Strategic planning, valuation, compensation & incentive design services for RIAs

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    • Consulting Services
    • Background
    • Media
    • FAQs
    • RIA Circle™
    • Contact
  • Consulting Services
  • Background
  • Media
  • FAQs
  • RIA Circle™
  • Contact

RIA Consulting; Quoted & Speaking Engagements

Carolyn Armitage's Background

Professional

As a serial builder of wealth management firms with the unique perspective of having been an Advisor, an operator leading large and small firms, and an industry consultant optimizing value, I excel at building and leading high-performing teams, creating value, integrating groups/companies for relevance and sustainability.


Having started my career as an advisor, I have first-hand knowledge of and deep empathy for the challenges advisors face. As a wealth management expert, I offer RIA consulting to CEOs. My RIA expertise evolved from leading numerous firms and investment banking. Collectively, my years in this industry put me in a position to learn and share valuable insights with advisors in our industry.

My roles include: an independent Financial Advisor, producing Branch Manager, the head of multiple wealth management firms such as HD Vest - now Avantax (Cetera), ING Advisors Network - now Voya & Cetera Group, Thrivent Advisor Network (TAN), among others. I also led the Large Enterprise Business Management Consulting Team for LPL Financial. Prior to my most recent role of heading up Thrivent’s independent RIA, TAN, I provided investment banking and consulting services, including strategic planning, compensation design and equity sharing structuring, valuation, expert witness, and succession solutions to the industry’s most elite firms through the firm ECHELON Partners. My experience affords a rare and valuable command of the entire wealth management value chain to help entrepreneurs navigate complex entity, family, and legacy decisions.   


Formerly holding numerous FINRA and insurance licenses, I hold the CFP®, CIMA®, CLU®, and the ChFC® designations and have a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Minnesota and a master’s in management from The American College. 

Giving Back

  • I utilize my RIA expertise to be a volunteer judge for the wealthmanagement.com Industry Awards "Wealthies".
  • Past BOD member for the Invest in Others Charitable Foundation. Presently on the Marketing Committee
  • Formerly served on the CFP Board Disciplinary Ethics Committee 
  • Previously volunteered for the Investments & Wealth Institute (IWI) Membership Committee
  • As a wealth management expert, I am a Volunteer judge for the SIFMA's InvestWrite financial literacy program enhancing The Stock Market Game through writing.
  • Financial Services Institute (FSI): Past Chair, Investment Advisory Council
  • In addition to RIA consulting, growing numerous financial services organizations, and donating to local and national organizations, I am the founder, CEO, and Board Chair of a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, True Circle Organization, which provides immediate resources, sustenance, and compassion to improve the lives of people who are experiencing homelessness throughout California and Colorado. 


Personal

After growing up in the Midwest, living in Texas for 7 years, and a beautiful suburb in Los Angeles, Palos Verdes Estates, my Husband and I just moved to the Timbers at the Pinery in Parker, CO in order to be close to two of our four grown children and our grandson. We enjoy hiking, boating, and the creative arts. Together, we raised four amazing children who are raising our four grandcats, a grandog, and a grandson and another one coming this summer.

Connect with Carolyn on LinkedIn

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