What does it take to grow from a few accounting firm relationships to a nationwide network of more than 250 CPA partners?  Vision, perseverance, and a true belief in collaboration.

In this episode, host Matt Ackermann sits down with Paul Saganey, Founder and CEO of Integrated Partners, and John Pastore Jr., Wealth Advisor and Vice President of Integrated Partners, to unpack the story behind the firm’s renowned CPA Alliance and the lessons learned along the way.

They discuss:

Hear how good times, uncertain times, a group of great humans, and the power of partnership developed the CPA Alliance and Integrated Partners into what it is today.

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About our Guests

Paul Saganey

With over three decades in financial services, Paul transformed his vision of modern wealth management into reality. As the founder of Integrated Partners, he leads a nationwide RIA featuring 220+ entrepreneurial advisors and groundbreaking partnerships with 250+ accounting firms through the innovative Integrated CPA Alliance Program.

His journey through the financial services industry has given him unique insights into what makes advisory practices thrive. This comprehensive perspective drove him to establish Integrated Partners in 1996, pioneering a fee-based planning approach that puts relationships at the heart of wealth management.

At Integrated Partners, they’ve developed cutting-edge solutions like the Lifetime Income Model, The Business Owner Solution, and the Integrated Family Office, serving high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth families with elite services. Their success stems from a simple truth: building great practices requires exceptional people and seamless collaboration.

One of his greatest passions is mentoring advisors, helping them unlock efficiencies and build the practices of their dreams. When he’s not coaching the next generation of financial leaders, you’ll find him cheering on the Tennessee Titan’s with his family— he and his wife Jamie are proud parents of Dan, the Titan’s Vice President of Player Personnel, and blessed grandparents to three wonderful grandchildren.

John Pastore Jr.

As a Private Wealth Advisor with over 25 years of industry experience, he specializes in partnering with high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and business owners, seamlessly integrating his Family Focused Office model into their broader wealth management strategy. His practice is dedicated to helping clients build and expand their financial future, delivering a first-class experience at every step.

​John is a founding member of Integrated Financial Partners (Integrated) and developed their industry-recognized Professional Partner Program, a dynamic co-source model that partners financial advisors with CPAs, Attorneys and Property & Casualty professionals. Today, over 250 professionals nationwide are successfully partnering with Integrated.

​As Private Wealth Advisor and fiduciary in an advisory role:

As Executive Vice President:

Disclosure:

Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.  Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Integrated Partners, a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.

Sometimes the most powerful careers are born out of integrity and courage. When Mona Santos uncovered unethical behavior in her workplace, she did what few have the courage to do, she spoke up. With no whistleblower protection and no safety net, Mona was fired. But that moment became the catalyst for something greater.

Determined to build a life defined by honesty, compassion, and independence, Mona became a financial advisor on her own terms. In this episode, Mona Santos, Certified Financial Planner and co-founder of Glide Path Financial, shares with our host Matt Ackermann her story through tragedy, entrepreneurship, and resilience. How she turned pain purpose and built a 25-year career rooted in empathy and authenticity.

Today, she helps others design lives of meaning and freedom; the same way she rebuilt her own. Her story is one of courage, character, and the beauty of creating success by helping others do the same.

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About our Guest

Working as a financial advisor for over 20 years, Mona specializes in providing comprehensive financial planning and wealth management services to individuals, families and business owners. With compassion at the crux of her practice, Mona specifically enjoys helping independent female clients, where she can offer support for women going through life-changing events, such as divorce, death of a spouse or retirement.

Having suffered many of her own personal setbacks, these life experiences have fueled Mona’s passion for helping others. She works diligently to help clients develop the confidence that with a good plan, it is possible to survive – and thrive – through anything life throws at them.

Mona’s mission is simple: To listen empathetically, uncover critical values, and build a plan to help clients live a well-rounded life of financial confidence and resilience.

Whether you are a professional at a thriving company, a business owner looking to sell in the next five years or preparing for a milestone like retirement, Mona follows a values-based financial planning process where she designs a financial roadmap for clients and meets with them every four months to discuss their plan and chart their progress.

