#59 - Building a High-Value Advisory Practice with Ken Van Leeuwen, Managing Director of Van Leeuwen & Company: Planning Fees, Team Design, and Succession (recorded 02/03/26)

In this advisor-to-advisor conversation, Jimmy Lee sits down with Ken Van Leeuwen, Managing Director of Van Leeuwen & Company, to unpack what it really takes to build a durable, high-touch wealth management practice over decades. What you'll learnKen shares how comprehensive planning became the foundation of his business, why he intentionally charges for advice, and how language, positioning, and a team-based client experience can elevate both client outcomes and practice sustainability. The episode also covers organic growth through client advocacy, mentorship, and how Ken approached succession planning after a personal wake-up call. Finally, Ken offers a practical view of where AI fits in an advisory firm: efficiency, not replacing the human relationship. Why Ken built his practice around paid planning (and why he avoids calling it “financial planning”)How EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) shaped his team structure and executionThe value of having two advisors in client meetings and how it supports continuityWhy words matter in client communicationHow Ken drives growth through client advocacy and referrals using Voice of the ClientThe real catalyst that pushed him to formalize succession planningWhere AI can help advisory firms immediately: notes, workflows, admin, and speed to service Chapters01:00 Ken’s journey into advice and why he went independent04:40 Team structure, EOS, and building a scalable practice08:40 Charging for planning and “Building Your Life Vision”14:50 Why every client gets two advisors in meetings20:00 The power of language and positioning in advice24:40 Organic growth: referrals, Pareto, and Voice of the Client33:20 Why corporate executives became the ideal client profile40:10 Succession planning and the wake-up call that changed everything45:40 Lessons Ken would tell his younger self55:20 AI in advisory firms Guest: Ken Van Leeuwen, Managing Director, Van Leeuwen & Company Host: Jimmy Lee, Chief Executive Officer & Financial Advisor, WCG Follow usLinkedIn: The Wealth Consulting GroupX (Twitter): @WealthCGYouTube: @thewealthconsultinggroup Making Life Better at The Wealth Consulting Group If you’re ready to see how WCG helps advisors grow, subscribe for insights, updates, and resources built to make your practice—and your life—better.Subscribe at bit.ly/wealthcg