How do you keep your best people motivated while ensuring everyone on your team feels invested in your firm’s success? The traditional approach of focusing solely on advisor compensation misses a fundamental truth—every role in your organization contributes to client success and firm profitability. Join host, Kirsten Schlumbohm, for an in-depth conversation with Kelli Knudsen, EA, Controller and Head of People and Culture at JL Smith Holistic Wealth Management.
Kelli brings a unique perspective to our conversation, having grown from intern to executive team member at JL Smith. Her hands-on experience implementing the Teamwork Movement Practice Management Program methodology—a comprehensive approach to practice management and team development—provides real-world insights into what works, what doesn’t, and how to navigate the inevitable challenges that come with change.
Key Topics Discussed:
Whether you’re a solo advisor looking to build your first team compensation structure or a growing firm ready to refine your existing model, watch or listen to learn how to create compensation strategies that truly motivate.
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About the Host:
Kirsten Schlumbohm is the vice president, head of annuity sales at C2P. She has over 15 years of industry experience in which she’s served as an insurance and annuity wholesaler, sales trainer and leader, and financial advisor. In addition to her life and health insurance licenses, she holds her Series 66 and a degree from Iowa State University.
Kirsten is committed to empowering you and helping you reach the retirement finish line. She believes in optimizing processes to build strategies out of silos and encourage tighter collaboration.
About the Guest:
Kelli Knudsen, EA, started her career at JL Smith Holistic Wealth Management over a decade ago as an intern and now applies her acquired accounting and tax expertise as controller and head of the finance and the accounting department. As part of the executive team that implemented JL Smith’s current compensation philosophy using the Teamwork Movement framework, Kelli brings unique insights from both finance and human resources perspectives.
After earning her B.B.A. in Accounting with a minor in economics from Cleveland State University, her passion for aiding families in creating tax-efficient retirement strategies led her to become an Enrolled Agent (EA)—the highest credential awarded by the IRS. She maintains active memberships in both the National Association of Tax Preparers (NATP) and Ohio Society of Enrolled Agents (OSSEA) to stay at the forefront of tax law and strategy. With an enthusiasm for empowering others, Kelli leads JL Smith’s internal tax coaching program for rising advisors, helping ensure team members develop the highest standards of tax planning excellence.