Kick it Open with Shelby Nicholl

How do you future-proof the legacy of a $7B RIA?

Shelby Nicholl Episode 8

Scaling a wealth management firm is one thing—ensuring it thrives for generations is another. Chris Kerckhoff, President and CEO of Plancorp, knows exactly what it takes. During his tenure and leadership, Plancorp has grown from a small advisory firm to a $7 billion powerhouse while successfully transitioning its ownership from its founding generation to the next while also creating durability in the ownership approach.

In this episode of Kick It Open, Chris breaks down the key pillars of future-proofing a firm’s legacy. He shares how Plancorp built a durable succession plan, developed strong governance structures, and invested in leadership training to ensure long-term success. We also explore how technology plays a role in maintaining efficiency at scale and why a client-first approach remains the foundation of any thriving RIA.

Chris also opens up about his own leadership evolution, the role of external coaching, and the lessons he’s learned from navigating complex ownership transitions. If you’re an advisor thinking about succession planning, firm growth, or how to build a lasting legacy, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Schedule a discovery call with Shelby Nicholl: Zoom Scheduler

Produced by Shelby Nicholl.
Edited by Aaron Sherman.

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/let-good-times-roll License code: EV5ON7Y3CSESDSEU

Podcasts we love

Check out these other fine podcasts recommended by us, not an algorithm.

The Perfect RIA Artwork

The Perfect RIA

Matthew Jarvis, CFP® & Micah Shilanski, CFP®
Elite Achievement Artwork

Elite Achievement

Kristin Burke