Grow Organically

What actually separates firms that grow organically from those that rely on referrals and market lift? Daniel Gilmartin discusses the launch of Catchlight’s RIA Growth Marketing Proficiency Report with Mary Kate Gulick, Founder of MK Wealth Marketing. Together, they break down what organic growth truly means, how top independent RIAs are structuring their marketing teams, and the patterns that show up consistently in faster-growing firms. Dan discusses: Kicking off Season 3 and introducing the RIA Growth Marketing Proficiency Report How organic growth is defined, stripping out M&A and market-driven gains The four marketing proficiency levels, from generalists to data-driven growth teams Five key attributes of faster-growing firms: specialization, accountability, intentional investment, data-driven funnel math, and executive alignment And more Resources: Access the RIA Growth Marketing Proficiency Report at Catchlight.ai Connect with Dan Gilmartin:  Catchlight LinkedIn: Daniel Gilmartin About our Guest:  Mary Kate Gulick is the Founder of MK Wealth Marketing and a seasoned marketing leader in the financial services industry. She has held leadership roles at firms including FiComm, Carson, TD Ameritrade, and IBM. Mary Kate specializes in helping wealth management firms align brand, strategy, and growth initiatives to drive measurable results. Connect with Mary Kate Gulick:  MK Wealth Marketing LinkedIn: Mary Kate Gulick

Sustainable growth does not come from chasing every tactic available. It comes from clarity, consistency, and systems that respect how people actually make decisions. In this replay episode, Dan Gilmartin sits down with Michelle Winkles, MBA, Partner and CMO at Mission Wealth, to revisit a foundational conversation on organic growth through digital marketing. This replay episode explores how firms can structure their websites, tech stacks, and workflows to attract higher-quality leads. Michelle explains how niche identification, data-driven personalization, and thoughtful follow-up create stronger relationships and more efficient funnels, while sharing how Mission measures performance and prioritizes long-term growth. Key takeaways: Building a website that clearly communicates who you serve and guides multiple audiences toward the right next step Using organic search and local SEO as a consistent source of higher-intent prospects Organizing client data to identify clusters that can evolve into focused microniches Creating automated yet personalized workflows that respect lead preferences and timing Measuring organic growth by revenue generated relative to total digital marketing spend And more! Connect with Dan Gilmartin:  Catchlight LinkedIn: Daniel Gilmartin Connect with Michelle Winkles: Mission Wealth LinkedIn: Michelle Winkles About our Guest:  Michelle Winkles is an energetic, innovative, and results-focused marketing professional with over 20 years of distinguished business leadership experience. As a Partner and Chief Marketing Officer at Mission Wealth, Michelle spearheads the firm’s strategic marketing initiatives, guiding overall vision, leadership, and the execution of marketing and business development programs. A key part of her role is driving the firm’s digital growth strategy, where she has successfully developed and implemented a robust digital marketing funnel and growth engine. This includes building a comprehensive marketing technology stack designed to automate processes, enhance lead generation, and convert prospects into clients. Through her efforts, Michelle has streamlined marketing operations, expanded the firm’s digital footprint, and increased business opportunities. She is responsible for creating end-to-end marketing strategies that integrate messaging, branding, digital presence, demand generation, content creation, research, and thought leadership. Michelle collaborates closely with department leaders across Mission Wealth to ensure marketing efforts align with the firm’s growth objectives in the B2B, B2C, and M&I sectors. Recognized for her contributions to the business community, Michelle was named one of the “Top 40 Under 40” business professionals by the Pacific Coast Business Times in 2018, highlighting her role in reshaping leadership and the economy in the Tri-Counties. Michelle earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) in 2005. Driven by a passion for continuous learning, she obtained a Marketing Professional Certification from UCSB Extension in 2012 and completed her MBA with a Certificate of Excellence in Entrepreneurship, Strategic Management, and Nonprofit Social Business from Antioch University, Santa Barbara, in 2017.

