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In a recent conversation with Sam McCoy, founder of Tenacity Private Wealth, we explored his journey from CPA to launching his own wealth management firm. Sam shared why he left a wirehouse, how he built his tech stack, and what lies ahead. This post captures his insights and entrepreneurial mindset.

For additional context on breakaway advisors and industry trends, see our Advisor Demographics Report 2025.

Sam’s Professional Journey: From CPA to Wealth Advisor

Sam began his career as a CPA, building foundational skills while learning business fundamentals. “Becoming a CPA was the best way I could build skills while I learned the business world,” he says. Over time, he transitioned into financial advising, first at UBS, then Morgan Stanley, where he grew a practice large enough to spin out independently.

Gaining Confidence from Experience and Mentors

His time at wirehouses equipped him with technical knowledge and credibility. Yet the leap into entrepreneurship required more: resilience, perseverance, and a belief in his ability to run a business. He credits an entrepreneurial family background for giving him boldness to take the risk.

The Tenacity Private Wealth Approach

Sam named his firm “Tenacity Private Wealth” both for the grit required to succeed and as a reflection of overcoming obstacles in his own life. His ideal clients are entrepreneurs and small business owners who juggle multiple roles and understand the value of delegation. Sam sees himself as a personal CFO for these clients, managing finances while they focus on growing their businesses.

Common Challenges: Balancing Cash Flow and Wealth Building

Many business owners struggle to balance reinvestment in their companies with personal wealth accumulation. Sam helps clients find that balance by creating diversified strategies that do not tie up all capital in their business.

For broader insights on how advisors are shifting strategies, explore our 2025 RIA ETF Trends Report.

Looking Ahead: Growth Plans and Partnership

Sam recently brought on a partner, Mike, a CPA with more than eleven years of tax experience. Together, they plan to leverage relationships, broaden service offerings, and scale the firm with like-minded hires while maintaining a personal, boutique service model.

Building a Tech Stack from Scratch

Leaving a wirehouse meant Sam had to assemble a tech stack from the ground up. He retained MoneyGuidePro for financial planning and selected Advyzon for portfolio management, but also explored new tools. He acknowledges it will not be perfect from day one, but he is committed to constant improvement.

His approach reflects the broader trend of advisors embracing advanced technology such as AdvizorPro’s AI Search and Data Feeds & API.

Scaling the Business with Strategic Hires

Beyond technology, Sam’s growth vision includes recruiting accounting professionals eager to move into wealth management. He sees Mike and future hires forming the backbone of a scalable yet relationship-driven team.

Why AdvizorPro Resonated

Other case studies, such as How Cboe Vest Scaled with an AdvizorPro and Salesforce Integration, showed Sam the power of clean data and precision targeting. He was drawn to AdvizorPro not just for the data, but also for the seamless integrations that align with his goal of operational efficiency.

Conclusion: Start Building with Data and Tenacity

Sam McCoy’s evolution from CPA to advisory entrepreneur reveals the grit, adaptability, and focus required to succeed in today’s landscape. His firm is built on a foundation of client-first service, strategic tech adoption, and bold hiring.

If you are ready to build your own path, supported by clean advisor data, smart tools, and scalable workflows, start your free trial today and see how AdvizorPro can help you prospect smarter and grow faster.

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