Month: May 2025

Dylan Ripley’s Bold Move to Independence (Ep. 7)

Dylan Ripley’s Bold Move to Independence (Ep. 7)

What happens when nine advisors decide they’ve had enough of corporate constraints and leave together?

In this episode, Carmine Corino and Daren Blonski speak with Dylan Ripley, CEO and Managing Partner of Cedarwood Financial Partners, about his transition from Edward Jones to independence. Dylan shares the cultural challenges that led to his departure, the legal hurdles his team faced, and how collaboration and conviction drove their unified exit. 

Dylan discusses:

  • His start in the industry and journey through Edward Jones
  • The critical decision-making process behind the big move
  • Navigating legal challenges and maintaining integrity
  • Building Cedarwood and looking towards the future
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Daren Blonski: 

Connect with Carmine Corino: 

Connect with Dylan Ripley: 

About our Guest: 

After serving his clients at Edward Jones for almost ten years, Dylan Ripley co-founded Cedarwood Financial Partners in 2022 following a tabletop discussion on how he and his partner could better serve their clients, scratching out their vision on a napkin. From that initial napkin chat, he began diligently working to make this vision a reality through extensive research and sweat equity.

Dylan holds a Bachelor of Business Management from the Carlos Alvarez School of Business at The University of Texas–San Antonio. After joining Edward Jones, he earned the Accredited Asset Management Specialist certification through the College of Financial Planning.

He has a passion for serving others and does so through his service to clients and his community involvement. He is a current member of the Rotary Club of Temple, serving on the board for two years. He’s also a small group leader at his church and active in local Chamber of Commerce events. Most recently, he was asked to serve on the advisory board for the Salvation Army of Bell County.

Dylan and his wife, Cayleigh, have three children. When he’s not serving his clients or community, he can be found experiencing the world with his family, chasing kiddos around a ball field, golfing, or attending any live concert he can.

The Power of “Why”: Finding Purpose in Financial Advising (Ep. 6)

The Power of “Why”: Finding Purpose in Financial Advising (Ep. 6)

What drives a financial advisor to step into an independent realm? Is it the passion for client impact, a dissatisfaction with industry constraints, or something else entirely?

Join Carmine Corino and Daren Blonski in this episode of The Broken Dealer as they explore the fundamental question of an advisor’s “why.” 

Through candid stories and insights, they delve deep into the motivations that fuel financial advisors to break free from bureaucratic shackles and embrace independence. 

Carmine and Daren discuss:

  • Understanding the difference between the suitability standard and fiduciary duty 
  • The power of defining and knowing your “why” 
  • How independent advisors can serve with no hidden agenda 
  • The influence of culture and organizational impact
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Daren Blonski: 

Connect with Carmine Corino: