Orion's The Weighing Machine

In pursuing financial success, investors seek strategies that offer attractive returns and prudent risk management. As strategic decision-making is key to optimizing returns and weathering market volatility, tactical income strategies have emerged as a promising solution. By analyzing macroeconomic factors, assessing market trends, and identifying the most attractive income-generating opportunities, portfolio managers can make informed decisions about asset allocation, selecting the most promising income-generating securities while avoiding those with the highest risk.In this episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with Alex Oxenham, Portfolio Manager and Co-CIO at Hilton Capital Management. Alex joined Hilton Capital in 2011 from HSBC Private Bank. As a portfolio manager, Alex looks for opportunities throughout the entire investable universe. He selects investments primarily in the context of a macro-economic backdrop which provides a solid framework for idea generation. With a combined knowledge of debt and equity markets and successfully institutionalizing Hilton's research and investment process, Alex talks about Tactical Income strategies, how they work, and how to incorporate them into investment portfolios.Key Takeaways [03:36] - Alex's career highlights and how he got to Hilton Capital Management. [04:44] - Alex's investment philosophy and tactical income strategy. [06:03] - The macro framework Alex uses for stocks and bonds. [07:54] - The time frame Alex looks at when making investment decisions. [08:57] - The kind of investors best served by tactical income. [10:18] - How tactical income fits into a portfolio. [12:03] - Alex's rule of thumb for the overall stock market. [13:00] - What the current portfolio yield looks like. [16:20] - The most challenging aspect of Alex's job at Hilton. [20:03] - One of Alex's favorite investment ideas. [21:42] - How Alex maintains his energy to perform at a high level. [24:32] - The people Alex is grateful for professionally. [27:13] - Alex's recommendations for content. Quotes[07:25] - "When we think about positioning our tactical strategies at Hilton, we think about whether the economy's growing or shrinking or maintaining a neutral base. And then, we adjust our allocations based on those rates of changes that occur in the macro environment." ~ Alex Oxenham[09:22] - "For 21 years, we have been trying to deliver a consistent standard deviation for clients through a market cycle. And what we found from a practical standpoint is that 60% to 30% equity waiting and then fixed income and cash make up the difference." ~ Alex Oxenham[13:23] - "If you target a yield, you end up having undue influence on the portfolio. You have factor exposure to whatever yield goes out of favor. So you end up not being able to control your standard deviation." ~ Alex OxenhamLinks  Alex Oxenham on LinkedIn Hilton Capital Management Wake Me Up by Avicii HSBC John Authers Connect with our hosts Rusty Vanneman Robyn Murray Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts 1318-OPS-5/12/2023

When it comes to wealth management, investment advice is just one piece of the puzzle. Financial advisors who focus on investing miss out on a key opportunity to provide comprehensive, holistic advice that can create real value for their clients. In fact, the importance of providing advice that goes beyond investing has been highlighted by recent research showing that many Americans are leaving significant amounts of money on the table by not optimizing their social security benefits. In this episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with Philipp Hecker, Co-Founder and CEO of Bento Engine. Philipp is a Procter & Gamble trained Brand Manager, recovering BCG Consultant, and Wall Street veteran. He held several senior leadership positions at Deutsche Bank and J.P. Morgan. He is passionate about bringing better advice beyond investing to more American families and using technology to make human advisors more human more often.Passionate about financial planning, behavioral finance, and teaching children about the important concepts of money and wealth, Philipp talks about what advisors need to know about advice beyond investing, why Americans need more advice than just investing, and what Bento's wealth program for children is all about.Key Takeaways [03:55] - Philipp's personal and professional background. [06:36] - The why and how of Philipp's creation of the Bento Engine. [09:15] - Why advisors should take their conversations beyond dollars and cents. [14:49] - Bento Engine's programs for advisors. [17:10] - The impact Bento Engine expects on its wealth and children's