11/15/2021 - 73 minutes
Episode Summary
My guest today is Alex Assaley who is the Managing Principal of AFS 401k Retirement Services as well as the current President of the National Association of Plan Advisors. Alex needs no introduction in the industry having been named as one of NAPA’s Top Retirement Plan Advisors Under 40 since the list was launched in 2014 as well Employee Benefit Adviser magazine’s Retirement Advisor of the Year and 401kWire’s Top Retirement Plan Advisor of the Year–Large Market in 2012. Plus, he’s a talented musician and a great dude overall. He’s like the Tom Brady of the retirement industry - he’s pretty much got everything going for him. I had a blast chatting with Alex and we went a little longer than usual to cover a wide-ranging number of topics. I’ve always had respect for him and his firm but I walked away even more impressed after this conversation.
What You'll Learn
- How the fiduciary role has evolved over the years.
- Why Alex has stayed independent despite the current M&A environment.
- The opportunities that new advisors have as they start their careers.
- The importance of having a good process in place.
- Why Alex is passionate about building a practice that aligns with his values.
- How to segment clients based on size and scope.
- Alex’s strategic priorities for his team.
Links to Resources
Ideas Worth Sharing
- “For those who are just starting out in their careers, there is still a big opportunity… but you have to be much more of an expert across the board.” - Alex Assaley
- “[Your beliefs and values] shouldn’t change. Perhaps the technology and the look and feel of the delivery mechanism and how we are providing that service will always evolve, [but they are in alignment with our values].” - Alex Assaley
- “I hate the word ‘participant’—we always say ‘employee’ or ‘investor.’” - Alex Assaley