The Challenge
Chicago Partners Wealth Advisors is one of the largest independent RIAs in the Midwest. With $7.7 billion in assets under management and a growing team of advisors, the firm needed technology that could keep pace with their ambitions. Their previous CRM, Practifi, had served them well, but the team saw an opportunity to move faster.
Practifi offered robust capabilities and deep customization options. For many firms, that flexibility is exactly what they need. But Chicago Partners found that the Salesforce-based architecture required more configuration overhead than they wanted. Implementation projects stretched longer than expected. And when the firm looked to integrate AI into their workflows, they faced the prospect of adding yet another layer to an already complex stack.
“For us, it came down to fit. We wanted something purpose-built for how our advisors actually work day to day. Less time configuring, more time serving clients.”
Nicholas GuidoPartner & COO, Chicago Partners Wealth Advisors
The Solution
Chicago Partners evaluated several alternatives before selecting FinTurk CRM. What stood out wasn't just the feature set. It was the approach. FinTurk was built from the ground up by Mitchell Bratina, a former financial advisor who had lived the daily frustrations of clunky technology. That perspective showed in every design decision.
The transition happened faster than anyone expected. Where Practifi had taken months to configure, FinTurk was operational in days. The interface felt familiar immediately. Advisors weren't wrestling with workflows. They were serving clients.
Beyond the clean interface, the platform's integrated design stood out. Portfolio allocation tools, client reviews, and task tracking all connect directly to individual client profiles. An advisor preparing for a meeting can see the client's current holdings, upcoming tasks, and review history in one place. There's no toggling between systems or re-entering data.
The AI capabilities made the biggest difference. Rather than bolting AI onto an existing system, FinTurk was architected from the start with AI integration in mind. Advisors can ask plain-English questions about their clients, generate meeting agendas from scattered notes, and draft personalized follow-up emails in seconds. The AI understands context because it has access to the full picture.
The Results
The impact showed up quickly. Advisors spent less time on administrative tasks and more time with clients. Meeting preparation that once took thirty minutes now takes five. Client reviews happen on schedule because the system surfaces what matters without manual tracking.
“Our advisors actually enjoy using the CRM now. That's not something you hear often in this industry. When your tools make work easier instead of harder, it changes everything.”
Andrew KangDirector of Operations, Chicago Partners Wealth Advisors
“FinTurk has allowed us to implement and leverage the benefits of Artificial Intelligence in a way that has compounded our growth. Our advisors are now able to serve more clients, better, in less time. The results are nothing short of incredible.”
Jim Hagedorn, CFAManaging Partner, Chicago Partners Wealth Advisors
Looking Ahead
Chicago Partners continues to expand its use of FinTurk across the organization. The firm has integrated CashSweep, FinTurk's automated cash management tool, to streamline billing cycles and reduce manual errors. As the platform adds new capabilities, Chicago Partners plans to be an active participant in shaping the roadmap.
“We're not just customers. We're partners in building something that will define how advisory firms operate. That's exciting.”
Nicholas GuidoPartner & COO, Chicago Partners Wealth Advisors
For RIAs still struggling with legacy CRMs, Chicago Partners offers simple advice: stop waiting. The technology exists today to work smarter, serve clients better, and reclaim time for what actually matters. The only question is how long you want to keep doing things the hard way.