Advisor Freedom

“I wanted high‑resolution satellite imagery to try to trade commodity markets.” (01:25)“I started drawing everything out. By hand. One page.” (05:05)“I tripled my production the first year. Then tripled it again. Then again.” (06:29)“I built confidence in my process, and then I could walk into any meeting.” (13:20)“We lose people because we come in thinking they want an 80‑page report.” (19:31)“If you combine the visual and the auditory, you’ve got 95% of learning.” (20:30)Adam Holt, the founder of AssetMap, walked into financial services by accident, turned a single hand-drawn “financial x‑ray” into a repeatable process, and built a global platform by making complex finances visual, simple, and human. We cover the moment that changed everything, why clarity beats complexity in client meetings, and how repeatable processes create confidence and growth.------------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Conner Young⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.

“My grandparents would come over on Saturdays and talk about how their investments performed.” (00:29)“I didn’t want to just look at spreadsheets—I wanted to work with people.” (03:18)“Financial planning felt like the perfect mix of numbers and people.” (03:48)“You can study all you want, but seeing real conversations accelerates everything.” (06:36)“There was no pressure to sell, just pressure to learn.” (08:32)“A lot of younger professionals have high-stakes decisions with very little margin for error.” (15:43)“If I was ever going to take the leap, it had to be before life got more complicated.” (18:09)“I’m not trying to grow fast, I’m trying to grow right.” (19:39)“I want clients to walk away feeling less stressed and more in control.” (25:20)Today’s guest is Chris Arnold, founder of Refresh Wealth, and his story starts earlier than most. Not with a job or a degree, but at the kitchen table, listening to his grandparents talk about dividends and investing on Saturdays. That early exposure shaped everything. Chris didn’t rush into production or chase quick wins. He took the long path, from paraplanner to associate advisor, sitting in client meetings from day one and learning how money decisions actually impact real people, without pressure to sell.Along the way, he worked with business owners on succession and legacy planning before shifting into the world of tech professionals, helping clients navigate equity compensation, career moves, and high-stakes financial decisions. Seeing a gap in how those clients were being served, he took the risk and launched Refresh Wealth. Today, he’s building a firm focused on clarity, intentional growth, and helping clients navigate the moments that actually matter.------------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Conner Young⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.

“We kept more than 98% of our clients through the transition.” (14:19)“I started at Hilltop… and just never left.” (0:32)“Most advisors jump around, but I built my career in one place.” (0:35)“Sitting in client meetings is where I realized I loved this career.” (4:26)“Saying ‘I don’t know’ builds more trust than guessing.” (9:34)“Mentorship and learning came before anything else.” (7:40)“I didn’t build my book through pressure, I grew into it.” (15:16)“The best clients don’t come from ads, they come from relationships.” (17:40)Today’s guest is Brittany Brinckerhoff, and her story breaks the “bounce around to succeed” narrative most advisors hear early in their careers.She didn’t chase titles or jump firms. She started as an intern and stayed til she was a partner.What followed wasn’t luck alone, but a decade of steady growth, deep mentorship, and a firm that prioritized learning before selling and relationships over quotas. From scanning notes and sitting in meetings to leading client relationships and eventually becoming a partner, Brittany built her career brick by brick inside one firm.The big takeaway? Consistency compounds. And the right environment can accelerate everything. If you think success in this industry requires constant movement, go listen to how she stayed put and still got to the top.------------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Conner Young⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.

 “Delivering good financial advice is really just table stakes.” (20:24) “I grew up around money… but I was never interested in money at all. I was interested in people.” (1:28) “They don’t teach therapists how to navigate couples arguing about money.” (5:02) “So I typed into Google: how do you help couples who are fighting about money? … Financial therapy came up… and I just followed that breadcrumb trail.” (5:31) “Advisors kept asking: my clients are very anxious, what do I say to them?” (7:20)Today’s guest proves that some of the most important roles in financial advice didn’t even exist a few years ago.Ashley Quamme, founder of Beyond the Plan, didn’t start in finance. She actually avoided it, despite growing up with a CPA as a parent. Instead, she studied psychology, sociology, and relationships, eventually becoming a marriage and family therapist working with couples for over a decade.But one theme kept showing up, money fights that weren’t really about money. They were about fear, control, history, and misalignment. And neither therapists nor financial advisors were trained to handle them.So Ashley discovered financial therapy, got certified, and carved out a new lane. Today, she works alongside advisory firms as part of the client team. Helping advisors navigate emotions, relationship dynamics, and anxiety that block great plans.It all started with one LinkedIn post and a willingness to build in public. Go listen to how she’s creating a new lane in financial advice, and why delivering good financial advice is just table stakes.------------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Conner Young⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.

“For me, like I grew up in a very different world, 80s in China, we didn’t have private bathroom making apartments.” (13:27)“I wasn’t too inspired by the financial engineering of finance, but more on the human impact of finance.” (0:59)“Money is just one aspect of happiness. Happiness is so much broader.” (02:52)“I wanted to build my life and build a business around my life—not the other way around.” (6:40)“I don’t have to get clients. They find me.” (20:48)I sat down with Prudence Zhu, founder of Enso Financial, and her journey into financial advice spans continents and careers.She grew up in central China, started her career in West Africa, then moved through private equity and corporate finance before launching her own firm. But what pulled her into this work wasn’t spreadsheets, it was people. The fear, habits, and emotions behind money.That’s why she holds three major designations: CFP, CPA, and licensed financial therapist. Not to collect credentials, but to understand how clients actually think and behave. She works with people who look “fine” on paper yet feel stuck, anxious, or worried it could all disappear—and helps them build guardrails, not just plans.She also designed her business around her life: eight weeks of vacation, time with her kids, working across time zones, and running a U.S.-based practice while living abroad.We talked about emotional money decisions, financial therapy in practice, and why the future of advice is human, not just technical.------------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Conner Young⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.

