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What if the goal of independence wasn’t to build the biggest RIA possible? What if it was to build the business that gave you the life you actually wanted? In this episode of RIA Collective, Charlie Van Derven reconnects with Rachael Burns of True Worth Financial Planning to discuss how her approach to independence has evolved since her first appearance on the podcast. After working at Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, and Ameriprise, Rachael eventually launched her own RIA. Personal circumstances made flexibility a priority, and instead of recreating the traditional advisory firm she came from, she intentionally built something different. Today, Rachael runs a highly focused solo practice with just 31 clients, no employees, minimal overhead, and an average relationship of more than $1 million. She’s built the firm around efficiency, technology, and the ability to be present for her family. Charlie and Rachael discuss: • Why she left the wirehouse world and became independent • How major changes in her personal life reshaped her definition of success • Why she intentionally keeps her client count low • Building an RIA around lifestyle instead of maximizing headcount • Why focusing less on growth actually resulted in significant growth • How she runs a solo practice without employees • The technology that helps her minimize administrative work • How FinDash streamlined her CRM, scheduling, planning, agreements, and onboarding • Why Altruist fits into her technology stack • How she gets new-client onboarding down to roughly 30 minutes • The hidden time costs of offices, meetings, commuting, and distractions • Why she’s able to finish work before her kids get home • The reality behind some of the fears advisors hear about independence • Why starting an RIA wasn’t as expensive as she expected • How independence gives advisors the ability to adapt quickly • Why compliance was less intimidating than she anticipated One of the biggest takeaways from Rachael’s story is that independence gives you the ability to define what success actually means to you. That might mean building a large enterprise. Or it might mean 31 great client relationships, low overhead, no employees, a highly efficient tech stack, and the flexibility to be done working when your kids get home. There isn’t only one way to build a successful RIA. 📺 Subscribe for more conversations with independent advisors and industry leaders building businesses on their own terms. Connect with Rachael Burns True Worth Financial Planning: https://trueworthfp.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachaelvburns/ Connect with Charlie Van Derven Social Advisors: https://social-advisors.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/ #RIACollective #FinancialAdvisors #WealthManagement #RIA #FinancialPlanning #IndependentAdvisor #AdvisorIndependence #RIAGrowth #AdvisorGrowth #PracticeManagement #LifestylePractice #SoloAdvisor #FinancialAdvisor #RegisteredInvestmentAdvisor #BreakawayAdvisor #FinancialServices #WealthManagementIndustry #Entrepreneurship #RIAOwner #AdvisorTechnology #FinTech #WorkLifeBalance #BusinessGrowth

Why do some financial advisors consistently generate introductions from clients while others struggle to get referrals at all? In this episode of RIA Collective, Charlie Van Derven sits down with Bill Utnage of Damascus Road Referral Systems to discuss how advisors can build stronger client relationships and create a more intentional system for generating introductions. Bill has spent decades owning and operating professional service businesses and now coaches business owners, including financial advisors, on referral growth. His message is simple: providing great service isn't enough to guarantee referrals. Charlie and Bill discuss: Why referrals are so valuable for financial advisorsThe "know, like, and trust" advantage of a referred prospectWhy great service alone doesn't automatically generate introductionsThe difference between transactional and relational client relationshipsWhy your best referral sources aren't necessarily your largest clientsHow advisors can identify their strongest advocatesWhy staying connected outside of annual review meetings mattersSimple ways to deepen relationships with top clientsReferrals vs. introductions and why language mattersHow to strategically learn more about your clients' networksWhy advisors should stop treating referrals as a bonusHow to build a repeatable system around relationship-driven growthCharlie also shares the four criteria Social Advisors uses to identify an advisor's top advocates: Do you enjoy working with them? Have they referred before? Are they socially connected? And do they fit your target asset level? One of the biggest takeaways from the conversation: Your clients may love working with you, but that doesn't mean they'll automatically introduce you to someone else. Advisors need to intentionally nurture relationships, create opportunities for conversations, and make introductions part of their growth strategy. As Bill puts it, relationships are the long game. If you're an independent financial advisor looking to generate more introductions from the relationships you've already built, this episode is for you. 