In this episode of the Perfect RIA Podcast, Matt and Micah tackle the delicate dance of knowing when—and how—to part ways with clients. They challenge the very notion that advisors can simply "fire" clients, arguing instead that you must first earn that right through consistent value delivery.

They explore the fascinating psychology behind client-advisor tensions, revealing how unmet expectations are at the root of most relationship breakdowns. "All disappointment," they remind us, "comes when expectations collide with reality." They offer a nuanced take on distinguishing between clients who question advice (healthy) versus those who consistently ignore it (problematic).

Matt and Micah share practical wisdom on establishing non-negotiable boundaries, implementing clear communication policies, and protecting your team from energy-draining client dynamics. They walk through the graduation process with empathy, emphasizing that even termination conversations should be handled with value and professionalism.

Why Or When To Fire A Client [Episode 302]

Resources in today's episode:

- Micah Shilanski: Website | LinkedIn - Matt Jarvis: Website | LinkedIn

In this week's Follow Up Friday, Amber Kuhn highlights the impact of delegating your bookkeeping. On Monday, Matt and Duff Tucker from BELAY kicked off with a reality check every advisor needs—your books might be messier than you think, and that could mean big trouble. However, delegation isn’t just to stay compliant but to also save time, money, and sanity.

Doing your own books is probably costing you way more than you think so the math is simple: if outsourcing bookkeeping gives you back precious time to focus on revenue-generating work, why are you still DIY-ing it?

Resources in today's episode:

- Episode Website - Bookkeeping Breakthrough: Why Financial Advisors Who Delegate Win Big With Duff Tucker [Episode 301]

In this episode of The Perfect RIA podcast, Matthew Jarvis sits down with Duff Tucker from BELAY to tackle a topic that makes many financial advisors squirm: bookkeeping delegation. They dive into why clean books aren't just about avoiding audit headaches but are fundamental to running a thriving practice.

The conversation reveals the psychological tug-of-war many advisors experience—feeling they should handle their own books while simultaneously drowning in tasks that pull them away from revenue-generating activities. Duff expertly dismantles common objections around security concerns and the "I can do it myself" mentality that keeps advisors chained to QuickBooks instead of meeting with clients. From the initial investment in training to the exponential returns of reclaimed time and reduced stress, Matt and Duff make a compelling case that professional bookkeeping isn't just an expense—it's a strategic growth decision. As they note, once advisors taste the freedom of delegation, they rarely turn back.

Bookkeeping Breakthrough: Why Financial Advisors Who Delegate Win Big With Duff Tucker [Episode 301]

Resources in today's episode:

- Matt Jarvis: LinkedIn | Website - Duff Tucker: LinkedIn | Website - Text RIA to 55123 to access BELAY’s resources on delegation and to connect for your free delegation consultation.

In this week's Follow Up Friday, Amber Kuhn highlights succession planning and the lessons learned from a successful merger. On Monday, Matt sat down with Jenny Martella from Modera, who shared her remarkable journey of growing her advisory firm from $19 million to $250 million before joining a larger organization. Jenny reflected on the key lessons from her career, emphasizing that success comes through meaningful connections. When developing her succession plan, maintaining client experience quality remained her top priority. Jenny emphasizes that finding the right cultural fit was crucial in their decision to join Modera, where shared values, respectful treatment of colleagues, and assumptions of positive intent aligned with their own philosophy. She notes that this culture-first approach continues today, with team meetings regularly highlighting values in practice.

Resources in today's episode:

- Episode Website - The 'Bus Ready' Advisor: Building Firms That Outlast You With Guest Jenny Martella [Episode 300]

In this episode of the Perfect RIA Podcast, Matthew Jarvis sits down with financial powerhouse Jenny Martella, whose journey from managing $19 million to $250 million before joining Modera is nothing short of inspirational. Jenny shares wisdom that goes beyond numbers, revealing how meaningful connections shaped her success story. She unpacks the secret of effective succession planning (hint: it's not just about retirement) and why creating the right firm culture can make or break your practice. Jenny offers refreshing insights on why women advisors bring distinctive strengths to the table that boost bottom lines and how finding your niche can transform casual prospects into devoted clients. The conversation weaves through practical advice on building leadership teams, embracing mentorship, and staying "bus ready" to protect client interests. Perhaps most compelling is Jenny's philosophy that when your team thrives, your clients flourish – suggesting that the path to profitability might be paved with purpose rather than just profit margins.

The 'Bus Ready' Advisor: Building Firms That Outlast You With Guest Jenny Martella [Episode 300]

Resources in today's episode:

- Matt Jarvis: LinkedIn | Website - Jenny Martella: LinkedIn | Website

In this week's Follow Up Friday, Amber Kuhn highlights advisor mindsets and M&A strategies in the financial advisory world. 

Monday's episode featured Matt and Micah reflecting on insights from their recent mastermind event, where "financial undressing" revealed a fundamental truth: no two practices are alike. They challenged advisors to abandon the "I'm the best" mentality, warning that pride creates a dangerous blind spot. Instead, they advocate seeking out advisors who are achieving superior results and learning from their approaches—while still maintaining a critical eye for those who might be all talk with little substance to back up their claims.

The week's bonus episode featured Ted Jenkin from JPTD joining Matt to cut through the noise in the M&A space. Ted highlighted a common pitfall: advisors often lack the market context to properly evaluate deals, potentially leaving money on the table. He emphasized that beneath splashy headlines about practice valuations lie complex deal structures that demand specialized knowledge.

Resources in today's episode:

- Episode Website - You’re Not Taylor Swift [Episode 299] - Exit Strategy Excellence: Building a Practice Worth Buying With Guest Ted Jenkin

In this episode of the Perfect RIA Podcast, Matthew Jarvis is joined by Ted Jenkin to discuss the high-stakes world of mergers and acquisitions in the financial advisory industry. They expose the gap between self-proclaimed M&A "experts" and those with genuine deal-making prowess. They highlight how proper negotiation tactics can transform a mediocre deal into a goldmine—and why having a professional negotiator in your corner might be the best investment you'll ever make. They tackle the uncomfortable truth that many advisors don't actually know their practice's real revenue numbers (hint: it's probably not what you think).

Matt and Ted also challenge the common wisdom of waiting until reaching a specific size before selling, warning that this "someday" strategy could leave you with nothing but regrets and missed opportunities and reveal that many financial advisors are missing a crucial opportunity to add value during their clients' business sales—a process that's far more complex and emotionally charged than most realize.

Exit Strategy Excellence: Building a Practice Worth Buying With Guest Ted Jenkin

Resources in today's episode:

- Matt Jarvis: LinkedIn | Website - Ted Jenkin: LinkedIn | Website - Get your practice valuation here

In this episode of the Perfect RIA Podcast, hosts Micah Shilanski and Matthew Jarvis discuss humility and why even advisors with the fanciest letterheads need it. The duo dives into the ecosystem of advisory practices (spoiler alert: not all are created equal) and unpacks the sometimes brutal realities of mergers and acquisitions. Whether your practice is a boutique operation or an industry behemoth, Micah and Matthew insist there's always something to learn from your peers—even if that something is "what not to do."

They warn against the "know-it-all" syndrome that plagues many successful advisors and explain why understanding your practice's true value is essential before you start dreaming about that yacht-worthy exit strategy. Plus, they remind us that clients don't care about your impressive credentials if their experience feels like a trip to the DMV (and we don’t mean Delivering Massive Value).

You’re Not Taylor Swift [Episode 299]

Resources in today's episode:

- Micah Shilanski: Website | LinkedIn - Matt Jarvis: Website | LinkedIn- Get your practice valuation here

Summary: 

In this week's Follow Up Friday, Amber Kuhn highlights one advisor’s journey going independent. On Monday, Matthew Jarvis welcomed Carmine Corino, CEO of Cornerstone Planning Group and author of the Amazon bestseller "Broken Dealer." Their conversation dove deep into the complexities of transitioning from traditional broker-dealer channels to independence in the financial advisory world. The discussion offered crucial insights for advisors contemplating independence and an inquiry that can serve as a compass for advisors evaluating their current situation, regardless of their channel.

Resources in today's episode:

- Episode Website - The Real Cost of Loyalty: A Financial Advisor's Road to Independence with Guest Carmine Corino [Episode 298]

Summary: 

Ever wonder what happens when a seasoned financial advisor finally breaks free from the broker-dealer world? In this episode of the Perfect RIA podcast, Matthew Jarvis interviews Carmine Corino, author of 'Broken Dealer' and CEO of Cornerstone Planning Group. Carmine shares his compelling transition from the broker-dealer world to founding his own RIA, offering a candid look at the challenges and revelations that shaped his journey.

The conversation reveals how a 21-year career path, culminating in an enlightening 19-day safari with his family, led Carmine to reassess his professional relationships and ultimately choose independence. Through their discussion, they explore the often-overlooked realities of recruiting incentives, the growing influence of private equity in the advisory space, and the true meaning of loyalty in business relationships.

The Real Cost of Loyalty: A Financial Advisor's Road to Independence with Guest Carmine Corino [Episode 298]

Resources in today's episode:

- Matt Jarvis: Website | LinkedIn - Carmine Corino: Website | LinkedIn | Broken Dealer Book - Cornerstone Assessment