Overview

Few advisors build a multi-billion-dollar RIA. John Krambeer has done it twice. In this candid conversation, the Validus Capital CEO reflects on his journey, how independence has evolved, and the hard-won lessons that guide him now.

> Download a transcript of this episode…

NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation.

Some advisors break away once in their careers. John Krambeer has done it twice, each time building a multi-billion-dollar RIA.

That kind of repeated success is rare in any industry—and in wealth management, it’s almost unheard of. Yet John’s journey provides a front-row seat to the evolution of the independent space, from its early pioneering days to the sophisticated and bespoke multi-family office models we see today.

Long before “going independent” became popular, John left Merrill’s Private Banking & Investment Group (PBIG) in 2004 to launch Camden Capital. He was early to the RIA movement, betting on transparency, better reporting, and access to private investments when few advisors dared to break away and forge their own path.

In 2022, John made the difficult decision to leave Camden and do it all over again—this time building Validus Capital, now a $2.5B multi-family office designed with hard-earned lessons in mind.

In this conversation with Louis Diamond, John shares a candid look at:

John runs back the game films to provide candid insights for prospective and current independent business owners. It’s a rare opportunity to learn from someone who not only helped shape the independent space but has proven that with clarity, conviction, and the right people, you can build lasting success more than once.

Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002.

The Best of the Best: 10 Ways Top Advisors Are Growing Their Businesses— A Special Industry Update

Player or Coach? Why Every Advisor Eventually Has to Choose

Wealth Management Landscape at a Glance

John M. Krambeer

John Krambeer is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Validus Capital and has served as a financial advisor to wealthy families and institutional investors for over three decades. Mr. Krambeer has extensive experience providing wealthy families with strategic investment advice, structuring portfolios to meet long-term objectives, and creating private investment vehicles across the alternatives landscape. Mr. Krambeer has spent his career working with both traditional and alternative investment managers, evaluating asset allocation strategies, managing long-term equity portfolios, and implementing options strategies for concentrated stock positions. Mr. Krambeer has been recognized by Barron’s as a Top 100 Independent Wealth Advisor four times and as one of America’s Top Financial Advisors seven times.

Prior to founding Validus Capital, Mr. Krambeer founded Camden Capital in 2004 and served as its Chief Executive Officer and Partner. He led the firm’s investing activities and established its private fund platform. Before forming Camden Capital, Mr. Krambeer spent 16 years at Merrill Lynch, where he helped build the Private Banking and Investment Group.

Mr. Krambeer is a member of the Advisory Board of FrontRange Capital Partners, Saybrook Fund Advisors, NewRoad Capital Partners, and Rosemawr Management. He is active in the community, supporting various philanthropic organizations, including serving as the Founder and President of the Southern California Rodeo Boosters, an organization devoted to helping junior high and high school students competing in the sport of Rodeo with scholarship support as they transition to college. Mr. Krambeer was an inaugural member of the Schwab Institutional Advisory Council for Advisors Turning Independent (ATI) – a sounding board for firms transitioning to independence in the evolving wealth management industry. Mr. Krambeer received a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Woodbury University.

Recognition

Overview

The CEO of Cetera Financial Group shares insights on independence, private equity, and balancing scale with service, plus what the future holds for advisors and firms.

> Download a transcript of this episode…

NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation.

The wealth management industry is at an inflection point—where scale, service, and strategy all collide.

Drawing on 35 years of industry experience and leadership roles at Morgan Stanley, Fidelity, and now Cetera, Mike Durbin offers a unique perspective on the forces shaping the world as we know it.

Since joining Cetera in 2023, Mike’s led the firm through rapid expansion—balancing the resources of a $600B+ national platform with a boutique-level advisor experience. From multi-channel affiliation models to tech and AI integration, his strategy centers on one thing: helping advisors grow faster, smarter, and more sustainably.

In this episode, Jason Diamond and Mike discuss:

Whether you’re an advisor evaluating your options or a leader navigating change, Mike’s candid perspective provides clarity on what it takes to thrive in today’s environment.

Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002.

IBD vs. RIA Revisited: Two Independent Pathways for Advisors to Consider

RIA, IBD or somewhere in between: Which version of independence is right for you?

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice, a recommendation, or an offer to buy or sell any security. Opinions may change without notice. Forward-looking statements, including projections or estimates, are not guarantees. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and all investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

“Cetera Financial Group” refers to the network of independent retail firms encompassing, among others, Cetera Advisors LLC, Cetera Wealth Services LLC (f/k/a Cetera Advisor Networks), Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions or Cetera Investors), and Cetera Financial Specialists LLC. All firms are members Member FINRA/SIPC.