programs. [19:47] - What drives the human side of giving advice? [21:54] - How artificial intelligence could potentially impact financial advisors. [23:44] - How Bento Engine provides holistic financial advice. [28:13] - How Bento's technology and content help advisors increase engagement and client satisfaction. [29:22] - Philipp's favorite investment idea. [30:49] - How Philipp maintains his physical and mental health to perform at a high level. [31:31] - The people Philipp is grateful for on a professional level. [33:17] - Philip's recommendations for content. Quotes[10:12] - "Advisors have a unique opportunity to show how much they care by proactively advising clients and prospects on wealth management questions that create quantifiable after-tax value without necessarily having a solution or product to sell at the same point in time." ~ Philipp Hecker[10:37] - "Leading with client-centric advice creates invaluable trust that matters greatly in any relationship." ~ Philipp Hecker[11:57] - "Many Americans leave hard-earned social security benefit dollars on the table. The median lifetime benefit they leave on the table by making suboptimal decisions around social security benefit timing is a whopping $182,000. These are big opportunities where advisors can lead with advice and create real value for their clients." ~ Philipp HeckerLinks  Philipp Hecker on LinkedIn Philipp Hecker on Twitter Bento Engine Bento Engine on Twitter Bento Engine on LinkedIn One Tree Hill by U2 Procter & Gamble Boston Consulting Group J.P. Morgan Rethink. Financial Advice Podcast Kelly Corrigan Wonders Connect with our hosts Rusty Vanneman Robyn Murray Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts 1210-OPS-5/1/2023

Making financial decisions can be a stressful and emotional experience for clients. Plus, with the increasing complexity of financial markets and the growing diversity of clients' needs, financial advisors have to develop new skills to remain relevant in the industry. Beyond their traditional financial, technical, and legal knowledge, advisors have to incorporate emotional intelligence to provide better advice and create stronger relationships with their clients. But what exactly is emotional intelligence, and how can it help advisors create the most favorable outcomes for their clients?In this episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with Jeff Strese, Principal at Jeff Strese Consulting Group. Jeff has over 25 years of experience working across industries in leadership development, organizational effectiveness, and family dynamics. He is passionate about helping family businesses and organizations create clarity out of the complex as well as inspiring leaders from all backgrounds to develop and master critical skills like coaching, communication, and emotional intelligence.An executive coach and consultant to multi-generational family enterprises, corporations, and mission-driven nonprofit organizations, Jeff talks about what emotional intelligence is and why financial advisors need to understand it. He also discusses incorporating emotional intelligence, active listening, and other qualitative skills in financial services to improve practice and strengthen client relationships.Key Takeaways [04:33] - How Jeff got into leadership development and family advisory services. [06:27] - The meaning of emotional intelligence and why advisors should have it.  [09:32] - Why active listening is important in today's advisory practice. [10:49] - What emotional hijacking is all about. [12:36] - What overgeneralization and labeling mean in organizations. [14:43] - The blame game and personalization in organizations. [16:38] - What discounting the positive means. [17:28] - The concept of Wealth 3.0 and how advisors can put it into practice. [21:11] - Jeff's favorite investment idea. [22:55] - How Jeff maintains his ability to perform at his best. [25:40] - People to whom Jeff is grateful on a professional level. [27:49] - Jeff's recommendation for content. [30:07] - Jeff's insights on AI in financial advice. Quotes[06:45] - "In the financial advising space, having a baseline of financial, technical, and legal skills is an incomplete package in this day and age. When you begin adding other kinds of qualitative skills like emotional intelligence and active listening, you have a very well-rounded, seasoned advisor." ~ Jeff Strese[11:00] - "The first and basic line of emotional intelligence is around self-awareness. That's the ability to understand how your communication style impacts other people, particularly under stress or tension." ~ Jeff Strese[14:08] - "Advisory firms need to see themselves as learning organizations. If the insides and