Organic growth sounds straightforward, but for many firms it remains one of the hardest challenges to solve. What happens when client demand slows, marketing feels risky, and internal teams struggle to connect the dots across services? In this replay episode, Dan Gilmartin revisits a timely conversation with Jimmy Zhao, Partner at McKinsey, to examine what truly drives organic growth in wealth management. They unpack why growth has slowed, how banks and RIAs miss opportunities hidden in their own data, and where new advisor relationships are emerging. The discussion also explores long-term investment thinking, referral strategies that convert, and why patience is critical when building sustainable growth engines. Key takeaways: Why organic growth has slowed, and what interest rates and liquidity cycles have to do with it Missed opportunities banks face when data, teams, and incentives remain siloed How workplace channels are becoming a meaningful source of new advisor relationships Why marketing programs often fail early despite strong long-term economics What effective referral programs do differently to improve conversion and client experience And more! Connect with Dan Gilmartin:  Catchlight LinkedIn: Daniel Gilmartin Connect with Jimmy Zhao:   McKinsey & Company  LinkedIn: Jimmy Zhao  About our Guest:  Jimmy Zhao is a Partner at McKinsey & Company. Jimmy leads McKinsey’s North American retirement division and works closely with wealth managers and other financial institutions in the retirement ecosystem to serve more clients and unlock new sources of growth. Jimmy collaborates with institutions across the US retirement landscape—including wealth managers, defined contribution recordkeepers, retirement plan advisors and consultants, technology platforms, and asset managers. Working in collaboration with the top executives at his client companies, Jimmy designs and executes transformational growth programs. He also leads McKinsey’s support for transactions and private capital investments in the sector. Over the past six years, Jimmy has supported over 50 deals across registered investment advisors (RIAs), independent broker-dealers, and WealthTech. Jimmy became a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) in 2012 and hosts educational events with the CFA Society in Boston.

Partnerships, referrals, and metrics: three core themes shaping the future of organic growth in wealth management. In this episode of Grow Organically, host Dan Gilmartin sits down with Yelena Melamed, Chief Product Officer at Catchlight, to close out Season Two with a deep dive into how data, trust, and technology are transforming growth strategies. Yelena shares how wealth firms can strengthen partnerships across business lines, optimize referrals with automation, and leverage custom data models to make better, faster decisions. Key Takeaways: How Catchlight helps firms identify and strengthen cross-business partnerships between advisors, CPAs, and attorneys The importance of understanding each partner’s ideal client profile (ICP) to improve referrals and match quality How “speed to lead” and automation in custodial referral programs can increase meeting set rates and conversion efficiency Why foundational data quality can be key to powering AI, lead routing, and strategic decision-making How firms can build custom data models to optimize advisor-client fit, internal transitions, and long-term client retention And more! Resources: Ep 1 – Intro to Grow Organically Ep 15 – Driving Marketing Innovation Through Data and Tech with Jim Mocci Ep 17 – How Strategic Partnerships Drive Growth in Wealth Management with Marissa Fox-Foley Ep 21 – Building Growth Through Trust and Education with Sophie Benander Connect with Dan Gilmartin:  Catchlight LinkedIn: Daniel Gilmartin Connect with Yelena Melamed: LinkedIn: Yelena Melamed About our Guest:  Yelena Melamed is the Chief Product Officer at Catchlight, where she leads product strategy and innovation focused on helping financial advisors grow organically. She previously spent over 25 years at Fidelity Investments, where she led the design and delivery of data-driven technology solutions for financial services. At Catchlight, she combines her expertise in financial technology and product leadership to create tools that enhance advisor efficiency and client engagement.

Growth in wealth management often comes down to trust, process, and knowing where to focus. How do you build stronger referral partnerships with accountants and custodians? How can predictive analytics and technology enhance client relationships without losing authenticity? In this episode of Grow Organically, host Dan Gilmartin speaks with Chris Thom, CFP®, ChFC, CLU, CWS, Executive Vice President and Strategy and Partnerships Officer at Sequoia Financial Group, about how his firm drives growth through referrals, wallet share expansion, and technology-led client engagement.  Chris shares lessons on scaling trust, focusing on strengths, and leveraging innovation to deliver integrated client experiences. Key takeaways: How Sequoia deepened partnerships with accountants through co-location, events, and knowledge-sharing The firm’s disciplined process for maximizing referral conversions and building credibility Using predictive analytics to help expand wallet share while preserving advisor-client trust The role of AI and marketing insights in creating proactive, value-added client conversations Why firms should focus on core competencies and resist the “fear of missing out” on the latest trend And more! Connect with Dan Gilmartin:  Catchlight LinkedIn: Daniel Gilmartin Connect with Chris Thom:  Sequoia Financial Group LinkedIn: Chris Thom About our Guest:  Christopher B. Thom (Chris) serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy & Partnerships Officer for Sequoia, based in Akron, Ohio. With 25 years of experience in financial advisory and wealth planning, Chris is dedicated to advancing Sequoia’s commitment to comprehensive, client-centered service. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER and Certified Wealth Strategist®, Chris uses his experience to strengthen partnerships with custodians and accounting firms, positioning Sequoia as a trusted partner for families navigating complex financial landscapes. Chris is passionate about Sequoia’s Growth Culture, which emphasizes trust, specialization, and enduring client relationships. Leading Sequoia’s marketing efforts, he champions the firm’s unique strengths, delivering on a vision where families receive seamless, customized solutions for wealth management, tax, estate, and financial planning. His goal is to make Sequoia a go-to destination for families seeking tailored, long-term financial planning and investment management services. A Texas Tech University graduate with a BBA in Marketing, Chris is deeply invested in supporting his alma mater’s athletics. Alongside his wife, Kim, and their three children, Chris resides in Sharon Township, Ohio, where he values the balance of family life and a thriving professional career.

