Succession Resource Group Named a Finalist in the ThinkAdvisor 2025 Luminaries Awards for Thought Leadership and Education
Portland, OR – September 24, 2025 – Succession Resource Group (SRG), a leading consultant of end-to-end advisory solutions for RIAs and advisors, is proud to announce being named as a Finalist in the 2025 ThinkAdvisor LUMINARIES Awards in the category of Thought Leadership & Education, Advisory Support. This achievement represents SRG’s 2nd finalist honor and 3rd overall award from ThinkAdvisor. The ThinkAdvisor LUMINARIES Awards recognize organizations and individuals that are driving meaningful impact, innovation, and progress across the financial services industry. This year’s finalists represent some of the most influential and forward-thinking leaders shaping the future of advice. This recognition reflects SRG’s industry-leading commitment to delivering accessible, actionable education that empowers advisors to grow, protect, and transition their businesses. Over the past year, SRG has expanded its impact through: Monthly webinars, reaching hundreds of RIAs with guidance on valuation, entity design, compensation, contingency planning, and succession strategies. Complimentary multi-city workshops, developed with leading partners, delivering practical education on valuation fundamentals and deal readiness. The Fine Print podcast, which brings candid interviews and expert insights to a national audience. The ninth annual Advisor M&A Review, which analyzed 176 completed advisor-to-advisor transactions representing over $13.3 billion in assets, providing the industry’s most credible, data-driven benchmarks. SRG’s recognition as a Finalist also honors the work of its seasoned team of experts, including David Grau Jr., MBA, Julia Sexton, CVA, Kristen Grau, CPA, CVA, CEPA, Nicole Frey, CFP, Parker Finot, Ryan Grau, CVA, CBA, and Todd Fulks, JD. Together, they continue to elevate the advisory profession by offering education that is measurable, scalable, and replicable across all firm sizes and affiliations. “This honor reflects the depth of expertise and passion our team brings to supporting RIAs and advisors every day,” said David Grau Jr.. “By making real-world, data-driven education freely accessible, we aim to help advisors make smarter decisions, serve their clients better, and build lasting enterprise value.” The ThinkAdvisor LUMINARIES Awards celebrate firms and individuals driving meaningful, positive change across the financial services industry. The winners will be announced December 4, 2025. For the complete list of finalists, visit: https://event.thinkadvisor.com/luminaries-awards/2025-finalists About Succession Resource Group Succession Resource Group (SRG) is an award-winning consulting firm dedicated to supporting independent financial professionals across the country. We leverage decades of experience to provide a comprehensive suite of services, including valuation, M&A, succession planning, and practice management solutions. Our mission is to empower financial professionals at every stage of their business journey, helping them navigate complexities, maximize value, and achieve their long-term goals. For more information, visit SuccessionResource.com.
JourneyTree Transitions to Mainsail Financial Group Through SRG’s Seller Advocacy Program, Marking 2nd Sell-Side Represented Transition with Mainsail Financial
Portland, OR – Jonathan Brandt, founder of JourneyTree, LLC (JourneyTree), a fee-only Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) based in the Pacific Northwest, transitioned his RIA to Mainsail Financial Group, LLC (MFG), a rapidly growing fee-only RIA headquartered in Bellevue, Washington. This transaction, facilitated through Succession Resource Group’s (SRG) Seller Advocacy Program (SAP), marks MFG’s second successful acquisition through the program in less than a year, further solidifying SRG’s role as an industry leader in advisory firm transitions.. A Proven Model for Seller Success The sell-side engagement with Brandt was a streamlined and highly effective process, completed over a 9-month period. JourneyTree’s impressive metrics—$73.79 million in assets under management (AUM), 99.59% recurring revenue, and 90 client households – positioned the firm as an exceptional acquisition target. Additionally, JourneyTree’s highly qualified Client Service Manager, Jennifer Paterson, and Brandt’s desire to sell-and-stay, added further value, making the transition a seamless opportunity for MFG. “This was more than just a sale—it was about finding the right people to continue our work and values,” said Brandt. “SRG was my pillar and voice throughout this major life transition and I’m so grateful to have connected with them.” SRG’s Seller Advocacy Program has earned a reputation for ensuring successful transitions for sellers, focusing on both financial and emotional outcomes. SRG’s 9-Step process includes buyer screening, negotiating optimal deal terms (incorporating financial metrics and key qualitative factors), and creating a comprehensive transition plan that ensures long-term success for sellers, buyers, and clients. Outstanding Outcomes for Sellers, Buyers, Staff, and Clients Brandt’s business drew significant interest, with 69 buyers initially expressing interest. After thoroughly screening, 16 buyers were selected based on their fit, financing capabilities, and follow-through. The transaction resulted in a gross revenue multiple 8.94% above industry average, or a 7.45x earnings multiple, with 90% of the purchase price paid in cash. Brandt also secured an 18-month paid consulting agreement to ensure a smooth transition of client relationships. Key elements of the transaction included: Retention of JourneyTree’s Eugene office location Retention of Ms. Paterson, JourneyTree’s licensed employee Assets remaining at Schwab Advisor Services MFG established a new custodial relationship with Fidelity Clearing and Custody SRG’s Leadership in Seller Advocacy Brandt’s successful transaction underscores SRG’s unwavering commitment to seller advocacy. “Our primary objective is to preserve our seller’s legacy by connecting them with the right buyer, guiding the seller through every stage of the process, and negotiating a deal that ensures a healthy financial future. “For most sellers, these transactions are more than just money – it’s about finding a quality buyer who will honor the seller’s legacy and continue caring for their clients,” said Kristen Grau, Director of Seller Advocacy at SRG. For more information on SRG’s Seller Advocacy Program, visit https://www.successionresource.com/seller-advocacy/, email sales@successionresourcegroup.com or call (503) 427-9910