Building a Planning First Advisory Firm Through Partnership, Process, & Succession

Episode 34 of What Works featuring Kim DeProspero & Hank Cleare from Financial Strategies Group. What does it take to build a financial advisory firm that can grow beyond its founders while staying deeply focused on client relationships? In this episode, Kim DeProspero and Hank Cleare, partners at Financial Strategies Group in Sunrise, Florida, share the story behind their careers, their partnership, and the evolution of FSG into a planning-first advisory practice. Kim reflects on her early start in the insurance business, her transition into financial planning, and the lessons she learned from rebuilding her practice from the ground up. Hank shares how his background with the Federal Reserve and bank consulting eventually led him into financial planning and IFG. Together, they discuss how they successfully merged their practices, built a strong team, created a succession path for the next generation, and developed processes that allow the firm to serve clients consistently, whether they are in Florida, Atlanta, the Keys, or Italy. KEY TAKEAWAYS: How Kim found her way into the financial services business. Why discipline and knowing your numbers mattered early in her career. How Hank’s Federal Reserve background shaped his planning perspective. Why financial planning became the foundation of FSG’s client relationships. How Kim and Hank successfully merged their practices as spouses and partners. Why communication, trust, and clear boundaries matter in business partnerships. How FSG built a team-based client service model. Why strategic partners became a powerful source of referrals and client support. How charging for financial planning improves client commitment and follow-through. Why succession planning has been a long-term focus for the firm. How Nick, Chris, and Matt grew into key roles within the business. The role technology plays in creating efficiency and consistency. Why building process and capacity allows FSG to scale intentionally. How empathy, listening, and relationships remain central to great financial advice.