What's your firm really worth—and how do you unlock that value?

In this episode, David DeCelle sits down with Scott Leak, CFP® and CEPA, Senior Consultant at FP Transitions, one of the most trusted firms in the advisory M&A and valuation space. With over 17,000 valuations under their belt and 100+ M&A deals last year alone, FP Transitions has a unique vantage point on what makes firms valuable—and what holds them back.

Scott shares his journey from a 22-year run at TD Ameritrade to helping advisors navigate valuations, succession planning, and equity strategies at FP Transitions. Whether you're thinking about selling, merging, or simply growing smarter, this episode is packed with guidance you won't hear at your typical industry event.

🔑 What You'll Learn:

• Why "valuation" is more than just a revenue multiple (and what buyers really look for)

• How to structure equity swaps, partial sales, and synthetic equity to keep upside without giving it all away

• The KPIs that actually move the needle on firm value—and which ones are vanity metrics

• Why administrative relief is driving more advisors to explore partnerships and acquisitions

• The top deal killers in M&A (and how to avoid them before they tank your deal)

📈 For Advisors Who Are:

• Curious about their firm's value today and how to increase it over time

• Exploring mergers, acquisitions, or partnerships to offload operational headaches

• Thinking about exit planning but not ready to fully step away

• Looking for real-world benchmarks and strategic next steps from a firm that's seen it all

Connect with Scott:

• Learn more at FPTransitions.com

• Connect with Scott Leak on LinkedIn

• Want to talk about valuation or growth strategy? David can introduce you.

About the Model FA Podcast

The Model FA podcast is a show for fiduciary financial advisors. In each episode, our host David DeCelle sits down with industry experts, strategic thinkers, and advisors to explore what it takes to build a successful practice — and have an abundant life in the process. We believe in continuous learning, tactical advice, and strategies that work — no "gotchas" or BS. Join us to hear stories from successful financial advisors, get actionable ideas from experts, and re-discover your drive to build the practice of your dreams.

Did you like this conversation? Then leave us a rating and a review in whatever podcast player you use. We would love your feedback, and your ratings help us reach more advisors with ideas for growing their practices, attracting great clients, and achieving a better quality of life. While you are there, feel free to share your ideas about future podcast guests or topics you'd love to see covered.

Our Team:

President of Model FA, David DeCelle

If you like this podcast, you will love our community! Join the Model FA Community on Facebook to connect with like-minded advisors and share the day-to-day challenges and wins of running a growing financial services firm.