Episodes
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In this episode of the Model FA Podcast, David DeCelle sits down with Matthew Halloran, Chief Evangelist at Zocks, for a conversation that goes way beyond financial advisor technology.
Matthew shares his journey from therapist, to life coach at Carson, to building Proudmouth, to helping advisors reclaim their time and use it more intentionally. The conversation covers persistence, personal growth, client experience, organic growth, niche marketing, and why the best advisory firms are not just focused on more AUM, but on helping more people.
David and Matthew also dig into how advisors can use freed-up time from technology and AI to create better client events, deepen relationships, uncover opportunities inside their existing book of business, and build a practice that supports a better life.
If you are a financial advisor looking to grow with more intention, create stronger client relationships, and rethink how you spend your time, this episode is for you.
In this episode, David and Matthew discuss:
• Matthew's path from therapy to financial services coaching
• Why advisors need support beyond practice management
• The role of persistence, resilience, and asking for help
• How client events can become a powerful organic growth strategy
• Why advisors should create "return on moments" for clients
• The importance of choosing a hyper-focused niche
• Why marketing often takes 18–24 months before momentum compounds
• How AI and integrated technology can uncover opportunities inside your existing client base
• Why growth should be framed around helping more people, not just adding more assets
• How better listening can improve client relationships and personal relationships
When advisors get time back, the goal should not be to simply fill that time with more busywork. The opportunity is to reinvest that time into deeper client relationships, better experiences, more focused growth, and a better life outside the business.#ModelFAPodcast #FinancialAdvisorMarketing #AdvisorGrowth #ClientExperience #OrganicGrowth #FinancialAdvisors #PracticeManagement #AIForAdvisors #DavidDeCelle #MatthewHalloran
Connect with Matthew Halloran:
LinkedIn: Search Matthew Halloran
Book: Shut the F Up and Listen
TEDx Talk: Search "Matt Halloran TEDx"
Zox: Zocks.ioAbout the Model FA Podcast
The Model FA podcast is a show for fiduciary financial advisors. In each episode, our host David DeCelle sits down with industry experts, strategic thinkers, and advisors to explore what it takes to build a successful practice — and have an abundant life in the process. We believe in continuous learning, tactical advice, and strategies that work — no "gotchas" or BS. Join us to hear stories from successful financial advisors, get actionable ideas from experts, and re-discover your drive to build the practice of your dreams.
Did you like this conversation? Then leave us a rating and a review in whatever podcast player you use. We would love your feedback, and your ratings help us reach more advisors with ideas for growing their practices, attracting great clients, and achieving a better quality of life. While you are there, feel free to share your ideas about future podcast guests or topics you'd love to see covered.
Our Team:
President of Model FA, David DeCelle
If you like this podcast, you will love our community! Join the Model FA Community on Facebook to connect with like-minded advisors and share the day-to-day challenges and wins of running a growing financial services firm.
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In this Part 2 conversation, David DeCelle, CEO of ModelFA, sits back down with Daniel Gourvitch of Mercer Advisors to dig into the brass tacks of organic growth for financial advisors and RIAs.
Building on Part 1's focus on mindset and firm design, this episode is all about execution.
Daniel shares stories from Mercer's experience serving family office clients, creative professionals, and other specialized segments, while David brings data and examples from his work helping advisory firms build intentional growth systems.
Key Topics Covered✅ Why growth is an outcome, not a single tactic
✅ The hierarchy: Know yourself → Know who you serve → Build around that
✅ The 2 "must-have" and 1 "nice-to-have" boxes for choosing a niche
✅ How Mercer helps advisors find what lights them up and build around it
✅ The role of process in organic growth
✅ The referral gap
✅ David's three simple referral processes
✅ Daniel's three mindset & behavior shifts for referrals:
✅ Why sharing your real life (family, milestones, etc.) deepens loyalty and forgiveness when mistakes happen
✅ Marketing & branding for advisors:
✅ Education-first marketing:
✅ Authenticity & community impact:
If you're tired of "accidental growth" and want a more predictable, values-aligned way to grow your firm, this episode is for you.
#FinancialAdvisor #OrganicGrowth #RIAGrowth #WealthManagement #AdvisorMarketing #ModelFAPodcast #MercerAdvisors
Connect with Daniel:
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.merceradvisors.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-gourvitch-59562b5/
About the Model FA Podcast
The Model FA podcast is a show for fiduciary financial advisors. In each episode, our host David DeCelle sits down with industry experts, strategic thinkers, and advisors to explore what it takes to build a successful practice — and have an abundant life in the process. We believe in continuous learning, tactical advice, and strategies that work — no "gotchas" or BS. Join us to hear stories from successful financial advisors, get actionable ideas from experts, and re-discover your drive to build the practice of your dreams.
Did you like this conversation? Then leave us a rating and a review in whatever podcast player you use. We would love your feedback, and your ratings help us reach more advisors with ideas for growing their practices, attracting great clients, and achieving a better quality of life. While you are there, feel free to share your ideas about future podcast guests or topics you'd love to see covered.
Our Team:
President of Model FA, David DeCelle
If you like this podcast, you will love our community! Join the Model FA Community on Facebook to connect with like-minded advisors and share the day-to-day challenges and wins of running a growing financial services firm.
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Missing episodes?
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Most financial advisory firms say they want organic growth. But very few are honest about what it actually takes to create it.
In this episode of the Model FA Podcast, David DeCelle is joined by Daniel Gourvitch, President of Mercer Advisors, for a deep conversation on why organic growth in the RIA and wealth management space is so difficult, what firms often misunderstand about growth, and why client impact has to come before business metrics.
Daniel shares his journey from McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, and BlackRock to Mercer Advisors, and explains how Mercer built a growth engine rooted in fiduciary advice, integrated planning, client experience, and long-term consistency.
The conversation explores why AUM can be a misleading growth metric, why many firms mistake market appreciation for actual growth, and why organic growth is not a single activity. It is the outcome of many connected systems working together over time.
David and Daniel also discuss referrals, client trust, advisor specialization, the difference between serving clients and finding new families, and why firms need to think structurally about growth instead of chasing disconnected marketing tactics.
