Category: Finance
Balancing Operational Efficiency with a Strong Brand Story for Growth with Randy Lambert and Joe Steuter (Ep. 28)

Balancing Operational Efficiency with a Strong Brand Story for Growth with Randy Lambert and Joe Steuter (Ep. 28)

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Are you struggling to articulate your brand’s story or connect with clients in a meaningful way? Discover the art and science behind building a powerhouse brand that supports growth and client trust.

In this episode, Rusty Sommer speaks with Randy Lambert and Joe Steuter from Intention.ly about transforming growth through strategic brand messaging. They explore the map to supercharge growth and build a cohesive brand narrative in the ever-evolving financial industry. The conversation highlights practical insights from decades of industry experience, emphasizing the balance between operational efficiency and compelling storytelling. Learn how understanding customer needs, simplifying your brand message, and maintaining internal alignment can differentiate your firm in a competitive landscape.

Randy and Joe discuss: 

  • (03:09) The importance of building strong customer relationships and uncovering their pain points
  • (04:34) Why simplified storytelling boosts engagement and growth
  • (07:55) Navigating brand messaging and organizational alignment during mergers and acquisitions
  • (10:36) The role of core values in managing growth and cultural alignment
  • (18:23) How brand impacts the recruitment and retention of advisors
  • (20:39) Tactics for building a strong internal brand that drives external growth

We unravel the elements that make a brand powerful and trustworthy, both inside and out. Tune in and refine your own brand strategy!

Connect with Randy Lambert:

Connect with Joe Steuter:

Connect with Rusty Sommer:

About our Guests: 

Randy Lambert is Intention.ly’s EVP and Head of RIA Solutions. With three decades in the Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) and FinTech space, Randy Lambert has a proven track record of scaling operational processes to manage elite-level growth. By comprehensively understanding the RIA operational process, Randy can enhance processes and provide value that creates a great client and employee experience. His passion is leading a talented team that supports our mission to help every client maximize their Orion experience. Their team does this by championing a proven process that empowers advisors to focus on their top priorities with the highest impact for the advisory firm.

In business and in life, the art of the message matters most when building a connection. As the Chief of Communications at Intention.ly, Joe Steuter brings 20 years of brand consulting experience in message development, brand building, and communications strategy to inform, engage, and inspire action. Throughout the past two decades, his work has impacted financial services in varying degrees, from helping independent financial advisors mold their personal stories to building brands at the firm level and playing a central role in articulating brand messages for one of the country’s fastest-growing RIAs in the country.

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Unlocking Data Superpowers for RIAs: Thrive in the Age of Information (Ep. 27)

Unlocking Data Superpowers for RIAs: Thrive in the Age of Information (Ep. 27)

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What if your financial data could talk? 

Would it reveal new secrets about your clients, business, and the future of wealth management? In this engaging episode of “In the Money,” host Rusty Sommer dives deep into the age of data with Oleg Tishkevich, the visionary founder and CEO of INVENT®. Together, they explore the transformative power of data integration in reshaping the wealth management landscape.

Listen in as Rusty and Oleg discuss:

  • (03:07) The complexities of data scattered across multiple systems and the role of AI in creating cohesive conversations with your data.
  • (06:42) How Invent is pioneering an ecosystem that integrates various financial systems to enhance advisor-client interactions.
  • (12:11)Oleg’s insights into the evolving RIA industry and why customizable, client-centric solutions are the future.
  • (14:42)The critical role of technology in adapting and redefining the advisor-client relationship.
  • (28:43) Oleg’s prediction for 2025 and how each firm might become its own artist in crafting unique client experiences.

