RIA Collective

Charlie Van Derven
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Investing

Are you a financial advisor stuck with a firm that no longer serves your needs, fits your ideals, or gives you the flexibility to serve your clients as a true fiduciary? That is a tricky place to be, but rest assured, you’re not alone. RIA Collective Podcast is created with you in mind. We interview leaders at Registered Investment Advisory firms to learn from their wisdom and experience. It is our goal to take the fear and mystery out of going independent.Most of the industry leaders we talk with were in the exact same place you find yourself today. They too saw themselves as entrepreneurs. They became an advisor to create flexibility in their lives and help many others create financial security and peace of mind. Like you, those professionals become stifled by their captive environment. Sales quotas, proprietary products and services, the firm’s agenda, compliance, and other factors can make it difficult to grow and to act as a true fiduciary to your clients. RIA Collective podcast is hosted by Charlie Van Derven, an industry veteran who has been serving the advisor community for almost 25 years. During his time working in Financial Services, Charlie has seen trends come and go. One trend that continues with no end in sight, is the migration of advisors from the captive wire-house space to independence.The move to independence can go smoothly, or it can be a battle. Tune in to RIA Collective podcast to learn from industry leaders how to set your practice up for a smooth transition. Learn important things to consider and actions to take 3, 6, 12, or 18 months ahead of your move. Learn how to solidify key client relationships so you can retain the assets you’ve built.If you are an advisor considering a change or an industry leader who is building their firm and has wisdom to share, we would love to talk to you.Visit RIAcollective.com for more information or reach out to Charlie directly on LinkedIn. Thanks for being here.If you'd like to be a guest or connect directly with Charlie, visit https://www.riacollective.com.

  1. 6d ago

    How One Advisor Built a Highly Profitable RIA Around Her Life | Rachael Burns

    What if the goal of independence wasn’t to build the biggest RIA possible? What if it was to build the business that gave you the life you actually wanted? In this episode of RIA Collective, Charlie Van Derven reconnects with Rachael Burns of True Worth Financial Planning to discuss how her approach to independence has evolved since her first appearance on the podcast. After working at Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, and Ameriprise, Rachael eventually launched her own RIA. Personal circumstances made flexibility a priority, and instead of recreating the traditional advisory firm she came from, she intentionally built something different. Today, Rachael runs a highly focused solo practice with just 31 clients, no employees, minimal overhead, and an average relationship of more than $1 million. She’s built the firm around efficiency, technology, and the ability to be present for her family. Charlie and Rachael discuss: • Why she left the wirehouse world and became independent • How major changes in her personal life reshaped her definition of success • Why she intentionally keeps her client count low • Building an RIA around lifestyle instead of maximizing headcount • Why focusing less on growth actually resulted in significant growth • How she runs a solo practice without employees • The technology that helps her minimize administrative work • How FinDash streamlined her CRM, scheduling, planning, agreements, and onboarding • Why Altruist fits into her technology stack • How she gets new-client onboarding down to roughly 30 minutes • The hidden time costs of offices, meetings, commuting, and distractions • Why she’s able to finish work before her kids get home • The reality behind some of the fears advisors hear about independence • Why starting an RIA wasn’t as expensive as she expected • How independence gives advisors the ability to adapt quickly • Why compliance was less intimidating than she anticipated One of the biggest takeaways from Rachael’s story is that independence gives you the ability to define what success actually means to you. That might mean building a large enterprise. Or it might mean 31 great client relationships, low overhead, no employees, a highly efficient tech stack, and the flexibility to be done working when your kids get home. There isn’t only one way to build a successful RIA. 📺 Subscribe for more conversations with independent advisors and industry leaders building businesses on their own terms. Connect with Rachael Burns True Worth Financial Planning: https://trueworthfp.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachaelvburns/ Connect with Charlie Van Derven Social Advisors: https://social-advisors.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/ #RIACollective #FinancialAdvisors #WealthManagement #RIA #FinancialPlanning #IndependentAdvisor #AdvisorIndependence #RIAGrowth #AdvisorGrowth #PracticeManagement #LifestylePractice #SoloAdvisor #FinancialAdvisor #RegisteredInvestmentAdvisor #BreakawayAdvisor #FinancialServices #WealthManagementIndustry #Entrepreneurship #RIAOwner #AdvisorTechnology #FinTech #WorkLifeBalance #BusinessGrowth

