Testimonials

Corey Walen in a suit coat with his arms crossed smiling in front of a lake

I’ve helped almost 1,000 high-performing financial advisors successfully transition firms at no cost to them.

If you have questions or could use the help of an experienced transition consultant, I’m happy to help you—please reach out to me.

Bill Laird
Bill Laird
From RIA to New Edge Advisors

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.

Katie Ives
Katie Ives

Wells Fargo to Good Life Financial Advisors/LPL

When I started working with Corey, my partner and I were overwhelmed by the sheer number of firms and options out there. But through countless conversations and Corey’s attentive listening, he was able to help us identify the perfect fit for our needs.

Looking back, I know we would have made the wrong decision if we were to have made it on our own.

Corey’s deep industry knowledge and his strong network of relationships allowed him to place us in the right place at exactly the right time, with a company that we didn’t even know existed.

I’m incredibly grateful for his guidance, as it has led to the happiness I’m experiencing today in our Supported Independent RIA.

While I have no plans of ever leaving where I am now, I would absolutely recommend Corey Walen to anyone looking to make a change. His expertise and direction truly make a difference. And as a bonus, he’s a really likeable fellow!

Stephen Sexton

Truist to Vero Wealth Management

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.

Emeritus Wealth Logo
Michael Soroko,
Zach Zenda

Mass Mutual
to Emeritus Wealth

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.

Travis Jensen
Travis Jensen

Edward Jones to Commonwealth

I started my due diligence process on my own. As a fiercely independent individual, I thought I was fully prepared to take on the due diligence process myself. My research led me to his YouTube channel; from there we got in contact.

Corey saved me the learning curve of understanding the independent channel and the different firms.

I had very high goals and expectations going into our partnership, and Corey consistently delivered on his promises. He was honest with me and told me what I needed to hear.

Corey took the time to understand myself, my business and my long-term goals and matched me with a few firms that were great matches. From there we discussed each potential option in great depth and continued our contact after the launch of my independent practice.

I knew long ago that I was meant to be a business owner, Corey helped bring that to life. Had I not come across Corey, I fear I would still be stuck in a captive environment and not where I am today.

My business and quality of life has drastically increased after gaining my independence and Corey was a critical partner in that. I cannot recommend him enough.

Scott Shepherd

Edward Jones to Osaic

Corey’s advice was immeasurable. He helped us review options and ideas we did not even knew existed.

He helped us make the hardest and most important decision by using a process to show us the pros and cons of all firms.

Corey offered unbiased advice and always got back to us in a timely manner.

Anybody who is contemplating making a change needs to talk to Corey to discover what fits their needs.

Sean Tyll

Wells Fargo To LPL

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.

Ahmad Quqa
Ahmad Quqa

Edward Jones to RFG Advisory

I am incredibly grateful for the exceptional support Corey Walen provided during my research and transition from my previous firm to a new one. His objective approach and unwavering support were instrumental in making this process smooth and successful.

Corey demonstrated a deep understanding of my needs and consistently offered insightful advice that guided us through each step of the research process to landing the best match for my team and I. His ability to remain impartial and focused on our best interests ensured that we made informed decisions that aligned with our goals.

Throughout the entire process, Corey was always available to address our concerns and provide the necessary support. His professionalism and dedication were evident in every interaction, making us feel confident and well-supported.

I highly recommend Corey Walen and Bridgemark Strategies to anyone seeking a knowledgeable and reliable consultant. His expertise and commitment to excellence are truly commendable.

Frank Mitchell Mamola
Frank Mitchell Mamola

Edward Jones to Cetera

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.

Austin Palmer

Merrill Lynch to Destination Wealth Advisors

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.

Jake McLean
Jake McLean

Wells Fargo to LPL

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.

Aaron Tuttle
Aaron Tuttle

Edward Jones to Wagon Wheel Financial Advisors

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.

Noah Geoghegan
Noah Geoghegan

Truist Wealth to Strategic Wealth Management

Corey was an extremely important part of our decision making process. It was really nice having a knowledgeable representative with our best interests at heart. 

In the beginning, there were so many options we simply didn’t know where to start. He helped us narrow down the options we should be looking at, and walked us through the whole negotiation process when we found the right firm. I would definitely work with Corey.

Nic Nielsen

Truist to Know My Plan

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?”

Jonathan Grocott

Merrill Lynch to Wealth Preservation Associates

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.

Clark Johnson
Clark Johnson

Edward Jones to LPL

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!

Gregory Bingel
Gregory S. Bingel, MBA, CFP®, ChFC®

Truist to Cambridge Investment Research

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.

Simon Keeling
Simon Keeling

Edward Jones
to Raymond James

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.

Shane Pruitt
Shane Pruitt

Edward Jones To Kestra

I highly recommend Corey Walen 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.

Stephen Gaskins
Steve Gaskins

Stratos Wealth Partners to Independent Advisor Alliance

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.

Bryan Biagioli

Morgan Stanley
to Maple Wealth

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.

Richard Keel

Edward Jones To Osaic

Couldn’t have been happier with Corey’s services. He helped me weigh the pros and cons of all firms that made sense for my team. He even stuck with me after the transition to help with a few things that went sideways. He is a fantastic partner!

Michael Mohlman
Mike Mohlman

LPL To Mohlman Wealth Management

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.

Frank Wall

Wells Fargo To Osaic

I’ve known Corey for over 10 years, and when I decided to leave my previous broker dealer, I reached out to him to help me evaluate the multitude of options available to me.

Ultimately, Corey was able to use his connections and negotiate on my behalf to get me a very clean upfront deal from my new broker dealer that was OVER 15% greater than their initial offer.