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Mindy Diamond on Independence: How a Lincoln Financial Ensemble Found a New Independent Path with SagePointMindy Diamond on Independence: How a Lincoln Financial Ensemble Found a New Independent Path with SagePoint

Shane Morrow discusses leaving insurance-based independent broker/dealer, Lincoln Financial, and how his new firm, IronBridge Wealth Counsel, has thrived with Advisor Group's SagePoint Financial.

Mindset can be a powerful driver.

For Shane Morrow, it served as a motivational force behind building a billion-dollar business.

Having come from the institutional world, Shane started out in the financial planning business at Lincoln Financial with zero—no clients, no assets under management.

That was in 2016. Today Shane’s the CEO and managing partner of billion-dollar independent firm IronBridge Wealth Counsel.

It’s extraordinary growth that Shane credits to having an optimistic attitude and a growth mindset with an eye on the long-term—as well as teaming up with the right group of experienced partners.

An ensemble practice with offices across the country, the core team started working together in 2004, motivated by filling gaps that they saw in the financial services industry.

With that in mind, their vision was to serve as advocates for their clients—what they call “champions of their financial well-being.”

Yet it was a vision they were unable to fully realize while at the insurance-based independent broker dealer, Lincoln Financial, that propelled them into exploration. That process resulted in the team, which was managing some $800 million at the time, moving their independent firm IronBridge Wealth Counsel to SagePoint Financial, an IBD under the Advisor Group umbrella of firms.

Related:Advisor Group Adds $800M AUM Ironbridge Wealth Counsel

That was in June of 2022. And IronBridge kicked off 2023 with over $1B in assets under management.

Sure, you’re likely saying that mindset alone can’t power that kind of growth. And no doubt you’re right. But it does power the vision and execution path that one takes to achieve their goals. And that’s what Shane talks about in this conversation with Louis Diamond. They discuss:

  • Entering the world of financial advice without a book of business—and what Shane feels were the critical steps that led to his growth.

  • The choice to leave Lincoln Financial as one of the most significant groups within the firm—and what prompted them to explore their options.

  • The due diligence process—and why they opted to stay in the independent broker dealer model with SagePoint.

  • The value of building an ensemble practice—and how they plan to create a place where other advisors can grow and thrive.

It’s a powerful episode that reminds advisors and business owners alike that being honest with yourself about your “why” and ensuring you’re running “to something” and not “from something” is essential to success. Listen in for actionable advice on growth and how to ensure your mindset matches your ultimate mission.

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About the Authors

Mindy Diamond

Columnist: Career Moves, CEO, Diamond Consultants

https://www.diamond-consultants.com/

Mindy started Diamond Consultants in 1998 from her bedroom floor—and today it’s known as one of the leading consulting and recruiting firms for the industry’s top financial advisors. Drawing from her own entrepreneurial experience, the firm employs a unique relationship-driven approach that helps individuals and organizations achieve what she refers to as their “Best Business Lives.” Mindy hosts the popular podcast series Mindy Diamond on Independence, is a prolific writer and regular media contributor.

For more information, visit: https://www.diamond-consultants.com/team/mindy-diamond/

Louis Diamond

President, Diamond Consultants

Louis has guided many of the top teams in the industry as they’ve transitioned to other employee-model firms or launched RIA firms. And as a next-gen leader himself, Louis has a passion for representing complex multi-generational teams. His strong business acumen, refined analytical skills and objectivity also make Louis an ideal advisor to independent business owners who want to accelerate growth via mergers, acquisitions and recruiting.

A George Washington University magna cum laude graduate with a BBA degree in Finance and International Business, Louis’s resume includes roles at Ernst & Young, Morgan Stanley and UBS.

For more information, visit: https://www.diamond-consultants.com/team/louis-diamond/