"Solve their problem for them right away," Merit CEO Rick Kent said, reflecting on building relationships and growing the RIA.

Fifty-two percent of investors have only ever had a relationship with one advisor, a survey from Dynasty Financial Partners found. "Clients are the advisor's employer," one advisor said.

Advisors argue that there are other means to drive growth than requesting referrals.

Dealing with the wirehouses and BDs can be spooky, but there is one "must" every wantaway advisor should have.

InvestmentNews survey highlights almost half of advisors continue to be compensated by commissions despite model often being publicly denounced.

"Puts are there to protect you when markets go down fast."

Survey reveals unsurprising support from fee-only advisors but CEO of Finseca says restricting yourself to one fee model is "just plain stupid."

Halbert Hargrove executives shine a spotlight on their strategies, from market resilience and diversification to culture and advisor development.

From office space to legal fees and tech stacks, advisors highlight the initial costs of starting their firms.

This year's awards will honor 54 movers and shakers across 11 categories.