Every year, advisors in our community come together for the Cornerstone National Meeting to learn from industry experts and peers. For many, this is a can’t-miss event that captures the value of being part of Cornerstone: peers sharing best practices, industry updates that help them run better practices, a firm that supports their growth, and an environment that creates deep connections and friendships.
2024’s meeting had record attendance, with nearly 100 people gathering around the theme “Find Another Gear,” a concept that resonated with advisors. Just as a car must shift through gears before reaching overdrive, advisors explored the many strategies, tools and resources they can implement to run their practices at peak efficiency. Throughout the event, Cornerstone provided inspiration to help advisors synchronize all the “gears” of their business to maximize growth and impact.
Kicking into Gear
The event opened with a welcome dinner at Fastlane Classic Cars, the perfect setting to kick off our gear-themed meeting. Surrounded by vintage cars and memorabilia, guests enjoyed dinner, drinks and conversation. It was an evening filled with camaraderie – catching up with colleagues, making new connections and setting the stage for a day of collaboration.
Learning That Drives Growth
The following day, advisors and team members gathered at the Old Hickory Golf Club for a full day of learning. Joe Keifer, Cornerstone’s managing partner and co-founder, delivered a lively firm update that celebrated the past year’s incredible growth, welcomed new advisors, highlighted new services and support, and recognized advisors who reached major growth milestones.
From there, sessions dove into timely and practical topics, including:
Key industry trends powering advisor growth
- Empowering business owners with exit planning conversations
- Leveraging AI to acquire and engage clients
Always a highlight, Cornerstone advisors shared their own best practices during panel discussions. Several explained how they add value while also streamlining their practices by implementing model portfolios and syncing technology tools. Cornerstone’s net new assets leaders shared their own growth journeys, offering lessons and strategies other advisors could take back to their practices.
A High-Flying Keynote
The day culminated with a powerful keynote from Robert “Cujo” Teschner, a retired F-15 & F-22 fighter pilot and instructor. Cujo shared the concept of the “debrief to win” method – a team approach to learning from mistakes and driving success. Attendees not only left inspired but also received a copy of his book, Debrief to Win, with the opportunity to have it personally signed.
Tricks and Treats
After a full day of learning, advisor shifted gears into an evening of entertainment on the driving range with food and drinks. Trick-shot entertainer Dan Boever wowed the crowd with his long drives, stunts and quick wit. A few good-natured volunteers even joined in, adding to the fun and laughter.
Why It Matters
The 2024 Cornerstone National Meeting was more than an event – it was a reminder of what makes Cornerstone unique. Advisors gained valuable insights, enjoyed time with peers who openly shared best practices, and experienced the kind of community that supports both professional and personal success.
We’re already counting down to our 2025 National Meeting, where our theme “Every Second Counts” will focus on how to design and deliver a remarkable client experience that can strengthen relationships and drive your business to new heights.
