How to Grow
Your Practice

A Financial Advisor’s Transition Story 

By Alex Rankin 

From the outside, my practice looked exactly how I wanted it to. I had built strong client relationships, grown a thriving business, and achieved years of hard-earned success as a financial advisor. But as my practice matured, managing operations, compliance, and long-term strategy alongside delivering a high-touch client experience became increasingly complex. I realized that to grow further—without losing what I had built—I needed a partner and a team-based structure that could support both my clients and my career. 

MY PAIN POINTS

I wasn’t struggling. My practice was thriving, but managing managing the business on top of delivering high-touch client service was becoming overwhelming. I wasn’t trying to fix something broken; I wanted to grow without losing what I had built. The real question was whether staying independent still aligned with the future I envisioned.

I started asking myself: 

  • How do I continue to scale while
    maintaining the level of service
    my clients deserve? 

  • Who do I collaborate with when
    decisions get more complex? 

  • What does long-term, sustainable
    growth really look like?

One thing was non-negotiable: I didn’t want to give up my autonomy, my client relationships, or the identity I had built as an advisor. 

Why I Chose Hilltop

As I explored potential partners, Hilltop Wealth Advisors stood out quickly—not because of a sales pitch, but because of alignment. From the very first conversations, it was clear that Hilltop leads with humility, curiosity, and a genuine commitment to doing what’s right for clients and advisors alike. 

I experienced a culture of Humble Stewards—advisors who put clients first, lead with integrity, and view success as something to be protected and passed on, not rushed or commoditized. I also saw Hungry Learners in action: a team that’s constantly asking better questions, challenging assumptions, and investing in continuous improvement rather than relying on past wins. 

Most importantly, Hilltop truly lives Better Together. Collaboration isn’t a tagline—it’s how work gets done. The team-based structure mirrors how I’ve always served my clients, and it was clear that no one here is expected to grow in isolation. Hilltop wasn’t trying to change who I was as an advisor— they were focused on supporting where I wanted to go. 

The Transition

The Transition

Making a transition isn’t just about logistics—it’s about protecting relationships and ensuring continuity for clients. From the beginning, Hilltop approached the process with structure and intention, taking the time to understand my practice, my clients, and what a successful transition needed to look like. That early planning created clarity and confidence before anything moved forward. 

Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, the Hilltop team built a transition plan around my specific business. Timelines were clear, communication was thoughtful, and support spanned compliance, operations, and technology. I wasn’t left to navigate client conversations alone—Hilltop provided guidance to ensure messaging felt transparent, consistent, and true to how I’ve always served my clients. 

What stood out most was how hands-on and collaborative the process felt. There was always a clear next step and a team behind me to help troubleshoot in real time. Because of that preparation and support, the transition felt less like a disruption and more like a natural evolution—one that allowed me to stay focused on client relationships while moving confidently into the next chapter. 

Life at Hilltop

Since joining Hilltop, my practice has grown in ways I couldn’t have achieved alone. I started as an Advisor and have since been promoted to Lead Advisor—a reflection of both the growth opportunities at Hilltop and the support of the team around me. 

I work within a diamond-team structure, which means I have a Senior Advisor guiding strategy above me, a Financial Advisor at a similar level sharing responsibilities, and an Associate Advisor handling operational and administrative tasks. This structure allows me to focus primarily on what I do best: delivering high-value advice and deepening client relationships. 

Collaboration is built into my day-to-day. I’m no longer carrying every responsibility on my own, which gives me clarity and confidence in the direction of my career—and more space to think long-term for both my clients and my practice. Being part of a team that truly works Better Together has allowed me to scale my impact while staying true to the high-touch service my clients expect. 

Looking Ahead: Advice for Advisors

If you’re proud of what you’ve built but feel stretched, isolated, or stuck, my advice is simple: pay attention to the friction. The right partner won’t take something away from you. They’ll help you build on what you’ve already created. Hilltop isn’t for everyone—and that’s intentional. Advisors who value collaboration, long-term thinking, and authentic relationships tend to thrive here. 

Joining Hilltop wasn’t about starting over. It was about evolving with intention, support, and alignment. Growth, I’ve learned, isn’t just about scale. It’s about building something sustainable, meaningful, and true to who you are.

Disclosure: Hilltop Wealth Advisors is a registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. Hilltop Wealth Advisors is not an accountant or attorney and does not provide tax or legal advice.