Possibility on purpose
Growth here is intentional—a client-first culture where people can see and step into their future.
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The greatest investment any firm can make goes beyond balance sheets. It’s the investment in people—those who create possibility for clients and each other. From the earliest days, our leadership envisioned a firm where associates could see their future clearly. That vision remains our north star today, grounded in a culture of abundance and a purpose of positively impacting the lives of many.
By investing in innovation, firmwide mobility, mentorship and career paths, Mariner seeks to empower associates to thrive and clients to benefit from continuity and confidence. It’s an intentional, people-first approach designed to set us apart in an industry where ambiguity too often dominates.
Marty Bicknell
CEO
Marty Bicknell
CEO
"When we invest in our people, we invest in our clients, our culture and our future. The clarity we create today builds confidence and continuity that defines lasting success. That’s the kind of growth that matters most."
"When we invest in our people, we invest in our clients, our culture and our future. The clarity we create today builds confidence and continuity that defines lasting success. That’s the kind of growth that matters most."
Careers with momentum
Transparent progression, real coaching and observable milestones that turn ambition into advancement.
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At the heart of Mariner’s talent strategy is clarity. The firm provides every associate across the organization with a transparent path to grow.
Whether someone starts as an intern, in a client-facing role or as a wealth advisor, progression is guided by clear capabilities, measurable impact and meaningful mentorship, not just tenure.
For those on the advisory track, the progression to senior wealth advisor provides visible milestones and real accountability.
- Early-stage advisors: Strengthen technical and planning skills, learn through observation and gain proficiency in Mariner’s tools and client experience.
- Wealth advisors: Step into relationship leadership, deepen planning expertise and cultivate referral networks.
- Senior wealth advisors: Carry full relationship accountability, lead complex planning engagements and coach the next generation.
The same philosophy applies across the firm: Associates in operations, compliance, marketing, human resources and more follow development paths that reward growth, collaboration and leadership. By making development visible and attainable, Mariner helps turn potential into momentum and creates careers that move forward with purpose from day one.
Career clarity
- Only 38% of Registered Investment Advisers provide clear career paths, down from 53% two years ago.1
- Mariner makes progression transparent and tied to impact.
- Clarity is nonnegotiable.
Amanda Cuccinello
Senior Wealth Advisor
Amanda Cuccinello
Senior Wealth Advisor
"I came to Mariner from a large firm where I wasn’t focused on individual wealth management—but I wanted to find a place to learn, grow and build my career. Since joining in 2021, I’ve been able to advance quickly through the ranks with the full support of my team and leadership.
Mariner has given me the resources to earn my Series 65, CFP® and insurance licenses, and the encouragement to keep growing—backed by business development support and a strong referral program. I’ve even taken on a leadership role to help develop and manage our growing team. The firm offers incredible resources, flexibility and support to shape the career and practice you want, and I’m lucky to work alongside such a talented, collaborative team that truly wants to see each other succeed."
"I came to Mariner from a large firm where I wasn’t focused on individual wealth management—but I wanted to find a place to learn, grow and build my career. Since joining in 2021, I’ve been able to advance quickly through the ranks with the full support of my team and leadership.
Mariner has given me the resources to earn my Series 65, CFP® and insurance licenses, and the encouragement to keep growing—backed by business development support and a strong referral program. I’ve even taken on a leadership role to help develop and manage our growing team. The firm offers incredible resources, flexibility and support to shape the career and practice you want, and I’m lucky to work alongside such a talented, collaborative team that truly wants to see each other succeed."
Opportunity moves with you
Cross-functional mobility creates careers that travel well—and leaders who can grow broader, faster.
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Opportunity doesn’t stop with the advisor track. Associates can build careers in planning, operations, compliance, marketing, finance and investments. Clear pathways and growth maps make these options possible.
This kind of cross-functional mobility is rare in wealth management. Competitors often spotlight compensation or technology but may not always open doors beyond advisory roles. Mariner’s approach recognizes that tomorrow’s leaders may come from every corner of the firm. Mobility thrives here because collaboration, belonging and recognition are built into every experience.
Mobility matters
- 68% of next-gen advisors rank career path as their top request.1
- Mariner strives to provide mobility across the firm, not just up one ladder.
Brad Rollins
Deputy Chief Investment Officer
Brad Rollins
Deputy Chief Investment Officer
"When I joined Mariner through an acquisition back in 2012, the acquisition didn’t just change my business card; it opened up a whole new world of growth and opportunity. Pretty quickly, I saw how growth leads to change—and how change opens up new pathways if you’re willing to take them.
When the chance came, I moved from the local office into an investment role at headquarters. That shift let me grow alongside Mariner itself, working on initiatives that helped us scale and serve clients in new ways. Now, as I step into the deputy chief investment officer role, I’m genuinely excited about the future. I’m grateful to have built a career in a place that values mobility, invests in its people, and gives us room to shape what comes next."