Mike Durbin

Mike Durbin is chief executive officer of Cetera Financial Group and a member of Cetera’s board of directors. In his role as CEO, he oversees Cetera’s growth initiatives, from expansion into new and adjacent markets to evolving Cetera’s existing capabilities for the financial professionals and financial institutions it serves.

Most recently, Mike was head of Fidelity Institutional, a division of Fidelity Investments offering clearing, custody, investment products, brokerage, and trading services to a wide range of wealth management firms and institutions. In this role, Mike was responsible for supporting the growth of clients’ businesses, enhancing their operational efficiency while delivering insights that help to drive confidence, clarity, and results.

Previously, Mike served as head of Fidelity Institutional Investment and Technology Solutions where he focused on the end-to-end delivery of wealth management products and technology solutions for Fidelity clearing and custody clients. Prior to that role, he served as president of Fidelity Wealth Technologies, where he oversaw Fidelity’s acquisition of eMoney Advisor. He joined Fidelity in February 2009 as president of Fidelity Institutional Wealth Services where he was responsible for the oversight and growth of the business by providing clients access to a flexible, open-technology environment, extensive practice management resources and wealth management investments, and related execution and custody services.

Prior to joining Fidelity, Mike acted as chief operating officer of the National Sales Division for Morgan Stanley’s Global Wealth Management. During his 18-year tenure with Morgan Stanley, he held various leadership positions, including head of Capital Markets, head of International Private Wealth Management and chief strategic and risk officer for the Global Individual Investor Group. Mike joined the firm in 1990, then titled Dean Witter Reynolds, Inc., in the investment banking field. In his initial roles, he was involved with the origination, structuring, and marketing of packaged investments for private client distribution.

Education

Overview

A special mid-year update with Jason and Louis Diamond on deals, transitions, and recruiting trends shaping 2025—and what advisors can expect in the months ahead.

> Download a transcript of this episode…

NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation.

If you’re an advisor wondering what the second half of 2025 might hold, the first six months already tell a compelling story.

From headline-making transitions to evolving deal structures, the pace of movement so far suggests 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive years yet.

That’s why we’re releasing this special mid-year update: to share what the data is telling us about the recruiting landscape as it stands today, and what we expect for the balance of the year.

In this episode, Jason Diamond and Louis Diamond dig into:

Jason and Louis also answer the overarching question: Will the momentum continue?

Whether you’re planning your next move, refining your recruiting strategy, or just keeping a pulse on the competitive landscape, this mid-year update will give you the clarity and context you need—so be sure to listen in.

Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002.

Merrill Advisor Transition Report

The 2025 Annual Report on Transitions and Deals for Financial Advisors – 2024 Activity Data

Wealth Management Landscape At-A-Glance

Overview

Julia Healey, CEO of United Charitable, shares insights on DAFs, their value to clients, and the potential positive impact they can have on an advisor’s business.

> Download a transcript of this episode…

NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation.

This episode serves as both an educational session and a business development strategy around Donor Advised Funds, or DAFs.

You’ve likely heard of them, maybe even worked with one—but chances are, you’re not maximizing their potential.

Because DAFs aren’t just for high net worth and ultra-high net worth clients. And while they offer a philanthropic path for clients’ wealth, the value goes well beyond.

When used correctly, DAFs can help strengthen client relationships, attract new assets, and create a genuine sense of impact and purpose for clients at all wealth levels.

Julia Healey knows this space inside and out. As the CEO of United Charitable, she works with financial advisors and clients every day to unlock the full value of DAFs—not just from a tax and estate planning perspective, but from a relationship and growth perspective, too.

In this episode, we cover:

Whether you’re new to the concept or looking to refine how you present DAFs, this episode offers a practical, insightful take on an often-overlooked tool.

Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002.

Innovative Ways the Best Independent Firms Fuel Growth: A Special Industry Update

The Best of the Best: 10 Ways Top Advisors Are Growing Their Businesses

The Power of the Midyear Gut Check: A Playbook for Clarity and Momentum

Julia Healey

Julia Healey is the Chief Executive Officer of United Charitable, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting philanthropic efforts through donor-advised funds and fiscally sponsored programs. With a background in finance and accounting, she earned a B.S. in Business Administration, an MBA in Finance, and a Nonprofit Management Executive Certificate from Georgetown University.

