Meet the RIA

Ralph Cole, CFA®, Director of Research and Portfolio Management at Ferguson Wellman Capital Management, reflects on the firm’s 50-year history, core values, and the lessons learned across market cycles. He discusses what differentiates Ferguson Wellman, how the firm serves ultra-high-net-worth clients, its thoughtful approach to adopting AI, and how it plans to stay on the leading edge as the industry continues to evolve.

Sandi Bragar, CFP®, Chief Client Officer and Partner at Aspiriant, shares how the firm’s independent, employee-owned structure shapes its client-first approach and differentiates it in the wealth management landscape. She also discusses Aspiriant’s perspective on succession planning, growth priorities for the year ahead, and what advisors curious about the firm should know.

Dannell Stuart, CFP®, President and Partner of Mission Wealth, discusses the firm’s growth to over $13 billion and the strategic expansion of in-house tax and estate planning capabilities to enhance the client experience. He also highlights how Mission Wealth’s leadership, strong female representation, and focus on technology and next-gen talent position the firm to support advisors and deliver optimal outcomes.

Savvy Wealth Founder & CEO Ritik Malhotra shares the origin story behind the firm and the industry gap it set out to solve, along with how Savvy’s modern, tech-enabled model differs from a traditional RIA. He walks through how the platform equips advisors with digital tools, operational support, and independence, while still enabling highly personalized planning—especially for next-gen clients who expect both efficiency and customization.

Eric Kittner, CEO, Chairman and Partner of the Moneta Group, outlines why Moneta’s internally owned model offers a distinct alternative to RIA firms that rely heavily on outside capital. He also explores the future of advisor ownership, the importance of next-gen buy-in, and ways to drive stronger talent retention.

Abby Salameh, Chief Growth Officer at RFG Advisory, discusses the firm’s expanded StrongHer Money initiative, its leadership, and the drivers behind its advisors’ 13% organic growth. She also shares her perspective on the challenges and opportunities ahead for RIAs and what makes RFG’s model compelling for advisors considering their next chapter.

Cary Street Partners COO Wesley H. Gallup, CFP® discusses how the firm’s operational structure, technology strategy, and team performance framework are driving growth across the organization. He also breaks down the challenges of scaling a modern RIA and shares how CSP is cultivating a cohesive ecosystem designed to help advisors—and their clients—thrive.

Zane Keller, CEO of Ducere Wealth Management, shares why he and Rick Keller launched the firm and the vision behind its client-first approach. He discusses how the business has progressed in its first six months and explains how Ducere Wealth is working to solve some of the key challenges facing today’s advisory industry.

Founder and Wealth Advisor Michael Grand joins us to discuss his path to independence, the inspiration behind REVUP Private Wealth, and why he chose to transition to NYFP and Osaic. He also shares how greater flexibility, control, and client-centered decision-making are shaping the future of his practice.

Scott Colangelo, Chairman of Prime Capital Wealth, shares more about the firm’s growth to over $40 billion in AUM since its founding in 2017.