In This Episode
✅ Why organic growth is an outcome, not an activity
✅ How Mercer Advisors thinks about serving families, not just growing AUM
✅ Why many advisory firms believe they are growing when they may only be benefiting from market growth
✅ The difference between AUM growth and true revenue growth
✅ Why firms struggle to build repeatable organic growth systems
✅ How client experience drives referrals and long-term firm health
✅ Why growth requires patience, consistency, and connected execution
✅ How Mercer separates client service and client development roles
✅ Why advisor personality matters when building a growth model
✅ How Model FA's Advisor DNA framework fits into the organic growth conversationIf you are a financial advisor, RIA founder, or wealth management leader trying to grow beyond market performance, referrals by accident, or M&A alone, this episode will challenge how you think about organic growth.
#FinancialAdvisor #OrganicGrowth #RIAGrowth #WealthManagement #AdvisorMarketing #ModelFAPodcast #MercerAdvisors
Connect with Daniel:
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.merceradvisors.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-gourvitch-59562b5/About the Model FA Podcast
The Model FA podcast is a show for fiduciary financial advisors. In each episode, our host David DeCelle sits down with industry experts, strategic thinkers, and advisors to explore what it takes to build a successful practice — and have an abundant life in the process. We believe in continuous learning, tactical advice, and strategies that work — no "gotchas" or BS. Join us to hear stories from successful financial advisors, get actionable ideas from experts, and re-discover your drive to build the practice of your dreams.
Did you like this conversation? Then leave us a rating and a review in whatever podcast player you use. We would love your feedback, and your ratings help us reach more advisors with ideas for growing their practices, attracting great clients, and achieving a better quality of life. While you are there, feel free to share your ideas about future podcast guests or topics you'd love to see covered.
Our Team:
President of Model FA, David DeCelleIf you like this podcast, you will love our community! Join the Model FA Community on Facebook to connect with like-minded advisors and share the day-to-day challenges and wins of running a growing financial services firm.
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In this episode of the Model FA podcast, host David DeCelle sits down with Taylor Schulte, CFP and founder of Define Financial, to explore the journey from unplanned entry into financial advising to building a thriving, $300M AUM retirement planning firm. Taylor shares how sales experience shaped his early career, the lessons learned navigating marketing challenges, and the strategic decisions behind his podcast and YouTube content. The discussion emphasizes consistent content creation, understanding audience dynamics, and leveraging community to grow both client relationships and business impact.
In this episode:
• Organic Beginnings, Structured Growth: Taylor candidly shares how he "stumbled into" financial advising and turned early challenges into a disciplined approach to client acquisition and marketing.
• Sales Experience as Foundation: Early exposure to sales, whether at Morgan Stanley or other firms, provides skills that underpin successful client relationships and advisory growth.
• Building a Marketing Funnel: Defining the ideal client, simplifying the funnel, and aligning podcast, email, and video strategies are key to generating meaningful leads.
• Podcasting as a Middle-of-Funnel Tool: Stay Wealthy Retirement Show functions as a trust-building platform for an engaged, warm audience, converting listeners into clients through clarity and explicit calls to action.
• YouTube for a Cold Audience: Long-form video enables reach beyond the warm podcast audience, but success depends on algorithmic understanding, consistency, and patience; each platform demands a different approach.
• Consistency and Metrics Matter: Regular content, short- and long-form video, and monitoring engagement help translate effort into measurable business outcomes over time.
• Audience Clarity Is Critical: Growth requires understanding who listens, who converts, and which content moves prospects through the funnel efficiently.
• Strategic Restructuring Pays Off: Pausing growth to optimize internal processes, systems, and team alignment ensures scalable revenue growth from $2M to $10M and beyond.
• Community Amplifies Impact: Engagement with peers via AGC (now part of WealthTender) reinforces accountability, collaboration, and professional development.
• Books and Balance: Taylor draws insights and inspiration from fiction (Dark Matter) and non-fiction (Golf Architecture for Normal People), underscoring the importance of personal enrichment alongside professional growth.
Taylor's story is a strong reminder that advisor growth is not about doing every marketing tactic at once, but about understanding your audience, building the right funnel, and staying consistent long enough for trust to compound. If you're a financial advisor looking to sharpen your marketing, improve client engagement, and create content that actually supports business growth, this episode is well worth your time.
#FinancialAdvisor #MarketingStrategy #Podcasting #YouTubeMarketing #ClientEngagement #RetirementPlanning #FinancialAdvisorJourney #ContentCreation #AudienceBuilding #DefineFinancial #ModelFA #AdvisorGrowth #SalesExperience #WealthManagement
Connect with Taylor Schulte:
Website: definefinancial.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/taylorschulte---
About the Model FA Podcast
The Model FA podcast is a show for fiduciary financial advisors. In each episode, our host David DeCelle sits down with industry experts, strategic thinkers, and advisors to explore what it takes to build a successful practice — and have an abundant life in the process. We believe in continuous learning, tactical advice, and strategies that work — no "gotchas" or BS. Join us to hear stories from successful financial advisors, get actionable ideas from experts, and re-discover your drive to build the practice of your dreams.Did you like this conversation? Then leave us a rating and a review in whatever podcast player you use. We would love your feedback, and your ratings help us reach more advisors with ideas for growing their practices, attracting great clients, and achieving a better quality of life. While you are there, feel free to share your ideas about future podcast guests or topics you'd love to see covered.
Our Team
President of Model FA, David DeCelleIf you like this podcast, you will love our community! Join the Model FA Community on Facebook to connect with like-minded advisors and share the day-to-day challenges and wins of running a growing financial services firm.
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In this episode of the Model FA podcast, host David DeCelle talks with Brad Johnson, co-founder of Triad Partners, about his non-linear entry into financial services and the profound internal work required to shift from top producer to effective CEO. Brad explains why financial advisory remains fundamentally a relationship business, how Triad redefines "success" as simultaneous business growth and life fulfillment ("Do Business. Do Life."), and why emotional stability and self-management are strategic leadership assets. The episode explores both operational and psyche-focused dimensions of entrepreneurial leadership for advisors committed to building firms that matter.