“All my money is invested in the same portfolio as my clients.” (26:56)“In order for me to invest well, I needed control over my income, and ultimately control over my time.” (3:18)“For me, it’s always been about freedom. Living off the beaten path and having flexibility.” (11:00)“A big part of the change was honestly just confidence.” (16:49)“If I can help you make more money, that’s way easier to sell than just optimizing what you already have.” (20:10)“It’s always been about flexibility, freedom, and having options in how I live my life.” (33:39)Ryan Sullivan, founder of Off the Beaten Path Financial, joined our conversation from a restored 1890s train caboose in the mountains of Montana. A reflection of the life he intentionally built.Ryan started as a mechanical engineer with a stable career, but saw a future of burnout and limited freedom. That realization sent him searching. Through trading, entrepreneurship, and even considering buying a $4 million lumber mill at 24. Chasing the same thing the entire time, freedom. He eventually landed in financial planning and launched an RIA from scratch while still working full time. The early days were slow and uncertain until he made a key shift: offering short-term, high-impact engagements with clear value and premium pricing. Clients responded, and growth followed. Ryan then combined financial planning with business planning by helping clients increase income, not just optimize what they had. That became his edge.Today, he runs a lean solo firm with strong recurring revenue, intentional growth, and full lifestyle control. Living off the beaten path, literally and professionally.We cover his unconventional journey, the shift that unlocked growth, and why doing things differently was the point all along. ------------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Conner Young⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.

“People start their own RIA not because they want to be a firm owner, but because they want to work with clients using a model they feel good about.” (20:13)“Even with zero clients, zero experience, and zero safety net, I decided to figure it out anyway.” (03:22)“Starting my own firm wasn’t about ego. It was about skipping the middleman and serving clients better.” (03:52)“I spent way too much time trying to perfect processes before even having clients. Everything changes when you actually start serving people.” (10:29)“Selling my firm to the employees? I wanted the people who helped build it to actually own it and run it.” (18:15)“I want advisors to focus on serving clients, not on all the other stuff that comes with running a business.” (24:01)“The goal of Advice Only? Give advisors freedom to plan, without the unnecessary grind of running a business.” (24:31)I sat down with Stephen Fox, and talked through what his story looked like building his own firm. His path wasn’t traditional, eight years in the Marines, then college, then financial planning. No handoffs or shortcuts, just a decision to figure it out.While most advisors were waiting on succession plans that never materialized, Stephen skipped the line entirely. He started his own firm with zero clients, zero experience, and zero safety net. It wasn’t glamorous. Revenue was slow, the model kept evolving, and most of the lessons came the hard way. But through all of it, there was a clear throughline: serve younger clients that others ignored, charge transparently, and focus on real financial planning, no products, no games.Over time, that approach worked and he was able to build something sustainable. He then made a decision most founders never do, he sold the firm to his employees. Not because he had to, but because it fit the way he thought about ownership, incentives, and the future of the business.Now, he’s building something new, Advice Only. A platform designed for advisors who want to do one thing well, planning. No product sales, investment management or accidental business ownership. Just advice, with the infrastructure handled so advisors can focus on clients while keeping 100% of their revenue.What stood out most wasn’t just the path he took, it was the perspective he had. Stephen doesn’t romanticize the grind. He questions why it exists in the first place and he’s actively building an alternative.If you’re thinking about independence, rethinking your model, or wondering if there’s a cleaner way to do this work, listen to how Steven did it.------------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Conner Young⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.

“I moved to Los Angeles in 2009 as a teenager, right in the Great Recession. No guarantees. No stability. Just uncertainty.” (1:01)“That pressure pushed me into personal finance—not as a product, but as survival, as security.” (1:30)“Mistakes will negatively affect you in the moment, but they’re the learning opportunities you’ll never forget.” (7:48)“I don’t want to be on my deathbed and say I never tried. I’d rather try and bail than never try at all.” (11:16)“Noor traces back to my Armenian roots: a pomegranate. Individual seeds coming together to form something whole—just like a financial plan.” (14:35)“Human connection over algorithms. Coaching over stock picking. Trust over transactions.” (22:45)“Most clients care more about how much money you save them than how much money you make them.” (26:09)“At the end of the day, clients just want someone to help them get to the destination they have in mind.” (28:04)I sat down with Patrick Yaghoobians, founder of Noor Financial Services, and the conversation was a blueprint for building a next-gen advisory firm.Patrick’s start wasn’t easy. He moved to Los Angeles in 2009 as a teenager, right in the Great Recession. His parents were immigrants and life was uncertain. That pressure pushed him into personal finance, not as a product, but as survival and security.He spent years inside global firms, tiny RIAs, and mid-sized shops. Seven years of watching things behind the scenes gave him clarity. In August 2025, he walked away with no clients or safety net and launched Noor Financial Services at the start of 2026.Why Noor? It traces back to his Armenian roots: a pomegranate. Individual seeds forming something whole. Just like a financial plan.Patrick’s edge? Human connection over algorithms. Coaching over stock picking. Trust over transactions. No cold calls, no pretending. Just real conversations, real guidance, and real empathy when money gets emotional.This episode is for anyone building from scratch, breaking the mold, or rethinking what financial advice can actually be.------------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Conner Young⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.

"I was a homeschool kid — an awkward homeschool kid. Chick-fil-A was basically where I learned how to talk to people." (00:32)"I didn’t have a big network to lean on… so I just went out and knocked on doors." (02:55)"Some of my absolute best clients today came from knocking on doors." (03:30)“We don’t really need a physical office to do this long term. So that’s kind of where I got the idea of let’s make this more virtual and try to take advantage of that by traveling more with our kids.” (6:10)"We sold the house, bought a 46-foot fifth wheel, and started traveling full-time.” (07:58)"Investments are a matter of opinion. Taxes are a matter of fact." (14:45)"If you can help people save money on taxes and give them clarity, trust builds really fast." (15:30)"You can learn by doing, but you can’t ever do by learning." (29:40)"Tax advice doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it’s just: put money in a traditional IRA instead of a Roth this year." (30:35)I talked to Hamilton Brandenburg, founder of Brandenburg Financial. His path into financial advice is anything but typical.He started at Chick-fil-A, learning how to talk to people, then moved to GM Financial calling on car dealerships. Success came fast, but Hamilton realized he wanted stability for his family, and a career helping people make sense of money, without climbing the corporate ladder forever.So he joined Edward Jones with almost no network and no shortcuts. Six days a week, rejection after rejection, he knocked on doors. And still today, some of his best clients today came from those early efforts. Then COVID hit. Door knocking stopped, meetings went virtual, and Hamilton asked a new question: Do advisors even need an office?He tested it. His family sold their house, bought a 46-foot RV, and traveled the country while he ran his practice.Today, he runs his own independent, fully remote firm focused on retirees and tax planning. No flashy promises, just clarity and relationships.If you’re thinking what this career can look like, listen to Hamilton’s story.------------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Conner Young⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.

