The Diamond Podcast for Financial Advisors

With Trent Leyda, Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer and Kay Campione, Executive Director and Senior Portfolio Manager at SpirePoint Private Client Overview Trent Leyda and Kay Campione offer a unique perspective on their time at Morgan Stanley, how it had come to diverge from their vision of building a family office they would entrust with their own families’ wealth, and how they are better equipped to realize that vision as an independent firm. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… This episode features a few plot twists that differentiate it from the typical wirehouse breakaway story. For instance, one advisor who spent a dozen years with the CIA before starting a career in wealth management. The balance of the story is one that’s far less covert, but just as compelling. Trent Leyda was at Morgan Stanley when he met Kay Campione, a former CIA field intelligence officer turned Merrill advisor. She later left Merrill for Morgan and, with Trent, built a business managing some $1.4B in assets. They had a strong focus on managing family wealth, which often left them wondering if the firm they worked for was the firm they’d want to manage their own family’s wealth and legacy. It was thoughts like these that inspired Trent to say, “Let’s put a Plan B together, just in case.” That plan, which revolved around building an independent firm, was later put into action. And in October 2023, Trent, Kay, and three other team members left to launch the RIA firm SpirePoint Private Client. In this episode with Louis Diamond, Trent and Kay talk about their transition, including: Their goals in building a family office—and why they felt they could only achieve them in independence. Building an RIA firm—and the role tru Independence played in the process. Choosing custodians—and why both Schwab and Goldman Sachs were the right partners. The tangible benefits of independence—and how that translated into a firm they would trust to manage their families’ wealth and future. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources The 2025 Annual Report on Transitions and Deals for Financial Advisors – 2024 Activity Data Data-driven insights and analysis on advisor transitions, deals, and the evolving wealth management industry landscape. The Competition Conundrum: Charge Less or Offer More? Clients have more choices than ever before. Here are 5 ways to stand out from the crowd. How Badly Do You Want It? A Process to Help Assess Whether Change is “Worth It” — A Special Industry Update In looking for “better ways” to foster growth and solve for other long-term goals, advisors need to weigh the value of pain vs. gain when it comes to a transition. In this special episode, Mindy and Louis Diamond share a process for answering the seminal question: Is change really worth it? Kay Campione, CFP® Executive Director Senior Portfolio Manager Prior to co-founding SpirePoint Private Client, I was an advisor with The Leyda Group at Morgan Stanley from 2017 to 2023 and have been in the financial services industry for 17 years. From 1999 to 2011, I worked as a case officer for the Central Intelligence Agency. My role as a field intelligence officer helped me develop a knowledge of international markets and economies as well as an understanding of what drives human behavior. My husband, Paul, and I served four tours overseas, including Korea, Nigeria, Kenya and Indonesia. In 2014, I received the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation*. I earned an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Northwestern University. I take great pride in our team being recognized as a Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Team in 2023. As a first-generation immigrant, I am an unapologetic patriot and a lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs. My husband and I are blessed parents of two sons and one daughter. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, cooking (and eating) and spending time with my family and close friends.   Trent Leyda Managing Director Chief Investment Officer Prior to co-founding SpirePoint Private Client, I led The Leyda Group at Morgan Stanley from 2009 to 2023. I started my career in New York City in 1995 working for a family wealth office, eventually becoming head of investments. After moving to Vero Beach in 2001, I have focused on building a team to become a high-performance family wealth office. SpirePoint is the result of decades of experience and commitment to achieving this objective. I am honored to have received recognition as a Top 1200 Barron’s Advisor and Top Forbes A

With Mindy Diamond & Jason Diamond Overview A download on M&A for the advisor who has an interest in building a business designed to be an attractive prospect for sale at maximum enterprise value. Identifies options to consider, the risks, and potential rewards. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… Mergers and acquisitions in the wealth management industry continue to break records and dominate the headlines, particularly those at the “enterprise-level”—like LPL’s acquisition of Commonwealth. While that transaction rocked the world at Commonwealth, many advisors have a more “personal” interest in M&A. Specifically, they’re thinking more about their own business and maximizing enterprise value so that one day they can sell it on the open market. We’re often asked about the concept of M&A, especially by advisors who work in the wirehouses or are building their practices at other employee-model firms. They’re often attracted to the potential of building an independent business that they can monetize at the end of the day, but they are unclear on what it takes to get from A to B and beyond. And they’re wondering, “If I build it, will they buy it?” In this episode, Mindy Diamond and Jason Diamond explore the answer to that question and more, including: Evaluating the options available in the industry landscape—and how to determine which can best support the prospect of M&A. The realities of business valuation—and what you need to know to build for maximum enterprise value. Buyers and sellers—and how to determine “who” might be the best partner. Selling equity—and recognizing the upsides and downsides. The “right” next step—and what alternatives make more sense for those not ready to launch and sell an independent business. It’s a download on M&A for the advisor or recent independent business owner who wants to better understand their options for building a practice well-poised for growth and sale potential. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Advisor Transitions: Is the Risk Worth the Reward? 5 criteria for advisors to consider when weighing the risk vs. the reward in a move. The Annual Update on Advisor Transitions and Deals: 2024 Edition In this companion guide to the annual Advisor Transition Report, Jason Diamond and Louis Diamond share key findings and post-publication insights from the annual state of the industry, with updates on advisor movement, transition deals, and more. The 2025 Annual Report on Transitions and Deals for Financial Advisors – 2024 Activity Data Data-driven insights and analysis on advisor transitions, deals, and the evolving wealth management industry landscape. Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites

With Shaun Hauser – Founder & CEO, Wellington-Altus Private Wealth Inc. Overview Shaun Hauser offers a unique perspective on how our northern neighbors perceive the wealth management industry, drawing comparisons to practices and firms in the US, and providing insights into creating an independent firm that has achieved extraordinary growth. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… This marks a first for our podcast series. Our content focus has traditionally been on the wealth management industry in the US. However, in this episode, we’re heading across our northern border to gain a first-hand view of building a wealth management business in Canada. For perspective, Statista reported that in 2024, assets under management by Canada’s wealth management firms exceeded a staggering 1.95 trillion US dollars. That’s nearly equal to the country’s annual GDP of 2.1 trillion US dollars. To learn more about the industry, the similarities to the US, and the differences, we asked the Founder and CEO of one of the most successful independent Canadian firms, $35B+ Wellington-Altus Private Wealth, to join us. Shaun Hauser built a career as an investment advisor in Winnipeg before founding Wellington-Altus in 2017. With a knack for focusing on the long term, he was ultimately motivated to launch the independent firm and later take on a private equity partner. In this episode with Louis Diamond, Shaun does a deep dive into his firm and the Canadian wealth management space, including: The Canadian financial advisory industry—and how it compares to the US, including the opportunities and challenges. Being at the epicenter of the nascent Canadian breakaway movement—and how Wellington-Altus became the hottest firm in Canada in less than 10 years. Building an independent firm—and the decision to take on a private equity partner. Differentiating in the Canadian market—and what Wellington-Altus does to stand apart. The value of scaling an idea—and how Canadians learn from US trends. It’s a conversation that offers a fresh perspective on how our northern neighbors view the wealth management industry, with valuable takeaways for advisors and business owners alike. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources The 2025 Annual Report on Transitions and Deals for Financial Advisors – 2024 Activity Data Data-driven insights and analysis on advisor transitions, deals, and the evolving wealth management industry landscape. Top Tips for Setting Your Business Up for Success Years Before a Move: An Industry Update A breakdown of the steps advisors can take to prepare for change and enhance business processes, equally effective for those at the curiosity stage or even deep into due diligence, and whether you ultimately make a move or not. Finding the Shortest Path to Excellence Can Be a Game Changer for Advisors Doing everything you can to deliver better service, drive growth, and achieve your goals faster can result in extraordinary benefits. Shaun Hauser Founder & CEO, Wellington-Altus Financial Inc. Senior Wealth Advisor, Wellington-Altus Private Wealth Inc. A successful Investment Advisor in Winnipeg, Shaun has worked in the field since 1998. He has extensive experience in the management and organization of departments and companies in the wealth management industry. Shaun also worked for Wellington West, where he managed operations and sales for the asset management subsidiary. Recently, Shaun served on the executive committee of NBF Wealth Management, where he was VP of Advisor Strategy and Support. Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites

With Glenn Israel, CEO & Founder, GFI Wealth Partners Overview Glenn Israel reached a point where he recognized that, as an employee, he was limited in his ability to serve clients and grow his business. So he left Edward Jones to launch GFI Wealth Partners and shares what he learned in the transition process, what he can do differently in independence, and more. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… Realizing that you, the advisor, are responsible for every aspect of your business often marks a turning point in many careers. Ultimately, you’re the one who drives the bus and makes the decisions—such as how clients are served, when to hire staff, and what products and services to offer. That is, unless you are limited to what the firm or model dictates—then the biggest decision you need to make is whether the firm you work for allows you to build and grow your business without limitation. For Glenn Israel, the reality that “the buck stops here” motivated him to leave the practice he built at Edward Jones and make the leap to independence. Glenn’s career is much like other breakaway advisors: He began his journey at Merrill and later moved on to Edward Jones, where he built the business to $215mm. It was 13 years in at Edward Jones that Glenn decided it was time to make a change—and that the buck didn’t just stop with him, it started with him. So he made the leap to independence in July of 2022, launching GFI Wealth Partners under the Raymond James umbrella. In this episode, Glenn talks about his journey with Jason Diamond, including: The progression from Merrill to Edward Jones—and why he ultimately chose to leave for independence. The process of transitioning from Edward Jones to independence—and what lessons he learned from due diligence through launch. The value of being an independent business owner—and what he can do differently in independence. “The mirror test”—and how asking himself a few critical questions drove his decision-making process. Plus, Glenn shares how, in independence, he is no longer limited by what he describes as “confinement”—and much more. It’s an equally relatable story for advisors considering change and independent business owners. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Diamond Consultants Advisor Transition Report 2024 – Focus on Edward Jones This “firm-focused report” seeks to look under the hood at movement to and from Edward Jones from January to June of 2024. Post-Transition Survey: Checking in on Former Edward Jones Advisors Who Recently Moved Unfiltered, fresh, candid, and honest feedback straight from your Edward Jones peers who transitioned to another firm or model within the past 18 months. Should I Stay or Should I Go? An Advisor’s Guide to Thinking Through Their Biggest Decision Jason Diamond turns the tables on Mindy who offers a first-hand glimpse into her book, Should I Stay or Should I Go?, created specifically for financial advisors who are looking to optimize their businesses or thinking through the biggest decision of their lives. Glenn Israel, CFP® CEO, Founder With more than twenty years of experience in financial planning and investment management, Glenn Israel has the accumulated knowledge and perspective to help you with your financial goals. Glenn understands the dynamics of wealth, how to balance the complex forces at work and how to adapt intelligently as conditions change. As your life and your needs as an investor evolve, so will your vision for the future and risk tolerance. Glenn will be with you every step of the way offering sound advice and customized financial solutions designed specifically for you. Glenn endeavors to create long-term, meaningful relationships with a select group of clients and provide them with personalized financial planning advice using some of the industry’s most comprehensive resources. His investment process takes into account your investing experience, your expectations for returns, your tolerance for risk, and the performance of your portfolio. Based on what he learns about you and your goals and an analysis of the current financial markets, Glenn designs a customized investment portfolio based on recommendations made solely with your best interest in mind. He then takes the time to explain his recommendations and once you are comfortable with your new plan, Glenn puts it into action and reviews its performance for opportunities to adapt to life changes and new goals. Glenn began his career in financial services in 2002 and previously spent thirteen years with Edward Jones. Today, Glenn provides comp

With Michael Kitces, Industry Thought Leader from Kitces.com Overview The industry thought leader shares insights on the factors that impact efficiency and growth, citing research from his latest Productivity study, and weighs in on launching a firm, building a team, the role of technology and AI, and much more. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… Few individuals in the wealth management industry have a name that holds as much significance as Michael Kitces. Many undoubtedly recognize him from his website, Kitces.com, his industry-leading Financial Advisor Success podcast, research reports, and his extensive media presence. Yet many may not realize that Michael’s advice and narratives come from deep-rooted industry experience. Michael serves as the Head of Planning Strategy at Buckingham Wealth Partners, an independent RIA managing over $50 billion in assets. Additionally, he is a co-founder of XY Planning Network, AdvicePay, New Planner Recruiting, and several other firms related to the industry. Through all of this, Michael somehow finds the time to be a gracious guest, willing to share his time and knowledge with the rest of us. This is the fourth time that Michael has joined us on this show, so be sure to check out the other episodes, the links to which you’ll find on this episode’s page. Today, we tackle a few key business topics that many advisors frequently seek guidance on. That is, growth and productivity—and how the two go hand-in-hand when building a successful wealth management business. Michael shares actionable advice and insights from his recent Productivity Study with Mindy Diamond, including: The key drivers of productivity—and how each relates to an advisor or firm’s success. The sweet spot of growth and efficiency—and how best to strike a balance. Launching a firm from scratch—and what you need to know to structure it for maximum efficiency and client impact. The AI revolution—and how he sees it impacting advisors and the wealth management industry. The role of staff and team members—and what needs to be considered to maximize productivity. Industry predictions—and which you should pay the most attention to. And much more! Michael always shares a wealth of knowledge with key takeaways for every advisor and business owner, so be sure to tune in. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Michael Kitces on Advisor Wellbeing: How Autonomy is Trumping Income When it Comes to Advisor Happiness Listen in for an insightful and revealing look into advisors’ minds and what really makes them happy, based on data from the latest Kitces survey. Learn the motivations and drivers that lead not only to success but to a better quality of life. Michael Kitces on Everything Financial Advisors Need to Know About Growth Industry rockstar Michael Kitces shares his thoughts on building a thriving practice, why scale isn’t everything, marketing, organic and inorganic growth strategies and much more. It’s a must-listen for every financial advisor and business owner. Michael Kitces on How to Differentiate and Grow in a Competitive Environment One of wealth management’s leading voices shares his thoughts on the fundamental shifts in the industry, the leveling of the playing field and what advisors need to do to compete and thrive. Michael E. Kitces Industry Thought Leader from Kitces.com Michael E. Kitces, MSFS, MTAX, CFP®, CLU, ChFC, RHU, REBC, CASL, is the Head of Planning Strategy at Buckingham Wealth Partners, an independent RIA with more than $50 billion of assets under management, that provides private wealth management to consumers and turnkey asset management platform services to advisors. In addition, he is a co-founder of the XY Planning Network, AdvicePay, New Planner Recruiting, fpPathfinder, and FA BeanCounters, the former Practitioner Editor of the Journal of Financial Planning, the host of the Financial Advisor Success podcast, and the publisher of the popular financial planning continuing education blog Nerd’s Eye View through his website www.Kitces.com, all dedicated to advancing knowledge in financial planning. Beyond his website, Michael is an active writer and editor across the industry and has been featured in publications including Financial Planning, the Journal of Financial Planning, Journal of Retirement Planning, Practical Tax Strategies, and Leimberg Information Services, as well as The Wall Street Journal, BusinessWeek, CNBC PowerLunch, NBC Nightly News, and more. In addition, Michael has co-authored numerous books, including “The Annuity Advisor” with John Olsen (no

With Steven Jarvis—CEO and Head CPA Retirement Tax Services Overview Steven Jarvis, the founder and CEO of Retirement Tax Services, offers advice on how a CPA can help increase the growth and enterprise value of an advisor’s business by providing tax planning strategies and more. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) can add incredible value to the service that financial advisors provide to their clients. Beyond basic accounting practices, they can serve as powerful partners, especially when it comes to tax planning strategies, which can lead to added growth for an advisor’s business. In this episode, Steven Jarvis, who bills himself as “The Least Boring CPA,” explores that potential with us. The Jarvis name may be familiar: Matthew Jarvis, Steven’s brother and business partner, who was also a guest on this show, is a popular podcast host and CFP. In the first decade of his accounting career, Steven was on the partnership trajectory at a national firm. That’s when he realized that his work was often relegated to a single page inserted into a much larger report—and it didn’t have nearly the impact he had hoped for. As Steven put it, “There was a disconnect between my ability to make change and my desire to do so.” Since then, Steven has found the connection he was looking for. As the founder and CEO of Retirement Tax Services, he works with financial advisors on tax planning through a year-round tax service model that keeps the financial advisor in the driver’s seat. What does that really mean? In this episode with Louis Diamond, Steven answers that and more, including: His partnerships with advisors—and how his role goes beyond the basics of accounting services. Strategic tax planning—and how that differs from tax preparation. Compliance management—and why it’s critical to develop a plan to stay within the lines. The impact on growth—and how a CPA can help advisors increase their enterprise value. Essentially, Steven covers all the bases around taxes so advisors can focus on delivering what he calls “massive value” to their clients. Steven lives up to his title as “The Least Boring CPA” and is generous with sharing his knowledge, so be sure to tune in. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources How to Deliver Massive Value: Turning the Tables on The Perfect RIA’s Matthew Jarvis Matthew Jarvis rose from near bankruptcy to running a profitable independent financial advisory practice. He shares his story plus key teachings on extreme accountability, delivering massive value to clients, and more. The Competition Conundrum: Charge Less or Offer More? Clients have more choices than ever before. Here are 5 ways to stand out from the crowd. MaxCeV™: How to Maximize Your Career Enterprise Value This tool breaks down four key factors that contribute to career enterprise value, offering a framework for advisors to conceptualize and achieve their full potential. It’s an essential part of Diamond Consultants’ due diligence process to guide advisors towards long-term success. Steven Jarvis, CPA CEO and Head CPA Steven Jarvis, CPA is the CEO and Head CPA at Retirement Tax Services, a tax firm focused on working with financial advisors to change the world one tax return at a time. In this role Jarvis spends his time working with real financial advisors and taxpayers to help find opportunities to not tip the IRS. Afterall, there are no patriotic awards for overpaying taxes. With over 10 years of experience (and counting) as a CPA, Jarvis has the hands-on experience to create actionable content for his audience. He has been featured in industry publications including Advisor Perspectives and regularly produces content for financial advisors through the Retirement Tax Services website and the Retirement Tax Services Podcast. His experience covers written content, public speaking at leading industry conferences and 3 years as an adjunct professor in the graduate business school at Whitworth University. “Steven regularly speaks on a variety of tax topics for financial planners but always keeps his focus on how attendees can take action (information only has value if it is implemented!). Some of Steven’s favorite topics to cover include: Common mistakes advisors make on tax planning and how to fix them The real math on Roth conversions and how to effectively communicate them with clients Collaborating with CPAs and building great COI relationships Incorporating tax planning into the a financial planning practice NEW – Secure Act 2.0 and what to do about it for tax plann

