• Building Client Trust Through Core Values with Ted Bovard
    Jul 30 2024
    Episode 54: In this episode of The Connected Advisor, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Ted Bovard, Principal at Fort Pitt Capital Group. Ted shares his unconventional path to wealth management and the pivotal moments that shaped his career. Emphasizing the importance of long-term planning over chasing returns, Ted discusses Fort Pitt's client-first approach, the firm's five-step onboarding process, and how they leverage teamwork and technology to enhance their services. Kyle and Ted also explore the importance of strong core values, and the impact of AI and technology on the future of financial services.
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    42 mins
  • How Breakaway Advisors Achieve True Independence with Jason Barber
    Jul 23 2024
    Episode 053: For many advisors, transitioning from wirehouse firms to independent practices is not just about autonomy—it's about building a business that aligns with their vision and values. However, true independence comes with its own set of challenges. To thrive, advisors need the right technology. When chosen strategically, technology becomes a key partner in building strong client relationships and delivering meaningful financial planning. In this episode of The Connected Advisor, Kyle talks with Jason Barber, CEO and Co-Founder of Uptick Partners. Jason helps advisors and investors achieve independence. He is also the CEO and Co-Founder of Holistic Planning, where he delivers high-quality, comprehensive, and unbiased financial advice to individuals and families. Jason talks with Kyle about how breakaway advisors achieve true independence. He shares why he left a large wirehouse, the challenges and opportunities of establishing an independent advisory firm, and the importance of aligning personal values with professional goals. In this episode: [02:01] - Jason's money moment [08:12] - What Jason learned from his time at Cutco [11:06] - The similarities between selling a product and selling services [13:17] - What made Jason leave wirehouse firms and start an independent RIA [22:58] - Jason's concept for launching an independent RIA [26:57] - The challenges of selecting the right tech stack [32:55] - Jason's Milemarker Minute Key Takeaways Having the right tech stack can help advisors avoid wasting time and resources. By prioritizing simplicity, functionality, and technology aligned with the firm's values, advisors can enhance client service, simplify operations, and avoid unnecessary complications. The shift toward independence allows advisors to create a tailored and impactful advisory practice, focused on client relationships and meaningful financial planning. Entrepreneurs in the financial advisory space have to be able to navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and maintain a client-centric approach. Quotes [23:06] - "We want to provide you with the things you have to have and nothing more. As for the things you must have, we'll do a great job." ~ Jason Barber [24:39] - "There's a big opportunity to help people, and people want what we do because we actually do it and have done it ourselves." ~ Jason Barber [31:37] - "Most advisors want to log into one thing in the morning. They want to have a CRM and a portfolio management tool, they want to be able to do their billing, they want to have a built-in TAMP, and they want to have it all in one place. And that's what we've got with Advyzon." ~ Jason Barber Links Jason Barber on LinkedIn Uptick Partners Holistic Planning Steve Barber Edward Jones Dell Cutco Vector Marketing Raymond James Wealthbox Advyzon Nitrogen Wealth RightCapital MoneyGuidePro The Holy Grail of Investing Connect with our hosts Milemarker.co Kyle on LinkedIn Jud on LinkedIn Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Produce game-changing content with Turncast Turncast helps your company grow by producing top-quality content and fostering transformative conversations. We specialize in content generation, podcasting, digital strategy, and audience growth for fintech and financial services companies. Learn more at Turncast.com.
