Frank Smith on Building Lasting Enterprise Value

"Build the mousetrap, set the right bait, and the rest will take care of itself." That's how John Farnham, our Director of Advisor Growth and Engagement, thinks about scaling a practice. Not more hustle. Better systems. In this month's Perspectives, John breaks down two real paths to scale, what separates top producers from everyone else, and exactly where to start if outsourcing is on your mind. Read it here → https://lnkd.in/eeVV_xqV

Not every advisor thinking about selling their practice is focused on the same things as the buyers. That gap can be costly. Our CFO, Adam Schorr, joined Jeff Berman at Wealth Solutions Report to unpack what buyers actually look at, why founder dependency can matter more than expected, and how advisors can build a practice that holds its value long before an exit. For advisors thinking about what comes next, it’s worth a read: https://lnkd.in/gd_8CMMW

Advisors often look at AUM, experience, and client loyalty when thinking about value. Buyers are looking at something else: How transferable and scalable is the business without the founder at the center? In this month’s Perspectives, Adam Schorr breaks down what buyers are really underwriting and what advisors can do to shape future value. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eZKXU2MW

Model management isn’t the hard part. Talking about it with clients? That’s where many advisors hesitate. The concern we hear most: “I don’t want clients to think I’m handing off their portfolio.” In this Perspectives piece, James Sullivan breaks down how to reframe the conversation so it builds confidence, not confusion. It’s about leading with why, positioning specialists as an enhancement (not a replacement), and reinforcing the role clients actually value most: guidance, coordination, and judgment. When model management is explained well, it doesn’t reduce your value. It clarifies it. Read the full article to see how the right framing changes the entire conversation. https://lnkd.in/e8e2jDcK

If independence has been on your mind, this is your sign. The conditions have changed, technology, talent movement, and client expectations are all working in favor of independent advisors. And more professionals are deciding it’s time to act. Jim Perhacs shares why now is the moment and how the right support makes all the difference. 👉 Read the perspective. Then let’s talk about what independence could look like for you. https://lnkd.in/eBrVG34z

What's the most important number in your business? It's probably not your valuation multiple. Our CFO Adam Schorr joins Russ Alan Prince and Financial Advisor Magazine to explore what advisors can learn from a CFO mindset, how to measure the true health of a business, and why long-term value creation starts long before an exit. A must-read for financial advisors, entrepreneurs, and CFOs focused on building enterprise value. https://lnkd.in/eZbS_HcX

There’s no one-size-fits-all tech stack for advisors. Our open-architecture approach gives our advisor community the flexibility to choose the tools that best fit their practice while we support it all behind the scenes. Our Head of Technology, Patrick Sullivan, shared insights on the tools we use and how advisors are putting them to work to drive efficiency and deeper client connection. Read more at WealthManagement.com. https://lnkd.in/e5aAQ8Pn

 What happens when advisors compare notes with zero agenda to sell? You get the real story—what’s working, what’s not, and where there’s room to get better. From CRM gaps to service model misalignment to rethinking how you scale client relationships, five themes kept surfacing across the conversation. If you’re looking to run a more intentional, efficient, and scalable practice, this is worth your time. 👉 Read the full piece: https://lnkd.in/e5Gf9pvb

The best ideas don’t always come from a playbook; they come from conversations with advisors who are living it every day. At our 2026 Annual Conference, Table Topics surfaced practical ways to run more efficient, client-focused practices from smarter workflows and streamlined scheduling to leveraging client feedback and creating meaningful connections. Real ideas you can put into action. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eNrfijQH

Growth takes more than great advice. It takes the right foundation behind the business, too. In this new perspective piece, Jim Hooks, CRCP, our Chief Compliance Officer, shares how strong, proactive compliance can help advisors grow with greater confidence, consistency, and scalability. From supporting marketing initiatives and strengthening client trust to helping firms build long-term enterprise value, compliance plays an important role in creating a business that’s built to grow and evolve. When compliance is collaborative and accessible, it becomes more than oversight. It becomes part of the infrastructure that helps advisors move forward with clarity and confidence. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/efqyYawa