For most advisors, honoring their fiduciary duty is the most important priority in their careers. Working at a wirehouse, Nick Mohlmann and Ross Fedenia began to realize the value an independent firm would bring to clients in terms of transparency, flexibility, and efficiency. So in 2021, the two left Ameriprise and launched Atlatl Advisers in Madison, Wisconsin.
While going independent may seem glamorous, Nick and Ross needed support if they planned to keep their word and uphold premium transparency for their clients. DPL became that support system, filling in their knowledge gaps and helping them learn to embrace annuities, as well as handling the heavy burden of navigating an ever-changing product landscape. With that important aspect of the business taken care of, Nick and Ross began spending more time strengthening their relationship with clients, a value-add that, as Nick puts it, is difficult to quantify but incredibly worthwhile.
In this episode, DPL’s Willie Jones chats with Nick Mohlmann and Ross Fedenia of Atlatl Advisers to discuss what “ah-hah moment” prompted their move away from a wirehouse and toward an independent firm, how DPL helped educate the two on Commission-Free solutions, how Atlatl used technology to help their breakaway journey and the invaluable advice they have for advisors struggling to embrace annuities and make the move toward an independent firm. Learn more at https://www.dplfp.com/series/advisor-revelations-podcast.
Key Takeaways
[00:30] - An introduction to Nick Mohlmann and Ross Fedenia.
[03:21] - What going independent meant for Ross and Nick and what “ah-hah” moment solidified their decision.
[05:37] - What Nick and Ross wish they knew before going independent.
[07:59] - How DPL helped Nick and Ross look at annuity cases and find alternatives to commission-free solutions.
[13:26] - Why DPL’s annuity comparison calculator is so valuable.
[16:41] - What the annuities and the fee-only landscape was like before working with DPL.
[18:06] - Strategies, products, and services Nick and Ross have implemented since working with DPL.
[22:37] - What advice Nick and Ross have for advisors looking to go independent and the top benefits for clients and advisors alike.
[25:58] - What Ross and Nick would say to advisors still on the fence about annuities.
Links
- Ross on LinkedIn
- Nick on LinkedIn
- Atlatl Advisers
- Baird
- UBS
- Ameriprise Financial
- DPL’s Annuity Comparison Tool
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