With Louis Diamond Overview LPL Financial, the largest independent broker dealer, is set to acquire Commonwealth Financial Network. Louis Diamond shares a perspective for Commonwealth advisors and LPL advisors alike and what the acquisition means for the industry at large. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… LPL Financial, the largest independent broker dealer, is set to acquire Commonwealth Financial Network—and it’s big news. Commonwealth has established a reputation as one of the most advisor-friendly independent broker-dealers in the industry. The firm is well-known for its strong culture, impressive technology, and advisor-centric focus. On the other hand, LPL is a $1.8T organization dedicated to the legacy on which the firm is built, as CEO Rich Steinmeier recently shared in this series. That is, the advisors are LPL’s clients, and it maintains the tradition of treating advisors “like people, not accounts.” In this episode, Louis Diamond shares insights for advisors at Commonwealth, LPL, and the broader industry, including: The strategic rationale for LPL—and why this makes good sense for their business goals. The blending of two cultures—and how the boutique feel of Commonwealth may be impacted. The value of scale—and how LPL’s infrastructure invest may benefit Commonwealth advisors. The prospect of a retention deal for Commonwealth advisors—and how they should consider their future. The acceleration of consolidation—and what this means for other independent broker dealers and the industry at large. Plus, Louis offers three questions advisors should ask themselves when they find their firm is being acquired. It’s an important perspective for all advisors—one that offers actionable advice, especially for those who are building their businesses in the independent broker dealer world. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Your Broker Dealer Was Just Sold. What Should You Do? Major players are acquiring independent broker dealers with increased frequency, leaving advisors caught up in these sales to wonder what the impact will be on their business. Here are four actions to take to find out. The 2025 Annual Report on Transitions and Deals for Financial Advisors – 2024 Activity Data Data-driven insights and analysis on advisor transitions, deals, and the evolving wealth management industry landscape. Up Close with Rich Steinmeier: LPL’s CEO on the Transformation of a $1.8T Company Rich Steinmeier offers a candid perspective of LPL’s journey and how the founding core principles remain a pillar of the business today, even as evolutionary changes have made it one of the hottest firms in the industry. Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites

With Scott Pinkerton – Senior Planner & Managing Partner, FourThought Private Wealth Overview Scott Pinkerton of FourThought Private Wealth offers a perspective on outgrowing the independent broker dealer model, transitioning to an independent RIA, and the extraordinary growth realized as a result of the change. Scott unpacks the difference between the models, shares why he opted to sell equity to Focus Financial, and more. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… Independence comes in various shapes and sizes—with different levels of freedom and control that can serve just about any desire an advisor may have in building their business. Scott Pinkerton knew that firsthand, having joined his father’s business in the 1980s at A.G. Edwards. Wachovia’s acquisition of the firm, which soon became Wells Fargo, opened the door for Pinkerton Private Wealth to join Wells’ independent broker dealer model, Finet. For decades, the IBD model worked well for Scott and his team, building the business to over $700mm in assets under management. Yet there came a point when Scott wondered: “Should we coast along and just stay comfortable, or should we challenge ourselves to beat the trends and go for it?” Then, it became clear that even though they were “independent,” they were still limited by the guardrails imposed by the IBD model. To be a true fiduciary and make untethered decisions about their business and how they served clients would mean taking the ultimate leap: launching their own independent RIA. And so they did. In 2020, FourThought Private Wealth launched and five years later grew to manage over $1.7B in client assets. In this episode with host Mindy Diamond, Scott talks about that journey and his transition, including: The choice to leave Wells and launch an RIA firm—and how that decision has impacted their business. Life in the independent broker dealer model—and what promoted them to consider full-on independence. Their extraordinary growth—and what key factors drive it. Selling equity to Focus Financial Partners—and why they saw this as the right move at the right time. Plus, Scott offers a detailed perspective on serving clients, their ability to provide “unique” family office services, the realities of business ownership, and much more. It’s an episode for any advisor or business owner who may be looking at their business and considering how best to optimize it for now and the future. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources You ARE Vulnerable: A Reality Check for All Wirehouse Advisors There is a new reality for advisors who work for a wirehouse: An undercurrent of vulnerability. Are You Vulnerable? An Advisor’s Guide to Surviving and Thriving in a Hyper-Compliant Environment In a world managed to the lowest common denominator and driven by heavy-handed compliance, every employee advisor is vulnerable. In this episode, Mindy and Louis break it all down, share warning signs all advisors should pay attention to and proactive steps an advisor can take to protect themselves. Vulnerability & Termination – An Advisor’s Survival Guide A list of steps to take if you feel vulnerable, are under investigation or heightened supervision or have been terminated. Scott Pinkerton Senior Planner, Managing Partner Scott is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and Accredited Investment Fiduciary® who began his career in financial planning in 1985. He also completed the Certified Investment Management Analyst® program through the Wharton School of Finance. He later became a Certified Private Wealth Advisor® through the Investments & Wealth Institute at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. CPWA® is an advanced credential for wealth managers who work with high-net-worth families and individuals, focusing on the life cycle of wealth: accumulation, preservation, and distribution. Most recently, in 2023, Scott was named to the Barron’s Top 1200 Advisors and Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors. Scott is a longtime philanthropist, a deacon in his church, and an avid cyclist. He and his wife of more than 30 years, Julie, have three grown daughters and four grandchildren: 2 granddaughters and 2 grandsons. Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites   Browse other episodes in this podcast series…

With Jason Diamond & Louis Diamond Overview In this companion guide to the annual Advisor Transition Report, Jason Diamond and Louis Diamond share key findings and post-publication insights from the annual state of the industry, with updates on advisor movement, transition deals, and more. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… Why do advisors change firms? That simple question set us on a journey that began four years ago when we first conceived our Advisor Transition Report. The cynical view is that advisors move primarily because they get paid highly lucrative recruiting deals—and with firms willing to pay aggressive multiples of revenue to recruit advisors, that explanation certainly holds some weight. But what about the advisors who opted for a version of independence where transition capital is less available or even non-existent? Or the advisors who approach due diligence with complete disregard for recruiting deals, preferring to evaluate each firm on their own merits because their only focus is how to make life better for their clients? It stands to reason that dollars alone are not a sufficient explanation for advisor movement, and certainly not to the high degree we have seen movement in recent years. That’s why we publish our annual Advisor Transition Report: to connect the dots between the raw movement data and the answers to the overarching question of “Why?” The goal is to arm advisors with the information they need to make an informed decision—even those who have no intention of making a move but simply want to be empowered with knowledge. In this special Industry Update, Jason Diamond and Louis Diamond share key findings and post-publication insights, including: Advisor movement—and which firms were the winners of top talent. Channel activity—and which channels were most attractive to advisors. Competitive recruiting—and how each of the wirehouses compared in the race for talent. Transition deals—and where they’re headed. Advisor mindset—and how that influences change. Key indicators and trends—and how activity over 2024 is influencing 2025. Plus, select case studies from some of the year’s prominent transitions…and much more. It’s the annual episode that serves as a companion to the report, with key highlights and insider information. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. [separator] Related Resources The 2025 Annual Report on Transitions and Deals for Financial Advisors – 2024 Activity Data Data-driven insights and analysis on advisor transitions, deals, and the evolving wealth management industry landscape. Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites   Browse other episodes in this podcast series…

A Special Industry Update with Louis Diamond & Jamie Campbell Overview A special episode designed for firms with their sights set on enhancing recruiting efforts and advisors looking to attract new team members, offering the steps to craft an effective Employer Value Proposition (EVP), with examples on usage and potential impact on hiring success and retention. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… It should come as no surprise that competition for top talent has become tougher than ever. This means that companies must excel at attracting, hiring, and retaining team members. So where do you start? Studies indicate that communicating and demonstrating a clear Employer Value Proposition or EVP is one of the most important factors in attracting and retaining talent. For example, a study by CareerArc found that 69% of candidates would decline a job offer from a company with a negative employer brand—even if they were unemployed. A Gallup poll indicated that employees who understand and connect with their company’s mission and values are 67% more engaged. A Gartner study found that approximately 65% of candidates reported withdrawing from a hiring process because of an unattractive EVP. Likewise, a well-defined EVP can increase new hire commitment by up to 29% and potentially reduce annual employee turnover by nearly 70%. So, what exactly is an Employer Value Proposition and how can you create one that’s compelling as well as something your firm can live up to? Jamie Campbell from our new Executive Search Group joins Louis Diamond in this special Industry Update to break it all down, including: The key ingredients of an EVP—and how each resonate with prospective talent. The importance of a well-crafted EVP—and how to ensure its tenants are embedded into your culture. Aligning your EVP with your corporate vision and strategy—and what firms do this best. The value of retention—and how it’s impacted by your EVP. Communicating your EVP—and what you can do to expand your messaging reach. It’s an episode that offers immediate action items for firms with their sights set on enhancing their recruiting efforts and advisors looking to attract and retain new team members. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. [callout new_tab=”yes” animation=”bottom-to-top” title=”Start Quiz” icon=”icon-comments” link=”https://diamond-consultants.typeform.com/to/NkM5gb89″]Is Your Firm Ready to Attract and Secure Top Talent? Take this quick quiz to evaluate your executive search preparedness.[/callout] Related Resources About Our Executive Search Group A dedicated partner to help you find the right talent for your growth. Our 7-Step-Process Our retained executive search platform is based on three decades of experience, expertise, and extensive reach—and a unique 7-step proprietary methodology. Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites   Browse other episodes in this podcast series…

With Rich Steinmeier – CEO, LPL Financial Overview Rich Steinmeier offers a candid perspective of LPL’s journey and how the founding core principles remain a pillar of the business today, even as evolutionary changes have made it one of the hottest firms in the industry. Watch… [video_embed embed_style=”default” url=”https://youtu.be/3W8BqPB1PIU” border=”0″ width=”100%” animation=”left-to-right” animation_delay=”2″ class=””] Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… LPL Financial is a classic example of a “legacy firm”—built over time on a solid and enduring foundation. While many may view long-standing firms as immutable and resistant to change, LPL’s new CEO, Rich Steinmeier, is proving that’s a misconception. LPL shows that enduring legacies built to last are those established on a solid foundation of the past while continuously evolving and transforming to become better and stronger for the future. LPL was born in 1989 from the merger of two small brokerage firms, Linsco and Private Ledger, and was designed as an alternative to traditional Wall Street firms. The founders’ vision centered on helping financial professionals build competitive businesses while serving their clients’ best interests. Yet, as Rich puts it, LPL’s foundational legacy is in how it views its advisors: They are LPL’s clients, and the tradition of treating advisors like “people, not accounts,” remains today. Since Rich rose to the rank of CEO in October 2024, his role has been to advance LPL value propositions, such as taking care of advisors and institutions so they can take care of clients. In this candid conversation with Louis Diamond, Rich shares a behind-the-scenes perspective of the firm, including: Raising to the ranks of CEO—and his vision for LPL now and in the future. A look back at the legacy—and how the foundational tenets are informing their direction and goals. Continually raising the service level bar—and why “finding more ways for advisors to win” is such an important concept. The variety of ways for advisors to affiliate with the firm—and how that’s transforming the way advisors consider independence. The succession crisis—and how LPL sees an opportunity for advisors and their businesses. Their path to becoming a $1.8T firm—and what’s driving their growth. It’s a rare, candid conversation with the CEO of one of the hottest wealth management firms in the industry. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources The Succession Conundrum: How Advisors Can Balance Legacy and Liquidity Multigenerational teams have several options for monetizing and transitioning the book from one generation to the next. So, how do they decide what’s best? Satisfying an Advisor’s Quest for Independence as an Employee For many advisors, independence is just a bridge too far—but greater autonomy and control are often closer than they realize. Succession and Liquidity: Key Considerations and Options for Founders and Next Gens Succession and monetization are hot topics for advisors in every model. LPL Financial’s Liquidity and Succession program representatives discuss what advisors, independent business owners, and next gens need to consider as they grow their businesses and explore long-term and short-term options, plus best practices to prepare for a transition and maximize business value. Rich Steinmeier Chief Executive Officer Before becoming CEO in 2024, Mr. Steinmeier served as LPL Financial’s Chief Growth Officer, where he led teams responsible for shaping the LPL corporate and business line strategy, recruiting new financial advisors and institutions to LPL, leading the field management of LPL employee advisors, creating and deploying capital solutions to LPL clients, and leading the marketing and communications functions. Prior to joining LPL Financial, Mr. Steinmeier had senior leadership roles at UBS Financial and Merrill Lynch as well as working as a consultant for McKinsey & Company. Rich earned a B.S. in economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and an M.B.A. from Stanford University as an Arjay Miller Scholar. Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites   Browse other episodes in this podcast series…

With Gideon Drucker – President and CEO, Drucker Wealth Management Overview Gideon Drucker shares a multi-generational growth story, evolving from the insurance world, to independent broker dealer HTK, and most recently, to fully independent as an RIA. Now CEO, Gideon shares insights on his own evolution from next gen to leader, the advantages of independence, and their transition. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… Many multi-generational wealth management businesses evolve from one generation to the next, with each generation making its mark and helping to drive the firm to the next higher level. In this case, Bernie Drucker started in the life insurance world in 1959, building a practice helping families find financial independence. Bernie’s son, Lance, joined him in 1985, integrating investment management into their services. The third generation of Druckers, Gideon, came on board in 2016 after serving as a paratrooper in the Israeli military. Gideon learned the insurance and wealth management business from the ground up, working alongside his father and extending the legacy born two generations earlier. Drucker Wealth thrived for over 38 years with independent broker dealer Hornor, Townsend & Kent (also known as HTK), where they were the largest advisory team for 18 straight years, managing over $700mm in assets for their clients. But just as Lance had helped take the business to the next level when he joined his father, Gideon set his sights on creating what he calls “Drucker Wealth 3.0”. it was with that goal in mind that the team left the IBD world to become a stand-alone independent RIA firm. Gideon now serves as the President and CEO of Drucker Wealth Management and talks with Mindy Diamond about the firm’s evolution, as well as his own, including: The growth from one generation to the next—and how that motivated them through change. Signs they were outgrowing the broker dealer model—and what inspired them to explore their options. Their transition from HTK and the broker dealer world—and what advantages they gained as an RIA firm. Growing up in the business—and how his story can offer learnings for senior advisors and next gen alike. The transition from next gen to leader—and how Gideon needed to adapt and grow. Plus, Gideon offers a candid insider’s perspective just one year in—and describes what he sees as the next phase of evolution for the business. It’s an episode that offers value to those considering how to create continuity and a legacy, as well as serves as a growth blueprint for any next gen or senior advisor. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources From Insurance Sales to $8B RIA: A Northwestern Mutual Breakaway Story Andy Schwartz went from selling insurance at Northwestern Mutual to managing $3.5B in assets and leading one of the firm’s largest groups. In 2014 they left to go independent as Bleakley Financial Group, now managing $8B in assets as a hybrid RIA. The Succession Conundrum: How Advisors Can Balance Legacy and Liquidity Multigenerational teams have several options for monetizing and transitioning the book from one generation to the next. So, how do they decide what’s best? Wealth Management Landscape At A Glance: Focus on Independence In a greatly evolved industry landscape, the independent space has expanded to offer a variety of models with varying levels of freedom and flexibility. Which one might be right for you? Gideon Drucker Founder and Director of the Wealth Builder Division Gideon Drucker, Certified Financial Planner, Accredited Investment Fiduciary and Equity Compensation Associate, is the Founder and Director of the Wealth Builder Division at Drucker Wealth, a family wealth management firm started by his grandfather Bernie Drucker in 1959. The third generation Drucker, Gideon specializes in working with young professionals looking to take a more proactive approach to their financial future. While meeting many of his firms’ pre-retiree clients during his first year, Gideon kept hearing a common refrain: “If Only I had met you 30 years ago.” This sentiment, repeated dozens of times by new Drucker Wealth clients approaching retirement, became Gideon’s inspiration for everything to come. Gideon created the HENRY Syndrome™ suite of services as a way to educate and empower young professionals, newlyweds, and young families to make smart financial decisions for their futures. Gideon was recently named by Forbes as a Top Next Gen Advisor and is a sought after public speaker, presenting his HENRY Syndrome ™ workshops to hundreds of companies, organization

With Christopher Griffith & Henry Wheelwright, Co-Founders and Managing Partners, Stablepoint Partners Overview Chris Griffith and Henry Wheelwright, rising stars in the wirehouse world, share their growth story and motivations to leave Morgan Stanley and launch their own independent firm on the Goldman Sachs custody platform. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… The best partnerships have a great backstory. Chris Griffith and Henry Wheelwright were college roommates and best friends bonded by sports and similarities in goals. Together, they started their wealth management careers at A.G. Edwards. Then the duo moved on to UBS where they quickly became known as “rising stars.” 8 years later, they transitioned to Morgan Stanley, building a business managing $650mm in client assets and garnering accolades from the likes of Forbes. Chris and Henry were always focused on their clients: Driven to understand their needs and do what was best for them. Young yet accomplished, the team started to think more boldly—for creative ways to serve their clients as their personal CFOs, helping to make a positive difference in their lives and those of their future generations. It was that thought process that led them to conduct due diligence, with a focus on the independent space, where they could serve as true fiduciaries. After looking at all the options available to them – from supported independence to each custodian – they landed on building their independent firm from the ground up on the Goldman Sachs custody platform. Just one year later, as Stablepoint Partners, the duo shares how it’s going with Jason Diamond, including: Leaving behind the Morgan Stanley imprimatur—and how their clients responded to the change. The creative freedom they lacked in the wirehouse—and how they resolved that in independence. Goldman Sachs as custodian—and what they offered that other custodians didn’t. The choice to build an RIA from scratch—and why they opted for that path vs. supported independence. Their extraordinary short-term growth—and what they expect for the future. Everyone loves a good “buddy story,” and this one has all the markings of a blockbuster: Two young advisors who have learned a lot in a short period of time and are happy to share actionable advice. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Embracing the Modern Advisor: An Inside Look at Goldman Sachs Advisor Solutions Richard Lofgren, the Managing Director of Goldman Sachs Advisor Solutions, provides inside baseball, including how they differentiate from other established custodians, their ideal advisor profile, and much more. If Not Another Wirehouse, Then What? Advisors considering change want something more than what they have at their current firm. The good news is that there’s plenty to choose from. But that’s the bad news, too. Wealth Management Landscape At A Glance: Focus on Independence In a greatly evolved industry landscape, the independent space has expanded to offer a variety of models with varying levels of freedom and flexibility. Which one might be right for you? Our newly updated “Landscape at a Glance” focuses on independence, providing the key features of each model. Christopher K. Griffith, CFP®, CPWA® Managing Partner, Co-Founder Chris co-founded Stablepoint Partners to put his client’s best interests first. His vision was to purposely grow the firm in a way that provides exceptional service to every client, keeping focus on building lasting relationships, o ering trusted advice and delivering personalized guidance. The son of two educators, Chris earned both the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA) designations, and once studied with the head of the Federal Reserve of India. Chris earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Finance at Clark University, where he also played varsity basketball. He earned the CPWA designation through the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago. Prior to starting Stablepoint Partners, Chris was a Managing Director at Morgan Stanley, the highest title attributed to Financial Advisors, where he and his partner, Henry Wheelwright led one of the top performing teams at the firm. Prior to Morgan Stanley, Chris and The Griffith Wheelwright Group team spent eight years at UBS Financial Services where they were recognized as rising stars in their field. Since their original launch in 2001, Chris and his team’s focus was, and remains to be, to work alongside clients to understand their life goals and develop a personalized wealth strategy to get the