📺 Subscribe for more conversations about advisor independence, growth, marketing, and practice management. Connect with Bill Utnage Damascus Road Referral Systems: https://www.billutnage.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-utnage/ Connect with Charlie Van Derven Social Advisors: https://social-advisors.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/ #RIACollective #FinancialAdvisors #FinancialAdvisor #RIA #RegisteredInvestmentAdvisor #IndependentAdvisor #WealthManagement #FinancialPlanning #Referrals #ReferralMarketing #ClientReferrals #AdvisorGrowth #RIAGrowth #PracticeManagement #BusinessDevelopment #ClientRelationships #RelationshipMarketing #AdvisorMarketing #LeadGeneration #Prospecting #FinancialServices #WealthManagementMarketing #IndependentAdvisors #ClientExperience #BusinessGrowth

What changes about financial planning when your client doesn't have children? More than many advisors realize.Somebody went first. That's usually how it starts. In this episode of RIA Collective, Charlie Van Derven sits down with Maddy Roche, Chief Growth Officer at Childfree Trust, to explore the unique financial, estate, and long-term care planning needs of people without children. After spending roughly 11 years helping build XY Planning Network, Maddy has worked closely with thousands of independent financial advisors. Today, she's focused on helping the industry better understand a growing and often underserved demographic. Maddy explains how planning can fundamentally change when children aren't part of the equation. Questions around powers of attorney, trustees, executors, long-term care, charitable giving, and aging all require a different conversation. In this episode, Charlie and Maddy discuss: Why financial planning changes for clients without childrenThe difference between being childfree and childlessWhy advisors may be overlooking a significant prospective client opportunityDINKs, SINKs, and the financial behaviors of people without kidsHow traditional financial planning language can unintentionally alienate prospectsEstate planning challenges for clients without traditional next of kinWho serves as power of attorney, trustee, or executor when family isn't the answerLong-term care and the realities of aging without childrenWhy childfree clients may approach legacy and "dying with zero" differentlyHow advisors can better communicate with this demographicHow Childfree Trust works alongside financial advisors rather than replacing themWhy simply asking the right questions can create tremendous value for clientsOne of the biggest takeaways from the conversation: Having no children doesn't mean having no family, and it doesn't mean needing less financial planning. It means the planning may need to look different. For independent advisors, that creates an opportunity to better serve existing clients while potentially connecting with a group of people who haven't traditionally felt that financial planning was built for them. 🎧 Listen to the full episode of RIA Collective. 📺 Subscribe for more conversations with advisors and industry leaders shaping the future of independent financial advice. Connect with Maddy Roche Childfree Trust: https://childfreetrust.com/ Childfree Insights: https://childfreeinsights.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maddy-roche-25962032/ Connect with Charlie Van Derven Social Advisors: https://social-advisors.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/ #RIACollective #FinancialAdvisors #FinancialPlanning #WealthManagement #RIA #IndependentAdvisor #Childfree #ChildfreeByChoice #EstatePlanning #LongTermCare #RetirementPlanning #AdvisorGrowth #AdvisorMarketing #PracticeManagement #FinancialAdvisor #RegisteredInvestmentAdvisor #WealthManagementIndustry #Fiduciary #DINK #SuccessionPlanning

