The Out and About Podcast

 Tiffany and Amanda break down how financial services firms should communicate during times of crisis — whether geopolitical, economic, or environmental. From balancing when to speak versus staying silent to maintaining a consistent brand voice, this episode offers practical guidance for navigating uncertainty without creating fear. Want more financial services marketing? Join thousands of professionals who receive best practices, resources, and the occasional checklist in their inboxes!

What should financial services firms actually do once they’ve chosen their social media platforms?

In part two of this conversation, Tiffany and Jimmy talk through how to handle platform-specific content, when content duplication can work, why Reddit keeps showing up in search, and where compliance concerns make direct engagement difficult. They also share a practical reminder many firms need to hear: inactive social accounts can do more harm than good.

Which social media platforms should financial services firms actually use?

In this episode of The Out & About Podcast, Tiffany and Jimmy explain how to choose the right platforms based on audience, credibility, and content goals. They cover why LinkedIn is often the best place to start, when Facebook still makes sense, and how platform limitations can shape your strategy. 

In this episode, Tiffany, Lauren, Ellie, and Jimmy break down what is shaping financial services marketing in 2026. From community-driven growth to bolder branding and thoughtful use of AI, the conversation focuses on how firms can evolve without chasing trends. Want more financial services marketing? Join thousands of professionals who receive best practices, resources, and the occasional checklist in their inboxes!

Creativity can feel like pressure to modernize, refresh, or chase something new. In this episode, Tiffany Silverberg, Jimmy Lim, and Ellie Alexander talk about how to assess whether your brand really needs to change or whether you are simply bored with what you see every day. 

You will learn why being creative does not have to be dramatic, how to evaluate trends through the lens of your brand and audience, and how to pull apart ideas you love by asking, “What am I reacting to?” Want more financial services marketing? Join thousands of professionals who receive best practices, resources, and the occasional checklist in their inboxes!

Marketing gets messy when it is disconnected from business goals. In this episode, Tiffany and Jimmy break down how to build alignment through a simple planning meeting, a firmwide calendar, and metrics that reflect what is actually happening in the funnel. You will learn how to work backwards from growth goals into marketing goals, how to report on what moves the needle, and why doing less can be the most strategic move when it is focused and tied to the company’s direction.

Tiffany and Lauren break down how positioning turns into a practical growth plan for mid-size financial services firms. We cover why clarity beats “cookie-cutter” tactics, how to align campaigns to objectives (advisor recruitment, hiring), and where your brand must show up — marketing, HR, sales, operations — so scale doesn’t create disconnect. 

Visual branding should reflect who you are, not just what looks fresh. Tiffany, Jimmy, and Ellie dig into when rebrands make sense, how to build recognition with consistent visuals, and the simple rules every firm needs in its brand guidelines. We cover logos, type, color, photo style, and the one thing to start doing immediately: create or tighten your brand guidelines.

Positioning comes before tactics. Tiffany, Jimmy, and Ellie break down how to define your voice, niche, and differentiators so your website, content, and campaigns stop spinning and start resonating. Learn practical ways to narrow down your audience beyond demographics, why brand guidelines serve as a true decision filter, and the “one thing” action step: writing your positioning statement. 

Struggling with what to actually include in your firm’s newsletter?

In this episode of The Out & About Podcast, Tiffany and Jimmy break down how to create engaging newsletter content in financial services. Learn why consistency builds trust, how faces and stories help humanize your brand, and ways to share team updates without oversharing.

Plus, discover simple, low-lift ideas — from candid photos to quick videos — that make newsletters feel more authentic. 

Not sure if your newsletter is worth the time and effort? On this first episode of The Out & About Podcast, Director of Marketing Analytics Jimmy Lim guides us through how to measure newsletter engagement in financial services. From open rates and click rates to click maps and Apple’s Mail Privacy Protection, learn how to interpret your data and connect it to your business goals. Plus, discover why newsletters remain one of the most effective owned channels, and how they act as “breadcrumbs” guiding prospects and clients through a longer, non-linear journey with your brand. 

