How does EAC get paid?
EAC is compensated by the receiving firm at the time of a successful placement — not by you. There is no fee to the advisor at any stage of our engagement. This means our advice is always in your interest, not in the interest of closing a deal quickly.
Does working with EAC obligate me to move?
No. Many of our engagements begin with advisors who aren't sure whether they want to move at all. We treat exploration as a legitimate service — helping you understand your options, your contract, and the market so you can make an informed decision. If you decide to stay where you are, that's a valid outcome. We will have given you the information you need to make that choice with confidence.
Can I work with EAC if I'm already talking to other recruiters?
Yes. We're not a traditional recruiting firm, and we don't require exclusivity in the early stages of our engagement. That said, as we get deeper into negotiations and firm discussions, we do ask that advisors work with us exclusively — because managing multiple negotiating parties simultaneously rarely produces the best outcome for the advisor.
Do you work with TIAA advisors?
Yes. TIAA transitions involve specific structural and contractual considerations that differ from standard broker-dealer moves. Our team has experience navigating these situations and can help TIAA-affiliated advisors understand their options, timing, and what to expect from a transition to an independent or wirehouse platform.
What is a non-protocol firm, and do you work with advisors at those firms?
Non-protocol firms are broker-dealers and RIAs that have opted out of the Broker Protocol — a voluntary agreement that governs what client information an advisor can take when they leave. Departing a non-protocol firm requires careful planning to avoid legal exposure. Yes, EAC works with advisors at non-protocol firms. We have specific experience structuring transitions that protect the advisor's book of business and minimize legal risk.
What if I'm stuck in a contract?
Being in a multi-year contract — whether it's a promissory note, a forgivable loan, or a production-based retention agreement — doesn't necessarily mean you're stuck. EAC can help you understand your obligations, calculate your breakeven, and evaluate whether there are structures that allow for a transition that makes economic sense. In some cases, a receiving firm will offset your contract costs as part of the transition package.
Which firms does EAC have relationships with?
EAC works across the full spectrum of broker-dealers, independent platforms, and RIAs. Because we are not exclusively contracted to any single firm, we can present options that fit your practice — rather than options that fit our business model. We'll tell you upfront which firms we have formal relationships with and how that affects our compensation.
What does the process look like?
It starts with a confidential call — no forms, no pitch. We want to understand your situation: your firm, your book of business, your contract, your timeline, and what you're actually looking for. From there, we map the landscape of options that match your profile and goals. If you want to explore specific firms, we facilitate conversations and manage the negotiation process on your behalf. The whole engagement, from first call to placement, typically takes 60 to 180 days depending on your situation.
Is my information kept confidential?
Yes. Everything you share with EAC is treated as confidential. We do not share your name, your firm, or your production information with any third party without your explicit permission. We understand the professional sensitivity of exploring a career move, and we take that seriously.
What makes EAC different from a traditional recruiter?
The backgrounds on our team. Louis Poulin spent years as an Ameriprise Regional Manager — on the firm side of the table. Bill Gibson and Stephanie Scarlata bring advisor-side and management-side experience respectively. We have been in branch management, we have negotiated contracts, and we have seen what transitions look like from the inside of a firm. That perspective is not something a traditional recruiter can offer. We are consultants first, and that changes every conversation we have with the advisors we work with.