When I first went independent, I thought I was choosing freedom—I didn’t realize how much community would matter.
Like many advisors, I had my reasons:
- Higher payout
- More flexibility and control over my lifestyle
- Doing what I truly believe is in my clients’ best interest
- Control over my business plan
- Escaping the corporate unpleasantries
Those reasons mattered—and they still do. But what I didn’t fully anticipate was how much the experience of independence would shape everything. At WHealthy Empowerment Network (WHEN), we strive to provide you with a feeling of:
- Belonging
- Alignment
- Freedom without isolation
When I first went independent, the RIA I chose to join was over 2,000 miles—and six states—away. A little intimidating, but from day one, I was treated like part of a close-knit family.
When I called the back office for help, whichever teammate answered was never in a bad mood—never. Unlike my previous experiences, I no longer had to worry about whether the person I was calling had the right answer, whether they were having a bad day, or whether they would even answer the phone if they didn’t feel like it.
I’m not kidding—one of my first adjustments was realizing not only how consistently competent everyone was, but how genuinely kind and helpful they were. No matter what. Everyone treated each other the way they would want to be treated—a true culture of community. Additional team events were also held throughout the year, both in person and virtually, where everyone joined in. If one of the advisors had something client-related to celebrate, we would all join in–and even hit the celebratory gong (yes, really!).
In-person events were held once or twice a year, but one of my fondest memories was how the founders—who were also advisors—would ask us how we should allocate the company’s resources going forward.
New technology, additional staffing, or whatever we all deemed most important as a group.
We had brainstorming sessions that led to incredibly valuable insights. And even if the money wasn’t allocated to your top priority, you still felt like you were part of the process—like people truly cared and listened to what you had to say.
Although I could go on and on, the last memory I’ll share about the advisors and leadership I was fortunate enough to work with is the most important: they were supportive.
This was a community of cheerleaders who believed in me. They listened to my dreams, ideas, struggles, and challenges. One of the leaders was especially good at connecting like-minded advisors with similar practices. I met so many great people through these introductions—many of whom I’m still close with today.
It was a great place to grow as a newly independent advisor.
So what changed?
Many of us know this story. A successfully run company grows to the point where it becomes unsustainable, things begin to shift, and before you know it, the company is sold to a larger firm.
I don’t begrudge them—but the last time this happened, I knew it was time for me to move on.
Though there were still group calls and meetings, the feeling of community just wasn’t the same. There were more advisors with very different practices, and while resources were still being promoted, they felt less aligned with the priorities I had for my business’s growth and development.
What if independence didn’t mean feeling isolated?
What if, instead, it meant alignment—and being part of a competent, caring community? At WHealthy Empowerment Network, we’ve never believed advisors should have to choose between freedom and support.
You get to build your business your way—but you’re surrounded by people who understand, who share, who challenge you, and who genuinely want to see you win.
Because the truth is:
The best version of independence isn’t doing it alone. It’s finally having the right people beside you.
When I first went independent, I thought I was choosing freedom… but what I was really looking for was the right kind of community.