What is your advisory practice actually worth, and what can you do today to increase that value? In this episode of RIA Collective, Charlie Van Derven sits down with Andrew Mirolli, Co-Founder of buyAUM.com, to discuss how financial advisors can build more valuable, transferable businesses and prepare for an eventual exit. With roughly 106,000 advisors representing 41% of industry assets expected to retire over the next decade, succession planning is becoming a major issue across wealth management. Andrew explains what buyers are looking for and why two advisory practices with similar revenue can command very different valuations. Charlie and Andrew discuss: What financial advisory practices are selling for todayRevenue multiples vs. EBITDA multiplesWhy recurring revenue alone doesn't guarantee a strong valuationThe importance of building durable, transferable client relationshipsHow client concentration can create risk for potential buyersWhy advisors need relationships with the next generationHow consistent organic growth can increase enterprise valueWhy reducing founder dependency mattersBuilding systems and processes that survive without the founderThe importance of succession planning before you're ready to retireWhy culture and client fit should matter as much as the purchase priceHow advisors can prepare mentally for life after selling their practiceAndrew also shares five areas advisors should focus on when building enterprise value: Think like an owner, not just an advisor.Build durable recurring revenue.Reduce founder dependency.Build client relationships that extend beyond one generation.Protect client fit and culture when choosing a successor.One of the biggest questions Andrew suggests every advisor ask is simple: If you were locked in a room for 60 days, what would break in your business? The answer can reveal just how dependent the business is on you and how transferable it may actually be. Whether you're preparing to sell in the next few years or plan to remain in the business for decades, building enterprise value should start long before an LOI lands on your desk. 🎧 Listen to the full episode of RIA Collective. 📺 Subscribe for more conversations about RIA independence, growth, succession, and building a better advisory business. Connect with Andrew Mirolli https://buyaum.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewmirolli/ Connect with Charlie Van Derven www.social-advisors.com www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/ Chapters 00:00 Building Enterprise Value as an Independent Advisor 01:00 The Coming Advisor Retirement Wave 03:00 Succession Planning and the Next Generation 05:00 What Makes Advisory Revenue Transferable? 06:30 What Is an RIA Worth? 08:00 Understanding Advisory Practice Multiples 11:00 #1: Think Like an Owner 13:00 #2: Build Durable Recurring Revenue 15:00 #3: Reduce Founder Dependency 17:30 #4: Build Relationships With the Next Generation 19:00 #5: Protect Client Fit and Culture 23:00 Preparing for Life After Selling Your Business 26:00 Closing Thoughts #RIACollective #FinancialAdvisors #RIA #WealthManagement #AdvisorIndependence #RegisteredInvestmentAdvisor #IndependentAdvisor #SuccessionPlanning #ExitPlanning #BusinessValuation #EnterpriseValue #PracticeManagement #AdvisorGrowth #RIAGrowth #FinancialPlanning #WealthManagementIndustry #FinancialServices #BreakawayAdvisor #AdvisorSuccession #RIAAcquisitions #MergersAndAcquisitions #MergersAndAcquisitions #PracticeAcquisition #FinancialAdvisorMarketing #CEPA #BusinessOwner #RetirementPlanning

What happens when the traditional wirehouse model no longer gives you the freedom to invest and serve clients the way you believe is best? In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Haren Bhakta, CFA, to discuss his journey from selling insurance to building a book at Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley, launching his own RIA, and eventually creating his own investment index and ETF. Haren entered financial services during the 2008 financial crisis, when opportunities in the investment industry were difficult to find. What started in insurance ultimately taught him how to communicate, sell, handle rejection, and build relationships with high-net-worth clients. His career eventually took him to Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley, but Haren wanted greater freedom to pursue investment opportunities outside the constraints of the traditional wirehouse environment. In 2017, he made the move and started his own RIA. In this episode, Charlie and Haren discuss: Starting a financial services career during the 2008 financial crisisWhat Haren learned from Merrill Lynch and Morgan StanleyWhy persistence can matter more than personality in building a bookWhat ultimately pushed Haren toward independenceThe benefits advisors often underestimate about working at a wirehouseThe compliance and operational responsibilities that come with independenceWhy losing the community of a large firm can be one of the hardest parts of going independentHow RIA aggregators can help recreate community and supportThe idea that led Haren to create the Inside Ownership IndexHow Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway inspired his investment thesisHaren's journey from RIA owner to launching an ETFHaren also shares an often-overlooked reality of independence: freedom comes with responsibility. At a large firm, advisors have infrastructure, compliance support, colleagues, management, and built-in accountability. When you go independent, much of that becomes your responsibility. For advisors considering the move, understanding both sides of that tradeoff is critical. Later in the conversation, Haren explains how an idea that came to him while attending Berkshire Hathaway's 2024 annual meeting eventually led to the creation of the Inside Ownership Index and an ETF based on the concept. His career is a great example of just how many paths exist within financial services when you're willing to keep learning, take calculated risks, and build something of your own. 