Connect with Oleg Tishkevich:

Connect with Rusty Sommer:

About Oleg Tishkevich: 

Oleg Tishkevich is a visionary technology entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Invent®, a cloud-native software development and consulting firm serving the wealth management and real estate industries. With a focus on systems design, data architecture, and digital experiences, Invent® helps enterprise firms and registered investment advisors (RIAs) modernize their technology infrastructures 

Prior to founding Invent®, Tishkevich established Finance Logix, a next-generation financial planning software company known for its engaging mobile planning app, Retire Logix. The app was recognized as the “Best Money Move” by Money magazine and voted the number one mobile app for advisors. Finance Logix was acquired by Envestnet in 2015, where Tishkevich served as Chief Technology Officer for Financial Planning.​

Throughout his career, Tishkevich has been instrumental in delivering custom firm-wide solutions for major companies such as Wells Fargo, Bank of America/Merrill Lynch, AssetMark, and Janney Montgomery Scott. His leadership continues to drive innovation in the financial technology sector, helping firms transition to cloud-native platforms and enhance their digital capabilities.

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AI and Financial Advisors: Why 2025 Will Be a Turning Point with John O’Connell (Ep. 26)

AI and Financial Advisors: Why 2025 Will Be a Turning Point with John O’Connell (Ep. 26)

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How is Artificial Intelligence reshaping the wealth management industry?

In this episode, Rusty Sommer sits down with John O’Connell, CEO and Founder of The OASIS Group, at the bustling Market Council Summit in Las Vegas. Together, they explore how AI is rapidly transforming the way advisors serve clients, from streamlining workflows to enhancing personalization at scale. Their conversation highlights both the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into financial services, while emphasizing the continued importance of human expertise in the process.

Rusty and John discuss:

  • (01:56) The rise of AI and its prevalence in conferences today 
  • (03:34) How note-taking tech is gaining traction in wealth management 
  • (04:40) The evolving AI wealth tech map with over 80 firms and growing 
  • (07:57)Enhancing the client experience with AI and the importance of having humans in the loop 
  • (14:13) The future of financial advice aided by AI and its potential to increase productivity 

Connect with John O’Connell:

Connect with Rusty Sommer:

About our Guest: 

John O’Connell has more than 30 years of leadership experience in both emerging businesses and mature, established organizations. He started his career designing and developing financial applications at Merrill Lynch and KPMG Peat Marwick. He was a member of the team for an IPO, sale of a firm, and packaging 2 other firms for sale. He held North American leadership positions at Oracle for over 8 years. He was the president of a FinTech firm and held C-level customer-facing roles at two global, publicly traded companies.

John is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer for The Oasis Group. A firm specializing in helping wealth management and technology firms to solve their most complex challenges. The Oasis Group helps firms with technology selection and implementation, sales processes and strategy, and processes to attract, sell, propose, onboard, and service new clients.

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Your Guide to Optimizing Portfolio Management with Advanced Reporting with Bill McFadden of GreenHill Investment Reporting (Ep. 25)

Your Guide to Optimizing Portfolio Management with Advanced Reporting with Bill McFadden of GreenHill Investment Reporting (Ep. 25)

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How is cutting-edge technology reshaping portfolio management with advanced reporting?

Join Rusty Sommer as he sits down with Bill McFadden, President and CEO of GreenHill Investment Reporting, to explore the evolving intersection of portfolio management and performance reporting, and its pivotal role in client trust and decision-making.

Bill McFadden explores how investment reporting has evolved from a basic compliance requirement into a strategic asset, enabling deeper client engagement, clearer insights, and more informed wealth management decisions. With a key focus on leveraging data visualization and tech partnerships, the duo discusses the importance of customized, clear communication to tell compelling investment stories.

Rusty and Bill discuss: 

  • The balance of automation with personalized client services for investment professionals
  • Flexibility and customization in investment performance measurement
  • AI’s potential influence on generating insights and enhancing advisory roles
  • Greenhill’s innovative initiatives, including a unique partnership with Drexel
  • The shift in client expectations and more sophisticated reporting needs
  • How enhanced data, combined with sophisticated portfolio management and reporting solutions, can address alternative investment needs.

Connect with Rusty Sommer:

Connect with Bill McFadden:

About Our Guest: 

Bill McFadden is the President at GreenHill Investment Reporting in the Greater Tampa Bay Area. He has over 25 years of experience as a Financial Services Executive and Entrepreneur. Bill is also the owner of Sixline, an investment advisory consulting firm. Bill McFadden was formerly the lead of Business Development for CGI.

