By: Private Advisor Group Marketing Team
Some of the best ideas in our profession don’t come from a playbook, they come from listening to and learning from each other. Whether it’s a smarter way to use technology, a new approach to scaling, or a creative client touchpoint, learning from peers who are walking the same path can lead to real progress.
Here are a few standout topics that sparked thoughtful discussion at this year’s Annual Conference—each one rooted in real experience and offering practical ways to elevate your practice.
Trying AI, Even if You’re Not Ready (Yet)
Many advisors are curious about how technology—especially AI tools—can boost productivity and enhance client service. Yet, there’s still hesitation around where to begin.
Terri Krueger at Orla Wealth Management encouraged her peers to dive into using AI-powered productivity tools, such as the note-taking technology Jump, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. “You’ll never feel fully ready,” Krueger shared, “so get started and be open to the opportunity and time savings it can provide.”
She suggested continuing to hold client meetings and take notes as usual, letting the Jump run in the background as you get comfortable with what it can do. For her, this technology has been especially helpful—it integrates with her CRM, making follow-up communication more efficient and capturing the personal details she wants to remember to support meaningful client conversations and stronger relationships.
Krueger also recommended Beautiful AI to create polished, engaging presentations—like a recent deck she developed for a client’s children who are curious about investing.
See how other advisors are incorporating AI.
Scaling Your Practice with Intention
As advisors streamline with tech, many are also rethinking how they scale—starting with the people they serve and the team behind the scenes. Your approach to both clients and employees deserves thoughtful consideration as you look to strategically expand.
Miguel Gonzalez at Cortburg Retirement Advisors shared that his team took a close look at their business strategy and decided to focus exclusively on the high-net-worth space. “By narrowing our focus, we’ve deepened relationships and seen strong referrals from clients within that niche,” he explained.
Another critical part of growth is having the right team structure in place. Hiring proactively—before your team hits a breaking point—can help prevent burnout and keep things running smoothly. Support staff play a vital role in this, often handling the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the office functioning and frees advisors to focus on client relationships and strategic growth.
Erin Lapidus at JBL Financial Services recommended asking your current support staff, or yourself if you are running the show alone: What’s the part of the job you like the least? She explained: “This can lead to conversations about how to improve processes and shape the next hire’s role.”
To help onboard new staff and maintain consistency in client service, advisors discussed the importance of having written protocols. Justin Petersmark of Petersmark Financial Network remarked that it might be useful to consider expanding support staff’s job responsibilities to include updating process documents.
This level of standardization increases practice value, facilitates firm growth and ensures continued compliance with changing regulations.
Delivering Standout Client Experiences
Delivering standout service goes beyond thoughtful communication—it’s about creating moments that show clients they’re seen, heard, and appreciated.
Ethan Campbell at Stones River Wealth Management shared how he personally delivers roses to the widows he serves each Valentine’s Day. “My team maps out the route,” he said, “and I spend the day making my rounds.” This thoughtful touch point reminds his clients that he’s thinking of them on days when they might be missing their loved ones extra.
Campbell also takes that same care with his unique approach to prospecting. An avid fisherman, he began inviting clients and prospective clients to spend time on the water. This referable experience allowed for quality time with potential clients to develop a relationship outside of a potential business partnership.
These are just a few of the powerful insights advisors brought to the table, reflecting the remarkable talent, discipline, and generosity across Private Advisor Group. At the heart of every conversation was a shared commitment to enhancing our profession and service to the end clients. Learning from peers and sharpening skillsets was the true takeaway. The strength of our community was on full display, and the future feels all the brighter for it.
