The Diamond Podcast for Financial Advisors

With Brandon Ross, CFP® — Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Quotient Wealth Partners Overview Quotient Wealth Partners proves that enterprise-scale growth doesn’t require private equity or shortcuts. This episode breaks down how discipline, culture, and organic momentum drove the firm’s rise to $4.4B—without sacrificing independence or client experience. Watch… Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… When you look at the most successful advisory firms in the industry, many grew through acquisition, capital partners, or transition deals. But there’s another version of growth: one built through discipline, culture, and a relentless focus on doing the work. Today’s guest, Brandon Ross, has lived that journey from every angle. Before launching Quotient Wealth Partners, he built Peak Capital. Peak merged with Joe Duran’s United Capital early in its rise and later experienced the shift to a large-firm environment when United was acquired by Goldman Sachs. After years of experience across the spectrum – from independent to aggregator to Wall Street firm – Brandon identified the best elements of each model. So, when Brandon and his partners launched Quotient, they were intentional about what they carried forward and what they left behind. Ultimately, they created a firm with the freedom of independence, the scale of a modern enterprise, and a culture where growth starts at the top (not with a checkbook). It’s a philosophy that’s paid off. In just two years, Quotient has grown from $2.5B to $4.4B in AUM, powered almost entirely by organic momentum. The elements of Quotient’s success—and how they combined the innovation of Goldman Sachs, the independence of an RIA, and the drive of a startup. Launching their RIA—and why they chose the Dynasty Financial Partners platform. Building a growth engine—and how they turned it into a repeatable playbook. Advisor training programs—and how they create an unwavering focus on the client experience. Their referral culture—and how that powers their organic growth. Plus, Brandon explains why they’ve resisted private equity, why “sweat equity is the best equity,” how they’ve scaled without losing their entrepreneurial edge, and more. Listen in for a valuable growth story, grounded by a transitional experience few can offer. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources The Good News on Marketing: An Industry Legend on How to Grow Bigger Faster A free session on accelerating growth via marketing with one of the leading firms in the wealth management industry. They offer advice on the value of content, the referral process, building strategic partnerships, CRMs and technology, and much more. A Strategic Guide to the Supported RIA Model While the model has become a go-to for advisors seeking independence, understanding the variety of types and options can be challenging. Here’s a breakdown of what advisors need to know. Brandon Ross Co-Founder and Co-CEO Brandon Ross is a Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Quotient Wealth Partners, an independent wealth management firm. Brandon, along with his dedicated partners, established the firm with a shared vision of delivering memorable client experiences while nurturing a thriving and positive employee culture. With over 26 years of expertise as a Certified Financial Planner, Brandon brings a wealth of experience to the firm, its advisors, and its clients. He is deeply committed to providing comprehensive financial planning and guidance tailored to each client’s unique needs and objectives. Prior to starting Quotient Wealth Partners, Brandon held key positions, Co-Founder of Peak Capital Investment Services, Managing Director/Head of Office at Goldman Sachs, PFM. Brandon holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Oklahoma State University. Beyond the firm, he finds joy in teeing it up on the golf course, watching sports, and cherishing moments with friends and family. Brandon and his wife Nicole are proud parents to two their two daughters, Sierra and Haley. Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites

With Eden Ovadia, Co-Founder of FINNY Overview FINNY Co-Founder Eden Ovadia shares how AI is transforming advisor prospecting: automating outreach, matching advisors with ideal clients, and freeing time for deeper human connection. A forward-looking conversation on what growth will look like in the next era of wealth management. Watch… Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… Growth is every advisor’s goal—but it’s also one of the biggest challenges. Traditional prospecting requires time, effort, and often a readiness to do things most advisors prefer to avoid: networking, cold outreach, or endless follow-ups. Eden Ovadia and her co-founders developed FINNY to change that. Using artificial intelligence, FINNY automatically identifies and matches advisors with ideal prospects (those who share their values, interests, and