equip people properly, the business follows.

Interviewer: You later sold a majority stake in the company in 2020. What was that experience like?

Mellberg: It was a milestone. For me, it wasn’t about walking away—it was about sustainability. Selling a majority stake allowed the firm to keep growing beyond me as an individual. It showed that what we’d built was solid enough to stand on its own.

Interviewer: After that, you launched Secure Investment Management. How is this chapter different?

Mellberg: Secure Investment Management takes everything I’ve learnt and applies it with a technology-driven approach. The goal remains the same: clarity and client-first planning. But today we’re integrating more tools and data to serve both clients and advisors better. It’s exciting to see how technology can enhance what we do without losing the human element.

Interviewer: The firm has also landed on the Inc. 5000 in 2024 and 2025. What does that recognition mean to you?

Mellberg: It’s validation that the model works. Awards don’t define success, but they reflect momentum. Seeing Secure Investment Management carry that same growth pattern forward has been rewarding because it shows continuity in values and performance

Interviewer: You’ve also been a strong advocate for consumer education. Why is that so important to you?

Mellberg: Because knowledge is power. I’ve hosted programmes on Arizona PBS and spoken often about annuities and income planning. The reason is simple: too many people feel intimidated by financial terms. When you strip away the jargon, you give people confidence. I’ve always believed that education builds trust, and trust is the foundation of this business.

Interviewer: Beyond business, you’re a member of YPO Scottsdale. How has that community shaped your perspective?

Mellberg: YPO has been invaluable. It’s a group of leaders from all kinds of industries, and being part of that circle since 2014 has broadened my thinking. You learn from how others lead, how they handle challenges, and how they balance business with personal life. It’s a reminder that leadership is not about titles, but about continuous growth.

Interviewer: Looking back, what moment stands out most in your career?

Mellberg: Honestly, it was the first time J.D. Mellberg Financial appeared on the Inc. 5000 list. I’d been grinding for years, and that recognition told me we were on the right path. It was less about the ranking and more about seeing the team’s hard work acknowledged.

Interviewer: And what continues to drive you today?

Mellberg: Curiosity and responsibility. I’m curious about how we can keep improving—whether through technology, training, or process. And I feel a responsibility to clients, advisors, and my team. At the end of the day, leadership is about making sure people can rely on you, especially when things get complex.