Organic growth has become the defining challenge and opportunity for firms in wealth management. Despite resilient demand, many firms struggle to scale sustainably in a market shaped by rising expectations and shifting client demographics.  In this episode, Dan Gilmartin speaks with Jimmy Zhao, CFA, Partner at McKinsey & Company, about what’s driving (and slowing) organic growth in the industry. They discuss market cycles, demographic shifts, marketing ROI, and the need for firms to treat growth as a long-term investment rather than a short-term metric.   Jimmy also breaks down how firms can position themselves for sustainable growth and stronger valuations through organic initiatives that truly empower advisors.   Key Takeaways:  Why 2024 marked one of the weakest years for organic growth and why 2026 could bring a rebound  How the wave of baby boomers reaching retirement age may be reshaping client demand  The growing opportunity for banks to integrate wealth and banking relationships  Why marketing ROI in wealth management is strong, yet underutilized  How scaling referral programs and growth culture can boost valuation and advisor engagement And more!  Connect with Dan Gilmartin:   Catchlight  LinkedIn: Daniel Gilmartin  Connect with Jimmy Zhao:   McKinsey & Company  LinkedIn: Jimmy Zhao  About our Guest:  Jimmy Zhao is a Partner at McKinsey & Company. Jimmy leads McKinsey’s North American retirement division and works closely with wealth managers and other financial institutions in the retirement ecosystem to serve more clients and unlock new sources of growth. Jimmy collaborates with institutions across the US retirement landscape—including wealth managers, defined contribution recordkeepers, retirement plan advisors and consultants, technology platforms, and asset managers. Working in collaboration with the top executives at his client companies, Jimmy designs and executes transformational growth programs. He also leads McKinsey’s support for transactions and private capital investments in the sector. Over the past six years, Jimmy has supported over 50 deals across registered investment advisors (RIAs), independent broker-dealers, and WealthTech. Jimmy became a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) in 2012 and hosts educational events with the CFA Society in Boston.

Growth does not come from pushing harder. It comes from creating trust, education, and genuine partnership. What happens when a firm shifts from chasing transactions to scaling relationships? How does language shape culture and outcomes in financial services? In this episode, Dan Gilmartin speaks with Sophie Benander, SVP of Growth and Partnerships at SageView, about reframing growth as an outcome of trust. She shares how education, alignment across business lines, and intentional partnerships deepen client relationships and create lasting value. Key points: How SageView grew from a retirement-focused firm into one that integrates wealth, financial wellness, and participant engagement while scaling trust rather than chasing scale Why education is at the center of every growth initiative, empowering people to make informed financial decisions with confidence How shifting from “cross-sell” to “cross-company partnerships” changed internal culture and strengthened client relationships The role of steering committees, retirement consultants, and wealth advisors in creating aligned, client-centered experiences How data integration, CRM triggers, and personalized outreach connect education to timely action and meaningful client journeys And more! Connect with Dan Gilmartin:  Catchlight LinkedIn: Daniel Gilmartin Connect with Sophie Benander:  LinkedIn: Sophie Benander Website: SageView About Our Guest:  Sophie is an experienced leader with deep expertise at the intersection of Wealth Management and Institutional Retirement Planning. As Senior Vice President of Growth & Partnerships at SageView, she leads the firm’s business development, growth marketing, and strategic partnership efforts, working to expand access to personalized financial guidance and enhance the financial well-being of plan participants. Passionate about financial empowerment, Sophie is committed to helping individuals and their families achieve long-term financial security, both within their retirement plans and beyond. She develops and oversees integrated marketing strategies, lead generation initiatives, and financial wellness campaigns that align SageView’s institutional services with participant needs. Prior to joining SageView, Sophie served as Assistant Director of Wealth Management at RWA Wealth Partners, where she led a team of advisors and coordinated strategic initiatives across the firm. With over 17 years of experience in the financial services industry, she has achieved notable success in mutual funds custody, 401(k) business line development, and strategic planning for wealth management services. Sophie’s academic qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida and a Master’s in Business Administration from Quinnipiac University. She holds the Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist℠ (CRPS®) designation. Her strategic vision and commitment to client success continue to drive meaningful outcomes across SageView’s national platform.