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    37 mins
  • Resilience, Mentorship, and the Power of Persistence with Lori Van Dusen
    Jul 16 2024
    Episode 052: Successful advisory firms recognize that having the right people is an investment in the organization's future. But it's more than simply filling seats. It's about cultivating a team that is passionate about the industry, thrives in a collaborative environment, and is genuinely enthusiastic about contributing to its success. In this episode, Kyle talks with Lori Van Dusen, Founder and CEO of LVW Advisors. An advocate of client-focused strategies, Lori provides comprehensive, integrated solutions to a fragmented financial services industry. She is the author of the Wall Street Journal bestselling book Running with Grace: A Wall Street Insider's Path to True Leadership, a Purposeful Life, and Joy in the Face of Adversity. Lori talks with Kyle about what it takes to build a successful advisory firm. She discusses the importance of mentorship, succession planning, and investing in the right people. Lori also shares insights from her book, highlighting resilience and overcoming adversity. In this episode: [03:06] - Lori's money moment [06:06] - Lori's thoughts on going independent [10:12] - What motivated Lori to start her advisory firm [12:16] - What it takes to build a successful firm [16:50] - Why failure isn't a threat [18:39] - The inspiration behind Lori's book, Running with Grace [22:31] - Key takeaways from Running with Grace [25:16] - How technology plays a role in running a business [28:12] - Lori's outlook about the future of the industry [30:02] - Why many people fail to plan for succession [33:18] - Lori's Milemarker Minute Key Takeaways Investing in people is investing in the future of the organization. Great people, a great team, and a mindset dedicated to giving back to the industry drive business success. Building a successful advisory firm begins with building a strong and culture-focused team. Succession planning and strategic business development ensure long-term sustainability and growth. Similarly to stress testing a portfolio, stress testing a business allows businesses to operate seamlessly. Quotes [14:10] - "You have to study each client base that you're serving and say, 'What is it that they need that's not out there?' Then you have to find people you can partner with so it is seamless to solve problems." ~ Lori Van Dusen [13:04] - "Our whole business is based on understanding the client's unique situation, the problems they're having, and the implications of those problems, and then solving for that." ~ Lori Van Dusen [15:38] - "The rankings or recognitions we've got simply come back to having great people, a great team, and the mindset that you're not only wanting to solve problems for clients but also giving back to the industry." ~ Lori Van Dusen Links Lori Van Dusen on LinkedIn LVW Advisors Running with Grace Morgan Stanley Merrill Lynch Salesforce eMoney Advisor Envestnet | Tamarac Connect with our hosts Milemarker.co Kyle on LinkedIn Jud on LinkedIn Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Produce game-changing content with Turncast Turncast helps your company grow by producing top-quality content and fostering transformative conversations. We specialize in content generation, podcasting, digital strategy, and audience growth for fintech and financial services companies. Learn more at Turncast.com.
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    37 mins
  • A People-Centric Approach to Wealth Management with Lisa Crafford
    Jul 9 2024
    Episode 51: In this episode, Kyle talks with Lisa Crafford, Managing Director & Head of Advisory at Constellation Wealth Capital. Throughout her career, Lisa has worked for small family-owned businesses, large retail franchises, non-profits, and Fortune 500 companies across Australia and the U.S. At Constellation Wealth Capital, Lisa leads the advisory team and works alongside partner firms to help them grow and strengthen their business. Lisa talks with Kyle about the importance of people in the wealth management industry. She highlights the value of internships and the need for firms to invest in their employees. Lisa also discusses the impact of technology, data, and professionalization in shaping the future of the financial industry. In this episode [01:57] - Lisa's money moment [05:25] - What netball is and how it works [07:58] - What makes Constellation different from other capital partners [12:40] - Why the wealth management industry has become a target for investors [16:04] - Why financial planning extends far beyond retirement planning [19:08] - The impact of data on RIA valuation [23:40] - The industry's trend toward professionalization [27:38] - Why many firms struggle to answer the growth question [32:24] - The value of internships [39:23] - Lisa's Milemarker Minute Key Takeaways Wealth management is fundamentally a people's business. It is important to focus on client relationships and people across all roles, including advisors, operations, technology, marketing, and compliance​. Constellation Wealth Capital provides tailored capital solutions for large and rapidly growing advisory firms, emphasizing simplicity and effectiveness in their investment approach​. Technology is more than