🎧 Watch the full episode and subscribe to RIA Collective for conversations with advisors and industry leaders helping shape the future of independent financial advice. Connect with Haren Bhakta 🌐 Inside Ownership: https://insideownership.com 📧 Email: [email protected] 📰 Newsletter: Available at InsideOwnership.com Connect with Charlie Van Derven 🌐 Social Advisors: https://www.social-advisors.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:30 Starting in financial services during the financial crisis 02:30 Learning to build a book of business 05:30 Why Haren started his own RIA 07:30 The advantages of staying at a wirehouse 09:00 The hidden loss of community after going independent 10:30 Accountability and independence 12:30 From RIA owner to creating an ETF 13:00 The Warren Buffett insight behind the Inside Ownership Index 16:00 Where to learn more about Inside Ownership 17:00 Persistence, personality, and succeeding as an advisor #RIACollective #FinancialAdvisors #WealthManagement #RIA #IndependentAdvisor #FinancialPlanning #AdvisorIndependence #RegisteredInvestmentAdvisor #ETF #ETFInvesting #InvestmentManagement #AssetManagement #PortfolioManagement #CFA #MerrillLynch #MorganStanley #Wirehouse #BreakawayAdvisor #AdvisorGrowth #PracticeManagement #FinancialServices #WealthManagementIndustry #Investing #AdvisorSuccess #RIACommunity

Most financial advisors know they need to create content. The challenge is knowing what AI should do, what it shouldn't do, and how to create authentic content that actually builds trust. In this episode of RIA Collective, Charlie Van Derven sits down with Nate Hoskin, CFP®, Co-Founder of SageContent.ai, to discuss how advisors can leverage video, AI, and personal branding to grow their businesses without sacrificing authenticity. Nate shares lessons from building his own RIA through content before creating SageContent.ai to help other advisors do the same. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why video is one of the fastest ways to build trust with prospects • Where AI saves advisors time, and where it can actually hurt your marketing • The difference between production quality and expensive editing • Why people follow advisors, not logos • How to build a personal brand that generates opportunities • The biggest mistakes advisors make with content creation • Practical ways to use AI without sounding like AI One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation: Use AI to remove the work that gets in the way, not the authenticity that builds trust. Whether you're just starting with video or looking to improve your marketing strategy, this episode is packed with actionable ideas you can implement immediately. 📺 Subscribe for more conversations with leading independent advisors: Connect with Charlie Van Derven 🌐 Social Advisors: https://www.social-advisors.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/ Connect with Nate Hoskin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nghoskin/ SageContent.ai: https://www.sagecontent.ai/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:40 Why Advisors Need to Build More Trust 04:30 AI vs Authentic Content 09:20 Creating Videos That People Actually Watch 14:30 Why Personal Branding Matters More Than Firm Branding 19:30 Growing an Advisory Business Through Content 23:00 How SageContent.ai Helps Advisors Scale 25:00 Closing Thoughts #FinancialAdvisors #AdvisorMarketing #RIACollective #AdvisorMarketing #FinancialPlanning #RegisteredInvestmentAdvisor #RIA #PersonalBranding #VideoMarketing #ContentMarketing #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #AdvisorGrowth #PracticeManagement #ThoughtLeadership #LeadGeneration #SocialMediaMarketing #DigitalMarketing #CFP #Trust #Fiduciary #IndependentAdvisor #WealthManagementMarketing #AdvisorSuccess

