Trading Teams: Advisors Who Found Their Fit with Good Life

Making a move from your broker-dealer isn’t just a business decision—it’s a transformative journey that can revitalize your entire advisory practice.

For many financial advisors, the thought of leaving an established broker-dealer relationship feels overwhelming. The familiar, even with its frustrations, often seems safer than the unknown. Yet at Good Life Companies, we’ve witnessed countless advisors achieve remarkable success after making the transition.

But here’s what we’ve learned from the hundreds of advisors we’ve helped transition at Good Life: once you make the move, you’ll wonder why you waited.

So what actually happens after you take the leap? Let’s break down the real-life results, transformations, and growth that advisors experience when they stop playing by someone else’s rules—and start leading their own team.

The Liberation Effect: What Really Happens Post-Transition

Our conversations with Good Life advisors consistently reveal one striking pattern: the sense of professional liberation vastly outweighs any temporary disruption. Advisors like JR Frenzel of Good Life Financial Advisors of West Virginia share a common reflection—they wish they hadn’t waited so long to make the move.

The transition experience typically unfolds in three phases:

1. Initial Concern: Natural apprehension about client retention and operational changes
2. Guided Transition: Structured support from the Good Life transition team
3. Transformative Relief: The unexpected sense of freedom and possibility that emerges

“My biggest concern was the fear of the unknown. ‘Independent’ was a scary word to me—I didn’t know how I would run a business on my own. I was used to the corporate wirehouse model, and independence initially felt like a red flag. But once I completed my transition, I realized the power of supporting independence. I wasn’t alone.” — JR Frenzel, Owner and Wealth Consultant at Good Life Financial Advisors of West Virginia

The Client Response: Stronger Relationships, Not Lost Accounts

Perhaps the most significant fear for transitioning advisors centers on potential client attrition. The reality? Most Good Life advisors experience exceptional client retention rates, often surpassing expectations.

Even more surprising is what happens after the transition settles:

• Deeper client engagement: Without restrictive policies, advisors can truly address client needs
• Elevated trust: Clients appreciate the transparent communication about the transition
• Accelerated referrals: Many advisors report increases in client referrals post-transition

“One question we often get, that we can answer differently now: ‘Can you talk to our children, neighbor, friend, even if they don’t have very much money?’ We tell them we would be so honored to talk to them. If they are important to you, they are important to us!” — Katie Ives, Founder of Good Life Financial Advisors of NC

What drives this positive client response? Our observations suggest that clients value their advisor’s commitment to improving service delivery far more than institutional loyalty. When advisors clearly communicate how the transition benefits the client experience, resistance rarely materializes.

Unlocking Practice Growth: The Three Expansion Drivers

The transition to Good Life Companies typically catalyzes significant practice growth through three key mechanisms:

1. Service Evolution

Free from restrictive product shelves and compliance limitations, advisors can implement truly holistic planning approaches. This expanded capability often attracts assets previously held elsewhere, growing AUM without acquiring new clients.

“Being independent removed all restrictions and corporate influences from my practice. I can customize pricing and investment strategies based on each client’s unique needs rather than being forced into rigid structures. I take the time to truly know my clients so I can help them achieve their financial goals more effectively.” — JR Frenzel, Owner and Wealth Consultant at Good Life Financial Advisors of West Virginia

2. Economic Advantage

Good Life’s advisor-centric payout structure creates immediate financial benefits. Many advisors report 15-30% improvements in personal income, even before accounting for practice growth. This economic advantage provides not only increased income but also increased capital for reinvestment in practice development.

Our payouts are based on size and affiliation model, giving you significantly more of what you earn.

3. Efficiency Revolution

The cumulative effect of streamlined operations, enhanced technology, and reduced bureaucracy creates significant time savings. Good Life advisors consistently report that this newfound efficiency allows them to focus on high-value activities that directly impact practice growth rather than administrative burdens.

“Some would think being independent, you are alone on an island. But with Good Life, if we are on an island, it is at an all-inclusive resort! We have our technology support, asset and market analysts, insurance agency, marketing department, etc.” — Michael Chapman, Founder of Good Life Financial Advisors of NC

The Personal Renaissance: Beyond Business Metrics

While practice growth captures attention, the personal transformation many advisors experience proves equally significant. Our conversations with Good Life advisors reveal consistent life enhancements:

Reclaimed Professional Purpose

Many advisors arrive at Good Life experiencing various stages of burnout. The freedom to serve clients according to their own vision reignites passion for the profession. Family members often notice the difference first—increased energy, improved mood, and renewed enthusiasm.

Work-Life Harmony

The autonomy to structure your practice around life priorities rather than corporate mandates creates profound balance. Advisors report attending family events without guilt, designing flexible schedules, and eliminating unnecessary stress.

“Family time is incredibly important to me…Independence has allowed me to be more present in my family’s life and my community, which has helped me achieve not only work-life balance but also impacted business positively as well.” — JR Frenzel, Owner and Wealth Consultant at Good Life Financial Advisors of West Virginia

Community Connection

Perhaps most unexpected is the camaraderie found within the Good Life community. Conor Delaney, founder of Good Life Companies, has intentionally cultivated a collaborative environment where advisors support rather than compete with each other. This professional community combats the isolation many advisors experience at traditional firms.

Your Transition Blueprint: Lessons from Those Who’ve Made the Journey

Based on the collective wisdom of advisors who have successfully transitioned to Good Life Companies, we’ve developed a proven transition framework:

1. Strategic Preparation (3-6 months before transition)

• Begin documenting client relationships and service models
• Identify ideal timing based on business cycles
• Explore Good Life’s platforms and capabilities

2. Prepare Thoughtful Client Communication

• Develop client-focused messaging emphasizing service improvements
• Prepare clear explanations of the transition benefits
• Plan personalized outreach for top-tier clients

Note: This stage is all about preparation to allow smooth communication as being able to highlight why your transition benefits your clients is one of the biggest keys to a successful transition.

3. Leveraging Transition Support (During transition)

• Utilize Good Life’s dedicated transition specialists
• Follow established workflows for account transfers
• Implement technology platforms with expert guidance

4. Embracing Growth Opportunities (Post-transition)

• Explore expanded service offerings
• Connect with Good Life’s advisor community
• Leverage newfound efficiency for strategic growth

“We didn’t have to do any real estate negotiations or play general contractor while our offices were being built. We basically told them where we wanted to be and picked out which furniture design we liked, and some paint colors. And everything else was taken care of.” — Michael Chapman, Founder of Good Life Financial Advisors of NC

Your Next Chapter Begins Here

The decision to leave a broker-dealer relationship represents a pivotal moment in your advisory career. While the prospect may seem daunting, the experiences of countless Good Life advisors confirm that the rewards far outweigh the temporary challenges of transition.

Rather than wondering what might be possible, take the first step today:

• Schedule a confidential consultation with our transition team
• Request our comprehensive transition guide with detailed timelines and checklists
• Connect with a Good Life advisor who made a similar transition from your current firm

Contact us at [contact information] or visit [website] to begin your journey toward true independence.

The most consistent regret we hear from our advisors isn’t about making the move—it’s about not making it sooner.