The Diamond Podcast for Financial Advisors

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.

Louis Diamond, a seasoned expert in the financial advisory landscape, offers invaluable insights for advisors feeling the pressure of corporate shifts. He discusses the often-overlooked power dynamics between advisors and their firms, especially during periods of change. Proactive strategies for retaining autonomy and adapting to unexpected compensation adjustments are highlighted. Louis emphasizes the importance of having a 'Plan B' and self-evaluation to navigate vulnerabilities, helping advisors rethink control in an evolving industry.

John Thiel, Founder and Executive Chairperson of Indivisible Partners, brings nearly three decades of wealth management experience from Merrill Lynch. He discusses the evolving role of financial advisors and the necessity of innovative fintech solutions. John highlights his firm's independent model, allowing advisors to own their businesses while enhancing client satisfaction. He also addresses the importance of thoughtful transitions in retirement programs and the growing trend of advisors moving toward independence. The future of financial advising looks bright with collaboration and integrity driving change.

Join Dave Mullen, a seasoned financial advisor coach and author of three bestselling books, as he shares transformative strategies for achieving multi-million-dollar success. He discusses his journey from Merrill Lynch to founding Altius Learning, emphasizing tailored training programs and the importance of empathy in client relationships. Dave dives into building effective advisory teams, adapting to industry changes, and the paths available for financial advisors, whether in employment or independence, with insights on maintaining trust and utilizing technology for growth.

Join Trent Leyda, Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer at SpirePoint, and Kay Campione, a former CIA officer turned Executive Director at SpirePoint, as they share their intriguing journey from wirehouse firms to building a legacy-focused family wealth office. They discuss the challenges of traditional wealth management, their commitment to client-centric service, and the importance of independence. Kay highlights her unique transition from intelligence to finance, while Trent emphasizes the value of teamwork in fostering strong client relationships.

In this engaging discussion, Jason Diamond, Partner at Diamond Consultants, delves into the vibrant landscape of mergers and acquisitions in the wealth management sector. He shares valuable insights on how financial advisors can maximize their enterprise value when considering independence. Topics include the balance between remaining in established firms versus branching out, the influence of private equity on RIAs, and the critical factors that enhance business appeal to potential buyers. A must-listen for advisors contemplating their future!

With Shaun Hauser – Founder & CEO, Wellington-Altus Private Wealth Inc. Overview Shaun Hauser offers a unique perspective on how our northern neighbors perceive the wealth management industry, drawing comparisons to practices and firms in the US, and providing insights into creating an independent firm that has achieved extraordinary growth. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… 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… This marks a first for our podcast series. Our content focus has traditionally been on the wealth management industry in the US. However, in this episode, we’re heading across our northern border to gain a first-hand view of building a wealth management business in Canada. For perspective, Statista reported that in 2024, assets under management by Canada’s wealth management firms exceeded a staggering 1.95 trillion US dollars. That’s nearly equal to the country’s annual GDP of 2.1 trillion US dollars. To learn more about the industry, the similarities to the US, and the differences, we asked the Founder and CEO of one of the most successful independent Canadian firms, $35B+ Wellington-Altus Private Wealth, to join us. Shaun Hauser built a career as an investment advisor in Winnipeg before founding Wellington-Altus in 2017. With a knack for focusing on the long term, he was ultimately motivated to launch the independent firm and later take on a private equity partner. In this episode with Louis Diamond, Shaun does a deep dive into his firm and the Canadian wealth management space, including: The Canadian financial advisory industry—and how it compares to the US, including the opportunities and challenges. Being at the epicenter of the nascent Canadian breakaway movement—and how Wellington-Altus became the hottest firm in Canada in less than 10 years. Building an independent firm—and the decision to take on a private equity partner. Differentiating in the Canadian market—and what Wellington-Altus does to stand apart. The value of scaling an idea—and how Canadians learn from US trends. It’s a conversation that offers a fresh perspective on how our northern neighbors view the wealth management industry, with valuable takeaways for advisors and business owners alike. 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 The 2025 Annual Report on Transitions and Deals for Financial Advisors – 2024 Activity Data Data-driven insights and analysis on advisor transitions, deals, and the evolving wealth management industry landscape. Top Tips for Setting Your Business Up for Success Years Before a Move: An Industry Update A breakdown of the steps advisors can take to prepare for change and enhance business processes, equally effective for those at the curiosity stage or even deep into due diligence, and whether you ultimately make a move or not. Finding the Shortest Path to Excellence Can Be a Game Changer for Advisors Doing everything you can to deliver better service, drive growth, and achieve your goals faster can result in extraordinary benefits. Shaun Hauser Founder & CEO, Wellington-Altus Financial Inc. Senior Wealth Advisor, Wellington-Altus Private Wealth Inc. A successful Investment Advisor in Winnipeg, Shaun has worked in the field since 1998. He has extensive experience in the management and organization of departments and companies in the wealth management industry. Shaun also worked for Wellington West, where he managed operations and sales for the asset management subsidiary. Recently, Shaun served on the executive committee of NBF Wealth Management, where he was VP of Advisor Strategy and Support. Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites

