Tag: Financial Independence
Overcoming Fears of Building Independence as a Financial Advisor (Ep. 9)

Overcoming Fears of Building Independence as a Financial Advisor (Ep. 9)

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Becoming independent as a financial advisor is a major career shift that comes with significant challenges, but also opportunities for growth and autonomy.

What are the fears holding you back from independence? How can you prepare for the hurdles ahead and create a future on your terms?

In this episode, Carmine Corino and Daren Blonski discuss the most common fears advisors face when leaving big firms, how to overcome them, and the strategies to make the transition smoother and more rewarding. They offer practical advice on legal preparation, client retention, and building resilience during this transformative process.

Carmine and Daren discuss:

  • The common fears of income loss and client retention during the transition to independence
  • The importance of having qualified legal support to handle the departure process effectively
  • Strategies for streamlining client transitions to minimize disruptions and retain relationships
  • The potential psychological and financial toll of legal conflicts and how to avoid them
  • Building a strong foundation of preparation, humility, and professional support to thrive as an independent advisor
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Daren Blonski: 

Connect with Carmine Corino: 

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Breaking the Myths of Going Independent as a Financial Advisor (Ep. 8)

Breaking the Myths of Going Independent as a Financial Advisor (Ep. 8)

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Going independent doesn’t mean going it alone, and it’s not as complicated as it sounds.

Is the fear of being on an island holding you back? Are you letting misconceptions shape your decisions?

This week, Carmine Corino and Daren Blonski unpack the top three myths advisors face when considering independence. They share practical insight into what support, compliance, and operations look like outside the traditional firm model.

Carmine and Daren discuss:

  • The misconception that going independent means having no support, and how mid-sized firms can offer a collaborative culture
  • How advisors can offload administrative and compliance tasks while still maintaining control and efficiency
  • The real tradeoffs between convenience and autonomy, especially when it comes to back-office services and tech infrastructure
  • The mindset shift from cost-cutting to investing in growth, including hiring help and segmenting clients
  • How simplifying, eliminating tasks, and finding the right partners can lead to more revenue and better use of time
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Daren Blonski: 

Connect with Carmine Corino: 

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

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

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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.

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The Three Identities of a Financial Advisor (Ep. 5)

The Three Identities of a Financial Advisor (Ep. 5)

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What makes a successful financial advisor stand out?

It’s more than just crunching numbers and knowing the market—it’s about embracing three distinct identities: advisor, business owner, and entrepreneur.

This week on The Broken Dealer Podcast, join hosts Carmine Corino and Daren Blonski as they discuss the three roles that define and differentiate top-notch advisors.

Carmine and Daren share insights on balancing these identities and how advisors can harness their unique strengths. They welcome perspectives and compelling stories, revealing the secret sauce to thriving in an independent advisory world. 

Carmine and Daren discuss:

  • The ‘Three Identities’ of a Financial Advisor
  • The Art of Pie Making vs. Selling
  • Building a Talent Engine for Growth
  • Leadership and Culture with Extreme Ownership
  • And more!

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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Breaking Free: Daren Blonski’s Journey to Independence (Ep. 2)

Breaking Free: Daren Blonski’s Journey to Independence (Ep. 2)

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Finding the right career path is often filled with unexpected turns and defining moments.

How do you know when it’s time to move on? What does it take to build a business that aligns with your values and lifestyle?

In this episode, Daren Blonski, CFP®, CEPA®, and Carmine Corino, ChFC®, AIF, CFP, discuss Daren’s transition from leadership training to financial advising, the pivotal moments that led him to break free from brokerage firms, and how he built a successful independent advisory firm.

Daren discusses:

  • His early career in leadership development, working with global firms and government agencies
  • The challenges of working within a brokerage firm and the realization that his values didn’t align with the corporate structure
  • The turning point that made him commit fully to financial advising and obtain his CFP
  • The process of evaluating different business models and choosing full independence over high-paying brokerage offers
  • The importance of finding the right business partner and how his current partnership has accelerated growth
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Daren Blonski: 

Connect with Carmine Corino: 

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