Episodes

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 g...

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-bu...

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...

Join host Charlie Van Derven as he speaks with Alan Ray, a financial advisor with a wealth of experience in the industry. Working with senior and elderly clients, Alan has no doubt that his work significantly impacts his clients and their loved ones. Alan got his start teaching economic and financial planning at Franklin University and quickly moved to the practicing side of the industry. In 2019 he founded Square Peg in Columbus, Ohio. Tune in to learn more about Alan's journey to advising ind...

In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven speaks with Paul Saad, founder of Collaboria Capital, about his journey to independence and the challenges he faced along the way. Paul discusses the importance of understanding the "why" behind the decision to go independent and the need to be true to oneself in the process. He also shares his thoughts on the importance of technology in the industry and the value of building a strong team. Throughout the conversation, Paul offers valuab...

In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven is joined by financial advisor Jude McDonough to discuss the journey of transitioning from the banking world to the financial advising industry. Jude emphasizes the importance of putting the needs of your clients first, and how crucial it is to fully understand the households you are serving in order to truly act as a fiduciary. He speaks about the challenges and rewards of making the move to independence, and how it allows advisors to b...

This week Charlie talks with Cary Carbonaro, Director of Women and Wealth at Advisors Capital Management. Cary has more than two decades of advising experience and has had a winding path within the world of finance. Cary spent many years in a captive environment before she made the move to RIA. However, that independence was lost when Goldman bought out her firm and Cary found herself back in a wirehouse again. The loss of independence and freedom grated on Cary and she quickly made the switch b...

This week Charlie sits down with Juan Munoz CFP®, AIF®, Founder of Life Strategy Financial. Juan is a CFP focused on supporting his clients over anything else. Juan has worked in several different areas of the financial industry, but having the trust and confidence of his clients has always been the priority. After working several years in a traditional wirehouse environment with all the standard incentives and conflicts, Juan knew that he had to make a change. Since founding his RIA in 2019, J...

In this episode, Charlie speaks with Stacey Hyde, Founder of Envision Financial Planning. She has moved through several areas of financial services from banking to insurance and, now, financial planning. Charlie and Stacey trace her journey through the various realms of financial services, how she proved her skills and leadership potential early in her career, and how she finally found her ideal position as a dedicated financial planner at her own firm. Stacey serves as an excellent example of t...

This week Charlie talks with Johann Klaassen, the CIO at Horizons SFS. Johann has had a unique journey to the role of RIA. He was originally in higher education at Washington University in St. Louis where he earned his Phd. in 1998. From there he entered the financial industry as an advisor and worked for nearly a decade in various captive advisor environments. However, Johann found that many of the investments pushed by the firms ran counter to his strong ethical and moral code. That realizati...

In this episode, Charlie speaks with Justin Long CFP®, Founder of Diazo Wealth Group. Justin is much more than an advisor. In his own words, he is a bespoke financial concierge that truly goes above and beyond to support his clients in every aspect of their lives. Rather than just working with his clients on their investments or financial plans, Justin takes pride in being a one-stop shop for every life need that his client brings to his attention. Need a document at 11 pm for an emergency? Jus...

Today Charlie sits down with John Gehri, VP at Harvest Financial Advisors. They talk about John's journey through different areas of the financial industry, how he ended up with Harvest Financial, and how, with his help, clients can master their financial fortunes. John is a fiduciary that is painstaking in his efforts to leave no stone unturned on behalf of his clients. He gathers all possible information for his clients, but, at the end of the day, he believes in following his client's lead w...

