Episodes

Episode 090: Russ D'Argento serves as Founder & CEO at FINTRX. Prior to founding FINTRX, Russ served as Sr. Consultant of Family Office Marketing and introductions for Windham Capital Group—a 20-year-old consulting firm in the hedge fund space. In this episode, Milemarker Co-Founder Jud Mackrill talks with Russ about how to make financial data more powerful and strategic. Russ shares the origin story of FINTRX—a platform born from his personal struggle navigating the private wealth market. Host...

Episode 089: Molly Weiss, Group President of Wealth Platforms at Envestnet, is a 20-year financial services veteran who drives Envestnet’s end-to-end technology and solutions ranging from portfolio management, financial planning, performance reporting, and digital account management tools. Over her tenure at Envestnet, she has played a pivotal role in shaping scalable solutions that empower advisors to serve clients more effectively. In this episode, Kyle and Molly explore the critical role of ...

Episode 088: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Kristen Oziemkowski, COO at The Mather Group. With a background in economics, Kristen brings deep expertise in operational strategy, M&A integration, and organizational growth. Since joining TMG, she has led the firm through 20 successful acquisitions and helped build a values-driven, process-oriented culture. Kyle and Kristen explore what sets TMG apart in the competitive world of wealth management. Kristen reveals how a team-based model, discip...

Episode 087: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Rick Simonetti, CEO and Head of Wealth Planning of Fidelis Capital Partners, to explore what it takes to serve ultra-high-net-worth families with excellence. Rick shares how Fidelis was built on the foundation of faithfulness—delivering on promises through deep collaboration, proactive planning, and personalized service. They discuss the importance of mentorship, family meetings, interdisciplinary teams, and how true success lies in preparing futu...

Episode 086: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Andy Peters, Partner at Goldstein Advisors. Andy's CPA license is a rarity in financial planning, allowing him to lend a unique business and tax focus to his Financial Planner and Partner role at Goldstein. He stewards the Goldstein team, managing operations and setting the firm's overall vision and strategy. Kyle and Andy discuss the unique path and impressive organic growth of Goldstein Advisors. Andy emphasizes the significance of building gen...

Episode 085: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Daniel Spurgeon, Managing Partner at Commonwealth Financial Services. They discuss building a thriving RIA in a small market, how to overcome the challenge of establishing trust as a young advisor, and how focusing on specific niches can fuel dramatic growth. Daniel also shares the journey of Commonwealth Financial Services from its humble beginnings to becoming one of the two fastest-growing firms in West Virginia, along with the technology strat...

Episode 084: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Kylie Felker, President of Foster Victor Wealth Advisors. Kylie leads the firm's strategic direction and innovation. She and Kyle discuss leadership, growth, and the intentional steps to building a thriving wealth management firm. From creating a strong team culture to designing a client experience that leaves lasting impressions, Kylie shares the challenges and triumphs of establishing a leadership structure, the importance of meaningful client r...

Building a Championship RIA with Nate Lenz

Episode 082: At Halbert Hargrove, the path to sustainable, long-term success has been shaped by its commitment to developing the next generation of advisors. In this episode, Kyle Van Pelt talks with JC Abusaid, CEO and President at Halbert Hargrove, about the company’s generational growth model. JC shares how the firm transitioned from hiring experienced advisors with existing books of business to cultivating homegrown talent through a structured internship and mentorship program. JC also disc...

Episode 081: The total value of assets under management (AUM) is often used to measure growth in wealth management, but Hoxton Planning & Management takes a different approach. For them, true success is about impact, the number of families they serve and the difference they make in their lives. With a mission to help families find happiness through financial planning and resource management, Hoxton prioritizes meaningful, sustainable growth over chasing numbers. In this episode, Kyle Van Pelt t...

Episode 080: Natalie Wolfsen is the CEO of Orion Advisor Solutions, where she leads the company’s mission to revolutionize wealth management through cutting-edge technology and data-driven solutions. A champion of AI integration and personalized wealth management, Natalie is at the forefront of helping advisors leverage technology to enhance client relationships, streamline operations, and drive industry-wide transformation. In this episode, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Natalie about Orion’s game-c...

Episode 079: Adrian Johnstone is the CEO at Practifi, a purpose-built business management platform for RIAs and wealth management firms. With a background in financial services consulting across Australia, New Zealand, and North America, Adrian has extensive experience in regulatory compliance, technology solutions, and scaling advisory businesses. His expertise in leveraging technology to enhance client relationships and streamline operations has positioned Practifi as a leading CRM solution in...