In this episode:
• Accidental Beginnings, Intentional Leadership: Brad candidly breaks down how a chance entry into finance evolved into a purpose-driven career and why hard work and reflection matter more than luck.
• The Industry Is Evolving, but Relationships Still Win: Despite tech and platform shifts, trust and human connection remain the core currency of financial advice.
• CEO Mindset vs. Advisor Mindset: Many advisors struggle because their training geared them toward production… not strategic leadership. Taking ownership of vision and operations is non-negotiable to scale.
• Hiring for Complementarity, Not Cloning: Teams built by copying the founder seldom break through growth ceilings; complementary talent unlocks meaningfully different outcomes.
• Culture as Talent Magnet: At Triad, culture is both a strategic asset and a retention tool. Talent stays where purpose and community thrive.
• "Do Business. Do Life." Isn't a Slogan, It's a Strategy: Integrating business ambitions with personal life reduces burnout and enhances clarity about what success truly means.
• Time Can't Be Bought Back: Wealth accumulation loses value without intentional life design; success tastes hollow when advisors trade years for dollars.
• Emotional Mastery as Competitive Edge: Leadership requires calmness under pressure. Brad doesn't shy away from tough truths: therapy, self-work, and emotional regulation are leadership tools, not vulnerabilities.
• Wealth Doesn't Guarantee Happiness: High revenue doesn't equal fulfillment. Many successful advisors quietly struggle. Awareness and growth practices make the difference.
• Community and Growth Go Hand in Hand: Triad's experiences and shared member network create accountability and collective momentum for advisors scaling with purpose.
• Practical Advice for Aspiring Founders: Build vision early, define personal and business priorities, and evaluate success on both professional and personal axes.#FinancialAdvisor #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #WealthManagement #BusinessCulture #RIA #PersonalGrowth #AdvisorLeadership #CEO #TriadPartners #DBDL #PracticeManagement #LifeIntegration #EmotionalStability
Connect with Brad Johnson:
Website: bradleyjohnson.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradjohnsondbdl---
About the Model FA Podcast
The Model FA podcast is a show for fiduciary financial advisors. In each episode, our host David DeCelle sits down with industry experts, strategic thinkers, and advisors to explore what it takes to build a successful practice — and have an abundant life in the process. We believe in continuous learning, tactical advice, and strategies that work — no "gotchas" or BS. Join us to hear stories from successful financial advisors, get actionable ideas from experts, and re-discover your drive to build the practice of your dreams.Did you like this conversation? Then leave us a rating and a review in whatever podcast player you use. We would love your feedback, and your ratings help us reach more advisors with ideas for growing their practices, attracting great clients, and achieving a better quality of life. While you are there, feel free to share your ideas about future podcast guests or topics you'd love to see covered.
Our Team
President of Model FA, David DeCelleIf you like this podcast, you will love our community! Join the Model FA Community on Facebook to connect with like-minded advisors and share the day-to-day challenges and wins of running a growing financial services firm.
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In this episode of the Model FA Podcast, David DeCelle sits down with Jeremy Houser, VP & Senior Advisor Development Consultant at Simplicity Group and host of the Advisor Mentorship Podcast.
They break down what actually holds advisors back from scaling—why delegation is the real unlock, how a simple time audit exposes hidden leaks, and what to do right now to stay relevant to the next generation as trillions change hands. You'll also hear practical guidance on building a digital footprint (without sounding like AI), why LinkedIn is still a blue-ocean channel for advisors, and how to keep heirs engaged without turning your calendar into chaos.
✅ What you'll learn:
🎯 The #1 scaling problem advisors refuse to face (and how to fix it)
⏱️ How to run a time audit that reveals what to delegate first
🩺 The "doctor's office" analogy for protecting your time (screening + process)
🧬 How to stay relevant to heirs before the wealth transfer happens
🌊 Why authenticity wins in a "sea of sameness" content world
🤝 Connect with Jeremy:
🎙️ Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZqShr9Q246sEh9KH22q3M
✉️ Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: https://www.simplicitygroup.com/
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyhouser/
👍 If you want more conversations like this—strategy, systems, growth, and what's actually working—subscribe and drop a question in the comments.
About the Model FA Podcast
The Model FA podcast is a show for fiduciary financial advisors. In each episode, our host David DeCelle sits down with industry experts, strategic thinkers, and advisors to explore what it takes to build a successful practice — and have an abundant life in the process. We believe in continuous learning, tactical advice, and strategies that work — no "gotchas" or BS. Join us to hear stories from successful financial advisors, get actionable ideas from experts, and re-discover your drive to build the practice of your dreams.
Did you like this conversation? Then leave us a rating and a review in whatever podcast player you use. We would love your feedback, and your ratings help us reach more advisors with ideas for growing their practices, attracting great clients, and achieving a better quality of life. While you are there, feel free to share your ideas about future podcast guests or topics you'd love to see covered.
Our Team:
President of Model FA, David DeCelle
If you like this podcast, you will love our community! Join the Model FA Community on Facebook to connect with like-minded advisors and share the day-to-day challenges and wins of running a growing financial services firm.
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In this episode of the Model FA podcast, host David DeCelle spoke with Allen Darby, CEO and founder of Allaris Acquisitions, to discuss the evolution of the wealth management M&A landscape. Allen, an industry veteran who completed nine acquisitions as an RIA owner, provided insights on the surge in buyers and the changing mindset of sellers over the last four to five years. He detailed Allaris Acquisitions' shift from a traditional auction model to a compatibility-focused approach designed to save time and ensure a cultural fit for sellers. The conversation also covered the impact of rising interest rates on deal focus, the dynamics of "Franken-firms" created by aggressive aggregators, and a deep-dive on the potential disruptive power of AI on advisory businesses and valuations.
In this episode:
• Wealth Management M&A has fundamentally changed, with a surge of credible buyers and "through the roof" capital availability over the last four years.
• RIA Sellers are more sophisticated, realizing that independence after a sale exists on a "spectrum of autonomy" instead of a binary loss of control.
• Rising rates are forcing M&A Buyers to intensely focus on Organic Growth, with many now filtering out firms below a 5–7% net new asset growth rate.
• The traditional "financial auction" model is being replaced by a compatibility-focused approach that ranks partners by objective factors like fee model and tech stack to ensure a better cultural fit.
