The Plancorp Playbook

Q: Who from my firm can attend? Can multiple people join?

We expect the primary decision maker of the firm's strategy to attend. If you can't change the core values of your firm without approval, you're not the right person. If you are a true co-led organization with close to equal ownership, then having both partners attend can be valuable, but both of you must commit to attending every meeting and engaging. The cohort is designed to be a safe space to discuss sensitive topics about your firm's future and personnel without worry, so we want to keep the group small and at the right level.

JD Bruce is founder of Advisor Things, a consulting, technology, and fiduciary services platform serving independent RIAs. A CPA, PFS, and Licensed Professional Fiduciary, he spent more than 16 years growing an advisory firm from $4 million to $26 million in revenue and from 2 to 26 partners. He brings hands-on experience in growth, operations, succession planning, and firm leadership.

JD has partnered with Plancorp on this cohort to help participating firms evaluate and optimize the service models, technology, team structures, and operational systems required to scale successfully.

We're excited to have JD on board to help teach you how to apply the Plancorp perspective on running an RIA to solve many of the growth challenges you will face now and in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of the cohort?

We don't believe a dollar cost should limit who's able to participate in the cohort, but we do believe that every participant should be prepared to invest their time into thoughtfully engaging.

Understanding the cost:

There is no participation fee.
The cohort consists of 6 total sessions spread over 16 months.
Two sessions will be in person: one in St. Louis, Missouri in Spring 2027 and one in a TBD location to cap off the engagement in early 2028. Travel expenses are to be covered by participants.
Time is the primary investment. We understand your time is limited and valuable, and ask that participants be comfortable with spending around 20 hours a quarter engaging with sessions directly or homework.

Who's a good fit for the cohort?

Independent Fee-only firms between $3 million and $8 million in revenue who are growth oriented and are looking to grow to $1 Billion in assets and beyond are a great fit for this program.

Growing pains are an inevitable part of the journey, but we hope our experience can help participants avoid some of the costly or time consuming mistakes that could stall your growth.

Other factors to consider:

JD and Plancorp specialize in fee-only, independent RIA's. Broker-dealer teams or firms with meaningful business from insurance or other products likely won't see as much value from the program.
Our focus is on how to grow and optimize team structures, so siloed or solo advisors may not get a lot of value.

Do I have to be thinking about selling my firm?

Absolutely not. Succession planning is a major component of the cohort curriculum, but good succession planning is really about setting your strategy for who will own your firm after you. This may involve selling your firm, but there are many succession strategies that we will cover, including internal succession through partner programs, letting your kids inherit your firm, selling to other firms, selling to investors, and more. While Plancorp would always love to be considered as a possible succession partner, you do not need to be actively considering selling to participate.

Do I have to attend every session?

Yes, you should commit to fully attending every session and completing all work assigned between sessions. This kind of group works best when everyone is all-in and a lack of commitment or attendance can detract from everyone's experience.

We will also be holding check-ins between sessions with JD or members of the Plancorp team which are designed to help ensure you're supported in applying learnings and building toward a strong plan for your firm by the end.

Who from my firm can attend? Can multiple people join?

We expect the primary decision maker of the firm's strategy to attend. If you can't change the core values of your firm without approval, you're not the right person. If you are a true co-led organization with close to equal ownership, then having both partners attend can be valuable, but both of you must commit to attending every meeting and engaging.

The cohort is designed to be a safe space to discuss sensitive topics about your firm's future and personnel without worry, so we want to keep the group small and at the right level.

Will information about my firm remain confidential?

We plan to have members sign NDA's to cover any sensitive information about your firm that may be shared throughout the cohort. More information will be shared once we narrow down to our final group.

Q1 2027

Virtual Kick Off

Building a Firm That Lasts

Many RIAs know they want to grow, but fewer have clarity on what they're ultimately building. In this session, you'll define the values, purpose, vision, and long-term outcomes that should guide every major decision as your firm scales. You'll leave with greater conviction about your destination, the obstacles standing in your way, and a clearer path to sustainable growth without sacrificing culture or client experience.
Q2 2027

In-Person

Inside the Plancorp Playbook

Most firms never get to see inside how a larger RIA actually operates. In this immersive, all-day, in-person workshop, Plancorp's entire leadership team will open the books on the service models, client segmentation, pricing strategies, investment philosophy, capacity planning, and marketing systems that have supported the firm's growth. You'll leave with practical ideas, proven frameworks, and a clearer understanding of what may need to change in your own firm to scale successfully.
Q3 2027

Virtual

Scaling Through People

As firms grow, success becomes less about individual advisors and more about the systems used to develop, retain, and scale great people. In this session, we'll explore the team structures, career paths, compensation philosophies, recruiting strategies, and training programs that help growing RIAs attract talent and build the next generation of leaders. You'll leave with practical ideas for creating a sustainable talent engine that supports growth long after the founders step back.
Q4 2027

