By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Derived from an episode of Get on The Ark.

Imagine watching the market tumble and realizing the retirement nest egg you’ve built could evaporate overnight. That looming fear drives many hardworking families to seek a financial lifeline that goes beyond conventional investments.

From Personal Loss to Professional Purpose

Joseph Lombardi, founder and CEO of Ironhawk Financial, recounts a pivotal moment that reshaped his outlook. Raised Catholic with Irish and Italian roots, Lombardi says his deep relationship with Jesus solidified in March 2024, after his mother’s death in 2009 left him grappling with trauma. “When you put Him in your heart, it solves a lot of the childhood trauma,” he explains, noting how faith helped him overcome an addictive personality and a relentless search for meaning.

His early career began at 19, when a Northwestern Mutual executive left a $1,000 tip and offered him a job on the spot. Lombardi chose to focus on “blue‑collar business owners,” a decision inspired by his father, who lacked essential insurance. “He was worth over $10 million and had no disability, long‑term care, or permanent life insurance,” Lombardi said, highlighting the financial vulnerability that can follow even substantial wealth.

Why Traditional Retirement Tools Miss the Mark

Lombardi argues that standard retirement vehicles—IRAs, 401(k)s, and simple pension plans—are inadequate for protecting families against tax erosion and market volatility. He points to the Dodd‑Frank Act of 2010, which, according to him, allows the government to seize assets held in investment accounts. “Rich people put their money in insurance companies because the government can’t touch those funds,” he asserts.

Instead, Lombardi promotes “infinite banking” through permanent life insurance policies governed by IRS code section 7702. These policies, he says, act as personal banks that can be leveraged without incurring taxes. Using Elon Musk as an example, he illustrates how a billionaire could finance a $100 million SpaceX purchase by borrowing against his own stock, paying zero taxes while the underlying assets continue to appreciate.

Putting Faith Into Financial Planning

For Lombardi, financial stewardship is inseparable from Christian values. He emphasizes honesty, hard work, and community, noting that “we don’t like big government” and prefer self‑governance. This philosophy informs Ironhawk’s client base, which he says includes over 4,000 individuals with more than $4 billion in assets under protection.

He also stresses the importance of legacy planning. A recent client, a 67‑year‑old with an $8 million portfolio, lacked a distribution strategy. Lombardi’s solution involved pairing each spouse with an Indexed Universal Life (IUL) policy to protect against long‑term care costs, ensure a tax‑free death benefit, and hedge against inflation. “You get each IUL, protect each other, then it allows you to cover inflation,” he explained.

Community, Collaboration, and the Future of Wealth

Lombardi describes his network as a modern “X‑Men” team, where each member brings a unique super‑power—whether it’s health expertise, modern medicine insights, or niche financial knowledge. He is currently drafting a fourth book, titled “Seven Plus Seven Equals Twenty,” which explores how complementary strengths can create exponential value.

Beyond the numbers, Lombardi’s narrative underscores a broader cultural shift: a growing segment of Americans is seeking financial solutions that align with their faith and desire for independence from governmental overreach. By integrating insurance‑based banking, tax‑efficient strategies, and a values‑driven ethos, Ironhawk aims to provide a roadmap for families who want to safeguard their legacy while honoring their spiritual convictions.

In a climate of economic uncertainty and political change, Lombardi’s approach offers a compelling blend of practical finance and principled living, suggesting that true wealth may be measured not just in dollars, but in the security and freedom it affords future generations.

The full episode of Get on The Ark is available on OBBM Network TV.