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

The Human Side of Scaling Great Advisory Firms
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.
How Independent Advisors Can Thrive in A World of Mega Firms with Eric Amar
June 30, 2026

How Independent Advisors Can Thrive in A World of Mega Firms with Eric Amar

Episode 151: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Eric Amar, Founder & CEO of Accelerated Wealth Partners, about the shifting dynamics between massive corporate firms and independent boutique RIAs. He discusses the balance between scale and personalization, the rise of mega RIAs, and the trade-offs advisors face when choosing independence. From his front-row seat at Focus Financial Partners during its explosive growth to launching his own firm, Eric shares his unfiltered perspective on what's rea
From Big Firms to RIA Success: Lessons in Leadership, Operations, & Growth with Kathy Longo
June 23, 2026

From Big Firms to RIA Success: Lessons in Leadership, Operations, & Growth with Kathy Longo

Episode 150: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Kathy Longo, President & Founder at Flourish Wealth Management. Kathy has a remarkable talent for distilling complex financial concepts into simple, easily digestible concepts. She built Flourish Wealth Management out of a passion for making financial management more enjoyable. Kathy talks with Kyle about how building a strong operational foundation early paves the way for sustainable growth. She shares how her early experiences at large firms sha
How Content Drives Growth, Trust, and Client Acquisition with Ben Carlson
June 16, 2026

How Content Drives Growth, Trust, and Client Acquisition with Ben Carlson

Episode 149: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Ben Carlson, Director of Institutional Asset Management at Ritholtz Wealth Management. Ben is the author of five books on investing, including his newest, Risk and Reward. He's the creator of the blog A Wealth of Common Sense and co-host of the Animal Spirits podcast. Ben talks with Kyle about how content has become a powerful engine for growth, clarity, credibility, and connection. He discusses the value of consistency, how to structure content
How to Build a Scalable Firm Without Tech Overload with Dan Johnson
June 9, 2026

How to Build a Scalable Firm Without Tech Overload with Dan Johnson

Episode 148: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Dan Johnson, Senior Managing Director and Head of Wealth Management Practice at F2 Strategy. Dan is an industry leader in portfolio management systems implementation, investment performance conversions, centralized portfolio management, and integrations with advisor-driven toolsets. Dan talks with Kyle about scaling the wealth and asset management business without technology overload. From the pitfalls of shiny object syndrome in tech to the disci
The Hidden Economics Behind High-Growth Advisory Firms with Patrick Kelly
June 2, 2026

The Hidden Economics Behind High-Growth Advisory Firms with Patrick Kelly

Episode 147: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Patrick Kelly, Co-Founder and CEO of Signal Advisors. Patrick started his career as a financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual before becoming an independent advisor. Before Signal, Patrick founded RepPro, the first electronic application platform for fixed and fixed index annuities in the IMO business. Patrick talks with Kyle about the hidden economics behind high-growth advisory firms. He discusses why some of the fastest-growing advisors integr

About the Hosts

Jud Mackrill Profile Photo
Jud Mackrill

Co-Founder, Milemarker

Kyle Van Pelt Profile Photo
Kyle Van Pelt

Co-Founder, Milemarker