Organic growth in wealth management requires more than just good marketing. It demands alignment, testing, and a process-driven funnel. In this episode, Dan Gilmartin interviews John Wernz, Partner and Strategic Advisor at Mission Wealth, who shares lessons from helping firms scale from billions to tens of billions in AUM. John breaks down the stages of marketing maturity, the importance of ICP, and why sales alignment is the critical piece many overlook. John discusses:  Building marketing teams from generalists to specialists and scaling from 4 to 50 people The three-step growth process: foundation, voice, and paid channels The importance of defining and targeting the ideal client profile (ICP) How to measure ROI on marketing campaigns and paid leads effectively Aligning sales and marketing to avoid wasted spend and maximize conversion And more! Connect with Dan Gilmartin:  Catchlight LinkedIn: Daniel Gilmartin Connect with John Wernz:  LinkedIn: John Wernz Website: Mission Wealth Website: Great Hill Partners About our Guest:  John Wernz is an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Great Hill Partners and serves as a strategic advisor to growing FinTech companies. He champions the power of scalable and measurable organic growth programs, believing they enable financial services firms to make a greater impact. For over a decade, John led organic growth at Wealth Enhancement Group, one of the nation’s top RIA firms, where he helped drive asset growth from under $2 billion to more than $50 billion. Today, he applies that deep expertise and practical insight to support financial services firms and early-stage FinTechs, helping them achieve faster, more sustainable growth than they thought possible.

Speed matters, but connection matters more. In this episode of Grow Organically, Dan Gilmartin speaks with Caleb Stinson, Chief Marketing Officer of Exencial Wealth Advisors, about creating meaningful connections in the lead generation process. Caleb shares how pacing, personalization, and purpose-driven outreach strengthen both client relationships and firm outcomes. Caleb discusses: Why humanizing outreach conversations leads to stronger client relationships How to evaluate whether a lead has a meaningful need that the firm can address The importance of adapting outreach pacing and volume to team capacity Why a shorter “crawl-walk-run” runway accelerates firm growth How roleplaying calls with team members improve empathy and performance And more! Connect with Dan Gilmartin:  Catchlight LinkedIn: Daniel Gilmartin Connect with Caleb Stinson: Exencial Wealth Advisors LinkedIn: Caleb Stinson About our Guest:  Caleb Stinson is the Chief Marketing Officer at Exencial Wealth Advisors, where he leads marketing initiatives focused on lead generation and client engagement. With a background in operations and project management, Caleb brings a unique blend of strategic thinking and hands-on experience to the financial services space. His passion lies in building authentic relationships, humanizing outreach, and aligning marketing with a firm’s mission to serve clients with purpose.

What does it take to grow a $30B wealth management firm in today’s competitive space and sustain it? In this episode of Grow Organically, Dan Gilmartin speaks with Matthew Matrisian, MBA, President of SEIA, to explore the multi-dimensional strategy behind the firm’s double-digit organic growth. Matt shares how SEIA combines personalization, strategic partnerships, and data-driven processes to create an environment where both advisors and clients thrive. He emphasizes the importance of institutionalizing growth through systems, talent, and culture, while also discussing the lessons he’s learned along the way. Matt discusses:  The three key growth channels SEIA focuses on: custodial referrals, client referrals, and educational prospecting events [00:02:09] How partnerships with estate planning attorneys and CPAs expand their client value without adding internal overhead [00:14:47] The “SEAL team” style approach to delivering personalized solutions rather than templated ones [00:18:20] How SEIA institutionalizes growth by enabling data-driven decisions and CRM pipeline visibility [00:23:24] The need for a long-term talent pipeline and what he wishes he had started five years earlier [00:26:49] And more! Connect with Dan Gilmartin:  Catchlight LinkedIn: Daniel Gilmartin Connect with Matthew Matrisian:  LinkedIn: Matthew Matrisian SEIA (Signature Estate & Investment Advisors) About our Guest:  Matthew Matrisian is the President of SEIA (Signature Estate & Investment Advisors) and brings over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. Prior to joining SEIA, he held senior leadership roles at AssetMark and Raymond James, focusing on advisor growth, business development, and client engagement. Known for his strategic mindset and passion for innovation, Matt is dedicated to building scalable systems that drive personalized client experiences and sustainable growth.