"I printed a massive advisor tech map, taped it to the wall, and decided I was going to figure it all out." (04:50)“Fire half your tech stack. You're not using it anyway. Save all the money, save all the time, spend half your day actually marketing and prospecting and the other half like working with your current clients. And you can have a lot freer life basically.” (06:25)"Content wins. Personality wins. Trust compounds over time if you consistently show up." (12:40)"Most advisors are buried in busy work and tools they don’t even use. Simplify, focus, and build something real." (09:15)"AI can help, but only after you learn how to think for yourself. Don’t outsource your brain." (15:10)I sat down with Joe Moss, founder of Advisor Tech, and the conversation was a masterclass in building a modern advisory firm. His path wasn’t traditional. He started in 2008–2009, lost money trading, bounced through real estate, and eventually fell deep into the personal finance world. That curiosity led him inside an RIA, where he saw firsthand how bloated most advisory tech stacks really are.Too many tools. Too much busy work. Not enough focus. So Joe printed a massive advisor tech map, taped it to the wall, and decided to figure it out. Today, he’s written the Advisor Tech Book and helps advisors simplify, streamline, and build firms that actually give them freedom.His message is simple. Fire half your tech, focus on what matters, market consistently, serve clients well, and don’t outsource your thinking to AI.If you’re building a modern advisory firm and want more clarity and less chaos, this episode is worth your time.------------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Conner Young⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.

“I met him the night I won that award in high school… seven years later we ended up starting Opulous.” (02:27)“We didn’t want to push products. We wanted to give advice.” (7:10)“It wasn’t one viral post. It was just showing up every day.” (14:50)“We stopped trying to sound smart and just started trying to be clear.” (15:10)“What we've learned is it is relatively predictable. What we put in, we get out at least.” (16:01)“We actually have an entire Notion system where we track and score every post that we create so we can constantly be learning.” (17:56)I sat down with ⁠Fran Walsh⁠, co-founder of Opulous and the story starts long before the firm did.It all started on a football field. Fran met his future business partner the night he won Pennsylvania Player of the Year in high school, an award his partner had won years earlier. A phone call turned into an internship. The internship turned into a career. Eventually, into their own firm.The road wasn’t clean. Long commutes. Slow building. Grinding inside the insurance and broker-dealer world. Learning what they didn’t want to be.In 2019, they built Opulous. No commissions, no product pushing. Just planning and asset management. Growth didn’t come fast. Podcasts and daily Instagram posts went nowhere.Then they started writing every day. Twitter turned into Substack. Substack turned into consistent inbound. Now they generate 3–4 new leads per week, without paid ads. Their business now compounds daily because they built up their own brand and serious writing. If you’re serious about building something different, this conversation will resonate.------------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Conner Young⁠⁠⁠⁠, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.

“I had 175 wealth management clients and couldn’t get a CPA to email me back. That’s when I knew something was broken.” (01:58)“My clients didn’t need to pay $2,000 for a tax return, but I also wasn’t sending them to H&R Block. There was no middle ground.” (03:20)“We intentionally avoid half the tax code so we can serve the right clients really, really well.” (10:40)“Most firms grow too fast and it kills them. We’re very conscious about slowing ourselves down.” (18:45)“We don’t want to be the biggest firm. We want control over our schedules and our lives.” (19:20)Logan and Claire didn’t build Vivify by following the traditional CPA playbook. No offices, no mass-market clients, no legacy systems. They started in 2023 with a simple observation: advisors couldn’t get CPAs to respond, and families with investments were stuck between overpriced firms and tax mills.So they built a remote-first, woman-led tax firm designed specifically for W-2 earners and families with investments. They intentionally cut out complexity, focused on communication, and built processes that actually scale without breaking trust.In this episode, Logan and Claire share why saying no is their growth strategy, how clear client gates protect quality, what intentional scaling really looks like, and why most tax firms fail when they grow too fast.If you care about building a modern professional services firm without burning out or diluting the experience, this one is worth your time.------------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by ⁠⁠⁠Conner Young⁠⁠⁠, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.

“They’re not better than me. They’re not smarter than me. What do they have that I don’t? It really was just confidence and some courage." (02:22 – 02:32)“I literally spent all of high school and college being told I was smart… but no one could tell me what to do.” (03:05)“For every three nerdy posts about points, I’ll post something about my family or life. I just try to be a human.” (25:30)“I never quit. I stayed human. Two and a half to three years of that will get you somewhere.” (27:00)“I think there’s a million-dollar business in here. I’m not close yet, but I can see it.” (28:30)Colin Stroud had no clear plan through college, got married early, became a dad before a real income, and started in a job he didn’t love. Then he noticed something simple, confident people were building real businesses online.So he picked one obsession he genuinely enjoyed, points, miles, and travel, and started sharing what he was learning. Fifteen months later, he quit his job. Now, he was running Go Somewhere full time, helping business owners turn everyday spending into meaningful travel.In this episode, Colin breaks down how he found his niche, why being human online still wins, how business owners leave massive value on the table, and what it actually takes to build a sustainable, trust-based business without hype or gimmicks.If you’re building something without a perfect roadmap, this one will hit home.------------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by ⁠⁠Conner Young⁠⁠, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.

“The biggest issue people run into in life is they just don’t take action.” (05:58)“If I’m going to take a big risk and build something, this was the time to do it.” (04:04)“The biggest cost you’re going to have as an entrepreneur is your own sanity.” (14:11 – 14:41)“I sold my house to fund the business. That was part of the game plan.” (06:26)“People think starting an RIA costs way more than it actually does.” (11:18)“Most advisors build on referrals. You have to turn your firm into a marketing engine.” (31:02)“Media is a trust game. Someone has to see you 50 to 100 times before they believe you.” (22:40)“If you’re willing to be a little insane for five to ten years, then you should be an entrepreneur.” (16:08)“Why can’t I manage billions one day? If he did it, why can’t I?" (29:08)I sat down with Luke Lloyd, founder and CEO of Lloyd Financial Group.He grew up in a blue-collar town in Ohio where most people stayed local and played it safe. Luke didn’t.At 16, he was flipping items on eBay.At 17, he was drop shipping.At 22, he walked straight out of college and into the finance world.Six years later, he took the leap most people never do and started his own firm. What separated Luke is how he built trust at scale. He showed up everywhere. TV, financial media, socials, and conversations. Consistent opinions and visibility over time.That exposure compounds into credibility. And credibility compounds into growth.We talked about what it actually costs to start an RIA, why most people never take action, how media builds trust long before a sales call, and the mental toll of entrepreneurship no one warns you about.If you’re building a firm, a brand, or betting on yourself, this episode is worth your time.------------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by ⁠Conner Young⁠, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.