What separates a successful advisory firm from one that struggles to scale? According to Chris Price, it comes down to process. In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Chris Price of Wealth Solutions Partners to discuss his journey from the insurance world into a more independent, hybrid advisory model and the lessons he's learned about building a scalable business. Chris shares how earning professional designations changed the way he viewed financial advice, why systems become more important as firms grow, and how AI is reshaping advisor efficiency without replacing relationships. Together, Charlie and Chris discuss: The transition from a large insurance firm to a hybrid independent modelWhy professional education changes the way advisors serve clientsHow documented processes create consistency and scalabilityThe importance of hiring for personality, not just experienceWhy advisors need to think like business owners, not just practitionersHow AI is making advisory firms more efficient while strengthening client relationshipsLessons from building and leading a growing advisory teamChris also explains why every advisory firm should have a repeatable process that serves the vast majority of its clients, creating a better experience for both clients and team members. This episode is especially valuable for: Advisors considering independenceHybrid advisors looking to growRIAs building their first teamFirm owners focused on scaling through systems🎧 Watch now and subscribe to RIA Collective for conversations that help independent advisors build stronger businesses and better client experiences. Connect with Chris Price 📧 Email: [email protected] Connect with Charlie Van Derven 🌐 Social Advisors: https://www.social-advisors.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/ Chapters 00:00 – Chris's path into financial services 03:45 – Why education changed his career 07:30 – The move to a hybrid model 11:15 – Building a business with processes 15:20 – Hiring the right people 19:00 – Leading a growing team 22:00 – How AI is changing advisory firms 25:00 – Final advice for advisors

What makes a financial advisor different? According to Andrew Winig, most advisors struggle to answer that question clearly. In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Andrew Winig, founder of Your Elevator Pitch Coach, to discuss one of the biggest challenges advisors face: explaining what they do in a way that people actually remember. Andrew has worked with hundreds of financial advisors and discovered something surprising: Most advisors are different. They just sound exactly the same. Together, Charlie and Andrew discuss: Why "great service" isn't a real differentiatorHow advisors can create memorable elevator pitchesThe biggest mistakes advisors make at networking eventsWhy specificity attracts more referrals than broad messagingHow to answer common questions like "What do you do?"Turning small talk into meaningful business conversationsWhy most advisors should stop leading with "I'm a financial advisor"Andrew also walks through real-world examples of how advisors can identify their niche, communicate their value more effectively, and become easier to refer. This episode is especially valuable for:  ✔️ Financial advisors looking for more referrals  ✔️ RIAs building a niche market  ✔️ Advisors who network regularly  ✔️ Professionals who want a more compelling personal brand 🎧 Watch now and subscribe to RIA Collective for conversations that help independent advisors grow, differentiate, and attract the right clients. Connect with Andrew Winig 🌐 Website: https://improvandy.com 🎯 Free Pitch Check: https://freepitchcheck.com 💼 LinkedIn: Andrew Winig Connect with Charlie Van Derven 🌐 Social Advisors: https://www.social-advisors.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/ Chapters 00:00 – Why advisors struggle to differentiate  02:30 – The problem with generic elevator pitches  05:00 – Finding your true niche  08:00 – A live elevator pitch example  12:00 – How specificity drives referrals  15:00 – Answering common networking questions  18:00 – Turning small talk into opportunity  20:00 – Free resources for advisors

Most RIAs don’t think they need a CFO… until they realize they do. In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Damian Lo Basso, Founder of My RIA CFO, to discuss the financial blind spots that hold advisory firms back during transition, growth, and scaling. Damian brings a rare level of experience to the RIA space. After working in investment banking and M&A, he helped build Dynasty Financial Partners’ OCFO program, launched one of the industry’s first outsourced CFO firms, and later served as CFO for multi-billion-dollar RIAs before launching My RIA CFO. Together, Charlie and Damian discuss: Why many RIAs wait too long to professionalize financial operationsThe hidden risks advisors overlook during transitionWhy bookkeeping alone is not enough for growing firmsHow RIAs should think about forecasting, hiring, and scalingWhy fractional leadership is reshaping the independent advisor spaceHow advisors can access institutional-level support without institutional-level