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Advisors Unfiltered

Advisors Unfiltered

Written by: Zach Gunderson
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What does it actually take to build an independent financial advisory practice from scratch?

Host Zach Gunderson sits down with solo and early-stage RIAs who are doing it for real. No corporate safety net, no big brand backing, just one CFP with passion and vision.

We talk about what it takes to build a practice, the passion that made them build it in the first place, their vision, their learnings, their clients, and the daily grind of building something that lasts.

Each episode digs into the unfiltered reality: the sacrifices, the marketing struggles, the moment your calendar goes from open to overbooked, what happens when you realize you can't be good at everything, and what to do about it.

If you're a CFP building your own practice (or thinking about making the leap), these conversations will bring you invaluable insights from people who have already walked the path, people who've been exactly where you are.

Xylo AI Corp 2026 Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Personal Finance
Episodes
  • Apache Helicopters, Horses, and Financial Planning | Derek Merkler | Trophy Point FP

    Apache Helicopters, Horses, and Financial Planning | Derek Merkler | Trophy Point FP
    Apr 2 2026

    Derek Merkler flew Apache helicopters, worked night shifts at Amazon, breeds horses, and built Trophy Point Financial Planning from the ground up.

    In this episode, Derek and Zach discuss what it really takes to build a sustainable CFP practice of your own:

    12-hour days, marketing that doesn't comes naturally, and the survival mindset nobody tells you about, etcetera.

    Have a lunch & learn listen, Derek shares great nuggets of wisdom for any current or aspiring solo+ CFPs!
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    39 mins
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