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Podcast

For Financial Advisors

Edward Jones Breakaway: From Knocking on Doors (Literally) to Building a $2B Independent Enterprise

Posted by Mindy Diamond

A conversation with Jim DeCota, President & Principal, Enso Wealth Management

Overview

Jim DeCota started his career in wealth management in the financial advisor training program at Edward Jones back in 2003, building his business to $85mm in AUM in just over a decade. But much like many independent-minded advisors, he felt like he had outgrown the model and wanted more autonomy. So he left Ed Jones to launch what would later become Enso Wealth Management, a firm that today manages some $2B in assets. He shares his story and unique business model.

Listen in…

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> Download a transcript of this episode…

About this episode…

There’s much to be said for a strong culture.

It typically serves as the main distinction between firms and, for many advisors, is credited with fostering growth through an ethos and community that they feel well-aligned with.

Take Jim DeCota, for example. His journey in wealth management started after opting out of a career in accounting and joining the financial advisor training program at Edward Jones.

It was 2003, and he could have easily chosen one of the big wirehouse training programs, but he felt Ed Jones was a better match for his entrepreneurial nature.

Jim built his business by knocking on doors – literally – cold-calling and networking within his community.

And he was growing, ultimately to $85mm in assets under management at the firm.

But much like many independent-minded advisors we speak with, he felt like he was outgrowing the model and wanted more autonomy.

So in 2014, he left Jones to launch RIA DeCota Wealth Management, which would become Enso Wealth Management in 2016—a firm that today manages some $2B in assets.

Jim DeCota - Enso Wealth

In this episode, Jim shares his story with Louis Diamond, including:

  • The strong culture Jim experienced in his early days at Ed Jones—and how it became less fraternal and more competitive over time.
  • Building a nascent practice at the firm—and why Jim chose to break away after 11 years.
  • The concerns over legal repercussions after his departure from Ed Jones—and how that impacted his transition process.
  • The choice to build an RIA firm from scratch—and why he felt that path was the right one vs. joining another firm.
  • The unique recruiting model he built at Enso—and how it differs from other platforms.
  • Plus, Jim discusses what he describes as “Independence 3.0”—and how he sees that as driving competition in the independent space.

As Jim shared, he really wanted to be a “business owner” and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the business owner clients he was working with and the prospects he was speaking to—a vision he could only realize outside the confines of Ed Jones.

It’s a story for any advisor who may be feeling that they’ve “outgrown” their current firm with practical takeaways on how best to resolve those feelings. And even more so, a deft narrative around achieving extraordinary growth.

Related Resources

How to Uncover a Firm’s Culture in a Time of Virtual Due Diligence—and Beyond
11 questions advisors can ask to unlock what is often an intangible yet important aspect of an advisor’s assessment of a firm. Read ->

What’s changed at Edward Jones—and what’s driving so many advisors to seek other options?
While many brokerage firms have seen noticeable advisor attrition in recent years, the velocity of moves away from Ed Jones, a firm that built its legacy on a strong culture, begs a few important questions. Read ->

What’s Driving All the Movement Away From Ed Jones?
Historically, advisors at Edward Jones rarely changed jerseys. They were loyal, felt independent enough, liked the culture and enjoyed the strong brand recognition. But, today, we are seeing more and more Jones’ advisors leaving—and here’s why. Read ->

Jim DeCota
President And Principal

Jim DeCota, founder of Enso Wealth Management, brings over fifteen years of experience to the firm. He serves a select group of successful business owners, individuals and families. He approaches full-service financial planning with long-term goals in mind, while recognizing the importance of enjoying a fulfilling life along the way.

Jim diligently tracks industry trends and data to provide the best possible advice to his clients. In 2014, he founded a Registered Investment Advisor firm. This approach is a simple and transparent business model. When you succeed, he succeeds.

As a former accountant, Jim has a technical understanding of finance. He incorporates his expertise into a holistic wealth management process. Jim creatively combines a wide range of available products with evidence-based investments to develop an individualized plan for each of his clients.

In his free time, Jim enjoys golfing, dirt bike riding, cycling and spending time with his lovely wife and 3 daughters.

Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites

                            

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About Mindy Diamond

CEO – By counseling advisors on how to ask the right questions and “dig deep”, she helps them look at all of the opportunities available to find the one that allows them to reach their full potential. That is, to best serve their clients and live a life that is in sync with their own beliefs and values. Learn more...

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