culture of the organizations do not match the outsides, it ultimately will dumb down the effectiveness of the overall firm and its growth and potential." ~ Jeff StreseLinks  Jeff Strese on LinkedIn Jeff Strese on Twitter Jeff Strese Consulting Group Cullen Funds Dark Star by Crosby, Stills & Nash Richard Joyner Tolleson Wealth Management Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman Start with Why by Simon Sinek Family Office Exchange Connect with our hosts Rusty Vanneman Robyn Murray Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts DisclosureAdvertisement supplied by Schaeffer Cullen Capital Management. Schaeffer Cullen Capital Management and OPS are not affiliated companies and the advertisement is not a recommendation or endorsement by Orion Portfolio Solutions, LLC for any of the services referenced or provided.1157-OPS-4/24/2023

Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) have become popular for individuals and businesses seeking personalized investment advice. They have won the trust and loyalty of clients who value tailored investment strategies with their direct and personalized approach. While the current economic environment presents its fair share of challenges, many experts believe the industry is well-positioned to navigate these obstacles and continue its growth trajectory. RIAs remain confident about the future of their industry and are expected to be vital players in the financial services industry for years to come.In this episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with Bryan Keller, Chief Strategic Officer at Dakota Wealth Management. In his role, Bryan focuses on the firm's merger & acquisition efforts, creating strategic opportunities with industry partners, Dakota's investment policy and portfolio management, custodian and trading platforms, and ensuring a superior client experience. Skilled in managing the mechanical details of investment management offerings and strategically developing customized client portfolios, Bryan talks about the future of Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs), the ins and outs of the RIA landscape, and how mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are playing out in the RIA industry today.Key Takeaways [03:54] - Bryan's career history. [06:56] - How Bryan began working with Dakota Wealth Management. [09:02] - What a typical day for a Chief Strategic Officer is like. [10:58] - How M&A plays out in the RIA industry today. [13:51] - How high-interest rates and volatility in equity markets impact M&A activity. [15:54] - Factors that can make RIAs ineffective at selling their businesses. [18:06] - How advisors can sift through the overwhelming information involved in M&A. [21:24] - How likely are smaller RIAs to succeed in the future? [22:46] - The top challenges and needs of advisors in the future. [24:52] - How generative AI can impact financial services. [27:13] - What a snowflake investor and a snowflake market are. [31:11] - What advisors should consider when building portfolios in the current economic climate. [36:25] - Bryan's outlook for inflation and economic growth. [37:52] - How Bryan maintains his ability to perform at a high level. [39:59] - The people Bryan is grateful to on a professional level. [43:46] - Bryan's recommendations for content. Quotes[16:40] - "Every seller wants to get everything they want as part of a deal. They want the highest price, they want the loosest terms, and they want it all. But if the buyer is doing the same thing for every transaction they're doing, what they end up getting at the end is just an aggregated business." ~ Bryan Keller[21:28] - "RIAs are phenomenal businesses. The clients like them more because they're getting that direct, customized approach." ~  Bryan Keller[37:29] - "We have a challenging economic environment at the headline level, but it's navigatable. I don't see it as something I'm particularly worried about." ~ Bryan KellerLinks  Bryan Keller on LinkedIn Dakota Wealth Management Jigsaw Falling Into Place by Radiohead Peter Raimondi BlackRock Dance of the Cranes Monday Morning Bullets Jeff DeMaso What You Do Is Who You Are The Hard Thing About Hard Things Connect with our hosts Rusty Vanneman Robyn Murray Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts 1100-OPS-4/18/2023

