Firm Transitions with Corey Walen

Kirk Licata, CFP® spent 12 years at the same RIA before deciding it was time for more ownership and control over his business. In this conversation, Kirk breaks down the exact process that led him to leave, partner with RFG Advisory, and launch Licata Financial Design in Atlanta. • Why Kirk didn't leave for the money, and what actually drove the decision • The 3 pivotal questions he asked him...

Recruiting is running hot right now, and we keep hearing the same question from advisors and even friends outside the business: "Why are so many financial advisors changing firms right now?"  A few members of the Bridgemark team joined me on today's episode.  Brett Waterfield, Travis Boak, and I dive into what’s actually driving the surge, based on constant conversations with adviso...

We break down why recruiting and transition packages are hitting record highs and how to think about them without sacrificing clients, tools, or service. We share how elite advisors use forgivable-loan economics to invest in growth, build enterprise value, and solve real succession and acquisition challenges.  • Record-high transition offers • Going backward on platform for a check? • Treating you...

The RIA landscape is evolving faster than ever and many financial advisors are already behind. Jeff Nash joins me to break down what’s happening inside the rapidly expanding RIA space: • Why the broker dealer industry continues consolidating • The explosion of new RIA platforms and service models • How private equity and venture capital are reshaping wealth management • The differences between agg...

What makes a successful financial advisor leave a large RIA firm? In this episode, I sit down with Bill Laird, founder of Riverside Wealth Advisors, to discuss why he chose to leave a major RIA environment and launch his own independent practice with NewEdge Advisors. Bill shares: ✔ Why many advisors in the RIA channel feel they’ve lost control ✔ How compliance, equity, and bureaucracy pushed him...

Are you really running your own business… or just being told you are? In this episode, I sit down with Alex Williams, CFP®, a former 25-year veteran of Edward Jones who made the leap to independence in 2024. After decades inside a major national firm, including leadership roles overseeing 60+ offices, Alex candidly shares what finally pushed him to explore independence, what surprised him during t...

You can feel it when a financial advisor is ready to own the business, but also terrified of what comes with it: Leases, staffing, compliance, tech, bookkeeping, marketing, and the fear that clients might not follow. That tension sits at the heart of my conversation with Noah Geoghegan, who helped launch MG Partners after years in the bank channel and multiple merger waves that slowly changed how...

Clients will Google you the moment you announce your move. What they find next decides whether they feel calm and confident or start second‑guessing the transition. We dig into a launch-day marketing playbook built to win retention: A memorable name, a strong visual identity, a custom website with a clear hero message, and a polished launch video that reassures clients at scale. Kevin Nichols, COO...

Jeff Gonyo joins me and we discuss how Steward Partners scaled from just a handful of advisors to nearly $50 billion by blending true independence with W-2 support, multi-custody choice, and broad employee ownership. The result is a clear path for breakaways and independents who want equity, flexibility, and the freedom to focus on clients. •  Founder’s journey from wirehouse to partnership model...

We break down how to judge a “good deal” when moving firms and why the right fit must come before the highest headline offer. We share tactics to present your numbers, avoid hidden fees, and negotiate without wearing out the process. • Chose culture and platform over economics • Headlines vs. Real underwriting and risk • W-2 notes, amortization, and timelines • Independent payouts, platform and pr...

Aaron Jasper of Mutual Group, joins me to unpack how RIAs have changed and why advisors don’t need to be 100% fee-based to make the move. Aaron breaks down hybrid options, the Evolve model for legacy brokerage, and how to choose between being an advisor or a business owner. Macro shifts from outside capital and zero commissions AI improving relationships, not replacing advisors Simplification and...

On this episode, top advisor and Best-in-State winner Jason Geisz shares his full journey from Paine Webber/UBS → Morgan Stanley → launching Familia Wealth, an elite independent practice powered by Sanctuary Wealth. Jason opens up about the real reasons he left the wirehouse world, the pivotal moments that made independence unavoidable, and how going RIA completely transformed his business, lifest...

