--- title: "How to Build Trust With Clients," description: "Ever wonder how a seventh-grade love for architecture could inform a successful career in finance?. In today's episode of Connected, we talk with Adam Holt,…" url: https://www.milemarker.co/podcast/how-to-build-trust-with-clients-and-the-challenges-of-growing-a-financial-services-firm-with-adam-holt updated: 2023-07-04 --- [Now playing](https://www.milemarker.co/podcast) [Podcast**Next Mile**](https://www.milemarker.co/podcast) [Episodes](https://www.milemarker.co/podcast)[Guests](https://www.milemarker.co/podcast/guests) [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@milemarkerinc) [Apple](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-connected-advisor/id1691759257) [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/0Lw8kHGnS1JJBMZLPYxc9S) Jul 4, 2023 · 43 min # How to Build Trust With Clients, and the Challenges of Growing a Financial Services Firm with Adam Holt [**Adam Holt***CEO, Asset-Map*](https://www.milemarker.co/podcast/guests/adam-holt) [Apple Podcasts ↗](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-connected-advisor/id1691759257) [Spotify ↗](https://open.spotify.com/show/0Lw8kHGnS1JJBMZLPYxc9S) ## About this episode Ever wonder how a seventh-grade love for architecture could inform a successful career in finance? In today's episode of Connected, we talk with Adam Holt, CEO of Asset-Map, about his passion for architecture and how it has influenced his approach to financial planning, as well as insights on connecting with people around shared values and common interests. We talk about the growth of Asset-Map, the highs and lows of building a financial services firm, as well as the world of analytics and the critical role of data aggregation for advisors. Adam also talks about REBL Dad and the challenge of balancing fatherhood and entrepreneurship. Join us as we discuss: - \[01:16\] - Adam’s background and love for architecture. - \[05:40\] - How visualizing financial data can help build trust between financial advisors and their clients. - \[13:16\] - The challenges of running an RIA and the growth of Asset-Map. - \[17:43\] - The importance of equity and building a strong culture in a financial services firm. - \[28:36\] - Data aggregation and its role in making strategic decisions. - \[37:59\] - REBL Dads and growing a business with a family. **Key Takeaways** - Translating complex financial data into visual representations can build trust with clients and facilitate meaningful financial decisions. - Having a common interest and aligned goals are important in building strong connections, whether it's between advisors and clients or within a team. - A strong company culture and ensuring employees have a vested interest in the company's success are key to building a successful firm. - The balance between family and career is delicate but crucial to finding success. **Quotes** "Some of the things that I've learned and adopted include the idea that everybody has to have equity. Every employee has equity in Asset-Map. They are an owner, they are part of it. Their job is to protect the baby at all costs. Why? Because they have an interest in its protection." - [Adam Holt](https://www.linkedin.com/in/hadamholt/) "The idea of visualization for everything that's going on in your household without judgment is an important aspect. Just like an X-ray doesn't have any feelings, right? They're trying to diagnose your problem. And so we found that by actually creating this process where we could create your X-ray was a better way to really engage and connect in a place where there's not a lot of natural connection currency." - [Adam Holt](https://www.linkedin.com/in/hadamholt/) “What does it take to build connections with people? It takes rapport, common interests, common values, and an alignment of where you want to go in a relationship.” - [Adam Holt](https://www.linkedin.com/in/hadamholt/) **Links** - [Adam Holt on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/hadamholt/) - [Asset-Map](https://www.asset-map.com/) - [REBL Dads](https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebl-dads/) **Connect with our hosts** - [Milemarker.co](https://www.milemarker.co/) - [Kyle on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylevanpelt/) - [Jud on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/judmackrill/) **Subscribe and stay in touch** - [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connected/id1691759257) - [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/0Lw8kHGnS1JJBMZLPYxc9S) - [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@milemarkerinc) - [Google Podcasts](https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vY29u) **Produce game-changing content with Turncast** Turncast helps your company grow by producing top-quality content and fostering transformative conversations. We specialize in content generation, podcasting, digital strategy, and audience growth for fintech and financial services companies. Learn more at [Turncast.com](https://www.turncast.com/). [**Adam Holt***CEO, Asset-Map*](https://www.milemarker.co/podcast/guests/adam-holt) Next Mile Conversations with the people building the next era of wealth management, hosted by Kyle Van Pelt. New episodes every Tuesday. [Get the newsletter →](https://www.milemarker.co/resources/newsletter) [Talk to Milemarker →](https://www.milemarker.co/contact) ## Keep listening Ep. 165 · Oct 6, 2026 · 27 min ### [Scaling with Soul: Growing an Advisory Firm Without Losing What Matters with Grace Balestrieri](https://www.milemarker.co/podcast/scaling-with-soul-growing-an-advisory-firm-without-losing-what-matters-with-grace-balestrieri) Grace Balestrieri, Brighton Jones Ep. 162 · Sep 15, 2026 · 35 min ### [Preparing Your Firm for Its Next Stage of Growth with Brian Fernandez](https://www.milemarker.co/podcast/preparing-your-firm-for-its-next-stage-of-growth-with-brian-fernandez) Brian Fernandez, Krilogy Ep. 155 · Jul 28, 2026 · 32 min ### [How Behavioral Data Creates Better Client Relationships with Julie Littlechild](https://www.milemarker.co/podcast/how-behavioral-data-creates-better-client-relationships-with-julie-littlechild) Julie Littlechild, Absolute Engagement