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The Rise of Alternative Investments: What Advisors Need to Know with Kartik Srinivasan (Ep. 24)

The Rise of Alternative Investments: What Advisors Need to Know with Kartik Srinivasan (Ep. 24)

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What if your tech could read your client’s mind?

In this episode, Rusty Sommer interviews Kartik Srinivasan about the technologies that are reshaping financial advising. They explore how advisors are navigating increasingly complex wealth structures, the role of AI in enhancing client relationships, and what the future holds for advisor-led innovation.

Kartik and Rusty discuss:

  • (00:01:29) Tools supporting advisors in managing complex portfolios
  • (00:02:40) Approaches to consolidating non-standard assets like real estate and esoteric passion assets
  • (00:04:35) How evolving platforms align with broader advisory strategies
  • (00:09:21) Major trends, including generational wealth transfer and alternative investing
  • (00:17:40) The growing role of AI in modern financial advice
  • (00:25:34) Current challenges in fintech integration and where the industry is heading

Connect with Kartik Srinivasan:

Connect with Rusty Sommer:

About our Kartik Srinivasan: 

Kartik Srinivasan is a seasoned financial technology executive with over 20 years of experience in the wealth management industry. He currently serves as President of Advyzon Institutional, a division of Advyzon dedicated to supporting financial advisors who work with high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) clients. Kartik joined Advyzon in 2024 to lead the development of innovative tools and services tailored to the complex needs of these advisors and their clients.

Before joining Advyzon, Kartik spent more than 12 years at Morningstar, where he played a major role in building portfolio management systems. He later served as Managing Director of Third-Party Integrations and Partnerships at Charles Schwab, where he helped oversee the integration of TD Ameritrade Institutional into Schwab Advisor Services.

He holds a BBA in Finance and Economics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and an MBA in Strategy, Entrepreneurship, and Economics from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Outside of work, Kartik enjoys traveling, skiing, and hiking with his family.

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The Role of Human Connection in the Age of Algorithms (Ep. 23)

The Role of Human Connection in the Age of Algorithms (Ep. 23)

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What role does human connection play in the ever-evolving world of wealth management?

In this episode, Rusty Sommer speaks with Kate Healy of AdvoKate IQ about the importance of personal interaction in an industry increasingly dominated by technology. Rusty and Kate navigate through the dynamics of integrating human elements with advanced technology, exploring cultural awareness, next-gen talent acquisition, and adaptable service models.

Kate shares insights on:

  • (01:24) The irreplaceable value of human connection in client relationships and service
  • (02:56) How changing demographics demand adaptation in talent acquisition and cultural awareness
  • (08:57) Building scalable businesses while nurturing the next generation of financial talent
  • (10:47) Crafting a seamless and personalized client experience using modern technology
  • (20:57) Leadership lessons in empowering the next generation in finance

This episode is a must-listen for those interested in understanding how to balance the digital transformation in finance with the critical human element. Don’t miss out, hit play!

Connect with Kate Healy:

Connect with Rusty Sommer:

About our Guest: 

Kate Healy is CEO and Founder of AdvoKate IQ, LLC, designed to help wealth management firms with their growth strategy, focusing on the intersection of organic growth and workforce development. Kate offers diverse leadership experience as a financial services industry executive and nonprofit leader. Develop and guide high-performing teams. Deliver innovative, client-first marketing. Embrace change and modernize leveraging technology and business intelligence. Lead with humor and empathy.

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How Technology is Revolutionizing IRAs with Brian Hamburger (Ep. 22)

How Technology is Revolutionizing IRAs with Brian Hamburger (Ep. 22)

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Are you keeping pace with the rapidly changing landscape of independent financial advice? If your practice isn’t evolving, you might be left in the dust.

In this episode, Rusty Sommer sits down with Brian Hamburger, JD, CRCP, President and CEO of MarketCounsel, to explore the ever-evolving world of independent advisors. Brian shares his insights on evolving business models, the impact of technology, and what advisors need to know about current industry trends. Tune in to find out how innovation is reshaping client relationships and what the future holds for regulatory changes.

