Month: May 2024

Our Firm’s Evolution: From Broker-Dealer to RIA (Ep. 79)

Our Firm’s Evolution: From Broker-Dealer to RIA (Ep. 79)

Many believe that the broker-dealer channel and the Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) space are the same, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. 

The real difference lies in their core focus — while one is geared toward sales, the other is deeply rooted in advice, impacting your investment journey vastly.

Brent Mekosh walks you through their strategic move from the broker-dealer world to becoming a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) in this week’s episode of Smart. Money. Simplified.

Listen in and discover the challenges, insights, and unexpected benefits of making such a significant shift in the financial advisory landscape, directly from someone who’s navigated the complexities firsthand.

Brent discusses:

  • His transition from being a broker-dealer to a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) and what is the reasoning behind it
  • The value of merging teams for growth and expanded capabilities
  • How do alternative investments diversify a portfolio beyond traditional stocks and bonds
  • How his clients reacted to this business change
  • The crucial aspects of client communication during these transition times
  • And more!

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

Unlocking Human Potential: How Jiu-Jitsu Shapes Character and Mindset with Adam Ideson (Ep. 78)

Unlocking Human Potential: How Jiu-Jitsu Shapes Character and Mindset with Adam Ideson (Ep. 78)

Did you know that the principles of jiu-jitsu not only apply to martial arts but can also transform your approach to personal and financial growth? 

Through discipline, continuous improvement, and strategic planning, the art of jiu-jitsu mirrors the pathway to achieving financial success.

This week on Smart. Money. Simplified, Brent Mekosh sits down with Adam Ideson, a seasoned jiu-jitsu practitioner and an entrepreneur shaping lives through martial arts. 

Tune in and discover how the principles of jiu-jitsu extend into entrepreneurship, mental health, and character building, offering insights that resonate well beyond the dojo.

Brent and Adam discuss:

  • The roots and philosophy of jiu-jitsu 
  • Ways jiu-jitsu differs from other martial arts
  • How does jiu-jitsu empower individuals to develop self-confidence, discipline, and resilience
  • Perseverance, strategy, and community-building: Lessons martial arts can offer to entrepreneurs
  • How can martial arts education address and combat modern challenges like bullying
  • And more!

Connect with Adam Ideson:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Adam Ideson has been practicing Gracie Jiu-Jitsu® since 2010. Since his first class, Adam has been captivated by the art. He has dedicated himself to the study of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and sharing this art and lifestyle with others. Adam graduated from the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy Instructor Certification program in 2013.

Exploring the RIA Space with Nate Lenz (Ep. 77)

Exploring the RIA Space with Nate Lenz (Ep. 77)

Many believe that the transition from a broker-dealer to a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) space is deeply complex and risky, possibly jeopardizing client relationships. 

However, this move can actually open up a world of opportunities for personalized client service, technology advancement, and business model autonomy,

This week, Brent Mekosh is joined by Nate Lenz, the CEO of Concurrent, to explore the significant advantages this change can bring to your financial planning. 

Brent and Nate delve into the intricate world of financial advising, particularly focusing on the transition from broker-dealer models to the RIA framework.

Episode talking points include:

  • The fundamental differences between broker-dealer models and the RIA setup
  • The enhanced opportunities for personalized financial planning and investment options in the RIA space
  • The role of technology in revolutionizing client service and operational efficiency
  • Strategies for business succession and growth in the evolving landscape of financial advisement
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Nate Lenz:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

With over a decade of experience in the financial industry, Nate Lenz is a prominent figure for advisors seeking to unlock their potential as entrepreneurs. Currently serving as the CEO and Co-Founder of Concurrent, an OSJ turned RIA valued at $7 billion, the company was honored as an InvestmentNews Best Place to Work in 2023. Nate and his team are dedicated to collaborating with advisors to facilitate the growth of their independent enterprises.

True Entrepreneurship: Scaling a Business for Meaningful Impact with Kristen Shroyer (Ep. 76)

True Entrepreneurship: Scaling a Business for Meaningful Impact with Kristen Shroyer (Ep. 76)

Many believe that quality wine and philanthropy are paths that rarely cross.

ONEHOPE Wine challenges this misconception head-on, proving that every sip can indeed contribute to a greater cause. 

This week on Smart. Money. Simplified, Brent Mekosh is joined by Kristen Shroyer, Co-Founder and Chief Impact Officer at ONEHOPE Wine. Together they uncork the journey of turning a passion for wine into a powerful force for global change. 

Tune in and explore Kristen’s entrepreneurial adventure in the wine industry, the challenges and breakthroughs of scaling a business, and how each bottle of wine sold contributes to meaningful causes worldwide.

Talking points include: 

  • The origins and mission of ONEHOPE Wine
  • Overcoming industry challenges and the transition to an independent RIA space
  • The importance of aligning business with philanthropy
  • Insights into entrepreneurship and growing a purpose-driven brand
  • And more!

Connect with Kristen Shroyer:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Kristen Shroyer is a highly accomplished and committed executive with over 16 years of extensive experience in the wine industry. As the Co-Founder of ONEHOPE Wine, Kristen has a proven track record in building and nurturing partnerships, empowering women through wine, leading marketing initiatives, and driving sales strategies. She is passionate about combining business growth with positive social impact, with over $10 million donated to over 40,000 nonprofits to date. 

Kristen is skilled in leading diverse teams and managing national accounts. Dedicated to giving back to the community, she serves in various volunteer roles and has been recognized with numerous honors and awards for her contributions to the industry and community.