Shows
The Broken DealerBreaking Free with Coach Joe: The Real Cost of Staying (Ep. 10)Advisors often believe they can’t afford to leave their firm. But what if the real cost is staying?
In this episode of The Broken Dealer Podcast, Carmine Corino and Daren Blonski sit down with Coach Joe Lukacs, Founder of Magellan Network & MasterMind.
Joe challenges the limiting beliefs and hidden consequences that keep financial advisors stuck. Through deep stories and sharp analysis, he helps advisors face hard truths—and shows what’s truly at stake when you choose comfort over possibility.
Joe discusses:
The story of launching his coaching business with just belief...2025-07-2543 minThe Broken DealerOvercoming Fears of Building Independence as a Financial Advisor (Ep. 9)Becoming independent as a financial advisor is a major career shift that comes with significant challenges, but also opportunities for growth and autonomy.
What are the fears holding you back from independence? How can you prepare for the hurdles ahead and create a future on your terms?
In this episode, Carmine Corino and Daren Blonski discuss the most common fears advisors face when leaving big firms, how to overcome them, and the strategies to make the transition smoother and more rewarding. They offer practical advice on legal preparation, client retention, and building resilience during this...2025-07-1121 minThe Broken DealerBreaking the Myths of Going Independent as a Financial Advisor (Ep. 8)Going independent doesn’t mean going it alone, and it’s not as complicated as it sounds.
Is the fear of being on an island holding you back? Are you letting misconceptions shape your decisions?
This week, Carmine Corino and Daren Blonski unpack the top three myths advisors face when considering independence. They share practical insight into what support, compliance, and operations look like outside the traditional firm model.
Carmine and Daren discuss:
The misconception that going independent means having no support, and how mid-sized firms can offer a collaborative culture
How advi...2025-06-2727 minThe Broken DealerDylan Ripley’s Bold Move to Independence (Ep. 7)What happens when nine advisors decide they’ve had enough of corporate constraints and leave together?
In this episode, Carmine Corino and Daren Blonski speak with Dylan Ripley, CEO and Managing Partner of Cedarwood Financial Partners, about his transition from Edward Jones to independence. Dylan shares the cultural challenges that led to his departure, the legal hurdles his team faced, and how collaboration and conviction drove their unified exit.
Dylan discusses:
His start in the industry and journey through Edward Jones
The critical decision-making process behind the big move
Navigating legal challenges and maintaining int...2025-05-2336 minThe Broken DealerThe Power of “Why”: Finding Purpose in Financial Advising (Ep. 6)What drives a financial advisor to step into an independent realm? Is it the passion for client impact, a dissatisfaction with industry constraints, or something else entirely?
Join Carmine Corino and Daren Blonski in this episode of The Broken Dealer as they explore the fundamental question of an advisor’s “why.”
Through candid stories and insights, they delve deep into the motivations that fuel financial advisors to break free from bureaucratic shackles and embrace independence.
Carmine and Daren discuss:
Understanding the difference between the suitability standard and fiduciary duty
The power of defining...2025-05-0927 minThe Broken DealerThe Three Identities of a Financial Advisor (Ep. 5)What makes a successful financial advisor stand out?
It’s more than just crunching numbers and knowing the market—it’s about embracing three distinct identities: advisor, business owner, and entrepreneur.
This week on The Broken Dealer Podcast, join hosts Carmine Corino and Daren Blonski as they discuss the three roles that define and differentiate top-notch advisors.
Carmine and Daren share insights on balancing these identities and how advisors can harness their unique strengths. They welcome perspectives and compelling stories, revealing the secret sauce to thriving in an independent advisory world.
Carmine...2025-04-2534 minThe Broken DealerThe Power of Vision: Creating a Client-Centric Financial Practice (Ep. 4)Having a clear vision is the key to breaking free from restrictive environments and building a thriving, independent financial practice.
Join Carmine Corino and Daren Blonski to discuss their transitions from constrained brokerage firms to independent advisory roles. They share personal experiences, the turning points that led them to leave, and the importance of having a clear vision when making the move.
Key highlights include:
Vision’s role in becoming an independent advisor
Challenges faced in constrained brokerage environments
The impact of transitioning to independence
The benefits of fee transparency and agnostic client advisement
Eng...2025-04-1136 minThe Broken DealerHow to Know When It’s Time to Go Independent (Ep. 3)Financial advisors often feel constrained by bureaucratic systems and conflicting interests within larger firms. But how can they identify when it’s time to make a bold change?
In this episode, Carmine Corino shares his personal and professional insights on transitioning from traditional firm settings to becoming an independent financial advisor. He recounts the challenges, ethical dilemmas, and opportunities involved in creating a business aligned with both client needs and personal values.
Carmine discusses:
The ethical challenges of prioritizing client interests over firm-imposed sales goals
The signs that indicate misalignment between an advisor’s visio...2025-03-2830 minThe Broken DealerBreaking Free: Daren Blonski’s Journey to Independence (Ep. 2)Finding the right career path is often filled with unexpected turns and defining moments.
How do you know when it’s time to move on? What does it take to build a business that aligns with your values and lifestyle?
In this episode, Daren Blonski, CFP®, CEPA®, and Carmine Corino, ChFC®, AIF, CFP, discuss Daren’s transition from leadership training to financial advising, the pivotal moments that led him to break free from brokerage firms, and how he built a successful independent advisory firm.
Daren discusses:
His early career in leadership development, working...2025-03-1432 minThe Broken DealerBreaking Free: Empowering Financial Advisors to Build Independent Success with Daren Blonski, CFP®, CEPA® and Carmine Corino, ChFC®, AIF, CFP (Ep. 1)Stepping out of corporate constraints to pursue independence is a bold move for financial advisors, and it requires courage, strategy, and the right mindset. What lessons can advisors learn from navigating bureaucracy and creating a client-focused business? How can they build impactful practices that prioritize transparency and trust? In this inaugural episode of The Broken … Read More Read More2025-02-2827 minThe Broken DealerThe Broken Dealer Coming SoonWelcome to Broken Dealer with Carmine Corino & Daren Blonski. In this podcast, we help advisors stuck in constrained environments overcome the frustrations of big firm bureaucracies and restrictions. We do this by exploring the best channels for building the business of your dreams. Join us as Carmine and Daren share hard insights, compelling stories, … Read More Read More2025-02-2500 min
The Magellan Network PodcastJourney To Independence With Daren BlonskiHello and welcome to The Magellan Network Show. We have another special episode today because we have a guest joining us—Daren Blonski. We're here to discuss his new book, Broken Dealer: Navigating the Path to Financial Advisor Independence, which he co-authored with Carmine Corino. I had the pleasure of interviewing Carmine a couple of episodes ago, and now we’re excited to hear Daren’s perspective on his journey.
In this episode, Daren and I dive into his transformation from a broker-dealer to the co-founder of a billion-dollar financial advisory firm. We explore the challenges he encountered, the pivotal moment...2024-09-0646 minThe Magellan Network PodcastJourney To Independence With Carmine CorinoHi everyone, and welcome to The Magellan Network Show. Today’s episode is special because we have a guest joining us—Carmine Corino. Carmine is a personal client and a member of the Magellan Empire Group. We're here to discuss his new book, Broken Dealer: Navigating the Path to Financial Advisor Independence, which he co-authored with another client of mine, Daren Blonski.
Many financial advisors feel pressure from their companies to sell products that clients may not need. They dream of breaking free and becoming independent but often lack the drive, plan, or courage to take the leap
In this epis...2024-08-1647 min