“Launching a firm in January? No clients. No income. That was scary. But I knew I’d regret not trying.”“I didn’t want to take a single client with me when I left. It was a clean break, a true reset.” (03:35)“I passed all three CFA exams while dealing with back pain and lockdowns. I needed to prove I could still do hard things.” (06:58)“The traditional model didn’t make sense anymore. It felt broken, too much focus on AUM, not enough on actual planning.” (13:42)“I’m not trying to build a billion-dollar firm. I’m trying to surf in the morning, help great clients, and be home for dinner.” (24:10)“What always helps me sort out the mess in my head is literally taking a big blank piece of paper and mapping it all out.” (31:20)“AI doesn’t write my content. It organizes my thoughts. The voice? That’s me.” (33:47)“People want human connection. You can’t fake that with ChatGPT.” (34:10)Dan Costigan is so awesome and such an amazing planner who has his CFA and his CFP.I sat down with Dan, founder of Two Palms Financial, to hear how he went from psychology major to a boutique firm owner serving business owners with real financial planning.No team. No clients. Just strategy, grit, and a vision for something better.>Tired of the industry norm: too many clients, too little depth.> Focused on what matters: freedom, service, balance.>Building brand with authentic content on LinkedIn and YouTube.His approach? Serve fewer people better.No mutual funds. No corporate script. Just thoughtful planning and real relationships.If you’re an advisor, founder, or just want to hear how someone is building their dream business and life, this episode is for you.------------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by Conner Young, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.

"Everyone is just dumping everything into ChatGPT and these AI platforms and it all turns into this AI slop." (09:11)"If you try to be perfect on social media you will never post. The messy stuff is what actually works." (10:32)"I realized pretty quickly that people did not want another assets under management pitch. They wanted real planning they could understand." (12:04)"I am not trying to build some giant empire. I am trying to build a life that I actually enjoy." (14:31)"I got my first Apple client because they liked a tax visual I posted on LinkedIn." (18:47)"I could run this firm with about seventy clients and never need another advisor if I manage my time correctly." (27:24)I talked to Max Pashman, the founder of Pashman Financial.He didn’t come up through the traditional rainmaker path.No wirehouse grind. No legacy book of business handed to him.Instead, he started in the background. At Northwestern Mutual. Supporting other advisors. Learning how the whole machine worked.That back-end training gave him something most advisors miss: a clear understanding of what actually drives financial planning outcomes.When he finally stepped into a client-facing role, he already knew where most advisors go wrong. And he didn’t want to copy it.So he built something different.A lean, solo firm that’s designed for margin, autonomy, and creative expression. One where content drives client growth. Today, Max serves tech professionals, business owners, and equity-comped execs from his Los Angeles-based practice.He’s built his growth engine through LinkedIn content, an intentional client capacity model, and flat-fee planning that doesn’t rely on AUM.If you’re a solo advisor or firm builder looking to create something durable, client-centric, and fully yours, this is a playbook worth studying.------------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by Conner Young, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.

“I’m a helper by nature, but I also have a strategic brain. Advising was where those two things finally came together.” (1:10)“The biggest question I asked myself was: where would I want my own parents to be served?” (5:45)“There are two customers in this business, the client and the advisor. If your tech doesn’t feel like magic for both, you’re missing it.” (8:40)“The right technology today can save a family over a million dollars in retirement, just by running the right scenarios.” (18:10)“A lot of advisors want independence. The biggest thing holding them back is simply not knowing how to make the jump.” (25:30)I sat down with Noah Behrman, founder of Providence Capital, to talk about what it actually looks like to build a tech forward RIA from scratch and why so many advisors are leaving large firms to go independent.Noah shared how his career started inside a traditional firm and how over time he realized the system was not designed around what was best for clients. It was designed around what was easiest for the institution.That realization pushed him to start Providence Capital.We talked about how modern advisors are using technology like RightCapital, Altruist, Schwab, and portfolio management platforms to deliver better planning, better reporting, and better outcomes without needing massive back offices.Noah gave real examples of how better planning tools can save clients hundreds of thousands or even millions over a lifetime.We also talked about where the industry is heading.Smaller, tech enabled advisory firms that give advisors freedom and clients better service.Multi advisor offices that share systems and staff.And a future where advisors are no longer trapped by clunky platforms or outdated models.If you are an advisor thinking about independence, or a client wondering if there is a better way to be served, this conversation was a reminder that the future of wealth management is already being built.------------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by ⁠Conner Young⁠, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.

"I was making 300 calls a day. The guy next to me was bragging about selling Home Depot. I was just trying to set an appointment."(13:05)"They launched a fund based on my strategy… but didn’t make me the manager. That’s when I knew it was time to go."(20:00)"Mutual funds are the worst thing ever created. They're tax-inefficient and full of hidden costs."(27:30)"You could buy a mutual fund today and owe taxes on gains you never made."(28:40)"If a bear market's coming, we don't sit and hope. We reposition."(36:05)"IUL is the biggest scam in financial services. It’s sold as a better Roth IRA — it’s not."(38:15)Mike Bellody’s career is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and results.He started at 22, cold-calling 300 homeowners a day with zero financial backing. Today, he's the founder and CEO of Imperia Wealth, managing portfolios with a tactical, research-driven edge. His journey spans Prudential, Merrill, Fisher Investments, and finally, building his own firm from scratch after walking away from the industry in 2016.In this episode, we break down how Mike hit production numbers on the brink of being fired, how he built an entire quant strategy that was later turned into a mutual fund without him, and why he’s 100% done with mutual funds forever. We also unpack how he's driving $30 to $50 million in new AUM through SmartAsset leads, seminar marketing, and his endowment-style investment approach.If you’re an advisor thinking about building your own firm or a client curious about what real portfolio management looks like, Mike’s story is unmissable.------------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by Conner Young, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.

“If you try it and fail, that’s fine. But not trying it is way worse.”Clark Jeffries started his own RIA at 27 years old (love others doing this)Just vision, courage, and a bet on himself.He had a front-row seat to the entire advisory ecosystem during his time at Hidden Levers, the FinTech that ended up selling for nine figures without ever raising a dime. Clark watched from inside as the company scaled and eventually got acquired by Orion.He realized the RIA business model is incredibly lucrative, high-margin, and recurring. You just need to build it.So he built an RIA from scratch.1. Launching a firm without outside capital.2. Pivoting into a hybrid subscription model3. Using LinkedIn DMs and real-life connections to find clientsYou don’t need permission to build a firm of your own.You just need a plan. And the guts to press go.If you are building a firm for complete independence and freedom, this one is a must-listen.------------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by Conner Young, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.