This week on RIA Collective, Charlie talks with Marc Aarons, the founder of Money Managers Inc. They discuss Marc's history in the automotive sales field, the struggles of that role, and how becoming an advisor and, later, a true fiduciary, has reduced his stress and given him an opportunity to truly support his clients every day. Marc Aarons Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ocmoneymanagers/ Website: https://ocmoneymanagers.com/

Today Charlie sits down with Bob DePasquale, founder of Initiate Impact, a firm that provides purpose-driven families with modern financial management in a transparent and unbias fashion. Charlie and Bob talk about his history in the broadcast industry, a mutual love of sports, and Bob's journey to becoming independent. His story has many twists and turns on the way to independent financial advisor, but the world is certainly a better place because of his inspirational work. Make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! Bob Depasquale Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobdepasquale/ Initiate Impact: https://initiateimpact.com/

This week Charlie sits down with McKenzie Frankel, a principal at Entrust Financial. McKenzie has been called to be an investment advisor since she was in grade school. Always interested in money, McKenzie's interest grew into a true passion to help people make the right financial decision at every step and in every area. Charlie and McKenzie discuss her time working within the captive financial environment and the conflict between her passions and the bottom-line goals of the firm. Eventually...

Jeff's career has had a number of unexpected twists and turns. He has worked in an independent space and as a captive advisor. He has built a book of business in wealth management and helped a lot of companies with their benefits packages. If you want to learn from those who have come before you, listen to this RIA Collective interview with Jeff Barnes. Jeff will give you a great perspective on the many opportunities within the industry.

In this episode of RIA Collective, Rachael Burns shares the life-changing events that led her to leave a successful team at Ameriprise to start her RIA, True Worth Financial Planning. When we're young, we may not understand how precious our time is. For Rachael, family health issues made her take inventory of life and understand that starting her RIA created the flexibility she needed. Charlie and Rachael talk about her experience at Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, and Ameriprise before starting True Worth FP. They chat about life-changing events and how independence served Rachael, her family, and her clients in so many meaningful ways. About Rachel Rachael Burns is a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst based in Folsom, California. She is the founder of True Worth Financial Planning, which helps newly single women achieve financial independence after divorce or the death of a spouse. Through her own personal experience navigating trauma and fi…

In this important episode of RIA Collective, Charlie interviews leading breakaway attorney Corey Kupfer. Corey offers his tips and insight to help you break away from the large firms with less friction and greater success. Charlie and Corey discuss authenticity, negotiations, and the key considerations as financial advisors stuck in a bad situation progress toward joining or opening an RIA.

My interview with Brian Carney, Co-founder of RiversEdge Advisors, LLC was eye-opening for so many reasons.  Brian has a great podcast called Happy Half Hour with an Entrepreneur where he shares the stories of prominent business owners with his listeners. He also reviews a beer on each episode. Want to know our favorite malted beverage? Tune in. Brian and I talk about the struggles of building a team, and the rewards once the right pieces are in place. Check out this casual chat to learn more about the nitty-gritty of building a practice and playing to the strengths of your team members.

Sean Polley has seen so much throughout his 20+ year career in financial services. Today's episode of RIA Collective focuses on the main drivers for Sean to break away from the banks and start Polley Wealth Management.  Sean and Charlie pose the question, "can you be a captive advisor and a fiduciary?" With quotas, biased products and services, and incentives that push you to work with the wrong clients, it has to be difficult to serve both the client and the firm.

Description: In this episode of RIA Collective, Charlie is joined by Dennis Snoozy, Founder and President of SNP Financial Advisors. Throughout his almost 30-year career in financial services, Dennis Snoozy has a lot of hats. From Financial Advisor to Regional Manager, and now with his RIA, Dennis brings a variety of experiences that will benefit advisors thinking about change. Tune into this episode of RIA Collective to learn from an industry vet who has been through it all.

Jeff Concepcion, CEO of Stratos Wealth Partners, and Charlie Van Derven talk about the freedom of independence. The choices you have, from world-class technology to a full variety of products and services, provide autonomy and the ability to be a true fiduciary to your clients. If you're thinking about a move to an Independent Broker Dealer or RIA, this episode is for you. Learn from Jeff's experience in helping 300+ advisors realize their dream of independence.