Virtual

The Engine: Ops & Leadership

As firms grow, complexity shifts from advisors to leadership, operations, technology, and governance. In this session, we'll examine the executive structures, leadership development strategies, operational teams, technology investments, compliance frameworks, and support models that allow RIAs to scale without overwhelming their people or compromising client service. You'll gain a clearer understanding of the infrastructure required to move from a founder-centric business to an enduring enterprise.
Q1 2028

Virtual

Optionality and Succession Clarity

Every firm will experience leadership transition, ownership transition, or both. In this session, we'll explore the governance structures, internal partner programs, succession strategies, and M&A considerations that help firms preserve optionality and create long-term continuity. You'll leave with a clearer understanding of how to build an enduring enterprise that can thrive across generations of leaders, advisors, and owners.
Q2 2028

In-Person

Graduation & Networking Retreat

The best firms don't build in isolation. Join your fellow cohort members for a celebratory final gathering focused on reflection, connection, and the relationships that will continue long after the program concludes. We'll celebrate progress, share key takeaways, discuss what's next for your firm, and strengthen the network of peers who will be navigating many of the same opportunities and challenges in the years ahead.

Benefits for Graduates

The goal isn't simply to complete a program. It's to build lasting relationships with a network of peers and practitioners who are committed to creating enduring advisory firms.

Graduates receive:

A customized strategic playbook for their firm
Ongoing access to Plancorp leaders and experts
Invitations to exclusive Plancorp and industry events
Membership in the cohort alumni community
Future networking and educational opportunities
Annual alumni gatherings and peer learning sessions

Apply Today

Chris Kerckhoff

Chief Executive Officer
Plancorp

Chris Kerckhoff

is President & CEO of Plancorp Wealth Management, where he has helped lead the firm's evolution from approximately $1 billion in assets under management to more than $10 billion while guiding leadership transitions, ownership succession, and strategic expansion. Since becoming President in 2010, Chris has focused on building a firm designed to endure, combining a client-first culture with intentional investments in people, technology, operations, and long-term leadership development.

He believes enduring RIAs are built through thoughtful leadership, strong culture, and a commitment to developing the next generation of owners and leaders.

Jeff Smith

Chief Operating Officer
Plancorp

Jeff Smith is Chief Operating Officer of Plancorp Wealth Management, where he helps lead the firm's growth through operational excellence, technology innovation, and acquisition integration.

With more than 25 years of experience leading large-scale technology and business transformation initiatives, Jeff brings deep expertise in scaling organizations, optimizing operations, and managing complex integrations. He works closely with firm leadership to build the infrastructure, systems, and processes needed to support sustainable growth while enhancing both the advisor and client experience.

Ranie Verby

Director of Practice Management
Plancorp

Ranie Verby is Director of Practice Management and a Shareholder at Plancorp Wealth Management, where she helps advisors and teams deliver a consistent, high-quality client experience as the firm continues to grow. She leads initiatives focused on advisor development, practice management, operational excellence, and the adoption of best practices across the organization.

Ranie works closely with firm leadership to strengthen collaboration, support the integration of new teams and firms, and build scalable systems that allow advisors to spend more time serving clients. Passionate about talent development and coaching, she helps advisors and emerging leaders maximize their impact while preserving the culture and personalized service that define successful RIAs.

Derek Hartley

Chief Growth Officer
Plancorp

Derek is the Chief Growth Officer at Plancorp Wealth Management, where he helps connect strategy, storytelling, and execution to fuel the firm's continued growth. His work spans marketing, business development, advisor enablement, strategic partnerships, and acquisitions, with a focus on helping advisors and firms thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.

Derek is especially interested in how RIAs can build enduring organizations through intentional growth, strong culture, advisor development, and a clear market position that attracts both clients and talent.

Locations

Upside Potential:
The Cohort for RIA Firm Leaders Ready to Scale
Learn More

Connect

Learn

Grow

Frequently Asked Questions

Cohort Curriculum

Who Should Attend?

Firm leaders in early to mid-stage growth stages are a great fit for the 16-month cohort where you'll learn the mindset, tools, and framework that helped Plancorp grow from $1B AUM in 2010 to nearly $11B AUM today.

Building a Firm That Lasts

Inside the Plancorp Playbook

Scaling Through People

The Engine: Ops & Leadership

Optionality and Succession Clarity

Graduation & Networking Retreat

Benefits for Graduates

Don't wait until you have to make decisions about the future of your firm to get serious about service models, scale, and succession.

Submit your interest in joining the cohort today. We'll be in touch soon with more information.

Meet The Guest Speakers