RIA Collective: Dennis Huergo | What Advisors Get Wrong About Growth and Independence

What does it really take to grow as a financial advisor?

In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Dennis Huergo of Wealth Enhancement Group to explore the mindset, career decisions, and experiences that shape successful advisors over time.

Dennis shares his journey from military service into financial services, starting in insurance and sales, and eventually transitioning toward true financial planning and independence. Along the way, he reflects on the lessons that accelerated his growth and the mistakes that slowed him down.

Together, Charlie and Dennis discuss:

• Why what you consume shapes the direction of your career
• How being the least experienced person in the room can accelerate growth
• The difference between sales-driven roles and true financial planning
• What advisors often get wrong early in their careers
• The tradeoff between short-term income and long-term development
• How mindset, discomfort, and environment impact success

Dennis also shares how his upbringing as the child of Cuban immigrants shaped his perspective on responsibility, growth, and making the most of opportunities.

This episode is especially valuable for:

• Advisors early in their career
• Professionals considering independence
• Advisors feeling stuck in sales-focused roles
• Anyone looking to grow faster by learning from others

🎧 Watch now and subscribe to RIA Collective for conversations that elevate the independent advisor profession.

Connect with Dennis Huergo
🌐 Website: https://www.wealthenhancement.com
📧 Email: dhuergo@wealthenhancement.com

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

Chapters
00:00 – From military to financial services
03:30 – The impact of upbringing on financial mindset
07:10 – What you consume shapes your career
11:00 – Growth through uncomfortable environments
15:20 – Sales vs financial planning
19:00 – Lessons Dennis would do differently
22:30 – Advice for advisors considering independence