While independence offers a great deal of freedom and flexibility, it’s not for everyone. The series explores options available in an expanding industry landscape, offering comparisons between different types of independent models from Independent Broker Dealers (IBDs) to Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) and Hybrid RIAs. Episodes also include conversations with industry leaders and breakaway advisors who left the employee world for one where they could grow their advisory business in ways they could not in the brokerage space. Be sure to subscribe and stay up-to-date.
While we often hear the advisor’s perspective of cultural shifts within the brokerage world, it’s even more powerful to gain the point of view from senior management—a first-hand account of what led to the changes and the behind-the-scenes fight to retain the freedoms that advisors once had. But as former Merrill senior leader Greg Franks puts it, “It was a losing battle.” In this episode, Greg shares what was happening at Merrill to motivate his own leap to independence in 2011 to the helm of Snowden Lane Partners. It’s an exclusive look at an evolving wealth management industry and how models like Snowden Lane are filling a gap in the landscape. 
Listen…
In spring of 2020, most advisors were in over their heads trying to figure out how they were going to guide clients in a world locked down by the pandemic. While Tom Stadum was juggling the same upheaval, it was also a big wake-up call to him: The wealth management world was going through an evolution like no other and the thoughts he had already been entertaining about how his business needed to change grew stronger. With his father/partner fulfilling the obligations of his retirement agreement at UBS, this 3rd gen advisor was ready to look beyond the walls of the brokerage firm. So he dove head-first into due diligence – at a time when everything was virtual – and by August, Tom and his team launched Fjell Capital in Fargo, ND with platform provider Sanctuary Wealth. He shares his journey with Louis Diamond. Listen…
The convention of incenting advisors to join a firm by offering a forgivable loan or recruitment deal has been the subject of a long-standing debate in the wealth management industry. For advisors considering their options, it means making a choice: Should you monetize your business now with the short-term windfall of what could be life-changing money or opt for the long-term potential of independence and forego the outsized check? Mindy and Louis explore both sides of the topic. Listen…
After more than 130 episodes of the show, one of the most common responses we’ve received from listeners is that they want to learn more—particularly when it comes to interviews with breakaways.
That is, more about specific aspects of the advisor’s journey, as well as what they gained or lost on the independent side. In this episode, a panel of three brilliant advisors answer your questions and dig into the details of their journeys: UBS breakaway Lori Siegel, founding partner of Centrix Wealth Partners; Merrill breakaway Michael Henley, founder and CEO of Brandywine Oak Private Wealth; and UBS breakaway Terry Cook, CEO of Parcion Private Wealth.
Listen…