Working in a fiduciary capacity to her advisory clients, it is Mona’s legal duty to put her clients’ needs first and act in their best interest while maintaining full transparency throughout the financial planning process. Services include:

Mona graduated from Methodist University with degrees in political science and international studies. She is married to her husband, Kirk and has a son, Gabriel. An adventurer at heart, Mona loves to travel, sing, and meet new people. A bibliophile, she rarely reads less than three books at a time and has never met a microphone she was afraid of. Ramona is also an award-winning actress and an avid runner.

Disclosure:

Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.  Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Integrated Partners, a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.

What happens when leaders of a thriving wealth management firm and a forward-thinking accounting practice join forces? You get a powerhouse partnership that redefines how financial services are delivered.

In this episode our host, Matt Ackermann, chats with two trailblazers, Mark Mitamura of The Reserve Investments and Craig Ima of Windes (Accounting & Advisory Firm), who combined their expertise creating a fully integrated firm, Windes Wealth Management. By streamlining financial planning and investment management with tax strategy and accounting they deliver a seamless client experience.

Whether you’re a solo advisor, a firm owner, or just dreaming of your next chapter, this episode offers practical insight and inspiration on what’s possible when you stop going it alone.

As Senior Wealth Advisor at Windes Wealth Management, Mark’s mission is to help his clients find financial confidence, working to coordinate many aspects of their financial life. He takes the time to get to know each client and build lasting relationships to help guide generations toward financial independence. Mark uses the same steady approach when helping business owners better position their personal and business finances, seeking to quiet the storm of uncertainty.

With almost 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, Mark takes a measured approach to give clients the confidence that someone professional is in their corner throughout the many financial stages in life. He specializes in simplifying complex concepts and explaining them in a way that is easy to understand and also apply. Backed by a team of dedicated and tenured professionals, Mark collaborates with the Windes Wealth Management team as well as experienced subject matter experts from coordinating and consulting to the delivery and implementation of financial plans.

Mark believes in the importance of providing customized strategies, therefore each client’s current financial situation, goals for the future and any challenges he or she may face in their pursuit of financial independence are properly considered. Mark applies this personalized attention as he offers guidance related to asset management, retirement planning, insurance planning, estate planning, tax planning and more.

Craig joined Windes in 2008 and is the firm’s Chief Marketing & Development Officer. He has more than 30 years of marketing, business management, product, strategy, database, business development, and sales experience.

Craig has held extensive executive positions with top-notch small to large-sized companies in industries such as accounting, professional services, automotive, information marketing services, Internet, direct marketing, computers, electronics, software, and investment banking.

Craig’s focus in the firm is to develop and execute marketing and practice development strategies.

Matt sits down with Maryland based advisor and founder of Phronesis Wealth Management, Richard Osman.

It’s always been about helping for Rich, a mindset that comes naturally to him, but can you help everyone?

Matt loves a good-origin story and Rich delivers with his honest, family-oriented beginning that taught him invaluable lessons that brought him to where he is today.

Rich shares his thoughts on:

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About Our Guest:

A tenured and credentialed CEO and financial advisor, Richard works with people at or near retirement to help guide them through their exciting next act. With a keen focus on optimizing tax efficiency, Richard is dedicated to helping you navigate decisions around pensions and withdrawing assets during retirement.

Richard’s mission is simple: to help you attain your personal vision of financial success through practical advice, customized planning, and outstanding client service. Rooted in integrity and committed to helping you discover the perfect balance between work, family, and pleasure, Richard serves as your partner on your financial journey.

The Origins of Richard’s Career

At the age of 18, Richard started his first company. He quickly realized he was lacking the guidance and resources needed to succeed. This experience (coupled with watching his parents lose nearly everything when their business suffered) taught him that most people face financial complexities and hardships without truly understanding them. This inspired Richard to embark on a career in financial services to help people make better decisions surrounding money. Simply put, he wants to help you learn how to make it, protect it, and ultimately live a more sustainable and fulfilling life.

Phronesis Wealth Management – Your Compassionate Financial Advocates

Whether you’re in the prime of your career and juggling the demands of a thriving family life or nearing retirement and planning for that next chapter, Richard connects best with people who want to conserve for tomorrow while enjoying life today.

Practical analysis is the cornerstone for Richard and his team at Phronesis Wealth Management. They leverage analytics-backed insights to make informed decisions that drive results. Richard begins by listening to your stories, understanding your aspirations, and gaining clarity about the things that are most important to you and your family. From there, he examines everything from financial priorities, investments, and estate planning goals to tax scenarios, family dynamics within a business, and property and casualty considerations to paint a comprehensive picture of where you stand and how all the above could impact your financial plan.

