Model FA Podcast

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...

In this episode, David DeCelle, CEO of ModelFA, sits down with Matthew Awai of Advisor Tech Partners to explore how financial advisors can streamline operations, automate tasks, and reclaim valuable time in their business. Matthew shares his journey from working at a broker-dealer to co-founding Advisor Tech Partners, and dives into real-world automation examples that are saving firms up to 10 hou...

This week on the Model FA Podcast, David interviews Jacob Miller, co-founder of Opto Investments, about bridging the gap between private markets and the wealth community. Opto focuses on providing better technology and alignment of incentives for RIA firms, offering custom funds and automated subdocs. They work with clients ranging from $500 million to  tens of billions , emphasizing long-term str...

What's up Model FAs?! This week David interviews Ed Kuresman from Mai Capital Management about his career journey. Ed started in finance during the tech bubble, interned at Madison Financial Advisors, and grew the firm from $20 million to over $1 billion in assets. During this period Ed emphasized the importance of client referrals, a positive culture, and strategic partnerships. In 2024, Madison...

In this episode of the Model FA Podcast, David DeCelle is joined by Dr. Joshua Wilson, a behavioral finance expert with a PhD and a background in advisory, to discuss his journey and insights within the financial services industry. He emphasizes the importance of understanding subconscious decision-making in client relationships and the need for advisors to integrate behavioral finance principles...

Today we are joined by Matt Middleton, CEO of Future Proof, a media and events company aiming to modernize the wealth and investment management industry. Matt shares his journey from humble beginnings to founding Future Proof, emphasizing the importance of networking and personal connections. He discusses the company's unique approach, including casual attire, shorter sessions, and innovative netw...

Stand by Model FA's! In this episode, Joanne Bradford (Chief Money Officer at Domain Money) reveals the future of personal finance, challenging traditional wealth management paradigms! Don't miss this game-changing conversation about money, technology, and personal empowerment! 🚀 Key Takeaways:   Why most people between 35-45 desperately need a comprehensive financial plan   How technology is tra...

Check it out! Host David DeCelle interviews Craig Butler, Chief Growth Officer at Tru Independence, about business development and sales strategies. Tru Independence, which recently merged with Sanctuary Wealth, manages $45 billion in assets with 120 advisors. Craig emphasizes the importance of differentiating in a crowded market, offering comprehensive business services including compliance, mark...

In this episode of the Model FA podcast, David DeCelle, CEO of ModelFA, interviews Jonathan Foster, President and CEO of Angeles Wealth Management, a national wealth management firm serving ultra-high-net-worth families. Angeles Wealth Management has grown from $250 million in 2017 to $2 billion in 2022. Jonathan shares his journey from Institutional Equity sales trader to founding his own firm an...

Buckle up Model FAs! In this episode David sits down with Phil Weiss to discuss the critical importance of talking to your clients about Life Planning. Phil shares his 3 favorite questions that will change your life as he and David discuss discovering your potential and the nuances of financial planning from overcoming college debt to planning for financial freedom through the late stages of life....

In this episode, David is joined by Gary Sirak is an experienced financial advisor who has been in the industry for 45 years. He wrote a book called "How to Retire and Not Die" based on his experiences seeing clients struggle with retirement. The key themes of the book are purpose, passion, and having a plan for retirement. Gary emphasizes the importance of retirees finding meaningful activities a...

In this episode of the Model FA podcast, David DeCelle is joined by Amir Noor, CFP®, EA to discuss his journey in the financial industry. Amir started at 16, working his way up from life insurance paperwork to becoming a licensed advisor. He transitioned to a fee-only firm, offering a $400/month subscription model, which grew to over 50 clients in two years. Amir emphasizes the importance of build...

In this week's episode of the Model FA Podcast, David DeCelle interviews Joe Jordan, a renowned behavioral finance expert and author of "Living a Life of Significance," which has sold over 150,000 copies in five languages. Joe shares his journey from starting in financial services while still in college to his modern day roles and ventures. He emphasizes the importance of purpose-driven retirement...

