LIMESTONE Strategic Partners

Did you know that nearly ????% ???? ?????? ???????? ???????????? ?????? ???????? ?????? ?????? ???? ????? With such a significant portion of our industry's leadership approaching retirement, it's crucial to start thinking about the next steps for your firm. We've noticed that many advisors are deeply committed to their clients and daily operations, often putting off planning for their own futures. But addressing these plans now can make all the difference for the longevity and success of your business. ????????'?? ?????? ????????????????????? ???????????????????? ???????????????? is about preparing your firm's internal talent to take over leadership roles. It's identifying your successors, mentoring them, and ensuring they have the skills and experience to lead effectively. This approach maintains your firm's independence and provides your clients with the continuity they value. ???????? ????????????????, meanwhile, is a comprehensive strategy for transitioning out of your business ownership. This could involve selling your firm to a third party, merging with another company, or setting up an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). Exit planning focuses on maximizing the value of your firm and aligning the transition with your personal financial goals. ?????? ???? ??????????????? ???????????? ?????????????????? Your clients have placed their trust in you. Planning ahead ensures they continue to receive the service and stability they've come to expect. ???????????????? ?????????????????? Team members are more likely to stay and invest in the firm's success when they see a clear path forward. ?????????????????? ???????????????? Early planning helps you unlock the full value of your life's work, providing peace of mind for your retirement years. ???????????? ?????????? ???? ?????? ??????????????? 1. ???????????? ???????? ?????????????? ?????????????????? Evaluate your firm's readiness for transition. Do you have potential successors? Is your firm attractive to buyers? 2. ?????? ?????????? ?????????? Define what you want to achieve with your transition—be it maintaining legacy, maximizing sale value, or ensuring client continuity. 3. ???????????? ???????? ???????? Open communication with your employees can uncover potential successors and foster a supportive environment for change. 4. ???????? ???????????????????????? ????????????????? Consult with experts who specialize in RIA transitions to navigate complexities and regulatory requirements. 5. ?????????????? ?? ???????????????? Establish a realistic timeline for your succession or exit plan, allowing sufficient time for implementation and adjustments. ??????'?? ???????????? ???????? ????????'?? ???????????? ???????????????? At LIMESTONE, we specialize in helping RIAs navigate these critical transitions with personalized strategies tailored to your goals. Together, we'll create a roadmap that secures your own iconic legacy and sets your firm up for continued success.

RIA valuations are holding strong, but achieving the best multiple for your firm requires foresight and intentional planning. With a highly active buyer pool, RIA owners looking to sell must begin preparing 3-5 years in advance to maximize their valuation. The reality? Without preparation, significant value could be left on the table. Optimizing your firm for what buyers want can transform not just your sale price, but also your firm’s operational success in the interim. ??????’?? ?????????? ???? ????????: Imagine your RIA generates $5 million in revenue and $2.5 million in Earnings Before Owner Compensation (EBOC). If your firm trades at 6x EBOC, its valuation is $15 million. But what if you strategically optimize your operations to command a 7x multiple instead? That extra 1x turn adds $2.5 million to your sale price. ????????’?? ???????? ??????????—created by demonstrating scale, recurring revenue, organic growth, and the other drivers buyers seek. The difference between a 6x and a 7x multiple can hinge on how well your firm is positioned in these areas. To help you get started, we’ve created a carousel of the top 10 value drivers buyers look for in RIA firms, including: 1?? AUM Growth & Scale 2?? Organic Growth 3?? Succession Plans ...and much more! ?????? ?????????? ??????? The path to optimizing your RIA often takes years. Succession planning, diversifying revenue, implementing scalable processes, and modernizing your tech stack don’t happen overnight. But every improvement not only enhances your firm’s value but also makes your business more resilient and efficient today. Don’t wait to start building the value your RIA deserves. At LIMESTONE, we specialize in helping RIAs analyze, plan, and execute strategies that maximize enterprise value while preparing for long-term success. ?? Swipe through the carousel to explore the 10 drivers of RIA value—and see how your firm measures up! #RIA #BusinessValuation #StrategicGrowth #WealthManagement #MergersAndAcquisitions #ValueCreation

"?????????????????? ???? ?????? ?? ???????????? ???? ????????????—????'?? ?? ???????????? ???? ?????????????????? ???????????? ?????? ?????????????????????? ????????????." - Jim Collins As established RIAs, the journey from good to great hinges on the strategic decisions we make today. The question is: ?????? ???? ?????? ?????????????? ???????? ???????? ?????????????? ?????????????????????? ?????? ???????? ???????????? ?????? ?????????????? ???????? ?????????? ????? At LIMESTONE, we've crafted a big picture guide: "?????????????????? ???????????? ?????????????? ?????? ?????????????????????? ????????"—designed for those who aspire to scale new heights without selling out or giving up control. We delve into four pivotal pathways: ??. ???????????? ????-??????????: Placing the right people in the right seats to drive your vision forward. ??. ?????????????????????? & ?????????????????? ????????????????????????: Leveraging external expertise while staying true to your core mission. ??. ?????????????? ???? ?????? ????????????????: Accelerating momentum by tapping into shared resources and best practices. ??. ???????????? ?? ???????????????? ????????????????: Gaining capital infusion and strategic guidance while preserving your guiding principles. Each option presents unique opportunities and challenges. Our guide provides disciplined analysis to help you align these strategies with your firm's mission and long-term vision. Explore our attached guide and consider how these insights can propel your firm from good to great, all while maintaining the essence of what makes your business exceptional.