What makes wealth management thrive in today’s fast-paced world? Catchlight’s Dan Gilmartin chats with Marissa Fox-Foley, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Choreo, about the art of blending financial strategy with tech-savvy marketing in the wealth management industry. Discover how Choreo fosters rapid growth through strategic partnerships, emphasizes advisor-client connections, and leverages data to enhance client service strategies. Marissa shares insights on: Streamlining sales cycles with strategic storytelling [00:02:46] Choreo’s intentional growth path and origin story [00:10:28] Building lasting relationships between CPAs and wealth advisors [00:15:32] The role of data in bridging CPA and wealth management services [00:27:17] Connect with Dan Gilmartin:  Catchlight LinkedIn: Daniel Gilmartin Connect with Dan Gilmartin:  Choreo LinkedIn: Marissa Fox-Foley About Marissa Fox Foley: Marissa Fox-Foley brings 25 years of experience to her role as Chief Marketing Officer at Choreo. Marissa’s skillset spans both healthcare and financial services, with one common thread – a love of creating extraordinary brands, delightful client experiences, and profitable growth. Most recently, she served as the Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer for a division of Mass General Brigham, the largest private healthcare employer in Massachusetts. She’s also served as the Head of Corporate and Brand Marketing for Cetera Financial Group, where she led corporate marketing and brand strategy, creative services, conference / event marketing, wealth management marketing, and recruiting marketing. Prior to Cetera, Marissa served as Executive Vice President, Advisor Marketing at LPL Financial (NASDAQ: LPLA), where she led an award-winning team focused on developing and executing integrated marketing strategies for independent financial advisory practices. Marissa and her family live outside of Boston, having relocated from the West Coast, where they lived in San Diego and Las Vegas. They love playing ice hockey, skiing, swimming, running, and tae kwon do. Marissa holds a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard College and an MBA in Marketing from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California.

What’s holding your firm back from real, sustainable growth? It might not be what you think. Join Dan Gilmartin as he sits down with Anand Sekhar, a seasoned professional from Fidelity Charitable. With insights from a 20-year career in practice management and consulting, Anand shares how firms can outmaneuver market challenges like over-reliance on referrals and volatile clients. Discover how a firm’s tech stack could be its untapped goldmine and why relying on an erratic client influx is a misstep. Dan and Anand discuss:  (01:08) Organic growth basics and debunking some common myths  (06:50) Identifying the true ideal client profile  (19:57) Why events and community building trump cold calling  (26:46) Tech investments that investment firms should prioritize  (30:54) AI’s game-changing potential in workflow automation and client interactions And more Connect with Dan Gilmartin:  Catchlight LinkedIn: Daniel Gilmartin Connect with Anand Sekhar :  LinkedIn: Anand Sekhar Fidelity Charitable® About our Guest:  Anand Sekhar is the Head of Segment Marketing at Fidelity Charitable, where he leads strategic efforts to engage financial advisors, institutions, and donors in achieving greater impact through philanthropy. With a deep background in wealth management and marketing strategy, Anand specializes in bridging the gap between financial advisory practices and charitable giving solutions. He is known for championing a purpose-driven approach to marketing—one that aligns business growth with social good. Anand regularly shares insights on how advisors can unlock new value for clients by integrating giving strategies into their overall wealth plans. His thought leadership has made him a respected voice in the intersection of finance, marketing, and generosity. Whether he’s discussing the power of niche engagement, the evolving expectations of high-net-worth clients, or the importance of storytelling in building trust, Anand brings a unique blend of clarity, compassion, and strategy to every conversation.

How can financial advisors leverage technology to boost growth? Daniel Gilmartin dives into a tech-forward conversation with industry leader Jim Mocci, Managing Director and Head of Marketing at EP Wealth. With a background at BlackRock and Wells Fargo, Jim shares insightful anecdotes and strategies on optimizing tech stacks, measuring ROI, and the crucial role of data in enhancing lead generation. Plus, Jim shares his tech-forward approach, discussing new integrations and the importance of visual analytics in measuring organic growth. Jim and Dan discuss:  (02:18) Tech-forward approach and visual analytics as game changers (06:37 Distinction between marketing diagnostics and business metrics) (08:55) The concept of ‘Cost per Million’ for assessing channel profitability (23:04) The vital intersection of brand value propositions and technology in growth And more Connect with Dan Gilmartin:  Catchlight LinkedIn: Daniel Gilmartin Connect with Jim Mocci:  LinkedIn: Jim Mocci  Jim Mocci at EP Wealth Advisors About our Guest:  Jim Mocci is the Managing Director and Head of Marketing at EP Wealth Advisors, where he leads the firm’s strategic marketing initiatives and brand development. With over two decades of experience in financial services marketing, Jim brings a unique blend of creative vision and analytical precision to his role. Before joining EP Wealth in 2022, Jim held senior marketing leadership roles at prominent institutions, including Fisher Investments, where he served as Vice President of Global Brand Advertising and Creative Services, and BlackRock, where he was Director and Head of Global Marketing Operations for iShares. His expertise spans brand strategy, digital marketing, advertising, and client experience. Jim holds a degree in Environmental Economics and Policy from the University of California, Berkeley, and maintains FINRA Series 7 and 63 licenses. His passion lies in building authentic, high-impact marketing that resonates with clients and drives long-term value.