The current state of the market and economy is a topic of great concern for many people. With inflation still on the rise, interest rates increasing, recession risk looming, and banking crises, it is understandable that individuals and businesses alike are left uncertain about their future.In this episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with Phil Voelker, Chief Investment Officer at Advanced Asset Management Advisors (AAMA). In his role, Phil directs and manages AAMA's investment policy strategy. Throughout his career, Phil has pursued and secured a broad spectrum of objectives, from short-term cash management to aggressive growth of investments. Before joining AAMA, Phil served as Chief Investment Officer for a large regional investment firm, directing its multi-billion dollar investment portfolio.With over 40 years of experience managing securities portfolios, Phil answers the top questions and concerns about the market and how it compares to historical experience. He also shares his view on inflation, interest rates, recession risk, and the banking crisis.Key Takeaways [03:03] - Phil's career history in investment management. [03:51] - The role AAMA plays in the industry. [04:52] - Phil's assessment of the current banking situation. [06:09] - Phil's take on the current inflation environment. [10:06] - Are we heading for a recession? [11:54] - What Phil thinks about the current volatility in the stock market, the economy, and corporate earnings. [17:25] - How the current inflation compares with the long-term experience. [19:34] - One of the key points to remember in 2023. [21:42] - How AAMA positions its portfolios in response to market and economic conditions. [22:44] - Phil's favorite investment idea. [24:14] - How Phil maintains his energy to perform at a high level. [25:08] - The people Phil is grateful to on a professional level. [26:34] - Phil's recommendations for content. Quotes[09:47] - "There's a disconnect between what the Fed's saying and what the market is expecting. Unless something major breaks, we don't expect a pivot." ~ Phil Voelker[19:08] - "From a historical perspective, today's interest rates are not excessive, certainly not relative to inflation. They're not excessive relative to long-term averages. And it would be nice for everyone if the Fed would stay away from trying to control interest rates and let the market figure it out." ~ Phil Voelker[20:49] - "It's sad that when the Fed's done fighting inflation and it drops back to 2%, that doesn't mean anybody recovers their dollars' purchasing power. It means that they're losing it more slowly than they had before." ~ Phil VoelkerLinks  Phil Voelker on Advanced Asset Management Advisors Advanced Asset Management Advisors Beethoven Fur Elise AAMA Market Commentary – Q1 2023 AAMA Advisor Kit Connect with our hosts Rusty Vanneman Robyn Murray Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts 0960-OPS-4/4/2023

In a dynamic field such as financial advisory, becoming successful takes more than technical knowledge and expertise. It also requires a unique combination of qualities that enable advisors to connect with clients on a deeper level, understand their unique circumstances, and ultimately help them achieve their financial goals. In this episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with Steven Atkinson, Executive Vice President at Buckingham Strategic Partners. In his role, Steve leads a team committed to providing a transformational experience to investment advisors who have chosen to partner with their firm. His team proactively and reactively works with advisors, ensuring they understand their goals, obstacles, and business plans.Having a passion for helping advisors do more, Steve talks about what makes a good advisor, the qualities of a successful and admired financial advisor, and how to build good relationships and get fans.Key Takeaways [03:12] - How Steven got into investing. [04:56] - How Buckingham Strategic Partners serves financial advisors. [06:40] - What it's like to be Buckingham's Vice President. [08:05] - The key qualities that make the best advisors. [11:25] - What the best advisors do to build relationships. [18:14] - The key principles of a good leader. [20:10] - Steve's take on how AI could impact financial advisors. [21:43] - What inspired Steve to create the Admired Advisor podcast. [23:17] - What Steve's book, “27 Principles Every Investor Should Know”, is about. [29:41] - Steve's favorite investment idea. [30:28] - How Steve maintains his ability to perform at a high level. [31:46] - The people Steve is thankful for professionally. [34:00] - Steve's recommendation for content. Quotes[14:24] - "Every single client views you as a leader. You're handling their financial future, and they're trusting that you know the pathway and how to get there." ~ Steven Atkinson[18:33] - "There's no better time to show up as a leader than during times of crisis, and some of the best advisors lean into those crisis moments. They grow their reputation and their business when things go wrong. They show up, and they're present for their clients." ~ Steven Atkinson[21:24] - "If you're in the people business, you'll always have to spend time with people. That's one of the things you can't outsource. I don't think you can outsource the human element of making that connection and having those real conversations." ~ Steven AtkinsonLinks  Steven Atkinson on LinkedIn Buckingham Strategic Partners Standing Outside The Fire CLS Investments 27 Principles Every Investor Should Know Triumph of the Optimists Strategic Coach Dan Sullivan Alex Potts The JOLT Effect The Admired Advisor Podcast Connect with our hosts Rusty Vanneman Robyn Murray Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts 0891-OPS-3/29/2023