In an industry where the competition aim to be everything to everyone, there's never been a better time for RIAs to stand out by niching down. By defining your niche—or niches—you can significantly accelerate your firm's growth and establish yourself as a leader in your field. While it might seem counterintuitive, narrowing your focus is the key to expanding your impact and success, especially as an up-and-coming firm. ???????????????????????????? ???????????? ?????????????? Without a clear niche, your firm becomes just another option among many. Specializing allows you to offer unique value to specific client segments, making you the preferred advisor for those groups. ?????????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ???????????????? Choose niches that align with your passions and strengths. Focusing on clients you're genuinely interested in deepens your understanding of their needs and strengthens relationships. ???? ???????????????? ?????? ?????? ?????????????????????? While it's important to narrow your focus, avoid making your niches too limited. Instead of targeting all retirees, concentrate on "retiring medical professionals" or "tech executives nearing retirement." This specificity reduces competition and positions you as an expert without closing off opportunities. ?????????????? ?????????????? ?????????????? ?????????????????? Defining niches sharpens your marketing but doesn't exclude others. Clients outside your niches may still seek your expertise, especially through referrals from satisfied clients impressed by your specialized knowledge. ???????????? ?????????????? ???????? ???????? ?????????? Produce content that directly addresses the unique concerns of your niche audiences. Whether through blogs, webinars, or podcasts, providing real solutions positions you as a trusted advisor. ???? ??????????????????, ????'???? ?????????????????? ???? ?????????????? ?????? ?????????? ???????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????? ?????? ???????????? ???????????? ???????? ???????????? ????????????. ???? ??????'???? ?????????? ???? ?????????????? ???????? ????????'?? ???????????? ???? ???????????????? ???????? ??????????(??), ??????'?? ??????????????.

"Strategy without execution is aimless. Execution without strategy is useless." – Morris Chang nailed it with this one. You can have the sharpest game plan in the world, but if you’re not following through, it’s just words on a page. And if you’re hustling hard without a real strategy? You’re spinning your wheels. Here’s the situation: ???????????????? ???? ???????? ????????????, ?????????????????? ???? ?????? ??????????, ?????? ???????????????????????????? ???? ???????? ?????????? ???? ?????? ????????????????. If you're leading a team, scaling your business, or just trying to keep up, remember this: ???????????? isn’t about jumping on every new trend or racing to get big fast. ????’?? ?????????? ?????????????? ???? ???????? ???????????? ???????? ?????????? ??????????????????, ???????????? ???????? ?????? ??????????, ?????? ?????????????? ?????????????????????? ???? ???????? ?????? ?????? ?????? ???? ????. The difference between good and great? Showing up every day and getting it done. Let’s keep it simple: strategy is the “why,” execution is the “how,” and accountability is the “who.” You nail those three, and you’re unstoppable. Let’s go. #Strategy #Execution #Accountability #Leadership #Growth

In our quest to improve our clients' client engagement process and streamline operations, we’ve been taking a close look at Jump - Advisor AI, a cutting-edge AI tool built for advisors. Here’s how it’s reshaping the way advisors approach meetings and client management: ??. ?????????????????? ?????????????? ???????? Jump AI creates a streamlined, tailored briefing before each meeting, so you’re ready to dive right into the client conversation, much like stepping into a prepped workspace. It’s a game-changer for maximizing client-facing time and cutting out distractions. ??. ?????????????????????? ????????????-???? After each meeting, Jump AI can automatically generate a customized follow-up summary, complete with next steps. It integrates directly with your CRM in just a click, minimizing manual data entry and ensuring consistent, timely communication. ??. ???????????? ?????? ???????? With seamless CRM integration, Jump AI transfers all meeting insights straight into your system, keeping everything aligned and updated effortlessly. ??. ???????????? ?????????????????????? ???????????????? The tool also offers valuable data on meeting dynamics, such as speaking ratios and question frequency. These metrics provide an opportunity to enhance team training and improve client interactions for better engagement. ??. ?????????????? ?????????????????? ?????????????????? Jump AI can help source anonymized client stories, giving you the ability to share real, meaningful experiences (?????????????? ???????????????? ??????????????) that resonate with prospective clients. If you’re looking to reduce time spent on administrative tasks and elevate client interactions, Jump AI could be a great tool for you and your firm. Interested in learning more or exploring other AI-driven tech options? Reach out to us to review your tech stack and discover how the right tools can drive efficiency and growth for your practice.

