Marty Bicknell, the founder and CEO of Mariner Wealth Advisors, has made a significant impact in the wealth management industry since starting his firm in 2006. Bicknell’s journey began in the small town of Pittsburg, Kansas, where a chance internship at an Edward Jones location drew him into the finance sector. After securing his degree from Pittsburg State University in 1991, he spent over 15 years at A.G. Edwards, a wirehouse firm, before he and seven partners decided to establish Mariner with a focus on the fiduciary standard. This commitment required advisors to prioritize their clients’ best interests over merely providing suitable products, a contrast to the industry norm at that time. Throughout the 2008 financial crisis, Mariner capitalized on the opportunity to grow its team by attracting top talent from larger firms, resulting in the firm’s rapid expansion through strategic M&A and a diversified service offering.
In terms of client service, Bicknell believes that the essence of holistic planning is not just about the services offered but the cohesive culture and client experiences that accompany them. He emphasizes the importance of having in-house capabilities, arguing that this approach enhances client relationships and leads to better outcomes. Mariner Wealth Advisors boasts an expansive array of services, including its own trust and insurance companies, a boutique investment bank tailored for closely-held business owners, and dedicated institutional offerings for retirement plans. With a workforce of 1,800 advisors and 120 locations across more than 30 states, the firm serves about 45,000 clients, demonstrating its capability to cater to a wide range of client segments.
Mariner’s investment strategy aims to provide access to unique and exclusive investment opportunities, leveraging the firm’s size and expertise to benefit clients. For its mass affluent clientele, the firm primarily recommends investing in ETFs to keep costs low and ensure easy access to market exposure. However, once clients’ portfolios exceed a couple million dollars, Mariner shifts towards its proprietary equity and fixed income strategies that are structured to limit expenses. Moreover, many of Mariner’s clients are invested in alternative asset classes such as private equity and real estate, which typically constitute 10% to 30% of their total portfolios. This diversification indicates the firm’s commitment to tailoring investments to maximize client returns while managing costs effectively.
Looking ahead to 2025, Bicknell maintains an optimistic stance on market conditions, even as the markets hover near all-time highs. He believes that current economic indicators are positive, arguing that while short-term volatility may arise, it could also lead to fleeting buying opportunities. A key element of his outlook is the Federal Reserve’s moves to gradually reduce interest rates, which bodes well for corporate performance and thus the broader economy. Bicknell’s perspective is grounded in his analysis of market fundamentals, and he remains committed to aligning the firm’s investment strategies with the evolving economic landscape.
One of the critical elements of Mariner’s success, according to Bicknell, is its focus on nurturing and training the next generation of financial advisors. He recognizes that in a highly fragmented market, developing young talent can be a competitive advantage. Bicknell explains that for every acquisition, Mariner carefully evaluates numerous firms, emphasizing that the most successful companies prioritize investing in younger talent rather than merely cutting costs. This proactive approach to talent development not only enhances Mariner’s service delivery but also positions the firm to adapt to future industry changes and demands.
As Mariner Wealth Advisors continues its growth trajectory, Bicknell’s commitment to fostering a fiduciary culture, alongside a focus on holistic client relationships and innovative investment strategies, sets the stage for future success. By maintaining high standards in client service and continuously investing in talent, the firm is poised to navigate the complexities of the wealth management landscape effectively. Bicknell’s leadership philosophy, centered on the principle of prioritizing client interests and cultivating a strong internal culture, underpins Mariner’s accomplishments and will likely drive its growth well into the future. With assets under custody reaching $86 billion, Mariner Wealth Advisors exemplifies how vision and strategic planning can lead to exceptional service and sustained success in the financial advisory industry.
