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  • Stefanie Isaksen
    Stefanie Isaksen

    Tame, lame, vague goals are the best way to live a tame, lame, vague life.  I've made it my business to help others succeed. Pay it forward and karma will pay you back.

    Meet Stef, Your Wealth Management Consultant & Founder 

    I started Ivy Way Placements because I am emphatically driven by challenges—I don’t just face them, I thrive on them. I’m fiercely competitive with myself, always pushing the goalpost further, setting new challenges, and meeting impossible deadlines. Maybe it’s the Viking in me. But beyond that, I genuinely love helping people. There’s nothing more fulfilling than solving problems and empowering others. So, I decided to merge my two greatest passions into a purpose-driven business.

    I firmly believe that if you can help, you should—every time, everywhere, for anyone, whenever possible. Wealth management and finances weren’t common topics around my dinner table. Growing up, I was taught that discussing financial matters was impolite. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I truly understood how vital financial literacy and planning are.

    Now, I am an Investment Advisor Representative with the privilege of recruiting for over 80 private and public Wealth Management firms, RIAs, B/Ds, Trusts, Estates, and Family Offices. I specialize in Wealth Management because I was never told how important it was. 

    My path wasn’t traditional—I spent my teenage years in foster care, attended four different high schools, lived a state away from my parents, and ultimately ran away before graduating. At 19, I earned my GED. By 20, I adopted my younger brother then my younger sister out of foster care. I had to put them through high school and college first before I could focus on myself. It wasn’t until I was 29 that I was finally able to pursue my own education.

    Being part of the wealth management industry is a profound transformation from where I came from and where statistics say I should be. But I’ve always been the exception to the rules. Now, as the industry undergoes a technological revolution and shifts to meet the needs of a new generation, I find myself uniquely positioned. Change is my comfort zone. Adapting, strategizing, and overcoming obstacles—this is where I excel. As I said, I love a good challenge!

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Lending a hand

The Struggle is Real

At its core, wealth management recruitment involves identifying, attracting, and retaining professionals who can offer personalized financial services. Albeit most companies are looking for a candidate with a book of $50m in portable AUM and a non-solicit. Now, I am not saying that is what everyone is looking for but that is the standard. Our space demands a unique blend of skills, including financial acumen, interpersonal prowess, and a deep understanding of market dynamics. Quite honestly, if you have been advising for at least 10 years, then you should hold yourself to that standard too. The goal is to build a team that can navigate the complexities of wealth preservation, maintain deep personal relationships, and growth (or preservation of capital) for your clients.


The Importance of Specialized Recruitment Strategies

Why can’t wealth management firms rely on generic recruitment methods? Because the stakes are too high. Wealth management is not just another industry—it’s a trust-based profession where every hire carries financial, ethical, and reputational consequences. Clients don’t just hand over their assets; they entrust their futures to advisors who must navigate complex regulations while crafting highly personalized strategies. Hiring the wrong person isn’t just a misstep—it’s a liability. One poor hiring decision can mean millions lost, client relationships shattered, regulatory repercussions, or even lawsuits. For a small firm, it could be the beginning of the end. Now, imagine that wrong hire is a managing director. The damage isn’t just financial—it’s cultural, structural, and deeply ingrained in the firm’s DNA.


So, who do you want in your corner? A recruiter who simply fills roles? Or a fiduciary-minded, relentless, strategy-driven recruiter who thrives on the hunt for the industry’s best? One with an entrepreneurial spirit, a sharp instinct for talent, and a proven track record of placing elite professionals where they belong? Because if you’re looking for someone who plays it safe, that’s not me. But if you want someone who fights for the right hire like the future of your firm depends on it—because it does—then we should talk.


Strong Relationship-Building Skills

Everyone has the potential for more—more growth, more success, more fulfillment—but too often, they get stuck in comfort and routine. People don’t always seek change until change comes knocking. Sometimes, it’s a whisper of dissatisfaction. Other times, it’s a storm that upends everything. That’s where I come in. I challenge people to look up, assess their situation, and recognize that there’s another level waiting for them.

I’ve built my career on seeing potential where others see limitations. I specialize in helping high achievers shift gears, break through ceilings, and find the right fit—not just for a job, but for a career that aligns with their mission and ambition. I don’t just match résumés to job descriptions; I build relationships, uncover strengths, and connect people with opportunities they didn’t even know existed.


Key Skills and Qualities of a Wealth Management Recruiter

Success isn’t just about skill—it’s about resilience, adaptability, and the courage to take the next step. That’s what I bring to the table. I help financial professionals and firms find the right connections that drive their success. Because no one should settle for less than they’re capable of achieving.

If you’re ready to move forward, shift gears, and take control of your future, I’m here to make it happen. Let’s redefine success—together.


Understanding the Client's Needs

A successful placement begins with an in-depth consultation to learn about the firm’s culture, objectives, and the specific skills needed. We consider both technical and interpersonal qualities to identify ideal candidates. Allowing us to maintain a cohesive team environment and ensuring new hires align with company values.

Screening and Evaluating Candidates

Gaining access to hidden talent pools. Screening in wealth management goes beyond resumes. Specialized recruiters often know candidates who aren’t actively seeking new roles but would consider the right opportunity. This access can be a game-changer, enabling firms to find top talent that would otherwise be unavailable.

Conducting Interviews

We conduct interviews that dive deep into a candidate’s professional background, examining their problem-solving skills, client-management capabilities, and ethical outlook. Recruiters conduct rigorous assessments to gauge candidates' technical knowledge, past performance, and potential cultural fit. 

I don't deserve to get paid if I didn't do a good job. Bottom Line.  


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