just having the latest tools. It is also about ensuring that existing technology is utilized effectively to drive firm growth and integration. Financial planning goes beyond retirement planning. It includes comprehensive wealth management that addresses clients' overall well-being, including psychological and behavioral aspects related to money. Internship programs are a great way for advisory firms to invest in the future. The financial industry provides a lot of opportunities, and it's a great place to be. Quotes [14:49] - "Our work makes a difference in people's lives. It's not just about making rich people richer. It's really about helping people understand their wealth, share and create a legacy with their wealth, and make the world a better place through what they've created with their money." ~ Lisa Crafford [21:01] - "Having the data and technology is really important. But what are you actually doing with that data? How are you using it to give your clients a better experience? There's having data, and there's using data. There's having tech and actually using it properly." ~ Lisa Crafford [30:06] - "If the employees of your firm feel connected to the mission and feel like they can contribute to that, that's a game changer in culture and morale and how the firm operates on a day-to-day basis." ~ Lisa Crafford Links Lisa Crafford on LinkedIn Constellation Wealth Capital Karl Heckenberg Captrust Addepar Wealthbox Michael Kitces Matt Sonnen Pershing Rianka Dorsainvil The Castle Connect with our hosts Milemarker.co Kyle on LinkedIn Jud on LinkedIn Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Google Podcasts Produce game-changing content with Turncast Turncast helps your company grow by producing top-quality content and fostering transformative conversations. We specialize in content generation, podcasting, digital strategy, and audience growth for fintech and financial services companies. Learn more at Turncast.com.
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    44 mins
  • How Compliance Fuels Sustainable Growth with April Turch
    Jul 2 2024
    Episode 050: In this episode of The Connected Advisor, Kyle talks with April Turch, Chief Compliance Officer at Wolf Group Capital Advisors. April has more than 20 years of experience specializing in financial planning and wealth management operations. She manages and oversees firm-level projects that impact the firm's success, team performance, and overall client experience. April is also responsible for helping the firm scale its operations through technology, processes, systems, and people. April talks with Kyle about compliance and growth in wealth management. They discuss why compliance should not hinder growth, how advisors can leverage compliance to build a world-class company, the role of technology in reshaping the industry, and the regulatory challenges that AI and cryptocurrency present. In this episode: [01:58] - April's money moment. [07:19] - What makes a great operator. [08:39] - What it takes to build a great team. [10:14] - Attracting the best people. [12:38] - Helping clients plan their wealth. [14:15] - Creating valuable content. [17:21] - Why compliance should not slow growth. [19:32] - April's thoughts about the future of the industry. [20:41] - Compliance challenges with AI. [25:03] - April's Milemarker Minute. Quotes [08:58] - "When your firm has a great culture, a great vision, and a great purpose, you naturally attract the people you want to hire. I think it's a combination of seeking and being found." ~ April Turch [12:56] - "We really take a lot of time getting to know the client and understanding what makes them tick, their thought processes, their values, their challenges, and what they are trying to achieve. Taking that time allows us to customize the things they need to get on their journey." ~ April Turch [17:46] - "We want to do what's in the client's best interest, whatever that may be. And so I help people have a compliance mindset when making those decisions on the front end so that it's not so scary on the back end." ~ April Turch Links April Turch on LinkedIn Wolf Group Capital Advisors Financial Planning Association Bob Len Are We There Yet? Connect with our hosts Milemarker.co Kyle on LinkedIn Jud on LinkedIn Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Google Podcasts Produce game-changing content with Turncast Turncast helps your company grow by producing top-quality content and fostering transformative conversations. We specialize in content generation, podcasting, digital strategy, and audience growth for fintech and financial services companies. Learn more at Turncast.com. Disclosure The Connected Advisor and Wolf Group Capital Advisors are not affiliated entities. The views expressed on this program are not necessarily the views of Wolf Group Capital Advisors. All content presented is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as an endorsement of any third party or such third party’s views, or as a solicitation or offer to sell securities or provide investment, tax, legal, or consulting services, and should not be acted upon without obtaining specific advice from a qualified professional. We believe the information presented to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to its accuracy or completeness. All examples are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. Any opinions or statements by third parties are their own and may not be representative of the experience of others or indicative of future investment performance or success. No compensation has been exchanged for any testimonials, endorsements, and/or recognition Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. (edited)
