Welcome to episode #51 of the Fiduciary U™ Podcast. My guest today is Rob Madore from Marshberry.

In this episode, I interview Rob Madore, an expert in investment banking and management consulting. We discuss the role of MarshBerry, a management consulting and investment banking firm, in helping advisory firms grow and maximize their value. We also explore some of the current challenges and opportunities in the industry, including the integration of acquired firms and the importance of organic growth. Our conversation highlights the need for advisory firms to have a long-term plan and a solid growth foundation to achieve success.

We also discuss the challenges and strategies for growing and scaling advisory firms. We emphasize the importance of overcoming growth barriers, cultivating the next generation of advisors, and adapting to a constantly changing competitive landscape. We also touch on the value of niche specialization, differentiation, and focusing on the right types of clients. We conclude our conversation with a discussion on the drivers of value in advisory firms and the importance of scale, profitability, human and capital.

Listeners are encouraged to connect with Rob on LinkedIn or via email to learn more.

Welcome to episode #50 of the Fiduciary U™ Podcast. My guest today is Patrick Bushlack from The Standard.

In this conversation, we discuss Pooled Employer Plans (PEPs) and their growing impact on the retirement industry. We explore the different flavors of PEPs and the importance of advisor centricity in designing and implementing these plans. We also touch on the challenges faced by HR and benefits teams, the concept of indirect fee compression for financial advisors, and the need for a flexible framework in PEPs.

The conversation highlights the importance of good data, the role of a pooled plan provider, and the value of insulating plan sponsors from operational failures. We also discuss the benefits and challenges of Pooled Employer Plans (PEPs). We explore topics such as the service-first approach, intraplan subsidization, the role of advisors in PEPs, the potential for cost savings, and the timeline for setting up a PEP.

Patrick emphasizes the importance of curiosity and education for advisors considering PEPs. He also shares lessons learned from their experience with PEPs, including the high level of interest from employers and the need for flexibility and collaboration. Listeners are encouraged to connect with Patrick on LinkedIn or via email to learn more.

On this episode, Rebecca Hourihan from 401(k) Marketing and I discuss the changes in marketing strategies over the past decade and the importance of differentiation in the industry. She emphasizes the visual identity of advisors' websites and the need to showcase their office and team to create familiarity and connection with potential clients. She also highlights the significance of brand guidelines and professional photography in conveying a unique client experience.

She suggests focusing on email marketing campaigns, LinkedIn engagement, and maintaining an active blog to attract and retain clients. We discuss the importance of building a rewarding culture, designing an effective content strategy, and leveraging technology in the retirement industry.

We also explore the limitations and benefits of AI in content creation, the challenges of outdated technology, and the value of investing in the right tools and resources.

Additionally, we highlight the need for retirement advisors to view technology as an investment rather than an expense and the importance of storytelling and messaging in delivering high-value content. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of leveraging technology and expertise to enhance the advisor's business and client experience.