As RIA owners, you will face the proverbial decision about your firm's future at some point: ???????????? ???? ???????????????? ???? ?????????? ?????? ????????, ???????? (??????????????????) ???? ???????????????????? ???? ?????? ??????????????, ???? ???????? ???? ???? ???? ?????? ???????? ????????????????????? Your firm is more than just assets—it's the result of years of hard work, dedication and trusted relationships. Each path has its own merits: ?????????? ?????? ???????? Continuing to expand allows you to enhance your legacy, explore new markets, and increase your firm's value. It's an opportunity to innovate and lead your team to new heights. ???????? Selling can provide significant financial rewards, especially in today's market with strong valuations. It might also offer your clients access to broader resources through a larger entity. ???? ??????'???? ?????? ?????????? ???? ?????????? ????????, ???????????????? ?????????????? ?? ???????????????? ?????????? ???? ???????????? ???????????? ?????????? ?????????????????? ?????????????? ???? ???????? ????????. ???????? ???? ???? Transitioning ownership to the next generation preserves your firm's culture and client relationships. It ensures continuity but requires preparing successors for leadership roles. ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????:? ? ???????????????? ?????????? Align your decision with what you want personally and professionally. ?????????????????? ?????????????????? Assess if the next generation is prepared to take over effectively. ???????????? ???????????? Consider how each option will affect your clients and their trust in your firm. At LIMESTONE, we believe in aligning your aspirations with your business strategy. Let's discuss how to navigate this crucial decision for the benefit of you, your team, and your clients.

The wealth management landscape is set for a decade of transformation. From technology to talent, each trend presents an opportunity for RIAs to evolve and capture value. But staying ahead means thinking ahead. Here are 12 critical insights for RIAs looking to differentiate, innovate, and thrive into the 2030s. ?????? ?????? ???????????????? ???? ???????? ?????? ???????????? ????????-????? #WealthManagement #RIA #FinancialAdvisory #StrategicGrowth

When prospects ask, “???????????????????? ?????????????????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ?? ?????? ?????????? ?? ?????????? ?????? ???????????? $3??–7??, ???? ???? ???????????? ?????????? ?????” – here’s what they might be missing: It’s not just hours worked or deliverables. Sure, you could hire someone to build a financial model for $1K, but that’s not ?????? ???????? ?????????? ???? ?? ?????????????????? ?????? ???????????? ??????????????. ??. ??????’???? ???????????? ?????? ??????????????????.? ??A Strategic CFO Growth Partner is an experienced industry professional who focuses exclusively on your sector.? ? They don’t just analyze numbers—they pinpoint what’s right and wrong with your business, uncover blind spots, and offer strategic guidance that could pivot your entire growth strategy. ??. ???????? ???????? ?????? ?????? ???? ?????? ????????.? ? Today’s Strategic CFO is more than a number cruncher—they’re a growth partner.? ? At LIMESTONE, we believe the CFO role has evolved to encompass both financial analysis and growth execution, helping firms scale from operational insights all the way to driving strategic initiatives. ??. ?????????????????? ???????????????? ??????????????.? ? Unlike accountants, a true Fractional Strategic CFO Growth Partner brings years of experience, providing clear guidance, challenging assumptions, and engaging with stakeholders at a higher strategic level. ??. ?????????????????? ?????????????????????? ?????? ???????????????????????????? ????????????.? ? A Strategic CFO Growth Partner doesn’t just support—they act as your accountability mirror, reflecting hard truths and holding your business to its goals.? ? This includes challenging assumptions, offering an objective outside perspective, and making sure financial decisions align with long-term growth objectives. ???? ?????? ?????? ???? ?????? ??????, ????’?? ?????????? ???????????? ?? ??????????????, ?????????????????? ???????????? ??????????????—someone who goes beyond the numbers and works with you to drive meaningful results.

For growing, up-and-coming firms, hiring separate or full-time leadership roles isn’t always practical. At LIMESTONE, we take a fractional, hands-on approach as ???????? ?????????????????? ???????????? ??????????????, managing financial strategy, strategic planning, and growth initiative execution in one streamlined solution. Like a general contractor, we strategically plan and manage the projects so you can focus on serving your clients and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. With access to trusted specialists, we ensure you get the right expertise, exactly when you need it. With us, ??????’???? ?????? ???????? ?????????????? ?????? ?????????????????? ??????????????—??????’???? ?????????????? ???????? ?????? ?????????????? ???? ????????????, ??????-???????? ?????????????????????????? ?????????????????? ???? ?????????????? ???????? ????????’?? ??????????????. #StrategicGrowth #HandsOnSupport #FirmGrowth #CollaborativeNetwork