The Perfect RIA Matthew Jarvis, CFP® & Micah Shilanski, CFP®

In this recap episode, Amber is sharing the highlights from this week. Monday, Ted Jenkin joined Matt to reveal that traditional valuation methods often underestimate the true worth of successful RIA practices. He emphasized the power of leveraging the open marketplace, where multiples can soar as high as 14 to 17 times cash flow for larger firms. The key, according to Jenkin, is understanding the velocity of money and evaluating strategies that will rapidly build net worth. On Thursday, Jamie stressed the importance of starting with a clear long-term vision and exit strategy when it comes to your business. She advocates for vision mapping over traditional business plans, coupled with a SWOT analysis that considers the owner's personal strengths and weaknesses. Choosing the right legal structure, maintaining proper documentation, and avoiding the commingling of assets is crucial to protecting liability and maximizing valuations. Perhaps most importantly, Jamie emphasized the need for a well-defined succession plan, not just for the business but also for the transition of client relationships. By building a sellable business from day one, with clean financials and verifiable records, financial advisors can position themselves for maximum growth and an optimal exit strategy.
Resources in today's episode:
- Episode Website
- Accelerating Your Growth and Understanding Practice Valuations with Guest Ted Jenkin [Episode 260]
- How Your LLC Fails

In this episode, Jamie Shilanski is shedding light on business structuring and long-term planning strategies. She explains why selecting the right legal entity is crucial for maximizing tax benefits and prepping your exit strategy. Jamie also breaks down the risks of mixing personal and business assets, a no-no that can pierce your corporate veil.
But keeping clean books is just the start. Jamie emphasizes the need for a rational succession plan to ensure your hard-earned equity doesn't go up in smoke. Jamie discusses the importance of properly structuring small businesses, particularly S-Corps, and highlights the risks of co-mingling personal and corporate assets and the potential consequences of piercing the corporate veil.
How Your LLC Fails

Resources in today's episode:
- Plunder by Brendan Ballou
 

In this episode, Matthew Jarvis sits down with industry veteran Ted Jenkin to demystify practice valuations for financial advisors. Ted shares the common misconceptions and the stark difference between a valuation and the actual market price a business can command. Ted also discusses his wisdom on the critical factors that shape practice valuations, including the oft-overlooked elements of culture, money management prowess, and brand equity. He also sheds light on the pivotal role of cash flow velocity and stock growth trajectories, elements that can make or break a potential sale.
Whether you're a financial advisor contemplating an exit strategy or simply seeking to futureproof your practice for sustainable growth, this episode is an absolute must-listen.
Accelerating Your Growth and Understanding Practice Valuations with Guest Ted Jenkin [Episode 260]

Resources in today's episode:
- Matt Jarvis: Website | LinkedIn
- Ted Jenkin: LinkedIn | Website
- Two-Year Checklist and Client Acquisition Techniques

In this recap episode, Amber shared strategies for financial advisors to conquer their insecurities and build a referral-generating powerhouse through strategic partnerships with CPAs. On Monday, Matt and Steven reveal their proven approach to breaking down the 'COI' barrier, delivering value that tax professionals can't ignore. Their secret? Embracing a mindset of generosity by offering to pay for CPAs' time – a small investment that opens doors to a flood of high-quality referrals and benefits for existing clients.
But referrals are just one piece of the puzzle. Jamie discussed how to conquer the inner 'head trash' and insecurities that hold advisors back. Her weapon of choice? Building a supportive team and mastermind community to bounce ideas off and stay motivated through the highs and lows of the entrepreneurial journey.
Resources in today's episode:
- Episode website 
- Decoding the CPA Mindset: Tips for Financial Advisors to Earn More Referrals with Guest Steven Jarvis, CPA [Episode 259]
- Encore Episode: Dealing with Head Trash

Jamie Shilanski tackles the all-too-common insecurities that hold financial advisors back from reaching their full potential. With candor and wisdom, she dives into the realm of "head trash" – those nagging doubts, feelings of unworthiness, and self-sabotaging thoughts that can cripple even the most talented professionals.
Jamie shares battle-tested strategies for identifying and compartmentalizing these insecurities, empowering financial advisors to take control of their inner dialogue and conquer their fears on a daily basis. From the power of surrounding oneself with positive, inspiring individuals in mastermind groups to the transformative impact of establishing a morning success routine, this episode is a must-listen for any financial advisor seeking to break free from limiting beliefs and achieve unprecedented success.
Encore Episode: Dealing with Head Trash

Matthew Jarvis is joined by Steven Jarvis, CPA, from Retirement Tax Servies to lift the veil on the challenges financial advisors face when seeking referrals from CPAs – a pivotal Center of Influence (COI). This episode is a candid exploration of the risks and hurdles CPAs grapple with before referring clients to financial advisors, including the potential downsides and the pressing need to understand the true value advisors bring to the table.
They also dive into the art of building relationships with CPAs, offering game-changing strategies like paying for their time to thoroughly grasp your services and ideal client profiles. They share the secrets to a consistent, intentional process for nurturing these relationships and securing a steady stream of referrals.
This episode is a treasure trove of practical tips, from creating a 12-month calendar of activities to offering to pay for an hour of a CPA's time (goodbye, forgettable lunch meetings!). But the real gem lies in their emphasis on the long-term value of these COI relationships for your existing clients and the importance of clear communication between financial advisors and CPAs.
Decoding the CPA Mindset: Tips for Financial Advisors to Earn More Referrals with Guest Steven Jarvis, CPA [Episode 259]

Resources in today's episode:
- Matt Jarvis: Website | LinkedIn
- Steven Jarvis: LinkedIn | Website
- Delivering Massive Value by Matthew Jarvis
- What’s In It For Them by Joe Polish
- Retirement Tax Services Podcast
- TPR LIVE and RTS Tax Summit - Save Your Seat!
- The Prospect Process Masterclass