Next Mile

Milemarker
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Next Mile is a podcast about bringing together the people and technology shaping the wealth management industry. Brought to you by Milemarker.

  1. Growth, Alignment, and the Future of Advisor-Led Wealth Firms with Scott Schwartz

    2D AGO

    Growth, Alignment, and the Future of Advisor-Led Wealth Firms with Scott Schwartz

    Episode 143: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Scott Schwartz. Scott is one of the Managing Partners and a Wealth Management Advisor at OnePoint BFG Wealth Partners. With more than 40 years of experience in helping clients achieve their financial planning goals, Scott has created tailored financial plans that empower clients to make informed decisions. Scott talks with Kyle about what it takes to build a modern, scalable wealth management firm. He shares how his team thinks about growth, why alignment and shared equity matter more than titles, and what it looks like to create a firm designed for long-term impact rather than short-term recognition. Scott also explores the realities of scaling firms to a national level and the role of technology and AI as powerful force multipliers for efficiency and better client experience, not as replacements for advisors. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (02:21) - Scott's money moment (07:59) - The history and evolution of the Bleakley Financial Group (10:40) - Rebranding Bleakley Financial Group to OnePoint BFG Wealth Partners (13:37) - The turning point at which Scott began building a scalable firm  (18:19) - Transitioning from a 1099 model to a W-2 firm  (24:57) - OnePoint's growth goals and expansion strategies (30:55) - What it takes to become a national firm (33:42) - The role of technology in OnePoint's growth (38:25) - Scott's outlook on the future of the financial services industry (41:39) - Scott's Milemarker Minute Key Takeaways Never underestimate the power of relationships. At the end of the day, trust and consistency drive long-term success more than any strategy or product ever will.  Don't just build income, build infrastructure. Scaling a business requires moving beyond individual production. Invest in systems, people, and processes that support growth. Build with legacy in mind. Short-term wins matter, but the real impact comes from building something sustainable and meaningful over time. AI is an efficiency engine, not a relationship substitute. It can streamline processes and reduce operational burden, but it can't replace trust, empathy, or meaningful conversations. Quotes "We want to grow your business much faster than you could on your own." ~ Scott Schwartz "My clients work with me because they feel trust and they feel comfort. They know they don't have to follow what's going on every day. They just know that they trust me and they know that we're going to do our level best to make sure they have the outcome they want." ~ Scott Schwartz "We're here to take the anxiety out of money for our clients. Our clients are busy, good people. They don't want to worry about money." ~ Scott Schwartz Links  Scott Schwartz on LinkedIn OnePoint BFG Wealth Partners Northwestern Mutual Joe Duran  Rise Growth Partners Kyle Wesley Practifi The Psychology of Money Connect with our hosts Milemarker.co Kyle on LinkedIn Jud on LinkedIn Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Produce game-changing content with Turncast Turncast helps your company grow by producing top-quality content and fostering transformative conversations. We specialize in content generation, podcasting, digital strategy, and audience growth for fintech and financial services companies. Learn more at Turncast.com.

    46 min

  2. APR 28

    From Scale to Impact: Purpose-Driven Growth in Wealth Management with Nate Angelo

