By: Rich Galzarano

1847Financial – Akron, OH and Pittsburgh, PA held their 2024 Summer Symposium on August 14-15 in the vibrant city of Pittsburgh, PA. It was an eventful and enriching two-day training experience. This year’s symposium brought together financial professionals and industry experts for a deep dive into the tools, strategies, and innovations that are shaping the future of financial services. Here’s a recap of the key highlights and takeaways from each day.

Day 1: Insights and Innovations
Joe Brunello, Ben Rovee, and Dave Wiesner kicked off Day 1 with a comprehensive update on LEAP (Lifetime Economic Acceleration Process). Their presentation provided valuable insights into how LEAP continues to evolve and how it can be leveraged for more effective client planning. Their session was a reminder of the importance of staying updated on resources to offer top-notch advice to clients.

Following the LEAP update, Mike Yopko from Catalyst Funds shared some intriguing investment ideas and market insights. His session was particularly engaging, providing fresh perspectives and strategies that could potentially benefit investment approaches.

Steve Schaack then took the stage with an important update on annuities from Penn Mutual. His overview included recent changes and trends in the annuity space, equipping financial professionals with the knowledge to better serve clients' needs.

The afternoon saw Mike Hamm and Rich Galzarano discussing the various marketing resources available through 1847Financial. Their session was both practical and inspiring, highlighting tools and strategies to enhance outreach and client engagement.

Day 1 wrapped up with an insightful session from Bill Daugherty on "Pathways to Growth." His presentation focused on identifying and cultivating traits that are common among successful financial professionals, offering a roadmap for personal and professional development.

Day 2: Engaging Discussions and Key Updates
Day 2 began with a lively and thought-provoking panel discussion moderated by Melanie Colusci. Our esteemed panelists – Marty Valentic, Dean Caserio, Bob Franklin, and George Koumoutsos – shared their experiences and insights on building successful practices as well as their work in specialized markets. Their candid discussion provided practical advice and inspiration for navigating the challenges and opportunities in the financial advisory landscape.

Next, Aaron Gordon and Mike McGrath from HTK provided critical updates, including a new compensation system, improvements in Netx360 account opening processes, and an upcoming Annuity Order Entry system. These updates promise to streamline operations and enhance service delivery.

Jordan Schneider from Envestnet offered a compelling presentation on working with high-net-worth clients. His session underscored the importance of using Envestnet’s resources effectively to meet the unique needs of affluent clients, providing actionable strategies to enhance service offerings.

To conclude the symposium, Chris Randal and Rico Casares from AssetMark delivered an engaging session on practice management. Their discussion covered essential topics such as enhancing the client experience, building a robust service model, and creative ideas for client appreciation events. Their insights were invaluable for refining practices and fostering deeper client relationships.

Looking Ahead
The 2024 Summer Symposium was a resounding success, filled with learning opportunities, expert insights, and meaningful discussions. The knowledge and strategies shared during these two days will undoubtedly empower financial professionals to better serve their clients and grow their practices.

A heartfelt thank you to all the speakers, panelists, and attendees who made this event memorable. 1847Financial – Akron, OH and Pittsburg, PA looks forward to implementing the ideas and insights gained and continuing the journey of professional growth together. Until next time!

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