Disruption Blueprint Podcast

RIA independence can look very different when you move from managing a book of business to owning the enterprise you are building. 

After more than three decades in banking and broker-dealer environments, TrekNorth founder Jarrod Biebel shares why he chose independence, equity ownership, and a focused practice serving approximately 100 families. 

You’ll hear why Jarrod compares the institutional Advisor model to being a “property manager,” how he describes moving from roughly 70 to 75 basis points in ROA to 125 to 130 basis points, and why he believes a large upfront transition payment can create obligations that deserve careful evaluation. 

Jarrod also discusses succession planning, multi-generational client relationships, Advisor growth, and why his long-term goal is to eventually become a client of the firm he built. 

Build your business without compromise. 

https://rfgadvisory.com 

Estate planning for Financial Advisors is becoming a powerful way to expand value beyond investments. 

Tim White, Co-Founder of wealth.com, joins Shannon Spotswood to explore how estate planning, tax planning, and AI can help Advisors deepen family relationships, support multigenerational planning, and prepare for the next generation of wealth. 

As technology accelerates, the opportunity may not be to replace human advice, but to give Advisors more capacity to deliver it. 

Key takeaways: 

• Why estate planning can expand the Financial Advisor value proposition  
• How tax and estate planning can create a more connected client experience  
• Why purpose-built AI differs from general generative AI  
• How Advisors can engage beneficiaries before wealth transfers  
• Why human connection may become even more valuable as AI adoption accelerates  

The wealth management industry has relied on referrals and market appreciation for decades. That era is changing. 

In this episode of Disruption Blueprint, Shannon Spotswood sits down with Ian Karnell, Co-Founder and CEO of VastAdvisor.ai, to explore how AI is transforming organic growth into a repeatable system instead of a series of disconnected marketing campaigns. 

Together, they discuss the $120 trillion wealth transfer, first-party data, AI-powered marketing, client acquisition, enterprise value, and why the firms that learn faster will build stronger businesses. 

If you're a Financial Advisor looking to grow without compromise, this conversation offers a blueprint for the future. 

About Our Guest 



Ian Karnell is the Co-Founder and CEO of VastAdvisor.ai, an AI-native growth intelligence platform built to help Financial Advisors and wealth management firms create scalable, repeatable organic growth. A lifelong entrepreneur, investor, and operator with more than 25 years of experience across marketing technology, AI, and financial services, Ian focuses on solving one of wealth management's biggest challenges: transforming client acquisition from a fragmented marketing function into a measurable growth system.  

Before launching VastAdvisor, Ian served as Chief Revenue Officer at Truelytics, the advisor intelligence and practice management platform acquired by Envestnet in 2022. He has founded and scaled multiple technology companies throughout his career and is a frequent voice on AI, advisor growth, and the future of wealth management. Ian is also the founder of the Wealth Advisor AI Collective, a community dedicated to advancing the practical application of artificial intelligence across the Advisory profession. 

Most investment products are built to be sold. Very few are built to serve.

That tension sits at the center of this special anniversary episode of Disruption Blueprint, where Shannon Spotswood sits down with Rick Wedell, CIO of RFG Advisory, to unpack the thinking behind the Bluemonte ETF suite one year after launch.

What started as a frustration with legacy portfolio construction evolved into a fundamentally different approach to investment management for Financial Advisors. One built around usability, potential tax efficiency, institutional-caliber execution, and Advisor time optimization.

Rick breaks down why traditional asset management structures may create friction for Advisors and clients alike, and why the next generation of portfolio management must align directly with financial planning, enterprise value creation, and operational scalability.

The conversation goes deep into the architecture of the Bluemonte ETFs, including the sleeve-based design, strategic portfolio positioning, and why “products designed to serve” may outperform products designed to sell.

From concierge trading support to AI-enabled workflow automation, Shannon and Rick challenge the industry’s obsession with complexity and make the case for a simpler, more aligned future.

Build your business without compromise.

Schedule a conversation with RFG Advisory: https://rfgadvisory.com/schedule-a-call/

Connect with RFG Advisory

Website: https://rfgadvisory.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rfg-advisory/

Content here is for illustrative purposes and general information only. It is not legal, tax, or individualized financial advice; nor is it a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any specific security, or engage in any specific trading strategy.

Information here may be provided, in part, by third-party sources. These sources are generally deemed to be reliable; however, neither Guest nor RFG Advisory guarantees the accuracy of third-party sources. The views expressed here are those of the guest. They do not necessarily represent those of RFG Advisory, its employees, or its clients. This commentary should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by Guest or RFG Advisory, or performance returns of any client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice.

