Next Mile
What If I Told You the Future of Financial Advice Was Sitting in Your Inbox?
Or maybe at the next conference. Or in a college classroom. Or looking for their first internship right now.
Let me start with a bold idea:
What if the biggest opportunity in wealth management isn’t a platform, a product, or a merger?
Someone hungry to learn. Ready to contribute.
Someone who could power the next generation of financial advice—if only they had a way in.
The Headlines Are Loud. But the Quiet Crisis Is Louder.
Every week, you’ll see it:
– “Massive M&A deal”
– “New tech reshaping advice”
– “Big moves in wealth management”
But behind the noise? A real problem no one’s talking about loudly enough:
We have a talent crisis.
Not the “hiring is hard” kind.
The “we may not have an industry in 15 years if we don’t fix this” kind.
Here’s why:
– The advisor population is aging—fast.
– Most advisors plan to retire within 5–7 years.
– Fewer young people are entering the profession.
– And many of those who want to… don’t know how.
We’ve got plenty of conferences, content, and capital.
But we don’t have a clear on-ramp.
And honestly, more advisors seem to be running to their retirement in Florida than running out to recruit new talent.
That’s a problem.
Because being attentive to clients isn’t just about today’s service—it’s about preparing the next generation to support them tomorrow.
The Most Inspiring Thing at Any Wealth Event Isn’t Shiny Tech
It’s not the keynotes.
It’s not the software demos.
It’s not the steak dinners.
It’s a group of students.
I recently spoke with members of the FinServ Foundation—over 700 students so far, and counting. They’re sharp. Curious. Engaged. They ask better questions than many executives. And they’re eager to contribute.
The FinServ Foundation helps them get in the room—at events, firms, and have real conversations across the country.
It’s one of the most exciting things happening in financial advice today.
And I want more people to know about it.
No Kickbacks. No Board Seat. Just Pure Admiration.
I’m not getting paid for this. I don’t sit on the board. I did once try to convince Jamie Hopkins to name it something else when he first launched it.
But Jamie was right. The name is good and the program is even better. I’ve seen it firsthand.
And I believe in it fully.
The FinServ Foundation connects students from 42+ universities with real opportunities in financial services.
They’re not just watching.
They’re getting in.
But here’s the catch:
The program’s success depends on one thing—firms like yours.
If you have an internship program, amazing. I’d love to hear what’s working for you and where you’ve had success or are looking for ideas to improve.
If you don’t, now’s the time.
The Foundation wants to scale from 700 to 1,000+ students soon. That’s achievable—but only if advisory firms (especially RIAs, where the opportunity is massive) step up and open the door.
So Here’s What You Can Do:
– Learn what the FinServ Foundation is doing and why it matters
– Build or improve your internship program
– Mentor. Hire. Invite. Share. Make room at your table
– Reach out to your alma mater and connect it to the Foundation
If you’re already involved—thank you. You’re not just helping someone start a career. You’re building the future of the profession.
TL;DR?
The future of financial advice isn’t a platform. It’s hidden in the hearts and minds of young people.
They’re not excited about moving our industry forward.
Let’s work together to make that happen.
Learn more about the FinServ Foundation
Donate if you can.
Reach out to Jamie Hopkins.
Start building the internship program your future firm needs.
And if you’re still thinking about moving to The Villages—at least make sure you’ve hired your replacement first.
Let’s go.
