A Multi-Generational Independent Breakaway Story with Jason Cort

At a time when many other advisors would be focused on retirement, this senior advisor and his team took “the road less traveled” in order to better serve their clients and business

Why would Herman Rij, a 70-year-old “lifer” from Merrill Lynch, choose to leave his home of nearly 4 decades to face the uncertainty of a move to independence? And how could he and his team justify walking away from their deferred comp – into the “unknown” – that is, by starting an independent practice from scratch?

To answer those questions and more, Mindy is joined by Jason Cort, President of Quadrant Private Wealth. Learn how he and 3 other Merrill advisors, including Herm who is now-Chairman of Quadrant, made the leap to independence back in 2014 with the help of Focus Financial Partners.

In this episode, Jason talks about what compelled their move to independence, as well as:

Why they decided against moving to another wirehouse.
How they got their multi-generational team all on the same page.
How their clients reacted to the announcement of their move.
How they addressed Herm’s succession needs while also meeting the needs of the younger partners.
Why they chose Focus Financial Partners.
How their team has grown – and their plans for the future.

So listen in as Mindy and Jason discuss how the team built Quadrant “brick by brick,” just 8 floors above their old office, but light years above their former practice.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:52 — 26.2MB) | Embed

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About Jason Cort:

Jason brings over 20 years experience and market knowledge to the Quadrant team. As a Founding Partner and President at Quadrant, he specializes in creating investment strategies designed to mitigate risk without sacrificing return, as well as liability management, estate planning services, and equity strategies.

Prior to founding Quadrant, he was an advisor with Merrill Lynch.

Jason earned a dual degree with Honors in Economics and History from Bucknell University and attained the Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®) designation through the Investment Management Consultants Association and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.