Next Mile

Episode 066: Traditional wealth management often focuses on stocks and bonds, potentially leaving investors vulnerable during market downturns. AlphaCore believes there's a better way. By marrying alternative investments and traditional asset classes, advisors can bridge the gap between traditional wealth planning and the world of alternatives. Breaking down barriers to alternative investments allows investors to diversify and build more resilient portfolios, enhance returns, and mitigate risks.

In this episode, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Dick Pfister, CEO and Founder of AlphaCore Wealth Advisory. Dick has more than 25 years of experience in diversifying traditional portfolios with alternative strategies.

Kyle and Dick talk about alternative investments and how AlphaCore democratizes access to these strategies. Dick also discusses the categories of alternative investments, the role of education in driving accessibility and adoption, upcoming trends in wealth management, and the importance of technology and artificial intelligence in the development of the industry.

In this episode:

Key Takeaways

Quotes

[09:34] - "Coming from the world of alternative strategies, I thought you should have stocks and bonds. But you should have this other instrument called alternatives. Let's make that the third leg of the stool, and that will give you the diversification needed to make it not only in bull markets but in bear markets when you don't have those opportunities in equities." ~ Dick Pfister

[14:33] - "The number one value is, 'do what's right for the client.' And when you do what's right for the client, even if it's more expensive for you as a wealth advisor, more difficult, or operationally inefficient, you're going to get good organic growth because you're putting their interests first." ~ Dick Pfister

[27:57] - "You have to make sure you're embracing artificial intelligence in a way you can utilize to help scale and be more efficient. That's going to become more and more a part of what we do. Not to replace but to enhance what we do." ~ Dick Pfister

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Episode 065: In this episode, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Seth Merrill, Partner at The Norden Group. They discuss the challenges and strategies involved in scaling a financial advisory firm, the importance of building strong COI relationships, and the evolving landscape of the advisory industry. Seth shares his unique path into the industry, insights on building study groups with CPAs and attorneys, and the growth trajectory of The Norden Group, including onboarding 11 advisors and managing a team of 22 employees. They also explore the role of technology in managing growth, the balance between personal practice and firm management, and Seth's vision for the future of financial advisory.

In this episode:

Key Takeaways

Quotes

[13:30] - "Our firm is really based on education, and we need to be better. We feel you can help us improve through the study group format." ~ Seth Merrill

[31:34] - "At this point, one-man shops are going to be really difficult to continue to operate. So, it's going to become more paramount that you surround yourself with a team of competent people." ~ Seth Merrill

[34:23] - "I truly feel we are in the relationship business, and that is our number one job. Most of the time, we are managing emotions and people. That's why we feel it's super important to treat the relationship and bring the party to the initial consultation." ~ Seth Merrill

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Episode 064: Traditionally, value propositions are centered on beating the market and outperforming benchmarks. However, these factors often fail to deliver consistent and reliable results for investors. To address this challenge, Fairway Wealth Management aims to provide reliable results by focusing on factors investors can control. These include tax efficiency, cost management, and behavioral guidance.

This week, Kyle talks with Mark Weiskind, Founding Partner and President at Fairway Wealth Management. Mark helped found the firm in 2002 to provide clients with world-class, high-touch, completely independent, and objective advice. Kyle and Mark discuss delivering reliable value, how smaller firms can provide comprehensive financial planning without joining big platforms or consolidators, and how technology is essential in streamlining processes and enhancing client experience.

In this episode:

Key Takeaways

Quotes

[07:07] - "For most firms in our industry, the value proposition is based on aspirational concepts and predictions and things investors and advisors don't have any control over. We focus on things that are controllable, where the value is reliable and consistent." ~ Mark Weiskind

[21:16] - "I think the way to succeed is by being hands-on and really just serving the heck out of your clients. As a small boutique firm, if you can do that in an exceptional way, you can truly differentiate yourself as an advisor." ~ Mark Weiskind

[26:04] - "One of the challenges of being a smaller firm is that we don't always spend enough time or don't have the resources to really focus on that tech stack. As more and more technologies emerge, it's hard to keep up." ~ Mark Weiskind

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Episode 063: This week, Kyle talks with Robert Conzo and Eric Diton from The Wealth Alliance. Robert is the CEO and Managing Director, and Eric is the President and Managing Director. 

They discuss their journey in wealth management, from large wirehouses to establishing an independent firm. They explore growth strategies through M&A, organic client acquisition, and building strong centers of influence. The conversation explores the importance of technology, AI, and the role of social media and PR in building a successful brand. They also discuss their firm's culture, charitable initiatives like “Songs of Love”, and vision for becoming a super regional RIA.

