Disruption Blueprint Podcast

In this episode, RFG Advisory’s CEO, Shannon Spotswood, and President, Ed Swenson, discuss the need for Financial Advisors to take action and transition to a business model where they can build enterprise value. They challenge captive Advisors to break out of indecision and take control of their business’ valuation.

They discuss the cost of indecision, address concerns around clients not following during a transition to a new firm, and how the right platform can give advisors more time back and accelerate growth.

What You’ll Learn:

·     The cost of indecision and where enterprise value fades.

·     Why independence is a growth strategy and not a DIY burden.

·     How an independent platform can free Advisors to focus on growth.

Learn more at www.rfgadvisory.com

Your greatest asset? It’s not your AUM — it’s your enterprise value. 

In this episode, Shannon Spotswood and Ed Swenson unpack one of the biggest wealth-building opportunities Advisors have ever seen. 

They break down what enterprise value really means, why ownership has never been more rewarding, and how Advisors can leverage independence to turn their business into an appreciating asset, not just an income stream. 

You’ll learn: 

• What drives enterprise value (and how to grow it) 
• The truth about W-2 vs. independence and who’s really capturing the upside 
• Why the timing has never been better to build equity in your practice 

With RIA valuations at historic highs and a “silver tsunami” of retirements reshaping the industry, this episode is your guide to building the kind of business you own, and that pays you back for decades to come. 

About the Guest 

Ed Swenson is the President of RFG Advisory. With a background in technology, operations, and Advisor services, Ed has been instrumental in building RFG’s award-winning platform that empowers Advisors to scale efficiently and build meaningful enterprise value. He brings a sharp eye for the business side of advisory firms and a deep passion for helping Advisors design businesses that reflect their values and unlock their full potential. 

More at: rfgadvisory.com/podcast 

#DisruptionBlueprint #EnterpriseValue #FinancialAdvisors #AdvisorGrowth #RFGAdvisory

“There’s no better time than now to be an independent Advisor.”



In this special episode of the Disruption Blueprint Podcast, host Shannon Spotswood sits down with Ed Swenson, newly named President of RFG Advisory, to explore the future of independence, technology, and Advisor empowerment. With more than 25 years in wealth management, most notably as co-founder of Dynasty Financial Partners and former President of RIA Solutions at Osaic, Ed brings a bold, forward-thinking perspective on where the industry is headed.

Together, Shannon and Ed unpack the “bull market for advice,” the seismic shift toward independence, and why RFG is uniquely positioned to support Advisors looking to grow, scale, and thrive. From succession planning and M&A to cutting-edge tech adoption and capital strategy, this episode is packed with valuable insight for any Advisor considering the next chapter in their journey.

What You’ll Learn

• Why independence is surging, and what Advisors gain when they make the leap
• Ed’s journey from wirehouse to broker-dealer to RFG President
• How RFG’s tech-forward, Advisor-centric platform drives organic growth
• The silver tsunami: how succession, M&A, and capital strategy are converging
• Why culture, community, and execution matter more than ever in a fragmented industry

About Our Guest

Ed Swenson is the newly appointed President of RFG Advisory, an award-winning Independent RIA platform. With a career spanning leadership roles across wealth management, from Smith Barney to co-founding Dynasty Financial Partners and most recently leading RA Solutions at Osaic, Ed has been at the forefront of the independent Advisor movement. He brings a deep passion for technology, growth strategy, and building intentional culture to RFG’s mission of empowering Advisors to maximize their time, build enterprise value, and truly thrive.

Connect & Explore More

• RFG Advisory – rfgadvisory.com
• Shannon Spotswood – CEO, RFG Advisory
• Ed Swenson – President, RFG Advisory

Learn more about the RFG Advisory transition experience and how RFG helps Advisors go independent in as little as 39 days.

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 may be provided, in part, by third-party sources deemed to be reliable, though accuracy is not guaranteed. The views expressed are those of the guest and do not necessarily represent those of RFG Advisory, its employees, or its clients.