Though she began her career path in finance, Julia’s direction shifted after witnessing firsthand the inequities in access to education and resources. Inspired to make a difference, she combined her financial expertise with a deep commitment to social impact—ultimately leading her into the nonprofit world.

Overview

Ben Valore-Caplan, founder of Syntrinsic, shares how he built a $2.9B mission-driven RIA to serve foundations, endowments, and values-driven institutions, the evolution of impact and ESG investing, why he sold to IMA Financial Group, and more.

> Download a transcript of this episode…

NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation.

This episode serves as a powerful reminder that the best businesses are built not just on scale, but on intention and alignment with values.

In a landscape where most RIAs are designed to serve wealthy individuals, Ben Valore-Caplan took a different path—one rooted in advising non-profits with a focus on mission and purpose.

After a decade as an educator and nonprofit entrepreneur, Ben entered the wealth management world at UBS’s predecessor Paine Webber. As an institutional consultant, Ben saw an opportunity to become a bridge between the finance and nonprofit sectors. Yet, as he looked more closely at the conflicts embedded in the wirehouse model, he saw a greater opportunity to build something better: an RIA fully aligned with institutional clients’ missions.

So, in 2008, Ben left the wirehouse world to launch Syntrinsic Investment Counsel—an RIA built to serve foundations, endowments, and values-driven institutions. What started as a niche business has since grown into a $2.9B firm, known for its conflict-free model and deep alignment with client missions.

In this conversation with Louis Diamond, Ben shares the story of Syntrinsic’s growth – from launch to sale – including:

Whether you’re focused on growth, purpose, or both, Ben’s story is a valuable reminder that building a great firm isn’t just about scale: It’s about clarity, intention, and doing the work that matters.

Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002.

The Best of the Best: 10 Ways Top Advisors Are Growing Their Businesses— A Special Industry Update

Top Tips for Setting Your Business Up for Success Years Before a Move

Is Scale a Necessary Evil in Wealth Management?

Ben Valore-Caplan

Throughout his career, Ben has built bridges between seemingly disparate groups. Since 2000, he has connected the nonprofit and finance sectors as an investment advisor and strategic partner to foundations, endowments, nonprofit organizations, and the people affiliated with them.

Ben founded Syntrinsic Investment Counsel in 2008 after serving as Senior Vice President of Investments at UBS where he led the BVC Institutional Consulting Group. In 2023, Syntrinsic joined IMA Financial Group to gain efficiency and deepen impact across the country. At Syntrinsic, Ben serves as Co-President where he runs point on several client relationships and co-leads the firm’s long-term strategy. Syntrinsic advises on $2.9 billion in assets across approximately 60 foundations and endowments and a handful of private client households.

Ben also builds bridges through community engagement. In his first career, he was an educator and social entrepreneur. He founded and directed Denver Summerbridge, an academically rigorous educational opportunity program for first generation college bound students that continues to thrive over 30 years later as Breakthrough Kent Denver.

Ben served as an independent trustee, investment committee member, and Vice Chair for Colorado’s $50+ billion Public Employee’s Retirement Association (PERA). He served for several years on the Advisory Committee to the City of Denver’s $5 billion fund. He is on the board and chairs the finance committee of Challenge Foundation and serves on the board and finance committee of Denver Zoo and Conservation Alliance. Ben is a proud member of the Colorado Forum, a nonpartisan organization of community leaders committed to advancing creative, long-term solutions to challenging civic issues. He was selected as the Conscious Business Leader of 2019 by Conscious Company.

Ben earned his BA from Brown University and MBA from the University of Denver. He and his wife, Amie, have four children.

Overview

Cary Carbonaro learned from her own experience that there was both a gap and an opportunity in attracting and retaining women clients and advisors. In this episode, Cary shares specific advice on what firms are doing wrong and how they can get it right.

> Download a transcript of this episode…

NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation.

In our world, most firms are focused on growth. However, they often overlook one of the biggest and most significant opportunities: women.

That includes women as clients, who are expected to control two-thirds of all wealth over the next decade. It also includes women as advisors, who remain significantly underrepresented in the industry.

Cary Carbonaro has made it her mission to positively impact the world of women when it comes to advice and representation in the wealth management world.

Cary’s extensive career includes leadership roles at ACM Wealth, Goldman Sachs, where she served as Vice President and Head of Office, and United Capital, where she founded and led the Women’s Leadership division.

Today, with a client base that’s more than 75% women, Cary has built a $300mm advisory business at Ashton Thomas, focusing on empathy, education, and empowerment.