With Bryan Sweet, Founder, CEO, Wealth Advisor – Sweet Financial Partners Overview Bryan Sweet of Sweet Financial Partners shares the ultimate independent business growth story, starting with 32 years under the Raymond James BD umbrella, then as an RIA, and most recently selling to Carson Wealth. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… There are different milestones business owners look to achieve along the path of independence. For example, over the course of three decades, Bryan Sweet built and grew an independent business under the Raymond James broker dealer umbrella. Bryan felt he needed access to a broader range of products and solutions and a greater degree of control over his business, so he decided to launch an RIA with the support of Dynasty Financial Partners. Then, Bryan completed what many consider the coup de grâce in the independent wealth management business lifecycle: Sweet Financial Partners sold to Carson Wealth. Today, Bryan shares the journey of his billion-dollar business with Louis Diamond, including: Building an independent business at Raymond James—and what kept Sweet Financial there for so long. The motivations for launching an RIA—and why Bryan felt he needed to flex his entrepreneurial muscles after 32 years. The benefits of an RIA vs. the IBD model—and what additional value his clients realized. Key growth strategies—and how they evolved with each model. The sale to Carson—and why now. It’s the ultimate independent business growth story: A candid conversation that offers detail into each phase of Sweet Financial’s lifecycle, with advice on the due diligence process, the motivations, and the results. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources A Comparison Fact Sheet – IBD vs RIA When it comes to freedom and control, there are key differences amongst the independent broker dealer (IBD) and registered investment advisor (RIA) spaces that every advisor should be aware of. Should I Stay or Should I Go? An Advisor’s Guide to Thinking Through Their Biggest Decision Jason Diamond turns the tables on Mindy who offers a first-hand glimpse into her book, Should I Stay or Should I Go?, created specifically for financial advisors who are looking to optimize their businesses or thinking through the biggest decision of their lives. IBD vs. RIA Revisited: Two Independent Pathways for Advisors to Consider When it comes to freedom and control, there are key differences amongst the independent broker dealer (IBD) and registered investment advisor (RIA) spaces that every advisor should be aware of. Bryan J. Sweet CLU, ChFC, MSFS Founder, CEO, Wealth Advisor – Sweet Financial Partners As a Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisor for multiple years running, Bryan has been on the mission to help people live their retirement dreams since the start of his career in financial services back in 1979. It is because of this that he created his proprietary The Dream Architect™, which not only helps his clients maximize their distribution planning in retirement, but also helps them strive for and accomplish their biggest dreams. With Bryan’s vast industry experience, he is also partnered in multiple entities including the Elite Wealth Advisor Symposium, which supports high-performing financial advisors across the United States in the growth and scaling of their businesses. He and his partners do this through teachings on team engagement, marketing, automation, best practices, and all that it takes to build a high-class and scalable advisory practice. The bottom line is that Bryan thrives on helping others experience the growth and freedom that he has created in building a world-class financial services practice, all while living the life of his dreams. Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites   Browse other episodes in this podcast series…

With Jason Diamond & Mindy Diamond Overview What drives the industry’s top advisors and teams? This special episode with Jason and Mindy Diamond explores the traits that drive their success, as well as the challenges they face. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… Reaching the upper echelon of success in the wealth management world is something that many advisors strive for. The reality is that the path there is not an easy one—the result of which is driven by design, not left to happenstance. So how do they get there? No doubt, elite advisors possess unique mindsets and methodologies that contribute to their growth. And there’s much that advisors at every level can learn from the industry’s superstars. In this special Industry Update, Jason Diamond and Mindy Diamond explore the topic, including: How do we define an “elite” advisor or team? What makes these individuals and teams stand out from others? What do they focus on? How do they think about their businesses? What are their pain points? What challenges do they face? What options are available to them should they decide to consider change? Plus, much more. It’s an episode that offers strategic insights for advisors and teams at all levels. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Building Enterprise Value: A Coach’s Advice for Advisors and Teams Ray Sclafani of ClientWise discusses the key areas that employee advisors and independent business owners can impact to influence sustainable growth, enhance client relationships, and ultimately build “exit” value. Of Myths and Moving 2024 What’s the reality when it comes to recruiting and transitions? An annual perspective for advisors. The Strategic Due Diligence Roadmap A visual guide to help financial advisors embark upon an efficient process—one that is more likely to result in discovering Your Best Business Life™. Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites   Browse other episodes in this podcast series…

With Gerry Spitzer — Founding Partner, Questar Capital Partners Overview Gerry Spitzer of Questar Capital Partners discusses leaving the wirehouse world after 30 years to launch an independent firm, sharing a perspective of building a business at Merrill and, more recently, UBS, and why focused, niche businesses may be better served in the independent space. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… Many of the most successful financial advisors agree that having a clear and succinct value proposition is critical. Equally important is the ability to deliver on it. For many advisors, the latter can be difficult—particularly those in large wirehouses, who are often limited in the services they can provide to their clients. And it’s that very reason that many leave the big brokerage firms and start their own independent businesses. Gerry Spitzer built an extraordinary business in the wirehouse world. After starting with the Merrill training program, he met his partner, Richard Reyle. Together, they invested 20 years at the firm, building a practice focused on exit planning and ESOP strategies to help business owners monetize their lives’ work. Yet, like many of their peers, they felt things changed at Merrill once Bank of America took over. After careful due diligence, independence seemed like a bridge too far at the time, while UBS offered the support and strategic alignment they desired, along with the ability to serve their unique client niche. A decade later, after building the business to some $850mm in assets under management, they decided it was time to consider their own succession plan and path to monetization—and they didn’t see UBS as the right partner for this part of their journey. The independent space had matured quite a bit since they last looked around, so in 2022, Gerry and Richard left UBS to launch Questar Capital Partners with support from Sanctuary Wealth. Today, they are managing $1B in client assets and see this as only the beginning of their new chapter…a chance to unlock a world of opportunity. In this episode, Gerry shares his story with Louis Diamond, including: The changes in the wirehouses that motivated them to explore—and why they ultimately chose independence in their second transition. Their exponential growth at Questar—and what is fueling their current momentum. Serving a niche client base—and how they can better do so in the independent space. The value of partnerships—and how the dynamics between Gerry and Richard is a key factor in their success. The counsel they provide to their clients around retirement and exit planning—and how those conversations impacted their own decision-making process. It’s a digest of advice for all employee advisors who are considering how best to serve their clients, especially those with a niche practice. Plus, Gerry offers advice on the due diligence process, which we are happy to have guided them through—so be sure to listen in. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Diamond Consultants Advisor Transition Report 2024: Focus on Merrill This “firm-focused report” looks under the hood at movement to and from Merrill from January to June of 2024. Merrill Information Hub A curated list of top-of-mind content for Merrill Advisors Gerry Spitzer, CEPA, CPA, CPWA Co-founder Gerry Spitzer co-founded Questar Capital Partners in 2022 with his business partner Richard Reyle following a career that spanned more than 30 years in Wealth Management. Gerry founded his own independent firm with a team of experienced, likeminded advisors who share a deep understanding of the financial industry and a passion for helping individuals and businesses achieve their goals. At Questar, Gerry focuses on all aspects of private wealth management, including investment management, financial planning, multi-generational estate planning, tax planning and minimization, insurance and charitable giving. Gerry spent his career at both Merrill Lynch and UBS before going independent. During the years at Merrill, he worked with publicly held companies managing their equity compensation plans and deferred compensation plans. At UBS and beyond, the focus has been working with privately held businesses on exit transactions, primarily ESOPs. Gerry is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) as well as the President of the New Jersey Chapter of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI). Gerry works closely with privately held business owners, advising them on exit and succession planning, liquidity needs and Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). As New Jersey Chapter EPI President,

With Michael Nathanson — CEO, Focus Financial Partners Overview Michael Nathanson shares his vision for Focus, offering a unique insider’s perspective on the firm’s evolution and differentiators, and how that plays into the future of independence. Plus, he offers thoughts on his own transition to CEO and advice for advisors and business leaders. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… “How the vision has grown.” That’s a headline on the Focus Financial Partners website. And there’s a lot of truth in that statement. Founded in 2004 by Rudy Adolf, Lenny Chang, and Rajini Kodialam, the American Express alums recognized an opportunity to expand access to capital for independent advisors looking to achieve scale and increase growth, as well as monetize their life’s work. In a conversation on this series in 2022, Rudy shared his vision and literal history of the firm’s role in transforming the independent space. Then, a year later, Rudy, Lenny, and Rajini left to explore new endeavors. Michael Nathanson is now the CEO of Focus Financial Partners, taking the helm of a new generation of growth for the Focus ecosystem, which has grown to more than 90 partner firms in more than 38 states, plus Australia, Canada, Switzerland, and the U.K. Michael was the CEO of one such partner firm, The Colony Group, when he was a guest on our show in 2023. Michael described how Focus was the right solution to help them grow their firm from $1B to $20B. In this episode, Michael talks candidly with Louis Diamond about his new role as the CEO of Focus, including: The firm’s evolution—and how his own experience can serve to drive further growth. The role of “interdependence”—and how that concept plays into his vision for Focus. The transition from public to privately-held company—and what that means for partner firms. Key differentiators—and what prospective advisors and firms need to know about their culture and values. Their rebranding initiative—and how it reflects their strategy, vision, and path going forward.   Plus, Michael shares his thoughts on the future of independence and much more. It’s rare access to a leader who built his wealth management career from the ground up—a unique lesson for advisors and business leaders alike. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources One-on-One with Rudy Adolf: How Focus Financial Partners Revolutionized RIA M&A—and Went Public in the Process Industry legend Rudy Adolf describes how the idea of Focus Financial Partners came to be, filling a gap in how independent financial advisors accessed capital, resources and monetized their life’s work, plus the firm’s journey as a public company, their growth, how they are further evolving and more. 20X Growth in 10 Years: A $20B RIA on Embracing the Value of Private Equity and Interdependence Michael Nathanson of The Colony Group discusses how “interdependence” helped to foster the growth of the RIA; the real value of equity partner Focus Financial; and their unique culture, curated services, and acquisition strategy, and more. Michael Nathanson Chief Executive Officer Michael Nathanson is a highly respected and experienced leader in the wealth management industry. As Chief Executive Officer, Michael plays a pivotal role in driving organizational change and spearheading a range of firm-wide initiatives. He is relentlessly dedicated to bringing meaning and joy to the lives of clients, his team, and throughout the Focus Partnership, by fostering a culture that values lifelong learning, cultivates innovation, and offers opportunities to live lives full of passion and purpose. Michael’s passion is reflected in the recognition he has received, having been selected ten times by Barron’s magazine as one of the top 100 independent financial advisors in the nation, included in Worth magazine’s list of the country’s top 250 wealth advisors and recognized as one of ThinkAdvisor’s 2022 LUMINARIES winners for Executive Leadership. He also was selected six times as a “Super Lawyer,” as published in Massachusetts Super Lawyers. During his tenure as Chief Executive Officer and Chair of The Colony Group, he is most proud of the firm being named one of 50 firms as a Best Place To Work for Financial Advisors by InvestmentNews. As a lifelong learner, he is committed to sharing his knowledge and experience with clients, colleagues, and the next generation of industry leaders and is a frequent speaker at industry conferences. He also has served on the Fidelity Clearing and Custody Solutions Advisor Council and the Schwab Advisor Services Advisory Board. Previou

With Tony Smith — CEO, Stonegate Investment Group Overview Tony Smith of Stonegate Investment Group discusses transitioning from UBS after 14 years and $4.4B in AUM to independence and building the business to $6B, including the motivations to make a change at this stage of his career, how they achieved such extraordinary growth in a short time, and much more. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… “Constrained.” It’s a word that many advisors who live in the wirehouse world use when describing the motivations around their move. It’s a descriptor that demonstrates the feeling of a lack of freedom to serve clients and grow the business in a way that resonates with their vision—and not the mandates of a larger firm, bank entity, or shareholders. Tony Smith was one of a team of seven at UBS serving HNW clients, generating some $18mm in annual revenue and managing assets in the vicinity of $4.4B. Yet the feeling that things had changed during his 14-year tenure at the firm had grown stronger over time. Increasing constraints, bureaucracy, and an overall lack of freedom—all threads that Tony saw as a common symptom of life in the big brokerage firms. And ultimately, the desire to have greater flexibility and autonomy became a strong pull to consider independence. With two team members having some 5 decades in the industry each, one might think independence was a bridge too far. Yet Tony led the team in their launch of Stonegate Investment Group to achieve what they describe as an unconstrained and highly personalized experience for their high net worth clients. And since its launch in 2021, Stonegate has grown to managing $6B in client assets. Tony shares an incredible story of growth with Mindy Diamond, including: After growing the business to $4.4B, why Tony and his team chose to explore their options—and why they opted for independence. The limitations they experienced at UBS—and how independence offers them greater latitude in serving their clients. The complacency plateau—and how never reaching it is key to building an extraordinary business. “Your clients, your business, your self”—and why Tony feels it’s a long-term decision that should be thought through in that order. And much more. It’s an incredible story that offers a perspective on why advisors seek change and how that motivation and clarity around goals can result in extraordinary growth—relevant to employee advisors and business owners alike. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Diamond Consultants Advisor Transition Report 2024 – Focus on UBS This “firm-focused report” seeks to look under the hood at movement to and from UBS from January to June of 2024. The Juggling Act: Balancing Short-Term Needs and Long-Term Goals A process to help you identify and prioritize your immediate needs vs goals for the future when considering a move. Rapid Reaction: UBS Comp Plan Changes and the Impact on Advisors Louis Diamond offers a perspective for UBS advisors on the firm’s compensation plan changes announced on November 21. It’s an episode for advisors who are curious about the updates and how they can use this knowledge to make informed decisions. Tony Smith CEO Tony Smith is the CEO of Stonegate Investment Group and has been advising wealthy families and institutions for more than three decades. Tony also serves as the Chief Investment Officer at Stonegate. After beginning his career in corporate finance, Tony advised Ultra-High Net Worth family groups at Smith Barney for 15 years. In 2007, Tony and his entire team joined UBS Financial Services, where he served as Managing Director – Investments and Senior Portfolio Manager and Branch Manager. Tony has been recognized as one of the nation’s top financial advisors by Barron’s, the Financial Times and Forbes, ranking as Barron’s top Financial Advisor in Alabama in 2018 – 2021. In 2021, Barron’s named Tony’s team as one of the Top 100 Private Wealth Management teams in the country. Tony has been ranked in Barron’s 2023 Top 100 Independent Advisors and the #2 Financial Advisor in Alabama. In July 2021, Tony and his partners formed Stonegate Investment Group, LLC., an independent Registered Investment Advisory firm. Tony has been happily married to his high school sweetheart, Tammy, for 38 years. He has two children Justine (34) and Haley (30), and 3 grandchildren. He enjoys hunting, fishing, spending time at his farm, and traveling. Tony holds a BS in Finance and an MBA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites   Browse

An Annual Digest for Financial Advisors – 2024 Edition, with Louis Diamond Overview A compendium of advice extracted from 48 episodes of the 2024 season of the Diamond Podcast for Financial Advisors, including the importance of your “Why,” the most compelling reasons for change, being a “true” fiduciary, unique value propositions, and more. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… When we started this series back in 2017, we had no idea how many meaningful conversations we would have with top financial advisors, C-suite executives, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders. It’s gratifying when listeners share how a guest inspired them, or they learned something new, or how the conversations provided just the information they needed to help them create their best business life. And that’s why we compile this annual recap episode: It offers listeners a digest of some of the best advice from our 2024 season guests. In combing through 48 episodes, we extracted the most compelling themes and relatable guidance from your peers—and what we found in our conversations was amazing. Many of the most successful advisors, business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs share a common thread: They each place incredible value on their “why”—their personal motivations that serve as the foundation for their success and how the client is often at the heart of it. The result is a compendium of advice on what it really takes to get from here to there—and ultimately take your practice from good to great! Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Featured in this episode… Justin Berman, Co-Chairman at Cresset and Founder of Berman Capital Advisors Brett Bernstein, CEO and Co-Founder, XML Financial Group Allan Boomer, Partner and CIO, Momentum Advisors Jeff Brown, President, Stratos Private Wealth Matt Brown, Founder, Chairman, and CEO, CAIS Brent Chappell, Managing Partner and Co-Founder, Chappell Wealth Management Jerry Davidse, CEO, Presilium Private Wealth Michael Henley, Founder & CEO, Brandywine Oak Private Wealth Michael Kitces, Industry Thought Leader and Chief Financial Planning Nerd Matt Liebman, CEO, Amplius Wealth Advisors Barry Mitchell, Founder & Managing Director, Next Level Private Erik Morgan, President, Senior Partner, Freestone Capital Angie Ostendarp, Senior Managing Partner, Carnegie Private Wealth Taylor Pankratz, President and Co-Founder, Holistic Planning Jordan Raniszeski, Senior Managing Partner, Carnegie Private Wealth Mike Quin, Managing Partner, DayMark Wealth Partners Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites   Browse other episodes in this podcast series…