• Sellers must weigh "business lift" against autonomy, as highly acquisitive "Franken-firms" often lead to a "bumpier ride" with operational chaos due to less integration.
• AI's Impact on Valuations: AI is predicted to automate many RIA roles—potentially eliminating staff within 6–12 months—which will increase profitability and may make highly scalable, high-margin practices more valuable.
• The Biggest Disruptor is the threat AI poses to the Advisor Moat of "guidance," as the value of "knowledge" approaches zero and LLMs become more empathetic.
• This looming AI disruption and the potential for "uberization" of the industry may encourage RIA owners to accelerate their sale timeline within the next three to five years.
#RIAMergers #FinancialAdvisor #WealthManagement #AllarisAcquisitions #ModelFA #RIAAcquisitions #FinancialPlanning #OrganicGrowth #FinancialServices #AITrends #FinancialTechnology #PrivateEquity #BusinessStrategy #M&A #SuccessionPlanning
Connect with Allen Darby and Allaris Acquisitions:
Website: AllarisAcquisitions.com
Email: [email protected]
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About the Model FA Podcast
The Model FA podcast is a show for fiduciary financial advisors. In each episode, our host David DeCelle sits down with industry experts, strategic thinkers, and advisors to explore what it takes to build a successful practice — and have an abundant life in the process. We believe in continuous learning, tactical advice, and strategies that work — no "gotchas" or BS. Join us to hear stories from successful financial advisors, get actionable ideas from experts, and re-discover your drive to build the practice of your dreams.
Did you like this conversation? Then leave us a rating and a review in whatever podcast player you use. We would love your feedback, and your ratings help us reach more advisors with ideas for growing their practices, attracting great clients, and achieving a better quality of life. While you are there, feel free to share your ideas about future podcast guests or topics you'd love to see covered.
Our Team
President of Model FA, David DeCelle
If you like this podcast, you will love our community! Join the Model FA Community on Facebook to connect with like-minded advisors and share the day-to-day challenges and wins of running a growing financial services firm.
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In this episode of the Model FA podcast, host David DeCelle spoke with Jennifer des Groseilliers, CEO of The Mather Group, to discuss her career journey, the firm's growth strategy, and its distinct business philosophy. Jennifer detailed her transition from practicing law to becoming a financial advisor, moving through the broker-dealer world to ultimately embrace the Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) structure. The conversation explored The Mather Group's holistic service platform, which includes in-house tax and investment construction, its two-part M&A integration approach, and how their core value of "Unreasonable Hospitality" drives success metrics like high client retention and referrals.In this episode:
• The RIA Model is a Growth Area: Jennifer des Groseilliers' move from the broker-dealer world highlights the perceived stability and future of the Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) model.
• Embrace Holistic Wealth Management: The Mather Group's success with $15B in AUM/A is built on a comprehensive platform that integrates financial planning, in-house tax services, investment management, and a family office approach. This "all-in-one" model offers greater efficiency and coordination for clients.
• M&A Success Hinges on Culture: For firms pursuing growth via mergers and acquisitions, the primary focus ("heavy lifting") should be on ensuring cultural alignment, not just operational synergy.
• Define Success by "Unreasonable Hospitality": High client retention and referral rates can be achieved by moving beyond basic service to align a client's financial goals with their personal values, creating a truly exceptional experience.
• Strategic Growth is Dual-Track: The firm demonstrates that expansion can be effectively achieved through both organic client acquisition and strategic M&A.
• Team Structure and Governance Matter: Utilizing a team-based service model and having an advisory council composed of equity owners are effective mechanisms for ensuring service consistency and internal goal alignment.
• Advice for Women in Finance: Aspiring women professionals should seek out firms that demonstrably align with their personal values and provide a genuinely supportive working environment.
#RIAMergers #FinancialAdvisor #WealthManagement #TheMatherGroup #ModelFA #RIAAcquisitions #FinancialPlanning #UnreasonableHospitality #BusinessStrategy #WomenInFinance #SuccessionPlanning #OrganicGrowth #TaxServices
Connect with Jennifer des Groseilliers and The Mather Group:
Website: TheMatherGroup.com
Email: [email protected]
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About the Model FA Podcast
The Model FA podcast is a show for fiduciary financial advisors. In each episode, our host David DeCelle sits down with industry experts, strategic thinkers, and advisors to explore what it takes to build a successful practice — and have an abundant life in the process. We believe in continuous learning, tactical advice, and strategies that work — no "gotchas" or BS. Join us to hear stories from successful financial advisors, get actionable ideas from experts, and re-discover your drive to build the practice of your dreams.
Did you like this conversation? Then leave us a rating and a review in whatever podcast player you use. We would love your feedback, and your ratings help us reach more advisors with ideas for growing their practices, attracting great clients, and achieving a better quality of life. While you are there, feel free to share your ideas about future podcast guests or topics you'd love to see covered.
Our Team
President of Model FA, David DeCelle
If you like this podcast, you will love our community! Join the Model FA Community on Facebook to connect with like-minded advisors and share the day-to-day challenges and wins of running a growing financial services firm.
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Learn how Forms Logic, a cloud-based fintech platform built exclusively for financial services firms, is revolutionizing client onboarding, account opening, and advisor transitions. In this episode of the Model FA podcast, CEO David DeCelle interviews Joel Friedman, the Chief Operating Officer of Forms Logic, who shares his 25 years of experience in wealth tech.
Discover how the Navigator product eliminates paper-oriented, manual processes and single-handedly ensures single data entry and the use of the most updated, correct forms, dramatically reducing Not In Good Order (NIGO) rates from up to 50% down to the low single digits. Joel also details how the Migrator product streamlines advisor transitions, turning a typically 60- to 90-day process into a three-to-four-week preparation period, which is critical because "time kills deals" and means assets are deployed faster to generate income. Forms Logic is focused on streamlining front and back office operations for broker-dealers, RIAs, and wealth managers to free up capacity for organic growth.
In this episode:
• Meet the Expert: Joel Friedman, a long-time expert (25 years!) in the technology used by financial companies, especially known for his 20+ years at Docupace.