    How One Advisor Built a Highly Profitable RIA Around Her Life | Rachael Burns

  2. Oct 5

    How Financial Advisors Can Generate More Referrals | Bill Utnage

    Why do some financial advisors consistently generate introductions from clients while others struggle to get referrals at all? In this episode of RIA Collective, Charlie Van Derven sits down with Bill Utnage of Damascus Road Referral Systems to discuss how advisors can build stronger client relationships and create a more intentional system for generating introductions. Bill has spent decades owning and operating professional service businesses and now coaches business owners, including financial advisors, on referral growth. His message is simple: providing great service isn't enough to guarantee referrals. Charlie and Bill discuss: Why referrals are so valuable for financial advisorsThe "know, like, and trust" advantage of a referred prospectWhy great service alone doesn't automatically generate introductionsThe difference between transactional and relational client relationshipsWhy your best referral sources aren't necessarily your largest clientsHow advisors can identify their strongest advocatesWhy staying connected outside of annual review meetings mattersSimple ways to deepen relationships with top clientsReferrals vs. introductions and why language mattersHow to strategically learn more about your clients' networksWhy advisors should stop treating referrals as a bonusHow to build a repeatable system around relationship-driven growthCharlie also shares the four criteria Social Advisors uses to identify an advisor's top advocates: Do you enjoy working with them? Have they referred before? Are they socially connected? And do they fit your target asset level? One of the biggest takeaways from the conversation: Your clients may love working with you, but that doesn't mean they'll automatically introduce you to someone else. Advisors need to intentionally nurture relationships, create opportunities for conversations, and make introductions part of their growth strategy. As Bill puts it, relationships are the long game. If you're an independent financial advisor looking to generate more introductions from the relationships you've already built, this episode is for you. 📺 Subscribe for more conversations about advisor independence, growth, marketing, and practice management. Connect with Bill Utnage Damascus Road Referral Systems: https://www.billutnage.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-utnage/ Connect with Charlie Van Derven Social Advisors: https://social-advisors.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/ #RIACollective #FinancialAdvisors #FinancialAdvisor #RIA #RegisteredInvestmentAdvisor #IndependentAdvisor #WealthManagement #FinancialPlanning #Referrals #ReferralMarketing #ClientReferrals #AdvisorGrowth #RIAGrowth #PracticeManagement #BusinessDevelopment #ClientRelationships #RelationshipMarketing #AdvisorMarketing #LeadGeneration #Prospecting #FinancialServices #WealthManagementMarketing #IndependentAdvisors #ClientExperience #BusinessGrowth

    How Financial Advisors Can Generate More Referrals | Bill Utnage

  3. Sep 22

    The Overlooked Financial Planning Opportunity: Clients Without Kids | Maddy Roche

    What changes about financial planning when your client doesn't have children? More than many advisors realize.Somebody went first. That's usually how it starts. In this episode of RIA Collective, Charlie Van Derven sits down with Maddy Roche, Chief Growth Officer at Childfree Trust, to explore the unique financial, estate, and long-term care planning needs of people without children. After spending roughly 11 years helping build XY Planning Network, Maddy has worked closely with thousands of independent financial advisors. Today, she's focused on helping the industry better understand a growing and often underserved demographic. Maddy explains how planning can fundamentally change when children aren't part of the equation. Questions around powers of attorney, trustees, executors, long-term care, charitable giving, and aging all require a different conversation. In this episode, Charlie and Maddy discuss: Why financial planning changes for clients without childrenThe difference between being childfree and childlessWhy advisors may be overlooking a significant prospective client opportunityDINKs, SINKs, and the financial behaviors of people without kidsHow traditional financial planning language can unintentionally alienate prospectsEstate planning challenges for clients without traditional next of kinWho serves as power of attorney, trustee, or executor when family isn't the answerLong-term care and the realities of aging without childrenWhy childfree clients may approach legacy and "dying with zero" differentlyHow advisors can better communicate with this demographicHow Childfree Trust works alongside financial advisors rather than replacing themWhy simply asking the right questions can create tremendous value for clientsOne of the biggest takeaways from the conversation: Having no children doesn't mean having no family, and it doesn't mean needing less financial planning. It means the planning may need to look different. For independent advisors, that creates an opportunity to better serve existing clients while potentially connecting with a group of people who haven't traditionally felt that financial planning was built for them. 🎧 Listen to the full episode of RIA Collective. 📺 Subscribe for more conversations with advisors and industry leaders shaping the future of independent financial advice. Connect with Maddy Roche Childfree Trust: https://childfreetrust.com/ Childfree Insights: https://childfreeinsights.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maddy-roche-25962032/ Connect with Charlie Van Derven Social Advisors: https://social-advisors.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/ #RIACollective #FinancialAdvisors #FinancialPlanning #WealthManagement #RIA #IndependentAdvisor #Childfree #ChildfreeByChoice #EstatePlanning #LongTermCare #RetirementPlanning #AdvisorGrowth #AdvisorMarketing #PracticeManagement #FinancialAdvisor #RegisteredInvestmentAdvisor #WealthManagementIndustry #Fiduciary #DINK #SuccessionPlanning

    The Overlooked Financial Planning Opportunity: Clients Without Kids | Maddy Roche

  4. Sep 7

    How to Build an RIA That’s Actually Worth Something | Andrew Mirolli

    What is your advisory practice actually worth, and what can you do today to increase that value? In this episode of RIA Collective, Charlie Van Derven sits down with Andrew Mirolli, Co-Founder of buyAUM.com, to discuss how financial advisors can build more valuable, transferable businesses and prepare for an eventual exit. With roughly 106,000 advisors representing 41% of industry assets expected to retire over the next decade, succession planning is becoming a major issue across wealth management. Andrew explains what buyers are looking for and why two advisory practices with similar revenue can command very different valuations. Charlie and Andrew discuss: What financial advisory practices are selling for todayRevenue multiples vs. EBITDA multiplesWhy recurring revenue alone doesn't guarantee a strong valuationThe importance of building durable, transferable client relationshipsHow client concentration can create risk for potential buyersWhy advisors need relationships with the next generationHow consistent organic growth can increase enterprise valueWhy reducing founder dependency mattersBuilding systems and processes that survive without the founderThe importance of succession planning before you're ready to retireWhy culture and client fit should matter as much as the purchase priceHow advisors can prepare mentally for life after selling their practiceAndrew also shares five areas advisors should focus on when building enterprise value: Think like an owner, not just an advisor.Build durable recurring revenue.Reduce founder dependency.Build client relationships that extend beyond one generation.Protect client fit and culture when choosing a successor.One of the biggest questions Andrew suggests every advisor ask is simple: If you were locked in a room for 60 days, what would break in your business? The answer can reveal just how dependent the business is on you and how transferable it may actually be. Whether you're preparing to sell in the next few years or plan to remain in the business for decades, building enterprise value should start long before an LOI lands on your desk. 🎧 Listen to the full episode of RIA Collective. 📺 Subscribe for more conversations about RIA independence, growth, succession, and building a better advisory business. Connect with Andrew Mirolli https://buyaum.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewmirolli/ Connect with Charlie Van Derven www.social-advisors.com www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/ Chapters 00:00 Building Enterprise Value as an Independent Advisor 01:00 The Coming Advisor Retirement Wave 03:00 Succession Planning and the Next Generation 05:00 What Makes Advisory Revenue Transferable? 06:30 What Is an RIA Worth? 08:00 Understanding Advisory Practice Multiples 11:00 #1: Think Like an Owner 13:00 #2: Build Durable Recurring Revenue 15:00 #3: Reduce Founder Dependency 17:30 #4: Build Relationships With the Next Generation 19:00 #5: Protect Client Fit and Culture 23:00 Preparing for Life After Selling Your Business 26:00 Closing Thoughts #RIACollective #FinancialAdvisors #RIA #WealthManagement #AdvisorIndependence #RegisteredInvestmentAdvisor #IndependentAdvisor #SuccessionPlanning #ExitPlanning #BusinessValuation #EnterpriseValue #PracticeManagement #AdvisorGrowth #RIAGrowth #FinancialPlanning #WealthManagementIndustry #FinancialServices #BreakawayAdvisor #AdvisorSuccession #RIAAcquisitions #MergersAndAcquisitions #MergersAndAcquisitions #PracticeAcquisition #FinancialAdvisorMarketing #CEPA #BusinessOwner #RetirementPlanning

    How to Build an RIA That’s Actually Worth Something | Andrew Mirolli

  5. Aug 24

    RIA Collective: Haren Bhakta | From Wall Street to RIA Owner to Launching His Own ETF

    What happens when the traditional wirehouse model no longer gives you the freedom to invest and serve clients the way you believe is best? In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Haren Bhakta, CFA, to discuss his journey from selling insurance to building a book at Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley, launching his own RIA, and eventually creating his own investment index and ETF. Haren entered financial services during the 2008 financial crisis, when opportunities in the investment industry were difficult to find. What started in insurance ultimately taught him how to communicate, sell, handle rejection, and build relationships with high-net-worth clients. His career eventually took him to Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley, but Haren wanted greater freedom to pursue investment opportunities outside the constraints of the traditional wirehouse environment. In 2017, he made the move and started his own RIA. In this episode, Charlie and Haren discuss: Starting a financial services career during the 2008 financial crisisWhat Haren learned from Merrill Lynch and Morgan StanleyWhy persistence can matter more than personality in building a bookWhat ultimately pushed Haren toward independenceThe benefits advisors often underestimate about working at a wirehouseThe compliance and operational responsibilities that come with independenceWhy losing the community of a large firm can be one of the hardest parts of going independentHow RIA aggregators can help recreate community and supportThe idea that led Haren to create the Inside Ownership IndexHow Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway inspired his investment thesisHaren's journey from RIA owner to launching an ETFHaren also shares an often-overlooked reality of independence: freedom comes with responsibility. At a large firm, advisors have infrastructure, compliance support, colleagues, management, and built-in accountability. When you go independent, much of that becomes your responsibility. For advisors considering the move, understanding both sides of that tradeoff is critical. Later in the conversation, Haren explains how an idea that came to him while attending Berkshire Hathaway's 2024 annual meeting eventually led to the creation of the Inside Ownership Index and an ETF based on the concept. His career is a great example of just how many paths exist within financial services when you're willing to keep learning, take calculated risks, and build something of your own. 🎧 Watch the full episode and subscribe to RIA Collective for conversations with advisors and industry leaders helping shape the future of independent financial advice. Connect with Haren Bhakta 🌐 Inside Ownership: https://insideownership.com 📧 Email: haren@insideownership.com 📰 Newsletter: Available at InsideOwnership.com Connect with Charlie Van Derven 🌐 Social Advisors: https://www.social-advisors.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:30 Starting in financial services during the financial crisis 02:30 Learning to build a book of business 05:30 Why Haren started his own RIA 07:30 The advantages of staying at a wirehouse 09:00 The hidden loss of community after going independent 10:30 Accountability and independence 12:30 From RIA owner to creating an ETF 13:00 The Warren Buffett insight behind the Inside Ownership Index 16:00 Where to learn more about Inside Ownership 17:00 Persistence, personality, and succeeding as an advisor #RIACollective #FinancialAdvisors #WealthManagement #RIA #IndependentAdvisor #FinancialPlanning #AdvisorIndependence #RegisteredInvestmentAdvisor #ETF #ETFInvesting #InvestmentManagement #AssetManagement #PortfolioManagement #CFA #MerrillLynch #MorganStanley #Wirehouse #BreakawayAdvisor #AdvisorGrowth #PracticeManagement #FinancialServices #WealthManagementIndustry #Investing #AdvisorSuccess #RIACommunity