Brian discusses: 

  • (02:05) The importance of creating a community for CEOs and founders in wealth management
  • (02:49) Key takeaways and themes from this year’s conference
  • (05:38) The evolving landscape for independent advisors and emerging opportunities
  • (07:00) How technology and pandemic-driven changes are reshaping advisor-client dynamics
  • (08:42) Navigating regulatory changes under shifting political landscapes
  • (13:32) Market Council’s role in supporting RIAs
  • (15:08) Predictions for the financial regulatory environment in 2025

Connect with Brian Hamburger:

Connect with Rusty Sommer:

About our Guest: 

Brian Hamburger, JD, CRCP, is the founder, president and CEO of MarketCounsel Consulting, the leading business and regulatory compliance consultancy to the country’s preeminent entrepreneurial independent investment advisors. Brian is also the founder and chief counsel of the Hamburger Law Firm, a boutique law firm with its practice in virtually all areas related to the investment and securities industry, entrepreneurial and employment matters. The MarketCounsel companies and the Hamburger Law Firm reflect Brian’s unrelenting entrepreneurial drive and genuine desire to provide an unparalleled combination of preeminent counsel and uncompromising service to the wealth management profession. Hamburger is also the president of MarketCounsel Productions, a company that has built community within the wealth management profession by hosting events such as The MarketCounsel Summit, MarketCounsel Supper Clubs and MarketCounsel After-Hours. The MarketCounsel Summit is the industry’s capstone event of the year and a forum for debate and dialogue on some of the most critical issues facing leaders of wealth management firms.

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The Power of Partnerships in Wealth Management with Andree Mohr (Ep. 21)

The Power of Partnerships in Wealth Management with Andree Mohr (Ep. 21)

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Are you ready to take center stage in financial advice? Discover what it takes to make true partnerships and community-building the cornerstone of your business strategy.

In this episode, Rusty Sommer sits down with Andree Mohr, President of Integrated Partners, at the Market Counsel Conference in Las Vegas. They discuss the art of collaboration between financial advisors and CPAs, detailing how Integrated Partners is redefining success through strategic partnerships and community support. Andree shares insights on how they empower advisors to connect deeper with their clients, streamline operations with technology, and foster a vibrant, collaborative environment. As the conversation unfolds, you’ll learn about their innovative approach to advisor support, including leveraging AI for strategic planning and the power of community building.

Rusty and Andree discuss:

  • (01:38) Their approach to advisor support and community building
  • (03:01) Unleashing advisor growth through partnerships with CPAs
  • (05:15) How Integrated Partners helps advisors achieve significant growth
  • (09:37) The importance of partnership in the financial industry
  • (21:45) Attracting new clients and expanding services with CPA partnerships

Connect with Andree Mohr:

Connect with Rusty Sommer:

About our Guest: 

As the president of Integrated Partners, Andree Mohr serves as a driven leader, visionary, and implementor for the organization.

Her mission is to bring simplification to the financial advice industry and create a sustainable path of success for financial advisors, their support staff, management teams, and CPA partners.

Her adept workflows and nimble judgment have proven instrumental in creating a culture of innovation, efficiency, and collaboration. She skillfully leverages these capabilities to oversee Integrated’s day-to-day operations, drive the firm’s key objectives, and ensure the consistent and healthy growth of the organization.

A particular passion of hers is helping Integrated’s entrepreneurial-minded financial advisors implement strategic operations that foster practice growth and optimization to bring their business visions to fruition. Through Integrated’s nationally renowned CPA Alliance program, she assists CPA partners in monetizing their most trusted advisor status while simultaneously aiding clients in their financial planning and tax needs.

She is the co-author of the exclusive book Center Stage: How to Become the Star of Your Practice with colleagues Matt Ackermann and Paul Saganey. The book focuses on operational, team-building, and business processing efficiencies to help empower advisors to streamline their practices. The result: advisors have a roadmap to grow their business, leave a lasting legacy, and ultimately provide a boutique, concierge, and memorable experience for their clients.