    Episode 142: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Nate Angelo, CEO of Composition Wealth. Nate brings a diverse background spanning institutional investing and advisory leadership, with a focus on building firms that balance growth, culture, and client experience. His career reflects a commitment to thoughtful leadership and long-term value creation in the RIA space. Nate talks with Kyle about how to grow with purpose in today's wealth management landscape. He shares how leaders can build purpose-driven careers, lead with conviction and humility, and navigate transformational change without losing cultural integrity. Nate also discusses how data, AI, and integrated technology can enhance client experience while reinforcing that real success still comes down to human connection, trust, and empathy. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:36) - Nate's money moment (04:38) - Nate's early career development at Russell Investments (07:44) - Why personal context should come before financial strategy  (09:53) - Nate's transition from institutional investing to advising  (13:05) - Foundational leadership skills: mindset, mentors, and risk (19:40) - Building a brand with meaning and resonance  (24:27) - Defining growth beyond traditional metrics (30:33) - Maintaining consistency in inorganic growth (35:19) - How accountability and rigor shape better acquisition decisions  (38:37) - Differentiating through technology and client experience (43:32) - Integrating tax services for seamless advice  (47:46) - The move toward holistic client relationships (51:19) - Using frameworks to manage uncertainty and client emotions  (54:32) - Nate's outlook on the future of wealth management (57:41) - Nate's Milemarker Minute Key Takeaways Growth only matters when it's tied to purpose. Growth for the sake of growth is empty. The real question leaders should ask is: Are we growing in a way that actually improves the lives of the people we serve? Growth becomes meaningful when it's intentional, disciplined, and tied directly to impact. Start with the person, not the spreadsheet. Data and optimization matter, but they should never come first. The most effective decisions result from understanding values, emotions, and behaviors before applying financial frameworks.  Holistic advice is no longer optional. Clients today want a single, trusted relationship, not a fragmented network of professionals. Integrating services like tax and estate planning is becoming table stakes. The future is AI-powered, but human-led. AI will handle more of the repetitive, operational work. But empathy, trust, and human understanding will become even more valuable and more differentiating. Quotes "If I can leave a little mark in this space, it's really to help financial advisors never lose sight of the intimate relationship they have with clients and the ability to impact their lives." ~ Nate Angelo "We're in the business of managing human psychology and helping people stay engaged and invested. And there's a real strategic decision in doing nothing with your portfolio and just bringing your emotional level back to a rational state." ~ Nate Angelo "We as humans long to be seen, heard, and known. And technology is going to power the advisor and that relationship and interaction in unique and dynamic ways." ~ Nate Angelo Links  Nate Angelo on LinkedIn Composition Wealth Russell Investments RBC Wealth Management Brock Moseley Corsair Capital The Go-Giver Connect with our hosts Milemarker.co Kyle on LinkedIn Jud on LinkedIn Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Produce game-changing content with Turncast Turncast helps your company grow by producing top-quality content and fostering transformative conversations. We specialize in content generation, podcasting, digital strategy, and audience growth for fintech and financial services companies. Learn more at Turncast.com.

    1 hr
  3. How Advisors Can Beat the Biggest Retirement Risk with Erik Brenner

    APR 21

    How Advisors Can Beat the Biggest Retirement Risk with Erik Brenner

    Episode 141: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Erik Brenner, CEO, President, and Founding Partner at Hilltop Wealth and Tax Solutions. With more than 30 years of experience, Erik has assisted thousands of individuals in integrating retirement, tax, and estate strategies. At Hilltop, he blends leadership and client advisory responsibilities, shaping the firm's future vision and strategies while providing personalized financial guidance to select clients. Erik talks with Kyle about what happens when advisory firms stop treating tax and wealth management as separate conversations and start thinking holistically. He discusses the strategic decisions that helped transform Hilltop, including integrating in-house tax services, rethinking the client experience, and doubling down on education-driven growth. Erik also shares how to run great seminars and use technology to keep up with business complexities. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:06) - Erik's money moment (03:30) - Hilltop's one-stop model: Integration of tax and wealth management (07:13) - How Hilltop manages large wealth with tax problems (09:35) - How the SECURE 2.0 Act impacts generational wealth (16:37) - Using seminars as a modern growth engine (20:28) - What makes a 5-star seminar experience (23:39) - Managing tech across multiple business lines (25:29) - Navigating the transition from being an advisor to a CEO (27:33) - Erik's outlook on the future of the financial industry (29:03) - Erik's Milemarker Minute Key Takeaways Don't outsource critical expertise that directly affects client outcomes. If a core part of your value—like tax strategy—is outside your control, alignment becomes difficult. Integrate tax and wealth management to deliver truly holistic advice. When strategy and execution live under one roof, decisions become more coordinated, proactive, and impactful for clients. For many retirees, taxes are their biggest expense. Plan accordingly. Investment returns matter, but unmanaged tax exposure can quietly erode wealth faster than most clients realize. Education builds trust faster than selling ever will. Whether it's seminars or client meetings, people lean in when they feel informed, not when they feel pitched. Teach first, and the business follows. Quotes "For most of our clients who are into retirement, taxes are their number one expense." ~ Erik Brenner "If you don't know the right questions to ask about how laws are changing, even the most powerful AI won't be able to help you." ~ Erik Brenner "Marketing is about getting the ball rolling. You want to get that ball rolling, but you do not want the snowball to melt." ~ Eric Brenner Links  Erik Brenner on LinkedIn Hilltop Wealth and Tax Solutions Holistiplan The Personal CFO Revolution Connect with our hosts Milemarker.co Kyle on LinkedIn Jud on LinkedIn Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Produce game-changing content with Turncast Turncast helps your company grow by producing top-quality content and fostering transformative conversations. We specialize in content generation, podcasting, digital strategy, and audience growth for fintech and financial services companies. Learn more at Turncast.com.