    RIA Collective: Haren Bhakta | From Wall Street to RIA Owner to Launching His Own ETF

  6. Aug 4

    How Financial Advisors Can Use AI Without Losing Trust | Nate Hoskin, CFP®

    Most financial advisors know they need to create content. The challenge is knowing what AI should do, what it shouldn't do, and how to create authentic content that actually builds trust. In this episode of RIA Collective, Charlie Van Derven sits down with Nate Hoskin, CFP®, Co-Founder of SageContent.ai, to discuss how advisors can leverage video, AI, and personal branding to grow their businesses without sacrificing authenticity. Nate shares lessons from building his own RIA through content before creating SageContent.ai to help other advisors do the same. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why video is one of the fastest ways to build trust with prospects • Where AI saves advisors time, and where it can actually hurt your marketing • The difference between production quality and expensive editing • Why people follow advisors, not logos • How to build a personal brand that generates opportunities • The biggest mistakes advisors make with content creation • Practical ways to use AI without sounding like AI One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation: Use AI to remove the work that gets in the way, not the authenticity that builds trust. Whether you're just starting with video or looking to improve your marketing strategy, this episode is packed with actionable ideas you can implement immediately. 📺 Subscribe for more conversations with leading independent advisors: Connect with Charlie Van Derven 🌐 Social Advisors: https://www.social-advisors.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/ Connect with Nate Hoskin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nghoskin/ SageContent.ai: https://www.sagecontent.ai/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:40 Why Advisors Need to Build More Trust 04:30 AI vs Authentic Content 09:20 Creating Videos That People Actually Watch 14:30 Why Personal Branding Matters More Than Firm Branding 19:30 Growing an Advisory Business Through Content 23:00 How SageContent.ai Helps Advisors Scale 25:00 Closing Thoughts #FinancialAdvisors #AdvisorMarketing #RIACollective #AdvisorMarketing #FinancialPlanning #RegisteredInvestmentAdvisor #RIA #PersonalBranding #VideoMarketing #ContentMarketing #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #AdvisorGrowth #PracticeManagement #ThoughtLeadership #LeadGeneration #SocialMediaMarketing #DigitalMarketing #CFP #Trust #Fiduciary #IndependentAdvisor #WealthManagementMarketing #AdvisorSuccess

    How Financial Advisors Can Use AI Without Losing Trust | Nate Hoskin, CFP®

  7. Jul 13

    RIA Collective: Chris Price | Why Process Beats Talent in Building an Advisory Firm

    What separates a successful advisory firm from one that struggles to scale? According to Chris Price, it comes down to process. In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Chris Price of Wealth Solutions Partners to discuss his journey from the insurance world into a more independent, hybrid advisory model and the lessons he's learned about building a scalable business. Chris shares how earning professional designations changed the way he viewed financial advice, why systems become more important as firms grow, and how AI is reshaping advisor efficiency without replacing relationships. Together, Charlie and Chris discuss: The transition from a large insurance firm to a hybrid independent modelWhy professional education changes the way advisors serve clientsHow documented processes create consistency and scalabilityThe importance of hiring for personality, not just experienceWhy advisors need to think like business owners, not just practitionersHow AI is making advisory firms more efficient while strengthening client relationshipsLessons from building and leading a growing advisory teamChris also explains why every advisory firm should have a repeatable process that serves the vast majority of its clients, creating a better experience for both clients and team members. This episode is especially valuable for: Advisors considering independenceHybrid advisors looking to growRIAs building their first teamFirm owners focused on scaling through systems🎧 Watch now and subscribe to RIA Collective for conversations that help independent advisors build stronger businesses and better client experiences. Connect with Chris Price 📧 Email: christopherprice@financialguide.com Connect with Charlie Van Derven 🌐 Social Advisors: https://www.social-advisors.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/ Chapters 00:00 – Chris's path into financial services 03:45 – Why education changed his career 07:30 – The move to a hybrid model 11:15 – Building a business with processes 15:20 – Hiring the right people 19:00 – Leading a growing team 22:00 – How AI is changing advisory firms 25:00 – Final advice for advisors

