Navigating the complexities of succession planning is a paramount concern for Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) and wealth management firms. Recognizing this critical need, Kestra Financial, Inc. has introduced Bluespring Wealth Partners, a pioneering business dedicated exclusively to acquiring established RIA and wealth management firms. Bluespring Wealth Partners is poised to transform the industry by offering tailored solutions that ensure continuity, preserve legacies, and drive future growth for acquired firms.
Led by industry veteran Stuart Silverman, President, Bluespring Wealth Partners brings together a team deeply experienced in wealth management and business transitions. Silverman, a successful entrepreneur who previously founded Fusion Advisor Network (acquired by Kestra Financial), understands firsthand the intricacies of building, scaling, and transitioning a financial advisory business. He is joined by Chief Operating Officer John Vanderheyden, formerly a senior executive at both Kestra Financial and Fidelity Investments, adding further depth of expertise to the leadership team.
Bluespring Wealth Partners addresses the succession planning challenge head-on by offering a suite of customizable solutions designed to meet the unique needs of each firm:
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Comprehensive Succession Planning through Successor Academy: Identifying and nurturing the next generation of leadership is crucial for long-term success. Bluespring Wealth Partners’ innovative Successor Academy program is designed to cultivate future leaders within acquired firms. This intensive program provides comprehensive coaching and training, equipping successors with the skills and knowledge necessary to seamlessly take the reins and ensure a smooth transition for clients and staff alike. This proactive approach ensures business continuity and reinforces client trust.
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Flexible and Tailored Ownership Arrangements: Recognizing that every firm founder has different objectives, Bluespring Wealth Partners offers flexible acquisition models. Whether a firm is seeking a full acquisition or a partial acquisition, Bluespring Wealth Partners collaborates closely with founders to structure a buyout that aligns with their specific transition goals. This personalized approach allows business owners to define their level of involvement both during and after the transition, ensuring a comfortable and phased exit strategy.
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Institutional-Grade Support for Accelerated Growth: Beyond succession, Bluespring Wealth Partners provides acquired firms with access to institutional-level resources and capital. This robust support system empowers firms to pursue strategic sub-acquisitions, expand their market presence, and enhance their service offerings. By leveraging Bluespring Wealth Partners’ industry expertise and financial backing, firms can unlock new growth opportunities while maintaining their unique culture and client focus.
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Strategic Earnout Optimization for Maximum Value: Bluespring Wealth Partners is committed to maximizing the value of the acquired firm for its founders. Through a meticulous earnout optimization program, they analyze key business areas such as technology, operations, and marketing to identify opportunities for enhanced efficiency and revenue generation. This strategic approach not only boosts the firm’s valuation but also ensures a lasting legacy for the founder, safeguarding the interests of both clients and staff.
James Poer, CEO of Kestra Financial, emphasizes the strategic rationale behind this new venture: “With a culture rich in independence and entrepreneurship, it’s only natural for Kestra Financial, Inc. to establish a separate business concentrated on streamlining advisor succession planning. Bluespring Wealth will help advisors both within and outside of our network elevate their businesses to the next level of growth.”
Stuart Silverman further elaborates on the personal understanding that drives Bluespring Wealth Partners: “I understand personally what it feels like to step away from a business you’ve worked your entire career to build. At Bluespring Wealth, we ensure a lasting legacy for advisors looking to exit the business through strategic partnerships. Beyond economics, our firm’s rich experience in wealth management allows us to step into an advisor’s shoes so we can craft a customized strategy for their firm’s next chapter while optimizing the value of the business for the founder. We look forward to engaging with advisors across the industry.”
Backed by Kestra Financial, a Powerhouse in Wealth Management
Bluespring Wealth Partners operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kestra Financial, Inc., a leading wealth management platform supporting independent financial advisors nationwide. Kestra Financial’s robust infrastructure, cutting-edge technology, and extensive resources provide a solid foundation for Bluespring Wealth Partners to deliver exceptional value to its acquired firms. With Kestra Financial overseeing approximately $92 billion in assets under administration and supporting over 2,000 independent financial advisors, Bluespring Wealth Partners clients benefit from the stability and expertise of a well-established industry leader.
Bluespring Wealth Partners: Ensuring Your Legacy, Empowering Future Growth
For wealth management firms and RIAs considering succession planning, Bluespring Wealth Partners offers a compelling path forward. By providing tailored acquisition strategies, robust support, and a deep understanding of the wealth management landscape, Bluespring Wealth Partners is uniquely positioned to help firms navigate succession while ensuring continued success and growth.
To discover more about how Bluespring Wealth Partners can help you plan your firm’s future, please visit www.bluespringwealth.com.