With Bill Good, Founder & Chairman and Frantz Widmaier, Chief Executive Officer, Bill Good Marketing Overview A free session on accelerating growth via marketing with one of the leading firms in the wealth management industry. They offer advice on the value of content, the referral process, building strategic partnerships, CRMs and technology, and much more. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… Marketing touches all aspects of what a firm says, how daily business is conducted, how clients are retained, and how prospects are attracted. It’s an essential practice that, when done strategically and thoughtfully, can be the biggest game-changer for every advisor’s practice. And when it comes to marketing in the wealth management industry, Bill Good is one of the top names in the space. As the founder of Bill Good Marketing, Bill and his team focused on not just the messaging but also the delivery and processes around client acquisition and retention, as well as practice management—because messaging is only one piece of the puzzle for a successful wealth management business. Advisors and firms also need solid processes in place to run effectively and optimally serve clients. Bill and his firm’s CEO, Frantz Widmaier, join Mindy Diamond to share salient tips, including: The value of content—and how there’s great power hidden in your written, spoken, and video messaging. Video best practices—and why mindset is the most important investment of your time and effort. Revolutionizing the referral process—and how you can adapt your own processes to leverage partners. Avoiding the “strategic one-way street”—and how to build real strategic relationships united for the benefit of the client. The proper use of a customer relationship management (CRM) tool—and how the connection with marketing is often the secret sauce to success. Key principles around time management—and how it surprisingly impacts all aspects of marketing and the client engagement processes. The efficacy of technology and AI—and why they are not replacements for advisors but enablers for growth. This episode will get you thinking about the new year and beyond. You’ll walk away with valuable tips and advice on accelerating growth from an industry legend—action items you can start on today. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Innovative Ways the Best Independent Firms Fuel Growth: A Special Industry Update Independence allows advisors to create an unlimited menu of innovative value-add services for their clients. And as the industry landscape expands, employee advisors are finding ways to get in on the action. Learn specific examples of the various services offered by some of the industry’s leading independent firms. What’s the ‘Real’ Value of a Financial Advisor’s Business? A still red-hot RIA M&A market has many employee advisors pondering what their business could be worth on the open market. Here are 3 valuation scenarios to address that curiosity. Michael Kitces on Advisor Wellbeing: How Autonomy is Trumping Income When it Comes to Advisor Happiness Listen in for an insightful and revealing look into advisors’ minds and what really makes them happy, based on data from the latest Kitces survey. Learn the motivations and drivers that lead not only to success but to a better quality of life. Bill Good Chairman Bill Good is the Chairman of Bill Good Marketing, Inc. With a career spanning decades, Bill has revolutionized financial advisory practices through the Bill Good Marketing System, a marketing system based on best practices. He has written two influential books, Prospecting Your Way to Sales Success and Hot Prospects, both of which are in print from Simon & Schuster. He has delivered thousands of seminars and has written 392 articles in major industry trade magazines. Beyond his professional achievements, Bill is an avid reader and a passionate photographer. He enjoys walking his Shih Tzu, Pepper, and has been happily married to his wife Joava for 51 years.   Frantz Widmaier CEO Frantz Widmaier is a dynamic leader with a rich background in marketing, technology, business strategy and operations. Currently the CEO of Bill Good Marketing, Widmaier has been with the company since 2017, initially serving as Chief Operating Officer and then transitioning to CEO in 2021. He has been instrumental in driving the company’s technological innovation, aligning its growth, evolving its culture, and building a strong executive body so that the business can continue to serve the evolving needs of financial advisors. Under his lead

With Mindy Diamond & Louis Diamond Overview Mindy and Louis Diamond’s annual review is designed to provide guidance on the most impactful wealth management industry trends anticipated for 2025 including transitions, deals, comp, private equity, the wirehouse recruiting race, and more. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… It’s time to turn the page on another year—and an exciting one it was. The election activity aside, the wealth management industry made headlines on its own, with mega-teams on the move, massive M&A deals, and stunning leadership shifts. What does this all mean for advisors? How does this activity color the year ahead? Mindy Diamond and Louis Diamond take their annual look back at the year past and share thoughts on the year ahead, including: Transitions: Will 2025 movement beat 2024? Deals: Will they head higher or recede? Compensation changes: What impact will they have on movement? Wirehouse recruiting: Which firms will be most prominent in the race for top talent? Private equity: Will it continue to drive M&A activity and RIA growth? Custodians: How will expansion impact the growth of the RIA space? And what’s the “next big thing” for 2025? This is the one episode to listen to for guidance designed to help advisors and business owners alike inform their goal-setting and be better prepared to make decisions for the coming year with the power of knowledge behind them. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Of Myths and Moving 2024 What’s the reality when it comes to recruiting and transitions? An annual perspective for advisors. Mid-Year Report on Deals, Transitions, and Recruiting Using the Diamond Consultants trademark data-driven analysis and insights on recruiting and deals, Louis and Jason Diamond share a “state of the recruiting industry” report for the first half of 2024, with perspectives on what to expect for the rest of the year. Should I Stay or Should I Go? The Book for Financial Advisors by Mindy Diamond Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites   Browse other episodes in this podcast series…

With Mike Quin – Managing Partner, DayMark Wealth Partners Overview Mike Quin, a former Market Manager at Wells Fargo, left the wirehouse world to launch DayMark Wealth Partners. Mike offers a candid perspective on his experience and how it motivated him and his team to build an independent firm that is focused on their clients, the strategies behind their extraordinary growth from $1B to $4B, and other valuable lessons for employee advisors and business owners alike. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… Many think that the breakaway movement is driven primarily by advisors—that is, those servicing clients and managing books of business yet attracted to the premise of being an entrepreneur and the prospect of building equity in the long term. No doubt that’s true, but there’s also a trend of some of the biggest and brightest leaders in the industry who are equally motivated to execute their vision beyond the hallowed walls where they honed their leadership skills. Mike Quin’s 26 years in the industry, for example, was primarily in senior leadership roles at Morgan Stanley, UBS, and, most recently, Wells Fargo Advisors as the Ohio Market Manager, where he was recognized as a Premier Manager each year. In Mike’s view, his role was to work with financial advisors and their clients. Yet, over time, he felt the big firms were changing their perspective of the client side. So, like many returning to the office after COVID, Mike and his advisor friends who ran their own practices at Wells found themselves thinking about the value they received from the firm—and whether they could fully serve clients with impunity. In this episode, Mike joins Louis Diamond to talk about his decision to break away and their extraordinary growth from $1B to $4B, including: Specific pain points he experienced at Wells—and how that drives his vision for success. Building a team—and how individual advisors came together to create DayMark Wealth Partners. Life in a leadership role—and how his experience in the wirehouses differs from that of DayMark. The importance of staying true to their clients—and how building with intentionality is helping them to deliver better service. Their strategy for growth—and how recruiting the right advisors and teams plays into their plans. It’s an important conversation with someone who saw the wirehouse world from the top down and is willing to candidly share his experiences—offering sage advice for employee advisors and business owners alike. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Should You and a Non-Partner Colleague Transition Together? There are valid reasons to consider changing firms or models with a colleague. But is it right for you? Innovative Ways the Best Independent Firms Fuel Growth: A Special Industry Update Independence allows advisors to create an unlimited menu of innovative value-add services for their clients. And as the industry landscape expands, employee advisors are finding ways to get in on the action. Learn specific examples of the various services offered by some of the industry’s leading independent firms. The Employee Advisor’s “Gut Check” Have you had that “feeling in your gut” that says, “I’m not sure that where I am is allowing me to serve my clients best?” Many advisors get stuck at this point, uncertain of how to qualify whether the feeling has any basis in reality. We’ve created the “Employee Advisor’s Gut Check” tool. With it, you’ll be armed with the right criteria by which to evaluate your current firm, as well as any others you may be considering. Mike Quin Managing Partner/CEO Mike Quin is one of the seven founders of DayMark Wealth Partners. Mike is responsible for managing the firm and growing the business through acquiring elite advisory practices across the country. He is focused on delivering a unique Multi-Family Office strategy to only the very best Advisors who choose DayMark. Through DayMark’s triangulation of advice, he has created a model that helps navigate possible conflicts of interest in which Advisors, for their clients, are able to create, build and preserve Generations’ Worth of Wealth. Mike has 26 years’ experience in the Private Wealth Management Industry. Mike has spent most of his career in Senior Leadership running the Private Client Group Businesses in Ohio and Connecticut at UBS, Morgan Stanley, and most recently, Wells Fargo Advisors. During his time at Wells Fargo Advisors Mike served as The Ohio Market Manager and was recognized as a Premier Manager every year he was with the firm. Mike also was a member of the Executive Commi

With Steve Brennan — Managing Director, Head of Private Wealth Solutions, Hamilton Lane Overview Steve Brennan, Managing Director and Head of Private Wealth Solutions from one of the leading private markets firms offers a unique perspective on the space, including how democratized access has helped foster growth beyond the wirehouses, the impact on an advisor’s business, innovations and trends, and much more. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… The private markets space has experienced tremendous growth over the last 20 years. From private equity to private credit and direct investments, clients have come to expect their advisors to have broad access to bespoke and interesting opportunities. And firms like Hamilton Lane rose to the challenge to make that possible. Founded in 1991, Hamilton Lane has become one of the largest and most respected private markets investment firms worldwide. Initially, the firm focused on private equity consulting, providing institutional investors with insights into the growing landscape of private assets. Their focus on data-driven insights and customized solutions has made them a key player in the race to democratize access to private markets serving large institutions, individual investors, and family offices through tailored products and strategies. In a space that’s growing by leaps and bounds, how can an advisor determine the best path for their clients? Steve Brennan, Managing Director and Head of Private Wealth Solutions at the firm joins Louis Diamond to answer that and more, including: Access to private markets—and what advisors need to consider when looking for a solutions partner. Fostering growth—and how offering access to clients can enhance an advisor’s bottom line. The competition—and how Hamilton Lane compares to other options. The innovations and trends Steve’s seeing—and how each can impact an advisor’s business. It’s an educational episode with valuable information for employee advisors and independent business owners alike. Steve provides an informed perspective from one of the leading private markets firms in the world. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Innovative Ways the Best Independent Firms Fuel Growth: A Special Industry Update Independence allows advisors to create an unlimited menu of innovative value-add services for their clients. And as the industry landscape expands, employee advisors are finding ways to get in on the action. Learn specific examples of the various services offered by some of the industry’s leading independent firms. Is The End Near at The Wirehouses? The headlines, reports, and data all seem to indicate that the model is tagged for extinction. But is that really the case? Wealth Management Landscape At A Glance: Focus on Independence In a greatly evolved industry landscape, the independent space has expanded to offer a variety of models with varying levels of freedom and flexibility. Which one might be right for you? This “Landscape at a Glance” focuses on independence, providing the key features of each model. Steve Brennan Managing Director and Head of Private Wealth Solutions Steve is a Managing Director and Head of Private Wealth Solutions, leading the firm’s efforts to provide both evergreen and traditional private markets solutions to the growing Private Wealth channel. In this capacity he sets the strategic direction and oversees all aspects of the Private Wealth Solutions business. Previously, Steve held numerous leadership roles in Hamilton Lane’s institutional business including Global Head of Business Development. Steve serves as a member of the firm’s Investment Committee and Evergreen Portfolio Committee. Prior to joining Hamilton Lane in 2002, Steve held relationship management and investment support roles at Goldman Sachs (GSAM) and BNY Mellon. Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites   Browse other episodes in this podcast series…

With Louis Diamond Overview Louis Diamond offers a perspective for UBS advisors on the firm’s compensation plan changes announced on November 21. It’s an episode for advisors who are curious about the updates and how they can use this knowledge to make informed decisions. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… On November 21, UBS Wealth Management announced sweeping changes to its advisor compensation plan. As consultants to financial advisors, our role is to provide guidance on anything that can potentially impact their ability to optimally serve clients and grow their businesses. The goal of this episode is to take a step back and provide UBS advisors with some context on this important issue: a lens through which to consider their business in a more strategic way and to understand how these changes might stack up to competitors in the industry. Louis Diamond shares his perspective for UBS advisors, including: The key elements of the changes to the UBS compensation plan. The ramifications for individual advisors, and teams large and small. Who is impacted the most and how. How this compares to compensation plan changes at other wirehouses. And steps an advisor could take to learn more. This episode is for UBS advisors who are curious about the plan changes, what they mean for their business lives, and how this knowledge can help them make informed decisions in the future. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Diamond Consultants Advisor Transition Report 2024: Focus on UBS It’s the only report of its kind in the industry, designed specifically for UBS advisors. So complete the form below to get your copy. Please note: Your information is shared only within our firm in complete confidence and without obligation. hbspt.forms.create({ portalId: "46578459", formId: "b37543b5-7fe0-40fa-a006-357912810bda" }); Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites   Browse other episodes in this podcast series…

With Jason Diamond and Louis Diamond Overview Jason and Louis Diamond explore strategies for maximizing enterprise value, whether or not an advisor plans to move. Learn actionable insights, key business practices, short-term vs. long-term tactics, and real-world examples. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… All advisors, regardless of whether they are content where they are, are considering a move, or are in the process of doing so, would be wise to reconcile questions like: How much is my book worth? How portable is my book? And, How will this firm help me to increase the ultimate enterprise value of my business? Maximizing value is typically the goal of any advisor, regardless of whether they are pondering a move or not—and the reality is that movement is not, and should not, be a precursor to focusing on optimizing your enterprise value. So then what should an advisor who may not be considering change be thinking about? In this special Industry Update, Jason Diamond and Louis Diamond talk about the key components of an advisor’s business that impact enterprise value. Listen in to learn: The economics—and how an advisor can determine their maximum career enterprise value (or MaxCEV as we call it). Setting up the business for success—including logistical and operational practices you should be reviewing on an ongoing basis. Looking at the short-term and the long-term—and how each requires different strategies and tactics. Plus, they share real-world examples of the factors that make a business more “attractive” and how that impacts value and strategic shifts for advisors who may never make a move but are set on maximizing their carer enterprise value. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources How to Maximize Your Career Enterprise Value This formula seeks to provide a process by which an advisor can “calculate” the sum total of 4 key factors—to conceptualize what their career enterprise value really is and how to achieve it. It’s one of the central tenets of Diamond Consultants’ process in guiding advisors through due diligence. Top Tips for Setting Your Business Up for Success Years Before a Move In this document, we have compiled the most salient tips collected from over two decades of helping our advisor-clients through successful transitions. Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites   Browse other episodes in this podcast series…

With Allan Boomer – Partner, Chief Investment Officer of Momentum Advisors Overview Allan Boomer, the CIO of Momentum Advisors, shares his journey from a working-class background to an internship at Merrill and later landing at Goldman. In this episode, he discusses leaving Goldman to gain the ability to act as a true fiduciary in independence, the role of diversity as his “superpower,” his vision for a “100-year business,” his focus on long-term growth, and more. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… Many of the most successful advisors start off in a place unlike the world they practice in. For Allan Boomer, discussing the stock market at dinner or reading the Wall Street Journal wasn’t a part of his upbringing. However, hard work and strong family values were the major factors that influenced his formative years. In high school, Allan joined a corporate internship program that offered him a summer position at Merrill, which changed his life’s trajectory. After graduating from NYU’s Stern School of Business, he landed at Goldman Sachs and dug into his strong work ethic and determination to build his experience and book. He recalls how his colleagues had family or friends they could call on to help them build their businesses, but he didn’t have that same reach as a young Black man in a working-class community. Allan took several leaps of faith over the years, ultimately leaving Goldman – and much of his book on the table – to become a true fiduciary. Today, Momentum Advisors manages $400mm in assets with 10 employees. In this episode, Allan shares how that vision drives him with host Louis Diamond and offers a unique perspective on growth, including: The factors that led him to leave Goldman—and why he chose independence. Being a true fiduciary to his clients—and why he could not accomplish that at the brokerage firm. The role of diversity in wealth management—and why he sees it as his “superpower.” The value of youth—and how he and his team use it to their advantage. Building a “100-year business”—and what that means to him, his team, and his clients. Allan’s story is relevant and relatable for advisors at all levels, with a point of view on building for the long term from which all advisors can learn. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources The 5 Attributes That Make a Financial Advisor a “Real” Fiduciary Wirehouse advisors are recognizing that being a true fiduciary is impossible as an employee—and it’s adding more fuel to the flow of movement to independence. The Path to Independence: 6 Key Elements to Consider Before Starting Your Journey With so many options to choose from, how does an advisor decide which path to independence to take? Your Guide to the Wealth Management Landscape: An At-A-Glance Map for Financial Advisors An “at-a-glance” continuum infographic to serve as your guide to the different models and their relative features. Allan Boomer is the Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Momentum Advisors — a certified minority-owned investment management and financial planning firm in New York City with over $350 million in assets under management. Outside of his role at Momentum, Allan is an active investor in real estate and franchise businesses. He and his partners own nine ZIPS Dry Cleaning franchise stores and are the largest franchisee in the ZIPS system. Additionally, he is the co-host of “The Momentum Advisors Show,” a weekly podcast which educates the public about building wealth through investments, financial literacy and entrepreneurship. Allan holds an MBA in Finance from the NYU Stern School of Business, where he was a Robert A. Toigo Fellow, and a BS in Marketing from Morgan State University. Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites   Browse other episodes in this podcast series…

With Susan McKenna, CEO, eMoney Overview Susan McKenna, CEO of eMoney, explores the fintech firm’s evolution, competitive edge, and the role of technology in wealth management. She discusses how eMoney’s tools foster client conversations and enhance experiences, shares insights on the future, and more. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… It goes without saying that technology has been a mass disruptor in every industry. In wealth management, fintech, as it’s referred to, has set the foundation for growth and efficiency with companies like eMoney leading the charge. Nearly 25 years ago, eMoney Advisor hit the scene, providing a tool to help make advisors more efficient by leveraging the internet with a platform that allowed clients to access a “living breathing plan”—as opposed to a binder of documents that became stale shortly after delivery. Today, eMoney continues to help create efficiencies for advisors and foster conversations with their clients about money by leveraging a suite of tools designed to empower planning and elevate the client experience. So how can advisors best leverage technology like eMoney? What’s the real impact of fintech on an advisor’s business? And what is the next big disruptor everyone in wealth management should be aware of? We invited the CEO of eMoney, Susan McKenna, to join Jason Diamond on the show, to answer those questions and more, including: The role of technology in wealth management—and how it serves as both an instigator and disruptor. The crowded landscape of fintech—and how eMoney stands out among the rest. The eMoney unique value proposition—and how education and community play a large role in their success. The gap that eMoney recognized early on—and how their solutions went beyond the initial need they identified. The relationship between client experience and growth—and how eMoney’s tools offer a competitive advantage. The impact of AI on the industry—and how she perceives the future from the eyes of the advisor. Susan offers a unique perspective as someone who grew up through the ranks of the firm and drives an interesting conversation that describes the evolution of eMoney and the financial planning world—and technology’s role within it. It’s an episode that advisors at all levels and firms will learn from. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Conducting a Strategic Due Diligence Process: 10 Practical Tips for Financial Advisors Based on decades of experience in helping guide advisors through the due diligence journey, we compiled these 10 tips to serve as a practical guide to navigating the process with efficiency. The Gears of Change: How Evolving Expectations of 3 Key Stakeholders is Driving More Advisor Movement Than Ever Before Financial advisors are seeking greener pastures that offer the ability to achieve something better for themselves and their clients. Innovative Ways the Best Independent Firms Fuel Growth: A Special Industry Update Independence allows advisors to create an unlimited menu of innovative value-add services for their clients. And as the industry landscape expands, employee advisors are finding ways to get in on the action. Learn specific examples of the various services offered by some of the industry’s leading independent firms. Susan McKenna CEO As CEO, Susan oversees the execution of eMoney’s vision and business strategy in addition to managing its cross-functional, core leadership team. Before being named CEO in 2022, Susan was eMoney’s Head of Marketing and Sales where she led all activities that accommodate the underlying demand for financial advice, drive revenue and growth, and increase brand awareness. Susan joined eMoney in 2018 with an extensive background in leadership and aiding companies to grow and scale. She has more than 30 years of experience, specifically in software and services for both major global market leaders and smaller rapid growth businesses. Prior to joining eMoney, she held senior positions at Billtrust, Revitas (sold to Model N), Princeton Softech (sold to IBM), and Deloitte. Susan graduated from Drexel University with a Bachelor of Science in marketing. Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites   Browse other episodes in this podcast series…

