The Diamond Podcast for Financial Advisors

From $125mm to $700mm: A Story of Growth and Grit in the Independent Broker Dealer Space

Jun 5, 2025

Brett Oley and Ryan Kinser, co-founders of Oley Kinser Concierge Wealth, share a riveting tale of their leap from UBS to independence, skyrocketing their business from $125 million to $700 million in assets. They discuss the power of partnership and client-first service, along with the challenges and rewarding experiences of transitioning to independent practice. Their unique insights on strategic planning, successful acquisitions, and innovative marketing strategies highlight how a clear vision and strong relationships fuel continued growth.

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ANECDOTE

Friendship Sparks Partnership

Brett Oley and Ryan Kinser met by chance at a hotel pool in Dubai during their MBA program abroad.
This meeting sparked a lasting partnership rooted in friendship and shared entrepreneurial drive.

ADVICE

No Perfect Time to Leap

There is no perfect asset size or time to jump to independence; vision and readiness matter most.
Moving sooner rather than later helps avoid growing risk and limitations in your business.

ANECDOTE

Client Loyalty Trumps Firm

The client reaction to Brett's move to independence was surprisingly positive and anticlimactic.
Almost all clients followed him, showing strong advisor-client loyalty over firm allegiance.

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With Brett Oley and Ryan Kinser, Co-Founders and Managing Partners — Oley Kinser Concierge Wealth

Overview

Brett Oley and Ryan Kinser demonstrate how the power of friendship and a shared focus on the client contributed to their early success in making the leap from UBS to Raymond James, building a growing business under the independent broker dealer umbrella.

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NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation.

About this episode…

Occasionally, we have the opportunity to revisit a story that perfectly captures what’s achievable in this industry when you take a leap—and back it up with grit, vision, and client-first conviction.

Brett Oley first appeared on this podcast back in 2018, shortly after launching his independent business through Raymond James with $125 million in assets under management. Today, alongside founding partner Ryan Kinser, they’ve built a business that has grown to manage over $700 million in client assets.

But the numbers are just the beginning. Along the way, Brett and Ryan completed two acquisitions, wrote two books, and grew their team to eight—all while staying true to their north star: providing exceptional, concierge-level client service.

Their story started in an unexpected place: a hotel pool in Dubai during an MBA program abroad. That chance meeting sparked a partnership rooted in friendship, aligned values, and a shared entrepreneurial drive.

Their friendship continued while both built their businesses at UBS. Then Brett left for Raymond James, and Ryan later joined him to launch Oley Kinser Concierge Wealth.

In this episode with host Jason Diamond, Brett and Ryan talk about their journey, including: Brett Oley Ryan Kinser

Their business life at UBS—and what motivated them to transition to independence.
Their extraordinary growth—and how both organic and inorganic strategies contributed to early achievements.
The independent broker dealer space—and why they felt it was (and continues to be) the best option for their business.
The power of voice—and how the freedom to market and author two books amplified their success.
The importance of culture—and how finding the right fit remains their most valuable asset.

It’s a powerful look at what’s possible when you combine bold thinking with an unwavering focus on doing right by the client.

Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002.

Related Resources

Going Independent With $100 Million in Assets Under Management
It’s not just the billion-dollar teams that are making a splash in the independent space—just ask Brett Oley of Oley Kinser Concierge Wealth.

Rapid Reaction: UBS Comp Plan Changes and the Impact on Advisors
Louis Diamond offers a perspective for UBS advisors on the firm’s compensation plan changes announced on November 21. It’s an episode for advisors who are curious about the updates and how they can use this knowledge to make informed decisions.

The Mysteries of UBS: Deciphering What Drives its Wins and Losses
UBS advisors describe a culture defined by wins and losses—and they are asking tough questions about what the future holds.

Brett Oley
Co-Founder & Managing Partner

Brett Oley, a Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Oley Kinser Concierge Wealth and also a Financial Advisor of Raymond James Financial Services Inc., has built his advisory career on providing holistic wealth management — creating customized, comprehensive and thoughtful plans and professional money management solutions. Trustworthy and knowledgeable, Brett’s early fascination with finance, entrepreneurship, and stewardship has led him to build a team at Oley Kinser Concierge Wealth that works together to guide and educate families on ways to optimize their financial growth potential and preserve their wealth for the future. He specializes in helping business owners, retirees, families, and divorced individuals.