Securities offered by Registered Representatives of Private Client Services. Member FINRA / SIPC. Advisory services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives of RFG Advisory, LLC (“RFG”), a registered investment advisor. Private Client Services and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities.

“There’s no better time than now to be an independent Advisor.”

In this special episode of the Disruption Blueprint Podcast, host Shannon Spotswood sits down with Ed Swenson, newly named President of RFG Advisory, to explore the future of independence, technology, and Advisor empowerment. With more than 25 years in wealth management, most notably as co-founder of Dynasty Financial Partners and former President of RIA Solutions at Osaic, Ed brings a bold, forward-thinking perspective on where the industry is headed.

Together, Shannon and Ed unpack the “bull market for advice,” the seismic shift toward independence, and why RFG is uniquely positioned to support Advisors looking to grow, scale, and thrive. From succession planning and M&A to cutting-edge tech adoption and capital strategy, this episode is packed with valuable insight for any Advisor considering the next chapter in their journey.

What You’ll Learn

• Why independence is surging, and what Advisors gain when they make the leap
• Ed’s journey from wirehouse to broker-dealer to RFG President
• How RFG’s tech-forward, Advisor-centric platform drives organic growth
• The silver tsunami: how succession, M&A, and capital strategy are converging
• Why culture, community, and execution matter more than ever in a fragmented industry

About Our Guest

Ed Swenson is the newly appointed President of RFG Advisory, an award-winning Independent RIA platform. With a career spanning leadership roles across wealth management, from Smith Barney to co-founding Dynasty Financial Partners and most recently leading RA Solutions at Osaic, Ed has been at the forefront of the independent Advisor movement. He brings a deep passion for technology, growth strategy, and building intentional culture to RFG’s mission of empowering Advisors to maximize their time, build enterprise value, and truly thrive.

Connect & Explore More

• RFG Advisory – rfgadvisory.com
• Shannon Spotswood – CEO, RFG Advisory
• Ed Swenson – President, RFG Advisory

Learn more about the RFG Advisory transition experience and how RFG helps Advisors go independent in as little as 39 days.

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 may be provided, in part, by third-party sources deemed to be reliable, though accuracy is not guaranteed. The views expressed are those of the guest and do not necessarily represent those of RFG Advisory, its employees, or its clients.

Securities offered by Registered Representatives of Private Client Services. Member FINRA / SIPC. Advisory services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives of RFG Advisory, LLC (“RFG”), a registered investment advisor. Private Client Services and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities.

"By end of 2025, 50% of Advisors will be leveraging AI tools for client meetings, task management, follow up."

What happens when one of the sharpest minds in wealthtech gets behind the mic? In this episode, Doug Fritz, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of F2 Strategy, sits down with host Shannon Spotswood for a high-impact conversation on how AI, data, and digital strategy are reshaping the future of financial advice.

Doug pulls back the curtain on the real use cases for AI—tangible productivity gains like AI-driven meeting notes, client task automation, and internal search tools designed to give time back to Advisors. He also dives into the hidden cost of fragmented tech stacks and why businesses need to rethink their approach to data if they want to drive scale, personalization, and enterprise value.

Whether you’re wrestling with fragmented tech stacks, exploring AI integrations, or rethinking your growth model, this conversation offers real-world guidance on leading with clarity, strategy, and intentional adoption.

What You’ll Learn:

·     Why AI is more than a buzzword (and how it's saving top Advisors hours every week)

·     The danger of over-hyped tech and how to spot real value

·     How firms should think about data architecture, not just dashboards

·     The hidden risks in fragmented tech stacks

·     The difference between “being organized” and being scalable

Want to Learn More? Click here to sign up for the Disruption Blueprint newsletter and take your business to the next level.