Securities offered by Registered Representatives of Private Client Services. Member FINRA / SIPC. Advisory services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives of RFG Advisory, a registered investment advisor. Private Client Services, Guest, and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where RFG Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advisory services may be rendered by RFG Advisory unless a client agreement is in place.

RFG Advisory is an SEC-registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of RFG by the Commission, nor does it indicate that RFG or any associated investment advisory representative has attained a particular level of skill or ability.

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. For a prospectus or summary prospectus with this and other information about the Funds, please visit http://www.bluemontefunds.com/investor-materials. Read the prospectus or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

The Funds are distributed by SEI Investments Distribution Co. (SIDCO, 1 Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, PA 19456). Exchange Traded Concepts, LLC serves as the investment adviser to the Funds and RFG Advisory, LLC serves as the investment sub-adviser to the Funds. SEI is not affiliated with Bluemonte Investment Management, RFG Advisory, LLC, or Exchange Traded Concepts, LLC or any of their affiliates.

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. There is no guarantee the Funds will achieve their stated investment objectives. The Funds may trade securities actively, which could increase transaction costs (and lower performance) and could increase taxable short-term gains. To the extent the Funds focus on one or more sectors, the Funds may be subject to increased volatility and risk of loss if adverse developments occur. Because the Funds are non-diversified, they may invest in a smaller number of issuers and may be more exposed to risks and volatility than a more broadly diversified fund.

RFG Advisory’s Chief Investment Officer, Rick Wedell, was recognized on the 2025 InvestmentNews Hot List. This recognition was provided on November 11, 2025, by InvestmentNews. It covers the period of August 1, 2024, to August 1, 2025. There was no compensation exchanged in consideration for this recognition. For more information, visit: https://www.investmentnews.com/best-in-wealth/top-financial-professionals-in-the-us-hot-list/262830

Most Financial Advisors talk about investment performance, planning, and portfolio construction.

Clients are thinking about something else entirely.

They are thinking about the unfinished checklist sitting in the back of their minds at 2:00 a.m.

The trust documents that need updating after a move. The retirement accounts that need attention. The conversations they need to have with their children. The insurance decisions they keep putting off. The business information their spouse doesn't know how to access.

This is the mental load of wealth.

In this episode of Disruption Blueprint, Shannon Spotswood sits down with Liz Fritz, Co-Founder of F2 Strategy, to explore one of the most overlooked opportunities in wealth management. After navigating a major liquidity event, relocating across the country, and hiring a new Financial Advisor, Liz discovered that the greatest value an Advisor provided wasn't investment management.

It was reducing complexity.

Shannon and Liz unpack how Financial Advisors can move beyond the traditional "quarterback" narrative and become true partners in helping clients manage the operational complexity of wealth. They discuss why many Advisors are already doing this work, but failing to communicate it, and how firms that effectively articulate this value proposition could unlock stronger client relationships, greater differentiation, and more referrals.

The conversation also explores the growing importance of community, client connection, and trusted relationships in an increasingly AI-driven world. As technology becomes more capable, judgment, trust, and human connection become more valuable.

For Advisors looking to deepen client relationships and create meaningful differentiation, this episode offers a roadmap for where the profession is heading next.

What You'll Learn

• What the "mental load of wealth" means and why clients rarely articulate it directly
• Why investment management alone is no longer enough to differentiate a Financial Advisor
• How operational complexity creates hidden stress for clients
• The gap between what Advisors market and what clients actually value
• Why women and business owners often experience financial complexity differently
• How Advisors can systematize and scale a high-touch client experience
• The role AI can play in reducing operational burden while preserving human relationships
• Why trust, judgment, and community will become premium Advisor services
• How intentional client gatherings can deepen relationships and drive referrals
• Practical ways Advisors can communicate their value more effectively

Financial Advisors who want to build a more scalable and valuable business need to look beyond investment performance.

The Advisors winning the next decade will not simply manage portfolios.

They will help clients manage complexity.

Build your business without compromise.

Schedule a conversation with RFG Advisory:

https://rfgadvisory.com/schedule-a-call/

Website: https://rfgadvisory.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rfg-advisory

Most Financial Advisors do not have a growth problem. 

They have a time allocation problem. 

In this episode of Disruption Blueprint, Shannon Spotswood sits down with Tobias Donath, Head of Go-to-Market and Strategy for Institutional Wealth Management Services at Fidelity Investments, to unpack one of the most important shifts happening inside wealth management today: the realization that enterprise value is built through intentional time allocation, not endless activity. 

Fidelity’s groundbreaking “Time Value Equation” revealed that Advisors spend nearly 60% of their time on non-revenue-generating activities while demand for advice continues to surge. Donath explains why reclaiming even five focused hours per week can create meaningful revenue growth, stronger client relationships, and more resilient businesses. 

The conversation also explores how AI is transforming Advisor productivity, why mindset has become the true differentiator between stagnant firms and scaling firms, and how the next generation of KPIs will fundamentally reshape how Advisors measure success. 

This episode challenges the default operating system of the industry. 

Because waiting is a decision, and the Advisors who learn to align their time with enterprise value creation will separate themselves over the next decade. 

 What You’ll Learn 

• Why Financial Advisors spend nearly 60% of their time on non-revenue-generating activities 
• How reallocating just five intentional hours per week may materially increase revenue 
• Why AI is becoming a force multiplier for Advisor productivity and scalability 
• How mindset impacts execution, delegation, and long-term business growth 
• Why written business plans could drive significantly faster organic growth 
• How client segmentation can improve enterprise value and operational efficiency 
• Why next-generation client engagement is critical for business resilience 
• What the future KPIs for Financial Advisors may look like 
• How Advisors can use intentional time allocation to build stronger businesses 
• Why organic growth is the clearest indicator of long-term enterprise value 

Financial Advisors who want to build a more scalable and valuable business need to start with intentional time allocation. 

Want a practical way to put these ideas into action? Download the Advisor Strategic Plan Template to help define priorities, align time with growth goals, establish meaningful KPIs, and create accountability around the activities that drive enterprise value. There’s a reason Advisors with a written business plan grow 50% faster than those without one. 

Build your business without compromise. 

Schedule a conversation with RFG Advisory https://rfgadvisory.com/schedule-a-call/ 

Connect with RFG Advisory 

RFG Advisory 

Website: https://rfgadvisory.com 

Shannon Spotswood 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonspotswood/ 

Head of Go-to-Market and Strategy for Institutional Wealth Management Services

Fidelity Investments

Tobias Donath leads go-to-market strategy for Institutional Wealth Management Services at Fidelity Investments, helping wealth management firms leverage investment solutions, technology, and platform capabilities to better serve clients and accelerate growth.

A recognized thought leader in advisor productivity, family engagement, and organic growth, Tobias has become well known for Fidelity’s groundbreaking research around “The Time-Value Equation” and the future KPIs shaping enterprise value for Financial Advisors. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Babson College and an MBA from IMD in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Full report found here: https://clearingcustody.fidelity.com/insights/topics/running-your-business/time-value-equation-optimizing-time-unlock-growth

Fidelity Investments is a registered trademark of FMR LLC. Fidelity Investments® provides investment products through Fidelity Distributors Company LLC; clearing, custody, or other brokerage services through National Financial Services LLC or Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Members NYSE, SIPC. 

Content here is for illustrative purposes and general information only. It is not legal, tax, or individualized financial advice; nor is it a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any specific security, or engage in any specific trading strategy.

Information here may be provided, in part, by third-party sources. These sources are generally deemed to be reliable; however, neither our guest nor RFG Advisory guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources.

The views expressed here are those of our guest. They do not necessarily represent those of RFG Advisory, its employees, or its clients. This commentary should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by RFG Advisory, or performance returns of any client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice.

Securities offered by Registered Representatives of Private Client Services. Member FINRA / SIPC. Advisory services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives of RFG Advisory, LLC (“RFG Advisory or “RFG”), a registered investment advisor. Private Client Services and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where RFG Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advisory services may be rendered by RFG Advisory unless a client agreement is in place.

RFG Advisory is an SEC-registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of RFG by the Commission, nor does it indicate that RFG or any associated investment advisory representative has attained a particular level of skill or ability.

Louis Diamond joins Disruption Blueprint to unpack the massive shift toward Advisor independence, the hidden tradeoffs behind recruiting deals, and why AI is about to reshape wealth management. The conversation explores ownership, enterprise value, operational drag, and the Advisors who are building businesses designed for the future. 

About Our Guest 

Louis Diamond is a leading voice in Advisor transitions, independence, and succession strategy. He works closely with Financial Advisors evaluating recruiting deals, ownership structures, business growth, and long-term enterprise value creation across the wealth management industry. 

Connect 

RFG Advisory 

Website: https://rfgadvisory.com 

Shannon Spotswood 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonspotswood/ 

Louis Diamond 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisdiamond/ 

How AI Is Transforming the Advisor Experience

“The future belongs to Advisors who know how to leverage AI.” — Shannon Spotswood

AI for Financial Advisors is no longer a future trend.

It’s becoming the operating system for modern wealth management firms.

In this episode of Disruption Blueprint, I sit down with Mark Gilbert, Co-Founder and CEO of Zocks, to discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping the Advisor experience, from client onboarding and workflow automation to business intelligence and enterprise growth.

For years, Advisors have operated inside fragmented systems, disconnected workflows, and endless administrative tasks.

That model is breaking.

AI is now helping Financial Advisors:

• Reclaim 10–15 hours per week
• Automate operational workflows
• Unlock actionable business intelligence
• Improve client responsiveness
• Scale personalized service
• Reduce onboarding friction
• Grow enterprise value faster

This conversation goes far beyond note-taking technology. We explore how AI is becoming infrastructure, and why firms that embrace AI early are already pulling ahead. Waiting is a decision.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• AI Is Eliminating Administrative Drag
• Data Architecture Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage
• The Future of Wealth Management Is Human + AI
• AI Will Redefine Client Service Models
• Transition Friction Is Finally Being Challenged
• Advisors who embrace AI early will outperform others

About Our Guest

Mark Gilbert is the Co-Founder and CEO of Zocks, an AI-powered platform helping Financial Advisors automate workflows, capture structured client data, and unlock actionable business intelligence. With a background in enterprise technology, Mark is focused on helping Advisors reduce operational drag, improve client engagement, and scale more effectively through AI.

RFG Advisory

https://www.rfgadvisory.com

Shannon Spotswood

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonspotswood

Mark Gilbert

https://www.linkedin.com/in/markgilbert/

What happens when elite performance ends and real life begins? 

In this episode, Brandon Wilson and Richard Giannotti share how lessons from professional sports translate into building a business and serving clients as financial Advisors. 

From confidence and discipline to identity and vulnerability, this conversation highlights what it takes to perform at a high level long after the uniform comes off. 

Learn more about RFG Advisory: 

https://www.rfgadvisory.com 

LinkedIn: Shannon Spotswood  

Connect with the guests: 

Brandon Wilson 

Richard Giannotti

ABOUT GUEST 

Brandon Wilson Former NFL player turned financial Advisor, Brandon Wilson focuses on helping clients navigate financial decisions with discipline, structure, and a long-term mindset shaped by elite performance environments. 

Richard Giannotti Former professional baseball player and financial Advisor, Richard Giannotti specializes in guiding clients through complex financial decisions by simplifying strategy and focusing on relationship-driven advice. 

Most Financial Advisors are asking the wrong question. 

“What’s my payout?” 

That question could be costing you millions. 

In this episode of Disruption Blueprint, Shannon Spotswood sits down with RFG Advisory President Ed Swenson to unpack the real inflection point Advisors are facing in 2026 and why the traditional payout conversation is quietly costing them long-term enterprise value. 

The industry has shifted. Independence is no longer a fringe option; it’s a viable, proven path. Technology has removed operational friction. And Advisors now have more control than ever over how they build, scale, and monetize their business.  

The question is no longer if independence works. 

It’s whether you’re evaluating it correctly. 

Your Playbook to Earn Beyond the Grid 

Have you compared your payout today to what it could look like if you owned your business? 

In this guide, we compare the economics of a typical wirehouse Advisor vs. an Advisor at an Independent RIA, and the long-term wealth implications are significant. 

(Hint: it could potentially adds up to millions over time).  

Download your playbook to see how ownership, equity, and control can transform your future. 

Key Themes 

• The 2026 inflection point: why every Advisor now sees independence as a real path  
• Optionality vs. payout: why focusing on grid percentage is a losing framework  
• The quiet risk of staying: how constraints slowly erode growth and enterprise value  
• Technology and control: why entrepreneurs, not large firms, will win this cycle  
• Ownership mindset: from earning income to building enterprise value  
• How to evaluate partners: culture, tech, economics, brand, and alignment  

If you’re still evaluating your business through a payout lens, you’re not seeing the full picture. 

There’s a better way to understand what your business is worth and what it could become with the right structure behind it. 

At RFG Advisory, we help Advisors model that difference clearly: 

• side-by-side economics 
• long-term enterprise value 
• real optionality, not theoretical 

If you’re serious about building a business that compounds, schedule a 15-minute confidential conversation.  

Connect 

• RFG Advisory 
• Shannon Spotswood 
• Ed Swenson