Next Mile

Episode 077: We live in a world where numbers rule—stacking up wealth, counting dollars, and chasing financial milestones. It's a common pitfall to equate money with happiness, as society frequently portrays financial success as the ultimate goal. While money can bring freedom and opportunity, it also reveals that as powerful as it is, it remains a tool, not a solution to all of life's challenges....

Episode 076: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Jeremy Nelson, President at Element Wealth. Jeremy shares his journey from discovering investing as a 10-year-old in Canada to building Mississippi’s fastest-growing RIA. Jeremy discusses merging with Ross and Yerger, prioritizing culture and client relationships, and leveraging technology for growth. He explores AI’s potential to enhance advisory e...

Episode 075: In this episode of The Connected Advisor, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Jessica Gibbs, Partner and VP at Monument Wealth Management. Jessica shares her journey from nonprofit fundraising to financial planning, driven by her passion for helping people align their wealth with their purpose. She highlights the importance of personalized communication, Monument’s innovative approach to financi...

Episode 074: In this “Best of 2024” episode of The Connected Advisor, Kyle Van Pelt brings together four leaders from four firms to discuss why firms should own their data and why data and technology are keys to success. Featuring Mike Prior, Brian Preston, Mark DeLotto, and Chrissy Lee. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (00:52) - Mike Prior on the importance of a modern approach to technology. (04...

Episode 073: In this episode of The Connected Advisor, Kyle Van Pelt brings together some of the show’s best moments from 2024 discussing how firms are recruiting and developing their talent. Featuring Seth Merrill, Jeff Casey, Alex Goss, and Patrick Sweeny, this episode dives into how great leaders of great firms tackle different aspects of the war for talent. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (00...

Episode 072: Brad Ball, founder of Bison Wealth, is a seasoned financial expert with a passion for creating long-term value in wealth management. Brad’s approach integrates patient capital, cutting-edge investment strategies, and a focus on building resilient client relationships.  In this episode, Kyle talks with Brad about the importance of infrastructure in financial firms, the key elements of...

Episode 071: Building a thriving business is about playing the long game—prioritizing sustainable value creation over fleeting, short-term wins. Organic growth strategies lie at the heart of this approach, leveraging the power of client referrals, collaborative partnerships, and the ability to craft compelling stories that resonate with clients. For advisors aiming to attract ultra-high-net-worth...

Episode 070: Succession planning and growth strategies are critical considerations for RIAs seeking long-term sustainability. As firms evolve and leadership transitions occur, a well-defined succession plan ensures smooth handover and business continuity. Succession plans, coupled with strategic growth initiatives and investing in the right technology, allow RIAs to deliver better client service,...

Episode 69: Our relationship with money is often influenced by personal experiences, cultural upbringing, and deeply rooted beliefs. These invisible drivers shape our financial habits, decision-making, and overall well-being. Financial therapists understand that money decisions aren't just about numbers and logic—they're about people. By recognizing clients' emotional and psychological responses t...

Episode 068: Marketing is about providing value, building relationships, and earning trust. Financial advisors who want to stand out focus less on selling and more on serving. One of the most effective ways to do this is by creating content people want to engage with, whether blog posts, newsletters, social posts, podcasts, or videos. In this episode, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Samantha Russell, Chi...

Episode 067: Effective communication is the bridge that connects financial experts with clients who may feel overwhelmed by financial jargon. Translating financial concepts into clear, relatable language closes the gap between technical knowledge and client understanding, laying the groundwork for successful partnerships and empowering clients to make better financial decisions. This week, Kyle Va...

Episode 066: Traditional wealth management often focuses on stocks and bonds, potentially leaving investors vulnerable during market downturns. AlphaCore believes there's a better way. By marrying alternative investments and traditional asset classes, advisors can bridge the gap between traditional wealth planning and the world of alternatives. Breaking down barriers to alternative investments all...