“Don't waste your time on people intentionally ignoring you."We had the absolute privilege speaking with Brad Johnson with Triad Partners. Brad started in the insurance brokerage world in 2007, cold calling nonstop. But he quickly realized that selling product was a commodity. The real opportunity was helping advisors become better business owners.He and his friend Sean became coaches. They taught advisors how to market, attract prospects, and convert them into lifelong clients. That mindset became the foundation of Triad.What they found along the way was even more important, success can become a trap. Many advisors had growing firms but broken operations. They were burned out, overwhelmed, and missing life at home.So Brad flipped the model. Triad was built to serve the top 1% of advisors who want more freedom, not just more clients.Inside Triad’s Playbook:Top Talent Only: Triad only works with “A Players”: both inside the firm and in the advisor community they’ve built.Unconventional Partnerships: They bring in world-class operators and thinkers from outside finance, like a former CrossFit Games champion and productivity expert Michael Hyatt.Lifelong Learning: Every member must be coachable and willing to adapt.Do Business, Do Life: They only work with people they’d break bread with, even without business on the table.Triad’s results speak for themselves:Nearly $2B in annual annuity distribution85+ member firms across the countryOver $1.25B in RIA assetsOnly five years inNow they’re focused on solving more complex problems, blending tax, estate, and investment planning into one seamless client experience. They’re building more like a tech company than a traditional firm.If you’re a financial advisor trying to scale without burnout, Brad’s journey is worth studying.You can learn more at bradleyjohnson.com or check out the “Do Business Do Life” podcast.------------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by Conner Young, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.

Mendim Gecaj didn’t grow up around wealth. Quite the opposite.His parents immigrated from Kosovo with very little, and his father arrived in the U.S. with a negative net worth. Mendim saw early on just how hard money was to earn and how even harder it could be to manage. Those experiences shaped his view of financial planning not as a career, but as a calling.Today, he built a practice managing over $550M as a Senior Wealth Advisor at Mercer Advisors, helping entrepreneurs, business owners, and executives make confident financial decisions. He works with high net worth and ultra high net worth clients, but never lost touch with where he came from.What drives him is simple: clarity, confidence, and real conversations.He talks often about how wealth doesn’t prevent poor decisions. It actually makes them more expensive. The advisor’s job, in his view, isn’t just about numbers. It’s about showing up, being fully present, listening deeply, and making sure the client’s vision is always at the center of the process.He uses a flight analogy to explain his role. The client chooses the destination. The advisor helps fly the plane. And the roadmap is surprisingly practical.Mendim’s team now manages over $550 million in client assets.Listen to how he got there:1. He found a nicheAt first, he tried to be everything to everyone. Now, he focuses on the people he understands best: small business owners, founders, and highly compensated professionals.2. He stayed authenticHe used to think he needed to mirror other successful advisors. But real traction came when he started leaning into who he is.3. He redefined trustHe thought trust came from technical expertise. But over time, he saw it’s built through empathy, presence, and being there when it matters most.4. He didn’t chase referralsHe earned them by doing excellent work, guiding clients through tough moments, and helping them make clear, confident decisions.Mendim is just getting started. He’s committed to mentoring younger advisors and helping them build the kind of career that’s driven by service, not ego.If you care about building deep trust, scaling with integrity, and creating a firm that puts people first, Mendim’s story is worth studying.------------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by Conner Young, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.

“I left a corporate accounting career, five months before my first child was born… with no clients, no salary, and no backup plan. Just belief that I was meant to be a financial advisor.”I talked to Ed Wildermuth, co-founder of Mosaic Wealth Advisors.His start as a financial advisor is much more different than almost everyone, taking a huge leap of faith right before having his first kid.From our convo, I immediately could tell he was meant to be a financial advisor.He moved to Nashville, started from zero, and built a planning business from scratch.Then he did it again in Indianapolis.Mid-pandemic. No connections. Just conviction and spreadsheets.Now he runs Mosaic, one of the most intentional planning firms I’ve seen. Focused on tax, benefits, and building something that lasts 30+ years.We covered:>How a CPA background shaped his approach to planning>Why he left corporate life just before becoming a dad>The pain and power of starting over in a new city>Why Mosaic is built for advisors who want depth, not distraction>What it looks like to merge practices without losing your soulIf you’ve ever thought about going independent, merging firms, or starting from scratch, this is one to study.

“I just felt like the long-term impact of financial planning outweighed the short-term impact I had as a nurse.”That line stuck with me.Because when you hear someone say it out loud, you realize how rare it is for people to change careers based on impact.I sat down with Shane Galante, Partner at CSG Financial.But not long ago, he was wearing scrubs.Shane worked as a nurse through the worst of COVID. Shift after shift in Delaware ERs, helping people in the most vulnerable moments of their lives.But deep down, he’d always been drawn to finance but had no MBA or a resume built for wealth management.Just a Friday in scrubs… followed by a Monday in a tie.And within three years, he helped launch a fee-only firm serving medical professionals, retirees, and business owners.Because he’d lived it. He knew how to talk to doctors. He knew the stress, the hours, the sacrifices.That understanding turned into trust.Trust turned into clients.And clients turned into a fast-growing RIA built on values that Shane actually believes in.Career transitions aren’t a weakness. They’re your edge.Fee-only is still a superpower when done right.The right partners make the leap feel less risky.And clarity of purpose wins in a sea of commissions and confusion.If you’re in the early innings of your firm or thinking about a switch, this conversation is a masterclass.Especially if you're trying to serve people like you.We got into:>Why Shane left healthcare and how he pivoted to planning>What worked (and didn’t) at his first large firm>The pain points of broker-dealer environments>Building a business around medical clients and retirees>Their tech stack, AUM goals, and growth plan for the next 5 years>How three partners divide responsibilities while still being dadsOne of my favorite episodes we’ve done.Shane’s story is proof that your background doesn’t need to match your bio.------------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by Conner Young, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.

