Choosing the right firm is one of the most important decisions of your career.
Make the best choice Avoid costly mistakes Save time and energy Narrow your options Ask the right questions Negotiate your optimal offer
with an expert by your side.
Choosing the right firm is one of the most important decisions of your career.
Make the best choice Avoid costly mistakes Save time and energy Narrow your options Ask the right questions Negotiate your optimal offer
with an expert by your side.
I’ve helped over 600 advisors save time, money, and frustration when moving to a new RIA or Broker Dealer.
Understand your options 
Avoid mistakes Negotiate your best deal
AT NO COST TO YOU. Yes, really!
Avoid mistakes Negotiate your best deal
AT NO COST TO YOU. Yes, really!
How it works:
EDUCATE
We work together confidentially to give you an overview and understanding of industry options and help you identify your goals, wants, and needs.
CURATE
We narrow down the list of hundreds of options to only the best solutions to meet your goals.
ADVOCATE
I work alongside you to help you ask the right questions, avoid surprises, and make a smart decision.
NEGOTIATE
I help you negotiate the many aspects of your offer and maximize your economics to get you what you deserve.
Your clients lean on your expertise to save them time and stress – and avoid costly mistakes.
You need an expert by your side who can do the same for you.
You need an expert by your side who can do the same for you.
The difference an expert can make in your transition
ON YOUR OWN
WITH AN EXPERT
There are WAY too many options – how do you know where to start?
I can show you the way – with a proven process I’ve used effectively for over a decade.
You’ve not been through this many times – you’re learning as you go.
I’ve helped over 600 advisors successfully transition. Lean on my expertise.
You don’t know who to trust. Every firm says they are the best solution for your business – it’s their job to make the sale – but how can you be sure it’s the best option for YOU?
I can help you separate the truth from the sales pitches. I’ll make sure you ask the right questions and help you determine which answers you can trust.
You’re busy with work and your home life. You don’t have time for extensive research.
It’s a time-consuming process and can quickly become overwhelming. I’ve already researched over 200 firms and can help you efficiently narrow down your best options.
You only have one chance to negotiate a contract. What if you don’t get the best deal?
I don’t just help you make your decision; I use years of expertise to help you negotiate the best deal for you.
What if you make the wrong decision? What if you end up in a worse place than before?
You don’t have to shoulder this alone. Let me help you every step of the way to make the best decision possible.
You know your business; I know the industry landscape.
Together we’ll make a confident and informed decision.
Hi I'm Corey Walen
Managing Partner, Bridgemark Strategies
I help financial advisors like you find the freedom you’ve been craving to grow your business and serve your clients – in the way you’ve always wanted – by helping you:
- Change broker dealers,
- Break away and start or join a new RIA, or
- Sell or merge your business.
In the past decade, I’ve helped hundreds of advisors successfully make the transition. You don’t have to go it alone.
I don't know what I would have done without Corey. He not only got me several offers to choose from, but he helped me decide which firm was the best fit for me. He was even there for me after the transition. Now I'm happier than I've ever been as a financial advisor. If I ever need help again, Corey would be the first one I would call.
Frank Mitchell MamolaEdward Jones to Cetera 
Corey was instrumental in helping me make one of the most important decisions in my lifetime that will serve to provide significant long term benefit our clients and practice. Despite two decades of personal experience in the industry, there are so many aspects of a transition that need to be factored in, that retaining an objective expert like Corey is vital. It is a technical and emotional decision and Corey was skilled in both aspects of managing the process to our practice's benefit.
Bill LairdFrom RIA to New Edge Advisors 
Corey has the expertise to turn the process of becoming independent from a daunting task into a liberating and exciting one. My team and I felt that Corey perfectly translated our desires into an action plan, and connected us with precisely the right firm for our needs. He was communicative, knowledgeable, and, most importantly, committed to our preferences.
Jake McLeanWells Fargo to LPL 
Corey was so instrumental in helping me with what the hardest decision in my life. I made the decision 6 months ago to go independent and it was the best move I’ve ever made. Thank you Corey for staying with me and ultimately helping me with this amazing move from a big bank owned wire house to independence! I don’t think I will ever move again, but if I do I’ll be calling Corey.
Jonathan GrocottMerrill Lynch To Wealth Preservation Associates 
Could not have done it without Corey! He was invaluable to me as I tried to navigate the daunting task of moving from a wirehouse to the independent channel.
He really took the time to get to know me and my practice, what I was looking for and what I wanted to avoid. He continued to dig deeper, ask questions, truly listen and tailor his guidance throughout the process. His unbiased opinion and calm demeanor, coupled with the countless phone calls, made me feel confident that I had done all my homework and was making the best decision for my family and my clients.
I have recommended him to everyone I know that is looking to make a change or unhappy in their current situation. I will be using him again, if the time comes to make a change down the road.
Bryan BiagioliMorgan Stanley To Maple Wealth He really took the time to get to know me and my practice, what I was looking for and what I wanted to avoid. He continued to dig deeper, ask questions, truly listen and tailor his guidance throughout the process. His unbiased opinion and calm demeanor, coupled with the countless phone calls, made me feel confident that I had done all my homework and was making the best decision for my family and my clients.
I have recommended him to everyone I know that is looking to make a change or unhappy in their current situation. I will be using him again, if the time comes to make a change down the road.
When I decided to start doing my due diligence, I knew very little about the options and different models outside of my current firm. Corey took the time to listen to where I was, educate me on my options and then make appropriate introductions to firms he felt would be the best fit for our practice. He was transparent in the fact that his conflict was wanting me to leave my current firm, but I felt there was no bias towards where I transitioned to, he just wanted to help me find the best fit. All along the way Corey was very supportive and available to any questions or concerns I had and I never once felt pressure to make a decision, he just wanted me to be comfortable with which ever direction we choose.
Simon KeelingRaymond James to Edward Jones 
I found Cory to be a breath of fresh air. Unlike most of the recruiters I spoke with he took the time to listen to what I was really looking for in a firm. He worked with me to sort through the options and was my advocate during the negotiation process with my firm of choice. I wouldn’t hesitate to work with him again or refer a colleague to him and his firm.
Stephen SextonTruist to Vero Wealth Management 
Corey is not a recruiter; he is a true advisor to financial advisors. He is a wealth of knowledge and a true expert in the industry. Corey took an independent and fiduciary approach throughout the process and was never too pushy or trying to persuade us to choose one company over another.
We held countless meetings and phone calls, and Corey was able to educate us on all our options to help our team make the best decision for our clients and business. We never would have imagined the number of questions that were appropriate to ask, but Corey was with us every step of the way.
If you have ever wondered what else is out there, but didn’t know who to turn to, you aren’t alone. We can confidently recommend that taking a phone call with Corey can and will forever change your life.
Michael Soroko, Zach ZendaMass Mutual to Emeritus Wealth We held countless meetings and phone calls, and Corey was able to educate us on all our options to help our team make the best decision for our clients and business. We never would have imagined the number of questions that were appropriate to ask, but Corey was with us every step of the way.
If you have ever wondered what else is out there, but didn’t know who to turn to, you aren’t alone. We can confidently recommend that taking a phone call with Corey can and will forever change your life.
Working with Corey gave us the same confidence and clarity we hope to provide our clients. Corey offered independent advice, and brought us to several different firms removing the confusion and chaos of talking to recruiters from multiple different places. Corey was able to learn about our practice, what was important to us and match us up with his most impactful ideas. 10/10 I recommend hiring Corey at no cost to you during your due diligence process.
Sean TyllWells Fargo to Tyll Wells Fargo to Applewhite Tyll Retirement Planners 
Corey took the time (years) to learn about us, our clients, and our business and introduced us to the companies and opportunities he felt would be the best fit for us. He helped us quickly narrow the choices down to a select few and connected us with other advisors/teams to get their feedback/insight as well. Having his support was a tremendous help and saved us incredible amounts of time.
I can’t imagine going through the due diligence process without Corey’s insight, experience, and advice. Having him there along the way proved invaluable and he helped us narrow our focus and find the right fit for our clients, our team and our goals.
