The Fintape

Have you ever been to a wealth management conference that felt more like a marathon than a meeting? Brodrick Lothringer and Dr. Craig Lemoine sat down to talk about what really makes a great industry event, from the sessions that actually teach you something new to the networking that doesn’t end in regret. They swap stories from the road (including a blizzard in Iowa and one unforgettable Florida...

Shannon Spotswood has a story that doesn’t fit in a straight line—and that’s exactly what makes it good. From hedge funds and IPOs to launching a kids’ clothing brand out of her garage, and now leading RFG Advisory, she’s been building things her whole career. In this conversation, Shannon talks about the pivots that changed her path, the culture she’s protecting at RFG, and why independence matte...

Suzanne Siracuse has seen this industry in every shade; back when “advice” was a stock tip over lunch, through the print-to-digital chaos, and into today’s AI-everywhere landscape. She didn’t just watch it happen. She helped shape it. In this episode, Suzanne talks about the hustle of starting something from scratch, the mess and magic of media, and why the best advisors roll with change instead o...

What separates a “lifestyle practice” from a true growth enterprise? According to Jim Dickson, founder of Elevation Point, it’s fire in the belly, not just lip service to growth. In this episode, Brodrick digs into what it really takes to scale an advisory firm: organic growth, digital marketing that actually works, and the dream-team support that fuels it all. They cover why too many advisors sti...

What if marketing isn’t just about getting leads, but about truly educating and connecting with people? In this episode, Matt Seitz, Chief Marketing Officer at  Prosperity Capital Advisors, explains why thought leadership, authentic storytelling, and education matter more than flashy sales tactics. Matt also shares his personal story of living with chronic pain and how a mindset shift toward grati...

In this episode, Brodrick talks with Mark Newfield, CFP(R) RICP(R), of Journey Strategic Wealth about why authenticity is the ultimate business development strategy. Mark’s story defies the odds: from auto mechanic, to Accenture consultant, to launching an advisory career at 45, he proves resilience and kindness can outpace even the flashiest marketing playbook. His motto? “You can’t fail if you r...

Brodrick and Eric sat down with Jim Gold, co-founder of Steward Partners, to talk about the one thing every advisor knows they should deal with… but most kick down the road anyway: succession. Advisors used to be hunters, now they’re farmers. Great for relationships, not so great when it’s time to hand over the keys. Jim lays out what really happens when billion-dollar practices get stuck in the t...

In this episode of The Fintape, Brodrick and Eric talk with Michael Kitces about a surprising challenge—the moment when growth becomes the problem. Kitces explains why what most firms call a “talent gap” is really a “training gap,” and how many advisors hit a crossroads where they must decide between staying client-focused or stepping into full-on business management.  From the hidden costs of gro...

In this episode of The Fintape, Brodrick sits down with JC Abusaid, CEO and President of Halbert Hargrove, to unpack how a $3.5 billion wealth management firm has built a century-long legacy on trust, transparency, and client-first values. He shares his journey from Bogota, Colombia, to almost giving up on the American dream, to leading a firm where “a handshake seals the deal.” JC shares how Cowb...

In this episode of The Fintape, Brodrick and Eric sit down with Jud Mackrill, co-founder and CEO of Milemarker, to explore how wealth management firms can harness their data to scale smarter, serve better, and outpace the competition. With over two decades in the industry—including leadership roles at Orion and Carson—Jud shares how Milemarker helps firms unify their technology stack through a pow...

In this episode of The Fintape, Brodrick talks with Dr. Jordan Hutchison, Vice President of Technology and Operations at RFG Advisory, about how advisors can grow faster by focusing on a niche, building stronger client relationships, and using technology the right way. Jordan shares why serving a specific group helps advisors stand out and grow faster. He also explains the small habits that help f...

In this episode of The Fintape, Brodrick sits down with Kelly Gallimore, ChFC®, CES®, a former bank teller turned advisory firm co-founder and now Culture Officer at Merit Financial Advisors. Kelly’s journey is anything but linear—and that’s what makes it so valuable. From stepping away to raise a family, to re-entering the workforce, to launching a firm built on deep relationships and client trus...

