How to Build a Successful Financial Advisory Business from the Ground Up

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Please Note:

Investment Advisory Services offered through Krilogy Financial®, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. All expressions of opinion are subject to change. This information is distributed for informational purposes, and should not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, recommendation, endorsement or individualized advise of any particular security, products, or services. All expressions of opinion are subject to change. Investing involves risk. You should consult with a financial professional before investing.
Thomas J. Lewis, JD
Legal Counsel & CCO| 314.480.3808

What does it really take to build a successful financial advisory business from the ground up?
In this episode of Expert In You, host Ann Carden sits down with Michael Brown, an experienced wealth advisor with 18 years in the financial services industry, to discuss the realities of building a lasting advisory practice in a competitive and rapidly changing market.
With a background that includes social work and entrepreneurship, Michael took an unconventional path into wealth advising. He shares the lessons he learned while building his practice, from the importance of perseverance and patience to navigating compliance, networking, branding, and the changing world of digital marketing.
At the heart of Michael’s approach is a simple but powerful principle: serve people well, build genuine relationships, and stay committed to the process.
Ann and Michael also explore the importance of mentorship, legacy, and creating a business that goes beyond financial success to make a meaningful impact on clients and the broader community.

Key Learnings:

• What it takes to build a financial advisory business from the ground up
• Why patience and consistency are critical to long-term success
• How genuine client relationships can become a powerful business advantage
• The role of networking and community in growing an advisory practice
• How financial advisors can adapt to today’s digital marketing landscape
• The challenges of balancing compliance with authentic client connection
• Why mentorship and legacy matter when building a long-term career
• How to stay committed when business growth takes longer than expected.
• The importance of integrity and service in building a trusted financial brand

Key Moments:
03:26 Starting a career in finance
08:46 Building a Legacy in St. Charles
11:53 Meeting entrepreneurs and their stories
12:47 Struggles after company buyout
17:32 Building a career in finance
21:06 Building a successful financial team
23:44 Building a Client Base Over Time
25:35 Putting clients first over profit
30:57 Building brand recognition
33:58 Early days on Facebook Messenger
35:09 Discussing modern workforce transitions
39:53 Surrounding Yourself with Good People
42:41 Helping business owners exit
45:02 Acquiring culture companies in Midwest

Whether you’re a financial advisor, wealth manager, entrepreneur, or business owner, this conversation offers practical lessons on building a business based on trust, perseverance, meaningful relationships, and long-term thinking.
🎧 Tune in now to learn how Michael Brown built his financial advisory practice from the ground up and why patience, integrity, and a commitment to serving others can become your greatest competitive advantages.

About the guest :
Michael Brown is a Wealth Advisor and Partner at Krilogy, with more than 25 years of experience helping individuals, families, and business owners build confidence in their financial futures. With a background spanning financial literacy, commercial banking, mortgage planning, and entrepreneurship, Michael brings a practical understanding of the financial challenges business owners face.
For the past 18 years, he has focused on wealth advising, helping clients align investments, retirement planning, and financial strategies with their long-term goals. Beyond his professional work, Michael is deeply involved in his community, serving on several boards and supporting charitable initiatives in the U.S. and Haiti. He is also a frequent speaker on financial planning and leadership.

How to connect Michael:
Company Website: https://www.krilogy.com/
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-r-brown-64119318/
Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/Krilogy