Pros
Once a truly special culture—world-class service, collaborative spirit, and people who cared. • Many talented staff still trying their best despite leadership’s missteps.
Cons
Culture eroded long before COVID and never came back. Leadership changes (Joe → Wayne → Trap) drove the firm into a tailspin. They rode some pretty good markets but weren’t built to last • Trap’s “scale first” mindset gutted service. Fewer hires, more advisors to cover, and support quality plummeted. • Advisor360 spinoff caused tech interruptions and constant delays for advisors. • Internal campaigns slashed due to poor budgeting, no more diversity or cultural events, and Finance over-engineered a bonus system that demotivated everyone. • Service that was once world-class is now generic “LPL-lite.” • RIA and practice management offerings fell years behind competitors, fueling advisor departures. • The 2024 National Conference forced lack of communication put staff and advisors into hurricane conditions just to save money—embarrassing and reckless. • Endless propaganda to justify the LPL merger. Advisors didn’t want it, and they’re leaving.