Ready For Retirement - Episode: Root Talks: Behind the Scenes at Root Financial: How We Approach Team Building

Release Date: January 9, 2025
Host/Author: James Conole, CFP®

In this insightful episode of Ready For Retirement, host James Knoll sits down with Ari Tablieb to offer listeners an exclusive look behind the scenes at Root Financial. Departing from the usual focus on retirement strategies, this episode delves into Root Financial’s unique approach to team building, advisor hiring, and cultivating a cohesive company culture that ensures consistent and exceptional client experiences.

1. Introduction to Root Financial’s Inner Workings

James kicks off the episode by emphasizing that today's discussion diverges from typical retirement planning topics. Instead, he introduces the conversation's focus on understanding how Root Financial operates internally to implement the strategies they advocate for their clients.

James Knoll [00:00]: "Today's episode is not going to be the traditional retirement planning... Instead, today is a peek behind the scenes at Root Financial."

2. Hiring Processes: Attracting Top Talent

Ari prompts a discussion on how Root Financial sources and selects its advisors. James elucidates that Root does not rely on traditional outsourcing platforms like ZipRecruiter or Indeed. Instead, the firm benefits from a robust inbound interest driven by their engaging content and strong industry reputation.

James Knoll [05:49]: "We don't outsource any of that... We have a lot of inbound interest from prospective clients and talented advisors wanting to join Root."

He highlights the challenge of managing an overabundance of qualified candidates, ensuring that only the best fit are selected to maintain Root’s high standards.

3. Root University: Ensuring Consistency and Excellence

James introduces Root University, Root Financial’s comprehensive training and development program designed to uphold consistency in client interactions and advisor performance. This program ensures that every advisor, regardless of their background, aligns with Root’s core philosophies and methodologies.

James Knoll [02:22]: "We built Root University to create a consistent experience... ensuring that our advisors share the same ethos and approach to financial planning."

Root University focuses on foundational financial planning principles, integrated with Root’s unique strategies, fostering a unified approach across the entire advisory team.

4. Cultural Fit: Building a Cohesive Team

A significant portion of the episode centers on the importance of cultural fit in Root’s hiring process. Ari shares a personal story about his interview experience, highlighting how Root assesses not just technical skills but also philosophical alignment and interpersonal compatibility.

Ari Tablieb [12:43]: "A client is never forced to stay with us for the rest of their life, but we're going to treat every client we have as a partnership for life."

James echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that Root seeks advisors who view their role as a profound responsibility and honor, dedicated to fostering long-term client relationships.

James Knoll [17:13]: "We have to create an environment where advisors... feel like, 'I just want to be here until I retire.'"

5. Advisor Satisfaction and Longevity: Creating an Ideal Work Environment

The conversation shifts to how Root Financial ensures that its advisors remain satisfied and committed long-term. James discusses the deliberate efforts to make Root the best place to work by offering ample opportunities for personal and professional growth, competitive compensation, and a supportive community.

James Knoll [17:13]: "What could we do to make Root the absolute best place to work?... We have to create an environment where advisors and all of our team... feel like, 'I just want to be here until I retire.'"

This approach not only retains top talent but also ensures that clients enjoy a consistent and high-quality advisory experience.

6. Future Insights and Upcoming Episodes

Ari hints at future episodes that will explore the distinctions between Root Financial and other firms, the addition of lifestyle and travel tips, and further examples of advisor growth within the company. This ongoing dialogue aims to provide listeners with a deeper understanding of Root’s innovative practices.

Ari Tablieb [15:23]: "In the episodes coming up, we're going to go deeper into what's the real difference between Root and other firms..."

7. Conclusion: Commitment to Excellence and Continuous Improvement

James and Ari conclude the episode by reiterating Root Financial’s dedication to transparency, excellence, and continuous improvement. They acknowledge imperfections but frame them as opportunities for growth and betterment.

James Knoll [22:37]: "We're not perfect, but anytime things happen, it's like, we view it as an opportunity to get better."

This unwavering commitment ensures that Root Financial remains a trusted partner for clients seeking to achieve their retirement goals with confidence and peace of mind.

Notable Quotes:

• James Knoll [00:00]: "Today's episode is not going to be the traditional retirement planning... Instead, today is a peek behind the scenes at Root Financial."

• James Knoll [02:22]: "We built Root University to create a consistent experience... ensuring that our advisors share the same ethos and approach to financial planning."

• Ari Tablieb [12:43]: "A client is never forced to stay with us for the rest of their life, but we're going to treat every client we have as a partnership for life."

• James Knoll [17:13]: "What could we do to make Root the absolute best place to work?... We have to create an environment where advisors and all of our team... feel like, 'I just want to be here until I retire.'"

• James Knoll [22:37]: "We're not perfect, but anytime things happen, it's like, we view it as an opportunity to get better."

This episode provides a comprehensive overview of Root Financial’s strategic approach to team building and advisor management, offering valuable insights for both current and prospective clients and team members.