Creating personalized investment portfolios tailored to individual clients' unique needs and preferences has gained traction in the financial industry in recent years. As investors become increasingly savvy and demand more control over their investments, traditional approaches to portfolio management are no longer enough. Custom indexing is a powerful strategy that financial advisors can use to differentiate themselves and build stronger, more loyal client relationships.In this episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with Andrew Rosenberger, Head of Custom Indexing at Orion. In this role, Andrew oversees the management and monitoring of all investments under Orion's custom indexing offering. He is focused on delivering tax-optimized solutions to help financial advisors build customized client portfolios, emphasizing tax efficiency and tax transitions. Before joining Orion, Andrew served as a Senior Portfolio Manager for Brinker Capital's Wealth Advisory Team, where he was responsible for portfolio management, strategy planning, and communication of multi-asset class portfolios for high net-worth clients and institutions.Recognizing that custom indexing solutions are an effective means for financial advisors to solve clients' complex problems, Andrew talks about why custom indexing has gained popularity over the past few years, how it differs from other solutions, and why it works for investors.Key Takeaways [03:47] - A brief history of Andrew's career in wealth management. [06:34] - How custom indexing differs from direct indexing. [07:42] - What clients gain from custom indexing. [11:16] - What makes tax harvesting a value-add for clients. [13:34] - Why custom indexing isn't right for all investors. [15:17] - A few examples of custom indexing being used successfully. [18:47] - Why direct indexing has gained popularity over the past few years. [22:14] - The biggest challenges direct indexing faces in the future. [23:32] - What investors are most concerned about with custom indexing. [24:51] - How custom indexing affects active management. [26:36] - Andrew's favorite investment idea. [30:00] - How Andrew maintains his ability to perform at a high level. [32:30] - Andrew's recommendation for content. Quotes[19:28] - "Many asset managers left out of the ETF renaissance are looking at direct indexing as a way where they don't have to be just a commoditized ETF but can now add some value to a client." ~ Andrew Rosenberger[25:22] - At Orion, we're trying to help change the narrative that custom indexing is just another version of an ETF that we have to compete against, but rather as a partnership." ~ Andrew Rosenberger[26:23] - "As we continue evolving the custom indexing narrative, people will think of it more as a technology rather than a replacement or substitute for traditional active managers." ~ Andrew RosenbergerLinks  Andrew Rosenberger on LinkedIn Misirlou by Dick Dale Brinker Capital Stephen Wolfram What Is ChatGPT Doing… and Why Does It Work? Orion Custom Indexing Connect with our hosts Rusty Vanneman Robyn Murray Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts 0739-OPS-3/14/2023

There has been a growing interest in sustainable investing over the last few years as investors seek to invest in companies and initiatives prioritizing environmental, social, and governance factors. Along with this trend, alternative investments have become popular for non-traditional investment opportunities. Meanwhile, ETFs have provided investors with a convenient way to invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, and other assets. But what potential lies in the intersection of sustainable investing, alternative investments, and ETFs?In this episode, Rusty talks with Eric Mueller, Managing Director, Model Portfolio Strategist at BlackRock. For over 15 years at BlackRock, Eric worked closely with investment teams and portfolio managers to help clients reach and achieve their objectives. Today, Eric focuses on model portfolio business