Changing Channels: How a Wirehouse Team Went Independent Without Leaving the Firm—and Grew from $280mm to $1.7B

Justin Berman shows that change is constant. After leaving Goldman Sachs in 2010 and growing his business from $1B to $5B in 10 years, he sought greater impact. He merged with Cresset Asset Management, boosting revenue from $17M to $27M in just 3 years.

Three Merrill breakaways offer unique perspectives on the process of considering change, life outside the wirehouse, and filling the gaps that one might experience when leaving a big brand name behind to become an independent business owner.

With Mindy Diamond and Jason Diamond Overview Jason Diamond turns the tables on Mindy who offers a first-hand glimpse into her book, Should I Stay or Should I Go?, created specifically for financial advisors who are looking to optimize their businesses or thinking through the biggest decision of their lives. Listen in... > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode... This multi-faceted episode offers perspective on what advisors can glean from this invaluable resource, why Mindy wrote the book, and what she learned along the way. In seeing a significant gap in information available for financial advisors looking to optimize their businesses, Mindy took on the task of developing a one-of-a-kind book entitled Should I Stay or Should I Go? Mindy’s journey started 30 years ago and culminated in this expansive project: A roadmap designed to help top advisors think critically and objectively about their firms. Drawn from three decades of counseling financial advisors on the choices that impact their business lives, the book offers a self-guided process based on what Diamond Consultants practices with our own advisor-clients. Along with Jason Diamond, Mindy answers questions like: What’s the real value of this book? Why this book and why now? Who is the target audience? Do you need to be considering change to find value in the content? Why would a recruiter share her trade secrets? And much more! Mindy also shares examples and excerpts from the book, along with the type of guidance one could expect to find in it. So be sure to listen in for the inside story. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Should I Stay or Should I Go? The Book for Financial Advisors by Mindy Diamond. Available now! Why Settle for “Good Enough” When Great is Possible? In a vastly expanded industry landscape with more high-quality options than ever before, some advisors settle for “good enough” when the potential for “great” is often within reach. What’s holding them back? Financial Advisors: What’s The Risk Of Staying Put? Many advisors feel that changing firms or models is just too risky. But what they may not realize is that there’s also a risk to staying put. The 7 Unintended Consequences of Staying the Course While it may seem “safer” to stay put, there are risks in doing so that many advisors are unaware of. Top Tips for Setting Your Business Up for Success Years Before a Move A breakdown of the steps advisors can take to prepare for change and enhance business processes, equally effective for those at the curiosity stage or even deep into due diligence, and whether you ultimately make a move or not.  Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites                                             Browse other episodes in this podcast series...

Gordon “Gordy” Abel from Dynasty Financial Partners offers perspectives on why marketing matters, how to create and leverage a brand, the key aspects of an effective value proposition, and more for employees of an established firm or someone just launching a new independent entity.

The “affiliation channel slide” has become a common path for many employee advisors seeking independence. Jason Andrews and Ross Bauer of Merritt Point Wealth Advisors share a story demonstrating how their transition from Wells Fargo PCG to FiNet resulted in tremendous growth opportunities.

Industry coach John Bowen demonstrates how building and fostering the development of your “Dream Team” can be the game changer your business is waiting for. It’s an episode that serves as a free coaching session with actionable advice for employee advisors and business owners alike.

Using the Diamond Consultants trademark data-driven analysis and insights on recruiting and deals, Louis and Jason Diamond share a “state of the recruiting industry” report for the first half of 2024, with perspectives on what to expect for the rest of the year.

Matt Brown discusses the founding of CAIS and his vision to democratize alternatives (alts) investing and open up access to firms of all sizes. He shares how technology helped transform the independent space and provides an extraordinary growth engine for firms. Plus, he offers his thoughts in the inaugural Founder’s Blueprint segment.

The first breakaway team to join Beacon Pointe Advisors offers a perspective on change at the wirehouses, the value of being a true fiduciary, the responsibility to a client and advisor’s business on serving an expanding list of client needs, taking a long-term look at the business, and much more.

Succession and monetization are hot topics for advisors in every model. LPL Financial’s Liquidity and Succession program representatives discuss what advisors, independent business owners, and next gens need to consider as they grow their businesses and explore long-term and short-term options, plus best practices to prepare for a transition and maximize business value.