In this episode of the Model FA podcast, David DeCelle is joined by Paul McManus, a best-selling author and financial services expert, about the benefits of writing short books for financial advisors. Paul explains that writing a book helps advisors position themselves as educators rather than salespeople, shortening sales cycles and building trust. He describes a six-week process for creating sho...

In this episode of the Model FA podcast, David DeCelle is joined by Angela York and Elyse Stoner, co-founders of Event Advisors, to explore the art of creating unique and memorable events that not only drive business but also help deepen relationships. They share their expert insights on how events can be leveraged as powerful tools for growth, connection, and brand-building. Whether you're lookin...

In this episode, David DeCelle, the CEO of ModelFA, sits down with Rick Burgess, from Forms Logic. Rick shares his unique journey, from his time in the Marines to his experiences as a financial advisor, wholesaler, and serial entrepreneur.    Rick explains how Forms Logic, a data company that is revolutionizing the way the financial industry handles paperwork and data management. He provides insig...

This month's special episode of the Model FA podcast is another edition of the DDG - where David, Dan and Graham come together to mind meld about the Exchange ( skool.com/exchange ) and this month's episode is all about business development, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and relationship building in client interactions. The conversation also touches on technical difficulties faced dur...

In this episode, David DeCelle, CEO of ModelFA, sits down with Jason Mirabella, founder of Deliver Advice. Jason shares his 25-year career journey in the financial services industry, discussing his transition to the RIA space and his experience as Chief Platform Officer and COO at WealthSource Partners, a $2.1-2.3 billion RIA. He explains the importance of moving from an advisor-centric mindset to...

In this episode of the Model FA Podcast, host David DeCelle sits down with David Newson, the founder and CEO of XNW Digital, to explore his remarkable journey into the financial planning industry. From his unexpected start in the shoe department at Nordstrom to his foray into the world of behavioral healthcare, Newson's path has been anything but conventional. Key Moments: 0:01:49 - Newson's journ...

In this exciting episode of the Model FA Podcast, co-founders David DeCelle, Graham Gardner, and Dan Allison share fresh insights and actionable strategies straight from their thriving membership platform, The Exchange . Each month, they highlight key posts, discussions, and breakthroughs from within the community that offer high-value advice to financial advisors looking to grow and scale their p...

In this episode of the ModelFA Podcast, David DeCelle is rejoined by Kristin Harad, a business and marketing coach for RIA leaders and independent financial advisors. Kristin shares tactical advice on content creation, leveraging LinkedIn, improving prospect follow-up, and enhancing client engagement to drive referrals. Key Moments: [1:37] Kristin emphasizes the importance of content marketing as...

In this episode we are joined by Gerry Spitzer, a founding partner of Questor Capital Partners. Gerry shares his career journey from Binghamton University to Price Waterhouse, Merrill Lynch, UBS, and finally to independence. He discusses the benefits and challenges of going independent, emphasizing the importance of due diligence and choosing the right platform. Gerry highlights the value of the C...

In this episode of the ModelFA podcast, host David DeCelle sits down with Ritik Malhotra, the founder and CEO of Savvy Wealth. Ritik shares his impressive entrepreneurial journey, from building internet businesses as a teenager to founding successful startups in cloud storage and fintech. The conversation digs into Ritik's inspiration behind starting Savvy Wealth - his experience working with fina...

What does a pilot's license at 16, a career in journalism, and a passion for financial advisor marketing have in common? They're all part of Jonathan Musgrave's remarkable journey. In this episode of The Model FA Podcast, Jonathan, founder and CEO of Steep Digital Marketing, opens up about his unconventional career path and how it shaped his approach to helping financial advisors thrive. Check out...

In this episode, Christopher Tan, CEO of Providend, Southeast Asia's first and Singapore's sole fee-only comprehensive wealth advisory firm, shares his journey from a humble background to becoming a financial advisor. He tells the story of how he transitioned from engineering to the army, then to pharmaceutical sales and eventually to financial services. Despite initial industry resistance, Provid...