With Dylan O’Shea, Partner, Quorum Private Wealth Overview Dylan O’Shea offers a unique perspective from a growing advisor with a long runway who could have easily opted for a transition check but instead chose independence. He discusses why he joined Quorum Private Wealth, the value of their shared vision, infrastructure, and more. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… The choice to leave the firm where you built your business often comes down to what we call the pushes and the pulls. The pushes are typically those things that are limiting or frustrating you. The pulls are the desire to achieve something greater: A vision for a future that allows you to serve clients and grow the business with less friction and more potential. It’s not uncommon to feel some pushes, but we find that advisors more frequently shared that they left their firm because they were pulled toward an option that offered “a better way.” Dylan O’Shea is one such advisor who felt that pull. For Dylan, it was an attraction that led him toward independence after 10 years of building a solo practice at Merrill—a tenure that included serving as a coach for the financial advisor training program and as Chair of Merrill’s NextGen Leadership Council, and ultimately generating $1mm in annual revenue. Yet, over time, the nagging sense that Merrill was “no longer his tribe,” as Dylan put it, became stronger—and he wanted to achieve more than he felt was possible at the firm. As a young and growing advisor, Dylan watched as others left Merrill to follow their dreams and build independent firms that offered them greater freedom and control—which was a prospect that Dylan found attractive. After conducting due diligence, Dylan decided to join former Merrill senior colleagues Kelly Milligan and Mike Barry at Quorum Private Wealth in 2022. Dylan shares his story with Mindy Diamond, including: The specific pushes and pulls that he experienced—and what pulls were the tipping point. The draw to join independent firm Quorum—and how he found a new tribe in the process. The decision between taking a transition deal from another firm vs. independence—and why tucking into an existing firm was the path he chose. The value of infrastructure—and why scale, support, and experience was a key factor in his decision. It’s a narrative that offers a unique perspective of a young, growing advisor with a long runway who could have easily opted for a transition check but instead chose independence, why he opted to tuck into an existing firm rather than build his own, and much more. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Ex-Merrill ACTM Chair to Independent Business Owner: A Former Insider’s Point of View Kelly Milligan describes his journey at Merrill from zero to $1.5B in AUM, his role as Chair of the ACTM, the change in culture at the firm and how that motivated him and his team to launch independent firm Quorum Private Wealth. Merrill Information Hub A curated list of top-of-mind content for Merrill Advisors Diamond Consultants Advisor Transition Report 2024: Focus on Merrill This “firm-focused report” seeks to look under the hood at movement to and from Merrill from January to June of 2024. Tuck-ins: Independence for Advisors Who Don’t Want to be That Independent Giving up some control to gain additional freedom and flexibility is just right for many advisors considering independence. Dylan O’Shea, CFP® Partner After several years as a teacher, Dylan joined Merrill’s PMD training program in NYC where over the next decade he built a solo advisory practice to over $1 million in annual revenue. He also earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation, recognized as the highest industry credential. While at Merrill, he also held leadership roles as Chair of Merrill’s NextGen Leadership Council and as a coach for the FA training program in Merrill’s Fifth Avenue NYC office. In late 2022, Dylan left Merrill for supported independence with Quorum Private Wealth, a Bay-Area based firm, and launched the NYC Metro office. In 2023 and 2024, Quorum was named as one of Forbes/Shook Top RIA Firms. When not out in nature or supporting his children’s extra-curriculars, he can be found most weekends cheering on his beloved English Premier League soccer team, Tottenham Hotspur. Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites   Browse other episodes in this podcast series…

With Erin Rocchio, Managing Partner of Evolution Overview Advisors often face the fear of the unknown, feeling dissatisfied but stuck in “what ifs.” Erin Rocchio, coach and Managing Partner at Evolution, joins Mindy Diamond to share strategies that help advisors break free of this inertia, acknowledge fear, and open their minds to transformational change. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… Many advisors reach a crossroads at some point in their careers, and it’s often rooted in the fear of the unknown. While they may be dissatisfied with the firm they work for, they’re challenged by the “what ifs.” So much so, that they often can’t see “what could be.” Yet, every day, there are advisors who choose to transition to another firm or model and ultimately transform their business lives. How do they do it? Is it courage? Will? Knowledge? Or something else entirely? Coach and Managing Partner of Evolution Erin Rocchio joins Mindy Diamond to explore the topic. Erin has a unique knack for helping people dig deep and break free of the inertia that prevents them from moving forward. She and Mindy discuss strategies that she employs with her clients to create transformational change in our business lives, including: Acknowledging fear—and how it can leave you paralyzed and stuck in a place that you’re not happy with. Fostering an open mind—and how that will help you navigate out of your comfort zone. Embracing the “white space”—and why it should be a life-long practice to help you manage risk. Managing ambiguity and anxiety—and how we’re not wired to handle as much as we accept. Maintaining stability through change—and how to find a “middle ground.” Determining readiness for change—and how to identify if you should stay or go. Ultimately, as Erin shares, there is a trade-off of comfort now for something more compelling in the future—but how do you manage that process? Listen in to learn actionable strategies and techniques that she employs with her coaching clients to help them get “unstuck”—and change “what if” to “what could be.” Products: www.ourwholenessatwork.com Coaching Services: www.Evolution.team LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolution-service-corporation/ Enneagram X Burnout Card Deck 108 Mindful Practices for Sustained Wellbeing https://ourwholenessatwork.com/pages/enneagram-burnout-card-deck Burnout Recovery Circles https://evolution.team/wholeness-at-work-burnout-recovery-circles Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources The Strategic Due Diligence Roadmap for Financial Advisors A visual guide to help financial advisors embark upon an efficient process—one that is more likely to result in discovering Your Best Business Life™. Should I Stay or Should I Go? An Advisor’s Guide to Thinking Through Their Biggest Decision Jason Diamond turns the tables on Mindy who offers a first-hand glimpse into her book, Should I Stay or Should I Go?, created specifically for financial advisors who are looking to optimize their businesses or thinking through the biggest decision of their lives. Erin Rocchio, MPOD Principal, Executive, and Team Coach EXPERIENCE For over fifteen years, Erin has worked with executives across industries to find the sweet spot between business results and personal meaning. She designs and delivers transformational leader, team, and organization development in line with business strategy. Released in 2020, Erin’s inaugural publication, Wholeness at Work: Free Yourself from Burnout for Good, addresses the science behind workplace burnout. She explores the symptoms, sources, and solutions across three levels: individual, relational, and systemic. Her Roadmap to Wholeness supports leaders in finding a lifelong path to sustainable well-being in their work. Erin’s clients are curious, values-driven, emotionally intelligent leaders up to big things. She works with C-level executives at billion-dollar companies and founders of proven start-ups, helping them cultivate sustainable, high-performing leadership teams based on metrics that drive engagement and results. Erin brings a philosophical orientation to her work rooted in Appreciative Inquiry (strengths-based change), the Enneagram personality system, Integral theory, and neuroscience-based organizational and leadership wellbeing. PARTNERSHIP Erin is a Managing Partner at Evolution, a coaching, consulting, and investment firm that partners with start-up and high-growth companies to drive long-term, holistic success through developing leadership, alignment and culture. Evolution works exclusively with companies that strive to be ic

With Jason Diamond and Mindy Diamond Overview Many advisors are drawn to independence for the control and equity-building potential it offers, yet find themselves wondering if monetization in the short term might be the better way to go. Jason Diamond and Mindy Diamond provide insights and guidelines to help advisors navigate these choices with strategies to assess factors like growth, profitability, succession planning, and short- vs. long-term goals. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… The prospect of becoming an independent business owner is attractive to many advisors. The freedom and control that come with ownership, along with the potential of building equity, would seem like a compelling choice over transitioning to another employee model. Yet, when it comes to deciding between monetizing through a recruiting deal now or making the leap to independence, many advisors find themselves caught in the middle—that is, between the proverbial bird in hand now and the potential down the road via increased growth, profitability, and even a sale of some or all the business. Especially if you’ve never monetized, would it make sense to do so first before breaking away? Or should you just jump into independence headfirst with your sights set on the long term? There are no simple, one-size-fits-all answers—but there are some strategies to help you through the decision-making process. Jason Diamond does a deep dive into the topic with Mindy Diamond and shares some guidance to follow when faced with this important decision, including: The growth and legitimacy of the independent space—and the impact on an advisor’s decision-making process. Monetization options—and how each is dependent on an advisor’s goals. Firms with multi-channel affiliations—and why they have become a “go-to” option for many advisors. “Move once, monetize twice”—and what types of advisors this option may appeal to. Succession planning—and what advisors need to know when weighing a retire-in-place program over other options. The short-term vs. the long-term—and why having clarity on goals is one of the most critical aspects of the decision-making process. And the questions advisors can ask themselves to determine the right next step. This is a full-on education of the choices that advisors have, as well as the determining factors for each. So, whether you’re a wirehouse advisor considering the best path forward or just looking to get acquainted with the ever-changing industry landscape, this episode is for you. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Move Once, Monetize Twice Weighing all of your options may result in doubling the returns; in essence, moving once yet monetizing twice. Wealth Management Landscape at A Glance: Focus on Independence In a greatly evolved industry landscape, the independent space has expanded to offer a variety of models with varying levels of freedom and flexibility. Which one might be right for you? Our newly updated “Landscape at a Glance” focuses on independence, providing the key features of each model. What Advisors Should Focus on to Maximize the Value of Their Practice: An Investment Banker’s Guidance Dan Seivert of ECHELON Partners offers perspective to help advisors better understand their business’s value drivers and how to maximize each, even if you aren’t interested in going independent or selling your business. Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites   Browse other episodes in this podcast series…

With Carl Richards—CFP™, Content Creator, Thought Leader Overview Realizing common behavior gaps led Carl Richards to explore ways to simplify financial concepts and processes for clients. As a result, he’s become an industry thought leader who offers a unique perspective on the true value of an advisor and how to access that to better serve clients and foster growth. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… There’s a chasm that exists in everyone’s life between what we know we should do, how we do it, and what we actually do. The good news is that there are those among us who see these self-limiting behaviors for what they are—and have developed ways to simplify the routines that leave us feeling stuck and repeating what can be less efficient actions. Carl Richards is one such person with that unique vision. He, too, often felt mired in excess detail and complex processes and data, and found a way to simplify it all. As someone who started in the big brokerage world and later made the leap to independence, Carl recognized there had to be a better way to communicate with clients—to drill down on long reports and share what was most meaningful to them. Today, in addition to being a Certified Financial Planner, Carl shares his techniques with those in the wealth management world and beyond, as an author, podcaster, and thought leader. So we’re excited he’s joining Jason Diamond to offer meaningful advice, including: Identifying your own behavior gaps—and how to address them. The impact of client behaviors—and how advisors can limit some of the tension that often exists when talking about money and the future. The significance of simplifying the complex—and how his podcast with Michael Kitces, Kitces and Carl, demonstrates that concept in action. Robos, AI, and other prospective “replacements” for advisors—and why he sees advisors’ real value to their clients as far stronger. Being the signal among the noise—and why empathy needs to be a more significant part of the industry as a whole. It’s advice around simplification and filling what he calls behavior gaps that are truly relevant to all advisors—in how they think about their own business lives and their processes with clients. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Michael Kitces on Advisor Wellbeing: How Autonomy is Trumping Income When it Comes to Advisor Listen in for an insightful and revealing look into advisors’ minds and what really makes them happy, based on data from the latest Kitces survey. Learn the motivations and drivers that lead not only to success but to a better quality of life. Top Tips for Setting Your Business Up for Success Years Before a Move: An Industry Update A breakdown of the steps advisors can take to prepare for change and enhance business processes, equally effective for those at the curiosity stage or even deep into due diligence, and whether you ultimately make a move or not. Top Tips for Setting Your Business Up for Success Years Before a Move We have compiled the most salient tips collected from over two decades of helping our advisor-clients through successful transitions. Carl Richards CFP™, Content Creator, Thought Leader Carl Richards is a Certified Financial Planner™ and creator of the Sketch Guy column, which appeared weekly for a decade in The New York Times. Carl has also been featured on Marketplace Money, Oprah.com, and Forbes.com. In addition, Carl has become a frequent keynote speaker at financial planning conferences and visual learning events around the world. Through his simple sketches, Carl makes complex financial concepts easy to understand. His sketches also serve as the foundation for his two books, The One-Page Financial Plan: A Simple Way to Be Smart About Your Money and The Behavior Gap: Simple Ways to Stop Doing Dumb Things with Money (Portfolio/Penguin). His sketches have appeared in a solo show at the Kimball Art Center in Park City, Utah, as well as other showings at Parsons School of Design in New York City, The Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, California, and an exhibit at the Mansion House in London. His commissioned work is on display in businesses and educational institutions across the globe. Carl also founded The Society of Advice. Every month, Members of The Society of Advice join Carl in a 90-minute private conversation with a knock-your-socks-off guest. If you like Carl’s work, you may love 50 Fires: A Podcast About Money and Meaning, featuring frank, funny, and often difficult conversations about money that actually matter with guests from all walks of life. Also available on your f

With Nate Harris, Founder, Covenant Capital Overview Nate Harris recognized that the firm he first built his business at no longer aligned with what he deemed as his North Star. After extensive soul searching and due diligence, he decided to leave his team at Merrill and opted for the independent broker dealer model, which he felt would allow him to achieve all he desired and then some. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… For many advisors, finding their “North Star” is a journey to identify what’s most important to their businesses and their lives. That realization often serves as the foundation for a renewed commitment to their firm or as a motivation for change. Nathan Harris started his career at Merrill in 2006 and joined a team of 8. His experience at the firm was not unlike many other advisors we speak with: He worked with a great team and built a stellar business, yet he started to recognize the firm’s “trend of changes.” So Nate dove headfirst into due diligence to explore the options available to him. He spoke to “at least a hundred individuals,” as he put it, and filled an entire notebook with information that he and his now partner Jeff reviewed throughout the exercise. They decided that their North Star was founded on the ethos that a change had to be better not only for their clients but also for their team and themselves. And one thing came to light early in the process: Each actually could be better. After exploring a variety of firms and models, they made the leap to independence and launched Covenant Capital with Raymond James independent broker dealer model in 2021. In this episode, Nate shares a compelling narrative with Jason Diamond, including: The trend line of evolution at Merrill—and how that impacted the decision to make the leap. RIA vs. IBD—and what drove the decision to choose the independent broker dealer model. Breaking up a team—and why some chose to stay at Merrill instead of transitioning to Raymond James. The process of due diligence—and why he sees it as a valuable exercise any advisor should embark on periodically. The logic and emotion of decision-making—and how to account for both. Plus, Nate offers really valuable advice on how to assess your business life—and keep your north star at the helm. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Why you need to define your “True North” Developing your own guiding principle will ensure you stay focused on the big picture, not individual items in a vacuum. Should I Stay or Should I Go? An Advisor’s Guide to Thinking Through Their Biggest Decision Jason Diamond turns the tables on Mindy who offers a first-hand glimpse into her book, Should I Stay or Should I Go?, created specifically for financial advisors who are looking to optimize their businesses or thinking through the biggest decision of their lives. Going Independent with an RIA vs. IBD: A Comparison Fact Sheet When it comes to freedom and control, there are key differences amongst the independent broker dealer (IBD) and registered investment advisor (RIA) spaces that every advisor should be aware of. Nathan S Harris, CFP®, CPWA®, CRPC®, C(k)P®,CPFA®, CPWA®, CRPCTM Founding Partner Nathan started his career at Merrill Lynch in 2006 prior to founding Covenant Capital in 2021. He was named to the Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors list in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021. Nathan holds multiple designations, including the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor℠ designation and the Certified Financial Planner™ certification awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. Nathan is a member of the Tivoli Society for the Weinberg Center of the Arts and is a past president of the Southern Frederick County Rotary Club. He graduated magna cum laude from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and is a former Navy lieutenant on board the USS Ronald Reagan, where he worked on nuclear reactors. Nathan and his wife, Kate, pursue charitable causes that are important to their family and to our client families through a donor advised fund, The Nate & Kate Harris Foundation. They live with their two children, Max and Ella Jane, and their miniature Schnauzer, Harry Potter. Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites   Browse other episodes in this podcast series…

With Justin Berman—Co-Chairman at Cresset and Founder of Berman Capital Advisors Overview Justin Berman demonstrates an important concept: Change is constant. After a novel leap from Goldman Sachs to independence in 2010 and building the business from $1B to $5B in 10 years, he decided he needed to make a change to provide an even greater impact on his clients and business in the future. So he merged with Cresset Asset Management and in just 3 years, increased revenue from $17mm to $27mm. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… It was May of 2020 when Justin Berman first shared his breakaway story on this series. In “Life After Goldman Sachs,” Justin shared his perspective on leaving the prestigious brand to launch an independent firm. He discusses why, after 7 years at Goldman, he felt limited by changes at the firm in his ability to serve his high-net-worth clients’ needs and continue to grow the business into the future. So, Justin launched Atlanta-based RIA Berman Capital Advisors, a firm that grew from managing a billion in client assets to $5B over the course of 10 years. Then in September of 2021, it was announced that Justin’s firm would merge with Cresset Asset Management. The big question is why would a successful independent firm decide to align with a multi-family office and investment firm like Cresset? As Justin put it, he once again considered the future, his clients’ needs, and his firm’s ability to serve those needs and grow the business going forward. And it’s proving to be a good decision: In just 3 years, his revenue increased from $17mm to $27mm. He revisits his journey with Mindy Diamond, filling in the gaps since his last visit, and offering a unique perspective on the evolution of an advisory business, including: The choice to give up control of the business he built—and how that decision has proven to be the right one. The options he considered—and why Cresset was the partner he chose to align with. The impact of change on a business’s future—and what Justin specifically saw that inspired his decision. His incredible growth—and what key steps he finds most effective. What it means to be a “family’s first call”—and how a partner or business model can help facilitate that. The power of attracting top talent—and why it’s imperative to have a team and services that demonstrate growth and profitability. Justin’s story is important because it shares how, instead of being feared, change should be embraced as a pathway to growth. Listen in to learn valuable insights that can help inspire your own evolution. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Finding the Shortest Path to Excellence Can Be a Game Changer for Advisors Doing everything you can to deliver better service, drive growth, and achieve your goals faster can result in extraordinary benefits. Life After Goldman Sachs: A Story of Extraordinary Success Ex-Goldman Sachs advisor Justin Berman shares how he found the courage to leave the Goldman imprimatur, brave Garden Leave, and build the $3B Berman Capital Advisors. Private Bankers Find Greater Independence: Former $2B J.P. Morgan Team on Their New Chapter with Cresset Private bankers are far less likely to leave the banks they built their businesses at given the challenges they face in a move—most notably portability concerns and garden leave provisions. Yet Kevin McGuire, Sarah Burney and their team started to feel a conflict between what they wanted to do for their clients and what they could do under the auspices of J.P. Morgan Private Bank. So they explored their options, including the thought of launching their own RIA, but instead opted for Cresset. They share their story one year after making the transition. Justin Berman Co-Founder and Co-Chairman Justin Berman is Co-Chairman at Cresset, and Founder of Berman Capital Advisors. In his role, Justin works with multi-generational entrepreneurial families while setting the strategic vision for the firm. Justin founded Berman Capital Advisors in 2010 as part of his commitment to provide truly objective family office services, wealth management, and investment consulting services to a select group of high-net-worth families. Prior to this, Justin worked in the Private Wealth Management division of Goldman Sachs & Co., where he was a member of the firm’s Leadership Council. He has also served in the Investment Advisory Group at myCFO, Inc., and in the Private Client Group at Arthur Andersen & Co. Justin graduated summa cum laude from Georgetown University, where he served as Varsity Tennis Captain and was a Rhodes Sch