• The Solution: A tool called "Forms Logic Navigator" that solves the huge problem of too much paperwork in wealth management.
• The Problem: Opening new client accounts is slow and full of mistakes because people have to manually fill out and check forms, often typing the same information (like a name) over and over.
• The "Magic" of Single Entry: Forms Logic's Navigator lets you enter a client's information just once, and it automatically fills out all the necessary forms.
• Fewer Mistakes: The system drastically cuts down on forms that are "Not In Good Order" (NIGO)—meaning they're incomplete or incorrect—from a very high 30-50% down to almost none.
• Easy Advisor Moves (Migrator): Forms Logic's Migrator makes it much faster and simpler for financial advisors to switch firms and bring all their clients with them, cutting a 60-90 day process down to just a few weeks.
• Why Quickness Pays Off: Moving assets faster means they start earning money sooner, which boosts income and keeps clients happier.
• Complete Workflow Automation: The platform handles everything from the forms the advisor fills out (front office) to the processing and checking done by the company (back office), creating a seamless, streamlined process.
• The Main Advantage: By automating and simplifying operations, the firm and its advisors have more time and energy to focus on finding new clients and growing the business.
#FinancialServicesTechnology #WealthManagementSolutions #AdviserTechnology #FormsAutomation #FintechInnovation #BusinessEfficiency #ClientOnboardingSolutions #AdvisorTransitions #FintechForAdvisors #FormsLogic #WealthTech #NIGOSolutions
Connect with Joel Friedman / Forms Logic:
Website: formslogic.com
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About the Model FA Podcast
The Model FA podcast is a show for fiduciary financial advisors. In each episode, our host David DeCelle sits down with industry experts, strategic thinkers, and advisors to explore what it takes to build a successful practice — and have an abundant life in the process. We believe in continuous learning, tactical advice, and strategies that work — no "gotchas" or BS. Join us to hear stories from successful financial advisors, get actionable ideas from experts, and re-discover your drive to build the practice of your dreams.
Did you like this conversation? Then leave us a rating and a review in whatever podcast player you use. We would love your feedback, and your ratings help us reach more advisors with ideas for growing their practices, attracting great clients, and achieving a better quality of life. While you are there, feel free to share your ideas about future podcast guests or topics you'd love to see covered.
Our Team
President of Model FA, David DeCelle
If you like this podcast, you will love our community! Join the Model FA Community on Facebook to connect with like-minded advisors and share the day-to-day challenges and wins of running a growing financial services firm.
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In Episode 202 of the Model FA Podcast, David DeCelle sits down with Arnulf Hsu, CEO & Founder of GReminders, to break down what "end-to-end meeting management" actually looks like for financial advisors—from automated scheduling and reminders, to pre-meeting briefs, AI note-taking, workflows, and post-meeting follow-ups.
Arnulf shares his journey as a serial SaaS entrepreneur and explains why wealth management became the ideal vertical for automation—especially as "note takers" became table stakes. You'll also hear what advisors struggle with most (change management + compliance), why deep native integrations matter, and where AI meeting tech is going next (document intelligence, KPI insights, and profitability analytics).What You'll Learn
00:00 – Intro + guest welcome (Street Cred connection)
02:05 – Arnulf's background: enterprise SaaS exits + why wealth tech
06:40 – Why wealth management is "ripe" for innovation
09:10 – Why GReminders picked wealth as a vertical (focus + integrations)
13:10 – What GReminders does: end-to-end meeting management
18:40 – Automated scheduling + team meetings (ops time-saver)
23:10 – Pre-meeting briefs + pulling context across systems
28:10 – AI note-taker + action items + draft follow-up emails
33:40 – Adoption: change management + why back-office AI wins
39:10 – Compliance, security, and archiving/journaling expectations
44:05 – Roadmap: document intelligence + more native integrations
49:10 – KPI/profitability analytics + coaching advisors to improve
55:20 – Final takeaways + where to learn more
If review season scheduling is crushing your team, or your meeting prep and follow-up are inconsistent, this episode is a blueprint for how advisors are gaining back months of capacity.
Connect with Arnuff:Website: https://www.greminders.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arnulfhsu/About the Model FA Podcast
The Model FA podcast is a show for fiduciary financial advisors. In each episode, our host David DeCelle sits down with industry experts, strategic thinkers, and advisors to explore what it takes to build a successful practice — and have an abundant life in the process. We believe in continuous learning, tactical advice, and strategies that work — no "gotchas" or BS. Join us to hear stories from successful financial advisors, get actionable ideas from experts, and re-discover your drive to build the practice of your dreams.
Did you like this conversation? Then leave us a rating and a review in whatever podcast player you use. We would love your feedback, and your ratings help us reach more advisors with ideas for growing their practices, attracting great clients, and achieving a better quality of life. While you are there, feel free to share your ideas about future podcast guests or topics you'd love to see covered.
Our Team:
President of Model FA, David DeCelleIf you like this podcast, you will love our community! Join the Model FA Community on Facebook to connect with like-minded advisors and share the day-to-day challenges and wins of running a growing financial services firm.
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In this episode of the Model FA Podcast, David DeCelle sits down with two fast-rising UK advisors, Sam Luke and Lawrence Bearman, to unpack how they're using LinkedIn intentionally and consistently to build real brand authority and drive booked appointments.
They break down what worked early (a lot of outbound messaging), what changed everything (consistent posting), and why boosting top-performing posts can turn "pretty good" organic traction into a serious appointment engine—especially when your content speaks directly to a niche's real pain points (Amazon/AWS professionals and high-performing lawyers).
What you'll learnHow Sam and Lawrence got started in advice and found their niches
The "messaging-first" phase vs. the moment posting finally clicked
What types of content actually resonate on LinkedIn (and why "viral" isn't always the goal)
Why boosting posts can be a no-brainer after you prove the message works organically
The role of peer collaboration, accountability, and getting help from specialists to shorten the learning curve
Connect with Sam:
Website: https://www.westminster-wealth.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-luke-191331213/
Connect with Lawrence:
Website: https://www.westminster-wealth.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westminster-wealth-management/
---
About the Model FA Podcast
The Model FA podcast is a show for fiduciary financial advisors. In each episode, our host David DeCelle sits down with industry experts, strategic thinkers, and advisors to explore what it takes to build a successful practice — and have an abundant life in the process. We believe in continuous learning, tactical advice, and strategies that work — no "gotchas" or BS. Join us to hear stories from successful financial advisors, get actionable ideas from experts, and re-discover your drive to build the practice of your dreams.
