🎙️ Episode 20 of Advisor Edge: The GVA Way is live!

James J. Spinelli, ChFC® [@tag], sits down with Eric Hough, the newest member of the Great Valley Advisor Group Asset Management team.

Eric brings a wealth of institutional experience in alternative investments and private markets — and in this episode, we dive into how GVA is building an alternative investment solution for our advisors that reflects the continued growth and evolution of our Asset Management platform.

At GVA, we remain committed to delivering the tools, products, and support our advisors need to thrive.

🎧 Listen now and follow along: Advisor Edge: The GVA Way

Key highlights from the discussion:

• Bridging the Alternatives Gap - Many high-net-worth clients want access to private investments, yet barriers such as high minimums and complex structures often limit participation. Eric’s focus is on helping GVA bridge that gap.
• The GVA Private Fund Initiative - The goal is to provide exposure to private equity, credit, real estate, infrastructure, and hedge funds. This semi-liquid structure is designed to offer diversification while maintaining a long-term investment mindset.
• Evolving the 60/40 Portfolio - With markets shifting, traditional allocations are changing. Institutions are increasingly adopting 60/30/10 models, incorporating alternatives for diversification and inflation protection. GVA’s approach brings that same innovation to our advisor network.

In Episode 19 of our podcast “Advisor Edge: The GVA Way,” James J. Spinelli, ChFC® [@tag], sits down with Carmen Andrews, Founder and Financial Advisor of Simplified Financial for a discussion on building her brand and scaling her business through partnership with GVA.

Key Takeaways:

• GVA’s operational, compliance, and technology support that reduces administrative burdens and enables business scaling.
• Identifying core strengths while delegating tasks such as website management and investment operations enhances overall efficiency.
• Importance of ensuring brand alignment and consistent client experience when hiring a Junior advisor.

In Episode 18 of our podcast “Advisor Edge: The GVA Way,” James J. Spinelli, ChFC®, continues his conversation with Todd Cipperman, General Counsel at Great Valley Advisor Group focusing on the benefits of a DBA partnership with GVA.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Advantage of maintaining entrepreneurial control - build your brand the way you envisioned
• Strength in community – Access to a network of like-minded professionals while leveraging shared infrastructure to accelerate growth
• Advisor Centric Leadership – GVA’s platform was built by advisors, for advisors and continues its commitment to that by implementing advisor feedback

Welcome to Advisor Edge: The GVA Way, a podcast series created for financial advisors navigating the complexities of transitioning from a traditional firm or considering branching out independently for the first time. We are attuned to the anxieties and hesitation that accompany transitioning to independence. This podcast will deliver clarity and expertise by answering common questions and guiding you through the services and support GVA provides during the transition process. From establishing your brand to building a client base and managing compliance, we'll provide the insights and resources you need to thrive in your new venture.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advice offered through Great Valley Advisor Group, a Registered Investment Advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.

Investment Advice offered through Great Valley Advisor Group, a Registered Investment Advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.

The opinions voiced in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision.

In this episode, James J. Spinelli, ChFC®, welcomes Todd Cipperman, General Counsel at Great Valley Advisor Group, for a powerful conversation around Scale, Stability, and Support in the financial advisory space.

With decades of industry experience, Todd shares practical insights into what it takes to build a sustainable, future-ready practice—and the strategic leadership that drives long-term success.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• The essential components of building a resilient, growth-oriented firm

• Why scale matters more than ever—and how to achieve it

• The critical role of leadership in creating lasting business stability

Whether you're growing your practice or refining your leadership strategy, this episode offers a real-world perspective you won’t want to miss.

In Episode 16 of our podcast “Advisor Edge: The GVA Way,” James J. Spinelli, ChFC®, sits down with Charlie McNamara, Founder of Paragon Wealth Management, for conversation about the journey to independence and building a thriving RIA.