·     Shannon Spotswood

·     RFG Advisory



Doug Fritz is the Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of F2 Strategy, a premier wealthtech consulting firm that helps wealth management firms modernize their digital and data strategy. A former Chief Technology Officer at First Republic and Wells Fargo Private Bank, Doug brings decades of firsthand industry experience to every conversation—blending his deep understanding of Advisor workflows with a passion for smart, scalable tech solutions. At F2 Strategy, Doug leads a team that’s driving transformation across the wealth management space, helping RIAs and enterprises leverage technology that helps move the needle.   

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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.

“You’re going to leave a legacy. Everyone’s going to leave a legacy. And it really is just going to be determining what type of legacy you want it to be.”

In this episode of the Disruption Blueprint Podcast, we’re joined by Martha Underwood, founder of Prismm, a groundbreaking digital vault platform that’s revolutionizing how families approach wealth transfer and legacy planning.

Martha’s vision is simple yet profound: to give families the tools they need to organize, protect, and pass down their hard-earned wealth seamlessly. Drawing from her experiences in corporate technology and her personal journey as a Black female founder, she discusses how PRISM bridges generational gaps, enhances privacy and control, and transforms the often-overwhelming process of legacy planning into the ultimate act of love.

With trillions of dollars set to transition across generations in the coming years, this conversation dives into how technology, AI, and forward-thinking solutions like PRISM are reshaping the future of financial services.

What You’ll Learn:

Ready to crush everything? Sign up for the Disruption Blueprint newsletter and take your business to the next level.

Dive deeper into programs, books, or other resources mentioned in today’s episode.

Martha Underwood is the Founder of Prismm, a digital vault platform revolutionizing wealth transfer and legacy planning. With a background in corporate technology and banking, Martha created Prismm during the COVID-19 pandemic to address the challenges families face in managing and preserving their financial assets. Her work bridges generational gaps in wealth planning to offer privacy, control, and seamless solutions while also driving innovation in fintech.

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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.

What does it take for Financial Advisors to thrive? 

In this episode of The Disruption Blueprint Podcast, Shannon Spotswood delves into the world of financial services with Rohit Mahna, Head of Client Growth at Fidelity Institutional Wealth Management Services. They discuss the critical elements of disruption, innovation, and forward-thinking strategies necessary for navigating the complexities of the advisory landscape.

Join Shannon and Rohit as they explore:

Tune in and discover insights that can empower you to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing financial world!

Connect with Shannon Spotswood:

Connect with Rohit Mahna:

About Our Guest:

As Head of Client Growth at Fidelity Institutional Wealth Management Services, Rohit Mahna leads Fidelity’s strategy in the wealth management, banking, and insurance sectors. Rohit and his team are responsible for Salesforce’s product, marketing, and overall go-to-market strategy for the financial services industry.

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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.

Ready to explore the world of finance and advisory through the lens of experts who are steering the industry’s future?

In this episode of The Disruption Blueprint Podcast, Shannon Spotswood sits down with Jim Sumpter, CFP®, and founder and CEO of CMC Financial. 

This conversation takes you on a journey from Jim’s early days as an advisor, and his transformative personal experiences, to how he’s navigating and capitalizing on some of the most exciting growth trends defining the financial advisory industry today. 

With a focus on integrating advanced tax planning into financial advisory and the analytical research backing it, listen in for an insightful discussion that bridges heartfelt personal narratives with cutting-edge professional strategies.

Jim discusses: 

Tune in for Jim’s story about empowering his financial advisory practice to meet the evolving needs of today’s and tomorrow’s clients.

Resources:

Connect with Shannon Spotswood:

Connect with Jim Sumpter:

About Our Guest:

Jim Sumpter is the president and CEO of CMC Financial. Jim has more than 20 years of experience helping clients achieve their financial goals. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER CFP® and holds FINRA Series 7, 65, 63, and 31 licenses in Alabama, Georgia, New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont. He also holds Life, Health, and Variable Annuity Licenses. He is a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA), the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP), and Leadership Shelby County. He is also a StrongHer Money Ambassador.

