CEO. Visionary. College Planning Expert. Founder. Coach. Podcaster. Educator. Mentor. Advocate. Public Speaker. Dave Kozak wears many hats (and often a baseball hat).

As a former college athlete and coach, Dave transformed the fire that drove him on the baseball diamond into a drive that runs five companies and helps thousands of families across the U.S. fund their children’s education. “When I started to investigate the college planning and financial aid process a decade ago, I discovered an unmet need where my expertise and ambition could help families in the most impactful way,” he says. “I believe wholeheartedly that college and retirement are intrinsically connected. And you should not have to sacrifice one for the other. This is the powerful truth from which all of my companies have grown.”

Backed by years of experience in corporate insurance and financial services, Dave founded Elite Collegiate Planning in 2014 to provide financial aid education, admissions assistance, and college funding plans. Dave went on to partner with likeminded professionals in 2018 to form Paradigm Financial Group, Inc., combining their knowledge-base and increasing their ability to meet the demand for their services. In 2020, Dave and his team acquired the nation’s premier provider of college admissions and financial aid services—the College Planning Network—expanding their reach across the U.S. and adding financial aid filing services and educational counseling.

Today, Dave is considered one of the foremost experts on college planning admissions, and the financial aid process. A sought-after speaker and engaging podcast host, Dave feels as comfortable in front of a microphone and a huge audience, as he does sitting across a small table explaining the minutia of financial aid to a wary family. “It’s been my distinct honor to help families and shine a light on a topic that is shrouded in confusion and stress,” he says.

Outside of work, Dave’s family comes first. His wife and four children continually inspire his passion for sharing knowledge and helping families achieve their dreams of higher education and financial freedom.