“I saw a Doug Boneparth post on Twitter and he was looking to hire his first associate. I had no idea what I was getting into.”I talked to Cliff Cornell, Associate Advisor at Boneparth Wealth.He didn’t land his job through a recruiter or a formal application.He got it from a tweet.He saw Doug Boneparth post on Twitter that he was hiring his first associate. Cliff had just finished college, took a leap, and sent over his resume.4 interviews/calls later and he was hired at the fastest growing RIA firm for Millennials and Gen Z.Now Cliff works alongside one of the most recognizable advisors in the country. Helping Gen Z and Millennial clients navigate student loans, first homes, and stock options. All while building a personal brand that’s funny, relatable, and real.His journey proves one thing: you don’t need a 20-year plan to make it in wealth management. You just need initiative and authenticity.We covered:>How Cliff landed his dream job from a single tweet>Why Gen Z is redefining what “financial success” looks like>The power of being real online (and how it attracts clients)>What he’s learned from working alongside Doug Boneparth>The future of planning for younger generationsIf you’re early in your career and wondering where to start, Cliff’s story is proof that unconventional paths can lead to incredible opportunities.------------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by Conner Young, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.

“If you ask most women who inherited or earned their wealth, their biggest fear isn’t losing money, it’s being misunderstood.”Susan Jones didn’t come from wealth management.She came from tax law & estate planning.Years of helping clients build charitable vehicles, pass on their wealth, and navigate the IRS.But what she noticed over time was simple:People didn’t just need technical planning.They needed coaching.They needed clarity.And they needed someone who could explain things like a human.So she left the big firm.Teamed up with two other women.And launched Sorelle Wealth Partners, a firm built to serve high-net-worth families with deep planning, values-based conversations, and zero condescension.They work with couples, widows, business owners, and multi-gen families.But what makes them different is how they start every conversation:Not with a balance sheet.But with a question about values, goals, and legacy.Here’s what we covered in this episode:>How Susan transitioned from law to wealth advising>The tools they use to connect values and investment choices (like Orion’s B520)>Why most firms overcomplicate charitable planning — and how to simplify it>The difference between private foundations and donor-advised funds (and why most clients should use both)>How to structure giving plans that actually get used>What women want from their advisors — and how most firms still miss it>How Zoom has unlocked access to quality planning for clients across the country>Why growing slowly, intentionally, and with “enough” in mind is their guiding principleIf you’re building a modern firm, or helping clients navigate transitions, this one is packed.Here’s Susan Jones of Sorelle Wealth Partners.Lawyer. Advisor. Founder.And someone who’s rewriting the script on what good advice should feel like.------------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by Conner Young, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.

Today's Guest: Jonathan MitchellSenior Wealth Advisor, Mercer AdvisorsWhat we covered• Jonathan’s journey from construction work at 12 years old… to being top 10 in revenue at Mercer• The power of direct candor in financial advising• How his referral engine works (and why he tracks every ask)• Why “being polite” is not kindness in this profession• How he landed a $14M single referral from one existing client• Why advisors must meet clients where they are (in-office, in-home, Zoom, whatever works)• How Mercer wins business from Schwab + Fidelity referrals (and what types of cases they send)• Advanced planning example: saving a business seller ~$1M in taxes using overlay + long/short strategies• The next 5–10 years for Jonathan and why he is choosing to stay inside the ecosystem he loves------------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by Conner Young, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.

“Because as a woman, I know you have had to work way harder than a man to get where you are in this business, in finance. And it helped me sell our firm.”If you're a woman in financial advising, you have to listen to this story.I talked to Megan Miller and Elise Foster.Mother & daughter / Business partners.And two of the most client-focused advisors I’ve met.But this wasn’t the plan.Elise never wanted Megan to join the firm.Finance is tough. Especially for women.And she didn’t want her daughter to go through it. But Megan showed up anyway.Started at the bottom. And had several roles before buying into the firm.Together, they’ve built a firm that puts people first.The early days when “financial planning” wasn’t even a phrase.The chaos of growth.The headaches of compliance.And the tough calls that come with running a firm.So they made a bold decision: They sold.Not because they were tired. But because they wanted to focus on their clients and not compliance or admin.The result?50% less paperwork.And 10x more energy for what matters. We covered:>What it’s really like to run a family firm>Why integrity, not AUM, is how you scale>How aligned acquisitions create real freedom>The next chapter for women in wealth>And how to build a business that gives your life back------------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by Conner Young, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.

"I was the only advisor now at a firm with $300M in assets..." 😳 What do you do when your boss gets suspended by the SEC and you just started financial advising?I talked to Adam Harding, founder of Harding Wealth, who got his start in the financial advising industry from a Craigslist ad.It was 2008. Phoenix housing market was collapsing. And Adam was making twelve bucks an hour shredding documents. Two years in, the SEC walks through the door. They find violations tied to the firm’s owner—things Adam had nothing to do with but the owner got barred from the industry.And just like that, Adam at 27 years old, $3,000 in the bank, was the only registered advisor left at a $300M firm. He got thrown into the deep end immediately. Fast forward to 2016. Adam launches Harding Wealth. No suits. No salesy nonsense. Just real conversations with real people. Now he runs a thriving RIA built on transparency, coaching, and walking clients through the actual process, not just the polished outcome. We covered:> How a $0 internship led to running a $300M book> Why authentic conversations attract real clients> The content strategy that took off by accident> His secret to scaling without losing himself> What the industry gets wrong about “being professional” If you’re building a firm or trying to grow your brand, Adam’s story is proof that you don’t need a suit, a script, or a perfect background. You just need guts, clarity, and a way to connect.------------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by Conner Young, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.

“I told them I was leaving P&G to become a financial advisor. They looked at me sideways.”Brad Morgan had the job most people dream about.Engineer at Procter & Gamble.Six years in.Great salary. Total stability.But he couldn’t shake the feeling: This isn’t it.So he walked away.No CFP.No financial background.Just a hunch that planning was where he was supposed to be.That bet paid off. Brad built his book from scratch & leaned on his old P&G network.Wrote white papers.Ran Facebook ads before advisors even knew what they were.Turned cold leads into clients by outworking everyone.Today, he’s with Savvy Wealth, a tech-forward firm built for the modern advisor.Brad’s not just building a practice.He’s building a brand with leverage.A system with scale.A model that feels nothing like the old way.We covered:>Why Brad walked away from engineering>The scrappy tactics that brought in his first clients>How Facebook ads snowballed into real momentum>Why patience is an underrated edge>The tech stack at Savvy that’s changing everythingIf you’ve ever thought about starting over…Brad’s story is a playbook on trusting your gut, staying patient, and building smarter.----------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by Conner Young, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.