    33 min
  4. Serving Clients in Life's Most Difficult Moments with Anne McPhail

    APR 14

    Serving Clients in Life's Most Difficult Moments with Anne McPhail

    Episode 140: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Anne McPhail, Managing Director at Novare Capital Management. With more than 30 years of experience across corporate banking and wealth management, Anne brings deep experience in wealth management, with a focus on guiding clients through major life transitions and building advisory relationships rooted in trust, empathy, and long-term perspective.   Anne talks with Kyle about what it truly means to serve clients through life's most important and often most difficult moments. She shares how genuine empathy and thoughtful financial strategy come together to create meaningful client relationships, how leading advisory firms deliver a consistent, high-touch experience at scale, and how Novare develops the next generation of advisors without compromising trust. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:43) - Anne's money moment (04:18) - Novare's life transition playbook (07:13) - Scaling personalized service across the firm (09:06) - Anne's advice for young wealth professionals (11:19) - Developing the next generation of advisors (18:28) - Staying current in a changing industry (21:17) - Integrating planning into every aspect of clients’ lives (25:00) - Building trust that lasts through life's uncertainties (25:56) - Philanthropy, community, and relationship building (30:37) - Anne's outlook on the future of financial services (33:50) - Anne's Milemarker Minute Key Takeaways Lead with empathy before expertise. When clients face major life transitions—loss, divorce, uncertainty—they don't want spreadsheets. They want reassurance. Great leaders and advisors meet people where they are emotionally before guiding them analytically. Build systems that deliver consistent excellence. Scaling a high-touch experience isn't about doing more. It's about doing things intentionally. Clear processes, defined roles, and shared standards create consistency across every client interaction. Pair experience with a fresh perspective. Blending seasoned professionals with next-gen talent creates both trust and innovation. It allows firms to evolve without losing credibility. The value isn't in the plan, but in the conversation. Financial plans change. Life changes. What matters most is the ongoing dialogue and adaptability, not the static document. Quotes "You cannot manage a client or a family's money if you do not know their goals and objectives." ~ Anne McPhail "The mistake that a lot of firms make is meeting with a client who's lost their spouse, and the first thing they do is prepare a financial plan and give a Monte Carlo analysis. That's completely overwhelming to someone." ~ Anne McPhail "When you're trying to develop centers of influence, look for people who are about your age and stage of life who are trying to build their careers alongside you." ~ Anne McPhail Links  Anne McPhail on LinkedIn Novare Capital Management Wells Fargo eMoney Advisor Charles Schwab Charlotte Family Housing Good Friends Charlotte Arts+ Theo of Golden Connect with our hosts Milemarker.co Kyle on LinkedIn Jud on LinkedIn Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Produce game-changing content with Turncast Turncast helps your company grow by producing top-quality content and fostering transformative conversations. We specialize in content generation, podcasting, digital strategy, and audience growth for fintech and financial services companies. Learn more at Turncast.com.

    37 min
  5. Best Of: The Hidden Cost of Fragmented Data with Kailash Duraiswami

    APR 7

    Best Of: The Hidden Cost of Fragmented Data with Kailash Duraiswami

    Episode 139: Kailash Duraiswami is the Chief Technology Officer at Milemarker, where he leads the development of data infrastructure and AI-powered solutions for modern advisory firms. With a unique blend of financial expertise and deep technical knowledge, Kailash brings his passion for innovation, data strategy, and scalable technology to help wealth management firms thrive in a multi-platform world. In this episode, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Kailash about his unconventional path from launching an RIA straight out of college to building tech that transformed data operations for financial firms. They unpack the challenges firms face with fragmented data, the importance of centralized infrastructure, and how AI will reshape wealth management. They discuss why firms need to reclaim ownership of their data, how to avoid becoming an “accidental CTO,” and how Milemarker is building scalable, simplified tech solutions for advisors navigating a multi-platform, AI-enabled world. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (03:17) - Kailash's money moment (08:20) - What is Pantenix? (11:34) - The value of a data warehouse (13:55) - Kailash's thoughts on cloud-based infrastructure (15:40) - The importance of data platforms (19:53) - Why becoming a CTO should be intentional (23:54) - AI in wealth management (26:10) - The advantage of building your own language models (33:15) - Why CTOs in RIAs need to understand wealth management (37:26) - Why all-in-one platforms limit user experiences (40:27) - Kailash's Milemarker Minute Key Takeaways Centralize your data to maximize AI and operational efficiency. Without consolidating your firm’s data into a single, accessible environment, it’s nearly impossible to generate meaningful insights or leverage AI effectively. Fragmented data limits your ability to scale and innovate. You don’t have to become an “accidental CTO”. Many firm leaders end up spending too much time wrestling with tech. Outsourcing specialized functions—like data architecture and infrastructure—can free up your time to focus on clients and growth, while still driving innovation. Owning your data is not the same as using cloud-based tools. Just because your systems are in the cloud doesn’t mean you own your data. True ownership means having control over how and where your data is stored, accessed, and used to make decisions. AI is only as smart as the data it has access to. For AI to deliver meaningful outcomes—like intelligent agents or predictive analytics—it needs clean, well-structured, and centralized data. Start with solid infrastructure before diving into advanced AI capabilities. Quotes "What we're doing here, as a help to your technology footprint, is enabling you to see and understand your business in ways you've never done before. And that requires very sophisticated technology." ~ Kailash Duraiswami "You must have your data in one place to really make use of AI because the conclusions that the model can make or the recommendations are all subject to what data is presented to it." ~ Kailash Duraiswami  "The biggest thing we are making here is building a tool that is advisor-centric and executive-centric. And that means simplicity. Above all, the boldness of what we have here is to do less in an excellent way." ~ Kailash Duraiswami  Links  Kailash Duraiswami on LinkedIn Orion Advisor Solutions Black Diamond Tamarac Connect with our hosts Milemarker.co Kyle on LinkedIn Jud on LinkedIn Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Produce game-changing content with Turncast Turncast helps your company grow by producing top-quality content and fostering transformative conversations. We specialize in content generation, podcasting, digital strategy, and audience growth for fintech and financial services companies. Learn more at Turncast.com.

    43 min
  6. How to Build Deep Client Relationships at Scale with Michael Vedders

    MAR 31

    How to Build Deep Client Relationships at Scale with Michael Vedders

    Episode 138: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Michael Vedders, Senior Vice President of Marketing & Enterprise Resources at NorthRock Partners. In his role, Michael is responsible for extending NorthRock's reach and reputation. With more than a decade of experience in marketing and leading complex organizational projects, Michael has helped build teams, launch major branding initiatives, produce compelling creative, develop multi-channel planning, and use insights to inform strategy. Michael talks with Kyle about how wealth management firms can build deep client relationships at scale. He discusses the importance of storytelling in creating a strong brand narrative, how NorthRock's personal office business model works, and why the future belongs to firms that use data and automation to serve more people and build deeper human connections. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (02:38) - Michael's money moment (04:58) - Michael's frustration with traditional wealth management (07:24) - What marketing really means in wealth management (10:02) - How to build trust and deeper client relationships (12:48) - The "quarterback" model of financial advice (16:42) - How NorthRock manages deep relationships at scale (21:52) - NorthRock's personal office business model (22:54) - Michael's outlook on the future of financial advice (29:03) - Redefining performance beyond returns (30:57) - Michael's Milemarker Minute Key Takeaways Don't rush to promote. Get your story right first. It's tempting to jump straight into marketing tactics, but without a clear, compelling story, even the best campaigns fall flat. Take the time to define what truly sets you apart before amplifying your message. If you want deeper client relationships, create space for them. You can't force meaningful connections, but you can design for them. Offload technical tasks to specialists so advisors can focus on what matters most. Use technology to create time, not just efficiency. AI and automation aren't the end goal. The real opportunity is what you do with the time they create. The best firms will reinvest that time into deeper relationships and better service. The future belongs to firms that balance tech and humanity. Efficiency through data and automation is table stakes. The real edge comes from using that efficiency to deepen human connection, not replace it. Quotes "Marketing is the privilege of telling the story, the story of your firm and what differentiates you. You can spend a lot of money and generate a lot of activity without results if you don't provide a clear story for people first." ~ Michael Vedders "Deep relationships lead to better advice." ~ Michael Vedders "The future of our industry belongs to those who can create efficiencies and space through data and automation, and then use that space to serve people more effectively and deepen relationships." ~ Michael Vedders Links  Michael Vedders on LinkedIn NorthRock Partners Think Again Switch Unreasonable Hospitality Love Does The Ideal Team Player Connect with our hosts Milemarker.co Kyle on LinkedIn Jud on LinkedIn Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Produce game-changing content with Turncast Turncast helps your company grow by producing top-quality content and fostering transformative conversations. We specialize in content generation, podcasting, digital strategy, and audience growth for fintech and financial services companies. Learn more at Turncast.com.

    34 min
  7. How Financial Advisors Can Turn Messy Data into Actionable Results with Verity Larsen

    MAR 24

    How Financial Advisors Can Turn Messy Data into Actionable Results with Verity Larsen

    Episode 137: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Verity Larsen, Founder & CEO at Versoft Consulting. Versoft partners with RIAs to help navigate complex technology decisions, system conversions, and data strategy. Verity talks with Kyle about the realities behind data lakes in wealth management and why maintaining clean, accurate data is harder than it looks for RIAs. From the myth of "clean data" to the hidden costs of data lakes, Verity shares a behind-the-scenes look at why so many firms struggle to turn data into actionable insights. She also explores the limitations of AI, the operational disconnects that quietly slow firms down, and what it truly takes to make data work for growth and better decision-making. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (02:00) - Verity's money moment (04:33) - The challenge of validating data in system conversions (08:40) - What it takes for an RIA to maintain clean data (13:28) - The disconnect between management and staff workflow (16:43) - Common reasons people hire Versoft (20:53) - How people can make the most of their current technology (26:27) - Why systems calculate the same metrics differently (32:01) - The limits of AI in data and system management (37:43) - The truth about data lakes: adoption vs. actual results (40:11) - What firms should be doing with their data lakes (42:28) - The next best step after centralizing data (44:47) - Verity's Milemarker Minute Key Takeaways Start with the outcome, not the infrastructure. It's tempting to jump on trends like data lakes or AI, but without a clear use case, you'll end up with expensive systems that don't deliver value. Your data isn't as clean as you think. Many firms assume their data is accurate until they attempt to migrate or validate it. Taking the time to clean and fully understand data upfront can prevent months or even years of frustration down the line. Data consolidation without a plan is a dead end. Bringing all your data into one place is only step one. The real value comes from how you use it, whether that's improving client experiences or driving better business decisions. Growth comes from visibility. When your data is structured and accessible, it becomes a powerful tool for identifying opportunities, improving profitability, and intentionally scaling your business. Quotes "A lot of people have been talking about collecting their data into a single source. They start with that initiative, but they don't actually think about what they want to do with that information once it's all together." ~ Verity Larsen "Most people assume that their data is clean. So, they think that validating that data is going to be easy, and it's not." ~ Verity Larsen "If you are looking to change systems or expand data warehousing services, make sure you scrub your data in advance so your source data is accurate, you know what you have, and you know what problems to expect if that data is moved into a different system." ~ Verity Larsen Links  Verity Larsen on LinkedIn Versoft Consulting SS&C Advent Joshua Brown Ritholtz Wealth Management Connect with our hosts Milemarker.co Kyle on LinkedIn Jud on LinkedIn Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Produce game-changing content with Turncast Turncast helps your company grow by producing top-quality content and fostering transformative conversations. We specialize in content generation, podcasting, digital strategy, and audience growth for fintech and financial services companies. Learn more at Turncast.com.

