Financial Advisor Success
Michael Kitces
The Financial Advisor Success podcast brings you real success stories and insights from the most successful financial advisors, and leading industry consultants, about how to take your advisory business to the next level. Get a glimpse of what it's like behind the scenes building a successful advisory business, and how entrepreneurial advisors navigate the inevitable highs, and lows, of growing a firm. Whether you're a new financial advisor trying to get started on the right foot, or an experienced advisor who's hit a wall, we're here to give you the insights and inspiration you need to break through and reach the level of success you want to achieve. Subscribe to the show, and get even more at the leading industry blog Nerd's Eye View at www.Kitces.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
4 snips
Oct 1, 2024 • 1h 30min
Ep 405: When Being 'Youthful' Turns From A Liability To An Asset In Building Your (Long-Term) Advisory Business with Gaetano Sacco
Gaetano Sacco, a partner and senior financial advisor at Fountainhead Advisors, turned his youthfulness into a powerful asset for his financial advisory business. He shares how he transformed initial perceptions of inexperience into a strong bond with retirees, emphasizing client relationships and proactive communication during market downturns. Gaetano highlights the importance of networking, mentorship, and community involvement, as well as the pivotal role of a supportive study group in enhancing his career. Listen in to discover his journey from insurance to running a thriving practice.
Sep 24, 2024 • 1h 30min
Ep 404: The Evolution Of Specializing In College Planning To Work With Mid-Career Professionals Who Save with Ann Garcia
Ann Garcia, a partner at Independent Progressive Advisors with a focus on college financial planning, shares insights on her journey and expertise. She discusses the evolution of her niche, emphasizing the need for early college affordability discussions. Ann reflects on her strategies for attracting mid-career professionals and how blogging led to her national recognition. She also highlights balancing college savings with retirement planning, addressing misconceptions about college prestige, and the importance of personal fit for students.
Sep 17, 2024 • 1h 30min
Ep 403: Carving Your Path As An Investment Nerd By Building A Fractional CIO Solution For Other Advisory Firms with Eric Stein
Eric Stein, Partner at East Bay Investment Solutions, specializes in fractional Chief Investment Officer services, advising over $6 billion in assets. He shares his unique journey transitioning from traditional banking to becoming an investment nerd, supporting advisory firms without managing individual portfolios. Eric discusses the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of fractional CIO services and emphasizes the importance of alignment in partnerships. His insights on the evolving landscape of financial advising and the need for personalized investment strategies are both enlightening and inspiring.
4 snips
Sep 10, 2024 • 1h 30min
Ep 402: Accelerating Early Advisor Growth With A (Federal Employee) Specialization That Evolves Over Time with John Mason
John Mason, President of Mason & Associates, specializes in financial advisory for federal employees, a niche that has accelerated his growth in the industry. He discusses the unique financial planning needs of federal workers, exploiting pension plans and the Thrift Savings Plan to reshape their financial outlook. John also shares insights on transitioning to a Registered Investment Advisor model, enhancing revenue while lowering costs. He emphasizes the importance of client relationships and the evolving nature of financial presentations, all while reinforcing the role of insurance in comprehensive planning.
15 snips
Sep 3, 2024 • 1h 30min
Ep 401: One-On-One Advice Through Financial Wellness Programs To (Profitably) Expand The Reach Of Financial Planning with Zack Hubbard
Zack Hubbard, Director of Financial Planning and Participant Engagement at Greenspring Advisors, discusses innovative financial wellness programs for 401(k) participants. He shares insights on a three-tiered approach that includes education, personalized advice, and support implementation. Zack highlights the importance of cultivating relationships with employees to generate referrals for wealth management services. He also emphasizes training new advisors to enhance their skills and the critical need for balancing technology with human-centered finance.
34 snips
Aug 27, 2024 • 1h 30min
Ep 400: Sizing Up Versus Scaling Up To Build An Enduring Advisory Business with Mark Tibergien
Mark Tibergien, a former CEO and thought leader in financial advisory, shares insights on the vital difference between merely expanding an advisory firm and achieving true scalability. He discusses how genuine scale occurs when revenue growth outpaces expenses and highlights the nuances of industry consolidation. Tibergien stresses the importance of personalized success metrics, proactive succession planning, and how smaller firms can thrive by focusing on local excellence. His extensive experience sheds light on the evolving landscape of financial services and enduring best practices.
16 snips
Aug 20, 2024 • 1h 27min
Ep 399: Maintaining Company Culture More Virtually (When Scaling Past $3B AUM With 10 Office Locations) with Kelli Kiemle
Kelli Kiemle is the Managing Director of Growth and Client Experience at Halbert Hargrove, overseeing $3.1 billion in assets. She shares insights on maintaining a strong company culture while expanding across multiple offices. Kelli highlights innovative programs like biannual in-person meetings and a two-year mentorship scheme to enhance relationships and accountability. She discusses the significance of storytelling with 'Gladiator Stories' and aligning benefits with core values. Kelli also explores effective marketing strategies, focusing on SEO and PR to boost client engagement.
54 snips
Aug 13, 2024 • 1h 30min
Ep 398: Building A $2.5B AUM Advisory Enterprise Under The Umbrella Of A National CPA Firm With Eric Wulff
Eric Wulff, CEO of Marcum Wealth, oversees $2.5 billion in assets for 2,700 households. He reveals how leveraging relationships with CPAs drives referrals, emphasizing a 'give to get' strategy. Wulff discusses the integration of tax advisory into financial planning and the value of standardized services across locations. He also explains their unique approach to client acquisition, converting prospects by presenting detailed plans upfront, all while balancing growth with a targeted focus on mid-career advisors.
9 snips
Aug 6, 2024 • 1h 32min
Ep 397: Powering Growth To $1.2B Of AUM With An Intentional Focus On (Local) Acquisitions Of Retiring Advisors With Jaime Benedetti
Jaime Benedetti, Managing Principal of Benedetti, Gucer, and Associates, oversees $1.2 billion in assets and shares insights on scaling through strategic acquisitions of retiring advisors. He discusses his evolution from personal funding to bank loans for purchases, ensuring consistent revenue by transitioning clients from commission-based to fee-based models. Jaime emphasizes the importance of thorough integration and client retention post-acquisition, leveraging networking to identify targets, and maintaining a client-centric approach in sustaining long-term advisor-client relationships.
Jul 30, 2024 • 1h 28min
Ep 396: Leveraging Business Coaches To Delve Deep Into A Divorce Specialization That Brings A Steady Flow Of Ideal-Fit Clients With Michelle Klisanich
In this engaging discussion, wealth advisor Michelle Klisanich shares her journey in divorce financial planning, highlighting her unique focus on helping women navigate this challenging transition. She discusses the vital role of business coaches in refining her approach and building a dedicated client base. Michelle reveals how her personal experiences and early career struggles fueled her passion, while also emphasizing effective marketing and community engagement strategies. She encourages new advisors to leverage mentorship for greater success and confidence in their practices.