She has also been an outspoken advocate as the Women and Wealth Ambassador for the firm and in the media, advising on how to support women in wealth and how to move from recruiting slogans to real change.

In this episode, Cary and Mindy Diamond discuss:

Cary’s success story is one that resonates with advisors on many levels, and her mission is one we can all get behind—and learn from.

Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002.

Finding the Shortest Path to Excellence Can Be a Game Changer for Advisors

Firms That Win in 2025: What Advisors Are Really Looking For

Wealth Management Landscape at a Glance

Cary Carbonaro

Cary Carbonaro is an award-winning Certified Financial Planner™ professional with over 25 years of experience, and currently serves as Managing Wealth Advisor and Women and Wealth Ambassador for Ashton Thomas. She leads a multimillion-dollar financial planning practice, specializing in empowering women to overcome financial challenges and increase their financial literacy.

Cary’s extensive career includes leadership roles at ACM Wealth, Goldman Sachs where she was Vice President and Head of Office, and United Capital where she founded and led the Women’s Leadership division. At United Capital, she earned titles such as Diamond Office Winner, Managing Director, Partner, Voice of Women, FinLife Coach, and MVP.

Cary is the author of the bestselling book The Money Queen’s Guide: For Women Who Want to Build Wealth and Banish Fear,  Morgan James, Oct 2015. Cary’s second book. Women and Wealth: A Playbook To Empower Clients and Unlock Their Fortune,  published by Wiley April 29, 2025.  It was #1 New Release in Wealth Management, Economics and Business Finance.

She serves as a CFP® Board Ambassador, representing the financial industry in the media, and has been honored six times on Investopedia’s Top 100 Financial Advisors list. In 2016, she was awarded the prestigious Investment News Women to Watch recognition. In 2024, Cary was appointed as the first female member of the Nasdaq Advisor Council. She has also endowed a scholarship at the State University of New York at Cortland for Women in Business, where she was the founding president of Sigma Delta Tau sorority.

Cary is the founding president of the Women’s Giving Alliance, a giving circle in the South Lake Community Foundation, and a member of the Benefactors Circle at the Center for Financial Planning, where she advocates for advancing women in the financial industry.

Cary’s knowledge and expertise are highly sought after, and she frequently appears as a commentator on local and national television news channels. She has spoken around the world on financial literacy, with a focus on advocating for women and guiding them to financial empowerment.

Overview

With advisor expectations evolving, not all “good firms” are winning the talent. Mindy and Louis Diamond share what today’s top advisors really value—and why some firms are standing out while others fall short.

> Download a transcript of this episode…

NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation.

With so many firms competing for top talent, the question isn’t whether advisors have options—it’s how they choose and why.

That is, it really comes down to what distinguishes a “good firm” from the one that actually wins the talent.

Because the reality is that advisor expectations have changed. What used to be considered best-in-class is now often table stakes. Today’s winners provide clarity, consistency, flexibility—and a value proposition that meets advisors where they are.

In this special Industry Update, Louis Diamond and Mindy Diamond share their view of the market—what advisors are telling us they value most, what’s become commoditized, and which firms are truly winning the attention and trust of top talent.

They discuss:

Whether you’re simply curious how the landscape is shifting, considering a move, or leading a firm, this episode is designed to give you a clear and candid snapshot of what’s working, what’s not, and what might be coming next.

Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002.

The Gears of Change: How Evolving Expectations of 3 Key Stakeholders is Driving More Advisor Movement Than Ever Before

Is Your Firm Ready to Attract and Secure Top Talent?

The Best of the Best: 10 Ways Top Advisors Are Growing Their Businesses

Overview

Brian Pultman discusses why he chose independence over taking a wirehouse transition deal. However, as he candidly shares, building your own RIA is not always a smooth process, yet it resulted in aligning his values while building $1B+ Correct Capital Wealth Management.

> Download a transcript of this episode…

NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation.

There are plenty of stories about advisors going independent, but few are as honest, candid, or humble as this one.

After more than 25 years at Wells Fargo, Brian Pultman made the leap to independence—not because he was chasing a big check or a headline deal, but because he knew his values no longer aligned with the firm. What followed was anything but easy. Like many founders, Brian faced a rocky transition, long hours, tough decisions, and moments of real uncertainty.

However, in the process, Brian discovered something even more valuable: clarity. Clarity about the kind of business he wanted to build, the kind of leader he wanted to be, and what really mattered most to him as an advisor.