Your Secret Weapon During Volatile Times

Harnessing the power of the Lifetime Income ModelTM retirement income distribution tool, Richard crafts a personalized strategy to withdraw money from sources such as your 401(k), IRAs, pensions, and other investment accounts, all while navigating the market’s fluctuations. Balancing immediate income needs with the opportunity for other assets to grow, Richard and his team coordinate your dollars over the span of your lifetime. This approach transcends age, prioritizing the longevity of your financial resources and ensuring your money is working for you.

At the Heart of Everything We Do, It’s All About You!

Collaborating with Richard and his team means you receive a boutique, concierge experience at a reasonable cost, where personal service and attention to detail are the top priority. Together, they serve as a deep bench of compassionate advisors, offering valuable insights, proactive guidance, and customized solutions for your evolving financial needs. This is why Richard typically becomes your first call in both exciting and difficult moments.

Rounding Out Richard’s Life

Richard and his team at Phronesis are active supporters of Giving Back: Linda’s Legacy Coat Drive, the local Girl STEM-Powerment, and other community events. Additionally, he is a proud member of the Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber of Commerce, fostering connections with business owners in the community.

Outside of the office, Richard enjoys spending time with his wife, Kelly, and their sons, Jackson and Cooper. Whether skiing, boating, golfing, attending Florida State football games, training for a triathlon, or embarking on a new travel experience, he appreciates and cherishes life’s smallest and biggest adventures.

Disclosure:

Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.  Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Integrated Partners, a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.

Ever wonder what’s fueling young and ambitious independent advisors?  What are they doing to stand out among their seasoned competitors? What about Integrated Partners makes them a great fit for entrepreneurial advisors at any stage of their professional journey?

In this episode, Matt Ackermann is joined by Samuel Diarbakerly, Founder and CEO of the Boston-based firm Generation Capital Advisors, and one of Integrated Partner’s newest affiliates. When you meet Sam it’s clear he has a genuine passion for his craft and a desire to elevate the industry.

Sam discusses:

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About Our Guest:

Samuel J. Diarbakerly is the founder and CEO of Generation Capital Advisors, a private wealth management firm that specializes in helping high-net-worth individuals, corporate executives, business owners, and widowed women. With a passion for providing a boutique, personalized experience, he focuses on building, protecting, and sustaining wealth for generations. His mission is rooted in the principles of Passion, Education, and Partnerships (PEP), prioritizing integrity, education, and collaboration to guide clients through the complexities of financial planning.

With extensive experience from Merrill Private Wealth Management and Commonwealth Financial Group, Samuel has honed his expertise in investment strategy, financial planning, and managing large custom portfolios. He is known for his ability to simplify intricate financial challenges, offering clients a tailored approach that includes estate planning, tax-efficient portfolios, and leveraging technology for transparency. Outside of work, Samuel is active in the Boston Estate Planning Council and enjoys mentoring at-risk youth and serving as a Trustee at the Gow School. He is also an avid golfer and a passionate learner of modern and financial history.‍

“I consider myself to be one of luckiest people in the world that some of the smartest people in the country trust me to be their closest confidant in every aspect of their life. I enjoy the responsibility and the burden. When I wake up in the morning, I cannot wait to get to work.”

– Samuel J. Diarbakerly

Disclosure:

Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.  Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Integrated Partners, a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.

As an entrepreneurial advisor, how do you stand out and thrive at the center of your practice? Are you working seven days a week, are you the first one in and last one out of the office, are you feeling like you have to do everything and often ask yourself… is there a better way?

With the right tools and storytelling, host Matt Ackermann, along side his friends & colleagues Andree Mohr, President of Integrated Partners, and Paul Saganey, Founder & CEO of Integrated Partners wrote a book to guide you to becoming the star of your practice because there is a better way!

As a financial advisor you may not see the similarities between yourself and Elton John or Taylor Swift but in the next 30 minutes you’ll understand the reference and you’ll be ignited to learn more.

Its not how hard you work, it’s how effective you work.

About the Book

Get your copy here!

For entrepreneurial financial advisors, becoming the star of your practice can feel impossible.

