The Exit After $2.5B: What Happens When You Sell Your Firm

Most advisors think the goal is to build a great firm. The best ones realize the real challenge is what happens when it’s time to step away from it. In this episode of Your NEXT, Jerome Myers sits down with Jon to explore the full arc of building, scaling, and ultimately exiting a wealth management firm that reached $2.5 billion in assets under management. Jon shares his journey from professional football to financial advisor, what drew him into the industry, and how he and his partner built a firm focused on serving athletes and entertainers. As the business grew, they shifted into an aggregator model, acquiring other advisory firms to expand their reach and capabilities. But growth is only part of the story. Jon opens up about the realities of being acquired, navigating integration, stepping away from day-to-day leadership, and redefining his role after the transaction. This is a conversation about more than strategy. It’s about transition. If you’re building a firm, considering acquisitions, or thinking about an eventual exit, this episode offers a grounded look at what the process really requires. From NFL career to financial advisor Why Jon chose to serve sports and entertainment clients Building and scaling an RIA to $2.5B in AUM Transitioning into an aggregator model through acquisitions Lessons learned from inorganic growth The acquisition process and integration challenges Letting go of day-to-day operations Redefining identity and role after the exit Advice for advisors planning their own transition What We CoverKey Moments00:00 Family stories and St. Patrick’s Day traditions03:45 Family travel and keeping kids engaged12:18 From NFL to financial advisor19:27 Building an RIA for athletes and entertainers35:00 Scaling through acquisitions45:15 The acquisition and integration process01:05:00 Life after the deal01:17:32 Advice for advisors considering an exit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices