Advisor Talk with Frank LaRosa

Elite Consulting Partners
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Advisor Talk with Frank LaRosa offers unfiltered guidance and advice for financial advisors, wealth management professionals, and entrepreneurs alike who are interested in maximizing both their business and personal potential. Informed by Frank's unique insights and his personal conversations with industry leaders, the dynamic discussion topics of Advisor Talk include business ownership, leadership, practice management, transition and recruiting, marketing and branding, as well as a host of financial services related topics related to wirehouse, regional, and RIA advisors, firms, and teams. Frank’s goal, and the goal of his team at Elite Consulting Partners, is now as ever to be the go-to resource for actionable information and trusted guidance to elevate you and your career at whatever stage you may be.

  1. The $9 Million Gap: When Money IS the Reason to Move

    5D AGO

    The $9 Million Gap: When Money IS the Reason to Move

    Sometimes the money IS the right reason. And pretending otherwise might be the most expensive mistake you ever make. In this episode of Advisor Talk, Frank LaRosa and Stacey Frank challenge the conventional wisdom around advisor transitions and make the case that when the difference between two firms is not a few thousand dollars but millions, the economics have to come into play. Frank breaks down the unicorn recruit concept, how asset based transition deals are creating massive opportunities for advisors whose AUM far outpaces their revenue, and why the transition window right now is unlike anything the industry has seen in decades. He also explains why advisors should think like their wealthiest business owner clients when evaluating an opportunity, what they can do with that capital to grow their practice faster, and why getting a monster transition package is not selling your business but monetizing it without giving anything up.   Questions answered in this episode include: What is a unicorn recruit and why do some advisors have more leverage than they realize? What is the difference between an AUM based deal and a T12 based transition package? Why are transition packages and practice valuations at all time highs right now? Is it okay to make a move primarily because of the economics? How can a large transition package help an advisor grow their business faster? What should advisors be thinking about before a market downturn hits? How do you know if you are leaving money on the table by staying where you are?   Chapters: 00:00 – When the Money IS the Right Reason to Move 01:04 – Welcome to Advisor Talk 02:20 – Why Most Firms Look the Same and Where the Difference Really Is 05:00 – The Unicorn Recruit: AUM Based Deals vs T12 09:00 – The $9 Million Question: When Economics Has to Come Into Play 13:00 – Think Like Your Wealthiest Business Owner Clients 27:14 – How to Reach Frank and Stacey   Learn more about Elite and our resources: Elite Consulting Partners | Financial Advisor Transitions https://eliteconsultingpartners.com Elite Marketing Concepts | Marketing Services for Financial Advisors https://elitemarketingconcepts.com Elite Advisor Successions | Advisor Mergers and Acquisitions https://eliteadvisorsuccessions.com JEDI Database Solutions | Technology Solutions for Advisors https://jedidatabasesolutions.com Elite Wealth Management Insights Report https://eliteconsultingpartners.com/insight-report Listen to more Advisor Talk episodes https://eliteconsultingpartners.com/podcasts/

    31 min
  2. Leaving Your Firm? What Advisors Wish They Knew

    APR 2

    Leaving Your Firm? What Advisors Wish They Knew

    Most advisors go into a transition focused on the upfront money. Very few are prepared for everything that happens after they walk out the door. Some surprises are good ones. Clients move faster than expected. Assets go up, not down. The income jump is real. But there are also things advisors consistently underestimate, overlook, and wish they had negotiated differently. In this episode of Advisor Talk, Frank LaRosa and Stacey Frank do a post transition breakdown of the things advisors wish they had known going in, including what they underestimate about client loyalty, what they leave on the table in negotiations, and the operational realities that no one warns them about until it is too late. Frank also breaks down the shrink to grow concept, why payout structure matters more than the upfront check long term, and why the first 30 days of a transition can make or break the entire move. Frank and Stacey also discuss what separates advisors who have a smooth transition from those who struggle, and why the more preparation you put in before the move, the less stress you will face after it.   Questions answered in this episode include: How many clients do financial advisors actually retain when they switch firms? What do advisors consistently underestimate when making a move? Should a financial advisor negotiate payout or upfront money? What is the shrink to grow concept in financial advisor transitions? What operational issues do advisors face in the first 30 days after a transition? How should a financial advisor prepare their support staff before making a move? What should advisors ask firms to include in their transition support package?   Chapters: 00:00 – What Advisors Wish They Knew Before Leaving 01:07 – Welcome to Advisor Talk 02:26 – The Biggest Surprise: Client Loyalty Is Stronger Than You Think 09:01 – The Income Jump Is Real: What the Math Actually Looks Like 12:50 – What Advisors Wish They Negotiated Differently 15:41 – Shrink to Grow: Why Not Every Client Should Come With You 18:13 – Operational Realities Nobody Warns You About 23:54 – How to Reach Frank and Stacey   Learn more about Elite and our resources: Elite Consulting Partners | Financial Advisor Transitions https://eliteconsultingpartners.com Elite Marketing Concepts | Marketing Services for Financial Advisors https://elitemarketingconcepts.com Elite Advisor Successions | Advisor Mergers and Acquisitions https://eliteadvisorsuccessions.com JEDI Database Solutions | Technology Solutions for Advisors https://jedidatabasesolutions.com Elite Wealth Management Insights Report https://eliteconsultingpartners.com/insight-report Listen to more Advisor Talk episodes https://eliteconsultingpartners.com/podcasts/

