Ralph Cole, CFA®, Director of Research and Portfolio Management at Ferguson Wellman Capital Management, reflects on the firm’s 50-year history, core values, and the lessons learned across market cycles. He discusses what differentiates Ferguson Wellman, how the firm serves ultra-high-net-worth clients, its thoughtful approach to adopting AI, and how it plans to stay on the leading edge as the industry continues to evolve.

Sandi Bragar, CFP®, Chief Client Officer and Partner at Aspiriant, shares how the firm’s independent, employee-owned structure shapes its client-first approach and differentiates it in the wealth management landscape. She also discusses Aspiriant’s perspective on succession planning, growth priorities for the year ahead, and what advisors curious about the firm should know.

Dannell Stuart, CFP®, President and Partner of Mission Wealth, discusses the firm’s growth to over $13 billion and the strategic expansion of in-house tax and estate planning capabilities to enhance the client experience. He also highlights how Mission Wealth’s leadership, strong female representation, and focus on technology and next-gen talent position the firm to support advisors and deliver optimal outcomes.

Savvy Wealth Founder & CEO Ritik Malhotra shares the origin story behind the firm and the industry gap it set out to solve, along with how Savvy’s modern, tech-enabled model differs from a traditional RIA. He walks through how the platform equips advisors with digital tools, operational support, and independence, while still enabling highly personalized planning—especially for next-gen clients who expect both efficiency and customization.

Eric Kittner, CEO, Chairman and Partner of the Moneta Group, outlines why Moneta’s internally owned model offers a distinct alternative to RIA firms that rely heavily on outside capital. He also explores the future of advisor ownership, the importance of next-gen buy-in, and ways to drive stronger talent retention.

Abby Salameh, Chief Growth Officer at RFG Advisory, discusses the firm’s expanded StrongHer Money initiative, its leadership, and the drivers behind its advisors’ 13% organic growth. She also shares her perspective on the challenges and opportunities ahead for RIAs and what makes RFG’s model compelling for advisors considering their next chapter.

Cary Street Partners COO Wesley H. Gallup, CFP® discusses how the firm’s operational structure, technology strategy, and team performance framework are driving growth across the organization. He also breaks down the challenges of scaling a modern RIA and shares how CSP is cultivating a cohesive ecosystem designed to help advisors—and their clients—thrive.

Zane Keller, CEO of Ducere Wealth Management, shares why he and Rick Keller launched the firm and the vision behind its client-first approach. He discusses how the business has progressed in its first six months and explains how Ducere Wealth is working to solve some of the key challenges facing today’s advisory industry.

Founder and Wealth Advisor Michael Grand joins us to discuss his path to independence, the inspiration behind REVUP Private Wealth, and why he chose to transition to NYFP and Osaic. He also shares how greater flexibility, control, and client-centered decision-making are shaping the future of his practice.

Scott Colangelo, Chairman of Prime Capital Wealth, shares more about the firm’s growth to over $40 billion in AUM since its founding in 2017.

Robert Sechan, Co-Managing Partner at NewEdge Capital Group and CEO of NewEdge Wealth, reflects on the firm’s journey to becoming a top RIA and explains how innovation, partnership, and client alignment remain central to the firm’s mission and growth. He also discusses the culture that drives performance, the core values that shape decision-making, and the vision behind building a modern wealth management platform.

Hightower CEO Larry Restieri discusses the firm’s culture, values, and evolution as one of the nation’s leading RIAs. He introduces Hightower Signature Wealth—the firm’s new direct-to-consumer advisory platform—and explains how it supports both advisors and clients.

Integrated Partners President Andree Mohr shares how the firm’s distinctive CPA Alliance model and new AI-powered advisor tools are helping advisors elevate client service and efficiency. She also discusses the Ambassador Council’s role in shaping firm strategy, key industry challenges, and what’s ahead for Integrated’s continued growth.

Cerity Partners CEO Kurt Miscinski reflects on the firm’s 15-year journey from its founding vision to becoming one of the nation’s leading full-service wealth management firms. He discusses Cerity’s client-first mission, investment in employee growth, and forward-looking approach to innovation, AI, and the future of wealth management.

Tim Thomas, CFA®, CIO at Badgley Phelps, shares more about how the firm connects with clients, ensures a personalized approach throughout the planning process, and creates a unique approach.

Mark Weiskind, CFP®, President and Founding Partner at Fairway Wealth Management, shares what led him and his Co-Founder to launch the firm, what it means to serve as the client’s personal CFO, and what he considers the most important role of an advisor.

Melissa Bouchillon, Managing Partner at Sound View Wealth Advisors, shares more about the firm’s founding in 2018, its growth story since then, its focus on culture and people, and what makes the RIA unique.

Karisa Diephouse, Chief Operating Officer at Beacon Pointe Advisors, reflects on the firm’s impressive growth since its founding in 2002, highlighting the defining moments that shaped its rise as the largest female-led RIA in the country and one of the nation’s top RIAs. She offers valuable advice for advisors seeking to build enduring, client-centric practices and discusses how Beacon Pointe’s strong female leadership at the highest levels has influenced the firm’s culture and client experience, while also underscoring the core values that guide the RIA. 

Patrick Kilbane, J.D., CDFA®, Partner at Ullmann Wealth Partners, shares more about the firm’s mission and values and how they help people navigate major life transitions like divorce and retirement. Kilbane also explains how his background as an attorney and his special divorce certification position him to assist clients with their unique needs.

LVW Advisors continues to climb the rankings, and the firm’s Founder and CEO Lori Van Dusen has been named the #1 Wealth Advisor in New York State. Van Dusen shares her journey launching the RIA, how LVW Advisors fosters strong relationships with clients, and much more.