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Simply Why Podcast: Measuring Up
Using Morton Brown Family Wealth’s results as a starting point, they look at the relationship between growth, staffing, client capacity, profitability, and reinvestment. They also explain why measuring against similar firms can help reveal whether an advisory business has the people and resources needed to support its clients as it grows.
Dennis and Katie reflect on lessons from building Morton Brown over the past eight years, their commitment to independence, and why good planning, whether for a business or a family, is never really finished. It requires looking beyond a single number, measuring what matters, and continuing to adjust along the way.
🎙️ In this conversation:
– Dennis and Katie explain how the Schwab RIA Benchmarking Study provides a broader view of an advisory firm’s health
– They discuss why growth and client capacity need to be considered together
– They explore how staffing, technology, and reinvestment can shape the client experience
– They share why continued growth creates opportunities for learning and development across a team
– They discuss industry consolidation and Morton Brown’s commitment to remaining independent
– They reflect on the similarities between building a healthy business and creating a financial plan for the future
💡 “How does it show up for the client? Are we delivering on our promises?” – Katie Brown
📌 Key Moments:
00:00 – Competition, scoreboards, and knowing what you’re measuring
03:00 – An early lesson that still shapes Morton Brown today
04:15 – What the Schwab RIA Benchmarking Study measures
07:25 – Why the size of an advisory firm doesn’t tell the whole story
08:20 – Looking at five-year growth
09:50 – Why client capacity matters alongside growth
11:15 – How growth creates opportunities for learning
12:20 – Profitability, reinvestment, and business health
15:25 – Planning for the long term
17:45 – Why one number shouldn’t define success
19:05 – Mergers, acquisitions, and independent advisory firms
21:05 – Looking ahead to Morton Brown’s next stage of growth
21:55 – Katie shares Morton Brown’s perspective with Schwab
🔗 Links & Resources
Explore the Schwab RIA Benchmarking Study: https://advisorservices.schwab.com/resource/ria-benchmarking-study-insights-2026
Learn more about Morton Brown Family Wealth: https://mortonbrownfw.com
Schedule a conversation: https://calendly.com/d/5gf-ryf-vq5
Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://simply-why.captivate.fm/listen
Important Disclosures: https://mortonbrownfw.com/important-disclosures/Show More
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