What happens when the art of persuasion meets the science of numbers in wealth management?  Dive into a compelling conversation between host Dan Gilmartin and Brad Boekestein, Chief Marketing Officer at Allworth Financial, as they unravel the strategies behind the firm’s impressive growth. Brad takes us through his journey, emphasizing the intersection of analytics and creativity in marketing—the sweet spot for driving organic growth. Learn about Allworth’s innovative approach to tapping niche markets like employees and airline pilots, and the emphasis on ensuring advisors focus on financial planning instead of prospecting. For those curious about marketing strategy, the trio of strategy, structure, and execution is crucial, with insights into lead generation nuances and channel strategies. Brad discusses:  (06:03) His approach to strategy, structure, and execution (10:26) A deep dive into the metrics driving Allworth’s success (18:28) Mastering the funnel (26:14) The changing landscape of lead generation and the channels that work And more Connect with Dan Gilmartin:  Catchlight LinkedIn: Daniel Gilmartin Connect with Brad Boekestein LinkedIn: Brad Boekestein Allworth Financial About our Guest:  Brad Boekestein is Chief Marketing Officer at Allworth Financial, leading a diverse team of marketing professionals based in cities across the country. With nearly two decades of experience in digital and traditional marketing, Brad has spent more than ten years in executive leadership roles within the financial services and insurance industries. Brad’s passion lies at the intersection of strategy, analytics, and technology, focusing on leveraging data-driven insights to guide smarter decisions and craft impactful marketing initiatives.

What is the special ingredient to sustainable growth in wealth management? Dan Gilmartin converses with David Canter, a seasoned CEO at Finley Point Strategy who has donned many hats in the finance sector, including roles at McKinsey, Blue Spring Wealth Partners, and Fidelity Investments. They dive deep into the essence of “Organic Growth is Truth” and explore why organic growth is so vital for wealth management firms. Dan Gilmartin and David Canter discuss: (03:06) The role of organic growth in creating opportunities and increasing enterprise value  (05:33) How organic growth results in higher firm valuation—every 1% increase can amplify valuation by 7%  (19:01) The importance of clear lead pipelines for business development  (23:39) Strategic choices for sustainable growth, focusing on team, tactics, and leveraging platforms  Connect with Dan Gilmartin:  Catchlight LinkedIn: Daniel Gilmartin Connect with David Canter:  LinkedIn: David Canter: Invest In Others About our Guest:  David is CEO of Finley Point Strategy LLC, a consulting firm to the wealth, asset management and fintech ecosystem.  David is also a Strategic Advisor to CAIS, and a Senior Advisor to McKinsey & Co. He is the former Head of Fidelity Investments’ RIA and Family Office businesses, and former President of Bluespring Wealth Partners, a national RIA acquirer.  For more than two decades, David has advised the CEOs of many of the wealth management industry’s largest and most complex participants. During his career, David has held numerous positions at several well-respected financial institutions gaining experience in multiple facets of the industry. From Head Legal Counsel of Schwab Institutional, Chief Legal and Compliance Officer at Post Advisory Group, and other roles focused on practice management, trading and operations, consulting, and investments—David is a well-rounded leader in the RIA space. David currently sits on the Boards of the Accordant Investments mutual fund family, Invest in Others, and was a prior Board member of Fidelity Brokerage Services, LLC and the Foundation for Financial Planning. In 1990, David received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He then went on to earn his Juris Doctorate from the University of Baltimore Law in 1993. He currently holds his FINRA Series 24 license and is a California State Bar member.