We are sharing a bit of the why behind our podcast shift and give you a taste of the financial services marketing insights you’ve been looking for. Tune in for what’s ahead: strategies, creative ideas, and practical takeaways in conversations with our team for marketing leaders like you. 

Subscribe so you don’t miss when the first episode drops in just a couple weeks!

We talked with Jennifer about:

• How she helps create healthy businesses through operations, connecting health to employee satisfaction and community impact

• The processes of organizing operational priorities — from visualizing to breaking down goals into actionable steps with team involvement

• Why successful implementation requires both digital tracking tools and visual reminders, with a focus on celebrating wins and communicating the “why” behind changes

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We talked with Erica about:

• How she turned a passion for data into Track That Advisor, helping financial firms cut through the messy data to focus on clear, actionable insights that drive growth

• Why tracking the right data empowers advisors to identify what’s working, what’s not, and where to focus next

• The importance of clean, consistent data and simple data entry, and how even small improvements can unlock smarter decisions and long-term success

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We talked with Verity about:

• How firms can prepare for M&A by modernizing technology, streamlining operations, and ensuring clean data to increase a firm’s valuation and make the transition smoother

• The importance of uniting people, processes, and technology to navigate challenges like internal culture shifts, data merging, and the client experience

• Why a successful merger depends on having the right team, a clear plan, and a structured approach to blending systems and operations

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Rob Brown, founder of Truest Fan Coaching and host of The Purpose-Focused Advisor podcast, is a self-proclaimed cheerleader of the financial services industry. Rob spent over 25 years as a financial advisor and practice owner, where he discovered a deeper purpose in coaching. Now, he focuses on empowering financial advisors, planners, and RIAs to develop highly profitable, purpose-driven, and client-centric businesses. Rob’s industry expertise and client care insights encourage advisors to explore their purpose and foster creativity to help drive growth, deepen client relationships, and achieve fulfillment. In this episode, Rob shares how he helps advisors define success, set realistic goals, and differentiate themselves from automated tools and technology.

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We talked with Shaun about:

The challenges operational, back office, and other non-advisory roles face at RIAs, often working and navigating challenges alone

How the High Impact Financial Operations Network (HIFON) offers a supportive community for operational leaders to solve problems, connect, and help others succeed

HIFON’s journey from a virtual study group to a network of hundreds of RIA professionals providing access to valuable resources and opportunities

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Among her extensive credentials and achievements, Susan Latremoille is a Certified Professional Retirement Coach and the partner and co-founder of Next Chapter Lifestyle Advisors. Observing a growing need to redefine retirement and embrace a broader vision for the life stage, Susan shares how the non-financial side — not just having enough savings — is a significant predictor of success in one's next chapter. A published author and sought-after keynote speaker with over 35 years of experience as a wealth advisor and firm owner, Susan shares her insights through coaching, webinars, and content designed to help advisors effectively reach and serve this dynamic demographic.

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Jody Jacobson, PhD, is the co-founder and CEO of the Human Skills Institute™. As a brain-based consultant, coach, and trainer with over 20 years of experience, she helps financial advisors align their business, marketing, and life strategies to their unique strengths and values so they can sustain long-term growth and experience the joys of creating greater profitability and meaning for their clients and themselves. Whether they want to become an owner-leader, build a higher-functioning team, hire the right people, or stop giving away their time and expertise to the wrong clients, she helps clients change their mindset and achieve their biggest goals with confidence and ease. Never one-size-fits-all, Jody tailors her approach to each client's unique needs, thinking, workstyles, and goals.

