Synergize: Unscripted Conversations to Help Guide Advisor Growth

If You Build It, They Will Come: James Spinelli on Launching His RIA & Coaching Little League

Managing major transitions in life takes careful planning, strong leadership, and a good group of teammates. On today’s podcast, James Spinelli, CEO and Co-Founder of Great Valley Advisor Group, shares his overlapping experiences of starting an RIA while growing his family—and the ambition it took to balance it all. To keep from being overwhelmed, James relied on lessons learned from years of playing baseball, teeing up his career for a grand slam of success.Today, James wears many uniforms. Whether he’s coaching his players or the next generation of financial advisors, he discussed some of the keys to his success: Keep Family in Focus in the First Inning of your Business: James remembers balancing family priorities with his initial push to go independent. He says defining long-term success, and sharing his outlook with his spouse, was an essential part of launching his business. The “Jack-of-All-Trades” Mentality is a Recipe for Burnout: For advisors, time is too valuable to allow everyone to play every position. Relying on the specialities of your teammates is key to sustainable business expansion. From the Baseball Diamond to the Office: James brings a mentor’s mindset everywhere he goes, encouraging the personal and professional growth of his team.Copyright 2026. TradePMR, Inc. For a transcript of this episode with sources, visit synergizepodcast.com. Great Valley Advisor Group and TradePMR are unaffiliated companies. If you want to join the conversation or connect with us, please visit us at synergizepodcast.com. This content is provided for general information purposes only.The views expressed by non-affiliated guest speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of TradePMR Inc. or its affiliates. TradePMR Inc. and its affiliates do not endorse any guest speakers or their companies and therefore give no assurances as to the quality of their products and services. This channel is not monitored by TradePMR Inc. TradePMR Inc. does not provide investment advice, tax advice or legal advice. TradePMR Inc. is a member of FINRA and SIPC. TradePMR, Inc.,is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission {SEC) and the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB). TradePMR provides brokerage and account services to registered investment advisors. Custodial services provided by First Clearing. Clearing is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.

The RIA Playbook for 2026 (w/ Pete McGratty)

The RIA industry has already witnessed a rapid acceleration of change and in 2026, a firm’s success may hinge upon anticipating the challenges ahead.Pete McGratty is Executive Director of RIA Development at Verdence Capital Advisors / RIA+ and he joins the podcast to discuss: His Big Three Predictions for RIAs in 2026: Why Pete is forecasting an industry embrace of AI tools and private investments, and why he believes we may see the consequences of consolidation. Why Personal Relationships Remain King: Technology solutions may help with efficiency and scale, but Pete cautions to not forget that this business revolves around building strong, personal relationships. Protecting The Fiduciary Standard in the Independent Channel: How Verdence sees the old wirehouse tendencies emerging amongst PE-backed RIAs.Copyright 2026. TradePMR, Inc. For a transcript of this episode with sources, visit synergizepodcast.com. Verdence Capital Advisors / RIA+ and TradePMR are unaffiliated companies. If you want to join the conversation or connect with us, please visit us at synergizepodcast.com. This content is provided for general information purposes only.The views expressed by non-affiliated guest speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of TradePMR Inc. or its affiliates. TradePMR Inc. and its affiliates do not endorse any guest speakers or their companies and therefore give no assurances as to the quality of their products and services. This channel is not monitored by TradePMR Inc. TradePMR Inc. does not provide investment advice, tax advice or legal advice. TradePMR Inc. is a member of FINRA and SIPC. TradePMR, Inc.,is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission {SEC) and the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB). TradePMR provides brokerage and account services to registered investment advisors. Custodial services provided by First Clearing. Clearing is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.

Collaboration, Connection, & Maximizing Value On The Conference Circuit (w/ Anthony Stich)

TradePMR has kicked off registration for our SYNERGY26 conference in Washington, D.C. (June 2-5).Industry events like ours have always been golden opportunities for advisors to learn and grow, but you’ll want a gameplan if you want to maximize your conference ROI.Chief Marketing Officer at Moran Wealth Management, Anthony Stich— known to some as “Mr. Purple”—has been a presence on the RIA conference circuit for years. As both a seasoned speaker and attendee, Anthony joined the podcast to discuss: Selecting the right conference: Conferences are an investment, so choose the right ones that best suit your needs. SYNERGY’s “Goldilocks” factor: Anthony shares why TradePMR’s conference has become one of his favorites. Taking time to recharge: The benefit of treating conferences like a marathon, not a sprint. Cigars and the Lost Art of Disagreement: Unpacking his RIA Reflections piece and the value of unstructured time.

Finding Clients Their "Why?"

What brings you joy?That’s not the question most people expect from a financial advisor…and that’s exactly the point. Larry Sprung, advisor and Founder of Mitlin Financial, believes focusing first on statements & balance sheets misses the “Why?” behind all the portfolio management.On this episode of the Synergize podcast, Larry Sprung explains why that missing piece so often turns financial advice into lasting, impactful client relationships.Copyright 2025. TradePMR, Inc. For a transcript of this episode with sources, visit synergizepodcast.com. Mitlin Financial and TradePMR are unaffiliated companies. If you want to join the conversation or connect with us, please visit us at synergizepodcast.com. This content is provided for general information purposes only.The views expressed by non-affiliated guest speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of TradePMR Inc. or its affiliates. TradePMR Inc. and its affiliates do not endorse any guest speakers or their companies and therefore give no assurances as to the quality of their products and services. This channel is not monitored by TradePMR Inc. TradePMR Inc. does not provide investment advice, tax advice or legal advice. TradePMR Inc. is a member of FINRA and SIPC. TradePMR, Inc.,is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission {SEC) and the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB). TradePMR provides brokerage and account services to registered investment advisors. Custodial services provided by First Clearing. Clearing is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.

Fairways, Roughs, and the Advisor's Grind

Golf is the sport fueled by the pursuit of perfection. Whether it’s a hole-in-one, an impressive drive, or a perfectly read green, everyone is chasing their best. For pro players like Greg Wells, golf becomes more than just a game — it’s an entire livelihood.After competing on PGA Tour Canada, he says navigating the fairways and roughs perfectly prepared him for the world of financial advice.On this episode of the Synergize podcast, Greg Wells, Partner and Regional Director at EP Wealth Advisors, shares his early experiences striving toward the PGA and why consistency, planning, and follow-through are cornerstones in both golf and the advisor’s journey.Copyright 2025. TradePMR, Inc. For a transcript of this episode with sources, visit synergizepodcast.com. EP Wealth Advisors and TradePMR are unaffiliated companies. If you want to join the conversation or connect with us, please visit us at synergizepodcast.com. This content is provided for general information purposes only.The views expressed by non-affiliated guest speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of TradePMR Inc. or its affiliates. TradePMR Inc. and its affiliates do not endorse any guest speakers or their companies and therefore give no assurances as to the quality of their products and services. This channel is not monitored by TradePMR Inc. TradePMR Inc. does not provide investment advice, tax advice or legal advice. TradePMR Inc. is a member of FINRA and SIPC. TradePMR, Inc.,is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission {SEC) and the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB). TradePMR provides brokerage and account services to registered investment advisors. Custodial services provided by First Clearing. Clearing is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.