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Connecting Advisors and Investors to the Innovation Economy with Mark Buffington

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Episode 121: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Mark Buffington, CEO at BIP Capital and Managing Partner at BIP Ventures. Since founding BIP Capital, Mark has helped shape the firm into one of the most active and respected investment brands outside Silicon Valley. He’s also spearheaded several of its most forward-thinking initiatives, from a private-equity Evergreen BDC to a proprietary deep-data AI platform and a Performance Engineering framework built to create category-leading companies and deliver premium exits.

Mark and Kyle explore what it takes to build a wealth advisory practice that blends growth, service, and innovation. Mark explains the regulatory and educational hurdles that have historically kept most individuals at arm’s length from the innovation economy—and the unconventional solution BIP created to bridge that gap. He also breaks down how BIP adapted “performance engineering” principles from its tech portfolio to transform business culture and fuel record-breaking growth in the wealth management space.

In this episode:

(00:00) – Intro

(02:30) – Mark’s money moment

(08:50) – Why individuals struggle to access private markets

(15:08) – How BIP connects investors to alternative and private market opportunities

(23:32) – Bringing “performance engineering” into BIP’s business strategy

(27:46) – The challenge of building a sales culture on top of a service culture

(31:43) – The internal and external tech stack powering BIP’s growth

(37:15) – Mark’s outlook on the future of financial services

(43:16) – Mark’s Milemarker minute

Key Takeaways

A sales culture can enhance—not replace—service excellence. A strong service-driven culture doesn’t conflict with growth. When layered thoughtfully, a disciplined sales and marketing process amplifies the value you deliver while expanding your firm’s reach.

The traditional advisory value proposition isn’t enough. As the industry becomes more complex and competitive, simple asset allocation or basic planning won’t consistently attract or retain clients. Advisors need differentiated value supported by expertise, technology, and innovation.

Technology is a strategic advantage when you control it. Building or owning your tech and data enables better decisions, stronger efficiency, and a better client experience—especially as AI accelerates what’s possible.

Innovation removes structural barriers. Regulation, access limitations, and operational friction often hold back growth. Firms that find creative ways to overcome those barriers can separate themselves from competitors and unlock new opportunities.

Quotes

“The market shifted. Traditional advisors that provide basic asset allocation and some basic planning are not enough to win and keep business consistently.” ~ Mark Buffington

“In a world where advisors are increasingly under competitive pressure, how do we give them an advantage? Technologically, with AI and with private market products, and in ways that integrate with their workflows.” ~ Mark Buffington

“We are in the advice business, but we’re also in the worry elimination business. The real value to individuals with complex lives, who are raising kids and trying to manage their own careers, is to take that worry and concern off their plates.” ~ Mark Buffington

Links 

Mark Buffington on LinkedIn

Bill Harris

BIP Capital

BIP Ventures

BIP Wealth

iCapital

CAIS

Charles Schwab

Christy Johnson

Andrew Somoza

Hart Williford

Tamarac | Envestnet

Orion Advisor Solutions

Envestnet | MoneyGuide

eMoney Advisor

Plaid

Skin in the Game

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Milemarker.co

Kyle on LinkedIn

Jud on LinkedIn

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Building a Tech Stack That Scales With Your Firm

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Episode 120: As firms enter strategic planning season, Kyle Van Pelt brings together the strongest technology insights from four standout leaders. Nelly Mubashi explains the operational realities of supporting multiple advisor-selected platforms. Carrie Delgott highlights why consolidation into a unified stack unlocks collaboration and efficiency. Phillip Hamman shares how long-term planning and thoughtful automation free advisors to deliver “unreasonable hospitality.” And Michael Batnick offers a candid look at integration frustration inside a hyper-growth firm. Whether you’re expanding advisor choice or tightening your stack, this episode clarifies what it takes to build a scalable, integrated tech ecosystem that truly serves your team.

In this episode:

(00:00) – Intro

(00:54) – Nelly Mubashi on supporting advisors across multiple platforms like Tamarac and Orion

(05:01) – Carrie Delgott on why aligning the firm around one tech stack drives efficiency and collaboration

 (07:14) – Phillip Hamman on using technology to free up advisors and deliver “unreasonable hospitality”

(12:04) – Michael Batnick on the challenges of selecting tools that integrate well in a fast-growing firm

Links 

Nelly Mubashi on LinkedIn

Northwest Asset Management

Carrie Delgott on LinkedIn

Wescott Financial Advisory Group

Phillip Hamman on LinkedIn

Linscomb Wealth

Michael Batnick on LinkedIn

Ritholtz Wealth Management

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Milemarker.co

Kyle on LinkedIn

Jud on LinkedIn

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Turncast helps your company grow by producing top-quality content and fostering transformative conversations. We specialize in content generation, podcasting, digital strategy, and audience growth for fintech and financial services companies. Learn more at Turncast.com.

Mastering the Quarterback Role for Clients with Eric Kittner

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Episode 119: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Eric Kittner, CEO and Chairman of the Board at Moneta Group. Eric began his career at Arthur Andersen and RubinBrown before joining Moneta in 2003. Since becoming Managing Partner in 2018, Eric has led Moneta through a period of remarkable growth, expanding from a single Midwest office to multiple national markets and more than doubling its AUM. 

Eric talks with Kyle about Moneta’s comprehensive service model and how they’ve operationally mastered the ‘quarterback’ role for clients. He also shares the firm’s geographic growth strategy and the importance of in-office culture for developing the next generation of advisors. From tax strategy to tech adoption to developing next-gen talent, Eric reveals what it really takes to grow a firm that never loses its human touch.

