The Secret to Building a Successful Advisory Firm

Growth Is Important—But People Make It Sustainable
While growth remains a core focus for most advisory firms, long-term success is only possible with the right people in place. Lori Van Dusen, founder of LVW Advisors, proves that a thriving team is the foundation of a resilient, high-performing firm. Recruiting talent aligned with your mission is more powerful than any sales tactic.

Culture Isn’t Just a Perk—It’s a Growth Strategy
A strong, inclusive culture attracts and retains the kind of talent that drives your business forward. Successful advisory firms intentionally build environments where people feel empowered, heard, and motivated to deliver exceptional results. Culture isn’t just about perks—it’s about shared purpose.

Hire for Passion and Perspective, Not Just Resumes
Filling a role isn’t enough. You need professionals who believe in the firm’s mission and bring new energy to the team. Hiring passionate individuals who challenge the status quo and bring fresh thinking to legacy systems leads to better client outcomes and smarter internal processes.

Mentorship Builds the Leaders of Tomorrow
The most successful firms don’t just hire—they nurture. Through structured mentorship and growth opportunities, firms can help employees evolve alongside the business. Investing in your team’s development ensures long-term retention and creates a culture of continuous improvement.

Conclusion
A firm is only as strong as its people. Growth is important, but without a foundation of talent, culture, and mentorship, it’s unsustainable. The most successful advisory firms understand that people are their greatest asset—and they build everything else around them.

These insights are inspired by the Next Mile podcast featuring Lori Van Dusen,Founder and CEO of LVW Advisors. Listen to the full episode here and explore more articles in this series.