Tag: Broker Dealer
Firm Speed Dating: Asking the Right Questions Before You Commit (Ep. 13)

Firm Speed Dating: Asking the Right Questions Before You Commit (Ep. 13)

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Choosing the right firm isn’t just about payout numbers. 

It’s about alignment, vision, and transparency.

In this episode of The Broken Dealer, hosts Carmine Corino and Daren Blonski unpack the crucial questions advisors must ask before joining a new firm. From ownership incentives to fee structures and long-term vision, they reveal how to “peel the onion” and see what’s really driving a firm. 

Their stories and examples show the hidden costs of quick checks and the transformative power of working in an aligned environment.

Key Points:

  • Why ownership incentives shape firm behavior and advisor experience
  • The pitfalls of upfront money and hidden product requirements
  • How misaligned visions trap advisors in short-term decisions
  • A case study where alignment led to tripling assets under management
  • The difference between growth cultures and environments focused only on product sales
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Daren Blonski: 

Connect with Carmine Corino: 

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The Realities and Rewards of Going Independent (Ep. 12)

The Realities and Rewards of Going Independent (Ep. 12)

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Many advisors dream of independence, but is it truly freedom or simply a new set of challenges?

In this episode, Carmine Corino and Daren Blonski reveal what happens behind the scenes when advisors leave large firms. From retention rates to hidden costs, they share candid stories and practical insights. 

Their honest conversation exposes the myths and realities of independence, helping advisors make informed choices for themselves and their clients.

Carmine and Daren discuss:

  • How high retention rates can be achieved when transitioning clients
  • The hidden costs behind “big checks” offered by firms, and how firms recoup those incentives
  • The importance of clients “rehiring” their advisor during a transition and how loyalty often rests with the individual, not the firm
  • How attorneys, CPAs, and clients perceive independence, and why personal relationships outweigh firm affiliations

Resources:

Connect with Daren Blonski: 

Connect with Carmine Corino: 

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How to Know When It’s Time to Go Independent (Ep. 3)

How to Know When It’s Time to Go Independent (Ep. 3)

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Financial advisors often feel constrained by bureaucratic systems and conflicting interests within larger firms. But how can they identify when it’s time to make a bold change?

In this episode, Carmine Corino shares his personal and professional insights on transitioning from traditional firm settings to becoming an independent financial advisor. He recounts the challenges, ethical dilemmas, and opportunities involved in creating a business aligned with both client needs and personal values.

Carmine discusses: 

  • The ethical challenges of prioritizing client interests over firm-imposed sales goals
  • The signs that indicate misalignment between an advisor’s vision and their firm’s restrictions
  • The importance of understanding how compensation structures impact client trust and transparency
  • Strategies and tools for evaluating and planning a transition to independence
  • The long-term benefits of aligning business models with personal and client-centric goals
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Carmine Corino: 

Connect with Daren Blonski: 

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