Austin PalmerMerrill Lynch to Destination Wealth Advisors I can’t imagine going through the due diligence process without Corey’s insight, experience, and advice. Having him there along the way proved invaluable and he helped us narrow our focus and find the right fit for our clients, our team and our goals.
When you start exploring leaving your current firm it makes sense to partner with Corey. He is the one with his ear to the ground in the industry. He listened to my specific wants and needs and matched me with multiple firms. From there I did my due diligence and found the best fit for me. I can’t recommend working with Corey enough. This move is far too important to guess your way through. An expert is what every advisor looking to transition needs.
Aaron TuttleWagon Wheel Financial Advisors- From Edward Jones 
Corey is an incredible listener and problem-solver. He was a large reason why I ultimately decided to go independent.
If friends are interested in exploring their options, I encourage them to meet with Corey.
He is completely independent and can choose to work with anyone. He understands the competitive landscape.
More importantly, he can find advisors the best fit based on what is most important to them. A conversation with Corey is a great first step for anyone struggling with the question, "am I at the right firm for me?"
Nic NielsenTruist to Know My Plan 
Corey presented me unbiased advice I didn’t find elsewhere. He also put in just as much effort as I had in exploring my options. I’m forever grateful for finding him!
Clark JohnsonEdward Jones to LPL 
I found Corey Walen’s expertise to be of great value to me in my career search. When I began looking to go independent all I knew was LPL. I didn’t know anything about other firms, OSJ’s, etc. It was a whole new world to me. Through a mutual friend, who is also a wholesaler, Corey was able to intervene on my behalf. I am very thankful for that and think all the time what if Corey was never brought into my transition search. Would I still be looking for a new home? I am at Cambridge Investments and very happy today because of Corey.
Gregory S. Bingel, MBA, CFP®, ChFC®Truist to Cambridge Investment Research 
I highly recommend Corey Whalen as at least one person to contact when thinking about transitioning from one financial firm to another. He is incredibly knowledgeable of most, if not all the current firms. He understands what each is looking for and will steer you towards where you probably will be the most successful. He gives you the good and bad of each firm based upon his years of experience in the industry. Please do yourself a favor and contact him immediately upon considering making a move.
Shane PruittEdward Jones To Kestra 
I highly recommend Corey Walen. He helped my group and me evaluate different options and choose the best fit for us. He is professional, knowledgeable, thorough and diligent. Above all, I value his honesty and integrity.
Steve GaskinsStratos Wealth Partners to Independent Advisor Alliance 
I recommend working with Corey Walen. He helped me evaluate RIA and Broker Dealer opportunities. Corey educated me on various packages available and connected me with firms that would be a good fit for me. He is attentive and professional.
Mike MohlmanLPL To Mohlman Wealth Management 
Previous
Next
I don't know what I would have done without Corey. He not only got me several offers to choose from, but he helped me decide which firm was the best fit for me. He was even there for me after the transition. Now I'm happier than I've ever been as a financial advisor. If I ever need help again, Corey would be the first one I would call.
Frank Mitchell MamolaEdward Jones to Cetera
Corey was so instrumental in helping me with what the hardest decision in my life. I made the decision 6 months ago to go independent and it was the best move I’ve ever made. Thank you Corey for staying with me and ultimately helping me with this amazing move from a big bank owned wire house to independence! I don’t think I will ever move again, but if I do I’ll be calling Corey.
Jonathan GrocottMerrill Lynch To Wealth Preservation Associates
Corey was instrumental in helping me make one of the most important decisions in my lifetime that will serve to provide significant long term benefit our clients and practice. Despite two decades of personal experience in the industry, there are so many aspects of a transition that need to be factored in, that retaining an objective expert like Corey is vital. It is a technical and emotional decision and Corey was skilled in both aspects of managing the process to our practice's benefit.
Bill LairdFrom RIA to New Edge Advisors
Corey has the expertise to turn the process of becoming independent from a daunting task into a liberating and exciting one. My team and I felt that Corey perfectly translated our desires into an action plan, and connected us with precisely the right firm for our needs. He was communicative, knowledgeable, and, most importantly, committed to our preferences.