“Over 80% of my revenue comes from LinkedIn.”That’s what Mondo told me.He meets most of these clients virtually. But this wasn’t always the plan.Mondo Salavanti didn’t come from finance.He was a football guy.Med school was the dream.One phone call with his dad’s financial advisor changed the direction of everything.He got licensed.Started cold calling.Studied for his CFP at night.Built his book from zero.No connections.No leads.Just grit.And then he did something most advisors ignore:He started posting.LinkedIn became his engine.Today, Mondo runs Freedom Path Wealth.A growing firm with a clear vision.A business built on relationships that started in DMs.If you’re still relying on referrals and coffee meetings…This episode will show you what’s possible when you trade tradition for leverage.And go all-in on the audience that’s already watching.------------------------------------------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by Conner Young, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.You can find Mando:-LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallavanti/Learn more about how to start and grow your practice: ⁠www.getadvisorfreedom.com

“When I moved to Knoxville 10 years ago, I literally knew nobody.”That’s how it started.Skee Orr didn’t just move cities.He left behind his network, his job, and his comfort zone.No clients. No warm leads.Just a CFP designation and a golf scramble invite.He said yes.That one yes turned into Rotary Club.Rotary turned into volunteer work.Then community boards. Then lunch invites. Then real relationships.By the time most people noticed, he had built a network of hundreds.But the real story started way before that.High school.One new business teacher.One spark for economics.That spark carried him through college.To a credit union job.To earning his CFP.And eventually to launching Kinetic Wealth in 2023 with his wife by his side.She runs client experience.He runs planning.Together they’re building something different—A firm built around personalization, tax integration, and long-term impact.They don’t measure success by AUM.They measure it by outcomes.In this episode, we covered:> How Skee built his client base from scratch in a city where he knew no one> Why saying “yes” early gave him the right to say “no” later> How his wife’s background as a nurse shaped the firm’s entire client experience> The decision to leave a big firm and bet on their own vision >Where Kinetic is headed over the next 10+ yearsIf you’re building a practice with zero leads, no list, and no brand.Skee’s story is proof that community-first growth still works.And that one yes can change everything.----------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by ⁠Conner Young⁠, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.

What do you do if you're a CFP who gets fired?That's what happened to Colton Etherton.Former advisor. Now the founder of Slices Design.He built a financial planning firm from scratch.Then burned it all down.And pivoted into web design for advisors.No roadmap. No safety net. Just a sharp left turn.And it worked.Today, Colton’s brand stands out as the best in the industry.His designs get shared at conferences.His sites drive real business.And he did it by leaning into what made him different.We covered:• How getting fired pushed him to launch his own firm• Why he went all-in on tattoo artists as a niche• What one simple site turned into 22 consultations in weeks• The accidental pivot that became Slices Design• How moving his family to the Netherlands reshaped everything----------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by ⁠Conner Young⁠, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.

Should you marry your business partner?That's what Dave & Lauren Fischer did.Their love story turned business partners is almost as good as a certain Avril Lavigne song from the early 2000s. Dave started in tech. Lauren started in hedge funds. Neither thought financial advising was in their future.But after late-night talks, big career shifts, and a lot of “are you sure about this?” from friends… They teamed up. And turned skepticism into strength.Now they’re building a practice rooted in care and competence. Helping retirees navigate life’s biggest transitions. Helping business owners through exits, taxes, and strategy. And doing it as true partners, at work and at home.We covered: • How they went from tech and hedge funds into advising • The unique challenges (and wins) of building a business as spouses • Their focus on care as the ultimate growth strategy • Creative marketing that makes financial planning fun • Why trust, not tactics, drives referralsYou can find Dave & Lauren:-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dfischer21/-LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/fischerlauren/----------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by ⁠Conner Young⁠, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.

Every advisor has to start somewhere, but what do you do when you move to a new city and have no personal market?That's what happened with Collin Osbahr from Beck Capital Management.He started his career straight out of college, building a financial practice from scratch.No safety net.No big book of clients.Just pure hustle.And he made it work.Today, he works with a mix of high-net-worth clients and younger high-income professionals.We covered:• How to grow a book of business from zero• Why deep investment management beats “set it and forget it”• Reducing fees and taxes without sacrificing returns• The value of active sector rotation and stock selection• How to attract younger, high-earning clients online-------------------------------------------------------------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by Conner Young, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.You can find Colin:-LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/collin-osbahr-bb643b10a/Learn more about how to start and grow your practice: ⁠www.getadvisorfreedom.com

I talked to Chris Haigh, co-founder of Iconoclastic Capital. He started at Northwestern Mutual fresh out of college. Selling life insurance to anyone who would take a meeting.No safety net. No rich uncle. Just a mechanic’s son grinding his way through a broken system.He hit the top 10 producers in the country. Then spent years stuck in the captive model. Hidden fees. Moving goalposts. Compliance headaches.Until he walked away.In 2020, he left NWM and launched his own RIA. Forty clients followed. Now? Over $60M in AUM.All organic. No cold calls. No begging for referrals.The secret? Treat every client like they work with you, not the logo on the door. Build trust. Deliver custom advice. Charge for real planning.We covered: • How to survive and escape the captive insurance world • The strategy Chris used to bring his best clients with him • Lessons from starting an RIA mid-pandemic • Why custom planning beats one-size-fits-all • Growing an advisory firm 100% organically---------------------------------------------------------------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by Conner Young, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.You can find Chris:-Twitter/X: https://x.com/iconocapital-LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/haighchristopher/Learn more about how to start and grow your practice: ⁠www.getadvisorfreedom.com

I talked to Patrick Shaw, co-founder of Fortitude Financial Partners. Unlike most financial advisors, he didn’t come from money. Not even close. He grew up with a scarcity mindset and finding meals atchurches & food banks. He was the first in his family to go to college. And what did he study? "Basketball and teaching."But during his junior year, something clicked. He got a job writing grants for nonprofits. It sparked an obsession with finance. Fast forward to 2006. Fresh out of college. No network. No “natural market.” But started a career in financial advising anyway.Just fishbowls in restaurants, free lunches, and a lot of "no’s".Some of those first clients are still with him 20 years later. Today, Patrick runs a fast-growing firm built on one mission: Take care of clients. Take care of people. The secret sauce? A hands-on team model. Deep tax expertise. And an obsession with developing advisors the right way.Great examples and stories for early career advisors:• How to start in finance with zero connections• Building a firm culture that people want to stay in• Why tax planning might be the most overlooked growth lever in advising• Growing without sacrificing service• The vision for a multi-generation advisory practiceIf you care about building a sustainable advisory career, this one is a must-listen.---------------------------------------------------------------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by ⁠Conner Young⁠, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.