With Glenn Israel, CEO & Founder, GFI Wealth Partners Overview Glenn Israel reached a point where he recognized that, as an employee, he was limited in his ability to serve clients and grow his business. So he left Edward Jones to launch GFI Wealth Partners and shares what he learned in the transition process, what he can do differently in independence, and more. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… 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… Realizing that you, the advisor, are responsible for every aspect of your business often marks a turning point in many careers. Ultimately, you’re the one who drives the bus and makes the decisions—such as how clients are served, when to hire staff, and what products and services to offer. That is, unless you are limited to what the firm or model dictates—then the biggest decision you need to make is whether the firm you work for allows you to build and grow your business without limitation. For Glenn Israel, the reality that “the buck stops here” motivated him to leave the practice he built at Edward Jones and make the leap to independence. Glenn’s career is much like other breakaway advisors: He began his journey at Merrill and later moved on to Edward Jones, where he built the business to $215mm. It was 13 years in at Edward Jones that Glenn decided it was time to make a change—and that the buck didn’t just stop with him, it started with him. So he made the leap to independence in July of 2022, launching GFI Wealth Partners under the Raymond James umbrella. In this episode, Glenn talks about his journey with Jason Diamond, including: The progression from Merrill to Edward Jones—and why he ultimately chose to leave for independence. The process of transitioning from Edward Jones to independence—and what lessons he learned from due diligence through launch. The value of being an independent business owner—and what he can do differently in independence. “The mirror test”—and how asking himself a few critical questions drove his decision-making process. Plus, Glenn shares how, in independence, he is no longer limited by what he describes as “confinement”—and much more. It’s an equally relatable story for advisors considering change and independent business owners. 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 Diamond Consultants Advisor Transition Report 2024 – Focus on Edward Jones This “firm-focused report” seeks to look under the hood at movement to and from Edward Jones from January to June of 2024. Post-Transition Survey: Checking in on Former Edward Jones Advisors Who Recently Moved Unfiltered, fresh, candid, and honest feedback straight from your Edward Jones peers who transitioned to another firm or model within the past 18 months. Should I Stay or Should I Go? An Advisor’s Guide to Thinking Through Their Biggest Decision Jason Diamond turns the tables on Mindy who offers a first-hand glimpse into her book, Should I Stay or Should I Go?, created specifically for financial advisors who are looking to optimize their businesses or thinking through the biggest decision of their lives. Glenn Israel, CFP® CEO, Founder With more than twenty years of experience in financial planning and investment management, Glenn Israel has the accumulated knowledge and perspective to help you with your financial goals. Glenn understands the dynamics of wealth, how to balance the complex forces at work and how to adapt intelligently as conditions change. As your life and your needs as an investor evolve, so will your vision for the future and risk tolerance. Glenn will be with you every step of the way offering sound advice and customized financial solutions designed specifically for you. Glenn endeavors to create long-term, meaningful relationships with a select group of clients and provide them with personalized financial planning advice using some of the industry’s most comprehensive resources. His investment process takes into account your investing experience, your expectations for returns, your tolerance for risk, and the performance of your portfolio. Based on what he learns about you and your goals and an analysis of the current financial markets, Glenn designs a customized investment portfolio based on recommendations made solely with your best interest in mind. He then takes the time to explain his recommendations and once you are comfortable with your new plan, Glenn puts it into action and reviews its performance for opportunities to adapt to life changes and new goals. Glenn began his career in financial services in 2002 and previously spent thirteen years with Edward Jones. Today, Glenn provides comprehensive planning with retirement, college education, insurance, income distribution needs, and estate planning in mind through Raymond James. A native of the San Francisco Bay Area, Glenn currently resides in Munster, IN. Away from the office, Glenn enjoys spending quality time with his children Jack, William, and Josephine, laughing with his friends, playing all types of racket sports, and allocating some time to be present in nature. Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites

Michael Kitces, a leading figure in wealth management and co-founder of several notable firms, shares transformative insights on boosting efficiency and growth. He emphasizes the value of niche specialization and the importance of strong teams over technology alone. Michael discusses strategies for attracting high net worth clients and optimizing team structures for enhanced productivity. Listeners will learn about balancing firm expansion with service integrity and navigating the complex landscape of advisor technology to maximize success.

