Brandon Kawal

At the age of 38, Brandon Kawal could be described as part of the next generation developing the next generation of financial advisors.

As principal, Kawal isn’t a financial advisor, but a business development and practice management consultant. That’s where he believes he can do the most good for the wealth management industry.

After graduating from Concordia University in 2007, Kawal spent two years in the New York Mets’ minor league baseball system before going back to school to earn his MBA from Arizona State.

He’s been with Advisor Growth Strategies for almost 10 years, focusing on all things related to RIA practice management. Part of that includes taking a leadership role in the production of The RIA Deal Room, an annual report that analyzes merger and acquisition activity.

“What we’re seeing is the professionalization of the RIA space,” he said.

Kawal said the emergence of multibillion-dollar RIAs has produced a need for professional management, which is being increasingly provided by outside investors.

“Because the competition has shifted, it’s highlighted some of the need for next-generation talent in this space,” he said. “I see myself staying in consulting, as opposed to joining an RIA. This industry is fun, and there’s a lot more to do.”

—Jeff Benjamin