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Joe Erle is a Cyber Group practice leader and co-founder at C3 and has been an insurance broker since 2008. Carving out a niche in cyber insurance, Joe’s superpower is analyzing policies, finding what’s not covered, and offering solutions to cover the exposure through insurance or other risk management vehicles. He is dedicated to helping clients navigate the complexities of cyber threats, ensuring their businesses are resilient in the face of digital challenges. He is also the co-host of the ”Ransomware Rewind” podcast, which covers major data breaches, digital privacy issues, and the quirks of internet culture with a mix of humor and insight.

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Jackie Benjamin Hatherley, “opspert” and founder of RIA Ops, has over 25 years of operations expertise, specializing in helping registered investment advisors embrace the human side of operations. Through flexible fractional COO and leadership coaching services, Jackie helps firms unlock the power of people in driving operations excellence to ultimately promote efficiency, innovation, and streamlined processes. Through consistent communication, explaining the “why,” and keeping goals relevant, Jackie’s tools and human-centric approach assist firms in fostering a culture of trust, purpose, and empowerment so operational decisions feel right — not just right on paper.

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At Out & About Communications, Tiffany Silverberg and Karen Villalta play key roles in managing relationships and bringing our clients’ visions to life. They bring valuable lessons learned and best practices for working with an outsourced marketing partner and managing common challenges throughout an engagement. 

We talked about:

• Practical tips to start an outsourced marketing relationship on a clear and aligned footing

• Why setting realistic expectations around timelines, deliverables, and success rates is critical

• Insights into common challenges companies may experience when working with an outsourced partner and how to navigate them

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Jake DeKinder is the head of Client Communication at Dimensional Fund Advisors, where he oversees a broad range of initiatives designed to foster deeper connections with clients. His role encompasses managing conferences, webcasts, industry events, study groups, and communities, ensuring these interactions are both impactful and aligned with client needs. Jake transitioned into this role after years on the sales team, recognizing the need for more structured communication efforts. He leads a team dedicated to integrating direct feedback from advisors into their offerings. Under his leadership, Dimensional’s virtual engagements have thrived, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Natalie Bergsma is a seasoned consultant and executive coach with over 20 years of experience working in the financial services industry. Her journey began unexpectedly, shifting from academia in physical chemistry to financial services, where she became a key player in helping advisory firms implement best practices. After realizing her career path was being driven by external expectations, she pivoted to focus on personal fulfillment and professional growth. Natalie has built a successful practice, BeyondFA, that combines her consulting expertise with a strong focus on mindset and personal development, guiding advisors and firms toward purposeful growth. She is passionate about helping leaders and businesses overcome mental blocks, achieve meaningful change, and align their personal and professional goals. Having relocated to Costa Rica and experienced her own personal transformation, Natalie integrates life coaching and mindset work into her practice, enabling clients to achieve success with balance and intention.

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Looking to make an impact in the thought leadership space? Want to become an in-demand speaker? Tune in!

Mary Carlson is a financial expert with a passion for integrating financial education and human behavior. After earning a financial planning degree from Texas Tech University, she worked as a lobbyist for the Financial Planning Association, focusing on retirement, taxes, and financial education. Her career later took her to the Pentagon, where she taught military personnel about budgeting, savings, and retirement planning. While earning her doctorate in financial therapy, Mary researched the financial behaviors of soldiers, deepening her understanding of the emotional aspects of money. She also spent three years at the CIA, providing financial counseling. Today, she runs her own consulting business, Financial Behavior Keynote Group, using her unique blend of financial knowledge and behavioral insights to help others.

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Catherine Tindall, CPA, is the founder and head tax strategist at Dominion Enterprise Services and host of the podcast “Financial Advisors Want to Know.” Specializing in helping RIAs, independent broker-dealers, and other 1099 financial advisors, Catherine goes beyond routine income tax return filing to offer proactive planning that supports growth and expansion. Observing a gap in strategic tax analysis and planning, Catherine takes a client-focused, holistic approach to tax strategies, helping advisors and firms grow more efficiently and achieve their current and long-term goals.

