Tag: Financial Planning
From CPA Track to Client-First Advice with Stewart Rallis (Ep. 8)

From CPA Track to Client-First Advice with Stewart Rallis (Ep. 8)

By |

Great advisors do more than present information. They listen closely, stay steady when conditions shift, and build relationships that last.

What separates a responsive advisor from one who simply goes through the motions?

In this episode of Zombie Advisor, James Knapp talks with Stewart Rallis, Managing Principal at Stairway Partners, about his path from studying accounting to building a long career in financial advice. They cover early lessons from Doug Lennick, why goals still matter, how advisors can avoid becoming disconnected from clients, and why discipline, curiosity, and genuine human connection remain central to meaningful long-term advice.

Key takeaways:

  • Stewart shares how an accounting path and a small business pushed him toward financial advice and client work
  • A spontaneous job offer from Doug Lennick changed his direction and started his advisory career
  • The episode explains how goal setting and focusing on what you control still shape planning today
  • Stewart describes zombie advisors as people who show up, report out, then fail to truly engage
  • James and Stewart stress discipline, emotional control, and real curiosity about clients’ lives
  • And more!

Connect with us!

Connect with Stewart Rallis:

About Our Guest:

Stewart Rallis is the Managing Principal at Stairway Partners. Stew is responsible for institutional strategy, business development, and client relationship management at Stairway Partners. Previously, Stew held senior advisory and management positions at several large financial institutions, including American Express, Prudential, and Morgan Stanley. Stew has served as manager and portfolio liaison for a variety of institutional investment relationships, and in his role, worked closely with their investment boards and financial committees to develop and implement portfolio strategy. Prior to joining Stairway Partners, Stew was Managing Principal of a private investment firm, where he led the firm’s institutional consulting and advisory business. Stew has over 35 years of investment experience and holds a Bachelor of Science Business degree in Accounting from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
Building a Client-First Practice in the RIA Space with Haris Kopic (Ep. 7)

Building a Client-First Practice in the RIA Space with Haris Kopic (Ep. 7)

By |

Choosing the right business model can shape your entire career as a financial advisor. But what drives someone to leave commissions behind and embrace independence?

In this episode, James Knapp sits down with Haris Kopic, CFP®, who recently joined Boyum Wealth Architects after 16 years in the industry. Haris shares his journey from graduating during the 2008 financial crisis to finding his footing in the RIA space, driven by a desire for client-centric service and fiduciary responsibility. Together, they explore memorable client experiences, the importance of curiosity in financial planning, and how going above and beyond creates lasting trust.

Haris discusses:

  • His transition from commission-based sales to the independent RIA model and why fiduciary duty matters
  • A creative airport solution that saved a client $10,000 annually on life insurance premiums
  • Common mistakes advisors miss, from outdated policies to overlooked tax strategies
  • How curiosity and problem-solving define the best client relationships
  • Advice for new advisors and those looking to specialize and find their niche
  • And more!

Connect with us!

Connect with Haris Kopic:

About Our Guest:

Haris Kopic, CFP®, is a Wealth Architect at Boyum Wealth Architects with 16 years of experience in the industry. After graduating from Iowa State University in 2008, Haris navigated the challenges of the financial crisis before finding his way to the RIA space in 2011. His approach to financial planning is rooted in curiosity, teamwork, problem-solving, and a commitment to fiduciary responsibility. Haris specializes in helping clients navigate complex financial decisions by understanding their motivations, values, and long-term goals, while delivering the kind of white glove service that builds lasting trust.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More