Here are four key takeaways from their discussion:

• ✅ The Leap to Independence: Charlie shares what drove him to take the leap — a desire for more control, flexibility, and the ability to build something that aligned with his long-term vision.
• 📊 Infrastructure That Empowers: From marketing and tech to operational and compliance support, having the right systems in place was essential to making independence achievable — and sustainable.
• 📈 Support that Matters: From marketing and tech to operational and compliance infrastructure, having access to the right support systems was critical to making independence possible — and sustainable.
• 🤝 The Power of Community: Surrounding yourself with a network of like-minded advisors creates space for collaboration, learning, and shared success.

n Episode 15 of our podcast “Advisor Edge: The GVA Way,” James J. Spinelli, ChFC®, sits down with Ben Haas, CFP®, CRPC®, ABFPTM, Wealth Manager at Haas Financial Group, for a thoughtful conversation on financial planning through the lens of behavioral finance.

James and Ben explore why true planning goes beyond numbers, highlighting the importance of understanding each client’s personal motivations. Topics touched on include:

💡 Behavioral finance and the human side of financial planning are central – By understanding a client's why, such as wanting time freedom or reduced stress, advisors can better align financial strategies with meaningful life goals.

⚙️ Implementation and accountability drive real success – This includes using clear, actionable planning steps and emphasizing accountability.

🎯 Fit matters in advisor-client relationships – Relationships built on mutual understanding and shared philosophy lead to better long-term outcomes.

In Episode 14 of our podcast “Advisor Edge: The GVA Way” James J. Spinelli, ChFC® hosts Alex Weiss CFP, President of Napier Financial for a discussion on building a firm rooted in a culture of exceptional client experience. From defining what you stand for to making decisions about what to insource or outsource, this conversation covers the strategic and operational choices that shape the client journey today—and in the future.

Key Takeaways:

• Building a team culture where client experience is the central focus
• Personalization: How tailored processes and customization drive deeper client connections
• How to leverage your tech stack to elevate every stage of the client experience
• Translating a lead planner’s vision into actionable steps for the entire team
• Mechanisms that ensure accountability, alignment, and consistency

In Episode 13 of our podcast “Advisor Edge: The GVA Way” James J. Spinelli, ChFC® hosts Leif Briel, Founder of Endeavr Financial Planning and Wealth Management for a discussion on becoming and independent advisor and partnership with GVA.

A few key takeaways from this episode:

1. Drivers of going independent
2. Advantages of being a business owner
3. Building your vision in the independent advisor space

Welcome to Advisor Edge: The GVA Way, a podcast series created for financial advisors navigating the complexities of transitioning from a traditional firm or considering branching out independently for the first time. We are attuned to the anxieties and hesitation that accompany transitioning to independence. This podcast will deliver clarity and expertise by answering common questions and guiding you through the services and support GVA provides during the transition process. From establishing your brand to building a client base and managing compliance, we'll provide the insights and resources you need to thrive in your new venture.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advice offered through Great Valley Advisor Group, a Registered Investment Advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.

Investment Advice offered through Great Valley Advisor Group, a Registered Investment Advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.

The opinions voiced in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision.

In Episode 12 of our podcast “Advisor Edge: The GVA Way” James J. Spinelli, ChFC® hosts Kate Quinn, Manager of Business Strategy and Advisor Development for a discussion on how GVA has streamlined their 3 distinct paths for advisors joining the firm. Click here to learn more about each of the below paths.

1. The Guided Advisor
2. The Integrated Advisor
3. Profit and Partner

Welcome to Advisor Edge: The GVA Way, a podcast series created for financial advisors navigating the complexities of transitioning from a traditional firm or considering branching out independently for the first time. We are attuned to the anxieties and hesitation that accompany transitioning to independence. This podcast will deliver clarity and expertise by answering common questions and guiding you through the services and support GVA provides during the transition process. From establishing your brand to building a client base and managing compliance, we'll provide the insights and resources you need to thrive in your new venture.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advice offered through Great Valley Advisor Group, a Registered Investment Advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.

Investment Advice offered through Great Valley Advisor Group, a Registered Investment Advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.

The opinions voiced in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision.

In Episode 11 of our podcast “Advisor Edge: The GVA Way” James J. Spinelli, ChFC® hosts Cynthia Spigel, CFP®, JD, CRCP owner of Spigel Strategies and Solutions for a discussion and action items on Practice Management for Investment Advisors. A few key takeaways from this episode:

• The importance of creating and communicating a strong vision for your - practice
• Setting clear internal expectations
• Developing a strong client experience

Great Valley Advisor Group is a technology-driven, full-service RIA engineered to provide tailored solutions to independent advisors and advisory firms.