A Mission to Guide, A Passion to Serve
How RFG Advisory Helped Brad Acton Build a Client-Centered Independent Business
Brad Acton didn’t choose finance—at least, not at first. His journey began in ministry, driven by a calling to serve others.
But life took an unexpected turn, leading him from ministry to finance, which soon served as a natural extension of his calling. His experience in ministry instilled a deep passion for serving others, and he found that guiding clients through their financial journeys wasn’t just about numbers—it was about empowering them to live with confidence and purpose.
“Whenever you’re talking to people about their money, it gets pretty personal, pretty quick,” he says. “You’re talking about things that they care about: their family, their kids, their priorities, their goals, their dreams and their fears—and the scary times in their life, too.”
His ability to listen, advise, and provide customized strategies became the foundation of his approach.
When the time came to build a business on his own terms, he knew he needed more than independence—he needed a partner who believed in his mission.
Freedom to Build, Support to Thrive
Brad’s early years in banking and at a wirehouse made one thing clear: The system wasn’t built to support the incredible work that Financial Advisors do.
Advisors are so much more than money managers—they are mentors, educators, and advocates, guiding clients through some of life’s most critical decisions. Yet, the traditional model was riddled with inefficiencies, rigid structures, and outdated support that made it harder for Advisors to serve their clients with the level of care and dedication they deserved.
Frustrated by the limitations of the traditional model and driven by a desire to better serve both Advisors and their clients, Brad began exploring independence—seeking a way to build a system that truly empowers Advisors to do what they do best.
He needed more than just a platform—he needed a true partner. RFG Advisory stood out, not just for its seamless transition process but for the level of support that followed.
“The support I received from the RFG team from day one was incredible,” Brad says. “They knew how much was on the line—not just for me, but for my clients and my family.”
With RFG’s transition team handling the logistics, Brad could focus on his clients, his strategy, and his vision. Every system, every process—designed with the Advisor in mind.
“They had systems and processes for every question I had,” he says. “They weren’t trying to convince me. They just kept proving themselves.”
Finding the Right Partners—And the Right Platform
One of the biggest benefits for Brad? He didn’t just gain independence—he gained a team.
Through RFG, Brad met his partners at Willow Private Wealth: Advisors who shared his values, his mindset, and his drive to build something bigger than themselves.
“All three of my partners had similar passions. We had similar commitments, convictions, things we cared about,” he says. “RFG gave us the context in which we started interacting, and then it became very apparent we could really build something special.”
Rather than operating in silos, RFG fosters collaboration between like-minded Advisors, creating opportunities for peer-supported growth through monthly Advisor Growth Study Club sessions, an annual Advisor Growth Retreat, and more.
Growing With True Back-Office Support
One of Brad’s biggest frustrations before joining RFG was the inefficiency of the traditional back-office model. Operational slowdowns, clunky support, endless follow-ups—it all drained time and energy that could have gone to his clients.
That changed the moment he partnered with RFG.
“In my previous role, you couldn’t email or call anybody to find answers,” he says. “Or you’d be waiting weeks for a response.”
At RFG, back-office support isn’t just a function—it’s a strategic advantage. Advisors get real-time, high-touch service designed to allow them to operate at the highest level. That includes:
- Problem escalation – Immediate access to key decision-makers who can resolve issues quickly.
- Custodial support – Seamless coordination with custodians to streamline account management and client transactions.
- Vendor support – Hands-on assistance with technology, compliance, and operational vendors to keep business running smoothly.
Brad experienced this firsthand when a client issue came up that needed urgent attention. He braced for the usual runaround—delayed responses, unanswered emails, and mounting frustration. But instead, his phone rang. It was RFG’s COO, calling him that same afternoon.
“They told me exactly what was happening behind the scenes, what to share with my clients, and what steps to take next,” he says. “That level of direct support gave me complete confidence.”
More Time, More Growth, More Impact
In Brad’s view, the biggest benefit RFG has provided him—and his clients—is time.
“I’ve gotten so much support in different areas, especially in operations where things used to take me hours to plan for or think about,” he says.
At RFG, independence isn’t about doing it all yourself. It’s about having the right support so you can focus on what you do best.
That forward-thinking environment has helped Brad build a business positioned to deliver an even better experience for his clients, whether it’s introducing cutting-edge financial planning software, streamlining paperwork with DocuSign, or hosting client appreciation events.
“Once I hand something over to professionals, I don’t worry about it anymore,” he says.
A Culture of Constant Improvement
At RFG, the work doesn’t stop at day one. The team is constantly evolving, improving, and innovating to help Advisors like Brad stay ahead.
That commitment to growth is contagious.
“When you’re surrounded by people who are always striving to improve, you want to be a part of it.”
Ready to Build Your Business Without Compromise?
For Brad, independence wasn’t about leaving—it was about leading. It was about building something lasting, something meaningful, something that matters.
“I think the best part about being a part of this RFG community is the spirit and energy that I feel like every single day when I come in here. It’s people that care about what they do.”
If you’re ready to take control of your future and build a business on your terms—with the right support, strategy, and team behind you—let’s talk. Schedule a complimentary consultation today.