Are you curious about what the future holds for wealth management in 2025? Dive into our season finale as Dan Gilmartin speaks with Wilbur Swan, CEO and Co-founder of Catch Light, about next year’s trends in the financial advisory world. Wilbur shares his top five predictions for the wealth management industry in 2025, focusing on how AI will reshape growth strategies. Tune in to uncover insights on AI adoption, targeting younger generations like Henrys (High Earners, Not Rich Yet), and the power of niche specialization in client acquisition. Wilbur discusses:  (02:07) The imminent tidal wave of AI adoption in wealth management (06:06) Why next-gen investors are crucial for growth (10:44) How niche specialization transforms client acquisition (16:21) The rise of growth through cross-sell partnerships (25:40) The evolution from brand marketing to performance marketing And more Resources: EP 4 – The Power of Niche Marketing with Kristen Luke Ep 10 – Deep Dive on Referrals and Cross Over with Todd Cassler EP 11 – Maximizing Your Organic Growth Funnel with Michelle Winkles Connect with Dan Gilmartin:  Catchlight LinkedIn: Daniel Gilmartin Connect with Wilbur Swan: LinkedIn: Wilbur Swan About our Guest:  Wilbur Swan is the CEO of Catchlight.ai, which is a software startup incubated within Fidelity Labs.  Wilbur Swan is an accomplished speaker, innovator, and thought leader at the intersection of technology, data and artificial intelligence.  Wilbur also serves as a Managing Director of Fidelity Labs, with insight to related startups in the Labs portfolio.  Prior to Fidelity, Wilbur led the commercialization of the Thomson Reuters enterprise data and AI platform and was a co-founder of ContactNet (acquired by Thomson Reuters).  He is a founder of Good Sports, a non-profit launched in 2003 that enables “play for all” with donations of over $95 million in sporting goods country-wide to organizations working with over 9 million kids.

Creating a digital strategy to drive growth strategy can feel daunting. How do you know you are on the right track? Daniel Gilmartin sits down with Michelle Winkles, Partner and Chief Marketing Officer at Mission Wealth, to delve into the art of organic growth. With a background in tech marketing and a passion for purpose-driven leadership, Michelle dives into the cutting-edge strategies she employs to fuel growth at Mission Wealth. From leveraging a robust digital lead-gen program to fine-tuning the mergers and acquisition process, Michelle shares insights that financial advisors can use to enhance their practice, emphasizing the importance of niche specialization as a critical strategy for differentiation in a crowded market. Michelle discusses:  (04:00) How Mission Wealth fosters integration over acquisition in mergers (06:45) Tips for setting up a successful digital lead generation program (10:45) Optimizing SEO and online presence for top-of-funnel growth (13:30) The role of niche specialization in differentiating from the competition (18:00) Deciding when a top-funnel lead is ready to transition to mid-funnel outreach (24:00) Top KPIs to keep an eye on for organic growth through digital marketing And more Connect with Dan Gilmartin:  Catchlight LinkedIn: Daniel Gilmartin Connect with Michelle Winkles: Mission Wealth LinkedIn: Michelle Winkles About our Guest:  Michelle Winkles is an energetic, innovative, and results-focused marketing professional with over 20 years of distinguished business leadership experience. As a Partner and Chief Marketing Officer at Mission Wealth, Michelle spearheads the firm’s strategic marketing initiatives, guiding overall vision, leadership, and the execution of marketing and business development programs. A key part of her role is driving the firm’s digital growth strategy, where she has successfully developed and implemented a robust digital marketing funnel and growth engine. This includes building a comprehensive marketing technology stack designed to automate processes, enhance lead generation, and convert prospects into clients. Through her efforts, Michelle has streamlined marketing operations, expanded the firm’s digital footprint, and increased business opportunities. She is responsible for creating end-to-end marketing strategies that integrate messaging, branding, digital presence, demand generation, content creation, research, and thought leadership. Michelle collaborates closely with department leaders across Mission Wealth to ensure marketing efforts align with the firm’s growth objectives in the B2B, B2C, and M&I sectors. Recognized for her contributions to the business community, Michelle was named one of the “Top 40 Under 40” business professionals by the Pacific Coast Business Times in 2018, highlighting her role in reshaping leadership and the economy in the Tri-Counties. Michelle earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) in 2005. Driven by a passion for continuous learning, she obtained a Marketing Professional Certification from UCSB Extension in 2012 and completed her MBA with a Certificate of Excellence in Entrepreneurship, Strategic Management, and Nonprofit Social Business from Antioch University, Santa Barbara, in 2017.

