What happens when an industry veteran who’s helped train 10,000+ financial advisors sits down to talk about what’s really missing in today’s advisor development? You get this kind of episode. In this conversation, Gary Sinderbrand, legendary producer and founder of Better Path Training, shares behind-the-scenes truths about what it really takes to succeed and build something that lasts. From early career lessons in a dial-for-dollars world to leading one of the most impactful training programs at a major firm, Gary has seen it all. Now, his mission is clear: bridge the skills gap between senior and junior advisors—before it’s too late.

Key Takeaways:

• Soft Skills Are the Real Superpower (02:00) – Success in this business isn’t just about managing assets; it’s about earning trust and building relationships that last a lifetime.
• Lead with Education, Not a Pitch (14:50) – Gary built credibility fast by giving clients clarity before talking products—because real value starts with helping people understand.
• Redefining Succession (32:15) – A real succession plan doesn’t just hand off a book—it challenges junior advisors to grow it, lead it, and own the next chapter.
• Earn It Every Day (44:00) – If you’re not finding assets or solving problems, you’re not really an advisor. This business is about showing up and proving your value—daily.

Gary Sinderbrand: “Choose your own hours. Work with who you want. Make an unlimited amount of capital—and always leave it better than you found it.”

Rob Brown: “Succession shouldn’t look like caretaking. It should look like building something new—together.”

About Gary Sinderbrand: Gary Sinderbrand brings decades of elite production experience and transformative training expertise to financial advisors. As co-creator of the Payne-Sinderbrand Program, he helped shape the careers of over 12,000 FAs. A former Private Wealth Advisor at UBS and multi-million-dollar producer, Gary now leads BetterPath Training, specializing in multi-generational advisory teams. He equips next-gen advisors with battle-tested client acquisition strategies and helps seasoned professionals optimize succession plans. With a unique blend of real-world experience and practice management innovation, Gary provides the tools advisors need to build, grow, and protect their businesses for lasting success.

Connect with Gary Sinderbrand:

Website: http://betterpathtraining.com/

Email: gary.sinderbrand@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gsinderbrand/

Episode References:

• Truest Fan Coaching
• Business Optimization Scorecard

Connect with Rob Brown:

Website: http://truestfan.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/truestfan/

In this episode of The Purpose-Focused Advisor, Rob Brown welcomes Lauren Hong, Founder and CEO of Out & About Communications, a branding and marketing agency transforming how financial firms show up in the world. Lauren has spent over a decade helping RIAs ditch stale, cookie-cutter branding and embrace a more authentic, strategic approach. With a background in graphic design and a passion for storytelling, she’s on a mission to help advisors align their identities with their business goals. Whether you’re thinking about a website refresh or wondering how to measure client satisfaction beyond AUM, Lauren drops insight after insight to help you elevate your brand and build trust that lasts.

Key Takeaways:

• How branding in financial services has evolved—and why it’s time to ditch the navy and gray. [03:00]
• The real reason your website matters more than you think (yes, people are looking). [08:25]
• Why the Net Promoter Score (NPS) is a game-changer—and how to use it as a strategic advantage. [10:21]
• Marketing that leads vs. lags—how growing firms can shift their strategy and culture. [21:00]
• What it really looks like to build a marketing partnership that grows with your firm. [25:30]

Lauren Hong: "At the end of the day, marketing is about taking care of people. It’s a human-to-human business.”

Rob Brown: “Marketing isn’t just a website or color scheme—it’s a reflection of who you are and where you’re going.”

About Lauren Hong: Lauren Hong founded Out & About Communications in 2013. She has grown the agency to a team of 25+ and a client base of dozens of firms across the country. Focused exclusively on financial services, Lauren has consulted with firms ranging in size from $250M to $20B in AUM to grow, scale, and leverage marketing as a strategic asset. Today, she spearheads the strategic direction and business development of Out & About while leaning into the industry to pay it forward.

Connect with Lauren Hong:

Website: https://www.outandaboutcommunications.com/

Email: lauren@outandaboutcomm.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/honglauren/

Podcast: On Purpose: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-purpose/id1704209930

Episode References:

• Truest Fan Coaching
• Business Optimization Scorecard

Connect with Rob Brown:

Website: http://truestfan.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/truestfan/

What happens when a marketing entrepreneur dives into financial planning? You get Brandon Snyder, CEO of Alpha Capital Strategies—a visionary redefining how to serve high-net-worth clients. In this episode, Brandon shares his journey from event marketing to building a full-service RIA with in-house experts. It’s a conversation about deep client relationships, smart growth, and staying ahead in a fast-changing industry.

Key Takeaways:

• The road to success is not always a straight line (03:19) – Brandon’s path from print marketing to financial advising was shaped by early business experiences and a powerful lesson in risk and resilience.
• The right team makes all the difference (08:46) – Bringing specialists like tax attorneys and valuation experts in-house allows advisors to provide a deeper level of service without adding unnecessary complexity for clients.
• The industry is changing faster than many realize (19:05) – Advisors who fail to evolve with AI and automation may struggle to compete as technology transforms client expectations and business models.
• Most advisors are overlooking a key piece of the puzzle (28:04) – Business owners often do not recognize how much of their wealth is tied up in their company, and advisors must integrate business planning to serve them fully.
• Clients value honesty over perfection (37:13) – Building trust does not require knowing every answer—it comes from asking the right questions and being willing to learn alongside the client.

Brandon Snyder: "We spend 100 hours behind the scenes so our clients can make confident decisions in a one-hour meeting—that’s the kind of care they deserve."

Rob Brown: "The advisor who is reaching out and stretching is probably even able to charge more and increase fees because you're going really, really deep with the questions you're asking your clients and the things you're helping them solve."

About Brandon Snyder: Charles “Brandon” Snyder is the founder and CEO of Alpha Capital Strategies, where he leads with a clear vision for growth and a passion for helping clients move more powerfully in life and business. A longtime member of the National Association of Financial Advisors and a nine-time Million Dollar Round Table qualifier, Brandon is known for building deep, trusted relationships and delivering high-impact strategies for business owners and high-net-worth families.

Connect with Brandon Snyder:

Website: http://alphacapitalstrategies.com/

Email: brandon@darkpuppet.net

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonsnyder/

Pursuing Alpha Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pursuing-alpha/id1717483130

Episode References:

• Truest Fan Coaching
• Business Optimization Scorecard

Connect with Rob Brown:

Website: http://truestfan.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/truestfan/