You’ve spent your career working so hard IN the business that you’ve forgotten to work ON the business.

At some point, you need to stop carrying the amps and take center stage.

This book takes you through analogies from rock stars, legendary artists and emerging musicians to help you develop the financial advisory practice of

It is time to take your business to the next level while you shine in the spotlight!

Utilizing successful business processes created at Integrated Partners, “Center Stage: How to Become the Star of Your Practice” is a framework of carefully crafted stories, first-person narratives, and applicable takeaway “music lessons” to help you and your business shine one step at a time.

This book will help you discover how to evaluate your practice goals, ramp up your

The mic checks are done, and the curtain is ready to rise. Are you ready to make your entrance and take center stage? Your practice, your partners, and that entrepreneur inside of you certainly is.

About Our Guest:

Andree Mohr

Andree Mohr takes great pride in her ability to effectively transition advisors to Integrated, creating a smooth process for all involved. Our partner firms have made an important decision by choosing Integrated Partners. Having managed the transition of over 160 advisors and 50,000+ client accounts, Andree has witnessed first-hand how crucial it is to maintain discipline, apply a strong process and ensure that she is with our new team members every step of the way as they come aboard.

Paul Saganey

As a practicing advisor for over 30 years Paul Saganey understands what it’s like to build a strong practice and deepen my existing relationships. When he launched integrated in 1996, his goal was to build an organization that offers vision, support and direction for the future growth of our practices. By collaborating with industry professionals and my peers, Paul researches the economic and regulatory landscape to successfully reach that goal.

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Disclosure:

Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.  Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Integrated Partners, a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.

The relationship between women and careers has been an evolving struggle. What challenges are women currently facing in the financial services industry? And how can that change?

In this episode, Matt Ackermann is joined by Bridget Grimes, President of WealthChoice, co-founder of Equita Financial Network and a wealth advisor for executive women. Bridget shares her journey, from working on Wall Street to launching her own practice, and the challenges many women face in the financial industry.

Bridget discusses:

Resources:

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About Our Guest:

In 2016, Bridget Grimes founded WealthChoice, a fee-only (commission-free) financial planning firm focused on helping women executives and their families live life on their terms. Launching WealthChoice was the culmination of years of working with career women and helping them overcome challenges to financial security.

She also launched the WealthChoice Community, an organization that hosts guest speakers throughout the year who cover critical career, business, and quality of life topics. The WealthChoice Community also provides the valuable benefit of assembling like-minded women for networking purposes, to provide support for one another, and have meaningful conversations.

Building on that sense of community, in 2018 Bridget co-founded with Katie Burke, CFP(r) Equita Financial Network, a powerful community for women-led financial planning firms, offering a proven platform that includes all the necessary resources to run a comprehensive financial planning firm including professional, outsourced investment management services. 

Disclosure:

Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.  Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Integrated Partners, a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.

Bridgette Grimes is the President of WealthChoice and is a separate entity and not affiliated with Integrated Partners and LPL Financial.

When someone quits their job, it’s rarely a big deal. With Jamie Hopkins, his transition was the headline of multiple articles. How does his personal experience and branding set him apart from the crowd?

In this episode, Matt Ackermann speaks with Jamie Hopkins, a financial services advocate with Bryn Mawr Trust, on his career shift to Bryn Mawr Trust, simplifying wealth management complexities, and personal brand development. Jamie explores his journey through personal experience and professional development in different companies and what the future holds for him and the industry.

Jamie discusses:

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Disclosure:

Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.  Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Integrated Partners, a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.

Jamie Hopkins is a separate entity and not affiliated with Integrated Partners and LPL Financial.

Can you imagine a time when having a financial advisor was strange? Someone who could help you target your financial struggles and identify solutions may have existed but getting a degree in financial planning? Focusing your career on this new industry?

It was a whole new world back in 1973.

In this episode, Matt Ackermann is joined by one of the first CFPs and a pioneer of the financial industry, Ben Combs. Ben shares his journey from being one of the first graduates of the Certified Financial Planners program in 1973 to becoming a successful financial planner, discussing the challenges he faced in transitioning from product selling to problem-solving, the importance of building relationships, and the evolution of the industry.

Ben focuses on:

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Disclosure:

Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.  Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Integrated Partners, a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.

Ben Combs is a separate entity and not affiliated with Integrated Partners and LPL Financial.