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Navigating Uncertainty: Meet the Top Advisors of 2025 and Their Secrets to Client Growth and AUM Success

March 22, 2025
Smart Money

Navigating Turbulent Waters: Highlighting the Top Financial Advisors of 2025

In an increasingly complex financial landscape marked by geopolitical uncertainty, fluctuating interest rates, and a contentious electoral climate, financial advisors across the United States are facing significant challenges. Clients are demanding more specialized services and have heightened expectations for investment performance. As a result, the art of portfolio construction has evolved, prompting advisors to adopt a broad array of innovative products and integrate private investments into their strategies.

Dave Goodsell, executive director at the Natixis Center for Investor Insight, emphasizes that the current economic climate tests traditional investment assumptions. “Investment assumptions are being tested by lower inflation, lower rates, and slowing growth,” he states. Against this backdrop, providers of financial advice have had to reassure clients and develop strategies to navigate uncertain waters.

Against this challenging environment, some advisors have excelled, demonstrating exceptional management skills and client service capabilities. InvestmentNews has recognized a group of elite professionals as the Top Advisors of 2025 based on their assets under management (AUM) and client growth.

Standout Achievements

From August 2023 to August 2024, the Top Advisors in this cohort achieved remarkable numbers, highlighting their resilience and business acumen:

  • 19 percent AUM growth
  • 10 percent client growth
  • Oversight of approximately $77.2 billion in AUM

These advisors credit their success to not only their financial expertise but also the collective strength of their teams and the strategic use of technology. What sets these elite advisors apart is their mastery of client communication and their deep understanding of the emotional aspects of financial decision-making.

Profiles of Excellence

Jeff DeHaan – Clearwater Capital Partners

  • Location: Hoffman Estates, IL
  • AUM Growth: 28 percent
  • Client Growth: 8 percent

DeHaan emphasizes a comprehensive approach to client relationships. "We dig in with our client families, getting to know the ins and outs of their financial world," he explains, focusing on long-term stability over quick solutions. He also notes that most new clients come through referrals, underscoring the importance of strong relationships.

Ted Lauzen – Grey Fox Wealth Advisors

  • Location: Rockland, DE
  • AUM Growth: 67 percent
  • Client Growth: 90 percent

A former combat pilot in the U.S. Marines, Lauzen draws on his military experience to deliver stability to clients facing financial uncertainty. His philosophy centers on high-quality, responsive service. "It’s about taking care of people spectacularly well and exceeding expectations," he says, even as he acknowledges the difficulty of finding skilled new advisors to support his vision.

Wayne McCormick – McCormick Wealth Management of Steward Partners

  • Location: Manchester, NH
  • AUM Growth: 26 percent
  • Client Growth: 18 percent

McCormick highlights the importance of operational efficiency and team collaboration. He focuses on fit when onboarding clients, believing, "I’m a big believer in clients for life." The firm primarily serves clientele nearing retirement, which shapes their careful approach to expanding their client base.

Tim DiSette – Infinitas LLC

  • Location: Overland Park, KS
  • AUM Growth: 48 percent
  • Client Growth: 16 percent

DiSette credits his upbringing in a farming family for understanding the hard work of his clients. His firm adopts a cash-flow-centered financial planning approach, with a focus on comprehensive solutions including estate and charitable planning. To stay competitive, he regularly engages external consultants to refine operations.

Gregory Guenther – GRANTvest Financial Group

  • Location: Matawan, NJ
  • AUM Growth: 34 percent
  • Client Growth: 133 percent

Guenther focuses on education and common-sense advice to help clients achieve financial freedom. "Our formula for success hasn’t veered since day one: put the client first and always do the right thing," he states, highlighting a deep commitment to integrity and client engagement.

Driving Growth in Challenging Times

The strategies that have propelled these advisors to success include keenly identifying market opportunities and proactively managing client relationships. For McCormick, that has meant adding new partners to meet demand while maintaining high service standards. Similarly, DiSette has refined onboarding and workflow processes to enhance efficiency.

Lauzen’s model revolves around unparalleled service that "exceeds expectations on a day-to-day basis," and he continues to seek talented individuals who share his commitment to client-first service. Meanwhile, DeHaan underscores the importance of character in hiring, ensuring every new advisor aligns with the values and standards of care that his firm offers.

Conclusion

As financial advisors traverse a landscape fraught with uncertainty and shifting client needs, the achievements of InvestmentNews’ Top Advisors of 2025 stand as a testament to their skill, adaptability, and dedication. By focusing on comprehensive service and client communication, these outstanding professionals have not only preserved but thrived in one of the most challenging environments in recent memory. Their approaches serve as valuable case studies for others in the financial advisory space as they seek to meet the evolving needs of their clientele.