With Michael Henley, Founder & CEO of Brandywine Oak Private Wealth; Matt Liebman, CEO of Amplius Wealth Advisors, Jerry Davidse, CEO of Presilium Private Wealth Overview Three Merrill breakaways offer unique perspectives on the process of considering change, life outside the wirehouse, and filling the gaps that one might experience when leaving a big brand name behind to become an independent business owner. Watch… [video_embed embed_style=”default” url=”https://youtu.be/wW-Xjfcwj_I” border=”0″ width=”100%” animation=”left-to-right” animation_delay=”2″ class=””] Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… Advisors who are considering the leap to independence often share their concerns about leaving behind the culture, community, and support they’ve grown accustomed to in the wirehouse world. And that’s perfectly valid. While many advisors are vocal about the lack of freedom and control at the big firms, there are still a lot of positives—like having a well-known brand with a seemingly endless budget behind you and the ability to create a strong foundation for success. On the other side, there are those who’ve made the break to independence and share that life outside the walls of the wirehouses is pretty amazing. For this special episode, we invited three such breakaway advisors who developed extraordinary independent businesses to discuss how they did it. That is, to offer their trade secrets to creating businesses that merged the best of the wirehouse they grew up in with the freedom and control they were searching for. Former Merrill Advisors Michael Henley, the Founder and CEO of the $1.6B Brandywine Oak Private Wealth, Matt Liebman, CEO of $1.5B Amplius Wealth Advisors, and Jerry Davidse, CEO of $500mm Presilium Private Wealth join Louis Diamond to share their journey, including: The changes they witnessed at Merrill—and how each impacted their decisions to launch their own firms. Leaving Merrill—and the roadblocks they hit along their journey. Their home-grown community—and how this group of like-minded business owners fills the gap of what they might miss from the wirehouse, including camaraderie and collegial support. The single most impactful process or tactic they’ve employed—and how it influenced growth. Plus much more—including a Founder’s Blueprint segment. It’s an episode that shares different points of view with a common goal: To do what’s best for their clients and business lives. Available on audio and video—so be sure to listen in or watch. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources A Diehard Merrill Advisor’s Journey to Independence Michael Henley, a 34-yr old “diehard Merrill Lynch advisor” and team, with a partner less than 10 years from retirement, came to a point at the wirehouse when it was more about “jumping through hoops” for the bank than doing best for their clients. $1B+ Multi-Generational Merrill Breakaway Team Leaves Behind the Big Brand to Gain “More” for Clients Matt Liebman, Founding Partner and CEO of RIA firm Amplius Wealth Advisors discusses the complexity of considering change with a multi-generational team, the difficulty of walking away from a big brand name, the concept of clients being the real “boss” and how that influenced his choice to build an independent firm—and much more. Outgrowing the Employee Model: How an ex-Merrill Advisor Found Autonomy & Abundance in Independence Jerry Davidse discusses his transition from Merrill to building RIA firm Presilium Private Wealth with partner Brook Hart. He shares how they gained the freedom to communicate and create an exceptional experience for their clients, their outstanding portability ratio, uptick of referrals, and more. Michael Henley CFP® | CPWA® | CRPC® | RMA® Founder and CEO Michael Henley is the Founder and CEO of Brandywine Oak Private Wealth, a private wealth management and registered independent advisory firm headquartered in Kennett Square, PA. Over the course of his 20-year career, Michael has been dedicated to helping wealthy individuals and families plan and manage all aspects of their finances and investments. With a passion for helping others look behind the curtain and understand the complex world of finance, he develops close relationships with clients as he helps them progress toward their financial goals. Michael loves to provide clarity and alleviate financial anxiety, help prevent families from overpaying in taxes, and give wealthy families permission to enjoy their life savings. He

With Mindy Diamond and Jason Diamond Overview Jason Diamond turns the tables on Mindy who offers a first-hand glimpse into her book, Should I Stay or Should I Go?, created specifically for financial advisors who are looking to optimize their businesses or thinking through the biggest decision of their lives. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… This multi-faceted episode offers perspective on what advisors can glean from this invaluable resource, why Mindy wrote the book, and what she learned along the way. In seeing a significant gap in information available for financial advisors looking to optimize their businesses, Mindy took on the task of developing a one-of-a-kind book entitled Should I Stay or Should I Go? Mindy’s journey started 30 years ago and culminated in this expansive project: A roadmap designed to help top advisors think critically and objectively about their firms. Drawn from three decades of counseling financial advisors on the choices that impact their business lives, the book offers a self-guided process based on what Diamond Consultants practices with our own advisor-clients. Along with Jason Diamond, Mindy answers questions like: What’s the real value of this book? Why this book and why now? Who is the target audience? Do you need to be considering change to find value in the content? Why would a recruiter share her trade secrets? And much more! Mindy also shares examples and excerpts from the book, along with the type of guidance one could expect to find in it. So be sure to listen in for the inside story. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Should I Stay or Should I Go? The Book for Financial Advisors by Mindy Diamond. Available now! Why Settle for “Good Enough” When Great is Possible? In a vastly expanded industry landscape with more high-quality options than ever before, some advisors settle for “good enough” when the potential for “great” is often within reach. What’s holding them back? Financial Advisors: What’s The Risk Of Staying Put? Many advisors feel that changing firms or models is just too risky. But what they may not realize is that there’s also a risk to staying put. The 7 Unintended Consequences of Staying the Course While it may seem “safer” to stay put, there are risks in doing so that many advisors are unaware of. Top Tips for Setting Your Business Up for Success Years Before a Move A breakdown of the steps advisors can take to prepare for change and enhance business processes, equally effective for those at the curiosity stage or even deep into due diligence, and whether you ultimately make a move or not. Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites   Browse other episodes in this podcast series…

With Gordon “Gordy” Abel, CMO, Dynasty Financial Partners Overview Gordon “Gordy” Abel from Dynasty Financial Partners offers perspectives on why marketing matters, how to create and leverage a brand, the key aspects of an effective value proposition, and more for employees of an established firm or someone just launching a new independent entity. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… Marketing is the secret sauce behind many successful wealth management firms. It starts with developing a unique brand—from creating the firm’s name and distinct design to leveraging that brand through various mediums. Then there’s messaging – a relatable value proposition and supporting content – broadcasted into the marketplace. It’s how one wealth management firm stands out from a crowded sea of others—and the advent of social media has made it a ubiquitous and essential part of a business’s growth. But how does it work? If you’re launching a new firm, where do you start? And if you work within an existing brand, how do you enhance the marketing efforts? To answer these questions and more, we called on Gordon “Gordy” Abel, the seasoned marketing pro who serves as the Chief Marketing Officer for Dynasty Financial Partners, one of the wealth management industry’s top independent platforms for advisors and teams who are looking to build the independent business of their dreams. Gordy joins Jason Diamond to share his unique vantage point as both Dynasty’s CMO and the “outsourced” CMO for the independent RIAs on their network. He and Jason discuss all things marketing specifically as it relates to wealth management businesses, including: Why marketing matters—and what you need to do to enhance your presence and exposure. How to leverage a brand—whether you’re an employee of a well-known firm or just launching a new independent entity. What’s in a name—and how some of the most memorable brands came to be. The key ingredients of a successful value proposition—and what might be considered effective differentiators. The biggest obstacles facing advisors when launching a new independent brand—and how to avoid them. The role of marketing in M&A—and how a strategic marketing program can make the process of recruiting and acquisitions more efficient. Plus, Gordy and Jason discuss the future of marketing, the impact of AI, and much more! It’s an episode that demonstrates why marketing, when done right, is an investment that can pay off in droves. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Innovative Ways the Best Independent Firms Fuel Growth: A Special Industry Update Independence allows advisors to create an unlimited menu of innovative value-add services for their clients. And as the industry landscape expands, employee advisors are finding ways to get in on the action. Learn specific examples of the various services offered by some of the industry’s leading independent firms. Driving Organic Growth: Practical Marketing Tips for Advisors from FiComm’s Megan Carpenter Growing a sustainable wealth management business relies on attracting new clients while engaging current ones. The leader of the award-winning integrated marketing firm shares advice on what it takes to impact organic growth via marketing. Top Tips for Setting Your Business Up for Success Years Before a Move In this document, we have compiled the most salient tips collected from over two decades of helping our advisor-clients through successful transitions. Gordy Abel Managing Director and CMO Mr. Abel joined Dynasty Financial Partners in May 2016 and serves as Managing Director, Chief Marketing Officer. He is responsible for helping grow the business through raising the firm’s brand profile as he leads the marketing efforts for Corporate Marketing, Network Advisor Marketing and Dynasty Community educational events and experiences. In his role not only as CMO but also as a member of Dynasty’s leadership team, Abel plays a critical role in partnering throughout the organization to drive growth across the core business, investments platform, the Dynasty Investment Bank and Dynasty Connect all while helping Dynasty Network advisory firms build their businesses through an innovative, technology-driven marketing approach to organic and inorganic growth. Mr. Abel has driven the creation and launch of over 40 new brands for the independent wealth advisory firms in the Dynasty Network. He takes immense pride in guiding these firms to create their new brand identity, mission, vision, positioning, and values in order to successfully launch their independent firm, better b

With CEO Jason Andrews, & COO Ross Bauer, Founders of Merritt Point Wealth Advisors Overview The “affiliation channel slide” has become a common path for many employee advisors seeking independence. Jason Andrews and Ross Bauer of Merritt Point Wealth Advisors share a story demonstrating how their transition from Wells Fargo PCG to FiNet resulted in tremendous growth opportunities. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… Almost every advisor we host on this series shares the desire for greater independence. The good news is that there are plenty of options available in the ever-evolving industry landscape for advisors to find just what they’re looking for—including firms with multi-channel affiliations. These give employee advisors an opportunity to slide to an independent model and become true business owners with far less hassle than they might have dealt with had they gone to another platform provider or built an independent business themselves. Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network or FiNet as it’s commonly known, the independent broker dealer arm of Wells Fargo Advisors, is a popular home for advisors looking to go independent without the heavy lift of setting up their own firm from scratch. And that’s especially true for Wells advisors, particularly this episode’s guests, Jason Andrews and Ross Bauer. As employee advisors at Wells Fargo’s Private Client Group or PCG, they built the business to $280mm in assets under management and decided that it was time to build their own firm based on their vision. After conducting due diligence, the notion of a transition to independence without actually “leaving” Wells was of tremendous appeal to them. So in 2019 they made the leap and launched Merritt Point Wealth Advisors with FiNet. And today, just five years later, they are managing nearly $1.7B in assets. Jason and Ross share their story with Louis Diamond, including: What actually drove such incredible growth in such a short time. What specifically made changing channels within Wells more attractive than other options. How their business lives differ from their time as employees of Wells to C-level leaders of their own firm. And key learnings other advisors can glean from their extraordinary growth story. It’s an incredible story that shows how vision, planning, and determination can create extraordinary results, so be sure to listen in. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Top Tips for Setting Your Business Up for Success Years Before a Move We have compiled the most salient tips collected from over two decades of helping our advisor-clients through successful transitions. Wells Fargo’s Barry Sommers on Transforming the Wealth Management Experience Rare access to one of the top-of-the-food-chain leaders who discusses the direction of Wells, how it compares to its peers, the value to HNW and UHNW clients, a perspective on recruiting and the ideal advisor type, the future of the industry, and much more. Sustainable and Scalable Growth: A Leading Coach’s Advice on How to Achieve it Duncan MacPherson from Pareto Systems offers actionable advice for financial advisors looking to unlock greater value in all that they do to build their business. It’s like having a free session on growth with one of the best coaches in the business. Ross Bauer Founder, COO In his role as COO, Ross is responsible for overseeing client, advisor and employee success. Ross’s focus is on initiatives that are advisor-led and client centric, offering a high level of flexibility, service, and technology. Passionate about business, economics and educating others, Ross began his career at Merrill Lynch in the Global Wealth Management Division. Ross then moved on to work at a tax firm in London that serviced multinational individuals. In 2014, Ross joined Wells Fargo Advisors where he focused on developing and implementing custom-tailored investment strategies for the firm’s wealth management clients. In 2019 Ross co-founded Merritt Point Wealth Advisors where he served as Managing Partner before taking on his current role of COO. Ross has been a guest lecturer at NYU Stern School of Business, where he educated MBA students on investment strategies and risk management.   Jason Andrews, CRPC® Founder, CEO Jason is Founder and CEO of Merritt Point Wealth Advisors. He is a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor and a Senior Fundamental Choice Portfolio Manager. Today, Jason also focuses on empowering other advisors to help them build, grow, and own their own practices by achieving independence through Merritt Po

With John Bowen, CEO and Founder, CEG Worldwide, LLC Overview Industry coach John Bowen demonstrates how building and fostering the development of your “Dream Team” can be the game changer your business is waiting for. It’s an episode that serves as a free coaching session with actionable advice for employee advisors and business owners alike. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… Many wealth management firms have left a level of potential untapped: mastering the power of teamwork. It’s the accomplishments of that team, running on all cylinders and driving toward a unified vision, that propels phenomenal success. But getting to that level isn’t always easy. It takes building, supporting, and nurturing extraordinary talent. And developing a structure where teamwork and collaboration become a natural part of the work environment. That’s why we invited one of the top coaches in the industry, John Bowen, to join us on the show. His firm, CEG Worldwide, just completed a study of what it takes to build your “Dream Team.” “The Dream Team Effect,” as John calls it, is one of the major factors that drives success in everything from growth to client retention to long-term success. And the impact is tangible when you look closely at the foundation of team dynamics and tap into the power therein. In this episode with Louis Diamond, John offers actionable advice on mastering the art of team dynamics, including: Why the right team has such an incredible impact on the bottom line. How the different stages of team development need to be part of your strategy. What key traits to look for in team members. Why relying on the “high performers” isn’t always the right tactic. What those who like operating as a lone wolf need to know. And, ultimately, the key things you need to know—whether you’re an advisor who is building or managing a team or a business owner looking to take your firm to the next level. Plus, John shares his proprietary Dream Team framework to get you started on your way—with key graphics, so be sure to check out the video, too. Consider it your free coaching session with one of the industry’s finest! Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Finding the Shortest Path to Excellence Can Be a Game Changer for Advisors Doing everything you can to deliver better service, drive growth, and achieve your goals faster can result in extraordinary benefits. The Dream Team Effect; Mastering Team Dynamics to Achieve Wealth Management Excellence Invaluable insights and actionable strategies to build and lead your dream team. Advisor Success Formula: Closing the Gap Between HNW Client Expectations and Advisor Services In a more competitive and commoditized world, it’s critical to leverage any advantage available to be more intentional and thoughtful in managing and growing your business. This episode takes a deep dive into John Bowen’s latest report to identify action items that can help advisors get started on a new path to thinking about delivering exactly what clients want. John Bowen Founder and CEO John Bowen is the founder and CEO of CEG Worldwide, the world’s leading coaching firm for financial advisors. Since 2000, Bowen and his team have had the privilege of coaching elite financial advisors to build simple, elegant wealth management businesses that serve their affluent clients extremely well while building lives of significance for themselves, their teams and their loved ones. Before founding CEG Worldwide, Bowen worked directly with affluent clients as a financial advisor for 26 years, managing up to $2 billion in assets before selling his firm. Following the sale of his firm, he became CEO of Assante Capital Management. Under his leadership, Assante more than tripled assets under management to more than $25 billion. Bowen is widely recognized as a leader in the financial services industry. Over three decades, he has delivered hundreds of keynote presentations and workshops to thousands of top advisors around the world. For more than 20 years, he wrote a highly acclaimed monthly column for the leading U.S. financial services trade journal, Financial Planning. And he is the author or co-author of more than a dozen books, including Elite Wealth Planning: Lessons from the Super Rich, The Wealthy Client Pipeline: Leveraging Thought Leadership to Build Profitable Partnerships with Attorneys and Accountants and Breaking Through: Building a World-Class Wealth Management Business. Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites   Browse other episodes in this podcast series…

With Louis Diamond and Jason Diamond Overview Using the Diamond Consultants trademark data-driven analysis and insights on recruiting and deals, Louis and Jason Diamond share a “state of the recruiting industry” report for the first half of 2024, with perspectives on what to expect for the rest of the year. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… It’s hard to believe that we’re past the mid-point of 2024 and are already gathering data for our next transition report. It’s going to be another massive effort because this year is already proving to be incredibly active: Based on what we’re seeing, the pace of transitions is currently surpassing 2023. Which is why we felt it was important to share a mid-year Industry Update on what we’re seeing in the way of deals and dive into some of the most noteworthy transitions to date. Using our trademark data-driven analysis and insights on the state of recruiting and deals, Louis Diamond and Jason Diamond share: An overview of recruiting—including trends and success stories from the first half of 2024. A review of 2023 predictions—and which were on the mark, and which were off. A “look ahead”—with predictions for the rest of 2024 and 2025. An update on deals—and which firms are winning and losing the battle for top talent. Plus, a review of notable transitions from the first half of 2024. Consider it a mid-year companion to our trademark Transition Reports, with a sneak peek into the data and insights contained in the forthcoming firm-focused reports for Merrill, UBS, and Edward Jones. So listen in to get the latest scoop. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Diamond Consultants 2023 Advisor Transition Report An Update on Advisor Movement in the Wealth Management Industry COMING SOON – Diamond Consultants Merrill Advisor Transition Report 2024 A “firm-focused report” seeks to look under the hood at movement to and from Merrill from January to June of 2024 COMING SOON – Diamond Consultants UBS Advisor Transition Report 2024 A “firm-focused report” seeks to look under the hood at movement to and from UBS from January to June of 2024 COMING SOON – Diamond Consultants Edward Jones Advisor Transition Report 2024 A “firm-focused report” seeks to look under the hood at movement to and from Edward Jones from January to June of 2024 Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites   Browse other episodes in this podcast series…

