Next Mile

Next Mile

Next Mile is a podcast about bringing together the people and technology shaping the wealth management industry. Brought to you by Milemarker.

Recent Episodes

Aug. 11, 2026

The Power of Radical Hospitality in Financial Advice with Libby Buckley

Episode 157: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Libby Buckley, Director of Wealth Administration & Marketing at Parable Wealth Partners. Libby leads the firm's client experience and team culture, bridges connections between clients, partner businesses, and non-profits, and creates experiences that help people rethink their wealth's potential to create change. Libby talks with Kyle about how radical hospitality translates into the wealth management space. She discusses how firms can preserve h
Aug. 4, 2026

What the Fastest-Growing RIAs Are Doing Differently with Ian Wenik

Episode 156: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Ian Wenik, Editor at Citywire. Ian covers the independent wealth management industry with a focus on RIAs, mergers and acquisitions, advisor technology, and the business forces reshaping financial advice. Through his reporting and conversations with industry leaders, he has developed a front-row view of the trends driving growth across the advisory landscape. Kyle and Ian explore what separates today's fastest-growing RIAs from the rest of the in
July 28, 2026

How Behavioral Data Creates Better Client Relationships with Julie Littlechild

Episode 155: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Julie Littlechild, Founder and CEO at Absolute Engagement. Julie is a recognized leader in client engagement, investor behavior, and referral growth. Through years of advisor and investor research, she has helped firms better understand the emotional drivers behind client decisions and build stronger, more personalized advisory relationships. Kyle and Julie explore why understanding how clients feel is just as important as understanding their fin
July 21, 2026

Why Insurance Is the Most Overlooked Growth Strategy in Wealth Management with Jason Borek

Episode 154: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Jason Borek, Chief Growth Officer at The Pinnacle Group. Jason has extensive experience in the financial services industry, with a focus on distribution and sales. At The Pinnacle Group, he is responsible for implementing the firm's enterprise-level business strategies. Jason talks with Kyle about why insurance remains dramatically underutilized in wealth management, why advisors struggle to implement it, and what needs to change for it to become
July 14, 2026

How to Build a Thriving Independent Wealth Management Firm with Brett Bernstein

Episode 153: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Brett Bernstein, CEO & Co-founder at XML Financial Group. Brett is an active financial advisor assisting clients with his holistic approach to goal-setting and problem-solving. Before co-founding XML in 2004, he was a Vice President and Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch. He is also a serial entrepreneur, actively investing in many startups, and has led his firm through three acquisitions. Brett talks with Kyle about why advisors are going
July 7, 2026

The Human Side of Scaling Great Advisory Firms

Episode 152: In this special compilation episode, Kyle Van Pelt and Jessica Perez revisit four conversations centered on one of the biggest challenges facing advisory firms today: scaling while maintaining exceptional client service. Anne McPhail shares why intentional leadership and culture create lasting organizations. Michael Vedders explains how thoughtful planning and advisor development lead to stronger firms. Tim Gavin explores the operational mindset required to build sustainable growth.

About the Hosts

Jud Mackrill Profile Photo
Jud Mackrill

Co-Founder, Milemarker

Kyle Van Pelt Profile Photo
Kyle Van Pelt

Co-Founder, Milemarker