Did you like this conversation? Then leave us a rating and a review in whatever podcast player you use. We would love your feedback, and your ratings help us reach more advisors with ideas for growing their practices, attracting great clients, and achieving a better quality of life. While you are there, feel free to share your ideas about future podcast guests or topics you'd love to see covered.
Our Team:
President of Model FA, David DeCelle
If you like this podcast, you will love our community! Join the Model FA Community on Facebook to connect with like-minded advisors and share the day-to-day challenges and wins of running a growing financial services firm.
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Louis Diamond (CEO of Diamond Consultants) joins David DeCelle to break down what really drives advisor transitions—and how top teams evaluate moves to independence, new platforms, or M&A opportunities. Louis shares the "consultative recruiting" model his firm has built over nearly 30 years, why freedom, flexibility, and control are the three core forces behind most breakaway decisions, and what a realistic timeline looks like from exploration to execution.
You'll also hear how Diamond Consultants structures compensation (including a refundable retainer approach), what their 7-step consulting framework looks like, and how advisors can avoid getting overwhelmed when independence opens up a "toy box" of tech, compliance, and infrastructure decisions.
What You'll LearnThe difference between traditional recruiting vs recruitment consulting
Why most advisor pain points trace back to Freedom, Flexibility, and Control
How Diamond Consultants helps advisors compare 3–7 best-fit destinations (wirehouse, IBD, RIA, aggregators, etc.)
How fees work: firm-paid recruiting model + when a refundable retainer comes into play
A realistic view of the transition timeline: 6–12 months is common, longer for breakaways
How many breakaway teams simplify tech decisions by plugging into existing RIA platforms
#FinancialAdvisor #RIA #AdvisorTransition #BreakawayAdvisor #WealthManagement #ModelFA #DiamondConsultants #MergersAndAcquisitions #SuccessionPlanning #AdvisorGrowth
Connect with Louis:
Website: https://www.diamond-consultants.com/team/louis-diamond/
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisdiamond
Email: [email protected]---
About the Model FA Podcast
The Model FA podcast is a show for fiduciary financial advisors. In each episode, our host David DeCelle sits down with industry experts, strategic thinkers, and advisors to explore what it takes to build a successful practice — and have an abundant life in the process. We believe in continuous learning, tactical advice, and strategies that work — no "gotchas" or BS. Join us to hear stories from successful financial advisors, get actionable ideas from experts, and re-discover your drive to build the practice of your dreams.
Did you like this conversation? Then leave us a rating and a review in whatever podcast player you use. We would love your feedback, and your ratings help us reach more advisors with ideas for growing their practices, attracting great clients, and achieving a better quality of life. While you are there, feel free to share your ideas about future podcast guests or topics you'd love to see covered.
Our Team:
President of Model FA, David DeCelle
If you like this podcast, you will love our community! Join the Model FA Community on Facebook to connect with like-minded advisors and share the day-to-day challenges and wins of running a growing financial services firm.
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In this inspiring episode, host David DeCelle sits down with ModelFA's newest team member, Joseph Pietrocini, Chief Growth Officer. Joseph shares his entrepreneurial journey, from launching a lawn care business in sixth grade to building a digital marketing agency in college, and how his faith and vision have shaped his career.
Discover how Joseph's passion for innovation and impact led him to ModelFA, where he's helping drive the next wave of AI-powered tools and automations for financial advisors. Hear about his big goals, including his commitment to generosity and making a difference in his community, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the exciting projects on the horizon for ModelFA.
Whether you're an advisor, entrepreneur, or just love a good story about growth and purpose, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and motivation. Plus, find out where you can follow Joseph's journey online!Connect with Joseph:
Email: [email protected]
Website: modelfa.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephpietrocini/---
About the Model FA Podcast
The Model FA podcast is a show for fiduciary financial advisors. In each episode, our host David DeCelle sits down with industry experts, strategic thinkers, and advisors to explore what it takes to build a successful practice — and have an abundant life in the process. We believe in continuous learning, tactical advice, and strategies that work — no "gotchas" or BS. Join us to hear stories from successful financial advisors, get actionable ideas from experts, and re-discover your drive to build the practice of your dreams.
Did you like this conversation? Then leave us a rating and a review in whatever podcast player you use. We would love your feedback, and your ratings help us reach more advisors with ideas for growing their practices, attracting great clients, and achieving a better quality of life. While you are there, feel free to share your ideas about future podcast guests or topics you'd love to see covered.
Our Team:
President of Model FA, David DeCelle
If you like this podcast, you will love our community! Join the Model FA Community on Facebook to connect with like-minded advisors and share the day-to-day challenges and wins of running a growing financial services firm.
-
Today we go inside of the mind of Model FA's Chief Marketing Officer, Graham Gardner, as he shares his path from OG Model FA employee to Partner at Model FA. In this episode, Graham discusses his role, the significance of strategic marketing, and how he helps clients build lasting relationships.
Key Takeaways:
From Gaming to Marketing: Graham's unique transition from running a gaming server to becoming a marketing expert. Fractional CMO Role: Insights into how Graham serves as a fractional CMO, providing deep, strategic marketing support to multiple clients. Long-Form Content Strategy: The importance of creating core content that can be repurposed across various platforms to build authority. Building Relationships: How focusing on meaningful client relationships can drive success in financial services marketing.Connect with Graham:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theonlinemarketer/
Email: [email protected]
#MarketingJourney #ModelFA #GrahamGardner #Podcast---
About the Model FA Podcast
The Model FA podcast is a show for fiduciary financial advisors. In each episode, our host David DeCelle sits down with industry experts, strategic thinkers, and advisors to explore what it takes to build a successful practice — and have an abundant life in the process. We believe in continuous learning, tactical advice, and strategies that work — no "gotchas" or BS. Join us to hear stories from successful financial advisors, get actionable ideas from experts, and re-discover your drive to build the practice of your dreams.
