Episodes

Episode 48: In this episode of The Connected Advisor, Kyle Van Pelt brings together some of the best clips discussing the role of technology in the growth of RIAs. Featuring James Bogart, Sammy Azzouz, Melissa Bouchillon, and Justin Steitz, this episode dives into how technology aids in organic growth, client onboarding, building a tech stack around client needs, and managing with limited resources. Learn how these industry leaders leverage technology to provide value and stay competitive in the...

Episode 047: One key element differentiating high-performing advisory firms is their ability to attract, develop, and retain the best people. This translates into a workforce that is genuinely passionate about their work, leading to increased productivity and overall company success. While technology and investment strategies are critical for modern-day advisors, building a community within the organization is a strategic investment in the future. In this episode of The Connected Advisor, Kyle ...

Episode 046: In this episode of The Connected Advisor, Kyle talks with Sammy Azzouz, President and CEO of Heritage Financial Services. In his role, Sammy leads a dynamic organization that provides meticulous wealth management services to clients. He keeps the firm at the cutting edge of the wealth management industry by charting a long-term strategic course and driving the execution of the firm’s strategic initiatives. Sammy is also the author of Beyond the Basics: Maximizing, Allocating, and Pr...

Episode 045: In this episode of The Connected Advisor, Kyle is joined by Brian Preston, Managing Partner at Abound Wealth Management and the Founder and Host of The Money Guy Show. Brian is a third-generation educator, and this desire to create educated clients led to the award-winning YouTube channel and podcast, The Money Guy Show. The Money Guy Show has been broadcasting for more than 15 years, and Brian has appeared on the Fox Business Channel and US News. Brian talks with Kyle about his bo...

Episode 44: In this episode of The Connected Advisor, Kyle talks with Scott Colangelo, Chairman and Managing Partner at Prime Capital Investment Advisors (PCIA) and Managing Director of Qualified Plan Advisors (QPA). Scott has earned several industry awards and recognition for his vision, leadership, and innovation. He leverages his industry knowledge and expertise to create customized solutions that help clients achieve their financial goals and objectives. Scott is also passionate about empowe...

Episode 043: In this episode, Kyle talks with Justin Steitz, President at Copper Financial. In his role, he leads sales, investment operations, compliance, and audits for the CommunityAmerica advisor channel and the broker-dealer business unit. Justin is dedicated to the credit union mantra of "people helping people" and focuses on giving back to the community. With a strong background in compliance, he is well-versed in the highly regulated wealth management industry. Before joining the Copper ...

Episode 042: In this episode of The Connected Advisor, Kyle talks with Jason Gordo, Co-founder and President of Modern Wealth Management. Jason is an accomplished wealth management executive with a diverse background in business strategy, execution, and mergers and acquisitions. He is known for his expertise in integrating tax planning into the financial planning process, helping clients optimize their financial strategies, and minimizing tax liabilities. Before joining Modern Wealth's founding ...

Episode 041: In this episode of The Connected Advisor, Kyle talks with Melissa Bouchillon, Managing Partner at Sound View Wealth Advisors. With a background in psychology and education, Melissa brings a different perspective to the financial advisory industry. In addition to her passion for helping her clients, Melissa is on the board of organizations near and dear to her heart, including the Landings Military Relief Fund, Marshes of Skidaway Island, and the Savannah Music Festival. Melissa tal...

Episode 040: The traditional path to building a business is often painted as a clear roadmap, following established blueprints and pre-defined steps. But, some founders follow a different playbook — one that focuses on the human element of business, fostering an environment that becomes a breeding ground for personal and professional growth. In this episode, Kyle talks with Benj Miller, Co-Founder & CEO of System & Soul. Benj is a proven entrepreneur who values character, culture, and innovatio...

Episode 039: The wealth management industry is moving beyond asset allocation and investment management. Clients require a broader suite of services, encompassing areas like tax planning, estate planning, and retirement accounts. Adero Partners recognizes these trends and is expanding its service scope to cater to its clients' evolving needs, signifying the firm's focus on providing a more comprehensive wealth management experience, and acting as the central advisor or family CFO for their clien...

Episode 038: In this episode of The Connected Advisor, Kyle Van Pelt is joined by John Barrows, Founder and CEO of JB Sales. John has a wealth of experience in all aspects of business and sales, from making 400 dials a week to leading a self-funded team from startup through acquisition, starting his own business, and now working with some of the world's fastest-growing and most dynamic companies. He believes that, when done right, sales is one of the greatest professions in the world, but when d...

Episode 037: The pace of technological change is rapid, to say the least. But change often brings with it exciting opportunities. Technology innovation presents nearly endless possibilities and potential to improve how firms and advisors operate and serve their clients. In this episode of The Connected Advisor, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Mark Delato, Managing Partner and COO at Simon Quick Advisors. Mark plays a significant role in providing comprehensive financial advice to high-net-worth indivi...