Delivering exceptional client service is second nature to Brett. He is ultra-passionate in his work and takes great pride in knowing all of his clients and understanding their unique needs. He makes every effort to provide friendly and impactful client interactions.

“Our mission is to build an innovative wealth management practice that not only continuously improves, but also helps provide value-creating solutions for our clients – all the while enjoying what we do,” Brett said. “We thoughtfully work with each family to sincerely understand their needs and strive to make sure they are met with plans expertly customized to them.”

Brett’s advisory career began with UBS in 2006. He joined the independent contractor division of Raymond James in 2017.

“Raymond James allows us the independence to more successfully create a positive client experience and also take care of our team, so that we can reach our full potential,” Brett said.

Brett graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree with a double major in Finance and Management (New and Small Business Concentration) from Georgetown University in 2004 and earned an MBA from the University of Florida at Gainesville in 2013.

An Accredited Wealth Management Advisor, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor, and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner, Brett holds Series 7, 9, 10, 31 and 66 securities licenses and is also life, health and variable annuity insurance licensed.

In 2020, Brett co-authored (with business partner Ryan Kinser) the book “Pillars of Planning: An Essential Guide to Help Grow and Protect Your Wealth.” The book covers an array of wealth management topics – providing value-added knowledge to the reader.

Brett hails from Vermilion, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland situated on the south shore of Lake Erie. A Florida resident since 2006, Brett and his two beautiful children live in Naples with their French Bulldog “Atlas” and tabby cat “Oasa.” Beyond time with family and friends, Brett enjoys exercising, reading, fishing, traveling, and always learning new things!

Ryan Kinser
Co-Founder & Managing Partner

Offering comprehensive and multigenerational financial planning, Ryan and the team specialize in tailored portfolio construction and a concierge level of client service.

“Our goal is for clients to feel as though they’ve found the perfect team to guide them throughout the remainder of their working years and retirement,” Ryan said. “We want them to be confident in our plan for the future, learn along the way and truly enjoy the experience in working with our team.”

Ryan joined Raymond James in May 2018, where he co-founded Oley Kinser Concierge Wealth, LLC, with his longtime friend and colleague from business school, Brett Oley. Previously, Ryan spent four years with Citigroup and five years with UBS Financial Services Inc.

“Brett and I are genuinely proud to be affiliated with Raymond James Financial Services, a firm where the culture truly aligns with our client-first focus, in addition to ethics and integrity being paramount,” Ryan said. “Raymond James’ commitment to innovation and technology is very impressive, while the firm also provides financial advisors with an ideal platform that allows their entrepreneurial spirit to flourish and create a positive client experience.”

Ryan earned his Bachelor of Science in both economics and finance from the University of Central Florida, his MBA from the University of Florida and completed financial planning courses at Florida State University, which led him to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. Ryan has earned the right to use the Chartered Financial Analyst^® designation and is also a member of the CFA^® Society of Naples.

“I absolutely love finance and am a constant ‘student of the game,'” Ryan said. “I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to combine my passion for finance with the ability to utilize the knowledge I have gained to help people reach for a lifetime of goals.”

Ryan genuinely cares about more than just his clients’ investment portfolios; he cares a great deal about who they are as people and their well-being. In doing business with Ryan, clients can expect a true concierge service experience including transparent advice, knowledge sharing and education, proactive communication, in-home meetings if preferred, and nearly 24/7 direct access, even on weekends.

“We firmly believe in doing what is right for the client at all times,” said Ryan, who takes pride in his high ethical standard. “Clients will typically realize this early on in our professional relationship, as Brett and I are very genuine, straightforward and fully transparent with them from the start.”

Originally from Stuart, Florida, Ryan also spent five years on the Caribbean Island of St. Maarten. Ryan, his wife Dana, daughter Kaia, and two sons, Barron & Troy, reside in beautiful Naples, Florida.

When he is away from the office, Ryan serves as a professional advisor to the Collier Community Foundation™, hosts an annual charity tennis tournament – he is an avid tennis player (4.0 level) – and enjoys playing golf, though he admits he has room for improvement.