Did you like this conversation? Then leave us a rating and a review in whatever podcast player you use. We would love your feedback, and your ratings help us reach more advisors with ideas for growing their practices, attracting great clients, and achieving a better quality of life. While you are there, feel free to share your ideas about future podcast guests or topics you'd love to see covered.
Our Team:
President of Model FA, David DeCelle
If you like this podcast, you will love our community! Join the Model FA Community on Facebook to connect with like-minded advisors and share the day-to-day challenges and wins of running a growing financial services firm.
-
In this episode of the Model FA Podcast, host David DeCelle sits down with Michael Barasso, Director of Business Development at United Financial Planning Group and founder of Wealthline.
Michael shares his journey from software sales to joining and transforming his family's wealth management firm, and how he leveraged technology and process improvements to drive explosive growth. Discover how United FPG doubled their lead flow, harnessed the power of client reviews, and implemented innovative solutions like dynamic client questionnaires and an AI-powered receptionist.
Michael also unveils Wealthline's suite of tools designed to help advisory firms streamline operations, capture more leads, and reclaim valuable time. Whether you're a financial advisor, business owner, or tech enthusiast, this episode is packed with actionable insights on scaling your business and embracing AI-driven solutions.
Key Topics Covered:
Michael's transition from software sales to wealth management The evolution and growth of United Financial Planning Group How client reviews transformed their sales process and lead generation Building a high-converting, SEO-optimized website Streamlining client onboarding with dynamic questionnaires The story behind Wealthline's AI receptionist and Engage platform Tackling email overload with AI-powered inbox management Actionable advice for advisors on leveraging technology and AIAction Items from the Episode:
Connect with Michael Barasso on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbarrasso/
Check out the Wealthline website at wealthline.ai and fill out the form for a free call analysis
Explore Wealthline's AI receptionist and email management features
Links Mentioned:
Wealthline: https://wealthline.ai
---
About the Model FA Podcast
The Model FA podcast is a show for fiduciary financial advisors. In each episode, our host David DeCelle sits down with industry experts, strategic thinkers, and advisors to explore what it takes to build a successful practice — and have an abundant life in the process. We believe in continuous learning, tactical advice, and strategies that work — no "gotchas" or BS. Join us to hear stories from successful financial advisors, get actionable ideas from experts, and re-discover your drive to build the practice of your dreams.
Did you like this conversation? Then leave us a rating and a review in whatever podcast player you use. We would love your feedback, and your ratings help us reach more advisors with ideas for growing their practices, attracting great clients, and achieving a better quality of life. While you are there, feel free to share your ideas about future podcast guests or topics you'd love to see covered.
Our Team:
President of Model FA, David DeCelle
If you like this podcast, you will love our community! Join the Model FA Community on Facebook to connect with like-minded advisors and share the day-to-day challenges and wins of running a growing financial services firm.
-
In this inspiring episode of the Model FA Podcast, host David DeCelle sits down with award-winning financial advisor, author, and female advocate Cary Carbonaro. Cary shares her remarkable journey from learning about money at her father's side to becoming a leading voice for women in wealth management. Discover how Cary built her brand, the importance of marketing in financial services, and why women are poised to control the majority of the nation's wealth in the coming years.
Cary's early influences and career path in finance Building a personal brand and client base through marketing and PR The critical role of women in the future of wealth management Overcoming adversity and advocating for change in the industry Actionable tips for advisors to connect with and serve female clients Highlights from "Women in Wealth" and the coming $30 trillion wealth transfer
Cary opens up about the challenges she faced in a male-dominated industry, her passion for empowering women—both as clients and professionals—and the lessons from her bestselling book, "Women in Wealth: A Playbook to Empower Clients and Unlock Their Fortune."
Key Topics Covered:Connect with Cary Carbonaro:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carycarbonarocfp/
Book: "Women in Wealth" (Wiley Publishing) – Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and independent booksellers---
About the Model FA Podcast
The Model FA podcast is a show for fiduciary financial advisors. In each episode, our host David DeCelle sits down with industry experts, strategic thinkers, and advisors to explore what it takes to build a successful practice — and have an abundant life in the process. We believe in continuous learning, tactical advice, and strategies that work — no "gotchas" or BS. Join us to hear stories from successful financial advisors, get actionable ideas from experts, and re-discover your drive to build the practice of your dreams.
Did you like this conversation? Then leave us a rating and a review in whatever podcast player you use. We would love your feedback, and your ratings help us reach more advisors with ideas for growing their practices, attracting great clients, and achieving a better quality of life. While you are there, feel free to share your ideas about future podcast guests or topics you'd love to see covered.
Our Team:
President of Model FA, David DeCelle
If you like this podcast, you will love our community! Join the Model FA Community on Facebook to connect with like-minded advisors and share the day-to-day challenges and wins of running a growing financial services firm.
-
Welcome to Model FA Episode 194! David DeCelle sits down with Chris King, CEO of Eagle Brook Advisors, to dive deep into the evolving world of crypto in financial planning. Chris shares his journey from early Bitcoin research in college to building Eagle Brook, a leading digital asset platform for RIAs. Discover how Eagle Brook empowers advisors with automated tax loss harvesting, direct Bitcoin ownership, and seamless integration with major reporting platforms.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Chris King's backstory and what inspired him to launch Eagle Brook Advisors The unique value proposition of Eagle Brook for RIAs and their clients How automated tax loss harvesting works and why it's a game-changer for Bitcoin investors The importance of direct Bitcoin ownership versus ETFs and retail platforms How Eagle Brook ensures institutional-grade security and compliance Trends in crypto allocations among high-net-worth clients and advisors The educational resources Eagle Brook provides to empower advisors What's next for Eagle Brook, including product roadmap and market expansionWhether you're a financial advisor curious about crypto or an investor seeking smarter ways to manage digital assets, this episode is packed with actionable insights and real-world examples
Connect with Chris:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherking7/
Website: https://eaglebrook.com/
---
About the Model FA Podcast
The Model FA podcast is a show for fiduciary financial advisors. In each episode, our host David DeCelle sits down with industry experts, strategic thinkers, and advisors to explore what it takes to build a successful practice — and have an abundant life in the process. We believe in continuous learning, tactical advice, and strategies that work — no "gotchas" or BS. Join us to hear stories from successful financial advisors, get actionable ideas from experts, and re-discover your drive to build the practice of your dreams.