We talked with Catherine Tindall about:

• Why planning, forecasting, and analysis are essential components in building an effective tax strategy

• Key tax considerations for advisors and firms as year-end approaches to help optimize income taxes and future growth

• Why working with a tax professional who understands the advisory space—and knowing the right questions to ask—can help enhance an advisor's CPA relationship, experience, and outcomes

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Brandon Lovingier, ChFC®, MQFP® aka The Enlisted Money Guy™, served over 18 years in the Army — including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. After navigating his own financial challenges, he became committed to helping other service members avoid similar mistakes he made and achieve financial freedom. Through his Enlisted Money website, blog, and educational videos, Brandon shares practical resources and strategies to empower the military community to make smart financial decisions.

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At Out & About Communications, Ellie Alexander and Josefina Terrera are integral parts of a team dedicated to guiding clients to achieve their brand and digital goals. As design director, Ellie collaborates closely with clients to refine their brands and showcase what makes them unique. Her background spans traditional ad agencies, in-house branding, and boutique marketing, all of which have shaped her expertise and approach. Alongside Ellie, Josefina serves as senior developer, crafting visually appealing and functional websites, with a special knack for customizing Webflow to meet client needs. Together, they bring creative precision and dedication to Out & About projects, helping clients stand out and connect authentically.

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Brendan Frazier is a former financial services consultant with over a decade of experience helping financial advisors across the country. Through his interactions with thousands of advisors, he recognized a recurring theme: many felt they were acting more like therapists than financial planners. This insight led Brendan to explore the often-overlooked human side of finance, prompting him to launch his own advisory business. Committed to improving his understanding of behavioral psychology and communication, he started a podcast where he interviews experts in these fields. Brendan’s passion for merging the human aspect with financial advising has created a growing community of like-minded professionals eager to learn and evolve in their practice.

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Broc Buckles is the co-founder of BC Brokerage, a company dedicated to serving financial planners across all 50 states. BC Brokerage focuses on providing honest, efficient, and transparent insurance solutions exclusively for financial advisors and their clients. Recognizing the challenges financial planners face with traditional insurance brokers who often push products for commission, Broc and his team offer a trustworthy alternative. BC Brokerage empowers advisors, especially fee-only fiduciaries, to confidently implement insurance plans without concerns about upselling or misaligned incentives.

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Gretchen Pisano’s journey reflects the idea that no experience is wasted, as she believes her early career in graphic facilitation laid the foundation for her expertise. For seven years, she traveled globally, illustrating live conversations during high-level corporate meetings. This experience honed her ability to listen deeply—not just to what was said but also to what was left unsaid, across various cultural contexts. It led her to facilitate strategic conversations, where she noticed while organizations invest heavily in systems, they overlook the importance of changing how people think. This realization spurred her to pursue a master’s degree in applied positive psychology, combining her street smarts with evidence-based theories. Today, as the CEO and co-founder of pLink Leadership, she focuses on executive coaching and leadership development, aiming to align individual and collective growth with organizational strategy. She finds joy in the challenge of guiding teams, likening it to steering an aircraft carrier—a hard but rewarding task.

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Seth David, Chief Nerd at Nerd Enterprises, Inc., has a unique journey that combines creativity with analytical expertise. After majoring in computer science and dabbling in theater, Seth shifted his focus to finance, working as a stockbroker on Wall Street. He later earned an accounting degree and built a successful career as a senior revenue accountant. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, Seth went on to found Nerd Enterprises, where he helps accountants, bookkeepers, and financial professionals run their businesses more efficiently. Today, he thrives as a leader, blending technical skills with a passion for business.

