Building a Lasting Legacy: Insights from Susan and Rob Michel of Glen Eagle Advisors

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia interviews Susan Michel, Founder and CEO, and Rob Michel, President and CIO of Glen Eagle Advisors, a leading wealth management firm specializing in financial planning and investment strategies. Susan and Rob share their family business journey, discussing how they’ve balanced tradition with innovation, navigated the challenges of succession planning, and fostered a culture of purposeful wealth management. Their story provides valuable lessons for family business owners and next-generation entrepreneurs looking to create lasting legacies.

Navigating Family Business Dynamics and Building for the Future

Susan and Rob Michel’s journey is a testament to how family businesses can thrive through intentional leadership and a clear focus on values. With Glen Eagle Advisors founded on a mission to help families build wealth with purpose, they emphasize the importance of balancing personal values with business goals. As a second-generation leader, Rob brought new perspectives to the firm, introducing innovative financial technology like the Alula platform to better serve both high-net-worth clients and emerging professionals. Their commitment to transparency, clear communication, and a shared vision has been instrumental in creating a resilient, multi-generational company.

Family businesses often face challenges with succession and family dynamics, but Susan and Rob have worked to establish a culture of open dialogue and respect. They stress the importance of beginning succession planning early and being transparent about expectations to avoid conflicts. Their approach to leadership and culture fosters an environment of innovation while honoring the firm’s legacy and values.

The episode also highlights the growing importance of technology in the wealth management industry. Glen Eagle Advisors has remained adaptable by investing in fintech solutions that help streamline operations while maintaining a client-centered approach. The firm’s ability to integrate digital tools into their services has allowed them to stay competitive and offer more tailored, scalable solutions for their clients.

About Susan Michel

Susan Michel is the Founder and CEO of Glen Eagle Advisors, where she has been helping clients build wealth with purpose for over 20 years. A passionate advocate for financial empowerment, Susan started Glen Eagle to create a firm that prioritizes faith, family, and service. Her leadership has been instrumental in positioning Glen Eagle Advisors as a trusted partner for families and business owners seeking long-term financial success.

About Rob Michel

Rob Michel is the President and CIO of Glen Eagle Advisors, leading the firm’s strategic vision and overseeing its investment management operations. With an MBA and extensive experience in the financial services industry, Rob plays a key role in driving the firm’s innovation efforts, particularly through the launch of the Alula platform, which aims to democratize financial advice and make it accessible to underserved professionals.

About Glen Eagle Advisors

Glen Eagle Advisors is a leading wealth management firm founded on the principles of integrity, service, and purpose-driven financial planning. With over two decades of experience, Glen Eagle specializes in helping individuals, families, and business owners build wealth and achieve financial security. The firm provides tailored financial strategies with a focus on long-term growth, retirement planning, investment management, and family business succession. By blending traditional financial wisdom with modern technology, Glen Eagle ensures its clients are well-positioned to navigate the complexities of wealth management and create lasting legacies for future generations.

Key Episode Highlights

• Purpose-Driven Leadership: Let mission and values drive your strategy. Glen Eagle’s success is rooted in their commitment to building wealth with purpose and prioritizing community impact.

• Succession Planning is Key: Begin succession conversations early, set clear expectations, and document processes to ensure the future continuity of the business.

• Innovate and Embrace Change: Encourage innovation while honoring tradition. Glen Eagle’s use of fintech solutions like Alula demonstrates how technology can enhance customer relationships without compromising service quality.

• Foster Open Communication: Transparency in family business dynamics, especially around leadership roles and expectations, is vital to avoiding conflict and ensuring long-term success.

• Focus on Long-Term Growth: Make decisions with the future in mind, investing in both technology and people to build a sustainable legacy.

Conclusion

Susan and Rob Michel’s conversation on Growing Up B2B sheds light on the core principles that have guided Glen Eagle Advisors to success: purpose, communication, and innovation. By balancing tradition with technological advancements and prioritizing transparency, they have built a resilient business that continues to grow and evolve. Their insights provide valuable takeaways for other family businesses looking to navigate generational transitions, innovate, and sustain their legacy.

Ready to take your family business to the next level? Visit Delia Associates to learn how we can help you create systems that drive growth and success.

Think you’d be a great fit for Growing Up B2B? Apply to be a guest and share your story with a business audience that values leadership, growth, and legacy. Apply here.