    RIA Collective: Chris Price | Why Process Beats Talent in Building an Advisory Firm

  8. Jun 17

    RIA Collective: Andrew Winig | Why Most Financial Advisors Sound the Same

    What makes a financial advisor different? According to Andrew Winig, most advisors struggle to answer that question clearly. In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Andrew Winig, founder of Your Elevator Pitch Coach, to discuss one of the biggest challenges advisors face: explaining what they do in a way that people actually remember. Andrew has worked with hundreds of financial advisors and discovered something surprising: Most advisors are different. They just sound exactly the same. Together, Charlie and Andrew discuss: Why "great service" isn't a real differentiatorHow advisors can create memorable elevator pitchesThe biggest mistakes advisors make at networking eventsWhy specificity attracts more referrals than broad messagingHow to answer common questions like "What do you do?"Turning small talk into meaningful business conversationsWhy most advisors should stop leading with "I'm a financial advisor"Andrew also walks through real-world examples of how advisors can identify their niche, communicate their value more effectively, and become easier to refer. This episode is especially valuable for:  ✔️ Financial advisors looking for more referrals  ✔️ RIAs building a niche market  ✔️ Advisors who network regularly  ✔️ Professionals who want a more compelling personal brand 🎧 Watch now and subscribe to RIA Collective for conversations that help independent advisors grow, differentiate, and attract the right clients. Connect with Andrew Winig 🌐 Website: https://improvandy.com 🎯 Free Pitch Check: https://freepitchcheck.com 💼 LinkedIn: Andrew Winig Connect with Charlie Van Derven 🌐 Social Advisors: https://www.social-advisors.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/ Chapters 00:00 – Why advisors struggle to differentiate  02:30 – The problem with generic elevator pitches  05:00 – Finding your true niche  08:00 – A live elevator pitch example  12:00 – How specificity drives referrals  15:00 – Answering common networking questions  18:00 – Turning small talk into opportunity  20:00 – Free resources for advisors

    RIA Collective: Andrew Winig | Why Most Financial Advisors Sound the Same
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Are you a financial advisor stuck with a firm that no longer serves your needs, fits your ideals, or gives you the flexibility to serve your clients as a true fiduciary? That is a tricky place to be, but rest assured, you’re not alone. RIA Collective Podcast is created with you in mind. We interview leaders at Registered Investment Advisory firms to learn from their wisdom and experience. It is our goal to take the fear and mystery out of going independent.Most of the industry leaders we talk with were in the exact same place you find yourself today. They too saw themselves as entrepreneurs. They became an advisor to create flexibility in their lives and help many others create financial security and peace of mind. Like you, those professionals become stifled by their captive environment. Sales quotas, proprietary products and services, the firm’s agenda, compliance, and other factors can make it difficult to grow and to act as a true fiduciary to your clients. RIA Collective podcast is hosted by Charlie Van Derven, an industry veteran who has been serving the advisor community for almost 25 years. During his time working in Financial Services, Charlie has seen trends come and go. One trend that continues with no end in sight, is the migration of advisors from the captive wire-house space to independence.The move to independence can go smoothly, or it can be a battle. Tune in to RIA Collective podcast to learn from industry leaders how to set your practice up for a smooth transition. Learn important things to consider and actions to take 3, 6, 12, or 18 months ahead of your move. Learn how to solidify key client relationships so you can retain the assets you’ve built.If you are an advisor considering a change or an industry leader who is building their firm and has wisdom to share, we would love to talk to you.Visit RIAcollective.com for more information or reach out to Charlie directly on LinkedIn. Thanks for being here.If you'd like to be a guest or connect directly with Charlie, visit https://www.riacollective.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Charlie Van Derven
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    76
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 RIA Collective
  • Show Website
    RIA Collective

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