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Mary Wisniewski is the editor-at-large at Cornerstone Advisors, where she shapes content strategy. In journalism since 2008, covering banking innovation and fintech with brands such as Bankrate and American Banker, Mary offers unique insights into the evolving financial services landscape. Her most recent work focuses on how companies are adapting their strategies to connect with the next generation of under-30 investors, financial planning clients, and employees. Appreciating Gen Z’s focus on self-care, work-life balance, and pursuing passions beyond financial success, Mary recognizes an excellent opportunity for banks, credit unions, and other financial services companies to engage a generation with distinct concerns and goals. Mary frequently speaks at industry events, in the media, and as the host of her podcast, “Money I$n’t Everything,” sharing strategies and research for better understanding and serving Gen Z.

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Angela York and Elyse Stoner are the dynamic co-founders of Event Advisors, a company dedicated to transforming event strategy within the financial services ecosystem. Angela brings decades of experience in advisor and marketing implementation, as well as event planning. Her journey spans over a decade of in-house roles and another decade as a consultant. During the pandemic, she met Elyse Stoner, marking the beginning of their collaboration. Angela’s extensive background in the wealth advisory space, combined with her passion for creating meaningful and strategic events, has been instrumental in their joint venture. Elyse has a rich background in sports entertainment and higher education marketing. Her experience in strategic marketing led her to question the purpose and strategy behind events in the financial services industry. Her strategic approach, coupled with Angela's deep industry knowledge, has been key to their success. Together, Angela and Elyse bring a unique blend of skills to Event Advisors, offering event strategies that are purpose-driven and aligned with business goals. Their mission is to elevate events in the financial services industry, ensuring they are not just events but strategic tools that deliver value and drive business success.

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Caleb Brown is the CEO and co-founder of New Planner Recruiting, LLC. He graduated from Texas Tech's financial planning program in the early 2000s after initially majoring in finance. Encouraged by his father to pursue business, Caleb discovered his passion for financial planning a few years into his studies and made a pivotal shift in his academic journey. Upon graduation, he returned to Dallas and secured a full-time financial planning role, where he worked for nearly six years. During this time, Caleb became actively involved with the Financial Planning Association (FPA) in Dallas. Witnessing the challenges faced by talented financial planners during a tough job market, he was driven to find ways to keep them in the profession. His efforts through the FPA led to the creation of career day programs and internship opportunities, and eventually, firms began seeking his expertise in hiring the best candidates. Caleb’s experience helped lay the foundation for New Planner Recruiting, which he founded with Michael Kitces. Today, he continues to shape the future of financial planning by helping new planners enter the profession and connecting top talent with leading firms. 

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As president of Unleashed Productions, Inc. and director at Finish Line Features, LLC, Robin is renowned for producing cause-based documentaries that inspire and educate. After beginning her career in the stock market, Robin's passion for photography and visual storytelling led her to documentary filmmaking. Her journey began in 2010 with a project about a high school cross-country coach diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease. The success and emotional impact of this documentary ignited Robin's dedication to creating films that highlight important societal issues through creative content. Self-taught and supported by the vibrant San Francisco documentary community, Robin combines her business acumen with a deep commitment to storytelling, fundraising, and mentorship to bring impactful stories to life.

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Stephanie McCullough is a veteran financial advisor with 27 years of experience. Inspired by her father, a long-time financial advisor, she transitioned into the financial sector at age 30. Recognizing the value of his work, she decided to join his business. A pivotal moment in 1998, when she met a coach at a chamber of commerce event, significantly shaped her professional journey. Stephanie founded Sofia Financial in 2011 and focuses on empowering women to confidently take control of their financial futures. She creates a safe space for open and vulnerable discussions about financial matters.

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Cole Craven is the co-founder of Move Health Partners, based in Evansville, Indiana. Initially an advertising major with dreams of working at a big ad firm in a major city, his career path took an unexpected turn when a close friend introduced him to the health insurance industry. Starting at a large agency, Cole played a key role in scaling the team from 80 to nearly 400 members before his successful exit last summer. Now with Move Health Partners, he is dedicated to demystifying health insurance and Medicare, making them simple and easy to understand for both advisors and clients.