Janitor turned CFP & CPA like he's 'Good Will Hunting'I sat down with Tom Corley (LinkedIn), bestselling author of Rich Habits and one of the rare professionals who is both a CPA and CFP.He started his career as a janitor in community college.Twenty hours a week just to pay for tuition.That grind became the foundation for a career helping hundreds of business owners build real wealth.Tom now runs a selective CPA and financial planning firm.He’s written eight books.His books have reached millions.We covered:How a janitor job sparked a wealth advisory careerA five-year study of 233 millionaires and 128 poor individualsThe four paths to wealth (and which one is fastest)Why entrepreneurs leave corporate lifeHow to turn a CPA firm into a teaching platformIf you want to understand wealth building at its core, this is a playbook worth studying.

INVESTOR SPOTLIGHT!I talked to Ryan Henderson (@CCM_Ryan ), co-host of one of the fastest-growing investing podcasts in the U.S: Chit Chat StocksThe best part?He is not a licensed financial advisor.No CFA. No CFP. No Wall Street pedigree.Just a love for researching stocks.And that obsession turned into a show ranked #3 on the U.S. investing charts.Ryan and his co-host Brett met as backup kickers on their college football team.With too much time on the sidelines, they started talking markets.Bitcoin was booming. Meme stocks were everywhere.They launched a podcast in college.Made every mistake in public.Took the feedback. Kept going.Fast forward.The show has built a loyal audience across hundreds of countries.They even launched a hedge fund with family and friends money, Buffett-style terms.Closed it when it did not align with what they wanted long term.The takeaway?You can build authority without credentials.You can start with zero audience and grow into one of the biggest voices in your niche.But you have to show up, learn in public, and take the hits.We covered:• How two backup kickers built a top investing podcast• Lessons from running and shutting down a fund• Why learning in public accelerates growth• Turning passion into a business without cold outreach• The reality of building trust online in financeIf you are building a brand, this is a blueprint worth studying.--------------------------------------------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by Conner Young, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.Learn more about how to start and grow your practice: ⁠www.getadvisorfreedom.com

What happens when your first client account crashes during Black Monday... and your client threatens to "blow you out of the water"?You learn fast.And that’s exactly what Steve Manuel did.This week’s guest has seen every market cycle since 1975. His first mentor started in 1926 and watched the ticker tape in person during the 1929 crash.Steve became a financial planner before most people even knew what a CFP was.And his advice today?Money follows trust.Clients don’t stay for performance, they stay for relationship.And you can’t fake that.In this episode, we cover:How Steve went from selling stocks to becoming one of the first CFPs in the countryThe story of losing a $250,000 client during Black Monday and what that investment would’ve been worth todayWhat makes a great advisor (hint: it’s not your credentials)The reality of building a book of business from scratch in the 80sWhy some clients treat you like a stockbroker and others want a family CFOThe importance of staying aligned with your values when building a practiceWhether you're just starting out or 30 years into your career, Steve’s story will remind you what really matters.And if you’re wondering what The Game Changing Advisor actually looks like, it’s this guy.-------------------------------------------------------------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by Conner Young, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.Learn more about how to start and grow your practice: ⁠www.getadvisorfreedom.com

What happens when a college intern never leaves and ends up becoming a partner?That’s Matt Gotchall’s (@matt_gottshall) story.He started as a student at Ohio State, shadowing financial advisors. Now he’s helping lead a 12-person advisory team that’s reshaping what the client experience looks like.One firm. Whole career. He earned trust from the inside and built a book that now spans 90+ client relationships.Matt combines estate planning, tax strategy, and investment management into one seamless platform. And the results speak for themselves.If you want to know what it looks like to grow from within and build real influence, this is the episode to hear.We talked through:Why culture and growth opportunity beat firm size every timeHow Matt’s team made the leap from broker-dealer to RIAThe “be the guy” mindset that earns deep client trustWhat it really takes to grow a book from scratchHow they’re training the next wave of advisors from inside their own systemWhether you're building a firm or looking for a better one, this one’s packed with real-world lessons.You can find Matt:-Twitter/X: ⁠https://x.com/matt_gottshall-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattgottshall/Learn more about how to start and grow your practice: ⁠www.getadvisorfreedom.com

Thomas Kopelman (@TKopelman) has one of the fastest growing RIA firms today. And he built all of it off of doing what he does best: teaching people. Thomas ran into roadblocks in the BD world where he was limited on what he could say or post, so he left. And within 3 years had a massive social media following, a collab partnership with one of the industry's biggest vendors and an RIA firm with dozens of great clients.--------------------------------------------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by Conner Young, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.You can find Thomas:-Twitter/X: https://x.com/TKopelmanLearn more about how to start and grow your practice: ⁠www.getadvisorfreedom.com

Today's podcast is with Doug Boneparth ⁠(@dougboneparth)⁠ and how he started his financial advising career in the fall of 2008 in New York City. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. His stories of that time are incredible.Doug now works with hundreds of thousands of followers on social media and has built his practice and brand into serving people that everyone used to overlook: Millennials. He has built one of the best organic funnels online for people to find him and immediately start working with him because he's naturally himself online, and that's exactly what people want.--------------------------------------------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by Conner Young, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.You can find Doug:-Twitter/X: ⁠https://x.com/dougboneparth-LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglasboneparth/Learn more about how to start and grow your practice: ⁠www.getadvisorfreedom.com

Today's podcast is with Zach Ashburn ⁠(@zachary_ashburn)⁠ and how he started his own RIA and then partnered with someone who 10x the business.We also cover his recent 'fame' status creating viral tweets using Gemini and Veo videos to get hundreds of thousands of people to see his profile and website. One of the top entrepreneurs in this field that I loved talking to.--------------------------------------------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by Conner Young, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.You can find Zach:-Twitter/X: ⁠https://x.com/zachary_ashburn-LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharyashburnea/Learn more about how to start and grow your practice: ⁠www.getadvisorfreedom.com

Today's podcast is with Mark Cecchini (@markcecchini) and how he built one of the fastest growing social media followings on Twitter/X and LinkedIn walking through complex financial planning strategies.We also dive deep into how he just crossed $100M AUM in personal clients and how a large piece of that just came over the last few years as he developed his own voice and brand for new clients to find him online.--------------------------------------------------Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by Conner Young, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.You can find Mark:-Twitter/X: https://x.com/markcecchini-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markcecchini/Learn more about how to start and grow your practice: www.getadvisorfreedom.com

Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.Hosted by Conner Young, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.Learn more about how to start and grow your practice: ⁠www.getadvisorfreedom.com