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The Diamond Podcast for Financial AdvisorsLaunched in 2017 as Mindy Diamond on Independence, the show has taken on a broader perspective beyond independence to include topics, insights, and candid conversations around financial advisor transitions, growth, and an ever-changing industry landscape. Author: Mindy Diamond Financial Advisor Recruiter and Consultant
Launched in 2017 as Mindy Diamond on Independence, the show has taken on a broader perspective beyond the independent space to include topics, insights, and candid conversations around financial advisor transitions, growth, and an ever-changing industry landscape. Each episode is designed to offer objective guidance and actionable advice with some of the industrys brightest movers and shakers. Language: en-us Genres: Business, Careers, Investing Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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From the Ground Up: How to Create a $2.4B Content Growth Engine
Episode 354
Thursday, 9 April, 2026
With James Conole—Founder, Root Financial Overview James Conole built Root Financial from zero to ~$2.4B in just 8 years. Louis Diamond speaks with him about how he grew the firm through content and inbound demand rather than traditional business development, and how Root approaches culture, growth, and operating in a fully virtual environment. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. Watch… https://youtu.be/qmBjVi82jDc About this episode… Wealth management firms typically develop in a similar manner. It generally begins with a book of business, grows through referrals and relationships, and over time expands by adding other like-minded advisors. It’s a model that works—one that has been reinforced for decades. However, James Conole took a different path, beginning from the ground up. He’s the founder of Root Financial, a firm that’s grown to about $2.4B in assets in just 8 years. And what makes that growth interesting isn’t just the number—it’s how it happened. James didn’t begin with a book, nor did he grow the business through traditional prospecting or by recruiting advisors with existing books of business. Instead, the firm grew out of something else: content, inbound demand, and a very intentional approach to building a team that could support it. That’s the focus of this conversation with Louis Diamond. They dive into James’ story, including: The traditional playbook—and why James felt he could build a firm in a new way. The real value of content—and what made their YouTube videos an effective client acquisition engine. Balancing growth between demand and capacity—and why it’s not a process left to a single metric. The virtual firm—and how to foster and maintain consistency and culture as it scales. Effective Zoom team meetings—and what key activity drives their success. The “one meeting close”—and how that process changed their efficacy in onboarding new clients. It’s a fresh look at building a business, managing growth, and creating a culture that’s rooted in the values and mission upon which the firm is built. Plenty to learn for advisors and business owners alike. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Custody Reimagined: How Jason Wenk and Altruist Are Disrupting the Status QuoA candid conversation on rethinking custody from the ground up—and why simplification, aligned economics, and integrated technology are becoming critical for advisors building modern, scalable firms. Firms That Win in 2025: What Advisors Are Really Looking ForWith advisor expectations evolving, not all “good firms” are winning the talent. Mindy and Louis Diamond share what today’s top advisors really value—and why some firms are standing out while others fall short. Intentional Growth: How Top Advisors Build Businesses That LastMarkets can be a tailwind, but building a durable business requires intention and a plan. Here are 5 core practices from the industry’s elite. The 10 Characteristics of the Most Successful TeamsThe most successful teams are led by strong leaders who guide cohesive groups with complementary skills, all working together towards a shared goal: success. We’ve put together a list of 10 key traits that top teams consistently excel in. James ConoleFounder Founder of Root Financial Partners, James is CFP® professional who practices financial planning for clients under a fiduciary oath. He received his MBA with a concentration in finance from Pepperdine University. He currently resides with his beautiful family in Cardiff, CA, and runs his financial planning firm out of Solana Beach. James enjoys helping people navigate the complexities of their financial lives so they can be free to enjoy what they love most. When he’s not working, James loves to surf, stay active, and spend time with his family. He’s also involved in his church and engages in several local organizations like the Rotary and San Diego Financial Literary Center.