In this episode:

Key Takeaways

Quotes

[12:18] - "The bottom line is, as we all know, we are in a service business. Client contact is paramount." ~ Eric Diton

[29:06] - "We have built a family here. It sounds cliché, but our success comes from the love and respect within our team. Everyone is willing to work really hard because they love where they work and what we're building." ~ Eric Diton

[31:35] - "The independent industry is consolidating. All these little RIAs are starting to come together, and I believe the future of this industry is a super-regional RIA firm controlling a region." ~ Rob Conzo

[36:42] - "The beauty of the independent industry is that these platforms have become more and more sophisticated. The benefactor of this technology will be the RIA, the client, and everybody else surrounded by the firm." ~ Rob Conzo

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Episode 062: At Helium Advisors, the buddy system isn't just a strategy—it's a core component of their wealth management approach. By pairing advisors with shared goals and similar skill sets, they provide clients with more comprehensive and personalized solutions. 

In this episode, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Gary Russell, Partner and Co-Founder at Helium Advisors, about Helium's buddy system, how it works, and the benefits it provides. They also discuss holistic planning and how using the right technology creates a unique client experience.

In this episode:

Key Takeaways

Quotes

[24:30] -"If you look at where other industries have gone before us, we don't want to be in the front one percent of that technology. But we want to be in that first five or 10 percent, right? We don't want to be the testers, but we want to be the early adopters for sure." ~ Gary Russell

[26:50] - "There's no way AI will seamlessly wipe us all out. You'll have a real human working in a buddy system with a few advisors and understanding what AI can do to help." ~ Gary Russell

[31:22] - "The integration of the decisions that you make and how you bring them to your team really matters. We have learned that by doing it poorly and failing our way up." ~ Gary Russell

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Episode 061: Wealth creators understand that financial planning isn't solely about maximizing returns. It’s also about building a lasting legacy. By involving the next generation in family wealth discussions, advisors can help beneficiaries develop a solid financial understanding. This ensures a smoother wealth transfer and empowers future generations to manage their financial affairs effectively. 

In this episode, Kyle talks with Craig Robson, Founding Principal and Managing Director at Regent Peak Wealth Advisors. In his role, Craig sets the firm's overall vision and strategy. The creation of Regent Peak Wealth Advisors is a direct result of Craig's desire to provide all relationships with objective advice free from the conflicts of interest that might come from large institutions.

Craig and Kyle break down what financial planning for wealth creators looks like. They discuss the importance of using a tech stack that best suits the firm's needs rather than the one-size-fits-all approach, the flexibility of being an independent advisor, and Craig’s unique approach to solving complex financial scenarios for wealth creators and their successors.

In this episode:

Key Takeaways

Quotes

[11:42] - "If you're going to take the professional risk to start your own business, don't forget why you did it." ~ Craig Robson

[16:14] - "As I started to have deeper, broader conversations with clients about what was most important to them and what they wanted to accomplish in their lifetime, I realized that the more complex one situation is, the more we can help them." ~ Craig Robson

[23:55] - "In our industry, it's an art and a science. The science is the actual plan itself. The art is communicating it and deciding the prioritization of what you want to follow through on." ~ Craig Robson

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Episode 060: Operations is the cornerstone of any organization, and technology is integral to successful business operations. Their integration revolutionizes any organization, and wealth management is no exception. By automating tasks, streamlining workflows, and connecting disparate systems, technology has become an indispensable tool for improving operational efficiency. This increased efficiency empowers advisors to focus more on what they do best: serving their clients, building lasting relationships, and providing personalized financial guidance.

In this episode, Kyle talks with Chrissy Lee, Chief Operating Officer of Merit Financial Advisors. Chrissy is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the firm, working within the executive leadership team and each department within the organization to create efficiencies and streamline the client service experience. She is also responsible for operational strategy, driving strategic growth through mergers and acquisitions, and overseeing onboarding processes, business development, and technology implementations to create a best-in-class experience for the Merit community.

Kyle talks with Chrissy about the importance of operational efficiency in wealth and asset management. She discusses the challenges of integrating technology, the significance of human relationships in wealth management, and how technology should enhance, rather than replace, these relationships.