Episode 036: Athletes are often stereotyped as prone to making poor financial decisions. While this perception is unfair, the real problem lies in a lack of financial education. This gap can leave them susceptible to mismanagement and potentially risky financial ventures. Fortunately, with the right tools and support, professional and college athletes can overcome these obstacles and build a legacy of wealth far beyond the playing field. In this episode of The Connected Advisor, Kyle is joined ...

Episode 036: The conventional route to becoming a financial advisor is no longer the only path to success. The industry is evolving, demanding a more holistic and strategic approach to developing elite, successful, and growing advisors. The future now lies in joining established practices, where guidance from experienced advisors, exposure to their expertise, and participation in a well-defined succession plan can make all the difference. In this episode of The Connected Advisor, Kyle talks wit...

Episode 034: Providing excellent client service is more than just answering phone calls and replying to emails promptly. It means cultivating a loyal client base of raving fans. Achieving this requires building deep connections with clients and knowing them personally. Given the demands of advisor schedules and the complex nature of the industry, how can advisors deliver this level of personalized service? In this episode of The Connected Advisor, Kyle talks with Anand Sheth, CEO and Co-Founder...

Episode 033: The financial world thrives on relationships, not just with individual clients but with strategic partners who can supercharge offerings and take the business to new levels. However, forging successful partnerships takes more than a handshake. It requires alignment from sales teams, product experts, and executives united by a shared vision of mutual benefit. In this episode of The Connected Advisor, Kyle is joined by Rachel Cameron, Director of Strategic Partnerships at DPL Financi...

Episode 032: In this episode of The Connected Advisor, Kyle Van Pelt is joined by Lyle Wolberg, CEO, Senior Financial Life Advisor & Partner at Telemus. They discuss the importance of trust and how Telemus differentiates itself from other firms. Lyle also talks about the challenges and opportunities in hiring and developing talent. He shares his insights on technology investment and the future of the RIA industry, emphasizing the need for firms to offer additional services and create a one-stop ...

Episode 031: The future of wealth management is about a strategic balance between people, technology, compliance, and marketing. Investing in skilled professionals, robust tech platforms, stringent compliance measures, and effective marketing strategies will be crucial to capture new opportunities and attract the attention and loyalty of the next generation of clients. In this episode of The Connected Advisor, Kyle talks with Brett Bernstein, CEO & Co-Founder at XML Financial Group. Brett is an...

Episode 030: In this episode of The Connected Advisor, Kyle is joined by Peter Raimondi, Founder & CEO at Dakota Wealth Management. With more than 40 years of experience in the industry, Peter has built multiple successful companies, including Banyan Partners and The Colony Group. He is known for his expertise in options trading and has written a thesis on insider trading in the options market. Peter is passionate about creating an employee-owned company and prioritizes caring for his team and c...

Episode 029: Educating clients and creating value are pillars of success in the financial advisory industry. Bogart Wealth's explosive growth is a testament to the effectiveness of providing valuable content and actionable steps to clients. The firm has built strong relationships and attracted new business by empowering investors and helping them understand the “why” behind their financial decisions. In this episode of The Connected Advisor, Kyle is joined by James Bogart, CEO & President at Bo...

Episode 028: In this episode of The Connected Advisor, Jud Mackrill is joined by Scott Klaassen, Managing Director at Milemarker to discuss the critical role of reporting in advisory services. Together, they explore the challenges of ensuring accurate, transparent reporting and the complexities involved with alternative investments and multiple custodians. They also cover the importance of data management alignment within firms, the non-profitability of many client relationships, the potential o...

Episode 027: In wealth management, data is paramount. But it's not just about the data itself. It's about how people present, digest, and ultimately act upon it. That's where the user experience (UX) revolution in wealth management takes center stage. Today's investors, from seasoned veterans to tech-savvy millennials, demand clarity, personalization, and a seamless digital journey. They want information that's visually appealing, readily digestible, and actionable. In this episode of The Conne...

Episode 026: Delivering world-class integrated advice lies in a harmonious blend of human expertise and digital efficiency. It's a tightrope walk between leveraging the knowledge and intuition of seasoned professionals and harnessing the power of data-driven insights and streamlined processes. The challenge lies in ensuring these forces coexist, cooperate, amplify, and elevate each other. In this episode of The Connected Advisor, Kyle talks with Spenser Segal, CEO of ActiFi. They discuss how to...

Episode 025: In this episode of The Connected Advisor, Jud Mackrill is joined by Victoria Bills, Chief Investment Strategist at Banrion Capital Management, and Steve Zushin, Chief Revenue Officer at Mammoth Technology. Together, they dive into the world of alternative investments for business growth and retirement strategies. They also discuss the complexities of incorporating alternative investments into business strategies, positioning them for clients, and overcoming challenges. They touch on...