    26 min
  3. Stop Waiting: Your Deferred Comp is a Trap

    MAR 26

    Stop Waiting: Your Deferred Comp is a Trap

    Waiting sounds reasonable. Until you run the numbers. Protect what you have built. Let the deferred comp vest. Move when the timing is right. But is waiting actually costing you more than you realize? In this episode of Advisor Talk, Frank LaRosa and Stacey Frank break down why 2026 may be the most opportune time in recent memory for financial advisors to evaluate a firm transition and why deciding not to decide is still a decision with real financial consequences. Frank walks through why transition packages have reached historic highs, what is driving firms to be so aggressive in recruiting top advisors, and what advisors should actually be evaluating when they consider a move. He also breaks down the real math behind W2 versus 1099, the tax advantages most advisors overlook when going independent, and shares real client examples of advisors going in both directions and why the right move is not always the obvious one. Frank and Stacey also discuss what advisors should be asking themselves right now including one question that cuts through all the noise and gets to the heart of whether a move makes sense. Questions answered in this episode include: Why are financial advisor transition packages at historic highs in 2026? Should a financial advisor wait for deferred comp before making a move? What is the real financial difference between a W2 and 1099 advisor structure? How should a financial advisor evaluate which firm is the right fit? Is going independent always the right path for a financial advisor? What is a unicorn recruit and why do some advisors have more leverage than they realize? When does it make sense to move from independent back to a W2 or regional firm?   Chapters: 00:00 – Why Deciding Not to Decide Is Still a Decision 00:57 – Welcome to Advisor Talk 04:02 – Why Transition Packages Are at Historic Highs 11:44 – Why Firms Need to Recruit to Survive 16:08 – The Tax Advantage of Going Independent 20:33 – Why Waiting for Deferred Comp May Cost You Millions 25:44 – How to Evaluate Which Firm Is Right for You 30:18 – How to Reach Frank and Stacey   Learn more about Elite and our resources: Elite Consulting Partners | Financial Advisor Transitions https://eliteconsultingpartners.com Elite Marketing Concepts | Marketing Services for Financial Advisors https://elitemarketingconcepts.com Elite Advisor Successions | Advisor Mergers & Acquisitions https://eliteadvisorsuccessions.com JEDI Database Solutions | Technology Solutions for Advisors https://jedidatabasesolutions.com Listen to more Advisor Talk episodes: https://eliteconsultingpartners.com/podcasts/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elite-consulting-partners/ Listen to more Advisor Talk episodes: https://eliteconsultingpartners.com/podcasts/