What skyrockets growth in wealth management? Daniel Gilmartin speaks with Todd Cassler, Chief Growth Officer at Cerity. They delve into innovative strategies that can not only drive growth but can redefine it in today’s competitive market landscape. Get insights from Todd’s extensive experience across wealth management, asset management, and retail sectors, offering a treasure trove of knowledge on organic and inorganic growth avenues. Todd shares pragmatic advice on:  (05:45) The best practices for maximizing referral programs (08:06) Enhancing efficiency with AI in lead generation (10:46) Unlocking potential through cross-selling strategies (13:29) The importance of strategic partnerships and segmentation And more Discover how to prioritize your time effectively, optimize your lead funnel, and ultimately, tailor a growth strategy that can suit your firm. Tune in now for a story-driven episode filled with actionable insights and real-world experience, crafted to help financial advisors propel their growth journey. Connect with Dan Gilmartin:  Catchlight LinkedIn: Daniel Gilmartin Connect with Todd Cassler: Cerity LinkedIn: Todd Cassler About our Guest:  Todd Cassler is the Chief Growth Officer and a Partner in Cerity’s Boston office. He is a member of the firm’s Leadership Team. Todd is responsible for driving the firm’s growth strategy, sales, and execution. He has over 20 years of experience in financial services.

Are you maximizing your client relationships to their full potential?  Let’s talk about how you can tap into organic growth and enhance your wealth management practice. Dan Gilmartin sits down with Jamie Hopkins, Chief Wealth Officer at WSFS and CEO of Bryn Mawr Trust, to discuss strategies for accelerating organic growth in wealth management. Jamie shares his unique journey, emphasizing the importance of organic growth, client relationships, and trust in the industry. He discusses his roles at WSVS and Bryn Mawr Trust, the significance of cross-selling and holistic service models, and the impact of geography on client acquisition. Jamie highlights the importance of good talent for driving organic growth in the industry and the shift towards building trust with clients. Listeners will gain actionable insights on effectively engaging clients, maximizing existing relationships, and the importance of establishing client relationships from as early as the onboarding stage. Dan and Jamie discuss:  Jamie’s inspiring background and his path into wealth management Strategies for cross-selling and providing holistic financial services How expanding wallet share can unlock untapped potential in existing client relationships Effective use of technology and personalized service to drive growth And more Connect with Dan Gilmartin:  Catchlight LinkedIn: Daniel Gilmartin Connect with Jamie Hopkins Esq., LLM, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, RICP®: WSFS Bryn Mawr Capital Management LinkedIn: Jamie Hopkins About our Guest:  Jamie Hopkins Esq., LLM, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, RICP® is the Chief Wealth Officer at WSFS Bank and the CEO of Bryn Maw Capital Management. In the past, he was the managing director of Wealth Solutions at Carson Group. Jamie is the founder and president of the FinServ Foundation and a finance professor at Creighton University.

Are you ready to learn about some of the highest-performing financial advisory firms? Discover innovative organic growth strategies from industry leader Mark Bruno, exploring crucial topics from growth-oriented compensation to data-driven decision-making. In this episode of Grow Organically, Dan Gilmartin hosts Mark Bruno, Managing Director and Head of Strategic Advisory for Emigrant Partners, to dive deep into the intertwined nature of organic growth and strategic compensation within financial advisory firms. Learn how closely integrated tech and talent can boost growth, the importance of an experimental mindset, and why advisor-level marketing strategies may trump traditional firm branding. You will gain insights into how aligning compensation plans with growth strategies can create a robust foundation for long-term success by tuning in.  Dan discusses:  How strategic compensation plans impact organic growth How high-performing firms excel by experimenting with digital strategies, data utilization, and content precision Understanding and leveraging your data can transform your growth strategy and improve client engagement Advisor-level marketing can humanize and build trust more effectively than firm-level branding And more Resources: Future Proof RIA+ Podcast Connect with Dan Gilmartin:  Catchlight LinkedIn: Daniel Gilmartin Connect with Mark Bruno:  Emigrant Partners LinkedIn: Mark Bruno About our Guest:  Mark Bruno is Managing Director, Head of Strategic Advisory, for Emigrant Partners, where he is primarily responsible for helping its partner firms identify and execute on opportunities to accelerate their growth. Prior to joining Emigrant in October 2023, Mark spent more than 20 years working across the wealth and asset management industries with a particular focus on developing and delivering research, events and consulting platforms to growth-oriented RIAs. Mark most recently served as the Managing Director of the Wealth Management Group at Informa, where he oversaw the group’s media, research and events businesses and launched the unit’s RIA Edge podcast, research studies, and nationwide events. Before Informa, Mark was a Managing Director at Echelon Partners, a leading investment bank and consulting firm to the wealth management community. Mark also spent more than ten years at InvestmentNews, where he oversaw the company’s digital businesses, RIA events and RIA benchmarking studies. He has been a fixture on the wealth management event circuit for the past decade, and is also the author of Save Now or Die Trying, one of the top-selling retirement planning books shortly after it was published in 2007.