Unlock the secrets to successful wealth management with Kevin Corbett, Managing Director of Corporate Development and Strategy at Mariner Wealth Advisors. Gain valuable insights into Mariner's rapid growth strategy aimed at affluent and high-net-worth individuals, and discover how Kevin's expertise in M&A opportunities has propelled the firm to operate across 41 states with over 800 advisors. Learn the three keystones of Kevin's success: meticulous attention to detail, unwavering honesty and integrity, and the power of teamwork. Kevin also delves into the emotional journey of entrepreneurs transitioning from owners to employees, offering a unique perspective on the psychological elements of selling.

Trace Kevin's professional journey from working directly with individual clients to liaising with institutions and advisors. Explore his career-defining move to North Texas in 2003 to join Fidelity Institutional, where he played a pivotal role in helping advisors establish their own RIA firms. Uncover the story of Kevin's relationship with Marty Bicknell, the founder and CEO of Mariner Wealth, and how their shared values and trust shape Mariner's client-first mindset. This episode underscores the cultural considerations in business acquisitions and the importance of maintaining strong personal connections for long-term success.

In our conversation, we emphasize the significance of fostering a culture of success within a team, where putting the customer first and delivering exceptional value are paramount. We discuss the challenges of evaluating cultural fit remotely and the benefits of viewing partnerships over mere vendor relationships. Reputation and integrity take center stage as Kevin shares how high standards and nurturing long-term relationships can unlock growth opportunities. Finally, we highlight the indispensable role of CRM systems in managing deals, fostering accountability, and driving strategic decision-making through meticulous data tracking. Join us for an episode brimming with actionable strategies and insights into the dynamic world of wealth management.

Kevin helps lead the corporate development function at Mariner Wealth Advisors. His work includes the strategic lift-out of advisors and teams, assessing and identifying key talent for recruiting, as well as RIA firm acquisitions across the U.S. Kevin works closely with a wide range of industry participants (investment banks, RIA custodians, COIs, etc.) across the industry in pursuit of our goals. He is also a member of the Mariner Trust Company Board of Managers.

Prior to joining the firm, Kevin was a senior relationship manager at Fidelity Investments, where he worked closely with Mariner Wealth Advisors. Through his 17-year tenure at Fidelity, Kevin held various roles throughout the retail and institutional brokerage businesses, including positions in national financial services, capital markets and institutional wealth services. Kevin’s past experience also includes working as a head trader with Bainco International Investors. Kevin has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.

Quotes:

"I think attention to detail is paramount. Understanding every facet of a potential acquisition ensures our conversations are in-depth and truly beneficial."

"Honesty and integrity have been hallmarks of my career. In financial services, where trust is everything, being upfront and truthful builds lasting relationships."

"You can't achieve success in isolation. It's about leveraging the strengths of your team and knowing that it takes a village to close a deal."

Links:

Kevin’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-w-corbett/

Mariner - https://www.marinerwealthadvisors.com

Find this episode and all other Sales Lead Dog episodes at https://empellorcrm.com/salesleaddog/