The Advisor Summit Podcast - Advisors as Educators: The Next Level of Client Service Ep. 11 Cooper Hitt | Fiat Wealth Management

Welcome to The Advisor Summit, the podcast where financial advisors gain practical insights and actionable strategies from the industry's top professionals. Each episode, we dive deep into the key trends, tools, and techniques shaping the future of financial advising.

Today’s guest is Cooper Hitt, the Director of Business Development at Fiat Wealth Management. Raised in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Cooper Hiit brings Midwestern values and a relational approach to his role as Director of Business Development at Fiat Wealth Management. After moving to Minnesota to attend Bethel University, Cooper quickly found his footing in the financial services world and joined the Fiat team in 2022.

Since then, he has been instrumental in driving strategic growth initiatives, fostering partnerships, and helping expand the firm’s reach while staying true to its mission of guiding families toward purpose-filled financial futures. Cooper's ability to connect with both clients and collaborators stems from his deep belief in trust, transparency, and putting people first.

Now based in Minnesota, Cooper is passionate about building relationships and creating meaningful opportunities for those navigating life’s financial journey through the values and vision of Fiat Wealth Management.

In this episode of The Advisor Summit Podcast, Cooper discusses how he transitioned from an intern at Fiat to becoming the Director of Business Development. He shares the lessons he's learned about adapting to change, embracing fintech, and building strong, communicative teams. Cooper also highlights the value of client education in retaining clients and ensuring a smooth onboarding process. Here’s an overview of the key points discussed:

Key Takeaways:
The Journey from Intern to Director: Cooper shares his unconventional path to business development, starting as an intern at Fiat, learning through various roles, and adapting as his responsibilities grew. His journey highlights the importance of flexibility and growth within a company.

The Importance of Cross-Departmental Understanding: At Fiat, employees are encouraged to spend time in every department to gain a full understanding of the business and foster mutual respect between advisors and back-office staff. This cross-training helps bridge communication gaps and enhances teamwork.

Adapting to the Changing Wealth Management Landscape: The rise of fintech, AI, and the shift from large wirehouses to independent advisory firms have dramatically changed the industry. Cooper discusses how Fiat embraces innovation and constantly evaluates new technologies to streamline processes.

Client Education: A Key to Client Retention: Fiat places a strong emphasis on educating clients, not only about the products they offer but also about the broader financial landscape. Regular communication through podcasts, blogs, and workshops helps clients feel more secure in their financial decisions and reduces anxiety during market downturns.

Embracing Change and Growth in Business Development: Cooper discusses how his role has evolved over time and the importance of being adaptable in a growing company. He emphasizes that staying open-minded and willing to embrace change are key components to success in business development.

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Ep #11: Advisors as Educators: The Next Level of Client Service