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Ian J. Gates, former ESL teacher turned Army intel officer turned aspiring fee-only financial planner, brings a wealth of experience and unique insights into the financial challenges service members face. His military service and background in teaching refugees as well as affluent families have given him a rich and diverse perspective on financial literacy and planning. As host of the #BLUFFbooks podcast, Ian reviews new and classic books on personal finance to help the military community “build, lead, and understand financial freedom.” Focusing on the intersection of military service and financial planning, he advocates for tailored advice and specialized advisors to help military members and their families achieve financial stability and freedom.

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Melissa Joy is a seasoned financial planner with over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. Her career began with a strong focus on investment research and due diligence, eventually leading her to become a partner at a larger firm where she also played a pivotal role in shaping marketing strategies and branding efforts. In 2018, Melissa embarked on a new journey by founding Pearl Planning. She sought to connect with clients who valued thoughtful, personal conversations over the scale of a large firm. By sharing her own story and emphasizing Pearl Planning’s unique value proposition, Melissa successfully established a niche in the market, attracting clients who appreciated the tailored approach offered by her boutique firm. Today, Melissa leads Pearl Planning with a commitment to providing personalized financial advice and building meaningful client relationships, reflecting her belief that the size of the firm should never overshadow the quality of service and attention to individual client needs.

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Spencer Lowe, CEO of SOLVD.cloud, was interested in entrepreneurship from a young age, starting with mowing lawns and door-to-door sales. Inspired by his father's late-career business venture, Spencer pursued his ambition to start his own business, earning a master's degree in information systems management. He began his career at a firm, where he honed his skills as a Salesforce consultant. Recognizing the rapid growth in the Salesforce market, Spencer founded SOLVD.cloud in 2019 to tackle its inefficiencies and the high costs faced by companies. Initially serving a broad client base, SOLVD.cloud refocused during the COVID-19 pandemic on high-tech SaaS and financial services, sectors that saw increased spending during this time. Today, SOLVD.cloud is renowned for its expertise in these areas, empowering businesses to revolutionize their CRM systems by optimizing tools and products to enhance workflows and drive growth. Emphasizing project management and technical expertise, SOLVD.cloud cultivates top Salesforce consultants and is thriving under Spencer’s leadership. 

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Barbara Micheletti is the founder and CEO of Interrupting Aging, using her gerontology (the study of aging) expertise and financial services background to transform how financial professionals engage with their aging clients. Starting as an insurance agent in 2006, she built a successful business but faced significant challenges two years later when Brooke Corporation went bankrupt while she was also experiencing personal financial hardship. Emerging stronger, Barbara learned resilience, crisis management, and the importance of transparency. Today, she emphasizes the importance of holistic financial planning for all life stages. Through Interrupting Aging, Barbara inspires a positive approach to aging, guiding financial professionals to better support their aging clients both financially and emotionally.

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Kate Guillen is a seasoned operations professional with over a decade of experience in the investment management industry. Her journey began as a client service associate for a broker-dealer and she later became the operations manager at a registered investment advisor, where she was given the freedom to solve operational issues with technology and discovered her passion for AdvisorTech. In 2020, she founded Simplicity Ops to help financial advisors and their teams simplify systems and standardize operations. Today, Simplicity Ops has partnered with over 50 firms, dedicated to maximizing their technology and ensuring robust operating procedures to support growth and excellent client service.

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Nick Richtsmeier is the principal at CultureCraft, an innovative firm dedicated to providing tools that unlock critical questions for wealth management professionals and firms. With a career deeply rooted in the wealth management industry, Nick spent nearly a decade as an advisor before transitioning into executive roles. His experience includes serving as CMO and COO for small to mid-sized registered investment advisor (RIA) firms, where he identified recurring issues that kept RIA businesses stuck in unproductive cycles — a key factor fueling the current era of consolidation. Passionate about addressing these challenges, Nick founded CultureCraft to equip wealth managers with the insights and strategies needed to break free from these cycles and achieve sustainable success.

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