In this episode of The Fintape, we get real about what it takes to grow—and why most advisory firms get stuck. Brodrick and Jamie are joined by Zach Conway and Kelsey McKenna of Seeds Investor to unpack the hard truth: clients don’t stay for performance, they stay for service. If you’re pitching portfolios like a product shelf, while claiming to deliver “personalized planning,” you’re missing the...

The world of alternative investments is opening up like never before, but with new opportunities come big questions. Should your clients invest in farmland? Crypto? Opportunity Zones? Dr. Craig Lemoine & Ailie Elmore break it down: - What a liquidity premium really means - How AI & automation are reshaping wealth management - The tax advantages of investing in Opportunity Zones - Why farml...

In this episode recorded live from Miami, Brodrick and special co-host Jamie Hopkins are joined by John Connell, Co-founder and CEO of Focal, who shares how AI agents are doing more than ever: filling forms, updating CRMs, and giving advisors back up to 15 hours a week. John says this isn’t about replacing humans. It’s about freeing advisors up to focus on what matters most—their clients. Connect...

In this episode, Brodrick and special co-host Jamie Hopkins explore what’s really holding financial advisors back—with insight from Brandon McFadden, CWS®, AIF®, MBA , Wealth Director and Vice President at Bryn Mawr Capital Management. While industry events often focus on better prospecting or marketing tactics, Brandon points to something more foundational: most advisors simply don’t ask for what...

In this episode, we take a look at how artificial intelligence is changing the day-to-day work of financial advisors with Arnulf Hsu, CEO of GReminders. From scheduling meetings to preparing for client conversations, tools like GReminders aim to simplify time-consuming tasks and help advisors stay focused on client service and business growth. But is there a downside to AI assistants? We discuss h...

Vickie Lewin has seen it all—paper files, dial-up, and now AI. With 35 years in finance, she shares how advisors can upgrade tech without getting overwhelmed. Start small, stay consistent, and focus on tools that make life easier for you and your clients. Plus, why AI is like the internet all over again—and why women absolutely belong in this business. Connect with us below! Vickie Lewin on Linked...

Regulations are shaking up financial advice, and Dale Brown isn’t holding back. As CEO of Financial Services Institute, he’s fighting to keep advice accessible for everyday Americans. In this conversation, Dale breaks down how new rules could disrupt independent advisors, why trust in finance needs rebuilding, and what the future holds for the industry. If you care about financial freedom, this on...

AI is everywhere, but are you actually ready for it? Devon Drew, Founder & CEO of AssetLink, explains what it takes for advisors and firms to leverage AI effectively.  Devon breaks down why the future of AI starts with data unification, not algorithms. He shares how most firms are nowhere near ready for true AI adoption and what that means for staying competitive. You will hear: Why AI is usel...

Join us as we chat with Johnny Sandquist as they get real about what’s working—and what’s not—in content marketing today.  From why most “thought leadership” misses the mark to the debate over AI’s role in content creation, we break down why good marketing is like an index fund (hint: consistency wins).  We also tackle building community vs. chasing followers, the rise of AI avatars, and how conte...

Storytelling shapes the way we connect with our audiences through marketing. With insights from Matt Ackermann, we explore how authentic storytelling builds community and engages viewers. Key Takeaways: - The importance of storytelling in marketing - The role of authenticity in brand connection - The evolution of content creation in the podcasting era - Techniques for effective storytelling - Bala...

On this episode, we discuss the power of community at The MarketCounsel Summit, where finance professionals connect organically and share insights. This conversation touches on the evolution of financial advice and how technology can augment human-centered approaches. Key Takeaways:  • Why The MarketCounsel Summit is unique in the finance industry • Networking as a valuable tool for growth and dev...

On this episode we’re joined by Kay Lynn Mayhue, President of Merit Financial Advisors, who shares how continuous improvement (kaizen) drives success. In just four years, Merit completed 29 M&A deals while simultaneously achieving organic growth and talent retention. Beyond finance, Merit builds a people-first culture, inspired by Southwest Airlines and Chick-fil-A, to enrich both clients and...

What goes into making a worldwide Top 100 podcast? This episode we’re joined by Michael Batnick, Managing Partner at Ritholtz Wealth Management, to break down the key elements of a successful podcast in the financial space.  Key Takeaways:  • Michael’s origin story and the evolution of his podcast • The importance of authenticity and relatability in connecting with listeners • Audience feedback an...