Equitable Advisors
news and insights

Stay informed and up-to-date with Equitable Advisors News and Insights, a valuable resource that provides advisors with the latest thought leadership, articles, and industry announcements.

Articles
Thought Leadership
News and announcements
Podcasts

Stay informed and up-to-date with Equitable Advisors news and insights, a valuable resource that provides advisors with the latest thought leadership, articles, and industry announcements.

Articles

desktop screen showing AdvisorHub article: Equitable Advisors' Sean George on Developing the Life Cycle of Your Practice

Building the future of wealth management

October 6th, 2025

Sean George, Head of Business Development, chats with Tony Sirianni on his podcast about all things around Equitable Advisors. They were able to explore our culture, supportive leadership and the future of our wealth management industry. Listen in to hear more about commitment to growth and being a premier wealth management firm.

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Financial Planning Partner Insights from Equitable article: Maintain firm autonomy when sharing technology, people and processes

Maintaining firm autonomy when sharing technology, people and processes

October 1st, 2025

In a Q&A with Financial Planning, David Karr, Chairman of Equitable Advisors, discusses his perspective on the importance of quality advisors, leveraging firm resources, and balancing core principles with innovation. These elements are crucial for empowering advisors to grow, scale, and deliver exceptional client service in the financial advisory sector.

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Driving organic growth

September 29th, 2025

Equitable Advisors drives organic growth through strategic human capital, focusing on a farm team. This strategy allows recruiting, training, and mentoring new financial professionals to help ensure continuity and success. Their emphasis on diversity, particularly female advisors, and a supportive mentorship model, distinguishes us with this unique approach.

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Advisor Hub cover titled The power of teamwork: How Equitable Advisors is setting the standard for team-building

A blueprint for building & growing a thriving advisory practice

September 23rd, 2025

Our supported independence model empowers advisory practices to thrive by fostering sustainable growth, enhancing client service, and preparing for the future. In this featured article with AdvisorHub, discover insights from Flodder Financial Group and The Summit Group both in alliance with Equitable Advisors on how they created a thriving practice.

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Strategic insights for the great wealth transfer

July 25th, 2025

In an article with InvestmentNews David Karr, Chairman of Equitable Advisors, shows how creating a multigenerational firm is achievable with the right support and resources. Discover the insights he provides for your business continuity and skills needed to thrive in the great wealth transfer.

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Embracing the opportunity

June 6th, 2025

In an article by AdvisorHub, Amy Schlager shares her journey in the financial services industry, emphasizing the vital role of women in wealth management. She reflects on being the only woman in the room in 2001 and highlights the importance of women's unique perspectives in creating lasting client impacts today.

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Cindy Price and Bill Degnan converse in the second Barron’s podcast series

February 20, 2025

Our two financial advisors engage in a discussion about the opportunities offered by Equitable Advisors. They highlight the distinctive supported independence model, prospects for holistic planning, and innovative technology—all crucial elements in sustaining our financial advisors. These foundational pillars are designed to optimally support advisors and enhance client service.

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David Karr’s Q&A with Financial Planning on Business Continuity

January 27, 2025

Chairman of Equitable Advisors, David Karr, discusses the dual challenges financial advisors face: the need for growth and limited time. In a Q&A with Financial Planning, he highlights business continuity, adapting to client needs, succession planning, and essential skills for advisors to ensure sustainable growth and relevance.

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Two distinguished advisors launch a new podcast with Barron's

January 13, 2025

Sarah Ogle and Todd Johnson discuss the evolving financial advisory landscape, focusing on technology-driven opportunities and supportive environments at Equitable Advisors. They emphasize the importance of peer-to-peer mentorship, the growth and need for women in financial services, and the right tools and resources in building successful practices to better serve their clients.

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How Equitable Advisors built a powerful engine for organic growth - AdvisorHub

September 20th, 2024

Discover how our unique approach can elevate your practice. Our supported independence model, teaming program, comprehensive practice development opportunities, and innovative technology are designed to meet your needs. Learn more about the Kukainis' achievements and insights from our Chairman David Karr and President of Advice and Wealth Management Jim Mellin.

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The Power of Holistic Financial Planning: Uncovering the Client's Story - AdvisorHub

April 12th, 2024

Jody D’Agostino, a Senior Partner at The Falcon Financial Group in alliance with Equitable Advisors, emphasizes the importance of building trust with clients to uncover their financial behaviors and motivations. By understanding their unique circumstances, such as family dynamics, addiction, inheritances, and job losses, financial advisors can better assist clients in managing their money effectively and achieving their desired financial outcomes.

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Q&A with Tony Sirianni: Jim Mellin, President of Advice and Wealth Management

April 9, 2024

In a Q&A with AdvisorHub, Jim Mellin, President of Advice and Wealth Management at Equitable Advisors, discusses his 35-year journey with the firm, emphasizing its collaborative culture and commitment to client-focused wealth management. Mellin highlights Equitable Advisors' unique support for both seasoned and junior advisors, fostering growth and continuity in the industry.