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    29 mins
  • The Rise of Independent Advisors with Rob Mooney
    Jun 25 2024
    Episode 049: In this episode of The Connected Advisor, Kyle talks with Rob Mooney, Managing Partner and CEO of Snowden Lane Partners. Rob spent more than 22 years at Merrill Lynch in New York, Singapore, Hong Kong, and London. He was the General Counsel and Chief Business Risk Officer of Global Wealth Management and a member of the GWM Executive and Operating Committees. Rob talks with Kyle about why Snowden Lane Partners has consistently been on the top RIA lists, the increasing trend of advisors leaving wirehouses to join independent firms, and the evolving landscape of the financial industry. Rob also discusses the role of technology in enhancing advisor capabilities and the future trends and growth potential for independent RIAs. In this episode: [02:19] - Rob's money moment. [07:03] - Different models of the independent marketplace. [07:58] - Rob's favorite country to work in. [09:50] - Why Snowden Lane is one of the leading RIA firms. [11:41] - What Rob finds exciting about independent RIAs. [14:14] - Rob's thoughts about the future of the industry. [15:36] - Snowden Lane’s tech stack. [17:54] - Rob's favorite period of American history. [19:30] - Rob's Milemarker Minute Key Takeaways Financial advisors are increasingly seeking independence from the bureaucracy of large firms, giving rise to independent RIAs. The industry is shifting toward customized services to better meet client needs and expectations. Technology plays a crucial role in empowering advisors to provide efficient, personalized, and innovative solutions to clients. Future trends for RIAs include consolidation, scale, and delivering value through client-centered approaches. Quotes "What gets me excited is the enormous growth potential of the independent industry. We're at a point where we're seeing consolidation in the industry. We're seeing scale grow in the industry. But there is still enormous room for boutique firms to flourish like ours." ~ Rob Mooney "We offer advisors freedom and flexibility. All of our advisors who come to Snowden Lane take equity as part of their transition in our firm, and we find that empowering and a great alignment of interests." ~ Rob Mooney "The industry is becoming increasingly personalized, customized, and efficient. On the macro front, some very large firms are emerging in the independent marketplace. But there are still opportunities for boutiques to flourish." ~ Rob Mooney Links Rob Mooney on LinkedIn Snowden Lane Partners Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management James Gorman Lyle LaMothe Gregory Franks Addepar eMoney Advisor MoneyGuidePro Chip War: The Fight for the World's Most Critical Technology The Coming Wave Elon Musk Connect with our hosts Milemarker.co Kyle on LinkedIn Jud on LinkedIn Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Google Podcasts Produce game-changing content with Turncast Turncast helps your company grow by producing top-quality content and fostering transformative conversations. We specialize in content generation, podcasting, digital strategy, and audience growth for fintech and financial services companies. Learn more at Turncast.com.
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    24 mins
  • Powering Growth with Technology
    Jun 18 2024
    Episode 48: In this episode of The Connected Advisor, Kyle Van Pelt brings together some of the best clips discussing the role of technology in the growth of RIAs. Featuring James Bogart, Sammy Azzouz, Melissa Bouchillon, and Justin Steitz, this episode dives into how technology aids in organic growth, client onboarding, building a tech stack around client needs, and managing with limited resources. Learn how these industry leaders leverage technology to provide value and stay competitive in the wealth management space. In this episode: [01:47] - James Bogart on the impact of digitization on lead flow and client referrals. [06:11] - Sammy Azzouz on the tech stack that supports advisors and helps them grow. [09:54] - Melissa Bouchillon on the role of technology in building Sound View Wealth Advisors. [13:44] - Justin Steitz on why credit unions are lagging behind in digital adoption. Links James Bogart on LinkedIn Bogart Wealth Sammy Azzouz on LinkedIn Heritage Financial Services Melissa Bouchillon on LinkedIn Sound View Wealth Advisors Justin Steitz on LinkedIn Copper Financial Connect with our hosts Milemarker.co Kyle on LinkedIn Jud on LinkedIn Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Google Podcasts Produce game-changing content with Turncast Turncast helps your company grow by producing top-quality content and fostering transformative conversations. We specialize in content generation, podcasting, digital strategy, and audience growth for fintech and financial services companies. Learn more at Turncast.com.
