Louis Diamond (CEO of Diamond Consultants) joins David DeCelle to break down what really drives advisor transitions—and how top teams evaluate moves to independence, new platforms, or M&A opportunities. Louis shares the "consultative recruiting" model his firm has built over nearly 30 years, why freedom, flexibility, and control are the three core forces behind most breakaway decisions, and what a realistic timeline looks like from exploration to execution.
You'll also hear how Diamond Consultants structures compensation (including a refundable retainer approach), what their 7-step consulting framework looks like, and how advisors can avoid getting overwhelmed when independence opens up a "toy box" of tech, compliance, and infrastructure decisions.
The difference between traditional recruiting vs recruitment consulting
Why most advisor pain points trace back to Freedom, Flexibility, and Control
How Diamond Consultants helps advisors compare 3–7 best-fit destinations (wirehouse, IBD, RIA, aggregators, etc.)
How fees work: firm-paid recruiting model + when a refundable retainer comes into play
A realistic view of the transition timeline: 6–12 months is common, longer for breakaways
How many breakaway teams simplify tech decisions by plugging into existing RIA platforms
#FinancialAdvisor #RIA #AdvisorTransition #BreakawayAdvisor #WealthManagement #ModelFA #DiamondConsultants #MergersAndAcquisitions #SuccessionPlanning #AdvisorGrowth
Connect with Louis:
Website: https://www.diamond-consultants.com/team/louis-diamond/
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisdiamond
Email: ldiamond@diamond-consultants.com
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About the Model FA Podcast
The Model FA podcast is a show for fiduciary financial advisors. In each episode, our host David DeCelle sits down with industry experts, strategic thinkers, and advisors to explore what it takes to build a successful practice — and have an abundant life in the process. We believe in continuous learning, tactical advice, and strategies that work — no "gotchas" or BS. Join us to hear stories from successful financial advisors, get actionable ideas from experts, and re-discover your drive to build the practice of your dreams.
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