In this episode, Brian shares his journey with Jason Diamond, including:

It’s a conversation about building in-house vs. outsourcing, about making intentional decisions, and about how every day in this business is a chance to get better—both for your clients and yourself. And above all, it’s a reminder that growth isn’t just about numbers: it’s about aligning your business with your values and creating something that reflects who you are.

Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002.

The Power of the Midyear Gut Check: A Playbook for Clarity and Momentum

Limitless Growth: Building the Business You Want and the Life to Match

Wealth Management Landscape At-A-Glance

Brian I. Pultman

As the founder of Correct Capital Wealth Management, Brian has had the honor and privilege of being a trusted advisor to families, institutions, and corporations for over 30 years. Brian not only brings decades of experience and knowledge in wealth management but provides access to his vast network of relationships and resources to connect and help individuals succeed.

“I never take for granted the trust and friendship our valued clients extend to us – it’s a privilege.”

Starting in 1993, Brian worked at A.G. Edwards, which later became Wells Fargo Advisors. He is a National “Top 1200 Advisor” (received in 2024) as ranked by Barron’s Magazine, and is ranked as a Small Business Monthly “Best Wealth Managers in St. Louis” (received in 2024). When working with clients, Brian strives to serve as his clients’ advocate by focusing on their individual goals and objectives and making recommendations accordingly.

Outside of Correct Capital, Brian is called upon for leadership and is passionate about giving back in the St. Louis community. He is an Executive Board member of the St. Louis Men’s Group Against Cancer and Executive Board Member of the Jewish Community Center. He is consistently recognized as a supporter of Pedal the Cause, Multiple Sclerosis Society, and is a member of the Eagle Scout Association.

Around St. Louis, you might find Brian running or biking in Forest Park, or taking morning swims at the J. He enjoys competing in triathlons and traveling – his favorite memory is climbing Machu Picchu with his family in Peru.

Brian is a lifetime resident of St. Louis and lives with his wife Mindy, in Clayton. Their daughter, Sydney, and son, Sam, are professionals in Chicago.

Brian earned his B.S. in Business Administration from University of Missouri-Columbia. As an extension of his desire to serve clients, Brian has a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification. To earn the CFP® designation, Brian had to complete an approved educational program, pass a rigorous examination and meet stringent experience requirements. Brian also adheres to a professional Code of Ethics and he fulfills annual continuing education requirements to remain aware of current planning strategies and financial trends.

Overview

Stephanie Bogan, founder of Limitless Advisor, offers a glimpse into the advice and perspective she shares with advisors and business leaders in the wealth management world, focusing on mindset and methods, and their relationship to achieving one’s best business life.

> Download a transcript of this episode…

NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation.

In the wealth management world, growth is typically measured in hard numbers, such as assets, revenue, and headcount. Yet, the most successful advisors are those who define growth more holistically, designing their businesses around the lives they want to live, rather than the other way around.

Yet there’s a certain reality that many advisors are experiencing, such as burnout, blurred boundaries, and growth that doesn’t always feel fulfilling—and the struggle between building a business and living a balanced life has become much more common.

Stephanie Bogan, the founder of Limitless Advisor and one of the most respected voices in advisor coaching, joins the show to address all that and more.

At 24, Stephanie built a consulting firm and sold it a dozen years later for seven figures. She joined the firm’s executive leadership team, playing a pivotal role in scaling their offerings to thousands of advisors. Then she left for the SVP role of Training and Client Experience at United Capital.

And if all that wasn’t enough, Stephanie made one of the most dramatic life shifts of all: She moved to Costa Rica to design the lifestyle she once only coached others to pursue.

Today, Stephanie works with advisors across the industry—helping them grow with greater freedom, clarity, intention, and purpose. She founded her successful practice on the belief that the key to greater success and happiness lies in mastering mindset and methods.

(And Stephanie’s impact in the wealth management world extends to clients like Michael Kitces and Louis Diamond!)

In this episode with Louis, Stephanie breaks down her philosophies, offering anecdotal evidence around each, including:

Whether you’re considering a new path or looking at ways to refine your current trajectory, this conversation offers a powerful reminder that growth isn’t just about doing more—it’s about being more intentional with what you build.

Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002.

Leveraging the Power of Mindset to Enhance Your Wealth Management Business

Self-Assessment for Advisors

The Best of the Best: 10 Ways Top Advisors Are Growing Their Businesses— A Special Industry Update

Stephanie Bogan

Stephanie Bogan is a recognized leader in the financial services industry with over 25 years of experience consulting and coaching top firms, thought leaders, and C-suite executives. At just 24, she founded her first consulting firm, which she sold 12 years later in a 7-figure deal to a Fortune 200 company. Joining their Executive Team, Stephanie played a pivotal role in integrating and scaling offerings across thousands of advisors.

Later, as SVP of Training and Client Experience at United Capital, she spearheaded the development of the national practice model, training center, and client experience, which were adopted by thousands of advisors and ultimately acquired by Goldman Sachs.

In 2014, despite her financial success, Stephanie retired to Costa Rica to explore a more fulfilling path. Her search led to profound insights about the science of behavior and mindset, shaping her belief that the key to greater success and happiness lies in mastering mindset plus methods.

As the founder of Limitless, Stephanie now empowers financial advisors and founders to create bigger, better futures on their terms. She is the author of The Power of Practice Management (Bloomberg Press), a regular contributor to leading publications such as Investment News, Financial Advisor, Kitces.com, and Advisor Perspectives, and a sought-after speaker in the industry.

Overview

Joel Guth shares how stepping out from under the Hightower umbrella to become a fully independent RIA opened up a new world of opportunity for his firm Gryphon Financial Partners. He shares how that transition allows them to create a $3B firm designed around turning client problems into opportunities.

> Download a transcript of this episode…

NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation.

What does it really take to scale a business from a successful practice into a fully formed enterprise?

It’s not just about growth. It’s about clarity, intention, and evolving your mindset from advisor to leader.

And that’s exactly what this episode is about.

This episode’s guest, Joel Guth, made the leap from Morgan Stanley in 2014 to launch Gryphon Financial Partners under the Hightower umbrella. But a few years later, Joel recognized that he wanted even more control and greater access to products outside of the Hightower ecosystem.

So, in 2017, he and his team stepped away from Hightower to become fully independent—a move that reflected a deeper commitment to the kind of firm they wanted to build.

Since then, Gryphon has grown to manage more than $3B in client assets—with a structure, culture, and leadership model that reflects the journey from individual advisor to CEO.

In this episode, Joel talks with Louis Diamond about what that evolution has looked like over time, including:

The gaps in running the business under Hightower—and what he was specifically able to accomplish as a fully independent firm.

Whether you’re early in your journey or thinking about what comes next, Joel offers a thoughtful, real-world look at what it takes to grow with purpose—and how removing the right obstacles can open up your firm’s full potential.

Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002.

Is Scale a Necessary Evil in Wealth Management?

The Best of the Best: 10 Ways Top Advisors Are Growing Their Businesses— A Special Industry Update

The 2025 Annual Report on Transitions and Deals for Financial Advisors – 2024 Activity Data

Joel J. Guth

Joel’s deep knowledge of complex financial markets, global economic landscapes and the M&A environment enhances his ability to advise clients regarding their specific investment strategies, appropriate asset allocation, cash flow planning, and estate planning needs. It is what has enabled him to successfully lead business owners, corporate executives, retirees, and families through their long-term financial plans. “The key,” he says, “is being able to reduce complex financial situations to simple and understandable terms while building consensus among differing opinions and working to define, plan for, and ultimately achieve sound financial goals.”

Joel’s true passion is developing lasting relationships with these successful, talented, hard-working, and philanthropic individuals. He admires that his clients have dedicated their working lives to acquiring substantial net worth, which they use to build their chosen legacies. Joel is dedicated to providing these clients with the assurance that comes from knowing their assets are being protected, while also employing strategies to grow their portfolios.

Immediately before founding Gryphon Financial Partners in May 2014, Joel was an Executive Director at Morgan Stanley. He began his career at Merrill Lynch.

Joel is an accomplished speaker, having appeared before the Ohio Bar Association, The Ohio Society of CPAs, various trade organizations, and numerous company programs. Since 2009, he has been named to the Barron’s America’s Top 1200 Financial Advisor list every year eligible. He has also been named to the Columbus Business First’s Ohio Top Advisor List, the Columbus C.E.O. Magazine’s Superstar List, and the Central Ohio Power List.

Joel graduated with a B.S. in Finance and Investment Management from Cornell University, where he also played college basketball. A father of three, he and his wife have resided in Dublin, Ohio, for many years. During that time, he has served as a youth coach across a variety of sports and as a Director and Board Member for the Dublin Youth Athletic Association. The Guths are active in numerous charitable organizations and sponsor scholarships for high school students in need of financial assistance for their post-high school education.

Joel’s priority is spending his free time with his family. The Guths enjoy traveling, skiing, hiking, and other family-oriented activities.