Episode 078: In this episode, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Art Ambarik, CEO of Perigon Wealth Management, about the transformative trends reshaping the financial advice industry. They discuss the importance of specialization in financial advising, the evolving role of technology, and transitioning from a generalist to a niche-focused advisor. Art shares his journey into the industry, the importance of aligning future financial goals with present actions, and the growth and integration of Perigon Wea...

Episode 077: We live in a world where numbers rule—stacking up wealth, counting dollars, and chasing financial milestones. It's a common pitfall to equate money with happiness, as society frequently portrays financial success as the ultimate goal. While money can bring freedom and opportunity, it also reveals that as powerful as it is, it remains a tool, not a solution to all of life's challenges. In this episode, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Daniel Crosby, Chief Behavioral Officer at Orion Advisor...

Episode 076: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Jeremy Nelson, President at Element Wealth. Jeremy shares his journey from discovering investing as a 10-year-old in Canada to building Mississippi’s fastest-growing RIA. Jeremy discusses merging with Ross and Yerger, prioritizing culture and client relationships, and leveraging technology for growth. He explores AI’s potential to enhance advisory efficiency while maintaining human-centered service. From integrating new team members to fostering c...

Episode 075: In this episode of The Connected Advisor, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Jessica Gibbs, Partner and VP at Monument Wealth Management. Jessica shares her journey from nonprofit fundraising to financial planning, driven by her passion for helping people align their wealth with their purpose. She highlights the importance of personalized communication, Monument’s innovative approach to financial advising, and the firm’s commitment to flexibility and inclusivity. Jessica also shares insights ...

Episode 074: In this “Best of 2024” episode of The Connected Advisor, Kyle Van Pelt brings together four leaders from four firms to discuss why firms should own their data and why data and technology are keys to success. Featuring Mike Prior, Brian Preston, Mark DeLotto, and Chrissy Lee. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (00:52) - Mike Prior on the importance of a modern approach to technology. (04:37) - Brian Preston on how to build organic growth by being on the front edge of technology. (...

Episode 073: In this episode of The Connected Advisor, Kyle Van Pelt brings together some of the show’s best moments from 2024 discussing how firms are recruiting and developing their talent. Featuring Seth Merrill, Jeff Casey, Alex Goss, and Patrick Sweeny, this episode dives into how great leaders of great firms tackle different aspects of the war for talent. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (00:59) - Seth Merrill on what roles he is prioritizing as his firm grows. (06:03) - Jeff Casey on ...

Episode 072: Brad Ball, founder of Bison Wealth, is a seasoned financial expert with a passion for creating long-term value in wealth management. Brad’s approach integrates patient capital, cutting-edge investment strategies, and a focus on building resilient client relationships. In this episode, Kyle talks with Brad about the importance of infrastructure in financial firms, the key elements of successful advisor training, and the challenges and opportunities in the wealth management industry....

Episode 071: Building a thriving business is about playing the long game—prioritizing sustainable value creation over fleeting, short-term wins. Organic growth strategies lie at the heart of this approach, leveraging the power of client referrals, collaborative partnerships, and the ability to craft compelling stories that resonate with clients. For advisors aiming to attract ultra-high-net-worth clients, focus on telling, not selling, and offer genuine value without the pressure of asking for r...

Episode 070: Succession planning and growth strategies are critical considerations for RIAs seeking long-term sustainability. As firms evolve and leadership transitions occur, a well-defined succession plan ensures smooth handover and business continuity. Succession plans, coupled with strategic growth initiatives and investing in the right technology, allow RIAs to deliver better client service, attract top talent and potential leaders, and provide more sophisticated services. In this episode,...

Episode 69: Our relationship with money is often influenced by personal experiences, cultural upbringing, and deeply rooted beliefs. These invisible drivers shape our financial habits, decision-making, and overall well-being. Financial therapists understand that money decisions aren't just about numbers and logic—they're about people. By recognizing clients' emotional and psychological responses to money, financial therapists create holistic plans that align with each person's values and goals. ...

Episode 068: Marketing is about providing value, building relationships, and earning trust. Financial advisors who want to stand out focus less on selling and more on serving. One of the most effective ways to do this is by creating content people want to engage with, whether blog posts, newsletters, social posts, podcasts, or videos. In this episode, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Samantha Russell, Chief Evangelist at FMG Suite. Samantha teaches financial advisors how to utilize digital marketing st...

Episode 067: Effective communication is the bridge that connects financial experts with clients who may feel overwhelmed by financial jargon. Translating financial concepts into clear, relatable language closes the gap between technical knowledge and client understanding, laying the groundwork for successful partnerships and empowering clients to make better financial decisions. This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Paula Nangle, President and Senior Wealth Advisor at Marshall Financial. Paula fo...