In this episode:

(00:00) – Intro

(03:11) – Eric’s money moment

(05:33) – Lessons from Arthur Andersen: culture, training, and crisis opportunity

(08:10) – How tax strategy shapes Moneta’s approach to serving clients

(09:09) – Building a truly comprehensive service model

(11:39) – Why Moneta has never taken private equity money

(13:43) – Moneta’s intentional growth strategy: Go deep, not wide

(16:16) – What makes a perfect cultural and business fit for Moneta partnerships

(20:50) – Growing next-gen talent through flexibility and connection

(25:11) – Recruiting vs. developing future advisors

(30:30) – How Moneta leverages technology

(33:40) – The biggest tech drag on the advisor experience

(36:31) – Eric’s outlook on the future of wealth management

(40:57) – What makes one RIA different from another

(44:01) – Eric’s Milemarker Minute

Key Takeaways

Independence is not just a label—it’s a mindset. Whether you’re solo or part of a large firm, true independence comes from making decisions that align with your clients’ best interests, not outside pressures or short-term gains.

Culture is a foundation. Processes and tech can be copied. Culture can’t. The way your team behaves when no one’s watching determines how clients experience your firm.

Intentional growth leads to sustainable success. It’s easy to chase expansion or new tech for the sake of momentum. The best leaders grow deliberately, aligning every move with purpose, people, and long-term vision.

Technology should create time. Use tools that simplify and elevate human connection, not replace it. The future of advice belongs to firms that blend empathy with efficiency. 

Quotes

“To us, culture is not a mythical figure. Culture is the total of your behavior on a day-to-day basis.” ~ Eric Kittner

“We’ve been very intentional about doing what we do really well, being that quarterback, providing that advice, and coordinating the resources.” ~ Eric Kittner

“The title on your business card is what it is. When a client reaches out to you, that’s when you are their advisor.” ~ Eric Kittner

Links 

Eric Kittner on LinkedIn

Moneta Group

Andersen

Outliers: The Story of Success

Leaders Eat Last

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Milemarker.co

Kyle on LinkedIn

Jud on LinkedIn

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Produce game-changing content with Turncast

Turncast helps your company grow by producing top-quality content and fostering transformative conversations. We specialize in content generation, podcasting, digital strategy, and audience growth for fintech and financial services companies. Learn more at Turncast.com.

Bringing Humanity Back into Retirement Planning with Jason Weaver

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Episode 118: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Jason Weaver, Managing Partner of Weaver Consulting Group. With nearly three decades of experience in the financial services industry, Jason leads with a people-first philosophy rooted in mentorship, emotional intelligence, and community. 

Kyle and Jason unpack why financial planning today requires more than performance charts and retirement projections. Jason describes his mentorship-first approach to helping young people break free from the instant gratification of sports gambling and develop healthier, long-term investing habits. By fostering in-person community, accountability partnerships, and meaningful client events, he’s building trust and transformation that lasts beyond market cycles. Their conversation highlights how true advisory work is ultimately about alignment—connecting money with personal values, emotional well-being, and the relationships that support growth across a lifetime.

In this episode:

(00:00) – Intro

(00:50) – Jason’s money moment

(04:11) – The rise of sports gambling and its impact on young investors

(08:03) – How Jason helps teens shift from gambling to investing through mentorship

(12:32) – Jason’s five core beliefs and how they shape behavior and financial decisions

(17:10) – Why in-person community is essential for trust and transformation

(19:24) – Bringing humanity back into retirement planning

(21:52) – Balancing tech and touch: using digital tools to deepen relationships

(24:08) – Inside the Weaver Consulting Group tech stack

(27:39) – Jason’s outlook on the future of the financial services industry

(30:04) – Jason’s Milemarker Minute

Key Takeaways

Real financial planning is about people, not products. Numbers and strategies matter, but lasting transformation happens through human connection. Advisors create the most impact when they understand clients’ values, emotions, and identity—not just their balance sheets.

Short-term dopamine behaviors can derail long-term wealth. Sports gambling and similar instant-gratification habits literally retrain the brain. Helping young people shift from betting to investing starts with awareness, accountability, and a supportive community.

In-person relationships build trust that technology cannot replace. Face-to-face conversations, shared experiences, and community events deepen connection and reinforce healthy financial mindsets. Digital tools can support—but never substitute—the human element.

Use technology as an amplifier, not a replacement for advisory work. Tech should simplify workflows, enhance communication, and provide clarity—not create more noise. The most effective firms pair smart systems with authentic, values-driven guidance.

Quotes

“We individualize the planning experience and then educate people to understand the strategies we’ve chosen together to make sure that we can help them have a wonderful life.” ~ Jason Weaver

“People don’t want just a plan. They want alignment between their money, their values, and their well-being.” ~ Jason Weaver

“Invest in yourself first. At the end of the day, your greatest return is yourself.” ~ Jason Weaver

Links 

Jason Weaver on LinkedIn

Weaver Consulting Group

Ameriprise Financial

Fidelity Investments

Vanguard

Orion Advisor Solutions

Redtail Technology

eMoney Advisor

Charles Schwab

The Hum

The Law of Success

Connect with our hosts

Milemarker.co

Kyle on LinkedIn

Jud on LinkedIn

Subscribe and stay in touch

Apple Podcasts

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Produce game-changing content with Turncast

Turncast helps your company grow by producing top-quality content and fostering transformative conversations. We specialize in content generation, podcasting, digital strategy, and audience growth for fintech and financial services companies. Learn more at Turncast.com.