With Steven Jarvis—CEO and Head CPA Retirement Tax Services Overview Steven Jarvis, the founder and CEO of  Retirement Tax Services, offers advice on how a CPA can help increase the growth and enterprise value of an advisor’s business by providing tax planning strategies and more. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… 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… Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) can add incredible value to the service that financial advisors provide to their clients. Beyond basic accounting practices, they can serve as powerful partners, especially when it comes to tax planning strategies, which can lead to added growth for an advisor’s business. In this episode, Steven Jarvis, who bills himself as “The Least Boring CPA,” explores that potential with us. The Jarvis name may be familiar: Matthew Jarvis, Steven’s brother and business partner, who was also a guest on this show, is a popular podcast host and CFP. In the first decade of his accounting career, Steven was on the partnership trajectory at a national firm. That’s when he realized that his work was often relegated to a single page inserted into a much larger report—and it didn’t have nearly the impact he had hoped for. As Steven put it, “There was a disconnect between my ability to make change and my desire to do so.” Since then, Steven has found the connection he was looking for. As the founder and CEO of Retirement Tax Services, he works with financial advisors on tax planning through a year-round tax service model that keeps the financial advisor in the driver’s seat. What does that really mean? In this episode with Louis Diamond, Steven answers that and more, including: His partnerships with advisors—and how his role goes beyond the basics of accounting services. Strategic tax planning—and how that differs from tax preparation. Compliance management—and why it’s critical to develop a plan to stay within the lines. The impact on growth—and how a CPA can help advisors increase their enterprise value. Essentially, Steven covers all the bases around taxes so advisors can focus on delivering what he calls “massive value” to their clients. Steven lives up to his title as “The Least Boring CPA” and is generous with sharing his knowledge, so be sure to tune in. 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 How to Deliver Massive Value: Turning the Tables on The Perfect RIA’s Matthew Jarvis Matthew Jarvis rose from near bankruptcy to running a profitable independent financial advisory practice. He shares his story plus key teachings on extreme accountability, delivering massive value to clients, and more. The Competition Conundrum: Charge Less or Offer More? Clients have more choices than ever before. Here are 5 ways to stand out from the crowd. MaxCeV™: How to Maximize Your Career Enterprise Value This tool breaks down four key factors that contribute to career enterprise value, offering a framework for advisors to conceptualize and achieve their full potential. It’s an essential part of Diamond Consultants’ due diligence process to guide advisors towards long-term success. Steven Jarvis, CPA CEO and Head CPA Steven Jarvis, CPA is the CEO and Head CPA at Retirement Tax Services, a tax firm focused on working with financial advisors to change the world one tax return at a time. In this role Jarvis spends his time working with real financial advisors and taxpayers to help find opportunities to not tip the IRS. Afterall, there are no patriotic awards for overpaying taxes. With over 10 years of experience (and counting) as a CPA, Jarvis has the hands-on experience to create actionable content for his audience. He has been featured in industry publications including Advisor Perspectives and regularly produces content for financial advisors through the Retirement Tax Services website and the Retirement Tax Services Podcast. His experience covers written content, public speaking at leading industry conferences and 3 years as an adjunct professor in the graduate business school at Whitworth University. “Steven regularly speaks on a variety of tax topics for financial planners but always keeps his focus on how attendees can take action (information only has value if it is implemented!). Some of Steven’s favorite topics to cover include: Common mistakes advisors make on tax planning and how to fix them The real math on Roth conversions and how to effectively communicate them with clients Collaborating with CPAs and building great COI relationships Incorporating tax planning into the a financial planning practice NEW – Secure Act 2.0 and what to do about it for tax planning Steven’s years of experience and time working with hundreds of financial advisors gives him the ability and expertise to speak on a variety of topics, so if there is a tax topic you don’t see on the list you’d love to hear him speak on, just ask!” Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites