Advertise on podcast: Meet the RIA

Rick Buoncore, Chairman and CEO of MAI, shares how the firm’s approach to wealth management has evolved to meet clients’ increasingly complex and holistic needs, extending well beyond traditional investment advice. He also explains how MAI’s belief that health underpins lasting wealth — and its commitment to being the best, not the biggest — shapes retirement planning, family support during major life events, and the firm’s long-term strategy.

Carley Dillon of Brighton Jones shares how the firm’s “Personal CFO” approach goes beyond investments to deliver integrated wealth management across clients’ entire balance sheets. She discusses the firm’s nationwide expansion plans, business lines including women’s wealth and family office services, and how Brighton Jones is preparing for the $124 trillion great wealth transfer.

JC Abusaid, CEO and President of Halbert Hargrove, reflects on the firm’s evolution from a small practice in the 1980s to a more strategic, growth-oriented RIA focused on long-term sustainability. He shares how turning down an acquisition offer became a defining moment—sparking a renewed commitment to succession planning, culture, and building a firm designed for the future.

Brent Brodeski, Founder and CEO of Savant Wealth Management, outlines how Savant’s hybrid ownership and integration model is designed to provide long-term stability, alignment, and succession solutions for RIAs. He explains how the firm differentiates itself from traditional private equity-backed buyers by emphasizing shared ownership, cultural integration, and a sustainable path forward for founders, employees, and clients alike.

 Courtney Hutchinson, Partner and Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors, discusses her transition to the firm and the key considerations behind the move. She shares how she evaluated the right partner, how her leadership role evolved through the process, and how the integration has progressed since joining Beacon Pointe. 

Jim Weil, Managing Partner at Private Vista, shares how the firm’s culture and core values shape the client experience, outlines how he monitors key risks, and discusses the most significant trends emerging in the RIA space. He also explains how Private Vista is leveraging technology and innovation to enhance its practice—while preserving the personalized service that clients expect.

Brian Price, CEO of Mesirow, discusses how the firm’s independent, employee-owned structure shapes long-term decision-making and aligns the business with client outcomes. He also shares how Mesirow’s integrated investment management, capital markets, and advisory platform works together to deliver value, while highlighting the firm’s focus on culture, talent development, and positioning for the industry’s next major shifts.

Robert R. Sayler, Wealth Advisor, and Ronald Lenihan, Managing Partner at SeaCrest Wealth Management, discuss what differentiates the firm in today’s competitive RIA landscape. They share how SeaCrest supports advisors nationwide while preserving true independence, what flexibility looks like in practice, and why advisors are choosing the firm as a long-term growth partner amid industry consolidation.

Jeff Pierce, President of Johnson Wealth at Johnson Financial Group, shares his long-term vision for the firm and what sets its family-owned model apart from large national competitors and digital platforms.

Roraj Pradhananga, CIMA, CPA, Chief Investment Officer at Veris Wealth Partners, shares the firm’s origins and its long-standing commitment to impact-focused investing. He discusses how Veris evaluates authentic ESG strategies, what themes are shaping the future of impact investing, and how client portfolios are being positioned amid today’s political and economic landscape.

Ralph Cole, CFA®, Director of Research and Portfolio Management at Ferguson Wellman Capital Management, reflects on the firm’s 50-year history, core values, and the lessons learned across market cycles. He discusses what differentiates Ferguson Wellman, how the firm serves ultra-high-net-worth clients, its thoughtful approach to adopting AI, and how it plans to stay on the leading edge as the industry continues to evolve.

Sandi Bragar, CFP®, Chief Client Officer and Partner at Aspiriant, shares how the firm’s independent, employee-owned structure shapes its client-first approach and differentiates it in the wealth management landscape. She also discusses Aspiriant’s perspective on succession planning, growth priorities for the year ahead, and what advisors curious about the firm should know.

Dannell Stuart, CFP®, President and Partner of Mission Wealth, discusses the firm’s growth to over $13 billion and the strategic expansion of in-house tax and estate planning capabilities to enhance the client experience. He also highlights how Mission Wealth’s leadership, strong female representation, and focus on technology and next-gen talent position the firm to support advisors and deliver optimal outcomes.

Savvy Wealth Founder & CEO Ritik Malhotra shares the origin story behind the firm and the industry gap it set out to solve, along with how Savvy’s modern, tech-enabled model differs from a traditional RIA. He walks through how the platform equips advisors with digital tools, operational support, and independence, while still enabling highly personalized planning—especially for next-gen clients who expect both efficiency and customization.

Eric Kittner, CEO, Chairman and Partner of the Moneta Group, outlines why Moneta’s internally owned model offers a distinct alternative to RIA firms that rely heavily on outside capital. He also explores the future of advisor ownership, the importance of next-gen buy-in, and ways to drive stronger talent retention.