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    21 mins
  • Building a Collaborative Workforce in Financial Services with Gerald Goldberg
    Jun 11 2024
    Episode 047: One key element differentiating high-performing advisory firms is their ability to attract, develop, and retain the best people. This translates into a workforce that is genuinely passionate about their work, leading to increased productivity and overall company success. While technology and investment strategies are critical for modern-day advisors, building a community within the organization is a strategic investment in the future. In this episode of The Connected Advisor, Kyle talks with Gerald Goldberg, CEO and Co-Founder at GYL Financial Synergies. In his role, Gerald provides the vision required to move the firm forward and the leadership necessary to deliver on GYL's core promise: to be a firm with a conscience that puts the client's interests first. Gerald provides advice on investment policy, asset allocation, investment selection, and wealth advisory services to corporations, municipalities, self-insurance funds, non-profit organizations, and high-net-worth private clients. Gerald talks with Kyle about the importance of value propositions, community engagement, and technology integration in financial firms. He shares insights into the industry's current and future state and presents strategies for successful organic growth and client service. In this episode: [01:34] - Gerald's money moment. [05:45] - Why attorneys are great wealth advisors. [08:02] - How GYL serves clients. [13:14] - The importance of empowering employees toward philanthropy. [18:47] - How GYL grows organically. [25:07] - Technology’s role in modern-day advisory firms. [30:40] - Why technology integration is important at GYL. [34:06] - How GYL values partnerships. [38:26] - Gerald's thoughts about the future of the industry. [40:35] - What aging life care services are about. [46:50] - Gerald's Milemarker Minute: best place to eat in Connecticut, travel destination, the most fulfilling part of teaching, and possible career outside advisory services. Key Takeaways Building a community and engaging in philanthropic activities can enhance team morale, client satisfaction, and overall success. Investing in technology integration and continually improving operational systems are crucial for scaling businesses, improving efficiency, and delivering exceptional client experiences. Providing aging life care services and tailored family office solutions for clients with medium-sized wealth can address growing complexities in wealth management and ensure a holistic approach to financial planning. Collaborating with industry peers, learning from best practices, and adapting to industry trends are key factors for success. Quotes [08:47] - "Let our family take care of your family. The foundation for what we do starts with three pillars: our clients, our team members, and our community." ~ Gerald Goldberg [13:42] - "One of the key elements that will separate those who will be successful versus those who will not be is the ability to attract, develop, and retain the very best people. It's important to create a community where they're excited about getting up in the morning and being there." ~ Gerald Goldberg [25:22] - "Technology is a critical building block for the modern-day advisor and advisory firm. You're not getting out of the dugout without having some effective tech stack that puts all the pieces together." ~ Gerald Goldberg Links Gerald Goldberg on LinkedIn GYL Financial Synergies Focus Financial Partners AmeriCorps Climate Corps Michael Lepore Connect with our hosts Milemarker.co Kyle on LinkedIn Jud on LinkedIn Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Google Podcasts Produce game-changing content with Turncast Turncast helps your company grow by producing top-quality content and fostering transformative conversations. We specialize in content generation, podcasting, digital strategy, and audience growth for fintech and financial services companies. Learn more at Turncast.com.
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    53 mins