Most advisors think the goal is to build a great firm.

The best ones realize the real challenge is what happens when it’s time to step away from it.

In this episode of Your NEXT, Jerome Myers sits down with Jon to explore the full arc of building, scaling, and ultimately exiting a wealth management firm that reached $2.5 billion in assets under management.

Jon shares his journey from professional football to financial advisor, what drew him into the industry, and how he and his partner built a firm focused on serving athletes and entertainers. As the business grew, they shifted into an aggregator model, acquiring other advisory firms to expand their reach and capabilities.

But growth is only part of the story.

Jon opens up about the realities of being acquired, navigating integration, stepping away from day-to-day leadership, and redefining his role after the transaction.

This is a conversation about more than strategy. It’s about transition.

If you’re building a firm, considering acquisitions, or thinking about an eventual exit, this episode offers a grounded look at what the process really requires.

From NFL career to financial advisor
Why Jon chose to serve sports and entertainment clients
Building and scaling an RIA to $2.5B in AUM
Transitioning into an aggregator model through acquisitions
Lessons learned from inorganic growth
The acquisition process and integration challenges
Letting go of day-to-day operations
Redefining identity and role after the exit
Advice for advisors planning their own transition

What We CoverKey Moments00:00 Family stories and St. Patrick’s Day traditions
03:45 Family travel and keeping kids engaged
12:18 From NFL to financial advisor
19:27 Building an RIA for athletes and entertainers
35:00 Scaling through acquisitions
45:15 The acquisition and integration process
01:05:00 Life after the deal
01:17:32 Advice for advisors considering an exit

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