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Nick Lane tasked with helping Equitable hit its wealth management goals

March 7, 2024

Nick Lane, President of Equitable emphasizes the demand for financial advice. He highlights Equitable Advisors supported independence model and acknowledges the potential risks and uncertainties in the financial industry.

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Podcast Interview with Tony Sirianni: Jim Mellin, President of Advice and Wealth Management

December 13, 2024

During an interview with Tony Sirianni, CEO and President of AdvisorHub, Jim Mellin provides an in-depth exploration of Equitable Advisors' strategies for both organic and inorganic growth. He emphasizes the critical role of team building in effective succession planning and elaborates on the robust training programs that support this growth.

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How Equitable Advisors unique model is reshaping the industry

September 21, 2023

With supported independence, advisors are finding just what they need, with flexibility and support in so many ways. Hear from our Chairman, David Karr, and President of Advice and Wealth Management, Jim Mellin, in this AdvisorHub article.

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Advisor Talk Podcast: Supported independence success with David Karr

July 24, 2023

Elite Consulting Partners CEO Frank LaRosa is joined by David Karr, Chairman of Equitable Advisors, for a dynamic conversation that pertains to every financial professional in the industry considering a supported independence model.

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Thought leadership

Family gathering with wealth management theme

White paper: The financial impact on the Great Wealth Transfer

Findings from "The Great Wealth Transfer" white paper reveal that trillions of dollars are expected to be transferred in the coming years. This study highlights the critical role of financial advisors for wealth recipients, emphasizing the need to understand what these individuals seek from their financial advisors.

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White paper: What advisors want from a firm today

According to research by Equitable Advisors, 78% of advisors want to operate independently to build their practices. Support is ranked as one of the most important attributes when making a move. Flexibility, technology, growth opportunities, and support are key factors for advisors when looking for a firm or making a change.

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White paper: Critical role of tech in a financial practice

Financial advisors commonly face frustration due to the lack of integration between tech platforms, leading to productivity challenges and hindering client relationships. Outdated technology has caused 65% of advisors to lose business. Efficient and integrated technology can drive efficiency, deepen client relationships.

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White paper: Growing your wealth management practice

Advisors prioritize the potential for growth, with 80% wanting to build equity in their practice as an asset for future monetization. Serving clients well is crucial for growth, requiring advisors to be empowered to strengthen client relationships and deliver comprehensive, unbiased advice.

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White paper: What's the true cost of being independent?

Advisors face the challenge of balancing independence with expenses. Being fully independent offers flexibility, control, and equity. Understanding true net financials is crucial for managing costs and maximizing income.

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News and announcements

screenshot of the Advisor Hub press release announcing Equitable Advisors welcomes father-son team who managed more than $350 million in client assets

Father-son duo with over $350m in client assets joins Equitable Advisors

July 7th, 2025

Dean and Michael Leonakis joined Equitable Advisors for our supported independence model, offering operational support while allowing autonomy. They moved their practice from Osaic to ours for our commitment to training future advisors, enabling them to build multigenerational teams and focus on delivering exceptional client service, aligning with both our and their values and goals.

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Two advisors with $200m in client assets join Equitable Advisors

May 30th, 2025

Our supported independence model has attracted two experienced financial advisors, Ross Pake and Pat Tierney, to join us. Pake, with 40 years of experience from Cetera, managed $100 million in client assets and specialized in holistic financial planning. Tierney, with 27 years from Lincoln Investments, also managed $100 million in client assets, focusing on retirement planning.

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Equitable Advisors welcomes Shebna, an experienced financial advisor from JP Morgan

March 27, 2025

We are pleased to welcome Shebna Olsen-Shillibeer to Equitable Advisors from JP Morgan where she managed $180 million in assets under advisement and has over three decades of experience. She is joining us for the flexibility to manage her practice, the support of a well-established firm and our supported independence model.

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Equitable Advisors hires new Head of Business Development

February 4th, 2025

Sean George has over 25 years of industry experience, Sean will lead our recruiting strategy for experienced advisors across the nation. His focus will be on building a robust platform that supports advisor success through practice acquisitions and succession planning. Sean's impressive background includes leadership roles at Ameriprise Financial, Prudential Financial, and MetLife.

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Advisors serving more than $500m in client assets join Equitable Advisors

September 19. 2024

Equitable Advisors welcomes four new experienced advisors, who collectively manage over $500 million in client assets. These advisors, Mark and Jeff Spencer, Jerome Hartl, and Kirt Kilbourne, are joining us for our supported independence model, and advanced technology capabilities. Learn more about their decision to join Equitable Advisors.

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Equitable Advisors Hires Lincoln Advisors with $177 Million - AdvisorHub

May 24, 2024

We welcome Gary Stemple and Kendyl Roundtree, who bring $177 million in client assets from Lincoln Financial Advisors. Based in Southern California, they join Equitable Advisors for its holistic planning model. With nearly 40 years of experience, Stemple provides comprehensive financial and retirement planning services.