overheadThe growing ecosystem helping RIAs thrive after leaving wirehousesDamian also explains why many firms mistakenly believe “money in the bank” means the business is healthy, while missing the larger strategic picture hidden inside the numbers. This episode is especially valuable for:  ✔️ Advisors considering independence  ✔️ RIAs preparing to scale  ✔️ Firms evaluating outsourced leadership support  ✔️ Advisors navigating M&A or transition decisions In addition to this conversation, Charlie and Damian recently joined forces with other industry leaders for a webinar focused on how RIAs can leverage fractional leadership to grow more efficiently without adding massive overhead. The webinar covers: Fractional CFO, CMO, COO, and CIO supportHow outsourced leadership creates leverage for RIAsThe economics of scaling smarterCommon mistakes advisors make during growth and transition🎥 Watch the webinar replay here https://youtu.be/khHHwwMrvHs 🎧 Watch now and subscribe to RIA Collective for conversations that help independent advisors grow, adapt, and build stronger businesses. 🔗 Connect with Damian Lo Basso 🌐 Website: https://www.myriacfo.com 📧 Email: [email protected] 🔗 Connect with Charlie Van Derven 🌐 Social Advisors: https://www.social-advisors.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/ ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Why RIAs are evolving  02:00 – Damian’s background in M&A and CFO work  05:00 – Why RIAs underestimate financial operations  08:00 – The future of independent advisory firms  11:00 – Why outsourcing leadership roles works  14:00 – Transition mistakes advisors make  18:00 – What the SEC is looking for during audits  21:00 – Why bookkeeping is not enough  24:00 – Scaling an RIA the right way

What does advisor independence actually mean? In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Andree Mohr, President of Integrated Partners, to explore why the move to independence is about much more than business structure. Andree shares her unique journey from starting as a PR intern at 17 years old to becoming president of one of the largest independent firms in the country. Along the way, she explains why the best advisors are not just building businesses, they’re building lives and practices aligned with their values. Together, Charlie and Andree discuss: Why independence is really about serving clients without conflicting prioritiesThe biggest misconceptions wirehouse advisors have about independenceWhy advisors need to understand their “why” before making a moveHow independence changes the role from advisor to business ownerThe importance of planning-first advice versus product-first adviceHow Integrated Partners helps entrepreneurial advisors thriveAndree also explains why the word “fiduciary” has become overused in the industry and why true independence may be the better way to think about client-first advice. This episode is especially valuable for:  ✔️ Wirehouse advisors considering independence  ✔️ RIAs looking to scale intentionally  ✔️ Advisors exploring different business models  ✔️ Anyone wanting to build a more fulfilling advisory career 🎧 Watch now and subscribe to RIA Collective for conversations that elevate the independent advisor profession. 🔗 Connect with Andree Mohr 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andree-peterson/  🌐 Integrated Partners: https://integrated-partners.com/ 🔗 Connect with Charlie Van Derven 🌐 Social Advisors: https://www.social-advisors.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/ ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – From PR intern to president 03:00 – Why financial services matters 05:00 – Independence vs fiduciary language 08:00 – Misconceptions about independence 10:00 – Becoming a true business owner 13:00 – Why advisors need clarity before transitioning 15:00 – Building a fulfilling career in wealth management

What if you don’t actually own your book of business? In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Tyson Ray of FORM Wealth Advisors to break down one of the most misunderstood topics in financial services: succession. Tyson shares the eye-opening realization that many advisors, especially in W2 or hybrid models, may not truly own the goodwill of their clients. That has massive implications when it comes time to sell, transition, or exit your business. He also introduces his S.P.A.C.E. framework, a practical way for advisors to think through succession beyond just retirement planning. Together, Charlie and Tyson discuss: Why many advisors don’t actually own their client relationshipsThe difference between W2, 1099, and RIA ownership structuresWhy succession planning is about more than retirementThe biggest mistakes advisors make when planning an exitHow to think about succession if something happens tomorrowThe emotional and lifestyle side of stepping away from your firmThis episode is especially valuable for: Advisors at wirehouses or broker-dealersRIAs thinking about long-term exit strategiesAdvisors nearing retirementAnyone who wants more control over their business and futureTyson also shares insights from his book “Total Succession”, designed to help advisors understand their options and make better decisions without bias. 