Unlocking New Possibilities: A Financial Advisor’s Journey to New Heights
ADVISOR TRANSITION CASE STUDY
Jonathan Nicolas
AIF®, BFA®, C(k)P®, LUTCF
Financial Advisor
- San Francisco Bay Area, California
- $53 million AUM*
- Total households*: 48
- Total corporate clients*: 3
*As of 06/17/2025
Background
- Financial Advisor since 2004
- Transitioned to SEIA in 2023
- Committed to core values of respect, team-building, and support
- Dedicated to delivering highly personalized client service
Why SEIA?
A Path to Greater Growth and Autonomy
After almost 20 years in a small, family-owned practice, financial advisor Jonathan Nicolas was ready for a change. The draw of autonomy was calling to him, and Jonathan wanted to provide more personalized service to his clients.
National Brand, Comprehensive Support
Choosing SEIA was the easiest decision Jonathan made after choosing to transition away from his former firm. He had been using SEIA’s investment platform for over 10 years and knew the founding partners from their shared early career days back at John Hancock.
Jonathan also knew that moving from a small family-run business to a multi-billion-dollar national brand would provide him with enhanced support and access to a broader suite of investment and planning solutions. SEIA’s infrastructure provided the resources to help streamline operations, deepen client relationships, and confidently scale his practice.
Shared Core Values
Jonathan also saw a deep alignment between his core values and SEIA’s. Throughout the transition process, SEIA’s commitment to making him feel respected, valued, and supported reinforced their shared belief in putting the team first. For Jonathan, building and supporting a strong team is critical to delivering client-focused wealth management solutions.
Navigating a Smooth Transition
A Natural Fit for His Clients
SEIA already held and managed many of Jonathan’s clients’ assets. As a result, it was easy for Jonathan to share his move with his client family. “I’m joining the mothership,” he would say. “I’m joining the firm where most of your wealth is already being managed.”
Hands On Support
Jonathan describes the transition process as well-supported and efficient for both him and his clients. As he puts it, it has been a long time since he has felt such “professional love.” SEIA assembled a dedicated team from multiple departments to support every aspect of his transition.
He’s especially grateful for the technology support — what initially felt overwhelming quickly became manageable with the help of three technology specialists who met with him weekly, helping him navigate and adapt to SEIA’s robust tech stack.
Additionally, the compliance and investment teams guided Jonathan through the necessary paperwork to transition clients. As a self-proclaimed “relationship-guy,” Jonathan appreciates the insights and support of SEIA’s transition team and the seamless client-transition experience. He says, “I’m happy with my progress so far. And more importantly, my clients are happy AND happy for me.”
ADVANCING GOALS
Post-Acquisition Growth
Joining SEIA has inspired Jonathan to think bigger and set more ambitious goals than ever before. Jonathan is on track to meet his own growth goal to expand his book by approximately 30% this year.
In fact, since joining SEIA in 2023, Jonathan has seen notable growth in his practice, increasing it by over 50%. With SEIA’s support, he has exceeded his production goal ahead of his second anniversary.
Perhaps even more impactful than the financial metrics is Jonathan’s enhanced enthusiasm. He’s delighted to deliver high-quality service with the support of a skilled team and is enjoying his newfound autonomy and freedom. As his wife puts it, “Joyful Jonathan is back.”
Signature Estate & Investment Advisors, LLC (SEIA) is an SEC-registered investment adviser; however, such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training and no inference to the contrary should be made. Securities offered through Signature Estate Securities, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through SEIA, 2121 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1600, Los Angeles, CA 90067, (310) 712-2323.
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