From Siloed to Synergized: How to Form an Ensemble the Right Way
Watch the Replay What Does It Take to Build an Ensemble That Actually Works? In this NM-focused session, SRG’s Ryan Grau (Valuations Director) and Nicole Frey (Director, Team Solutions) walk advisors through merging or consolidating practices the right way—why to merge, how to divide ownership fairly, and how to design compensation that keeps everyone whole. They compare common starting points (expense-sharing vs. fully separate practices), show how an equity-centric ensemble drives scale, continuity, and talent retention, and stress starting with a formal valuation. For Northwestern Mutual specifically, they explain assigning W-2 risk revenue to the entity, “trigger-event” risk if an agent departs, and SRG’s with-and-without valuation model to handle renewals. The replay covers pre-/post-merger cash-flow analysis, quick wins (grid bumps, cost reductions), entity choices (LLC vs S-Corp) including a two-tier LLC/S-Corp structure, governance and voting design, and ongoing entity maintenance. Grab A Valuation We offer a variety of solutions and turnaround times to fit your needs. Join myCompass Our membership club grants you inside tips and opportunities to grow. Review our Seller Services We’re here to ensure you secure the best buyer, price and terms.
Succession & Next-Gen Leadership: Insights from Industry Veterans
In this session, two founders and CEOs — David Grau Jr. of Succession Resource Group and Jeff Concepcion of Stratos Wealth Partners — shared candid insights on succession planning. They discussed when and how to start the process, stressing that early preparation leads to stronger outcomes and continuity. The conversation covered strategies to protect and maximize enterprise value before transition, giving owners practical ways to future-proof their businesses. A major focus was preparing next-gen advisors for leadership, with actionable steps they can take now to be ready for ownership. For both current owners and emerging leaders, this replay offers experience-driven guidance on navigating succession successfully. Watch the Replay Host David Grau Jr. MBA CEO/President Paper-plane Linkedin-in Host Jeff Concepcion President of Stratos Wealth Partners Linkedin-in
Entity Health Check: Is Your Structure Supporting or Hindering Your Growth
In this replay, Nicole Frey, CFP®, walks through how your firm’s entity structure affects growth, compliance, and succession readiness. Use the Health Scorecard to follow along in real time and see if your business is Optimized (22), Healthy (17–21), or Needs Improvement. Watch the Replay Get Your Entity Health Score Card A simple, actionable tool to evaluate your firm’s structure Your entity structure is more than paperwork — it’s the foundation of your business. The Entity Health Score Card helps you quickly assess how well your current structure supports growth, compliance, and succession readiness. Answer a few questions, calculate your score, and uncover clear next steps to protect and optimize your firm. DOWNLOAD NOW
Entity Health Check: Is Your Structure Supporting or Hindering Your Growth
In this replay, Nicole Frey, CFP®, walks through how your firm’s entity structure affects growth, compliance, and succession readiness. Use the Health Scorecard to follow along in real time and see if your business is Optimized (22), Healthy (17–21), or Needs Improvement. Watch the Replay Get Your Entity Health Score Card A simple, actionable tool to evaluate your firm’s structure Your entity structure is more than paperwork — it’s the foundation of your business. The Entity Health Score Card helps you quickly assess how well your current structure supports growth, compliance, and succession readiness. Answer a few questions, calculate your score, and uncover clear next steps to protect and optimize your firm. DOWNLOAD NOW
Legal/Tax/M&A: Where Your Professionals Fit Into Your M&A and Succession Plan
Discover how to align the right professionals with the right phase of your M&A or succession plan — without wasting time or money. This session delivers hard-earned insights from hundreds of real-world advisory firm transitions. Watch the Replay Host Kristen Grau, CPA, CVA, CEPA Executive Vice President Paper-plane Linkedin-in Host Todd Fulks, JD, BFA
The Seller’s Playbook What to Know Before You Let Go
Learn what it takes to successfully sell your financial advisory practice. This session walks through the key steps to prepare your business, navigate the sale, transition clients and staff, and avoid common mistakes. Whether you’re planning to exit soon or just getting started, this webinar offers practical guidance to help you plan with confidence. Watch the Replay Host David Grau Jr. MBA CEO/President Paper-plane Linkedin-in Host Kristen Grau, CPA, CVA, CEPA Executive Vice President Paper-plane Linkedin-in
Advisor Succession Plan: Inside a Real-Life Succession Plan
Why an Advisor Succession Plan Matter Real-Life Advisor Succession Plan: Lessons From Start to Finish is a complete, real-world case study showing how one multi-advisor firm moved through every step of a true advisor succession plan. You’ll see how the team handled valuation, financing, ownership changes, and client transitions from beginning to end—making this a practical example of a succession plan from start to finish. This session is built for financial advisors and firm owners who want proven, experience-based guidance. You will learn how to reward key team members, protect business value, structure a smooth transition, and prepare for a confident exit. You’ll also hear lessons from a real-life advisor succession plan that you can apply whether you’re planning an internal sale, grooming successors, or preparing your firm for the future. Speakers Host Parker Finot Director of Transaction Advisory Services Paper-plane Linkedin-in Guest Chris Pazienza Retired Owner/Advisor of Horizon Wealth Partners Guest Patrick Carpenter, CFP®, BFA®, MCEP® Advisor & Partner of Horizon Wealth Partners
Breaking the Cycle | Compensation Strategies That Protect Value & Drive Growth
Valuation expert Ryan Grau, CVA, CBA, and compensation strategist Julia Sexton, CVA, reveal the most common comp mistakes—and how to fix them. Learn how to build pay models that drive growth, retain talent, and preserve business value. Watch the Replay Host Julia Sexton, CVA Director of Strategic Organizational Planning Paper-plane Linkedin-in Host Ryan Grau, CVA, CBA Director of Valuations Paper-plane Linkedin-in
How to Get 10x for Your Advisory Practice
Advisory M&A experts Kristen Grau, CPA, CVA, CEPA and Todd Fulks, JD, BFA unpack what goes into building a firm worth top-tier multiples. From growth strategies to value drivers, learn how to position your practice for maximum return—whether you’re selling soon or planning ahead. Watch the Replay Host Kristen Grau, CPA, CVA, CEPA Executive Vice President Paper-plane Linkedin-in Host Todd Fulks, JD, BFA
Putting Your Equity to Work
Watch the Replay Related Resources 2025 Advisor M&A ReportCheck Out our Press Release→ The Why Who & How of Equity SharingCheck Out the eBook→ 12 Key Reasons to Assess Your Practice’s Value Annually Read the Article → Carrot and the StickListen to this Podcast→ Grab A Valuation We offer a variety of solutions and turnaround times to fit your needs. Join myCompass Our membership club grants you inside tips and opportunities to grow. Review our Seller Services We’re here to ensure you secure the best buyer, price and terms.