Jake McLeanWells Fargo to LPL
Could not have done it without Corey! He was invaluable to me as I tried to navigate the daunting task of moving from a wirehouse to the independent channel.
He really took the time to get to know me and my practice, what I was looking for and what I wanted to avoid. He continued to dig deeper, ask questions, truly listen and tailor his guidance throughout the process. His unbiased opinion and calm demeanor, coupled with the countless phone calls, made me feel confident that I had done all my homework and was making the best decision for my family and my clients.
I have recommended him to everyone I know that is looking to make a change or unhappy in their current situation. I will be using him again, if the time comes to make a change down the road.
Bryan BiagioliMorgan Stanley To Maple Wealth He really took the time to get to know me and my practice, what I was looking for and what I wanted to avoid. He continued to dig deeper, ask questions, truly listen and tailor his guidance throughout the process. His unbiased opinion and calm demeanor, coupled with the countless phone calls, made me feel confident that I had done all my homework and was making the best decision for my family and my clients.
I have recommended him to everyone I know that is looking to make a change or unhappy in their current situation. I will be using him again, if the time comes to make a change down the road.
When I decided to start doing my due diligence, I knew very little about the options and different models outside of my current firm. Corey took the time to listen to where I was, educate me on my options and then make appropriate introductions to firms he felt would be the best fit for our practice. He was transparent in the fact that his conflict was wanting me to leave my current firm, but I felt there was no bias towards where I transitioned to, he just wanted to help me find the best fit. All along the way Corey was very supportive and available to any questions or concerns I had and I never once felt pressure to make a decision, he just wanted me to be comfortable with which ever direction we choose.
Simon KeelingRaymond James to Edward Jones
I found Cory to be a breath of fresh air. Unlike most of the recruiters I spoke with he took the time to listen to what I was really looking for in a firm. He worked with me to sort through the options and was my advocate during the negotiation process with my firm of choice. I wouldn’t hesitate to work with him again or refer a colleague to him and his firm.
Stephen SextonTruist to Vero Wealth Management
Corey is not a recruiter; he is a true advisor to financial advisors. He is a wealth of knowledge and a true expert in the industry. Corey took an independent and fiduciary approach throughout the process and was never too pushy or trying to persuade us to choose one company over another.
We held countless meetings and phone calls, and Corey was able to educate us on all our options to help our team make the best decision for our clients and business. We never would have imagined the number of questions that were appropriate to ask, but Corey was with us every step of the way.
If you have ever wondered what else is out there, but didn’t know who to turn to, you aren’t alone. We can confidently recommend that taking a phone call with Corey can and will forever change your life.
Michael Soroko, Zach ZendaMass Mutual to Emeritus Wealth We held countless meetings and phone calls, and Corey was able to educate us on all our options to help our team make the best decision for our clients and business. We never would have imagined the number of questions that were appropriate to ask, but Corey was with us every step of the way.
If you have ever wondered what else is out there, but didn’t know who to turn to, you aren’t alone. We can confidently recommend that taking a phone call with Corey can and will forever change your life.
Working with Corey gave us the same confidence and clarity we hope to provide our clients. Corey offered independent advice, and brought us to several different firms removing the confusion and chaos of talking to recruiters from multiple different places. Corey was able to learn about our practice, what was important to us and match us up with his most impactful ideas. 10/10 I recommend hiring Corey at no cost to you during your due diligence process.
Sean TyllWells Fargo to Tyll Wells Fargo to Applewhite Tyll Retirement Planners
Corey took the time (years) to learn about us, our clients, and our business and introduced us to the companies and opportunities he felt would be the best fit for us. He helped us quickly narrow the choices down to a select few and connected us with other advisors/teams to get their feedback/insight as well. Having his support was a tremendous help and saved us incredible amounts of time.
I can’t imagine going through the due diligence process without Corey’s insight, experience, and advice. Having him there along the way proved invaluable and he helped us narrow our focus and find the right fit for our clients, our team and our goals.
