Background
Blending fresh perspective with seasoned experience can make all the difference for firms looking to scale, streamline operations, and provide richer resources to clients. For next-gen advisors and those transitioning into wealth management from other careers, it can be advantageous to join an established firm with built-in infrastructure and a collaborative team of tenured experts. In this case study, see how Artemis Wealth Advisors and Freedom Financial Team evolved a professional friendship into a strategic partnership, powering alignment and shared success for both teams.
Introduction
Meet the Artemis Wealth Advisors team: Managing Partners Andrew Wilson, Cameron Staley, John Ursu, and Christopher Dziklinski established the firm in 2024 driven by a vision of delivering personalized, comprehensive wealth management. Guiding the firm’s strategy and client service, the team draws on deep expertise in portfolio management, planning, and practice management to foster strong relationships, sustainable growth, and a culture of excellence.
Meet Adam Weiner. He founded Freedom Financial Team in July 2022 quickly growing the firm’s assets under management by more than 40% in just 3 years. A 14-year Navy SEAL veteran, Adam brings that same discipline and service mindset to helping clients achieve their goals through personalized, comprehensive wealth management.
Identifying the Right Fit
Staley and Wilson first met Weiner during his time as a wholesaler in 2017. Reflecting on the beginning of their relationship, Weiner shared he was impressed by their business ethics compared to others in the industry: “They are down-to-earth, family-oriented individuals, so it was natural that our friendship continued to grow as I moved through different roles.”
Weiner called on Staley and Wilson as a wholesaler, starting an almost 10 -year relationship
2025
FFT Joined Private Advisor Group on AWA’s recommendation
2025
The advisors spent time together at Private Advisor Group’s Annual Conference
2025
Official merger discussions began
2025
The merger went into effect
When Weiner launched Freedom Financial Team in 2022, his discipline, client-first approach, and rapid success stood out to Staley and Wilson. They continued to stay in touch over the years – both as friends and as industry peers – so when Artemis was exploring new ways to expand, Weiner was a fitting first call. He was aligned with their thinking for the future, and conversations about a partnership gained momentum.
“We had joked about joining forces during earlier conversations over the years,” said Wilson, “but it quickly became very serious when we sat down this spring to brainstorming how we could collaborate, leading to the discussion of merging.”
The Road to Private Advisor Group
There’s power in the right partnership. Wilson, Staley, Ursu, and Dziklinski have been working with Private Advisor Group for nearly a decade, tapping into its resources to help their firm(s) grow. When Wilson introduced Weiner to Private Advisor Group, Weiner saw an opportunity to take his practice to the next level. After moving his compliance business to Private Advisor Group in January 2025, Weiner quickly experienced the benefits of back-office support and saw the appeal of an expanded relationship as part of the merger.
Another key benefit of the Private Advisor Group relationship is the educational and networking opportunities that come with being part of a national community of independent advisors. Artemis Wealth Advisors and Weiner all attended the 2025 Annual Conference, providing meaningful face time that allowed them to connect more deeply and continue conversations on the collaboration.
M&A Success Checklist
As the wealth management landscape continues to shift—with roughly 10% of financial advisors expected to transition their practices by consolidating or switching firms in 2025, Private Advisor Group offers the infrastructure needed for smooth growth.
“At Private Advisor Group, our goal is to make change simple. When advisors merge or transition, we help them anticipate challenges before they arise so they can stay focused on their clients,” said Jim Perhacs, Chief Operating Officer of Private Advisor Group.
The advisors’ approach to their transition was practically textbook, as they naturally aligned their strategic move with the five key themes and success drivers Private Advisor Group observes in a successful merger.
5 Factors For A Successful M&A Opportunity
- Cultural Fit:
- Shared values, client-first mentality, and compatible leadership styles
- Team dynamics that foster collaboration and trust
- Financial Health & Growth Potential
- Strong or clearly achievable financial foundation
- Transparent revenue, profitability, and AUM trends
- Mutual Benefits
- Value creation for both teams, including client outcomes and career growth
- Clear win-win opportunities
- Operational & Administrative Support
- Access to administrative resources, office space, and operational infrastructure
- Systems and processes that reduce complexity and enable efficiency
- Brand & Market Presence
- Alignment with a known, respected brand that enhances credibility
- Opportunities to leverage the brand for client acquisition and retention
Jim Perhacs, Chief Operating Officer, Private Advisor Group
At Private Advisor Group, our goal is to make change simple. When advisors merge or transition, we help them anticipate challenges before they arise so they can stay focused on their clients.
Reflecting on their merger, the united Artemis team emphasized the importance of understanding each firm’s strengths and aligning on a shared vision. Weiner brought next-gen momentum and growth energy, while the Artemis team offered decades of experience, shared office space, and an established brand. Together, they clarified goals, unified operations, and created clear paths for continued growth, ensuring both teams could contribute fully and continue delivering value to clients.
They also focused on the practical details that make or break a transition: aligning fee structures, defining work arrangements, and setting expectations for day-to-day operations. By addressing these operational and financial considerations early, the teams reduced friction, built trust, and positioned the merged firm to start strong—demonstrating how thoughtful planning and alignment can make a merger work smoothly for everyone involved.
The Path Forward
This merger reflects the power of connection and collaboration within the Private Advisor Group community—empowering advisors to grow, adapt, and reimagine what’s possible for their practices.