Jim graduated from The University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Corporate Finance with a concentration in World Business and a minor in Economics. He is currently enrolled in Villanova University’s Charles Widger School of Law, where he is working towards a Master of Taxation with a concentration in Estate Tax Planning. He will complete his degree in the fall of 2023.

He is the President of the Pelham City Schools Foundation, Past President of Leadership Shelby County Alumni Board, Past President of FPA of North Alabama, and Past Campaign Chair for the United Way of Central Alabama.

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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.

Get ready to delve into the heart of disruption in the financial advisory landscape with Dany Martin and Chase Crump in this week’s episode of The Disruption Blueprint!

Here, Shannon Spotswood embarks on a captivating journey exploring the transformative shifts occurring within the financial advisory sector. Joined by industry mavericks Dany Martin, MBA, and Chase Crump, CFP®, partners at WFA in Shreveport, Louisiana, this conversation promises a deep dive into how forward-thinking strategies, embracing change, and a focus on client engagement and technologically enhanced experiences reshape the future of financial services.

Dany & Chase’s key takeaways: 

Connect with Shannon Spotswood:

Connect with Dany Martin:

Connect with Chase Crump:

About Our Guests:

Dany Martin, MBA, Partner & Wealth Advisor:

Dany Martin, a South Louisiana native but Shreveport resident, was in search of a service-oriented, innovative, and proactive wealth management organization. He wanted a team that focused on exceeding clients’ needs and upholding the highest standard of service. His mission is to be a student of life and educate others about the profound, positive impact that sound financial planning will have on peoples’ lives and on their families. He also is a huge advocate of positive thinking and leadership.

Dany’s passion for helping others strive for financial health started during his high school years when residual income and the idea of having money work for you crossed his desk. He further pursued his enthusiasm for business and finance during college, where he attended Northwestern State University. During those 4 years in Natchitoches, he achieved a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and was an active member and treasurer of Sigma Nu Fraternity. He continued his education by obtaining a Master’s in Business Administration degree from Louisiana Tech University.

Prior to becoming part of the WFA team in January of 2015, Dany spent 8.5 years at Capital One Bank, where in a very short time he worked his way up from a teller to a Financial Advisor covering 10+ branches in the Shreveport, LA area.

Chase Crump, CFP®, Partner & Financial Guide – NFLPA Registered Financial Advisor:

As a Partner of WFA, LLC and a Financial Strategist with RFG Advisory, Chase’s passion is working to improve the lives of his clients and establishing financial confidence, allowing clients to focus on the aspects of their lives they enjoy most. Chase strives to make the complicated simple by educating his clients so they can feel more confident about the decisions they make regarding their financial health. As a CFP®, he uses his holistic understanding of financial planning and portfolio management to help families, small business owners, and young professionals create customized paths in pursuit of financial freedom.

After graduating from Louisiana College with his Bachelor’s degree in Business, Chase pursued his lifelong dream of playing professional baseball. In 2006, after retiring from baseball, Chase moved to Shreveport to complete his Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) at Louisiana State University – Shreveport. Chase began his career in the financial services industry by working as a financial advisor for Capital One Bank in Shreveport. In April of 2009, Chase joined the team at WFA. Moving to an independently run advisory practice ensured Chase could offer unbiased advice, work with a team of professionals, and invest company resources into continuously improving the firm’s services.

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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.

What does it take to revolutionize the financial advisory landscape?

In this episode, Jordan Hutchison is joined by Tom Rieman, the founder of Practice Intel, to talk about the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship in the financial advisory industry. 

Tom sheds light on the challenges, triumphs, and impact of creating a data-driven platform for organic growth in financial advisory services while sharing his thoughts on the importance of organic growth, leveraging data-driven platforms, and transforming advisor-client relationships.

Episode takeaways are: 

Resources:

Connect with Tom Rieman:

 Connect with Dr. Jordan A. Hutchison:

Connect with Shannon Spotswood:

About Our Guest:

Tom Rieman is the Founder of Practice Intel, an entrepreneur, and industry expert in strategic business development and advisor coaching.

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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.