When Jeff Dekko took the helm at Wealth Enhancement Group, it was a regional player with roughly $600 million in assets. Fast forward to 2023, and WEG is now one of the largest players in the RIA space with more than $60 billion in assets under management and a rapidly growing national footprint. 

While WEG has grown considerably through M&A, organic growth has played an important role in the company’s rise as well. In this episode of RIA Edge, Mark Bruno, Managing Director at Informa Wealth Management, speaks with Jeff Dekko, CEO of Wealth Enhancement Group, on how to build a solid foundation for scalable growth. 

Specifically, Mark and Jeff discuss:

• What value the Wealth Enhancement Group can deliver to firms it acquires, and how it differentiates in a competitive buyer’s market
• What is driving the overall M&A market in 2023
• How to build a framework for scalable growth
• The importance of constantly changing and updating marketing and growth strategies based on the businesses and client needs – as well as market opportunities

Resources:

 RIA Edge Podcast

Connect With Mark Bruno:

• WealthManagement.com
• LinkedIn: WealthManagment.com
• LinkedIn: Mark Bruno
• Twitter: Mark Bruno
• LinkedIn: Informa

Connect With Jeff Dekko:

• Jeff Dekko
• Wealth Enhancement Group

About Our Guest:

Jeff has more than 20 years of business experience in marketing, technology, operations and finance. He is responsible for overall leadership, growth and development of Wealth Enhancement Group. Jeff began his career with General Mills, Inc., where he served in a variety of marketing management positions. In 1994 he joined Recovery Engineering, Inc., where he was instrumental in the development and branding of the PUR water filtration system. Jeff was a key member of the team that successfully sold the company to Procter & Gamble for a 100% premium over market value. Through his work in technology and management consulting firms, Jeff has helped numerous organizations realize greater levels of success. Jeff provided consulting services to Wealth Enhancement Group before being asked to join the organization as CEO in 2003.

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While M&A activity levels across the industry have generally cooled in recent months from a record pace, the minority investment market is heating up and continues to re-shape the RIA landscape.  

In this episode of RIA Edge, Mark Bruno, Managing Director at Informa Wealth Management, speaks with Karl Heckenberg, CEO and President of Emigrant Partners, on the rise of minority investors and how they are deploying capital, resources and intelligence to drive growth in challenging markets. 

Specifically, Mark and Karl discuss:

• What are the characteristics of an ideal minority investor and partner
• How are minority deals structured
• Where are M&A activity levels currently at and where will they go in 2023  
• How post-deal integration impacts the success of a merger or acquisition

Resources:

• RIA Edge Podcast

Connect With Mark Bruno:

• WealthManagement.com
• LinkedIn: WealthManagment.com
• LinkedIn: Mark Bruno
• Twitter: Mark Bruno
• LinkedIn: Informa

Connect With Karl Heckenberg:

• LinkedIn: Karl Heckenberg
• Emigrant Partners

About Our Guest:

Karl Heckenberg is the President and CEO of Emigrant Partners and its affiliated company Fiduciary Network. In addition, he sits on the Board of Managers of the aforementioned companies. Karl has worked in financial services throughout his entire career and has previously worked for Merrill Lynch, A.G. Edwards & Sons, Wells Fargo and Charles Schwab. He also serves on the boards of Sarasota Private Trust Company, New York Private Trust Company and Cleveland Private Trust Company, and is Vice Chairman of Emigrant Bank. Karl was raised in the Washington, D.C. area and graduated from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.

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