She graduated from Northeastern University, where she excelled in their experiential learning programs. She has been supporting advisors in various capacities for the last 13 years and truly enjoys watching them realize their goals.

Outside of the office, her favorite pastimes include cherished moments with her husband and their twin daughters, passionately cheering on the New England Patriots, traveling to her favorite destinations, and supporting charitable causes that are important to her.

For those interested in talking football or discussing what it’s like bringing advisors onto the most open-architecture, independent, growth-oriented advisor partnership platform in existence, she can be reached at andree.peterson@integrated-partners.com.

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Today’s Technology Trends In Wealth Management with Joel Bruckenstein (Ep. 20)

Today’s Technology Trends In Wealth Management with Joel Bruckenstein (Ep. 20)

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How will embracing technology today redefine financial advising tomorrow?

In this episode, Rusty Sommer speaks with Joel Bruckenstein, a leading voice in financial technology, to explore the transformative power of today’s tech landscape. As the founder of the T3 conferences, Joel provides first-hand insights into technology trends reshaping financial advisory services. Dive deep into discussions on real innovation versus incremental evolution, and how these shifts impact the industry. Discover why staying ahead with AI and automation isn’t just beneficial but essential for growth and client satisfaction.

Joel discusses: 

  • (00:57) The evolution and implementation of technology in wealth management
  • (03:01) What truly defines innovation in financial technology
  • (05:20) Key highlights and themes of the upcoming T3 2025 Conference
  • (06:45) Strategies for organic growth using improved workflows and tech adoption
  • (08:58) Evaluating new technologies and making informed decisions
  • (10:42) Impact of AI and machine learning on client advisory
  • (14:05) Preparing financial firms for future innovations
  • (16:42) Predictions and trends for the wealth tech industry by 2025

Connect with Joel Bruckenstein:

Connect with Rusty Sommer:

About our Guest: 

Joel P. Bruckenstein, CFP®, is a globally recognized authority in the field of applied technology for financial professionals. He is renowned as the Publisher of Technology Tools for Today (T3), formerly known as Virtual Office News and now known as the T3 Tech Hub.

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Navigating the Future of RIAs: Insights from TradePMR’s Robb Baldwin (Ep. 19)

Navigating the Future of RIAs: Insights from TradePMR’s Robb Baldwin (Ep. 19)

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What sparked the evolution of RIAs?

In this episode, Rusty Sommer sits down with Robb Baldwin, CEO of TradePMR, at the Market Council Summit in Las Vegas. Together, they have a candid conversation on the history and evolution of the Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) sector and the current trends shaking up the landscape. From the entrepreneurial spirit that fuelled the RIA space to recent developments as Trade PMR joins forces with Robinhood, this episode provides a fresh perspective on where the industry is heading.

Robb discusses:

  • (01:54) The early entrepreneurial days of the RIA industry and its impact on modern practices 
  • (03:33) Major trends influencing the RIA space, such as roll-ups and aggregation
  • (05:16) The importance of supporting advisor independence with effective technology and service 
  • (06:23) Why the partnership with Robinhood is pivotal for the future of both companies 
  • (11:47) Enhancing client experience through technology to cater to all generations

Tune in to explore how these dynamics shape the future of wealth management and trading technology.

Connect with Robb Baldwin:

Connect with Rusty Sommer:

About our Guest: 

With over 30 years of experience in the brokerage and RIA industry, Robb Baldwin is the founder, president, and CEO of TradePMR, a technology and custodial services provider for RIAs. Robb is passionate about empowering advisors to achieve their true independence and deliver exceptional service to their clients.

Robb founded TradePMR in 1998 after facing a challenging transition in his own RIA firm due to a merger of two major custodians. He saw the need for a better solution that would combine innovative technology, extraordinary support, and seamless workflow for RIAs. Under his leadership, TradePMR has grown to serve RIAs across the country, earning recognition for its award-winning Fusion platform and its customer satisfaction. Robb holds multiple securities licenses registered with TradePMR, and he continues to drive the firm’s vision and mission to provide the best technology and service in the industry.

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