Megan Plapp, Chief Financial Officer;Theresa Deady, Director of Advisor Relationships & Onboarding;Stephen Distante, Chairman & Founder;Heidi Distante, Chief Executive Officer;Joseph Trifiletti, President;Steve Howe, Director of Business Development;Daniel Antenor Jr., Chief Operating OfficerAs a multidisciplinary wealth management firm, Vanderbilt has established itself as a leader among midsize firms, delivering unparalleled advisor-focused services and support. The firm offers a comprehensive suite of services through its respected broker-dealer (BD) and RIA platforms, along with affiliated insurance services, making it a one-stop shop for financial professionals.
Vanderbilt takes pride in its exceptional customer service. Advisors receive personalized attention and support from back-office team members who know each advisor by name, creating a close-knit professional environment. For those committed to socially and environmentally responsible investing, Vanderbilt stands out with its ESG advisory models, collaborative advisor Impact group, and access to the Ethos ESG platform, which provides values-based tools and analytics.
Driven by a mission to provide the highest service model in the industry, Vanderbilt is a leader in providing an environment of flexibility, culture, and relationships. The firm fosters long-term, multicustodial relationships that are both flexible and beneficial, underpinning the entrepreneurial spirit of its financial professionals.
Joseph Trifiletti, President of Vanderbilt Financial Group, emphasizes the personal approach the firm takes. “We build personal relationships with our advisors to better understand their needs and deliver the best solutions to them,” he states.
Elite advisor service, technology and custodial relationships sharpen our competitive edge
At the core of Vanderbilt’s success is its unique blend of a ‘family office’ atmosphere and robust support system, perfectly balancing advisors’ independence with comprehensive support. This approach ensures that VFG advisors are exceptionally well-equipped to meet their clients’ diverse needs, solidifying Vanderbilt’s position as a leader in the financial advisory sector.
Enhancing Advisor Productivity through Unparalleled Support
Upon joining the firm, advisors are welcomed by Vanderbilt’s Transition Team, composed of seasoned industry professionals dedicated to providing a seamless and frictionless onboarding experience. A significant draw for joining VFG is the Vanderbilt Concierge Assistant Program (VCAP), which streamlines operations, saves time and accelerates advisors’ success.
Every advisor at Vanderbilt benefits from free access to a shared assistant pool. Vanderbilt-trained assistants support advisors with business-related operations, such as managing administrative tasks and collaborating with the back office on business processing. This creates a mutually beneficial environment where advisors can concentrate on critical business operations, allowing them to focus on business expansion, investment management, and enhancing the client experience. Most importantly, this gives each VFG advisor back the value of time.
The transition team tailors the onboarding process based on the advisor’s business model, whether it is pure brokerage or an advisory brokerage hybrid. They guide the business processes and help define a path to success.
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We build personal relationships with our advisors to better understand their needs and deliver the best to them
Vanderbilt offers a state-of-the-art technology infrastructure, including a multi- custodial RIA platform that streamlines investment solutions and automates redundant tasks like cashiering and accounting. The platform includes a mobile app and self-service features to enhance the advisor and client experience.
In its commitment to efficiency, Vanderbilt operates a paperless operation, incorporating tools like e-signatures through DocuSign. The platform also supports various APIs and integrates a robust technology stack, including Redtail CRM, compliant texting solutions, Orion financial planning platform, Docupace, Black Diamond, and Albridge, among others. Vanderbilt’s open architecture approach includes custodial partnerships with industry leaders like Charles Schwab and Fidelity Investments, and direct advisory relationships with platforms such as Envestnet, AssetMark, Adhesion, and SEI, offering extensive opportunities and value to advisors and their clients.
“Vanderbilt prides itself on providing exceptional advisor service, a superior experience, and access to cutting-edge technology. Our custodial relationships, seasoned personnel, and advisor-friendly approach underscore our competitive edge and fuel our growth and trajectory,” says Steve Howe, Director of Business Development.
At Vanderbilt Financial Group, a broad array of flexible services equips advisors with numerous opportunities to expand their practices. The firm’s Chief Economist plays a pivotal role, providing insightful market commentary, identifying industry trends, and overseeing internal advisory models. Vanderbilt fosters open communication through weekly, monthly, and quarterly meetings, where advisors can freely express opinions, pose questions, and obtain informed responses. This open-door policy ensures advisors are actively involved and can provide constructive feedback to both Department heads and the Management Team.
Vanderbilt is committed to keeping its advisors at the forefront of the industry with comprehensive training and educational programs. Weekly virtual town hall meetings address a variety of topics, from products to market trends, involving each advisor across the country. With hundreds of advisors across the nation, the firm cultivates a peerto-peer learning environment that propels its members to new heights of success.
The firm’s unique blend of innovative solutions and a familial approach has resulted in an exceptional advisor retention rate. Annually, 30-35 new advisors join Vanderbilt, underscoring the movement to a service & culture-driven firm.
Behind Vanderbilt’s esteemed reputation is a cadre of dedicated professionals. The firm has specialized teams in place to support advisors, including marketing, graphic design, and social media assistance to enhance client communication and prospect engagement. Additionally, Vanderbilt’s compliance team and consultants are experts in current regulatory landscapes, offering consultative support and guidance tailored to the unique circumstances of each client. This comprehensive support structure not only aids advisors in regulatory compliance but also in effectively managing their practice.
The Vanderbilt Difference
Vanderbilt Financial Group is guided by a set of core values and principles encapsulated in the acronym GRITT—gratitude, respect, innovation, teamwork, and trustworthiness. These values are deeply embedded in the company’s culture, resonating with everyone involved and driving the firm’s operations and strategies.
The team’s positive and proactive attitude is pivotal in navigating industry challenges and delivering proven solutions. This dynamic approach has propelled the firm to achieve significant year-over-year growth. Last year, Vanderbilt expanded its footprint by opening 35 new offices and successfully increased its assets under management by nearly a billion dollars. These achievements highlight Vanderbilt’s expertise in driving advisor success and providing clients with robust investment solutions.
This commitment to excellence will continue to solidify Vanderbilt’s prestigious position within the financial industry.
