Thriving Through Chaos: How Jay Tarno Launched an RIA in a Pandemic

Launching a new business is never easy. Launching a Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firm in the middle of a global pandemic? Nearly unimaginable. Yet, that’s exactly what Jay Tarno, President and COO of Cornerstone Planning Group, accomplished in 2020.

While many advisory firms were focused solely on client retention and survival, Tarno and his team chose a different path. COVID-19 disrupted every aspect of business as usual, but for Cornerstone, the crisis accelerated a long-overdue decision: independence.

From Crisis to Opportunity

Breaking away from legacy systems and launching a new RIA during a crisis wasn’t reckless—it was a calculated move. Cornerstone entered the transition with a clear vision: build a tech-forward, scalable RIA that maintained a people-first, fiduciary approach.

Tarno’s experience navigating the 2008 financial crisis prepared him to act decisively in 2020. Rather than viewing volatility as a barrier, he saw it as a launchpad for transformation.

The Cornerstone Strategy

1. Technology as a Differentiator – By prioritizing scalable technology, Cornerstone built infrastructure that could adapt quickly to client and market needs.

2. Client-Centric Independence – Breaking away allowed the firm to focus fully on fiduciary duty and personalized client service without institutional constraints.

3. Resilience Through Experience – Having weathered previous downturns, Tarno and his team had the foresight to embrace bold moves during uncertainty.

Emerging Stronger

The result was a firm that didn’t just survive the pandemic—it grew stronger, more agile, and better positioned for the future of wealth management. Cornerstone’s journey is proof that with clarity of vision and the courage to act, disruption can become an opportunity for reinvention.

Listen to the Full Story

These insights are inspired by the latest episode of Next Mile podcast featuring Jay Tarno, COO of Cornerstone Planning Group. Hear how Cornerstone turned disruption into opportunity. Listen to the full episode here and  explore more articles in this series.