We’re back with another episode of War Room Huddle!

Today, we are joined by Steve Spaeth, CFP®, Founder and CEO of River Oak Asset Advisory out of Cincinnati, OH.  Steve recently marked his one-year anniversary of going independent after leaving a billion-dollar self-built business in the wirehouse channel. Reflecting on his more than 28 years in wealth management, Steve notes that while he had success and partners who supported his growth, ultimately the wirehouse model had limitations. His decision to go independent in 2021 was based largely on his interest in deepening client relationships and optimizing his business model.

 In today’s episode, RFG President Shannon Spotswood and Steve discuss what it’s like to create a more fulfilled, intentional, and rewarding career as an independent advisory owner. It’s never easy to leave a successful business that has taken years to build. Steve reflects upon his prior illusion of freedom, his passion for his clients, and how “each win matters.”

Through his journey to independence, Steve acknowledges improved family connections and deeper intentionality in everything he does. Instead of putting in face time at the office, his focus is now on the things that truly matter personally and professionally. One of the most important mindset shifts for Steve is that he now holds himself accountable, rather than allowing outside influences to impact where and how he invests his time throughout the day.  

Earlier growth under the wirehouse model was very different than the way independent advisors grow their clientele. “Passion Prospecting” – coined by Shannon – is something that newly independent advisors often struggle with – not because they don’t want to explore it, but because it is so different than what they are used to doing. Now, Steve can lead with what he enjoys doing while seeking others who also share those interests. There is almost zero challenge in attracting the right clients when he hosts events that surround those activities. He has experienced incredible growth from this strategy. Steve recommend advisors make an effort to know where every client likes to eat out, what they like to do in their spare time, and make an effort to connect with them outside of the office. Building a true relationship is key to earning trust and delivering advice.

In conclusion, Steve shares his advice for both younger and more seasoned advisors. For experienced advisors like himself, Steve shares that it’s easy to keep your blinders on. It may feel like you have a multitude of resources at your disposal, but you should look beyond your existing toolset for other places that may offer better technology, deeper resources and more accessible support. The big custodial name on client statements matters a lot less to clients than advisors think. In fact, all of his clients came with him when he announced his transition, and that is a reflection that relationships and quality service are the two most important catalysts for client retention.

As for his advice for younger advisors considering independence, he shares that it really is true that most independent advisors say, “I should have done this sooner.”  

Join the conversation to hear all about:

●      04:30: Why independence after building a multi-billion wirehouse practice.

●      07:55: Time management as an independent advisor.

●      09:02: Impact of the transition on family.

●      11:15: Building enterprise value on your personal balance sheet.

●      15:05: Creating the ideal base of operations.

●      17:30: Attracting the right clientele.

●      20:00: Refining your story as an independent advisor.

●   &

Welcome back to another episode of War Room Huddle! Today, we are joined by Jody Bluitt, Wealth Advisor at WFA in Shreveport, Louisiana. Recently, Jody's leadership earned him the honor of being named a finalist for the ThinkAdvisor LUMINARIES Class of 2022 in the category of Community Service and the advisory board of the Shreveport-Bossier African American Chamber of Commerce. 

In today's special episode, RFG President Shannon Spotswood and Jody discuss what it means to make the climb to take your career and life to different altitudes. They talk about the importance of "owning it to the best of your ability" and being the best version of you. For Jody, this includes his colleagues Steve Carney, ChFC®, Dany Martin, MBA, and Chase Crump, CFP®–partners and wealth advisors at WFA. 

To bring this episode to a close, Jody reminds us that we are all creators of our own destiny, and that by creating our own personal legends we can inspire others to do the same. By creating a legacy for himself—one that honors his dad and pays tribute to those who came before him—Jody reminds us that no matter what happens in life, you can always find a way through it.

“When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too.” - Paulo Coehlo, The Alchemist.

Join the conversation to hear all about:

• 01:20: Becoming firmly committed on the road to an inspiring journey.
• 04:31: Developing a skillset on how to prioritize your time.
• 08:34: Conquer yourself to be on the top.
• 10:58: The responsibility of leading the future generation.
• 15:53: When you break barriers, you can end up with a diverse team.
• 20:14: The perception of money & how to change it. 
• 26:35: Financial literacy and why it’s important.
• 28:04: Leading the future generation.
• 29:33: Catapulting your career to the next level.
• 32:44: Create your own legacy.

Referenced Materials

• War Room Huddle Podcast- Website
• Warrior Advisor Conference
• Warrior Advisor Podcast - Website 
• RFG Advisory – Website
• RFG Advisory – Facebook
• RFG Advisory – LinkedIn
• RFG Advisory – Twitter
• RFG Advisory - YouTube 
• ThinkAdvisor Class of 2022 LUMINARIES Finalists
• ThinkAdvisor LUMINARIES Awards Criteria  

Welcome back to another episode of Become a Warrior Advisor! A podcast that seeks to provide turnkey solutions, analyzing ​​actionable tactics, guidance, and the tools to survive and thrive during periods of uncertainty and disruption. 

In this episode, Founder and CEO of RFG Advisory Bobby White and Navy SEAL Dom Raso discuss all things obsession, change, changing the generic way of thinking, and more. Through a customized curriculum, meant to stimulate critical thinking and quickly adapt to a new future, this podcast truly aspires to inspire and empower a new breed of advisor.

Bobby tells us that being obsessed is simply committing to something with your whole being to make yourself better, and make the people around you better. When you think of the word “obsessed”, it often can have a negative context behind it. By turning that upside down, you can look at this a different way and have a positive outlook on life. With a servant heart and a warrior mindset, you can help to make this world a better place to live in.

 Join the conversation to hear all about:

●      07:15 Accept that the hard path will only make you stronger. 

●      10:14 What is fear? How do we clearly define that? 

●      13:45 Identify what you need to put your effort into. 

●      17:40 Build your path forward. 

●      24:08 Do not become complacent and get 1% better every day.  

●      27:52 Live your life with ultimate integrity and extreme accountability.

●      30:14 Everything you do matters.

●      33:47 Your “why” can change over time. 

●      41:05 Live life to the fullest. 

●      45:35 Show up when no one else is willing to do so. 

Referenced Materials

●      Warrior Advisor Conference

●      Warrior Advisor Podcast - Website 

●      RFG Advisory – Website

●      RFG Advisory – Facebook

●      RFG Advisory – LinkedIn

●      RFG Advisory – Twitter

●      RFG Advisory - YouTube