in the U.S., working closely with financial advisors and their clients.Live at the Orion Ascent Conference, Eric talks with Rusty about Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) and ETF portfolios. They also speak about the market outlook, sustainable investing, and the role of alternative investments.Key Takeaways [01:46] - Eric's career history and his role at BlackRock. [02:25] - The elevator pitch for BlackRock ETF strategies. [03:52] - The strategies that would complement BlackRock's ETF strategies. [05:08] - What the future holds for ETFs. [06:13] - The growth rate of ETFs in the years ahead. [07:33] - The fastest-growing part of the ETF industry. [09:32] - How investors can make their portfolios more tax-efficient. [10:59] - How BlackRock defines sustainable investing. [13:09] - How BlackRock incorporates ESG investing into its portfolio. [15:11] - Eric defines alternative investments and how investors should use them. [17:51] - BlackRock's outlook for stocks, bonds, real assets, and alternative investments. [20:23] - Eric's favorite investment strategy. [21:13] - What Eric does to maintain his ability to perform at a high level. [22:12] - The people Eric is professionally thankful for. [23:32] - Eric's recommendation for content. Quotes[05:33] - "We're still in the early innings of investors truly recognizing ETFs' power as building blocks in a portfolio, whether it's the cost-effectiveness, liquidity, transparency, or specificity you can get as a model portfolio manager or asset allocator." ~ Eric Mueller[08:15] - "The trend of model managers, asset managers, wealth managers, and building portfolios with ETFs are some of the most significant trends we will continue to see over the coming years." ~ Eric Mueller[09:17] - "As you look at the market environment around us that is so dynamic and ever-changing, ETFs are a great way to make changes to the portfolio without incurring substantial costs along the way." ~ Eric MuellerLinks  Eric Mueller on LinkedIn BlackRock Sirius by The Alan Parsons Project iShares Connect with our hosts Rusty Vanneman Robyn Murray Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts 0675-OPS-3/7/2023

The issue of global debt has been a source of concern for policymakers, economists, and investors alike. While it's easy to get lost in the numbers and statistics, it's important to understand the implications of the growing debt on the economy. How can investors make informed decisions and optimize their investment portfolios to minimize the risks associated with global debt?In this episode, Rusty talks with Phillip Toews, Founder and CEO of Toews Asset Management. Phillip's management strategies focus on creating "investor-friendly" products designed to meet investors' economic and behavioral needs. Phillip is also the Founder and CEO of the Behavioral Investing Institute, an organization devoted to helping advisors manage investor behavior through market challenges.Live at the Orion Ascent Conference, Phillip talks with Rusty about the hidden implications of record global debt and what investors should be thinking and doing about it. They also speak about why tactical investments make sense for many investors, not only because of the potential market in economic conditions but also due to behavioral reasons. Moreover, Phillips explains the words bezzle, bezzle burst, and bezzle fizzle and why they should be considered part of the investing lexicon.  Key Takeaways [03:21] - Phillip's professional history and the origins of Toews Asset Management.  [05:03] - The strategies that complement Toews Asset Management's models. [07:14] - What Phillip's presentation, The Hidden Implications of Record Global Debt, is about. [09:29] - Why no one talks about global debts today. [11:30] - The implications of debt on the economy. [13:03] - How Phillip explains the chart showing U.S. wealth relative to GDP. [13:58] - What bezzle burst and bezzle fizzle mean. [15:44] - How to restore balance from high debt. [20:34] - Phillip's outlook on financial oppression, bezel burst, and bezzle fizzle. [25:58] - Why behavioral portfolios can be an all-season investment strategy. [29:57] - What investors should look for in an adaptive fixed income strategy. [33:10] - Phillip's thoughts on trend following. [36:49] - An overview of the Behavioral Investing Institute. [38:03] - What the Toews Asset Management national holiday is all about. [40:07] - Phillip's favorite investment strategy. [42:08] - How Phillip maintains his physical and mental health to perform at a high level. [43:33] - What Phillip learned from his mentors.  [44:50] - Phillip's recommendations for content. Quotes[08:10] - "We are at a full stop. Unprecedented levels of global debt are taking place in the government sector. The U.S. and many vast economies have around 100% of GDP and about 150% of GDP if you combine non-financial corporations and private debt." ~ Phillip Toews[10:45] - "When you look at the consequences of debt, economists tend to underestimate the effect of the buildup of debt on the positive implications on the economy when it's growing. Then they always tend to underestimate the impact during falling markets as well." ~ Phillip Toews[27:11] - "The behavioral portfolio is a construct we built as a part of our behavioral investing institute that attempts to not leave the ranch. It attempts to stick to its relatively conventional construct in terms of your allocation to stocks and bonds." ~ Phillip ToewsLinks  Phillip Toews on LinkedIn Toews Asset Management Behavioral Investing Institute I Wanna Be Sedated Episode 53: The Orion Due Diligence Process with Phil Toews Episode 76: The Behavioral Portfolio Design with Felipe Toews Carnegie Foundation Market Wizards: Interview with Top Traders Dan Kullman Daniel Crosby Brian Portnoy Connect with our hosts Rusty Vanneman Robyn Murray Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts 0673-OPS-3/7/2023

In today's business landscape, success is not solely dependent on products or services. Instead, the combination of people, culture, and technology drives business success. This trifecta of factors plays a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of any organization, influencing everything from employee productivity and customer satisfaction to innovation and long-term growth.In this episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with Brian McLaughlin, President at Orion Advisor Tech. Prior to Orion's acquisition in June 2022, Brian was the CEO and Co-Founder of Redtail Technology, where he worked closely with advisors, broker-dealers, and industry partners for nearly two decades. Through innovation and cooperation, Brian's touchstone has always been to make the industry a better place for those who depend upon it. He is passionate about the CRM-driven solutions Redtail Technology provides to the financial services community and enjoys getting his hands dirty to pursue continuous innovation.Having the desire to improve CRM-driven solutions, Brian talks about culture and technology. He explores how advisors can use technology to enhance and support their businesses, select the best investment solutions, and increase engagement in client satisfaction.Key Takeaways [03:25] - How Redtail Technology came to be. [08:05] - How the merging of Orion and Redtail Technology came about. [11:57] - Brian's definition of culture and why it's so important to an organization. [14:17] - How Brian adapted to the merging of Orion and Redtail's cultures. [16:46] - Brian's goals and objectives for building a fintech ecosystem. [19:20] - The qualities Brian looks for in teammates and creators. [21:17] - The power of integration and connected technology.  [23:30] - What the Redtail Campaigns is all about. [25:36] - What Redtail Speak is and how it works. [29:05] - How advisors can best serve their clients in the current market environment. [30:49] - The most vital piece of fintech in 2023. [33:17] - How technology can increase client engagement and satisfaction. [39:25] - The cool stuff Brian does as a tech nerd. [41:46] - How financial advisors can use technology to identify and select investment opportunities.  [43:40] - Brian's favorite investment idea. [45:51] - How Brian keeps his energy up to perform at his best. [47:43] - The people Brian is professionally thankful for. [49:04] - Brian's recommendations for content. Quotes[12:01] - "Culture is the foundational element of any successful business. We have to have core values that everybody can relate to in the organization to help drive us when times are challenging or even when times are good." ~ Brian McLaughlin[22:36] - "The power of integration is simplification, so you get back to what's really the most important thing. For an advisor, that's the client relationship and spending all their money and time there." ~ Brian McLaughlin[33:40] - "Technology is designed to make the advisor's life easier. It's meant to make their business operate easier." ~ Brian McLaughlinLinks  Brian McLaughlin on LinkedIn Brian McLaughlin on Twitter Redtail Technology All I Do Is Win Eric Clarke Redtail Campaigns Snappy Kraken Orion Risk Intelligence Speak - Redtail Technology Orion Connect BasisCode Compliance Wondrium Aaron Klein Spenser Segal Tony Leal Skunk Works Connect with our hosts Rusty Vanneman Robyn Murray Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts 0652-OPS-3/2/2023