Episodes

What’s Your Practice Really Worth? The CPA Valuation Playbook Valuations for CPA firms have never been higher, and the reasons have very little to do with tax returns. Matt Ackerman is joined by Geoff Bruskin, founder and managing partner of White Tiger Connections, along with John Pastore and Clint Mills of Integrated Partners’ CPA Alliance, for a candid look at what’s driving value in accounting practices right now. Geoff has closed 23 CPA transactions in the last 36 months, and he brings th...

“There are no perfect dads… focus on quality versus worrying about quantity.” As an ambitious, entrepreneur, your calendar is packed with 50, 60, or 70-hour workweeks dedicated to providing stability for your family. But when the dust settles, what kind of presence are you delivering at home? In this special Father’s Day episode of Perfectly Integrated, host Matt Ackerman sits down for a raw, vulnerable, and incredibly timely conversation with two exceptional fathers and leaders: Adam Holt (CEO...

2025 was a year of historic growth for RIA’s as deal volume surged. But what’s next for the industry? Host Matt Ackermann chats with David DeVoe, the maestro of data from Devoe & Company, to break down what’s driving convergence and what it signals for the future. Dave explains why M&A is now “embedded in the DNA” of the RIA space, revealing that the desire for scale is currently the biggest driver of deals, though the long-anticipated succession crisis is rapidly catching up. DeVoe shares surp...

In this episode of Perfectly Integrated, host Matt Ackermann welcomes Lacy Shrum, CEO of Smart KX, to demystify the topic of financial advisor billing, a subject often avoided or misunderstood within the industry. The conversation focuses on how Smart KX is bringing transparency, confidence, and innovative technology to the complex process of fee calculation. Lacy Shrum explains that traditional advisor billing—often done quarterly in advance based on just four market days per year—creates trem...

What does it take to build a perfect partnership? Well, its 50% perspiration and 50% partnership. This episode of Perfectly Integrated features a conversation with John Pastore (Executive Vice President, Integrated Partners), Anthony Marotti (Private Wealth Advisor, Integrated Partners), and Craig Eaton (Eaton Advisory Group, CPA) discussing their successful partnership within the Integrated Partners CPA alliance. The CPA Alliance: A Perfect Partnership Host Matt Ackermann opens by highlightin...

How do you create true brand authenticity in wealth management? Matt Ackermann of Integrated Partners sits down with Liz Frtiz, the co-founder of F2 Strategy, at the Future Proof Conference to discuss the critical intersection of technology, marketing, and branding. Liz shares her experience co-founding F2 Strategy nearly a decade ago, noting that the firm is the largest pure-play wealth management tech consultancy, focused on helping firms build and execute their technology roadmaps. Key Ins...

Host Matt Ackerman gathers the team from Integrated Partners, Andree Mohr, Blaise Liederbach, Samson Dolley, Josh Benson, and Adrian Duran, for a roundtable discussion recorded at the Future Proof Conference in Huntington Beach, Calif. The “Dream Team” shared their perspectives on key industry developments they are focusing on to help support its network of advisors. Key Discussion Points: Embracing AI: The conversation touches on the massive interest in AI and the need for better user experie...

What does it take for advisors to stand out from the crowd with investing? The answer: Hyper customization aligned with values. Matt Ackermann, live from the Future Proof Conference, sat down with Alex Laipple, the chief growth officer at Ethic, to discuss the firm’s robust approach to wealth management. Ethic, which has grown to $7.5 billion under management, helps advisors and partners “invest with intention” through personalization. Key Takeaways: The Power of Personalization: Investing mu...

What does it take to grow from a few accounting firm relationships to a nationwide network of more than 250 CPA partners? Vision, perseverance, and a true belief in collaboration. In this episode, host Matt Ackermann sits down with Paul Saganey, Founder and CEO of Integrated Partners, and John Pastore Jr., Wealth Advisor and Vice President of Integrated Partners, to unpack the story behind the firm’s renowned CPA Alliance and the lessons learned along the way. They discuss: How the CPA Allian...

Sometimes the most powerful careers are born out of integrity and courage. When Mona Santos uncovered unethical behavior in her workplace, she did what few have the courage to do, she spoke up. With no whistleblower protection and no safety net, Mona was fired. But that moment became the catalyst for something greater. Determined to build a life defined by honesty, compassion, and independence, Mona became a financial advisor on her own terms. In this episode, Mona Santos, Certified Financial P...

Episode Summary What happens when leaders of a thriving wealth management firm and a forward-thinking accounting practice join forces? You get a powerhouse partnership that redefines how financial services are delivered. In this episode our host, Matt Ackermann, chats with two trailblazers, Mark Mitamura of The Reserve Investments and Craig Ima of Windes (Accounting & Advisory Firm), who combined their expertise creating a fully integrated firm, Windes Wealth Management. By streamlining financi...