With Matt Brown – Founder, Chairman, & CEO, CAIS Overview Matt Brown discusses the founding of CAIS and his vision to democratize alternatives (alts) investing and open up access to firms of all sizes. He shares how technology helped transform the independent space and provides an extraordinary growth engine for firms. Plus, he offers his thoughts in the inaugural Founder’s Blueprint segment. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… Many of the best and brightest ideas in wealth management over the last decade have stemmed from someone in the industry who saw a gap and filled it. Such is the case with Matt Brown, who envisioned using technology to make alternative investments more accessible to the masses. Once limited to institutional and ultra-sophisticated investors, these “unconventional” alternative investments, or alts, have become popular vehicles for many advisors looking to serve clients and expand their portfolios. Matt first recognized the white space when it came to advisors’ access to alts while he was a financial advisor at Shearson Lehman Brothers and Smith Barney. So he founded CAIS in 2009 with a vision of democratizing alts investing and opening up access to firms of all sizes. And that it did: Platforms like CAIS have leveled the playing field for independent firms by giving these advisors everything they need to compete with the biggest names in the business. CAIS has realized extraordinary success, doubling in network assets from $3 trillion to $6 trillion in the last 12 months alone. As Matt shares, the firm’s growth is indicative of a changing environment among investors moving beyond the traditional 60/40 portfolio to one that looks more like a 50/30/20 model based on stocks, bonds, and alts. In this special episode with Louis Diamond, Matt offers a glimpse into how his vision became a model for success in the industry, including: “The Great Reallocation of capital into alternative strategies,” as Matt calls it—and the impact of this evolution on the private wealth channel. Alts as an extraordinary growth engine—and Matt’s advice for advisors who are looking to add new avenues of opportunity for their clients and businesses. Key considerations for advisors thinking about changing firms or models—and how to best replicate or improve upon what they currently offer their clients. Plus, Matt shares his keen perspective of what’s on the horizon—and much more! Also in this episode, we launch a new segment called Founder’s Blueprint. It’s an idea that was born out of listener comments for more backstories from some of the most successful entrepreneurs in the industry. Our goal is to share each founder’s unique “why” and “how” to help spark ideas and eliminate the fear that comes with the unknown. We’re gathering each entrepreneur’s journey for a special digest episode at the end of the year. So be sure to listen in to get a quick download from Matt on what it took to get from A to B – and beyond. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources The Competition Conundrum: Charge Less or Offer More? Clients have more choices than ever before. Here are 5 ways to stand out from the crowd. Finding the Shortest Path to Excellence Can Be a Game Changer for Advisors Doing everything you can to deliver better service, drive growth, and achieve your goals faster can result in extraordinary benefits. The Inverse Grid: Is Your Firm Providing Enough Value? When considering the products and services a firm provides in exchange for the revenue they keep, is it really a good value? Matt Brown Founder, CEO, and Chairman Matt Brown is the Founder, CEO, and Chairman of CAIS and has spent more than 30 years at the intersection of wealth management, alternative investments, and technology. In 2009, he founded the technology platform CAIS, the industry pioneer in democratizing alternative investments. Matt’s vision and leadership earned recognition in 2023, when he was named one of “The World’s Most Influential Decision Makers” by The Wall Street Journal. Matt believes in the “American Dream” and ensuring that anyone with a dream, and the drive to achieve it, has an equal opportunity to make it happen. Matt joined Endeavor in 2001, the leading non-profit organization establishing entrepreneurial ecosystems in over 40 countries. Matt served on Endeavor’s Global Board of Directors and supported entrepreneurs in Latin America, Africa, Middle East, and United States. Matt is on the Board of Trustees of the Museum of the City of New York and serves on the Executive Committee. Founded in 1923, the Museum

With Russell Crow and William “Billy” Diehl — Partners, Managing Directors, Beacon Pointe Overview The first breakaway team to join Beacon Pointe Advisors offers a perspective on change at the wirehouses, the value of being a true fiduciary, the responsibility to a client and advisor’s business on serving an expanding list of client needs, taking a long-term look at the business, and much more. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… It’s hard to criticize the firm you work for when you’ve built a business managing $2B in client assets. But a reality exists for many top advisors like the guests on this episode. That is, they recognize how the industry and their clients’ needs are evolving—and that their firm may not be equipped to support them for the long term. Russell Crow and William “Billy” Diehl invested nearly 3 decades each in the wirehouse world, most recently as Managing Directors at UBS. They watched as the financial advice industry morphed from a transactional model to one in which advisors served a wide variety of client needs. That is, financial advisors were more embedded in the lives of their clients, with seats at the table for decisions well beyond the world of stocks and bonds. They were now expected to be true fiduciaries, serving their clients not just as a financial advisor but instead as a financial concierge. It was a concept that fit well into Russell and Billy’s vision for their business, but did not necessarily align with the firm’s vision. Ultimately, they left the wirehouse world in October of 2023 to join Beacon Pointe Advisors as the first breakaway team to integrate with the firm. In this episode, Russell and Billy share a compelling narrative with Mindy Diamond, including: The changes they saw over decades in the wirehouse world—and how that inspired them to consider other options at this stage of their business. The evolution of their clients’ needs—and what specific things they can do for them now that they could not at UBS. The value of being a true fiduciary— and their clients’ reaction to learn that “technically” they were not as employees of the wirehouse. The choice to transition to Beacon Pointe—and why the firm won over another wirehouse or full-on independence. It’s an episode with relatable experiences and actionable advice for both wirehouse advisors and independent advisors alike. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources The Juggling Act: Balancing Short-Term Needs and Long-Term Goals A process to help you identify and prioritize your immediate needs vs goals for the future when considering a move Investing in Growth: Exploring KKR’s Attraction to $25B+ RIA Beacon Pointe What does it take to garner the attention of one of the leading private equity firms in the world? Beacon Pointe’s President Matt Cooper and Sasank Chary, Managing Director of KKR, discuss the key drivers of their strategic partnership, explore Beacon Pointe’s extraordinary growth, share advice on what it takes to make your firm attractive to an investor, and much more. The 5 Attributes That Make a Financial Advisor a “Real” Fiduciary Wirehouse advisors are recognizing that being a true fiduciary is impossible as an employee—and it’s adding more fuel to the flow of movement to independence. Russell Crow Partner and Managing Director Russell Crow is a Partner and Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors and brings over 25 years of professional experience advising ultra-high-net-worth families, institutions, and business owners. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe in 2023, Russell served as Managing Director at UBS for 14 years after spending 7 years at Goldman Sachs and 4 years with Morgan Stanley in New York, Houston & Dallas. He received his BA from the University of Arkansas, his MBA from Arizona State University, and his MIM from Thunderbird, the American Graduate School of International Management. William (Billy) Diehl Partner and Managing Director William (Billy) Diehl is a Partner and Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors and brings over 25 years of professional experience advising ultrahigh-net-worth families, institutions, and business owners. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe in 2023, Billy served as Managing Director at UBS for 14 years after spending 7 years at Goldman Sachs and 4 years with Morgan Stanley in New York, Houston & Dallas. He holds the Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and received his BA from Vanderbilt University and his MBA from the University of Texas at Austin. Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media s

With Jeremy Holly, Executive Vice President Strategic Business Development and Jared Fingeret, Senior Vice President—LPL Financial Overview Succession and monetization are hot topics for advisors in every model. LPL Financial’s Liquidity and Succession program representatives discuss what advisors, independent business owners, and next gens need to consider as they grow their businesses and explore long-term and short-term options, plus best practices to prepare for a transition and maximize business value. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… Succession planning is one area in wealth management that seems to have trouble keeping up with the industry’s growth and evolution. Research studies indicate that less than 30% of advisors have a succession plan. Many more who run thriving businesses have no strategy at the ready should a worst-case scenario leave them unable to attend to their clients’ needs or even continue their livelihood. Likewise, many advisors are still looking at the equity they’ve accumulated in their firms and wondering how they can access it—whether to monetize their life’s work or reinvest in the business’ growth. While advisors have a lot to evaluate, including many prospective external capital partners and investors, the good news is that there are firms that realize there are great partnership opportunities available internally with these thriving practices. In this episode, LPL Financial’s Jeremy Holly, Executive Vice President of Strategic Business Development, and Jared Fingeret, Senior Vice President, join Louis Diamond to discuss this critical topic. Jeremy and Jared represent LPL’s Liquidity and Succession program, which provides end-to-end solutions for advisors looking to increase business value and monetize the legacy they’ve built. So in this episode, they share perspectives for both business founders and next gens on what they need to consider as they grow their businesses and explore both the long-term and the short-term, including: Succession options that exist for advisors—and how new pathways are being born every day. Sunset deals offered by the wirehouses—and how they might compare to an option from a firm like LPL or others. Monetization options—and how each avenue can impact a business owner and the next gen. The state of valuations—and what advisors need to know and the steps to take to maximize the value of their business. It’s a conversation relevant to advisors and next gens in the wirehouses, independent firms, and everywhere in between. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources An Insider’s Perspective of LPL Strategic Wealth Services: A “Modern” Supported Independence Model Kimberly Sanders, Senior Vice President of Advisor Solutions for LPL Strategic Wealth Services discusses the evolution of the supported independence space and dives into how models like LPL’s address the changing needs of advisors and their clients. Kimberly also helps to answer the question: What drives an advisor’s decision of one model vs. another in an industry landscape replete with just about every option under the sun? The Next Gen Dilemma: 5 Unique Realities Faced by Successors The path for next gen advisors can be wrought with some pitfalls, yet when walked with confidence and flexibility, it can be immensely rewarding. Top Tips for Setting Your Business Up for Success Years Before a Move In this document, we have compiled the most salient tips collected from over two decades of helping our advisor-clients through successful transitions. Whether you’re just at the curiosity stage or are deep into the due diligence process, there are plenty of things you can be doing in the background to prepare your business and team for a potential move. Jeremy Holly Executive Vice President Jeremy Holly serves as Executive Vice President of LPL Capital Partners for LPL Financial. In this role, Holly and his team are responsible for the creation, development, execution and oversight of LPL’s suite of offerings designed to help financial advisors looking to grow through acquisition, access liquidity from their business, monetize their life’s work through a sale of their practice or protect the legacy they’ve built. Serving as a key leader with LPL for more than two decades, Holly has held numerous roles across corporate development, advisor financial solutions, national sales, strategy and finance. After stepping away for two years to serve as chief development and integration officer for SageView Advisory Group, where he was responsible for the firm’s acquisitions, recruiting, a

With Jeff Brown – President, Stratos Private Wealth Overview Jeff Brown wore many hats in his career as he transitioned his book of business from the wirehouses to independence. Yet a nagging “what if” feeling inspired him to conduct strategic due diligence, leading him first to sell a minority stake in his business and later a majority stake. Now, as President of Stratos Private Wealth, he shares a unique journey. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… Some advisors spend their entire career with one firm, while others will choose to make one well-timed move. And there are others still who have experienced many different corners of the industry. It’s these latter folks who often make the most compelling guests on our show because they’ve truly seen it all! Jeff Brown is one such advisor. He started his path in wealth management at American Express, Morgan Stanley, and Wells Fargo Advisors. Then Jeff left the wirehouse world to start Brown Wealth Management with the support of Stratos Wealth Partners, which, after a subsequent merger, became BWM Financial. He built a strong practice, always looking at ways to grow and serve his clients. Yet a coaching session with Ray Sclafani got him thinking about the future and an eventual exit strategy. Not even 50 years old at the time, he figured he had a good runway ahead. But “what if” lingered in his head… That is, what if something happened and he didn’t have a clear plan for his firm, his clients, his livelihood, and his family? So, after a round of due diligence, Jeff decided to further cement his relationship with Stratos by selling them a minority position in his business in 2020. But the story doesn’t end there… Just last year, he sold a majority stake to Stratos to take the firm national. In doing so, he is now the President of a much larger entity, Stratos Private Wealth. In this episode, Jeff shares a candid narrative with Jason Diamond, including: Lessons learned early on in the wirehouse world—and how that shaped his business going forward. The steps he took along the way—and how what he learned can help other advisors considering change. Wearing different hats throughout his career—and how he prepared for each. The choice to sell a minority stake in the business—and what Jeff saw in Stratos that inspired him to go all in. The role of vision in the evolution of his business—and how the choices made were not financial but purposeful. Thoughts about succession planning—and why playing the long game needs to start sooner in an advisor’s career. Jeff offers compelling advice for every advisor – from employees at the wirehouses to independent business owners – with actionable advice and insights. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Building Enterprise Value: A Coach’s Advice for Advisors and Teams Ray Sclafani of ClientWise discusses the key areas that employee advisors and independent business owners can impact to influence sustainable growth, enhance client relationships, and ultimately build “exit” value. Looking at M&A from the Seller’s Side of the Table Jeff Concepcion of Stratos Wealth Partners shares why he chose Emigrant Partners as a capital partner, what independent firm owners need to do when preparing for an acquisition, how he grew his firm from zero to $14B AUM in just 12 years, and more. The Strategic Due Diligence Roadmap for Financial Advisors A visual guide to help financial advisors embark upon an efficient process—one that is more likely to result in discovering Your Best Business Life™. Jeff Brown Founder & President I started my career at a wirehouse at 27. I was originally taught it was all about making dials and contacts, so I duct taped 2 headsets together and finished my first year #1 in my training class. I took that bonus and split it b/n a down payment on a house and hiring my first of many business coaches. Prudential became Wachovia and Wachovia became Wells. I made the decision to go independent in 2015 and use Stratos Wealth Partners for supported independence. I left with $400MM under management and 5 people. I have grown our firm to $1.5 billion and 22 employees. I engineered the sale of my brokerage business to Stratos in 2018, I sold a minority stake to them in 2020, and just sold a controlling stake this April to create my vision of a singular brand inside of Stratos called Stratos Private Wealth. We are going to be adding Tax advice, systematic lead generation and a variety of other services to the offices that join. We have an interesting financial incentive that helps with succession planning that I

With Duncan MacPherson, CEO, Pareto Systems Overview Duncan MacPherson from Pareto Systems offers actionable advice for financial advisors looking to unlock greater value in all that they do to build their business. It’s like having a free session on growth with one of the best coaches in the business. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… Growth is hands-down one of the most popular topics on this podcast series. While listeners seem to gravitate toward advisors’ stories that share the “secret sauce” of their success, it’s the “how-to” episodes from industry-leading coaches that are often the most widely listened-to. So this one will certainly not disappoint! In this episode, Duncan MacPherson, the CEO of Pareto Systems, joins Louis Diamond to offer advice on how to make your business “not just profitable, but purposeful.” And Duncan and his team have developed their own unique methodology to help you achieve just that. Their “Blue Square Method” aims to help advisors find their own “Blue Square”—that is, the sweet spot where business aligns with passion and purpose. And, by doing so, advisors can unlock far greater value in all that they do to build their business—whether that be at a wirehouse, as independent business owners, or somewhere in between. In this episode, Duncan talks about that methodology and much more, including: Best practices to help drive sustainable organic growth—and what you need to know to start moving the needle today. The value of scale—and what fundamental strategies you should be considering. Evaluating your current firm or model—and how a transition might be the game-changer you’re looking for. Positioning a move to clients—and how their “PSP” process provides a framework to ensure a smooth transition. Working on the business vs in it—and how you can embrace a mindset driven to focus on strategic and purposeful growth. And, ultimately, what some of the most successful advisors in the business are doing—and how you can adopt some of their methodologies to achieve your best business life. It’s like having a free session with one of the best coaches in the business—complete with actionable advice for advisors who are building their practices in employee model firms on through to business owners looking to reach beyond the next level of success. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources What Really Makes Financial Advisors Happy? In a world driven by the bottom line, the root of contentment often lies behind less “easily measured” criteria. How to Add Value at a Time When it’s Needed Most: A conversation with speaker and co-author of The Go-Giver series, Bob Burg How can advisors better communicate with clients and prospects in a way that is authentic, meaningful and adds value – especially in times of crisis? Bob Burg, the co-author of The Go-Giver book series, shares that and more in this special episode. Michael Kitces on Advisor Wellbeing: How Autonomy is Trumping Income When it Comes to Advisor Happiness Listen in for an insightful and revealing look into advisors’ minds and what really makes them happy, based on data from the latest Kitces survey. Learn the motivations and drivers that lead not only to success but to a better quality of life. Duncan MacPherson Speaker | Business Coach | Author Guided by a passion for unlocking potential, Duncan leads Pareto Systems as CEO, where we partner with Financial Professionals and visionary financial firms. Our goal? To architect businesses that are not just profitable, but also purposeful. Recognized for our unique methodology inspired by best practices and the principles of ‘The Blue Square Method,’ Duncan and the team aim to help professionals find their own ‘Blue Square’—that sweet spot where business aligns with passion and purpose. As a speaker in high demand, Duncan travels extensively throughout North America and around the world, conveying dynamic and factrich presentations that have made him a popular spokesperson for the Financial Services industry. Duncan’s expertise in demystifying business development and marketing in the financial world has universal appeal; from the high-level advisor to the successful wholesaler, to corporate financial institutions. Duncan’s primary goal is to help Professionals achieve liberation and order in their businesses through step-by-step methodology and execution. Duncan is also an industry best-selling author and has written many books including: The Advisor Playbook and The Blue Square Method; the mindset and best-practices of top fee-for-service professionals. Beyon

