Breakaway Spotlight: Mariner Wealth Advisors

As part of Orion’s dedication to making 2021 the Year of the Breakaway Advisor, the spotlight is turned on some of the industry’s most successful “tuck-in” firms.

For advisors seeking independence but not wanting to build a practice from scratch, joining an existing firm provides flexibility and control, allowing them to focus more on client experience and less on operations and business development.

Today’s featured firm is Mariner Wealth Advisors, a privately held national advisory firm founded in 2006 on the core principle of keeping the client at the center of everything they do. Mariner initially established wealth planning resources and later expanded its services to include tax and estate planning, trust services, investment management, personal insurance, retirement plan solutions, and specialized business services.

With advisors across the country and a robust suite of in-house services, Mariner provides clients with a comprehensive wealth planning experience tailored to their unique needs.

What is Mariner Wealth Advisors' guiding philosophy?

Mariner Wealth Advisors lives by the mission statement: client first, associate second, and shareholder last. This philosophy guides all actions. If something isn’t right for the client, it simply will not be done.

The firm offers 360° advice designed to last, serving as advocates for clients in both their financial and personal lives. The focus is on partnering with clients to create a flexible financial strategy for today and beyond, helping them identify what is important so they can achieve their goals.

What qualities is Mariner Wealth Advisors looking for in an advisor?

The key to being an advocate for clients begins with the relationship between the client and the advisor, built on trust. When recruiting and hiring advisors, Mariner looks for those who share the organization’s values: abundance, optimism, caring, belonging, keeping promises, loyalty, and excellence.

Advisors should demonstrate the highest levels of integrity, act in their client’s best interest at all times, and lead with wealth advice rather than focusing solely on beating benchmarks. Investments are important, but the value delivered goes beyond the portfolio, integrating investments into a comprehensive wealth plan.

Why is now a good time for advisors to break away and join Mariner Wealth Advisors?

Advisors today have many options for the type of firm that fits their approach to client work. Many are reevaluating whether their current firm provides the support and unique value proposition needed for growth.

As the industry evolves, clients expect more from their advisors and the client experience. Mariner provides resources typical of a large firm but with a boutique, personalized approach. The firm invests heavily in resources, technology, tools, and capabilities to support advisors and help them grow their practices.

What kind of resources does Mariner Wealth Advisors offer breakaway advisors who join your firm?

Mariner offers a transition team to make the switch seamless for advisors and their clients. Training is provided for both the advisor and their wealth team. Day-to-day business functions are managed by back-office teams, including IT, operations, compliance, and marketing, allowing advisors to focus on serving clients.

These resources enhance the value proposition and provide clients with a seamless experience, culminating in 360° advice designed to last.

What sets Mariner Wealth Advisors apart from others?

Mariner’s in-house advisory solutions teams are a unique feature. These tenured professionals, referred to as “advisors to our advisors,” are subject matter experts who become part of a client’s wealth team. The group includes over 100 professionals advising on tax strategies, income tax return preparation, trust, estate, and risk management, as well as business specialty services for companies of all sizes.

The practice management team helps advisors run more efficient practices and grow their businesses. Advisors also work with the investment team on portfolio construction, asset allocation, and investment strategies, using an open architecture framework for flexibility.

Mariner further supports advisors’ organic growth by generating prospect introductions, offering referral programs, and implementing a digital client acquisition strategy.

What makes Mariner Wealth Advisors a good home for breakaway advisors?

Mariner understands the needs of advisors and has a proven track record of supporting them and their clients. By taking on more responsibilities, advisors can spend more time developing client relationships and growing their business.

The organization is entrepreneurial, providing advisors autonomy to run their practice as they see fit, surrounded by resources to help them differentiate themselves.

What can breakaway advisors expect from their first 3-6 months with Mariner Wealth Advisors?

During the first 3-6 months, breakaway advisors receive resources and support to transition their business and minimize disruption. The process includes extensive training on culture, services, and leveraging the firm’s resources. Communication is emphasized during the transition phase. Once comfortable, advisors are provided with opportunities to grow their business through organic growth initiatives.

If an advisor is considering breaking away and is interested in Mariner Wealth Advisors, they are encouraged to visit joinmwa.com or contact Marty Bicknell directly at marty.bicknell@marinerwealth.com for a conversation about their practice and potential support.

For more information about becoming an independent advisor, visit the Breakaway Resource Center.