The Fine Print

In this episode, David discusses strategies to keep top talent in the financial advisory industry and protect client relationships. He emphasizes the importance of creating a happy, healthy work culture and providing career tracks and mentorship opportunities. David also explores the use of equity-sharing programs to incentivize employees and build a sense of ownership. On the topic of protecting client relationships, he suggests f...

In this episode, David Grau discusses the importance of death and disability planning for independent advisors and small business owners. He emphasizes the need to separate succession planning from contingency planning and suggests dividing and conquering these two subjects. Grau explains the different agreements and funding mechanisms that can be used in death and disability planning, including life insurance, promissory notes, an...

Finding talent can be hard. But you don’t always need to find it, with the right approach you can develop it within anybody.

This episode is a continuation of David Grau Jr.’s conversation with Ray Sclafani, Founder and CEO at ClientWise, LLC. Join them as they’re dedicated to uncovering the secrets behind flourishing financial advisory firms as they explore the synergy of digital marketing, the power of client referrals, and the be...

Finding talent can be hard. But you don’t always need to find it, with the right approach you can develop it within anybody.

This episode is the first part of David Grau Jr.’s conversation with Ray Sclafani, Founder and CEO at ClientWise, LLC. Join them as they’re dedicated to uncovering the secrets behind flourishing financial advisory firms as they explore the synergy of digital marketing, the power of client referrals, and the be...

Do you ever look at some of the industry’s most successful advisory firms and wonder, “Where are they finding top talent?”

After looking under the hood, guess what we found? They don’t find top talent. They build it!

Get ready to adapt to a new paradigm of talent management, as David Grau Jr. encourages listeners to rethink how they mentor, train, and compensate the next generation of talent. You will discover a systematic and scalab...

Many Advisors dedicate their lives to building their companies. But what happens after they exit their business?

The transition can be fraught with unexpected emotional challenges that are often overlooked!

Get ready to address the “founder’s exit paradox” with David Grau Jr. and guest Jerome Myers, founder of DreamCatchers and The Myers Development Group. They shed light on the difficulties that come with stepping away from a busine...

Whether it’s M&A or succession planning, a critical challenge advisors face is navigating the lending process for equity purchases.

It’s not just about the access to capital, but also the intricacies of the deal structure!

Recognizing this struggle, David Grau Jr. sits down with Dustin Mangone and Aaron Racino from PPC Loan to simplify advisor financing. They highlight the current state of M&A and share insights into securing...

Ever wondered how top financial firms plan for the future?

Discover the secrets of scaling your financial advisory business in this engaging episode of The Fine Print. Host David Grau Jr. and guest expert Caleb Brown, co-founder of New Planner Recruiting, dive into effective succession planning strategies for independent advisors.

Key Discussion Points:

• The pitfalls of succession planning 
• Understanding the evolving roles in adviso...

Ever wondered how CRM can redefine your advisory firm?

Join us on The Fine Print, where Rick Williamson, Director of Brand Experience at Redtail/Orion Advisor Technology, brings his dynamic personality and industry expertise to explore the transformative role of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems in enhancing advisory business value.

Key Discussion Points:

• The Impact of CRM Systems: Explore how CRM systems can transfor...

Want to know what sets successful businesses apart? 

Join us in the latest Fine Print episode, where Julia Sexton, Director of Strategic Organizational Planning at Succession Resource Group, unravels the complexities of strategic organizational planning. David and Julia’s conversations offer invaluable insights for independent advisors aiming to boost their business value, growth, and sustainability.

Key Highlights:

• Discover how n...

Ever wondered why some deals soar while others sputter? 

From backdoor metrics to surprising valuations, we’re spilling industry secrets.

David Grau Jr. and Parker Finot from SRG invite you to join them as they unravel the mysteries of deal-making in the financial advisory world. Dive into the hidden metrics, unexpected valuations, and behind-the-scenes dynamics that shape business transitions.

Listen in as David and Parker reveal:

The financial advisory industry is currently facing a significant challenge. The average age of advisors is increasing, and there is a pressing need for new talent. Many advisors struggle with building a team and transitioning their businesses to the next generation.

In this episode David Grau Jr. interviews Jon Randall, an advisor and consultant, about the importance of finding, training, and compensating next generation advisors i...

Ever wondered why top financial advisors stay loyal to their firms or jump ship? 

Dive into this episode where David Grau Jr. unravels the mysteries of compensation in the financial advisory industry. Discover the pitfalls of traditional revenue-based models and the power of intentional design in compensation plans. Don’t miss this deep dive if you want to ensure your business’s success!

David discusses:

• The evolution of compensat...

Do you know where your practice is going once you decide to let go of the wheel? Can it survive without your direction? Do you know what processes to start implementing now to ensure a smooth transition of your business?

In this episode, David Grau Jr. is joined by Matt Cooper, the President of Beacon Pointe Advisors. They discuss the importance of succession planning for independent advisors and the process of putting deals togethe...

As the founder of an advisory firm, it’s your moment to embrace the mantle of true leadership and propel your firm towards unprecedented success. While it may seem like a natural progression for a founder, the transition is often more challenging than it appears.

In this episode, David Grau Jr. dives into the shift from being a producer to a CEO in the industry. David underscores the indispensable role of exemplary leadership in thr...

Unleash the true value of your business and pave the path to lasting success! Selling your business requires more than just looking at profits and client numbers. Join us as we uncover the key to understanding what truly makes your business successful and how future owners can sustain that triumph. 

In this episode, David Grau Jr. and Ryan Grau, CVA, CBA explore the reality of evaluating a business as a financial advisor and how to ...

There may be something comforting about selling your practice to someone you know, someone already working with you, but what makes that a better option than selling to a third party?

In this episode, David Grau Jr. dives into the complexities of expanding your business and what to consider when looking at next gen talent. He offers some tips on mentoring, training and the importance of intentionality. 

David discusses: 

• What to c...

Many advisors often fail to plan for their eventual retirement and succession, risking their legacy and business.

Without a well-designed succession plan, they may face difficulties in finding a suitable successor, maximizing the value of their business, and securing their legacy for future generations.

In this episode, David Grau Jr. dives into the crucial topic of succession planning, emphasizing the importance of designing a plan ...

There is nothing that can divide a family faster than money issues. When merging firms and keeping them within the family, there are a number of considerations that you need to take into account. 

In this episode, David Grau Jr. discusses the ins and outs of selling your practice to a family member and how the dynamics can get strained, as well as ways to resolve conflict that can help get everyone on the same page. 

David discusses:...