    32 min
  4. Special Edition: How Financial Advisors Should Be Thinking About AI

    MAR 23 ·  BONUS

    Special Edition: How Financial Advisors Should Be Thinking About AI

    The truth is, most financial advisors know they should be using AI. Very few know where to actually start. Too many tools. Too many platforms. Too much noise. But the advisors who take the time to learn it now will have a significant edge over those who wait. In this special edition of Advisor Talk, Frank LaRosa is joined by Chief Information Officer Sue Cheema, Chief Marketing Officer Brian Lutz, Director of Marketing and Brand Strategy Wade Shields, and co-host Stacey Frank for a wide-ranging roundtable on what AI actually means for financial advisors today. The group breaks down how advisors can use AI to grow their business, serve clients more effectively, and free up time, including how to build custom GPTs, craft better prompts, and choose the right platform for the right task. They also address the bigger picture: what AI will never be able to replace, why the human side of financial advising remains irreplaceable, and why advisors who ignore AI risk being left behind by the ones who embrace it. Frank and the team also discuss how AI is changing the way advisors should think about their brand, their marketing, and the client experience, and why the advisors who lean into what AI cannot do will be the ones who win long term.   Questions answered in this episode include: Will AI replace financial advisors? How should a financial advisor start using AI in their practice? What is the difference between ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini? What is a custom GPT and how can advisors use one? What is prompt engineering and why does it matter? How is AI changing financial advisor marketing and branding? What can AI never replace in the advisor-client relationship?   Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction and Why AI Matters for Advisors 03:57 – How Firms Are Already Using AI to Scan Books of Business 07:03 – What AI Cannot Replace: Empathy and the Human Edge 11:23 – Prompt Engineering: How to Get Better Answers from AI 14:10 – Building Custom GPTs for Your Advisory Practice 22:37 – ChatGPT vs. Claude vs. Gemini: Which One Should You Use 44:08 – Why AI Will Not Replace Advisors But This Will 49:05 – How to Reach the Team at Elite Consulting Partners   Learn more about Elite and our resources: Elite Consulting Partners | Financial Advisor Transitions https://eliteconsultingpartners.com Elite Marketing Concepts | Marketing Services for Financial Advisors https://elitemarketingconcepts.com Elite Advisor Successions | Advisor Mergers & Acquisitions https://eliteadvisorsuccessions.com JEDI Database Solutions | Technology Solutions for Advisors https://jedidatabasesolutions.com Listen to more Advisor Talk episodes: https://eliteconsultingpartners.com/podcasts/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elite-consulting-partners/ Listen to more Advisor Talk episodes: https://eliteconsultingpartners.com/podcasts/

    52 min
  5. Selling 20% of Your Practice? You May Lose Control

    MAR 19

    Selling 20% of Your Practice? You May Lose Control

    At first glance, these offers can seem attractive. Gain liquidity. Access growth capital or strategic support. Remain with your current firm. Continue building your business. But are these deals really as straightforward as they sound? In this episode of Advisor Talk, Frank LaRosa and Stacey Frank break down what financial advisors need to consider before agreeing to a minority equity sale - including how these deals can impact control, future valuation, exit flexibility, buyback terms, and the long-term economics of the business. They also explain the difference between a minority equity sale and a transition loan, why net new asset growth plays such an important role in the outcome of these deals, and why some arrangements may appear appealing upfront but become far more complicated over time. Frank and Stacey also discuss when selling a minority stake in an advisory practice may be a smart strategic move - and when it may create limitations that advisors do not fully recognize until much later. Questions answered in this episode include: What is a sell and stay deal for financial advisors? Should a financial advisor sell 10% to 30% of their practice? What are the risks of minority equity deals in wealth management? How is a minority stake sale different from a transition loan? How do these deals affect control, valuation, and future exit options? When does it actually make sense to sell a minority stake in an RIA or broker-dealer practice? Key Highlights: 00:00 Preview: The Long Game Firms Are Playing 01:24 Welcome to Advisor Talk 02:31 The Minority Stake Trend: What Is Actually Happening 03:57 Advisor Concerns and Due Diligence 06:38 You Now Have a Partner Whether You Like It or Not 07:13 Exit Clauses: Why You Must Have One 07:57 Smaller Firms vs Bigger Firms: What the Exit Looks Like 09:10 Buyback Multiples: The Real Math 11:04 The Boiling Frog: How Firms Gain Control Slowly 14:10 Why Firms Need You to Grow and What That Means for You 16:28 The 5% Net New Asset Reality 19:40 The Easy Button Trap: Why Advisors Jump Too Fast 20:37 Minority Stake vs. Transition Loan: Know the Difference 23:17 When a Minority Sale Can Make Sense 24:08 Final Advice: Know the Vision. Know the Exit. 25:53 How to Reach Frank and Stacy Learn more about Elite and our resources: Elite Consulting Partners | Financial Advisor Transitions https://eliteconsultingpartners.com Elite Marketing Concepts | Marketing Services for Financial Advisors https://elitemarketingconcepts.com Elite Advisor Successions | Advisor Mergers & Acquisitions https://eliteadvisorsuccessions.com JEDI Database Solutions | Technology Solutions for Advisors https://jedidatabasesolutions.com Listen to more Advisor Talk episodes: https://eliteconsultingpartners.com/podcasts/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elite-consulting-partners/