"When I joined Mariner through an acquisition back in 2012, the acquisition didn’t just change my business card; it opened up a whole new world of growth and opportunity. Pretty quickly, I saw how growth leads to change—and how change opens up new pathways if you’re willing to take them.
When the chance came, I moved from the local office into an investment role at headquarters. That shift let me grow alongside Mariner itself, working on initiatives that helped us scale and serve clients in new ways. Now, as I step into the deputy chief investment officer role, I’m genuinely excited about the future. I’m grateful to have built a career in a place that values mobility, invests in its people, and gives us room to shape what comes next."
A culture people choose
Belonging, recognition and shared purpose give people the confidence to stay and the momentum to grow.
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Career progression is only as strong as the culture that sustains it. Here, that culture is built on belonging, recognition and shared purpose—the belief that when people feel valued and connected, they do their best work.
Key elements of this culture include:
- Mentorship at every stage. Associates never advance alone.
- Recognition and peer respect. Recognition is embedded in leadership programs and advisor communities.
- A shared mindset. Cross-team collaboration keeps our culture connected and our service consistent.
- Community impact. The Mariner Foundation channels the firm’s purpose of positively impacting the lives of many, through volunteerism and grants.
We believe this culture of belonging can translate into better client outcomes: continuity, trust and a deeper sense of shared purpose.
Innovation that fuels growth
Purposeful technology and development that give advisors capacity to grow, serve and lead.
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Innovation here is built for people, not just processes. Every new program or platform is measured by a single standard: Does it help advisors and associates do more of what matters most?
That focus shows up in practical technology and training, with guardrails that keep progress purposeful, and people centered.
In practice, it’s a system designed for consistency and confidence:
- Role-specific training for AI and planning platforms that deliver faster insights and deeper client conversations.
- Learning ecosystems that connect technical, communication and leadership development.
- Compliance frameworks that help ensure tools enhance trust, scalability and long-term client continuity.
This balance matters. Clients increasingly expect digital convenience alongside human advice, yet many advisors say they lack best-in-class tools.2,3 A sustained commitment to innovation helps close that gap—creating capacity for growth and connection alike.
The innovation gap
- 85% of advisors say top tech is critical.2
- Only 64% are satisfied with what their firm provides.3
The path forward
Investment in people multiplies outward—aimed at strengthening culture, building confidence and creating trust in every transition.
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The ripple effect of Mariner’s approach comes from the integration of clarity, culture and connection. Transparent career paths give people confidence in their direction. A culture of belonging and abundance gives them purpose to stay and grow. Shared standards across teams and acquisitions create alignment that accelerates integration and reinforces firm identity.
These elements can amplify each other and help drive results:
- For associates and advisors: Visibility, mentorship and belonging can help fuel growth.
- For clients: Seamless continuity and confidence their relationships are built to last.
- For acquisitions: Smoother cultural assimilation through aligned expectations and shared values.
- For the industry: A sustainable talent pipeline built on collaboration, not competition.
As the profession faces a well-documented advisor shortage, this integrated model shows what’s possible when culture and clarity work together. With transparent progression, firmwide mobility, a culture of belonging and intentional innovation, Mariner is focused on building the next generation of advisors and leaders—developing talent, deepening trust and expanding what’s possible for everyone who’s part of it.
We believe that when advisors see their future clearly, they serve clients with greater confidence, lead teams with greater purpose and shape an industry built on trust. That’s how we expand what’s possible—for our people, our clients and the profession as a whole.
Sources:
1 RIA Talent Management Study 2025, DeVoe & Company
2 True Believer Research 2025, Mariner, in partnership with BarkleyOKRP and Zeldis
3 Brand Health Tracker 2025, Mariner, in partnership with BarkleyOKRP and Zeldis
4 Retention rates for 2025 are annualized using actual data from 1/1/2025–9/30/2025 and projected terminations for the remainder of the year based on average historical termination patterns. Annualization is applied to account for natural seasonal fluctuations and to approximate a full-year retention rate. As a result, these figures represent estimates and may differ from final year-end results.
The personal employee statements included in this material reflect the personal experiences and opinions of the individuals quoted. They are not intended to describe or reflect the experience of clients, nor should they be construed as a guarantee of future performance, success, or outcomes. Individual experiences will vary.
This material is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Any opinion expressed herein is subject to change without notice. Any forward-looking statements or beliefs expressed herein are based on current expectations and are not guarantees of future events or outcomes.Statistics, figures and third-party data cited in this material are believed to be reliable but have not been independently verified. No representation or warranty is made as to their accuracy or completeness.
Mariner is the marketing name for the financial services businesses of Mariner Wealth Advisors, LLC and its subsidiaries. Investment advisory services are provided through the brands Mariner Wealth, Mariner Independent, Mariner Institutional, Mariner Ultra, and Mariner Workplace, each of which is a business name of the registered investment advisory entities of Mariner. For additional information about each of the registered investment advisory entities of Mariner, including fees and services, please contact Mariner or refer to each entity’s Form ADV Part 2A, which is available on the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website (www.adviserinfo.sec.gov). Registration of an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training.
