Episodes

In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with David Pappalardo of Segal Marco Advisors. Together, they dive deep into the world of financial advising and the ever-evolving trajectory towards independence. David sheds light on the dual-edged sword of independence: while it offers freedom, it also comes with significant responsibilities. Listen in as they discuss the nuances of being a solo player in the financial market, the essential need for planning, and how advisor...

In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven is joined by Scott Matasar, a seasoned attorney with a unique perspective on the intersection of law and business. Dive into the intricacies of navigating legal complexities in the corporate world, the importance of understanding both the courtroom and the boardroom, and the strategies Scott employs to ensure success in both arenas. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that sheds light on the synergy between legal acumen and business...

In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Brandon Fink from Claro Advisors to explore the challenges and triumphs of transitioning to an independent advisory firm. Dive into the significance of fostering strong client relationships, the value of consistent communication, and the role of trust in ensuring a smooth move. Listen in for an insightful discussion that offers a glimpse into the dynamics of a successful transition in the financial industry, providing advi...

In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven invites Jorge Padilla from Meira Wealth for a deep dive into the intricate process of rebranding in the world of financial services. Discover the motivations behind Meira Wealth's transformation, the emphasis on a team-centric approach, and the pivotal role of client feedback throughout the journey. Tune in for a compelling conversation that sheds light on the evolution of a financial advisory firm, equipping advisors with insights on br...

In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven welcomes Galen M Herbst de Cortina from "Buff Your Finances" for an enlightening chat on blending finance with the virtual world of gaming. Dive into how niche markets can be game-changers, the story behind the intriguing name, and why virtual finance resonates so well with YouTubers and streamers. Tune in for a captivating discourse that unravels the merger of financial advising and the digital domain, arming advisors with fresh perspec...

In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven converses with Erin Redmond of Ford Financial Group. Transitioning from a background in online media, Erin delves into her intriguing journey into the financial services realm. The duo discuss Ford Financial's rich history, their unique emphasis on client education, and the innovative subscription pricing model they're exploring. Central to their conversation is the idea of making financial advice accessible to a wider demographic, espec...

In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Bill Oakley from Family Wealth to dive deep into the technological advancements and innovations in the world of financial advising. They explore the ever-evolving fintech space, the importance of keeping up with the rapid pace of technological change, and how smaller firms can often be more agile than their larger counterparts. Join us for a riveting conversation that sheds light on the intersection of finance and technolo...

In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven invites Mark Elzweig, a seasoned independent recruiter, to discuss the intricacies of an RIA transition. The conversation ranges from the evolution of the current RIA model to specific best practices from an experienced recruiter. Join us for an enlightening conversation that demystifies the RIA space, offering advisors insights into navigating their professional journey with foresight and agility. Mark Elzweig LinkedIn Website

In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven is joined by Mario Payne of Toames Financial, based in Jacksonville, Florida. Together, they dive into Mario's intriguing journey from Edward Jones to Raymond James, retaining an impressive 85% of his assets during this pivotal transition. Dive deep into the significance of estate planning, the rising power of automation in financial advisories, and Mario's innovative venture into the ETF world. Join us as we explore the intricate dance ...

In this episode, our Host, Charlie Van Derven, chats with John Bovard, the brains behind Incline Wealth Advisors. John shares his story of moving from a big firm to being an RIA. His story shows how becoming independent can bring new opportunities, especially in digital marketing. John's experiences and tips can help listeners who want to become independent advisors themselves. John talks about how important digital marketing has been for growing his business and keeping his clients throughout t...

Join us in this insightful episode with Urban Adams as he imparts practical advice on the role of delegation and the power of putting clients first. Uncover how delegating tasks can dramatically impact your efficiency, allowing you to focus on high-level activities that directly benefit your clients. Learn about Urban's unique approach to maintaining deep, quality relationships with his clients while efficiently managing his practice. Tune in to discover how you can streamline your operations an...

In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Carmine Corino, the CEO of Cornerstone Planning Group (CPG), to discuss the journey to independence and the importance of building a culture of service and accountability. Carmine shares his passion for fiduciary responsibility and client-centric financial planning, highlighting how CPG sets itself apart by prioritizing the needs of clients and providing personalized guidance. Discover how personal investment and mentorshi...

