1. Finish the sentence: "I am the advisor for ____."

I can't. I work with anyone who has assets.I have a lean, but I'd take most people who walk in.I have a defined niche and I mostly stick to it.One sentence, and the whole firm is built around it.

2. A client wants to roll a million-dollar lump sum to you. The math says keep the pension. What happens?

I'd take the rollover; my paycheck depends on it.I'd present both and let them decide.I'd recommend the pension but it would sting.I tell them to keep it. Non-negotiable.

3. Who signs your check, and how much does that shape the advice?

An institution, and it shapes it more than I'd like to admit.An institution, but I push back where I can.I'm independent, but I still feel the pull of the payout.My morals are owned, not leased.

4. How many times has your specialty changed because of a new supervisor or a new idea?

Every six months, like clockwork.A few times in the last few years.Once, early on, and it stuck.Never. I double down; I don't pivot.

5. How do you decide what to say to a client who's hurting?

I stick to the numbers; it's what I'm paid for.I'll listen, but I steer back to the plan.I put the papers away when it matters.I've sat on the funeral bench. I've loaded a client into my truck.

6. What did you do this week to get 1% better?

Nothing specific. I had a week.Something, but I couldn't name it.One thing, and I could tell you what.One thing, written on the board, permanent and repeatable.

7. When was the last time you were the dumbest person in the room on purpose?

I avoid those rooms.A conference, a while ago, from the back row.This year, and I asked the dumb question.I schedule it. Front row, premium room, evening included.

8. How do you pay the people who know your clients?

Market rate or below. Payroll is payroll.Market rate, with the occasional bump.Above market for the key people.Significantly above market, on purpose, so they never look.

9. Which sentence is closest to true?

Ten years in, and it might be one year ten times.I've grown, but not on a schedule.I read, I listen, I change one thing at a time.I have a virtual apprenticeship running every commute.

10. What are your anti-goals?

I don't have any. Growth is growth.I know roughly what I won't do.A couple, and they've cost me revenue.Written down, and they decide what I say no to.

11. Describe the first 30 seconds after a client opens your door.

A generic "Can I help you?" and a wait.A greeting by name, then a conference room.Coat taken, led to their seat, drink ready.Name on the screen, drink they like, Stroopwafel, playlist from their decade.

12. What's between you and the client in a meeting?

A desk with monitors. Mine.A desk, but I come around it.A table, no barrier.We killed the desk. Dining table or lounge, always.

13. How many portfolios are you running?

One per household. "Custom."Dozens, and it's getting worse.A handful of models, with exceptions.Ten core portfolios built around tax behavior. Rebalance in minutes.

14. When a client's transfer lands, how do they find out?

They call and ask.I email when I remember.Someone on the team texts them.The system texts them the moment it clears, and alerts me to implement.

15. How does a review meeting get scheduled?

Phone tag.We email a few times.Team sends a calendar link.Automated sequence, six weeks out to the day before, zero human clicks.

16. Your review meeting structure is:

Whatever comes up.A rough agenda in my head.A consistent template most of the time.The same six stops, every meeting, every client.

17. Google your own name. What does a stranger see?

Not much, or an unfinished profile.A profile with a few reviews.A complete profile, decent review count, current photos.Top five locally, review bank that ends the comparison, aimed at exactly who I serve.

18. Is your fee schedule a statement of value or a fossil?

Whatever I set on day one, out of fear.Adjusted once, reluctantly.Reflects most of what I deliver.A line in the sand, published, priced to today's deliverable.

19. If you went off-grid for thirty days, what happens to revenue?

It stops. I am the business.It dips hard.It holds, but nothing new comes in.It holds and new clients land. The machine runs and hunts.

20. What's on the door?

My last name.My name plus "Investments" or "Wealth."A neutral name, but everyone knows it's me.A brand bigger than me, with named systems a buyer would pay for.

The Sovereign Advisor Audit