With Dustin Cali and Daniel Ventura – Founding Partners, Praetego Private Wealth Overview While the built-in referral mechanism of a bank brokerage firm can help grow a client base, over time, the firm’s “guardrails” naturally limit those who have their sights set on creating something bigger and better. Dustin Cali and Daniel Ventura of Praetego Private Wealth broke away to do just that: Build a business designed for the future, poised for growth and scale, with the freedom to serve clients’ unique needs. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… No one likes to feel limited by the firm or model you’ve built your business at. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for advisors to reach that point—particularly when they are employees of a much larger institution, like a bank brokerage. Many young advisors start their careers at bank branches. They provide a solid training ground, a steady flow of referrals, and scaffolding and support to keep them on track. While the built-in referral mechanism can help grow a client base, over time, the firm’s “guardrails” naturally limit those who have their sights set on creating something bigger and better—a business designed for the future, poised for growth and scale, with the freedom to serve clients’ unique needs. Dustin Cali and Daniel Ventura invested just over a decade each as Private Client Advisors at J.P. Morgan. As young advisors with high ambitions, they watched as industry peers built successful independent businesses. And that got them thinking, “Why not sooner, rather than later?” So together they launched independent firm Praetego Private Wealth on the Sanctuary Wealth platform. In this episode with Mindy Diamond, Dustin and Daniel offer a unique perspective for bank brokers, private bankers, and other young advisors who have the vision to build “something better,” including: The choice to partner up—and why they opted to launch an independent practice on the Sanctuary Wealth platform. Their transition process—and how they managed portability concerns inherent to the banking model. The choice to make the leap to independence early in their careers—and why they didn’t opt for a transition deal from another firm. The limitations they found in the bank brokerage model—and how they grow, scale, and serve their client base differently in independence. And they offer advice to advisors on the real potential to build and grow the business of their dreams—plus much more. It’s an episode that will appeal to advisors who have thought, “We could be doing things better,” with relatable experiences from those who were once in that very place. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources MaxCeV™ – How to Maximize Your Career Enterprise Value This formula seeks to provide a process by which an advisor can “calculate” the sum total of 4 key factors—to conceptualize what their career enterprise value really is and how to achieve it. It’s one of the central tenets of Diamond Consultants’ process in guiding advisors through due diligence. Private Bankers Considering Change: What You Need to Know There’s been an interesting shift in movement amongst one sector of wealth management: private bankers. Dustin Cali Private Wealth Advisor & Founding Partner Dustin co-founded Praetego Private Wealth after working at J.P. Morgan for more than a decade, serving high net worth clients and advising on over $100 million in client assets. Born and raised in Florida, Dustin graduated from University of South Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance. He also earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation, recognized as the highest industry credential. In addition to holding the FINRA Series 7 & 66 licenses, Dustin obtained the IRS Enrolled Agent designation in order to provide ongoing tax advice as an integrated part of a client’s financial plan. Dustin currently resides in Trinity, Florida, with his wife Megan and their two boys, Jackson and Jameson.   Daniel Ventura Private Wealth Advisor & Founding Partner After working for more than 10 years at J.P. Morgan and Merrill Lynch, Daniel Ventura co-founded Praetego Private Wealth with the goal of providing clients with the advantages that an independent wealth management firm can deliver. Originally from Camden, New Jersey, Daniel earned his Finance degree from Immaculata University in Pennsylvania, where he played soccer and worked as a finance/accounting tutor. He later earned a Master’s degree in Securities Analysis and Portfolio Management from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. Daniel holds the FINRA Seri

With Corey Kupfer—Attorney, Deal-maker, Speaker, and Author Overview Expert industry attorney Corey Kupfer offers advice to all advisors, whether considering change or not, including perspectives on contractual obligations and potential landmines one might encounter in a move, plus how to prepare your business for change, with actionable best practices to adopt today. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… The process of considering change is wrought with complexity. For those who decide to make a move, there’s an entirely new set of considerations and potential complications—particularly in the regulatory-heavy, compliance-driven world that advisors now live in. The good news is that there are attorneys who are highly experienced in securities law and advisor transitions who live and breathe this world. They identify the proper path for advisors to follow throughout the course of their transitions to ensure the process before, during, and after is as smooth as possible to avoid any potential legal repercussions. And they’re available to counsel all advisors, even those who haven’t decided to make a move but want to understand better the ties that bind them to their firm. The bottom line is that the right attorney can quite literally be the difference between success and failure in an advisor transition. Corey Kupfer is one such attorney with 35 years of experience serving as a legal guide and strategist to financial advisors. He joins Louis Diamond to discuss what advisors need to know when considering a transition, M&A, and other transactions along the way, including: Your contractual obligations—and what you need to know whether you’re planning a transition or not. The current regulatory state in wealth management—and how that impacts you and your clients. The transition process—and what potential land mines you need to watch out for. The dreaded TRO—and Corey’s insider perspective on how concerned an advisor needs to be. The future of non-competes—and how that might impact advisors considering change. Plus, Corey and Louis discuss the industry landscape and how the evolution is impacting advisor movement. It’s an episode designed for all advisors, whether considering change or not, as it’s an opportunity to hear directly from an attorney about his perspective, predictions, and actionable best practices. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources What Can Go Wrong in a Transition: How to Avoid “Murphy’s Law” 7 ways a financial advisor’s move can take an unexpected wrong turn—and ways to prevent that from happening. Financing Independence: A Lender’s Perspective on Breakaway Transitions, M&A and Succession James Hughes of Live Oak Bank discusses debt financing for prospective breakaway advisors looking to de-risk a leap to independence or payoff a note balance, or business owners seeking funds for acquisitions or succession planning. Top Tips for Setting Your Business Up for Success Years Before a Move In this document, we have compiled the most salient tips collected from over two decades of helping our advisor-clients through successful transitions. So, whether you’re just at the curiosity stage or are deep into the due diligence process, there are plenty of things you can be doing in the background to prepare your business and team for a potential move. Corey Kupfer Attorney, Deal-maker, Speaker, and Author Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator and dealmaker with over 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience as a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author and professional speaker. He is the founder and principal of Kupfer & Associates, PLLC, a leading corporate and deal law firm; the founder and CEO of DealQuest, a speaking, training and consulting company; the author of the Amazon best-selling book Authentic Negotiating: Clarity, Detachment & Equilibrium – The Three Keys To True Negotiating Success & How To Achieve Them. He is also the creator and host of the Top 1% ranked DealQuest Podcast. Corey originally joined EO NY in 2008 and was President of EO NY from 2013-15. He is currently a member of the EO Los Angeles and East Bridge Chapters and is the MyEO DealExchange Champion. You can learn more about Corey, his companies, and current projects at www.kupferlaw.com and [email protected]. Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites   Browse other episodes in this podcast series…

With Mindy Diamond and Louis Diamond Overview In a world managed to the lowest common denominator and driven by heavy-handed compliance, every employee advisor is vulnerable. In this episode, Mindy and Louis break it all down, share warning signs all advisors should pay attention to and proactive steps an advisor can take to protect themselves. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… It’s something no advisor wants to hear: You are vulnerable. Whether you’re a star performer with direct access to the top or someone who runs a comfortable lifestyle practice, the reality is if you are an employee of a firm, you are subject to a higher level of risk and compliance scrutiny than ever before. Certainly, you might be saying, “That’s just a scare tactic. I have nothing to fear.” Yet, the reality is that any advisor who works for a big firm is subject to a heavy-handed compliance environment designed to ensure that ALL advisors operate under a single code of conduct. And while that culture may work for some, it doesn’t work for most. Even those who operate with legitimate exceptions, or others who say, “I’ve been doing that for years,” are now finding themselves in a place they don’t want to be. So the goal of this episode is to identify the traps before they become a bigger issue—like administrative leave, heightened supervision, or termination. Mindy Diamond and Louis Diamond answer these critical questions—and more: What does it mean to be “vulnerable”? Why has this become a growing issue over recent years? Why does this impact employee advisors more than those who are not bound to their firm by a W-2? If an advisor has a spotless record and runs a growing practice, should they still be concerned? What about larger teams that operate with exceptions, are they at risk? What are some warning signs all advisors should pay attention to? What are proactive steps an advisor can take? What happens if an advisor is terminated? And ultimately, how do you survive in an environment that seems designed to catch you in the act? It’s likely one of the most important conversations we’ve had to date, so be sure to listen in. Download: Vulnerability & Termination: An Advisor’s Survival Guide hbspt.forms.create({ region: "na1", portalId: "46578459", formId: "4be6e4e9-6d2f-438d-a56d-6a93ceb0ccae" }); Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Related Resources You ARE Vulnerable: A Reality Check for All Wirehouse Advisors There is a new reality for advisors who work for a wirehouse: An undercurrent of vulnerability. From Termination to Expungement: A Former $350mm UBS Advisor Finds Success in Independence The heightened sense of vulnerability in the big firms became a reality for Jeff Boudjouk who was terminated from UBS—a charge which has since been expunged. Jeff shares the harrowing journey, how he and his partner Anthony Landi found a new home in independence with Kestra Private Wealth Services as Northeast Investment Group. Vulnerability & Termination: An Advisor’s Survival Guide A list of steps to take if you feel vulnerable, are under investigation or heightened supervision or have been terminated. Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites   Browse other episodes in this podcast series…

With Michael Dolberg – Founding Partner and CEO, Apollon Wealth Management Overview Building a firm from $120mm in assets to over $7.5B in just 6 years is an incredible feat. Mike Dolberg describes how he and the team at Apollon recognized the value of culture, partnership, and the freedom to serve clients—and how that realization ultimately drove their astounding success. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… Culture is an overused buzzword in our industry. It seems that the largest of firms suffer most from cultures that their advisors often describe as “broken”—a product of continual growth that forced philosophical tenants to be redesigned in a more bureaucratic fashion. That is, what works best for the masses. Yet as more advisors launch independent firms, they’re doing so with a different ethos: One that’s more focused on developing a culture that is appealing to other like-minded advisors. As a result, many of these firms are dominating the field in attracting and retaining top talent. For Mike Dolberg, finding the right team members who shared the same ideals was a critical part of designing a firm poised for longevity and growth. In his eyes, having fun and loving what you do as an advisor are the real keys to success. Mike’s own wealth management career started in insurance in 2004, eventually landing at Northwestern Mutual. He and partner Rob Gorman learned the planning business from the ground up, cold calling their way to success. Within a year at Northwestern Mutual, Mike became a Managing Director of their local region, growing the business and developing strong client relationships. But Northwestern is first and foremost an insurance company, so naturally, over time, the team felt limited in what they could deliver to their clients. They wanted the autonomy to build and grow the business their way, based on their own culture and philosophies, not the firm’s. Mike was essentially an enterprise builder in a captive environment. And it wasn’t as much fun anymore. So, in 2018 they launched the RIA firm Apollon Wealth Management, which managed approximately $120mm at its inception. Just six years later, it’s a $7.5B firm, with multiple locations across the country and separate business units. In this episode, Mike shares his amazing story with Louis Diamond, including: The factors behind their choice to leave Northwestern—and what specifically limited their growth while at the insurance broker dealer. The key things that contributed to Apollon’s growth—and how culture and client service are intrinsically connected to their success. The services they can now provide to their clients—and how that’s changed as a fully independent firm. The value of partnership—and how Merchant Investment Management helped forge the relationship between Mike and Rob. And why Mike says, “Good shouldn’t be good enough”—plus much more. It’s a conversation that offers value for those who are looking at the various ways an advisor, practice, or firm can grow and thrive—and how the right culture can help drive success. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources When it Comes to Attracting and Retaining Advisors, Culture Really is King How these 5 key characteristics set the stage for a more positive and productive environment for financial advisors. The Top 5 Reasons Why Northwestern Mutual Advisors Are Changing Firms A growing trend of departures from Northwestern Mutual has left many of the firm’s advisors wondering what’s driving the momentum—and what their colleagues are finding on the other side. A Northwestern Mutual Advisor’s “Jerry Maguire-Style” Breakaway Story As a Managing Director at Northwestern Mutual, Brett Gilliland had a unique perspective of the limitations at the firm. So, after 13 years and with $300mm in AUM, he left to build Visionary Wealth Advisors, today a $1.8B firm. Michael J. Dolberg CEO and a Founding Partner Michael J. Dolberg is the CEO and a founding partner at Apollon Wealth Management, a collaborative and transparent financial planning firm focused on aligning clients’ goals of growing and preserving their hard-earned wealth. Apollon set out to change the model for investing away from a product platform to one that is 100% client driven. With exceptional white glove service, Mike and the Apollon team have executed the founding partners’ vision of creating an independent organization with the mission of enriching the lives of others through collaborative financial planning and guidance. With passion and purpose, Mike and team have created a comprehensive wealth management and planning

With Reza Zamani – Founding Partner and Chief Executive Officer, SteelPeak Wealth Overview After a dozen years in the wirehouse world, Reza Zamani began to recognize the limitations inherent to the model. So in 2012, he left to launch SteelPeak Wealth with $250mm in AUM. Today, they manage $3B and have 20 advisors on their team. Reza discusses how the decision to break away led to tremendous growth. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… Wirehouses are massive institutions that have no choice but to operate on a level that is best for the largest majority of advisors—often referred to as managing to the lowest common denominator. And that model works perfectly well for many advisors who are building their businesses at these firms. But for others with their sights set on the future, and having greater freedom in serving clients and growing the business, it may not be the right fit. Reza Zamani is someone who experienced this firsthand. From 2000 to 2012, he was a wirehouse advisor—first with UBS and later with Morgan Stanley. Yet 2012 would mark the year he decided to leave the wirehouse world to build his own independent firm. The wirehouses proved too limiting for Reza. He wanted clients to be able to “have it all” without sacrificing solutions or service, and to be free of any conflicts of interest inherent to a larger institution. It’s a common refrain shared by many advisors who change firms or models. Reza’s decision to break away was a good one. He started SteelPeak Wealth in 2012 with $250mm in AUM. Today, they manage $3B and have 20 advisors on their team. In this episode, Reza joins Louis Diamond to talk about the decision to leave the wirehouse world and how that translated into tremendous growth, including: The choice to leave the wirehouse world—and why independence was the right path. Dispelling the notion that independence means going it alone—and how the seemingly limitless support system and resources helped pave the way for their success. The value of taking on a minority investor—and what that partnership allowed them to achieve. Running a billion-dollar business—and how it differs from his life at the wirehouses. The reality is that independence is not for everyone. But for those seeking greater freedom and control than they may be experiencing with their current firm, it offers a path that can allow them to achieve their goals. It’s an episode worth investing the time to listen to, with takeaways for employee advisors and independent business owners alike. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources If Not Another Wirehouse, Then What? Advisors considering change want something more than what they have at their current firm. The good news is that there’s plenty to choose from. But that’s the bad news, too. How to Navigate the Emotional Rollercoaster Ride of a Transition: A Special Industry Update Mindy Diamond and Louis Diamond share ideas from 25 years of experience to help advisors navigate the daunting process of transition and advice on how to better cope with what can feel like a tumultuous ride. Diamond Consultants 2023 Advisor Transition Report An Update on Advisor Movement in the Wealth Management Industry. Reza Zamani Founding Partner and Chief Executive Officer Reza received his bachelor’s degree in Business Economics with a minor in Sports Management from the University of California at Santa Barbara, where he played NCAA Division I soccer. He believes his history as a high-level athlete prepared him well for the process of building a team that is enthusiastic, passionate, and hard-working. He also graduated from UCLA’s Management Development Program at the Anderson School of Management. Reza is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary and holds the Certified Portfolio Manager, CPM®, designation from Columbia University and the Academy of Certified Portfolio Managers. In addition, he is accredited as a Certified Fund Specialist, CFS®, and Certified Annuity Specialist, CAS®. Reza spent the first 13 years of his career at two major Wall Street firms. He served as a Senior Vice President at UBS and Senior Portfolio Director at Morgan Stanley before forming SteelPeak Wealth in 2012. During his early years with major Wall Street firms, he always envisioned an independent advisory firm dedicated to providing a higher level of value and exceptional service to clients. Today, Reza’s vision of a talented team of advisors and management providing distinguished fiduciary services to clients has come to fruition in SteelPeak Wealth. SteelPeak Wealth represents Reza’s ideals of innovation,

With Rob Nelson – CEO and Founder, NorthRock Partners Overview Since his last visit on the show 5 years ago, Rob Nelson’s NorthRock Partners has grown exponentially, serving a high net worth client base of professional athletes, entrepreneurs, and corporate executives. Rob offers valuable lessons derived from finding the “clearest path to excellence” for his clients and the NorthRock team. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… This episode is fueled by the perspective of hindsight, which provides a unique lens into the growth trajectory of an RIA. Five years ago, Rob Nelson joined us on this series to talk about his business model, which “organically evolved,” as he put it, to serve a high net worth client base of professional athletes, entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and philanthropists. Rob built the foundation of his practice at Ameriprise and its predecessors in 1993, and later transitioned from the broker dealer to become a fully independent RIA in 2013. Rob and his team embraced an expansive list of services, many growing out of specific client needs and requests. In short order, they had created a firm that touted specifically tailored offerings—even a separate firm focused solely on philanthropic efforts. NorthRock’s early success attracted an equity investment from Emigrant Partners and, more recently, insurance holding company Sammons Financial Group. From 2019 to today, NorthRock grew from $1.9B to over $6B, with over 150 employees and 7 locations. Plus, Rob is set on doubling the business over the next two years. The fact that they grew so rapidly isn’t the real story here—it’s how they did it. In this episode, Mindy Diamond revisits Rob’s journey, discussing how they got from there to here, including: The NorthRock formula for success—and how their strategies can be leveraged as a blueprint to turbocharge growth. Their extraordinary client base—and what specific needs NorthRock addresses for them. The value of partnerships—and how Sammons Financial Group plays into their future goals. The role of “excellence”—and why that’s a critical part of their work with clients and the NorthRock team’s path forward. Plus, Rob talks about their partnerships, M&A, philanthropy, and their plans for future growth. It’s an episode that looks at a timeline of success, with key takeaways for wirehouse advisors, business owners, and everyone in between. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Financing Independence: A Lender’s Perspective on Breakaway Transitions, M&A and Succession James Hughes of Live Oak Bank discusses debt financing for prospective breakaway advisors looking to de-risk a leap to independence or payoff a note balance, or business owners seeking funds for acquisitions or succession planning. Summit Trail’s Jack Petersen on How Their Blockbuster Break Created a $16B Firm Designed to Serve the Unique Needs of UHNW Clients The Barclays breakaway discusses his 2015 landmark leap with 5 partners, 3 offices, and $3B in AUM, plus shares why he feels UHNW clients are best served in independence, what they do to drive extraordinary growth, and much more. Top Tips for Setting Your Business Up for Success Years Before a Move In this document, we have compiled the most salient tips collected from over two decades of helping our advisor-clients through successful transitions. Rob Nelson CEO & Founder Rob Nelson is Chief Executive Officer and Founder of NorthRock Partners. Bringing 30 years of industry leadership and executive management experience to his role with the company, Rob provides vision, direction, and strategy — continuing to develop a firm and business model centered around clients unique needs. Throughout his career, Rob has built a reputation for integrating non-industry client services within traditional financial and lifestyle advice to create an innovative and client-centric business model. With a focus on driving a Personal Office® experience for every client, Rob continues to build a growing company that serves an exceptional client list of investors, entrepreneurs, athletes, Fortune 500 corporate executives, and multigenerational families from around the world. Rob graduated from Bemidji State University in 1993, earning his bachelor’s degree in business administration. He proudly serves on the boards of Foundation X, Ashby Legacy Fund, Arrow Giving Foundation, and the Star Tribune Pension Board. He is passionate about giving back by serving communities, empowering people, and supporting organizations that help others reach their full potential. Rob and his wife,