From Cold Calls to AI: Michael Barasso's Blueprint for Modern Wealth Managemen

Oct 21, 2025

Michael Barasso, Director of Business Development at United Financial Planning Group and founder of Wealthline, shares insights from his transition from software sales to wealth management. He discusses how leveraging technology like AI and dynamic questionnaires has doubled lead flow and streamlined onboarding. Michael highlights the importance of client reviews for improving conversions and explains the innovative features of Wealthline's tools. He emphasizes that AI should assist, not replace, advisors, allowing them to focus on client relationships.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

ANECDOTE

From Cold Calls To Family Firm

Michael moved from cold-call software sales into his family's wealth firm to build the business rather than work on someone else’s dream.
He applied sales processes and follow-up discipline learned in tech to accelerate United Financial Planning Group's growth.

INSIGHT

Planning-First With Integrated Tax Services

United Financial Planning Group starts with planning and bundles tax preparation for wealth clients to create a stickier relationship.
That combined offering and process focus helped them add $50M in net new assets in one year.

ADVICE

Build SEO-Focused Client-Centered Websites

Build a WordPress site optimized for SEO rather than using inflexible cookie-cutter providers.
Focus content and structure on your ideal client's needs instead of feature-selling services.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

In this episode of the Model FA Podcast, host David DeCelle sits down with Michael Barasso, Director of Business Development at United Financial Planning Group and founder of Wealthline.

Michael shares his journey from software sales to joining and transforming his family's wealth management firm, and how he leveraged technology and process improvements to drive explosive growth. Discover how United FPG doubled their lead flow, harnessed the power of client reviews, and implemented innovative solutions like dynamic client questionnaires and an AI-powered receptionist.

Michael also unveils Wealthline's suite of tools designed to help advisory firms streamline operations, capture more leads, and reclaim valuable time. Whether you're a financial advisor, business owner, or tech enthusiast, this episode is packed with actionable insights on scaling your business and embracing AI-driven solutions.

Key Topics Covered:

Michael's transition from software sales to wealth management
The evolution and growth of United Financial Planning Group
How client reviews transformed their sales process and lead generation
Building a high-converting, SEO-optimized website
Streamlining client onboarding with dynamic questionnaires
The story behind Wealthline's AI receptionist and Engage platform
Tackling email overload with AI-powered inbox management
Actionable advice for advisors on leveraging technology and AI

Action Items from the Episode:

Connect with Michael Barasso on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbarrasso/

Check out the Wealthline website at wealthline.ai and fill out the form for a free call analysis

Explore Wealthline's AI receptionist and email management features

Links Mentioned:

Wealthline: https://wealthline.ai

---

About the Model FA Podcast

The Model FA podcast is a show for fiduciary financial advisors. In each episode, our host David DeCelle sits down with industry experts, strategic thinkers, and advisors to explore what it takes to build a successful practice — and have an abundant life in the process. We believe in continuous learning, tactical advice, and strategies that work — no "gotchas" or BS. Join us to hear stories from successful financial advisors, get actionable ideas from experts, and re-discover your drive to build the practice of your dreams.

Did you like this conversation? Then leave us a rating and a review in whatever podcast player you use. We would love your feedback, and your ratings help us reach more advisors with ideas for growing their practices, attracting great clients, and achieving a better quality of life. While you are there, feel free to share your ideas about future podcast guests or topics you'd love to see covered.

Our Team:

President of Model FA, David DeCelle

If you like this podcast, you will love our community! Join the Model FA Community on Facebook to connect with like-minded advisors and share the day-to-day challenges and wins of running a growing financial services firm.