Matt sits down with Maryland based advisor and founder of Phronesis Wealth Management, Richard Osman. It’s always been about helping for Rich, a mindset that comes naturally to him, but can you help everyone? Matt loves a good-origin story and Rich delivers with his honest, family-oriented beginning that taught him invaluable lessons that brought him to where he is today. Rich shares his thoughts on: “Niching Down” Client minimums Keeping up with client’s diversified needs Perceived indus...

Ever wonder what’s fueling young and ambitious independent advisors? What are they doing to stand out among their seasoned competitors? What about Integrated Partners makes them a great fit for entrepreneurial advisors at any stage of their professional journey? In this episode, Matt Ackermann is joined by Samuel Diarbakerly, Founder and CEO of the Boston-based firm Generation Capital Advisors, and one of Integrated Partner’s newest affiliates. When you meet Sam it’s clear he has a genuine pass...

As an entrepreneurial advisor, how do you stand out and thrive at the center of your practice? Are you working seven days a week, are you the first one in and last one out of the office, are you feeling like you have to do everything and often ask yourself… is there a better way? With the right tools and storytelling, host Matt Ackermann, along side his friends & colleagues Andree Mohr, President of Integrated Partners, and Paul Saganey, Founder & CEO of Integrated Partners wrote a book to guid...

The relationship between women and careers has been an evolving struggle. What challenges are women currently facing in the financial services industry? And how can that change? In this episode, Matt Ackermann is joined by Bridget Grimes, President of WealthChoice, co-founder of Equita Financial Network and a wealth advisor for executive women. Bridget shares her journey, from working on Wall Street to launching her own practice, and the challenges many women face in the financial industry. Brid...

When someone quits their job, it’s rarely a big deal. With Jamie Hopkins, his transition was the headline of multiple articles. How does his personal experience and branding set him apart from the crowd? In this episode, Matt Ackermann speaks with Jamie Hopkins, a financial services advocate with Bryn Mawr Trust, on his career shift to Bryn Mawr Trust, simplifying wealth management complexities, and personal brand development. Jamie explores his journey through personal experience and profession...

Can you imagine a time when having a financial advisor was strange? Someone who could help you target your financial struggles and identify solutions may have existed but getting a degree in financial planning? Focusing your career on this new industry? It was a whole new world back in 1973. In this episode, Matt Ackermann is joined by one of the first CFPs and a pioneer of the financial industry, Ben Combs. Ben shares his journey from being one of the first graduates of the Certified Financial ...

If you close your eyes and imagine the next generation of financial planners, what do they look like? How will they be interacting with clients? How will technology influence their financial planning strategies and communication with clients? In this episode, Matt Ackermann speaks with Craig Lemoine, Director of Personal Financial Planning at the University of Illinois, on the next generation of financial planning and how the industry has changed over the past 25 years. They talk about the value...

Have you considered adding insurance to a financial plan? How should advisors start that conversation? What should advisors know when considering adding insurance to a financial plan? In this episode, Matt Ackermann is joined by Peter Kaplan with Integrated Partners, in discussing the importance of insurance in financial planning and the need for customized solutions for each client. He emphasizes the value of having a planning mindset and understanding each client’s unique situation and goals w...

In an industry focused on creating wealth and building client investments, the idea of client relationships and services can seem like a secondary priority. Those connections are the foundation of any financial advisor and client relationship. In this episode, Matt Ackermann speaks with Josh Benson, Vice President of Strategic Relations at Integrated Partners, on why relationships, service and care are essential in an industry focused on money. Josh shares how he works to create a connection bet...

When someone leaves a positive review about your business, that can be great advertising. But when does it cross the line between freely given advertisements and paid or encouraged endorsements? In this episode, Matt Ackermann is joined by John Cataldo, President-Advisory Services and Chief Legal Officer at Integrated Partners, in discussing the importance of understanding new rules as they are made that pertain to advertisement and referrals. John explores how advisors can promote their busines...

There are some commercials that stick with you, either because they are funny or have a catchy image or something else. What they all have in common is that they are creative with their ideas. In this episode, Matt Ackermann talks with Angel Gonzalez, Co-Founder of Snappy Kraken, about why being creative is essential to marketing. Angel explores some examples of creative marketing strategies and why they are essential for financial advisors to understand, whether they think about marketing or no...

CPAs require rigorous testing, hours of training and most importantly, a high level of ethics. These three aspects contribute to the growing need for CPAs and their personal connections with clients. In this episode, Matt Ackermann speaks with Seth Fineberg, a freelance editor and account industry consultant, and Paul Saganey from Integrated Partners. They focus on the CPA industry and how accountants are growing within their role in the financial planning industry. Seth and Paul discuss: Why i...

During the pandemic, the Secure Act became an essential piece of retirement planning for all ages. At the end of 2022, the Secure Act 2.0 came along with new legislation for retirement planning. In this episode, Matt Ackermann is joined by Will Hackler, President of Integrated Pension Services, and Jason Grantz, Managing Director of Sales and Marketing at Integrated Pension Services. Together they unpack the Secure Act 2.0 and how those changes impact retirement planning for retirees and pre-ret...