🎧 Watch now and subscribe to RIA Collective for conversations that help independent advisors grow, adapt, and plan for the future. 🔗 Connect with Tyson Ray 📘 Book: https://totalsuccession.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tysonray/ 🔗 Connect with Charlie Van Derven 🌐 Social Advisors: https://www.social-advisors.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/ ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Why succession matters now more than ever 02:00 – Do you actually own your book? 05:30 – W2 vs 1099 vs RIA explained 09:00 – The S.P.A.C.E. framework 13:00 – Common succession mistakes 17:00 – Planning for the unexpected 19:30 – Lifestyle, legacy, and exit decisions

What happens when a CRM is built for advisors with AI at its core, instead of having AI bolted on later? In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Thomas Clawson, Co-Founder of Slant, to explore how AI-native CRM technology is changing the way financial advisors manage relationships, automate workflows, and grow their businesses. Thomas shares how Slant evolved from a marketing automation tool into a full CRM after advisors kept asking for more powerful ways to manage workflows, notes, reviews, and client communication. He also explains why building a CRM from scratch in the AI era creates a major advantage over legacy systems that are still trying to retrofit modern functionality. Together, Charlie and Thomas discuss: Why traditional CRMs are struggling to keep up with AIThe difference between AI point solutions and AI-native platformsHow advisors can automate client reviews, reminders, and workflowsCreative ways to deepen relationships at scaleHow Slant approaches compliance, data protection, and securityWhy the future of advice is still rooted in relationshipsThomas also shares some of the most interesting use cases inside Slant, including AI-generated client outreach, review tracking, family relationship mapping, and workflows that help advisors stay connected not just with clients, but with spouses and the next generation as well. This episode is especially valuable for: Independent advisors and RIAsFirms evaluating CRM and AI toolsAdvisors looking to improve efficiency without losing the human touchLeaders thinking about the future of advisor tech🎧 Watch now and subscribe to RIA Collective for conversations that help independent advisors grow, adapt, and lead the future of financial advice. Connect with Thomas Clawson 🌐 Slant: https://slant.app 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasclawson/ Connect with Charlie Van Derven 🌐 Social Advisors: https://www.social-advisors.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/ Chapters 00:00 – Why this episode is different 02:00 – Why build a CRM for advisors 05:00 – Compliance, security, and protecting client data 07:00 – Moving beyond note takers 10:00 – AI workflows inside CRM 14:00 – What’s coming next for Slant 18:30 – The future of advisor growth and relationships 20:00 – Why the next generation matters more than ever

What does it really take to grow as a financial advisor? In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Dennis Huergo of Wealth Enhancement Group to explore the mindset, career decisions, and experiences that shape successful advisors over time. Dennis shares his journey from military service into financial services, starting in insurance and sales, and eventually transitioning toward true financial planning and independence. Along the way, he reflects on the lessons that accelerated his growth and the mistakes that slowed him down. Together, Charlie and Dennis discuss: Why what you consume shapes the direction of your careerHow being the least experienced person in the room can accelerate growthThe difference between sales-driven roles and true financial planningWhat advisors often get wrong early in their careersThe tradeoff between short-term income and long-term developmentHow mindset, discomfort, and environment impact successDennis also shares how his upbringing as the child of Cuban immigrants shaped his perspective on responsibility, growth, and making the most of opportunities. This episode is especially valuable for: Advisors early in their careerProfessionals considering independenceAdvisors feeling stuck in sales-focused rolesAnyone looking to grow faster by learning from others🎧 Watch now and subscribe to RIA Collective for conversations that elevate the independent advisor profession. Connect with Dennis Huergo 🌐 Website: https://www.wealthenhancement.com 📧 Email: [email protected] Connect with Charlie Van Derven 🌐 Social Advisors: https://www.social-advisors.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/ Chapters 00:00 – From military to financial services 03:30 – The impact of upbringing on financial mindset 07:10 – What you consume shapes your career 11:00 – Growth through uncomfortable environments 15:20 – Sales vs financial planning 19:00 – Lessons Dennis would do differently 22:30 – Advice for advisors considering independence