Did you like this conversation? Then leave us a rating and a review in whatever podcast player you use. We would love your feedback, and your ratings help us reach more advisors with ideas for growing their practices, attracting great clients, and achieving a better quality of life. While you are there, feel free to share your ideas about future podcast guests or topics you'd love to see covered.
Our Team:
President of Model FA, David DeCelle
If you like this podcast, you will love our community! Join the Model FA Community on Facebook to connect with like-minded advisors and share the day-to-day challenges and wins of running a growing financial services firm.
-
In this episode of the Model FA Podcast, host David DeCelle welcomes Andrea Schlapia, a certified EOS Implementer and founder of Ironstone Business Coaching. Andrea shares her extensive experience in the financial industry and her journey from advisor to coach, ultimately embracing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to help advisory firms achieve clarity, accountability, and growth.
Andrea's background and the evolution of Ironstone Business Coaching What EOS is and why it matters for advisory firms of all sizes The six key components of EOS: Vision, People, Data, Issues, Process, and Traction How EOS helps firms manage complexity, avoid "idea overload," and create organizational health The importance of getting leadership teams aligned and communicating the vision throughout the company Practical steps for implementing EOS, including the 90-minute overview, Focus Day, and quarterly/annual sessions Real-world case studies of firms that have transformed using EOS The value of structure and discipline in creating freedom and work-life balance Recommended resources: "Traction" and "What the Heck is EOS?" by Gino Wickman
Key Topics Covered:Connect with Andrea Schlapia:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aschlapia/
Email: [email protected]
Ironstone Business Coaching: ironstonehq.com
About the Model FA Podcast
The Model FA podcast is a show for fiduciary financial advisors. In each episode, our host David DeCelle sits down with industry experts, strategic thinkers, and advisors to explore what it takes to build a successful practice — and have an abundant life in the process. We believe in continuous learning, tactical advice, and strategies that work — no "gotchas" or BS. Join us to hear stories from successful financial advisors, get actionable ideas from experts, and re-discover your drive to build the practice of your dreams.
Did you like this conversation? Then leave us a rating and a review in whatever podcast player you use. We would love your feedback, and your ratings help us reach more advisors with ideas for growing their practices, attracting great clients, and achieving a better quality of life. While you are there, feel free to share your ideas about future podcast guests or topics you'd love to see covered.
Our Team:
President of Model FA, David DeCelle
If you like this podcast, you will love our community! Join the Model FA Community on Facebook to connect with like-minded advisors and share the day-to-day challenges and wins of running a growing financial services firm.
-
In this episode, David sits down with Matt Mossbarger, co-founder of WealthFeed, to discuss innovative strategies for financial advisors to find and engage potential clients.
In This Episode:
0:00 - Introduction to Matt Mossbarger
1:00 - Matt's background in wealth management
2:30 - Origins of Wealth Feed
4:26 - Building the tech team
7:39 - Catalyst events for prospecting
11:55 - Effective outreach strategies
16:29 - Multi-channel marketing approaches
18:55 - Handwritten note strategies
23:42 - Importance of social media content
26:11 - Platform integrationsSpecial Offer:
20% off WealthFeed annual subscription (contact Matt directly)
Connect with Matt:
Email: [email protected]
Website: wealthfeed.comAbout the Model FA Podcast
The Model FA podcast is a show for fiduciary financial advisors. In each episode, our host David DeCelle sits down with industry experts, strategic thinkers, and advisors to explore what it takes to build a successful practice — and have an abundant life in the process. We believe in continuous learning, tactical advice, and strategies that work — no "gotchas" or BS. Join us to hear stories from successful financial advisors, get actionable ideas from experts, and re-discover your drive to build the practice of your dreams.
Did you like this conversation? Then leave us a rating and a review in whatever podcast player you use. We would love your feedback, and your ratings help us reach more advisors with ideas for growing their practices, attracting great clients, and achieving a better quality of life. While you are there, feel free to share your ideas about future podcast guests or topics you'd love to see covered.
Our Team:
President of Model FA, David DeCelle
If you like this podcast, you will love our community! Join the Model FA Community on Facebook to connect with like-minded advisors and share the day-to-day challenges and wins of running a growing financial services firm.
-
David DeCelle interviews Steven Woods, CEO of Sterling Shire, about his journey and the firm's innovative approach to the financial industry. Steven shares his background, including dropping out of high school, joining Wall Street, and founding Sterling Shire. The firm aims to revolutionize the industry by offering advisors a 100% payout model, eliminating back-end revenue streams, and automating compliance processes. Woods highlights the "advice on demand" model, where clients pay only for successful recommendations.
In This Episode:
0:00 - Introduction
0:04 - Guest Background
5:00 - Wall Street Beginnings
10:25 - Industry Problems & Opportunities
17:50 - Unique Client Engagement Model
26:09 - Building a World-Class Leadership Team
28:12 - Impact of "Moneyball" BookConnect with Steven:
Website: sterlingshire.com
Email: Available on website
#FinancialServices #Investing #WealthManagement #Entrepreneurship
About the Model FA Podcast
The Model FA podcast is a show for fiduciary financial advisors. In each episode, our host David DeCelle sits down with industry experts, strategic thinkers, and advisors to explore what it takes to build a successful practice — and have an abundant life in the process. We believe in continuous learning, tactical advice, and strategies that work — no "gotchas" or BS. Join us to hear stories from successful financial advisors, get actionable ideas from experts, and re-discover your drive to build the practice of your dreams.
Did you like this conversation? Then leave us a rating and a review in whatever podcast player you use. We would love your feedback, and your ratings help us reach more advisors with ideas for growing their practices, attracting great clients, and achieving a better quality of life. While you are there, feel free to share your ideas about future podcast guests or topics you'd love to see covered.
Our Team:
President of Model FA, David DeCelle
If you like this podcast, you will love our community! Join the Model FA Community on Facebook to connect with like-minded advisors and share the day-to-day challenges and wins of running a growing financial services firm.
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