financial needs) and even reaches out on the advisor’s behalf with personalized messages across multiple channels. The result? A platform that helps advisors grow while doing less work. It’s what Eden calls the “holy grail of growth.” Eden joins Louis Diamond in this episode to explore how AI is transforming client acquisition and what it means for the future of advice, including: Eden’s background—and what she learned at Y Combinator and BCG that shaped FINNY’s vision. FINNY’s data engine—and how it works to match clients and advisors “like a dating app for wealth management.” Using AI to scale personalized outreach—and why the next generation of advisors is embracing this concept. AI and its impact on human connection—and why she believes technology will free advisors to actually spend more time doing what AI cannot do. The biggest myth around AI—and how tools like FINNY will help create better and more relevant connections. It’s a fascinating look at how the next wave of innovation is making growth smarter – and more human – than ever before. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Human Intelligence in the Age of AI: Why Recruiters Still Matter Artificial intelligence can analyze firms and deals. It can’t replace the insight and advocacy that help advisors make the right move. The Best of the Best: 10 Ways Top Advisors Are Growing Their Businesses A “Top 10” list of firm-level innovations and grassroots methodologies from some of the most successful advisors, teams, and firm in the business. Listen in to spark ideas designed to drive greater growth. Top Tips for Setting Your Business Up for Success Years Before a Move Whether you’re just exploring what’s out there or actively conducting due diligence, these insights will help you position your business and team for success, whenever the time is right. Eden Ovadia Co-Founder Eden launched FINNY alongside her co-founders in May 2024 to tackle the organic growth challenge facing RIAs. FINNY’s AI technology automates lead identification, prioritizes high-potential prospects and streamlines how advisors connect with clients. Under Eden’s leadership, FINNY has seen early success—earning acceptance into the Y Combinator startup accelerator program and raising a $4.3 million seed round in December 2024. She brings a deep background in AI, software engineering and entrepreneurship to her work, combining technical expertise with a strategic lens. Before co-founding FINNY, Eden was an Associate at Boston Consulting Group, where she primarily worked in the technology, financial institutions, and private equity practices. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering from McGill University with a specialization in Machine Learning. While at McGill, Eden also worked as a Cybersecurity Advisory Associate at EY and KPMG. Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites

With Pete Tiboris, CEO and Partner, Park Avenue Capital Overview Park Avenue Capital CEO Pete Tiboris shares how he and his partners built a $4B enterprise inside Northwestern Mutual through intentional design, a pod-based advisor structure, a culture built on fit and alignment, and an unwavering focus on the client experience. Watch… Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… What does it take to build and sustain a $4B enterprise within a broker dealer ecosystem? For most advisors, that kind of scale might seem out of reach. But Peter Tiboris and his partners at Park Avenue Capital have done just that—reimagining what a fully integrated, high-performing advisory business can look like within the Northwestern Mutual network. At Park Avenue Capital, Pete and his team have created a structure that balances both organic and inorganic growth, guided by a clear philosophy: focus on people, process, and client experience. From building an advisor pod system that doubles advisor capacity to hiring a former general manager from St. Regis Hotels to elevate every client interaction, Pete has turned operational excellence into a competitive advantage. Pete joins Louis Diamond in this episode to discuss all that, plus: Building a business at Northwestern Mutual—and why it’s still the right home for Park Avenue Capital. The upfront work around creating a business designed to scale—and how that’s allowed them to grow organically in ways that few advisory firms can. Their corporate philosophy—and how the lens of culture, fit, and client alignment influences their work. Their approach to acquisitions—and why some of their best decisions involved walking away from opportunities. Their “hyper-focus on the client experience”—and how it fuels their incredible growth. Plus, Pete shares why he still considers Park Avenue Capital “a startup at heart.” It’s a rare look inside a $4B firm—and a fascinating conversation about scale, leadership, and how the right design can fuel extraordinary growth even within an independent broker dealer model. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources IBD vs. RIA – Which Model Fits Your Future This guide offers a clear, side-by-side view of the two models—including distinctions between the DIY route of building an RIA from scratch and opting for a supportive independence platform to help align your business goals with greater options and opportunities. Is Scale a Necessary Evil in Wealth Management? Scale can provide a competitive advantage. Yet there might be scenarios in which bigger isn’t always better. The Best of the Best: 10 Ways Top Advisors Are Growing Their Businesses A “Top 10” list of firm-level innovations and grassroots methodologies from some of the most successful advisors, teams, and firm in the business. Listen in to spark ideas designed to drive greater growth. Peter Tiboris CEO and Partner Peter Tiboris started with Northwestern Mutual in 2002 straight out of college.  Since then, he’s a 13-time Forum Qualifier and is a 5-star Pathfinder.   He ranks in the top 150 in career insurance production in the history of Northwestern Mutual, is a Barron’s Top 1200 Advisor, Forbes Top Security Professional and a Forbes Best in State Advisor. In 2022, Peter announced partnering with Ben Feldman to form Park Avenue Capital.  Their team of 50 represents one of the fastest-growing enterprises at Northwestern Mutual nationally.  Through organic growth and developing strategic succession solutions for NM advisors on the doorstep of retirement, Ben and Peter’s goal is to become the first NM enterprise to reach $100 million in revenue. Peter prides himself on his ability to prospect in social environments.  Nick Murry has called Peter “the best networker I have ever known – or even known of – in a half century in this business”. He lives in New Jersey with his wife Christy and four children, Dessa, Ernie, Susana and Selene.  He’s an avid golfer, traveler and lover of food experiences and red wine. Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites

Overview Four top advisors who each left a major firm share how they built successful independent businesses on their own terms. Originally recorded as a live webinar, this candid roundtable explores the real fears, challenges, and opportunities of transition, and what advisors wish they’d known before making the leap. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… Advisors considering independence often ask the same questions: What finally pushes someone to leave a major firm? How do you handle the fear of losing clients? What would you do differently if you could do it again? In this special episode (a replay of one of our most engaging webinars), Louis Diamond moderates a discussion with four advisors who’ve been there and built thriving firms after leaving Merrill, UBS, Wells Fargo, and Morgan Stanley: Trent Leyda, SpirePoint Private Client (formerly of Morgan Stanley) Jordan Raniszeski, Carnegie Private Wealth (formerly of Wells Fargo Advisors) Rebecca Baker, Marble Wealth (formerly of UBS) Jerry Davidse, Presilium Private Wealth (formerly of Merrill Lynch) Together, they offer rare, first-hand insight into what independence really looks like beyond the headlines: the risks, rewards, surprises, and decisions that shaped their journeys. Listeners will learn: What drove each advisor to leave their firm—and what ultimately tipped the scales. How they managed the fear of client loss—and what actually happened next. The biggest surprises of running their own business—and the lessons they’d share with others. How independence reshaped their client relationships—and their lives. And much more from our guest-submitted questions. It’s an unfiltered, practical look at transition from those who’ve lived it and a powerful resource for any advisor exploring what could be next—whether currently at a wirehouse or already an independent business owner. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Activating Plan B: Wirehouse Breakaways Build a Legacy Family Wealth Office Trent Leyda and Kay Campione offer a unique perspective on their time at Morgan Stanley, how it had come to diverge from their vision of building a family office they would entrust with their own families’ wealth, and how they are better equipped to realize that vision as an independent firm. Outgrowing the Employee Model: How an ex-Merrill Advisor Found Autonomy & Abundance in Independence Jerry Davidse discusses his transition from Merrill to building RIA firm Presilium Private Wealth with partner Brook Hart. He shares how they gained the freedom to communicate and create an exceptional experience for their clients, their outstanding portability ratio, uptick of referrals, and more. Seeing the Future Through the Eyes of the Client: A $770mm UBS Breakaway Story Matthew Murphy and Rebecca Baker of Marble Wealth discuss their choice to leave UBS and opt for independence early in their careers, the impact of signing on to the firm’s retire-in-place program ALFA, their age as a competitive advantage, and much more. A $1B+ Wells Fargo Breakaway Team Gets Re-Energized in a New Model In building a $1B business at Wells, Angie Ostendarp and Jordan Raniszeski realized they had outgrown the model, which limited their ability to serve their clients and continue their growth trajectory. They share why supported independence was the right fit and how it’s changed their path toward the future. Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites

With Steve Davis, Founder & CEO, Madison & Elm Wealth Management Overview After more than a decade at Edward Jones, Steve Davis realized he’d outgrown the model. He wanted more control, flexibility, and the ability to serve clients his way. In this episode, Steve shares how he built a lean, focused, and highly efficient independent practice with LPL—and why success isn’t about size, but about designing a business that fits your life. Watch… Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… When we talk about advisors “outgrowing the firm,” it often sounds theoretical. For this episode’s guest, it’s anything but. After more than a decade at Edward Jones, Steve Davis found himself limited—unable to market his CFP® credential, restricted on hiring, and frustrated by compliance that treated every advisor the same, regardless of experience. The breaking point came when he lost a major client relationship: not because of service, but because he simply couldn’t access the solutions that his client needed inside the Edward Jones model. That was when it became clear that Steve hadn’t just outgrown Edward Jones; he needed a platform that matched where he wanted to take his practice well into the future. Today, as the founder of Madison & Elm Wealth Management, an independent practice affiliated with LPL, he runs what he calls a “hyper-efficient, hyper-focused” solo practice. With 60 clients, $60M in assets, and a net payout that well-exceeds that of his time at Edward Jones, he’s proven that independence isn’t just about size: It’s about control, choice, and building a business aligned with your life. In this episode, Jason Diamond dives into Steve’s story, including: The limitations he experienced at Edward Jones—and the tangible things he can now do for his clients and business as an independent. The options he considered—and why he passed on a lucrative W-2 recruiting deal. The process of transitioning out of Edward Jones—and why independence with LPL was the right path. The real value of freedom—and how it was reshaped both his practice and his perspective. Creating a business that aligns with his lifestyle—and why that was not possible at the firm. It’s an honest look at life after the W-2 world and how one advisor built a business that works smarter, not harder, with relevant takeaways for advisors at all levels. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Post-Transition Survey: Checking in on Former Edward Jones Advisors Who Recently Moved Unfiltered, fresh, candid, and honest feedback straight from your Edward Jones peers who transitioned to another firm or model within the past 18 months. The Advisor Transition Playbook: Inside Baseball on Due Diligence, the Move, and Everything In Between From due diligence to culture fit, client communication to deal evaluation, there’s far more to moving than meets the eye. In this special Industry Update, Jason and Mindy unpack the real playbook behind advisor transitions – the triggers, misconceptions, and timelines – plus lessons from the recent $129B Merrill breakaway that prove why no advisor is “too big” for change. Wealth Management Landscape at a Glance The wealth management industry offers more options than ever, making it challenging to identify and compare the various models. We created this “at a glance” continuum infographic—to help you navigate the different models and understand how their features stack up. Steve Davis Founder and CEO Steve Davis is the founder and CEO of Madison & Elm Wealth Management. Steve is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) with over 14 years of experience supporting clients in pursuing their financial goals. He meets with clients in-person or virtually, partnering with them and proactively sharing his expertise in order to help maximize their opportunities. He has the support of a team of professionals at LPL Financial who are specifically equipped to handle the sophisticated needs of higher net worth clients. As a former Division I athlete, Steve brings the same focus and dedication to his clients that allowed him to excel on the baseball field. Steve grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio before attending Kent State University on an athletic and academic scholarship. After graduating magna cum laude with a degree in finance and entrepreneurship, he spent two years as an equity trader. He has been serving clients nationwide ever since. Steve lives with his wife and three children in the western suburbs of Chicago. Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites