Industry

Part strategist and part cheerleader, Stephen Viets is a three-time Top 10 branch manager. Viets says that the job also requires a diplomat's tact. "It's all about handling insecurities and misunderstanding," he says.

"Change can be difficult even when it's change for the better," RBC's Eric Siber explains. "You have to have a tremendous amount of patience and show good leadership in making sure that everybody is on board and understands the advantages of the new platform and the new company."

One year after the “untimely” death of Richard Aster, founder of Larkspur, Ca.-based Aster Capital Investment Management, the investment advisor is selling off its assets.

John Hancock Funds has added Christopher Fuschillo as a managing director on its institutional sales team in a new position, calling on analysts and gatekeepers at major broker-dealer firms.

OppenheimerFunds has promoted Art Steinmetz to president. He is currently executive vice president and chief investment officer, where he oversees all equity, fixed income and alternative investment capabilities including investment strategy, strategic planning and personnel.

The network was launched in September to help breakaway brokers transition from the traditional wirehouse model to independence.

Running your own RIA is difficult, but starting a new business is even more difficult. Dave Grant takes us on his journey.

The platform will provide Dynasty’s advisors with a turnkey solution for writing fixed life insurance, annuity, disability, and long-term care contracts.

Kirk Mandlin has a simple goal for this year and any year. "To be the best leader, husband, and father I can possibly be," he says. With the power of positive thinking, Mandlin expects to use those strengths to expand his business.

Rob Malenfant worked his way up the ranks at Smith Barney, spending several years in Connecticut, New York, and Los Angeles before returning to Boston as a branch manager. The variety of experiences and people he worked with inspires him now at his Boston Harbor complex, he says.