What separates a successful advisory firm from one that struggles to scale?

According to Chris Price, it comes down to process.

In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Chris Price of Wealth Solutions Partners to discuss his journey from the insurance world into a more independent, hybrid advisory model and the lessons he's learned about building a scalable business.

Chris shares how earning professional designations changed the way he viewed financial advice, why systems become more important as firms grow, and how AI is reshaping advisor efficiency without replacing relationships.

Together, Charlie and Chris discuss:

• The transition from a large insurance firm to a hybrid independent model
• Why professional education changes the way advisors serve clients
• How documented processes create consistency and scalability
• The importance of hiring for personality, not just experience
• Why advisors need to think like business owners, not just practitioners
• How AI is making advisory firms more efficient while strengthening client relationships
• Lessons from building and leading a growing advisory team

Chris also explains why every advisory firm should have a repeatable process that serves the vast majority of its clients, creating a better experience for both clients and team members.

This episode is especially valuable for:

• Advisors considering independence
• Hybrid advisors looking to grow
• RIAs building their first team
• Firm owners focused on scaling through systems

🎧 Watch now and subscribe to RIA Collective for conversations that help independent advisors build stronger businesses and better client experiences.

Connect with Chris Price
📧 Email: christopherprice@financialguide.com

Connect with Charlie Van Derven
🌐 Social Advisors: https://www.social-advisors.com
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/

Chapters

00:00 – Chris's path into financial services
03:45 – Why education changed his career
07:30 – The move to a hybrid model
11:15 – Building a business with processes
15:20 – Hiring the right people
19:00 – Leading a growing team
22:00 – How AI is changing advisory firms
25:00 – Final advice for advisors