You’ve Built a Business That Deserves More Than Just Any Buyer

You’ve spent years building something meaningful—serving clients, developing talent, creating a firm with values that last. Now you’re considering a new chapter. But too often, advisory firm founders enter deals that feel rushed, imbalanced, or misaligned.

Maybe you’ve already seen it happen:

Decerno Exists to Change That

We started Decerno Advisors for a reason: to give wealth management founders the kind of M&A support that puts their interests first—and keeps them front and center.

We sit on the same side of the table as you.

That means no pressure or hidden agendas. Instead, you’ll get thoughtful, expert guidance through every phase of your transition.

We help you:

Understand all your options, not just what’s easiest to close
Vet the right buyers—not just the first ones who show up
Structure terms that reflect the full value of what you’ve built
Move through each step of the process with clarity and confidence

And because we only get paid when the right deal gets done, our incentives stay exactly where they belong: aligned with yours.

Who We Are

Kevin Geary brings nearly three decades of experience in wealth management leadership, business development, and strategic growth. He spent 18 years at Charles Schwab, where he played a key role in helping independent advisors successfully launch their own firms, unlocking significant value through business ownership. His ability to guide complex transitions and align founder priorities with long-term strategic outcomes became a hallmark of his approach.

As the industry evolved, Kevin pivoted. He joined Hightower during its early expansion, leading West Coast growth efforts and structuring deals that helped advisory firms scale through partnership. Later, at Fidelity, he led a turnaround of the Southwest region and was promoted to Regional Vice President, helping dozens of advisors structure launches, grow quickly, and ultimately plan for succession.

Through it all, Kevin saw a troubling pattern: great advisors entering deals where they were underrepresented, underserved, or simply outmaneuvered. That’s what led him to co-found Decerno: to ensure more founders could exit on terms they fully understand, truly believe in and aligned with their goals.

Brett Zaniewski complements that experience with a background in investment banking and private equity. When the owner of the firm he was at decided to sell the business, it sparked a lasting interest in how advisors navigate major transitions.

Brett moved into software-focused private equity, but over time, he realized he was more drawn to the sellers’ perspective than the investing role itself. That led him back to the wealth management space, where he now helps financial advisors think through not only how to sell their business, but also when and under what terms.

At Decerno, Brett brings a clear, analytical view of the trade-offs that come with joining a rapidly consolidating industry. His goal is to ensure sellers understand the full picture, so they can make confident, informed decisions about their next chapter.

Together, Kevin and Brett bring insight from every side of the table—advisory, institutional, private equity—to help founders secure deals that reflect the full value of what they’ve built.

Why “Decerno”?

In Latin, Decerno means “to determine” or “to decide.”

That’s exactly what we help you do—with clarity, strategy, and alignment.

Because your business isn’t just any firm. And this isn’t just any deal.