In this episode:

Key Takeaways

Quotes

[15:27] - "One of the things that really takes away from advisors is productivity. Why not allow advisors to stay in their "hot zone," which is to serve their clients and have that relationship with the clients?" ~ Chrissy Lee

[20:11] - "Operations and technology go hand in hand. Operations is at the heart of an organization because you have the relationships. And if we don't have the right technology or if it's limited, it is difficult because it becomes a manual process." ~ Chrissy Lee

[27:46] - "People are not numbers. You can only send so much data and analysis to someone, you know? They want someone who cares, who is listening, and who is hearing their story." ~ Chrissy Lee

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Episode 059: CG Financial's expansion into property and casualty insurance is a unique strategy in the advisory space. While many firms focus on core expertise, CG Financial has ventured into new territories, taking advantage of its internal expertise. Its proactive use of EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), diversification into new business lines, and commitment to technological excellence set the bar for strategic growth and leadership.

In this episode, Kyle talks with Jeff Casey, President and Partner at CG Financial Services. As a Founding Partner and Senior Financial Advisor, Jeff has been a pillar of CG Financial's foundation, specializing in comprehensive wealth management, executive compensation, and corporate retirement plans. He works to build and implement business strategies across the four divisions of CG Financial Services: Individual Wealth Management, Business Services, CG Advisor Network, and CG Insurance Agency.

Jeff talks with Kyle about the strategic expansion and innovation driving CG Financial's success. He shares CG Financial's transition to implementing EOS, its integration of property and casualty insurance into its service offering, and the importance of technology in enhancing business capabilities.

In this episode:

Key Takeaways

Quotes

[23:42] - "Technology is so important in the evolution of our business. We want to make sure that we can stay at the cutting edge of providing the best resources and solutions for our clients in any line of business that we offer." ~ Jeff Casey

[24:41] - "Data warehouse is a way for us to store data securely, organize that data, and have it in a fashion that allows your team to adapt should you decide to change things in the future." ~ Jeff Casey

[31:46] - "Every business owner has to look internally at what makes you good, what makes you great, and try to find those same qualities in the people that you're hiring and the people that you're developing." ~ Jeff Casey

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Episode 058: Financial advisory firms always look for innovative ways to create a culture of growth. Internal promotions and residency programs are some unique and great strategies. By nurturing talent and creating opportunities for advancement, specializing in a specific niche, and the strategic integration of technology, firms can cultivate seasoned advisors who understand the company's core values and philosophy and offer comprehensive planning solutions that truly resonate with clients.

In this episode, Kyle talks with Patrick Sweeny, Chairman and CEO of Apella Wealth and Co-founder of Symmetry Partners. Patrick focuses on investor education and the strategic growth of the firm. He is a recognized speaker on asset-class investing and transforming advisor businesses into more efficient models.

Patrick and Kyle discuss how to create a culture of growth through internal promotions and residency programs, the advantages of focusing on a specific niche, and the importance of technology in providing comprehensive planning services.

In this episode:

Key Takeaways

Quotes

[18:35] - "We always talk in this business about how you differentiate yourself. You don't need to think long and hard about it. You differentiate yourself by delivering more services that are important to clients." ~ Patrick Sweeny

[21:08] - "The most successful advisors have a niche. They understand their niche, and when the prospect sits in front of them, they quickly realize, this is my person. This is my advisor because they know everything there is to know about me already."~ Patrick Sweeny

[28:07] - "This is still a relationship business. People want a relationship in place with someone they trust. And technology is there for us to leverage and use to make us more effective at what we do." ~ Patrick Sweeny

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Episode 057: Financial advisors often go beyond the confines of business to become trusted guides in their client's financial lives. More than crafting investment strategies and managing portfolios, advisors offer support and expertise to individuals and families through various life stages and financial challenges. 

In this episode, Kyle talks with Scott Hanson, Co-Founder and Vice Chair at Allworth Financial. A nationally recognized financial expert, Scott has been named to Barron's list of the Top 100 Independent Wealth Advisors in America numerous times and has been listed as one of the 25 most influential people in the financial services industry nationwide. For more than 29 years, Scott has co-hosted Money Matters, a financial radio program and podcast, making it one of the longest-running shows of its kind in America.

Scott talks with Kyle about what makes financial advisory a noble profession. He discusses his early experiences in the industry and the shift toward a more inclusive and diverse approach to financial advising. Scott also shares Allworth Financial's successful consolidation strategy, the importance of marketing as a business development tool, and why they're a sought-after partner for firms. 

In this episode:

Key Takeaways

Quotes

[06:14] - "The longer I'm in this industry, the more noble I believe it is. I've personally held clients' hands through lots of different things, whether financial markets going crazy or their personal lives going crazy. Navigating the clients through all those different seasons is tremendously valuable to them." ~ Scott Hanson

[33:35] - "If someone's at Allworth, they're going to be well served. One of the reasons I'm passionate about continuing to grow the organization is there are a lot of people out there who need good financial advice, and I would love to be able to provide it to them." ~ Scott Hanson

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