Episode 065: In this episode, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Seth Merrill, Partner at The Norden Group. They discuss the challenges and strategies involved in scaling a financial advisory firm, the importance of building strong COI relationships, and the evolving landscape of the advisory industry. Seth shares his unique path into the industry, insights on building study groups with CPAs and attorneys,...

Episode 064: Traditionally, value propositions are centered on beating the market and outperforming benchmarks. However, these factors often fail to deliver consistent and reliable results for investors. To address this challenge, Fairway Wealth Management aims to provide reliable results by focusing on factors investors can control. These include tax efficiency, cost management, and behavioral gu...

Episode 063: This week, Kyle talks with Robert Conzo and Eric Diton from The Wealth Alliance. Robert is the CEO and Managing Director, and Eric is the President and Managing Director.  They discuss their journey in wealth management, from large wirehouses to establishing an independent firm. They explore growth strategies through M&A, organic client acquisition, and building strong centers of infl...

Episode 062: At Helium Advisors, the buddy system isn't just a strategy—it's a core component of their wealth management approach. By pairing advisors with shared goals and similar skill sets, they provide clients with more comprehensive and personalized solutions.  In this episode, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Gary Russell, Partner and Co-Founder at Helium Advisors, about Helium's buddy system, how i...

Episode 061: Wealth creators understand that financial planning isn't solely about maximizing returns. It’s also about building a lasting legacy. By involving the next generation in family wealth discussions, advisors can help beneficiaries develop a solid financial understanding. This ensures a smoother wealth transfer and empowers future generations to manage their financial affairs effectively....

Episode 060: Operations is the cornerstone of any organization, and technology is integral to successful business operations. Their integration revolutionizes any organization, and wealth management is no exception. By automating tasks, streamlining workflows, and connecting disparate systems, technology has become an indispensable tool for improving operational efficiency. This increased efficien...

Episode 059: CG Financial's expansion into property and casualty insurance is a unique strategy in the advisory space. While many firms focus on core expertise, CG Financial has ventured into new territories, taking advantage of its internal expertise. Its proactive use of EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), diversification into new business lines, and commitment to technological excellence se...

Episode 058: Financial advisory firms always look for innovative ways to create a culture of growth. Internal promotions and residency programs are some unique and great strategies. By nurturing talent and creating opportunities for advancement, specializing in a specific niche, and the strategic integration of technology, firms can cultivate seasoned advisors who understand the company's core val...

Episode 057: Financial advisors often go beyond the confines of business to become trusted guides in their client's financial lives. More than crafting investment strategies and managing portfolios, advisors offer support and expertise to individuals and families through various life stages and financial challenges.  In this episode, Kyle talks with Scott Hanson, Co-Founder and Vice Chair at Allwo...

Episode 056: Partnering with a platform that prioritizes service over growth offers valuable opportunities for advisors and financial institutions. This strategic approach, combined with the power of technology and data analytics, streamlines operations and fosters deeper client connections. Priority Financial Group's approach to wealth management, rooted in flexibility, control, freedom, and tech...

Episode 055: In this episode, Kyle talks with Shannon Spotswood, CEO at RFG Advisory, about empowering independent advisors through technology. Shannon discusses the importance of a tech-forward approach to delivering services and optimizing internal processes and what it takes to become the RIA of the future. She also shares the foundational pillars of RFG 2.0 and offers a glimpse into the future...

Episode 54: In this episode of The Connected Advisor, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Ted Bovard, Principal at Fort Pitt Capital Group. Ted shares his unconventional path to wealth management and the pivotal moments that shaped his career. Emphasizing the importance of long-term planning over chasing returns, Ted discusses Fort Pitt's client-first approach, the firm's five-step onboarding process, and ho...

Episode 053: For many advisors, transitioning from wirehouse firms to independent practices is not just about autonomy—it's about building a business that aligns with their vision and values. However, true independence comes with its own set of challenges. To thrive, advisors need the right technology. When chosen strategically, technology becomes a key partner in building strong client relationsh...