    28 min
  6. Greatest Hits: M&A Masterclass with Jon Kuttin

    MAR 12 ·  BONUS

    Greatest Hits: M&A Masterclass with Jon Kuttin

    Frank and Jon unpack: • Why today's competitive landscape means growth-motivated buyers must approach deals differently. • The three core reasons advisors pursue acquisitions - and which ones actually lead to long-term success. • How leverage, bank financing, and EBITDA-based lending really work in practice. • Why “fixer-upper” books may offer the strongest ROI. • How elite buyers win deals by understanding the emotional side of selling a practice. • The art of creating a safe landing place for sellers, their teams, and their clients. • Why phased buyouts and seller glide paths often create better retention and better economics for everyone. Jon also shares numbers, structures, and stories that demystify the math behind buying a practice - and the mindset required to scale from practitioner to true enterprise builder. If you're a buyer, seller, or advisor considering M&A in any form, this episode is a blueprint you can’t afford to miss. Resources: Jon Kuttin’s LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jonathankuttin   Elite Consulting Partners | Financial Advisor Transitions: https://eliteconsultingpartners.com Elite Marketing Concepts | Marketing Services for Financial Advisors: https://elitemarketingconcepts.com Elite Advisor Successions | Advisor Mergers and Acquisitions: https://eliteadvisorsuccessions.com JEDI Database Solutions | Data Intelligence for Advisors: https://jedidatabasesolutions.com Listen to more Advisor Talk episodes: https://eliteconsultingpartners.com/podcasts/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/eliteconsultingpartners Chapters:   00:00 Introduction 01:08 Meet Jon Kuttin 04:42 What Makes a Buyer Truly Ready 13:56 Building Enterprise Value Through Acquisitions 17:20 Managing Risk, Liquidity & Debt Capacity 21:08 Where the Best Acquisition Opportunities Are 35:20 Why Seller Fit Matters More Than Price 42:02 Structuring Glide Paths, Partial Sales & Long-Term Transitions

    50 min
  7. Greatest Hits: Private Equity, Independence, and the Future of Wealth Management with NewEdge CEO Rob Sechan

    MAR 5 ·  BONUS

    Greatest Hits: Private Equity, Independence, and the Future of Wealth Management with NewEdge CEO Rob Sechan

    Frank and Rob dive into: • Rob’s path from UBS and Morgan Stanley to launching NewEdge Wealth. • How NewEdge Wealth and NewEdge Advisors differ and advisor profiles that may fit each platform. • How multi-custody and open architecture models can offer flexibility. • Perspectives of some advisors that have experienced business growth after joining the firm. •  The role of private equity and its innovation in wealth management. • How advisors may use niche marketing strategies and referral initiatives to identify opportunities. Whether you’re exploring alternatives to a wirehouse or staying informed on industry developments, this conversation offers a practical look at the choices and trade-offs within today’s independent landscape. Want to connect? • Reach out to Frank directly at frank@eliteconsultingpartners.com or send him a DM on LinkedIn. • You can also connect with Rob by emailing RSechan@NewEdgeCG.com or visiting his LinkedIn page. Chapters:   0:00 Introduction 1:02 From Wirehouse Advisor to Building a New Platform 6:30 What Makes Elite Financial Advisors Different 8:08 NewEdge Wealth vs NewEdge Advisors Explained 18:08 Why Multi-Custody & Open Architecture Matter 27:00 How Top Advisors Accelerate Growth After Going Independent 36:09 Private Equity’s Role in the Future of Wealth Management 40:46 Why Advisors Should Explore the Independent Model Learn more about Elite and our resources: Elite Consulting Partners | Financial Advisor Transitions https://eliteconsultingpartners.com Elite Marketing Concepts | Marketing Services for Financial Advisors https://elitemarketingconcepts.com Elite Advisor Successions | Advisor Mergers & Acquisitions https://eliteadvisorsuccessions.com JEDI Database Solutions | Technology Solutions for Advisors https://jedidatabasesolutions.com Listen to more Advisor Talk episodes: https://eliteconsultingpartners.com/podcasts/ “Assets “serviced by” the firm includes (i) client assets for which we provide investment advisory services, (ii) client assets for which we provide brokerage services through our affiliate, NewEdge Securities, LLC and (iii) client assets held at affiliated and unaffiliated broker dealers for which we provide supervisory oversight, support services and/or wealth strategy services. Opinions expressed are as of October 7, 2025, and may change without notice. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation regarding any security, strategy, or business relationship. Past performance does not guarantee future results. References to advisor experiences (including business growth, win rates, or referrals) reflect individual circumstances and are not representative of all advisors or outcomes. Results vary and are not guaranteed. Any testimonials or endorsements presented reflect the speaker’s opinion at the time made. If compensation or other benefits were provided in connection with a testimonial or endorsement, that fact will be disclosed. Such statements should not be construed as indicative of future performance or experience for all clients or advisors. Third-party firms, custodians, platforms, or services referenced are independent of NewEdge. Their inclusion does not constitute a recommendation, endorsement, or approval. Where third-party ratings or rankings are cited, the source and date apply; methodologies may differ, and ratings may not predict future performance. NewEdge may have business arrangements with certain third parties that present potential conflicts of interest; details available upon request. NewEdge may receive or provide referrals to or from third parties, including custodians, which may involve compensation or other benefits. Additional information about referral relationships and compensation is available upon request, A copy of the NewEdge’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees continues to remain available upon request or at www.newedgecg.com. All company names, logos, and trademarks are property of their respective owners and are used for identification only. References to media appearances do not constitute an endorsement.