Austin PalmerMerrill Lynch to Destination Wealth Advisors I can’t imagine going through the due diligence process without Corey’s insight, experience, and advice. Having him there along the way proved invaluable and he helped us narrow our focus and find the right fit for our clients, our team and our goals.
When you start exploring leaving your current firm it makes sense to partner with Corey. He is the one with his ear to the ground in the industry. He listened to my specific wants and needs and matched me with multiple firms. From there I did my due diligence and found the best fit for me. I can’t recommend working with Corey enough. This move is far too important to guess your way through. An expert is what every advisor looking to transition needs.
Aaron TuttleWagon Wheel Financial Advisors- From Edward Jones
Corey is an incredible listener and problem-solver. He was a large reason why I ultimately decided to go independent.
If friends are interested in exploring their options, I encourage them to meet with Corey.
He is completely independent and can choose to work with anyone. He understands the competitive landscape.
More importantly, he can find advisors the best fit based on what is most important to them. A conversation with Corey is a great first step for anyone struggling with the question, "am I at the right firm for me?"
Nic NielsenTruist to Know My Plan
Corey presented me unbiased advice I didn’t find elsewhere. He also put in just as much effort as I had in exploring my options. I’m forever grateful for finding him!
Clark JohnsonEdward Jones to LPL
I found Corey Walen’s expertise to be of great value to me in my career search. When I began looking to go independent all I knew was LPL. I didn’t know anything about other firms, OSJ’s, etc. It was a whole new world to me. Through a mutual friend, who is also a wholesaler, Corey was able to intervene on my behalf. I am very thankful for that and think all the time what if Corey was never brought into my transition search. Would I still be looking for a new home? I am at Cambridge Investments and very happy today because of Corey.
Gregory S. Bingel, MBA, CFP®, ChFC®Truist to Cambridge Investment Research
I highly recommend Corey Whalen as at least one person to contact when thinking about transitioning from one financial firm to another. He is incredibly knowledgeable of most, if not all the current firms. He understands what each is looking for and will steer you towards where you probably will be the most successful. He gives you the good and bad of each firm based upon his years of experience in the industry. Please do yourself a favor and contact him immediately upon considering making a move.
Shane PruittEdward Jones To Kestra
I highly recommend Corey Walen. He helped my group and me evaluate different options and choose the best fit for us. He is professional, knowledgeable, thorough and diligent. Above all, I value his honesty and integrity.
Steve GaskinsStratos Wealth Partners to Independent Advisor Alliance
I recommend working with Corey Walen. He helped me evaluate RIA and Broker Dealer opportunities. Corey educated me on various packages available and connected me with firms that would be a good fit for me. He is attentive and professional.
Mike MohlmanLPL To Mohlman Wealth Management
Insights and Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
– I have over a decade of experience and have helped more than 600 financial advisors explore the marketplace and find the right firms
– My past experience recruiting for two of the top Independent Broker Dealers in the US has given me a deep understanding of how firms operate from the inside
– I have a team of 8 recruiters from all walks of the financial services industry that collaborates behind the scenes to find the right firm for you
– We have a trademarked process to help financial advisors evaluate a firm. We look for:
- FEEL: Are you culturally and philosophically aligned? Does it feel right? We’ll help you discover firms you can trust with like-minded people you enjoy working with.
- FIT: Does your firm’s products and services align with your goals? We’ll work with you to uncover the firm with the right fit for your business needs.
- FINANCIALS: Are you getting a fair deal? We can help you assess financial differences among firms and assist with negotiating final terms.
Your search will always be treated with 100% confidentiality. One the the many benefits of speaking with a independent recruiter like myself is understanding what industry options are BEFORE making introductions to firms.
My services cost you nothing. No matter where you decide to go, the FIRM pays our finders fee so we can work together unbiasedly.
The decision-making process usually takes 2-6 months, depending on the level of engagement from your team.
It all starts with an introductory 30 minute zoom or phone call.
Are you a financial advisor considering a move?
Don’t navigate this complex process alone.
Find out how I can help you every step of the way to make the best decision possible.
- Ask questions
- Learn how it works
- Decide if it's right for you