    47 min
  8. Bringing Consumer Fintech and Wealth Management Together with Nicole McMullin

    MAR 17

    Bringing Consumer Fintech and Wealth Management Together with Nicole McMullin

    Episode 136: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Nicole McMullin, Senior Vice President of Product at Wealth.com. Nicole is a seasoned product leader with a proven track record of building and scaling high-performing product organizations. She brings deep experience in product strategy, cross-functional leadership, and translates customer needs into meaningful outcomes.  Nicole talks with Kyle about the intersection of consumer fintech and advisory technology and how modern fintech principles can transform the advisor-client experience. She explores how new tools, AI workflows, and integrated platforms are helping advisors move away from manual processes and toward more proactive, emotionally intelligent conversations with clients. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (03:09) - Nicole's money moment (09:42) - What advisory firms can learn from consumer fintech (12:58) - Nicole's 'aha' moment at Wealth.com (13:37) - Wealth's new tax planning strategy (14:44) - Addressing fragmentation in wealth management (16:26) - What attracted Nicole to join Wealth.com (21:46) - How advisors should evaluate new technology (23:33) - Nicole's outlook on the future of wealth management (27:56) - How Wealth.com provides the best wealth management experience (30:16) - Nicole's Milemarker Minute Key Takeaways Financial planning, estate strategies, and tax modeling can be incredibly complex. But the most effective tools translate that complexity into something clients immediately understand.  Great financial advice is still deeply human. The role of technology is to support that relationship by translating emotional client conversations into actionable insights, strategies, and next steps in real time. Many advisors give excellent recommendations. But clients don't always follow through. Technology that helps advisors turn recommendations into immediate actions can dramatically improve client outcomes. The biggest challenge in advisor technology isn't capability, it's fragmentation. Platforms that consolidate data from multiple tools into one cohesive view of a client's financial life create far more value. Quotes "Advisors really are that emotional support system, and the product needs to empower clients and advisors to have that conversation." ~ Nicole McMullin "Platforms like Wealth.com have the ability to almost instantaneously take the emotional conversation, translate it, and allow the advisor to show how it may change their plan, investment strategy, and tax strategy." ~ Nicole McMullin "Allowing advisors to have that magical moment of taking a person where they are today and immediately translating that and showing them the output of where they're going can go a long way in empowering advisors." ~ Nicole McMullin Links  Nicole McMullin on LinkedIn Wealth.com Dan Bolton Square Nitrogen Jump AI Zocks Charles Schwab Goldman Sachs Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow Cash App Wealthfront Connect with our hosts Milemarker.co Kyle on LinkedIn Jud on LinkedIn Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Produce game-changing content with Turncast Turncast helps your company grow by producing top-quality content and fostering transformative conversations. We specialize in content generation, podcasting, digital strategy, and audience growth for fintech and financial services companies. Learn more at Turncast.com.

    35 min
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About

Next Mile is a podcast about bringing together the people and technology shaping the wealth management industry. Brought to you by Milemarker.

Information

  • Creator
    Milemarker
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    144
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyright © Milemarker Inc.
  • Show Website
    Next Mile

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