You heard the news, your firm just sold and now comes the chaos?! In this episode we help you understand what to do and how to manage an acquisition of your broker-dealer.  Before the cold calls and glossy decks push you into a rushed decision, slow everything down and let us map a clear path through your consolidation. Jeff Nash, CEO and co‑founder of BridgeMark Strategies joins me to discuss the...

Jeff Nash and I discuss the increasing trend of wirehouse financial advisors exploring independent options due to changes in compensation and enterprise value. Jeff highlights wirehouse advisors are realizing the ubiquity of product offerings and the benefits of independence, such as higher payouts and enterprise value. He notes that advisors can negotiate various components of transition deals, i...

I have a great conversation with Bill Cates and unpack a practical, human system for multiplying right-fit clients through comfortable introductions, clear value conversations, and a referral mindset that will compound growth over time. We also explore The Hidden Heist (new book) and how money beliefs quietly sabotage wealth. • Compounding effect of referral-sourced clients • Engagement across pro...

On this episode I catch up with Travis Jensen, an advisor I helped transition from Edward Jones to launch his independent firm, Jensen Complete Wealth. Travis shares his journey which highlights his desire for business ownership and overcoming the challenges from his previous firm. Travis transitioned in March of 2024, and within 45 days, his business had already surpassed its previous size. Throu...

A clip episode highlighting some emotionally honest moments from the Firm Transitions podcast: Includes various excerpts of high-profile advisors and guests that I've had on the show over the past many months.  It's a good listen—easy. --- Contact & connect with me: Text or Call: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠(908) 902 4903⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Meet: ⁠⁠⁠⁠...

In this episode, I once again catch up with my business partner, Jeff Nash, CEO and co-founder of Bridgemark Strategies. Together we discuss today’s 🔥 red-hot M&A market for elite financial advisors.  We discuss why younger advisors are exploring deals, the “four engines” driving growth at PE-backed RIAs, the critical role of cultural fit (beyond just valuations), and smart alternatives for a...

On this episode, I catch up with David Roberson, founder of Azella Advisor, to discuss everything you need to know about launching a standout website, building a powerful brand, and mastering ongoing marketing strategies. Whether you’re breaking away from a big firm or looking to elevate your independent practice, you’ll learn: • Why a custom website is crucial for client retention and growth • Th...

Alex Goss, CEO of NewEdge Wealth, and I catch-up to talk about the rapidly evolving RIA space on episode 80 of Firm Transitions. Key Highlights: • Why top wirehouse advisors are transitioning to RIA • Breaking down misconceptions about independent platforms • Innovative solutions for advisor transitions • The future of wealth management • RIA market trends • Fee compression and value proposition •...

Thinking about breaking away from your broker-dealer? Hear Jason Barber, CFP® explain how he helped transformed his multi-generational Edward Jones practice into a $500M independent firm. He shares his thoughts about your own RIA, navigating compliance, and creating a business with ultimate freedom. Key Insights: • RIA vs. Broker-Dealer: Pros and Cons • Marketing strategies for a successful breaka...

Josh Paddock and Clark Smith from the Provista Team to discuss their business changing experience from Wells Fargo to launching the independent financial advisory practice of their dreams. Key Highlights: Transitioning from Wells Fargo with $600 million in assets Why they chose Supported Independence with Kestra Challenges and opportunities leaving the bank Wildly improved client service and finan...

Chuck Failla and I dive into the RIA revolution: The keys to building a more flexible, profitable, andclient-focused financial practice. Compliance strategies and economic advantages to the futureof independence Why the RIA model is transforming the industry and how to position yourself for future success   --- Contact & connect with me: Text or Call:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

LinkedIn is NOT just another social media platform - it's a powerful professional networking tool for financial advisors Your future high-net worth clients are actively using the platform   Critical elements of a strong LinkedIn presence include an updated, professional profile picture, authentic personal storytelling, keyword optimization for searchability, consistent engagement with your ne...

Scott and I discuss the challenges advisors face when transitioning to independence, particularly the unfamiliar aspects of running their own business. Scott (COO of Kestra Private Wealth Services) explains their fully supported model, which handles real estate, technology, compliance, and ongoing support. He discusses what an ideal advisor looks like for Kestra's supported model, as well as...