Join our host Charlie Van Derven as he speaks with Evan Drury, a seasoned financial advisor, as he shares his valuable insights on the evolving landscape of the financial advisory industry and the role of content marketing in building meaningful client relationships. Gain practical knowledge and expert advice from Evan's journey as he discusses topics such as personal branding, leveraging content for engagement, authenticity in storytelling, and the ethical aspects of content creation. Explore t...

In this episode of RIA Collective, our host Charlie Van Derven is joined by Peter Hughes, founder of LexAurum Advisors. They discuss the advantages and challenges of transitioning from a broker-dealer to an RIA, the importance of the Golden Rule in building a successful advisory firm, and the factors to consider when joining an existing RIA or starting your own. Tune in to gain valuable insights from Peter's experiences and learn how to navigate the path to independence. Peter Hughes LinkedIn We...

In this informative episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven chats with Gary Chidsey from Laser Insurance and Financial Services in Medina, Ohio. They discuss Gary's unique journey from a captive financial firm to the independent RIA space with the support of Nationwide. Learn valuable insights and advice on managing a growing practice, right-sizing, and the benefits of partnering with a boutique RIA like LuxAurum. Tune in to discover how prioritizing tasks and focusing on revenue-prod...

In this episode of RIA Collective, our host, Charlie Van Derven, sits down with Mark Willis from Lake Growth Financial Services. They discuss Mark's unconventional journey in the financial industry, his passion for helping clients achieve financial freedom, and the power of having a clear and compelling message. Tune in to hear Mark's insights on the importance of being bold, finding the right mastermind, and the impact of money on our mindset and heart. Mark Willis Linkedin Website

In this episode of RIA Collective, we sit down with Christie Powell, founder of Falcon Financial of Oklahoma, who shares her unique and inspiring journey of starting a career in the financial industry at 50 years old. As a former dental hygienist, Christie's unconventional path to becoming an independent advisor highlights the importance of following your passion, overcoming challenges, and making a meaningful impact on people's lives. Tune in to learn about her experiences, insights, and the cr...

In this episode, Charlie sits down with Heather Welsh, VP of Weatlth Management at Sequoia Financial Group, to discuss the importance of client-focused wealth management and the value of planning and personalization in the industry. Heather shares her journey from advisor to wealth planner and how her firm's dedication to planning and team collaboration has allowed them to better serve their clients. They also explore the role of technology in wealth management and how it can be used to deliver ...

In this podcast episode, Charlie Van Derven interviews Rob Samson from Stratos Wealth Partners, a Midwest-based firm that offers independent financial advisors the opportunity to have the support they need to build their business without having to go it alone. Rob shares his insight on the benefits of the independent side of the industry for advisors who want to have the freedom to serve their clients in the purest, most fiduciary-based way. He also talks about how the independent space is a gro...

Join host Charlie Van Derven as he chats with Derek Notman about life, work, and the pursuit of happiness in the financial industry. From surfing Lake Michigan to the importance of work-life balance, Charlie and Derek cover a lot of ground in this laid-back conversation. Derek shares his experience of going independent and how it has allowed him to pursue his passions beyond just serving clients. Along the way, they touch on topics such as the challenges of being a holistic advisor, the pitfalls...

In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven speaks with George Gay, the CEO of First Affirmative Financial Network, a pioneer in socially responsible and impact investing. George discusses his journey in the financial industry and how First Affirmative has evolved to become a leader in ESG investing. He also talks about the importance of finding younger advisors to take over the business from the baby boomer generation and the need for advisors to align with their clients' values....

Join Charlie Van Derven as he sits down with Wade Slome, a highly successful independent financial advisor and author, to discuss his journey in building his firm, Sidoxia Capital Management. Wade shares his wisdom on navigating the industry and shares his tips on finding success as a financial advisor. Charlie and Wade discuss his books (he has written two) and how his career differed from some other professionals in the industry. Listen in as they delve into the importance of relationship-buil...

In this episode of RIA Collective, Mark Elzweig joins us to discuss the mechanics of making a successful transition to an independent advisor. He emphasizes the importance of due diligence and thoroughness in the process, as well as staying within guidelines and playing by the rules. Mark also highlights how the landscape of independence has shifted, making it easier and more lucrative for advisors to go independent than ever before. He encourages advisors to seek out legal advice and speak with...