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Equitable Advisors welcomes mother-son team with $175 million AUM

October 25, 2023

Financial advisors Tamara Kukainis and Daniel Kukainis have joined Equitable Advisors, moving their team, Schwartz Financial Associates, from Cetera Advisor Networks. They will operate from their Marlton, New Jersey office as part of the Firstrust Financial Resources team within Equitable Advisors' greater-Philadelphia branch.

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Equitable Advisors hires four advisors with combined $360M AUM

August 17, 2023

Equitable Advisors recruited four financial advisors with over $360 million in combined AUM. Its wealth management segment has $80.4 billion in assets under administration and approximately 4,100 financial professionals nationwide.

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Podcasts

Crushing it

Ever wonder how others have found success? How they manage to keep it all together? Dive in as President of Advice and Wealth Management, Jim Mellin, hosts a variety of leaders from across the financial services industry for candid and insightful conversations on finding success in multiple areas of life, career, mental well-being, physical health and simply put - Crushing It.

April 29th, 2025: Believe. Commit. Execute.

Listen to Jim's personal journey firsthand in a role-reversing episode with Tim Maguire.

April 15th, 2025: Purpose Driven Growth

Hear from our new Head of Business Development, Sean George chat with Jim about purpose driven growth.

April 1st, 2025: Leading Forward: Vision, Culture and Innovation

Hear from Bill Degnan and Jim about Bill's perspectives on leadership and strategies for keeping his team energized.

February 4th, 2025: Inner Excellence

Tune in to unpack the Inner Excellence with insights from Jim and Dan Munroe.

December 31st, 2024: Leadership and Life

Listen in to hear Jim and Todd Johnson discuss key leadership lessons, effective prioritization strategies, and the vital role of faith and family.

December 17th, 2024: Marathons and Milestones

Tune in to hear Jim chat to Alex Price about his exponential business growth, and how support systems lead to big wins.

December 3rd, 2024: Empowerment

Hear Natasha Daniels talk with Jim how she turned life’s toughest challenges into an opportunity.

November 29th, 2024: Resilience in Leadership

Listen in to Jim speak with Karan Chainani about his path on powerful lessons on resilience, mentorship, and building strong relationships.

November 5th, 2024: Rising to the Challenge

Listen in to learn how Jim uncovers Steven Fortino's journey of seizing opportunities and creating a lasting impact.

October 8th, 2024: From Breaking Point to Making Point

Jim learns form Cedric King how to have the mindset required to overcome the darkest days and emerge stronger than ever.

September 10th, 2024: Drive and Dedication

Jim delves into Anthony Silva's vision for the future and his strategies to make significant impact in his new role.

September 4, 2024: Energizing Leadership

Jim dives deep into how Allei Holway's managed to energize and inspire her team, helping them achieve goals they once thought were out of reach.

August 13, 2024: Coaching Beyond Metrics

Jim explores Nick Aguglia's coaching strategies and the importance of celebrating milestones.

July 30, 2024: Life is a Team Sport

Discover how Julian fosters a winning team culture, navigates challenges, and celebrates every step of his journey.

July 16, 2024: Prospering

Jim engages in an electrifying chat with Michael Ducore. who unveils his thrilling path and daring choices leading to career prosperity.

July 2, 2024: Embracing Adventure

Rob Redwine's extraordinary journey from 1977 to becoming a national honor associate reveals industry shifts, personal battles, and profound life priorities.

June 18, 2024: A Fireside Chat with Mike Cocco at the NLF

We're joined by Mike Cocco from the National Leadership Forum, who shares his journey in becoming a financial advisor, the powerful mentorship of his father, and the balance between career and family.

May 14, 2024: Unstoppable

Embark on an exhilarating journey with Robin Davey, a financial advisor whose 21-year career is a testament to resilience and passion.

April 30, 2024: Leading with Purpose

From celebrating recent achievements to reflecting on the impact of leadership and family in the financial industry, Greg shares insights into his journey and vision for the future.

Find an advisor today to receive help in achieving financial freedom and to learn more about women, money and relationships.

Important

For purposes of this discussion, "advisor" is used as a general term to describe insurance/annuity, investment sales and advisory professionals who may hold licensing as insurance agents, registrations with broker/dealers and registrations as investment advisory representatives (IAR) of registered investment advisers, respectively. "Advisor" in this context is not intended to necessarily refer to IAR offered fee-based financial advisory/planning services. Equitable Advisors, LLC, member FINRA, SIPC, (Equitable Financial Advisors in MI & TN) and affiliate, Equitable Network, LLC, (Equitable Network Insurance Agency of California, LLC; Equitable Network Insurance Agency of Utah, LLC; Equitable Network of Puerto Rico, Inc.) are Equal Opportunity Employers M/F/D/V.

GE-7208273.2 (02/2025) (Exp. 02/2029)

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Equitable Advisors
news and insights

Stay informed and up-to-date with Equitable Advisors news and insights, a valuable resource that provides advisors with the latest thought leadership, articles, and industry announcements.

Articles

Thought leadership

News and announcements

Podcasts