Episodes

In this insightful episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven engages in a thought-provoking conversation with guest Tyson Ray, the founding partner of Form Wealth Advisors. Urging a transition from a riches-focused mindset to a wealth-centered perspective, Tyson underscores the importance of nurturing total client relationships based on wealth, not just riches. Through anecdotes and experiences, Tyson details his journey in the finance industry, his transition towards total relationship...

In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven invites Michael Rasmussen of United Atlantic Legal Services to share his expertise in aiding financial advisors in their transition to independent practices. Michael, with a background as a chief compliance officer and general counsel for various investment advisors, as well as experience as a regulator with FINRA, provides valuable insights into the complexities of starting an independent RIA. LinkedIn Website

In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Emily Haberkern of Evangelista & Associates to discuss the triumphs and trials of niche marketing within the financial advisory sector. Emily recounts her path to alignment with the firm's values and the unique approach to servicing university employees, emphasizing the importance of specialized knowledge and targeted service in a competitive industry. They tackle the topics of gender dynamics in finance and the benefits o...

In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Sam Kingston from Arch, a SaaS platform serving family offices and RIAs, to discuss the transition of financial advisors from large firms to independent practices. They cover the challenges of data aggregation and investment management for affluent clients, the benefits of early engagement with platforms like Arch, and the technological strides independent advisors are making to provide sophisticated services rivaling thos...

In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with financial expert Anthony Mlachnik in a reflective conversation about the complexities and nuances of navigating client-focused transitions in the financial industry. Anthony shares his professional journey, emphasizing the importance of a meticulously professional approach and the virtues of patience in ensuring decisions align with clients' best interests. Anthony Mlachnik LinkedIn Website

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 busines...

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 a...

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...

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 pers...

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, es...

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 technol...

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 dan...

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 ...

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 a...

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 mento...

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...

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 W...

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-pro...

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 ...

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 delive...