Episodes

Most advisors are so buried in the day-to-day that they never stop to ask the most important question: Who should be doing this instead of me? What would change in your business if you stopped asking “how do I do this?” and started asking “who should do this for me?” In this episode, the fifth and final installment of their series on scaling financial advisory businesses, Carmine Corino and Daren Blonski break down the “Who Not How” framework and what it actually looks like to build a team that ...

Most advisors were trained to take every client who walks through the door. But what if that habit is quietly killing your ability to scale? In part 4 of our series on scaling financial advisory businesses, Daren Blonski and Carmine Corino break down why defining your ideal client avatar is one of the most critical decisions you can make as an advisor. They explore how the scarcity mindset leads to burnout, why niching down creates more effective marketing and stronger COI relationships, and how...

Saying no to potential clients feels risky, but what if it’s the key to unlocking exponential growth? How do you determine who deserves a seat at your table when time is your most precious commodity? In part 3 of our series on scaling financial advisory businesses, Daren Blonski and Carmine Corino tackle the challenging reality of client selection and value creation in financial advisory. They share how learning to say no transformed their practices from volume-driven to value-driven businesses....

How do you keep a growing organization aligned and moving forward together? What role does vision play in overcoming resistance to change and creating momentum? In this episode, Daren Blonski and Carmine Corino continue their scaling series by exploring vision as the critical simplifier for growth. They share practical strategies for keeping teams focused, from weekly GSL (Grow, Serve, Learn) calls to reading books together as an organization. Carmine discusses his powerful ten-three-one busines...

Growth is steady. Scaling is exponential. What separates the two? How do you shift from incremental progress to transformational results? What does it take to build a practice that doesn’t just grow by percentages but multiplies in value and impact? In this episode, Daren Blonski and Carmine Corino launch their five-part series on scaling financial advisory businesses. They break down the difference between 10X thinking and 2X thinking, sharing practical strategies they’ve used to scale their ow...

When your independent broker-dealer sells, it can change everything about how you serve clients and run your business. In this episode, Daren Blonski and Carmine Corino break down what happens when your firm sells or changes direction and what you can do about it. From evaluating alignment and fiduciary responsibility to exploring independence, they share hard truths about how these transitions impact advisors and their clients. They discuss: How advisors should assess whether to stay with a so...

Growth as an advisor begins with growth as a person. In this episode, Carmine Corino and Daren Blonski discuss how self-development, health, and discipline directly impact your capacity to lead and grow your business. They share how tracking a personal development budget, joining masterminds, and committing to daily habits have transformed their lives and leadership. Key takeaways: How Carmine and Daren allocate 10% of their annual budgets to personal development The link between physical disci...

Many advisors excel at client service yet struggle with the demands of running and scaling a business. In this episode, Carmine Corino and Daren Blonski break down the three key identities that every advisor must recognize: advisor, business owner, and entrepreneur. They discuss how to align your time and energy with the role that drives you most, the hidden costs of “going independent,” and how AI and firm dynamics are reshaping the advisor landscape. Key Takeaways: The three roles every advis...

Adversity can either break you or build you. For Carmine Corino and Daren Blonski, it became the spark that shaped their resilience, drive, and commitment to growth. In this episode, The Broken Dealer hosts share raw personal stories of hardship, bullying, and professional friction, and how those struggles became powerful motivators. They explore how mindset shapes success, why responding matters more than reacting, and how to turn criticism into fuel. Key takeaways: Carmine’s sixth-grade time ...

Advisors today must decide whether technology will hold them back or propel them forward. Big firms often utilize AI to reduce costs, while independent advisors can leverage it to enhance efficiency and the client experience. How can AI empower advisors instead of replacing them? How do you build a tech stack that supports growth rather than restricts it? In this episode of The Broken Dealer, Carmine Corino and Daren Blonski delve into how AI and automation are transforming the role of advisors....

Choosing the right firm isn’t just about payout numbers. It’s about alignment, vision, and transparency. In this episode of The Broken Dealer, hosts Carmine Corino and Daren Blonski unpack the crucial questions advisors must ask before joining a new firm. From ownership incentives to fee structures and long-term vision, they reveal how to “peel the onion” and see what’s really driving a firm. Their stories and examples show the hidden costs of quick checks and the transformative power of working...

Many advisors dream of independence, but is it truly freedom or simply a new set of challenges? In this episode, Carmine Corino and Daren Blonski reveal what happens behind the scenes when advisors leave large firms. From retention rates to hidden costs, they share candid stories and practical insights. Their honest conversation exposes the myths and realities of independence, helping advisors make informed choices for themselves and their clients. Carmine and Daren discuss: How high retention ...

The idea of going independent might sound appealing, but what’s the real cost behind the curtain? In this episode, Daren Blonski and Carmine Corino speak with Jennifer Goldman, founder of My Virtual COO, who brings decades of operational wisdom from both sides of the advisory table. Jennifer shares candid truths about the trade-offs, team focus, and operational challenges that can make or break a financial advisory practice. From shedding clients to embracing AI, this conversation pulls no punch...

Advisors often believe they can’t afford to leave their firm. But what if the real cost is staying? In this episode of The Broken Dealer Podcast, Carmine Corino and Daren Blonski sit down with Coach Joe Lukacs, Founder of Magellan Network & MasterMind. Joe challenges the limiting beliefs and hidden consequences that keep financial advisors stuck. Through deep stories and sharp analysis, he helps advisors face hard truths—and shows what’s truly at stake when you choose comfort over possibility. J...

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. T...

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 ...

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...

What drives a financial advisor to step into an independent realm? Is it the passion for client impact, a dissatisfaction with industry constraints, or something else entirely? Join Carmine Corino and Daren Blonski in this episode of The Broken Dealer as they explore the fundamental question of an advisor’s “why.” Through candid stories and insights, they delve deep into the motivations that fuel financial advisors to break free from bureaucratic shackles and embrace independence. Carmine and Da...

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 ...

Having a clear vision is the key to breaking free from restrictive environments and building a thriving, independent financial practice. Join Carmine Corino and Daren Blonski to discuss their transitions from constrained brokerage firms to independent advisory roles. They share personal experiences, the turning points that led them to leave, and the importance of having a clear vision when making the move. Key highlights include: Vision’s role in becoming an independent advisor Challenges faced...

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. Car...

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. Da...

Stepping out of corporate constraints to pursue independence is a bold move for financial advisors, and it requires courage, strategy, and the right mindset. What lessons can advisors learn from navigating bureaucracy and creating a client-focused business? How can they build impactful practices that prioritize transparency and trust? In this inaugural episode of The Broken Dealer Podcast, Daren Blonski and Carmine Corino discuss their personal journeys transitioning from restrictive financial e...

Welcome to Broken Dealer with Carmine Corino & Daren Blonski. In this podcast, we help advisors stuck in constrained environments overcome the frustrations of big firm bureaucracies and restrictions. We do this by exploring the best channels for building the business of your dreams. Join us as Carmine and Daren share hard insights, compelling stories, and years of expertise—alongside guest experts—to empower you to break free, serve your clients fully, and live a life of abundance.