AI is everywhere in financial services, but most advisors are only scratching the surface. In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Sam Sova, Co-Founder of Subatomic AI, to explore how artificial intelligence is moving beyond basic tools and becoming a true collaborative partner inside advisory firms. Sam shares how RIAs can use AI to unify data across CRMs, custodians, portfolio platforms, email, and communication tools. The result is fewer manual tasks, more efficiency, and the ability to break through growth ceilings without adding headcount. Together, Charlie and Sam discuss: Why AI is at a “1995 moment,” similar to the early internetHow advisors are losing more than 40% of their time to tasks AI can now handleWhy meeting preparation is one of the biggest hidden time drains in advisory firmsHow AI coworkers can automatically generate agendas, insights, and recommendationsThe future of personalized client journeys and proactive touchpointsHow Subatomic approaches security, compliance, and transparency for RIAsWhy AI is not about replacing people, but about doing more with the same teamSam also explains how Subatomic helps firms save hundreds, and in some cases thousands, of hours per year. That time can be reinvested where it matters most: relationships, trust, and growth. This episode is especially valuable for: Independent advisors and RIAsFirms hitting a growth ceilingAdvisors curious about AI beyond note-taking toolsLeaders planning for the next decade of advice🎧 Watch now and subscribe to RIA Collective for conversations that help independent advisors grow, adapt, and lead the future of financial advice. Connect with Sam Sova 🌐 Subatomic AI: https://subatomic.ai Connect with Charlie Van Derven 🌐 Social Advisors: https://www.social-advisors.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/ Chapters 00:00 – Why this episode is different 03:00 – AI’s “1995 moment” 07:45 – Where advisors lose the most time 11:00 – AI-powered meeting preparation explained 15:30 – Unifying data across advisor technology stacks 19:00 – Security, compliance, and transparency 22:30 – The future of AI coworkers in RIAs

What does the next generation of advisory firms actually look like? In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Jon Henderson, Founder of Echo45 Advisors, to explore how independent firms are evolving beyond traditional investment management into fully integrated advisory businesses. After spending 20 years at Merrill Lynch, Jon made the leap to independence and built a firm designed for where client expectations are heading - not where they’ve been. That includes adding tax and estate services, leveraging partnerships instead of doing everything in-house, and positioning his firm to thrive in a future shaped by automation and AI. Together, Charlie and Jon discuss: Why adding tax and estate services is a game-changer for advisory firmsHow AI will disrupt bookkeeping and compliance - and what advisors should focus on insteadWhy clients panic more about taxes than market volatilityThe rise of the “one-stop firm” and what clients actually want todayHow to create a family-office-like experience for the mass affluentWhy integration beats silos when it comes to long-term growthThis conversation is especially relevant for: ✔️ Independent advisors ✔️ RIAs thinking about adding tax or estate services ✔️ Firms planning for the next 5–10 years ✔️ Advisors who want to deepen client relationships without burning out 🎧 Listen now and subscribe to RIA Collective for conversations that elevate the independent advisor profession. Connect with Jon Henderson 🌐 Website: https://www.echo45advisors.com/ 💼 Firm: Echo45 Advisors 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Echo45Advisors 🔗 LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/echo45advisors/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Echo45_Advisors/ ▶️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@UCkhMC5FRtPHf4_vnYp0tEIg  🐦 X (Twitter): https://x.com/echo45advisors 👤 LinkedIn (Jon Henderson): https://www.linkedin.com/in/jhendersonecho45/ Connect with Charlie Van Derven 🌐 Social Advisors: https://www.social-advisors.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/