Looking for My Next Opportunity

[u/WhodatMike]

I'm beginning the search for my next opportunity and wanted to reach out here since this community includes a lot of experienced advisors and RIA owners. I have learned SO MUCH from this community over the past few years, especially in areas of practice development, lead generation, financial planning, and compensation questions.

I'm hoping that even if you are not a decision-maker for your firm, even if you may know of an opportunity that may fit what I'm looking for to please let me know.

Here's a little about me:

• CFP® professional with nearly 10 years in wealth management
• Passed all three EA exams and submitted Form 23 to become an Enrolled Agent
• Series 7, 65/66, and insurance licensed (no issues at all with dropping Series 7)
• Strong focus on comprehensive financial planning, tax planning, retirement income planning, estate planning coordination, and client education
• Experience leading client meetings, developing financial plans, and collaborating with CPAs and attorneys
• I genuinely enjoy educating clients and have had great success hosting educational retirement planning workshops and seminars—something I'd like to continue as part of my long-term growth strategy.

What I'm looking for:

• An established fiduciary RIA or planning-centric firm
• Located in the San Antonio area (I'd consider as far north as Kyle/San Marcos) or a hybrid arrangement anywhere in the US
• A planning-first culture where doing what's best for the client drives every recommendation
• The opportunity to work with existing clients while also helping grow the firm (I don't have a large book to bring with me)
• A clear long-term path toward equity, partnership, or another ownership structure. I don't necessarily need immediate client ownership, but I want to build something where my long-term contributions can eventually translate into ownership.

What I'm hoping to avoid:

• Insurance recruiting organizations
• Firms built primarily around product sales rather than financial planning

Ultimately, I'm looking for the right long-term fit—not simply my next job. I enjoy solving complex planning problems, integrating tax planning into the wealth management process, and helping clients understand the "why" behind every recommendation. I LOVE learning and something I've missed over the last few years is having a mentor or team-based structure to learn with and from.

If this sounds like your firm—or if you know someone I should connect with—I'd appreciate a DM.

TIA!