    47 min
  8. Greatest Hits: Cetera CEO Mike Durbin on the Future of Independent Financial Advisors

    FEB 26 ·  BONUS

    Greatest Hits: Cetera CEO Mike Durbin on the Future of Independent Financial Advisors

    In this Greatest Hits episode of Advisor Talk, Frank LaRosa sits down with Cetera CEO Mike Durbin for a wide-ranging, candid conversation about ownership structure, affiliation flexibility, M&A strategy, custody decisions, and what it really means to build a “forever home” for advisors. From private equity misconceptions to succession solutions, this episode explores how advisors can think strategically - not reactively - about their long-term growth. Mike shares insights from his 35-year career working directly with financial advisors, including leadership roles at Morgan Stanley and Fidelity, and explains why he returned to the independent space to help shape the next decade of advisor evolution   You’ll hear discussion around: • Why multi-custody and multi-clearing can be a strategic advantage. • How private equity ownership can create stability instead of short-term pressure. • The importance of affiliation flexibility as careers evolve. • Why succession solutions should exist inside a firm - not outside it. • How large firms can still create community and localized support. • What “growth support” really looks like beyond recruiting deals. • Why diversification of revenue matters in a changing rate environment. Rather than focusing solely on headline recruiting deals or advisor headcount, this episode centers on a more important theme: Are you aligned with a partner that helps you play offense - not just react to change? As Mike states, it has never been a better time to be in the wealth management business - but it is changing quickly.   If you’re a financial advisor evaluating independence, succession, M&A, or long-term firm alignment, this Greatest Hits conversation offers perspective on how to think about scale, ownership, and growth in a dynamic industry. Chapters: 01:03 – Episode Intro 04:10 – Mike’s Background 09:16 – Private Equity & Ownership 14:35 – Affiliation Flexibility 26:24 – Multi-Custody Strategy 32:30 – M&A & Consolidation 37:31 – Scale vs Community 40:06 – Recruiting Economics 44:00 – Growth & Marketing Support 50:26 – Playing Offense Learn more about Elite and our resources: Elite Consulting Partners | Financial Advisor Transitions https://eliteconsultingpartners.com Elite Marketing Concepts | Marketing Services for Financial Advisors https://elitemarketingconcepts.com Elite Advisor Successions | Advisor Mergers & Acquisitions https://eliteadvisorsuccessions.com JEDI Database Solutions | Technology Solutions for Advisors https://jedidatabasesolutions.com Listen to more Advisor Talk episodes: https://eliteconsultingpartners.com/podcasts/

    54 min
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About

Advisor Talk with Frank LaRosa offers unfiltered guidance and advice for financial advisors, wealth management professionals, and entrepreneurs alike who are interested in maximizing both their business and personal potential. Informed by Frank's unique insights and his personal conversations with industry leaders, the dynamic discussion topics of Advisor Talk include business ownership, leadership, practice management, transition and recruiting, marketing and branding, as well as a host of financial services related topics related to wirehouse, regional, and RIA advisors, firms, and teams. Frank’s goal, and the goal of his team at Elite Consulting Partners, is now as ever to be the go-to resource for actionable information and trusted guidance to elevate you and your career at whatever stage you may be.

Information

  • Creator
    Elite Consulting Partners
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    334
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Elite Consulting Partners
  • Show Website
    Advisor Talk with Frank LaRosa

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