Decisive Actions That Changed the Game
- Oct 7, 2025
- 2 min read
By Tyler Abney, CFP®, AIF®
One of the most pivotal decisions I made in my career came early on—when we chose to leave our original broker-dealer. At the time, we were working under a model that incentivized us to push proprietary mutual funds. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that this structure wasn’t aligned with what I envisioned for my clients or my business. It limited our independence and, in some cases, our ability to do what was truly in the client’s best interest.
Leaving that environment wasn’t easy. There was a real risk in walking away from a familiar system and starting fresh as a registered investment adviser (RIA). But that bold move was a game-changer. It allowed us to offer more objective advice, expand our toolbox, and build client trust in a more transparent way. That decision was the foundation for the firm we are today.
Another big turning point was choosing to serve a specific niche market rather than trying to be everything to everyone. Many advisors fear narrowing their audience, but for us, it was the smartest path forward. We wanted to go deeper, not wider—to truly understand our clients’ industries, challenges, and goals. Specializing helped us develop more personalized strategies and stronger relationships. Over time, that clarity of focus became a competitive advantage.
Lastly, we made a deliberate choice to build a team-based approach instead of a solo practice. I’ve always believed that no one is great at everything, and building a team allowed each of us to focus on what we do best. One person excels at financial planning, another at investment research, another at client service—and together, we elevate each other. It also gives our clients a better experience, knowing they have a team of professionals supporting their journey.
Each of these decisions came with uncertainty and risk. But they were made with one goal in mind: to create a firm that puts people first—both clients and team members—and does business the right way. Looking back, these moves didn’t just change the game—they defined it.
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