Owning the Journey: How Andrew Cremé Built a Turnkey Independent Practice

When Andrew Cremé reflects on his first year of independence, the theme that stands out is ownership. Ownership of his decisions, his time, his client experience, and ultimately his entire business.

After years of feeling constrained by low payouts and limited control, Andrew made the move to Victory Financial. A year later, he describes independence as the turning point that allowed him to design a practice built entirely around service, simplicity, and client value.

Finding His Path Into the Profession

Nearly a decade ago, Andrew transitioned from healthcare consulting to financial planning. As a career changer, the transition wasn’t straightforward, and doors didn’t open easily. But a mentor took a chance on him, giving him room to learn operations, planning, and the realities of delivering advice.

Over time, Andrew discovered he had a natural ability to explain complex concepts in a way that resonated with clients, especially those who valued detail and precision. His early growth confirmed a belief he now holds strongly - if you serve well, clients respond.

Why Independence Became the Only Option

As Andrew’s practice grew, so did his awareness that he lacked real security and authority within his old structure. Even with the possibility of a future buyout, owning less than 1 percent of the firm meant he would never truly have a voice. Basic decisions were out of his control. Payouts stayed low. And any dream of building something long-term remained out of reach.

Independence offered the opposite - control, flexibility, and a structure where the economics finally matched the work being done. “When you realize you can’t call the shots, you eventually understand you need to build a place where you can,” Andrew shared.

A Transition That Affirmed Client Loyalty

Andrew expected the move to be difficult. Rebuilding planning software, preparing paperwork, and navigating a new custodial ecosystem felt daunting. But the reality was far more manageable and powerfully affirming.

Nearly all clients followed him. One even told him they were relieved, saying they preferred working with someone who had full authority to make decisions. The transition proved what Andrew suspected - clients stay for the advisor, not the institution.

Creating a Turnkey Planning Experience

Independence didn’t just give Andrew ownership; it unlocked a vision. Today, he is building a fully integrated, fee-only, turnkey practice that brings together:

• Comprehensive financial planning

• Estate planning, integrated through his wife’s practice

• Future tax preparation and advice

• Holistic, service-oriented client experiences

This “under one roof” model is something Andrew could never have implemented before. Independence gave him the latitude to create it. He is also investing heavily in his digital presence, refining SEO, testing multiple marketing strategies, experimenting with seminars and online leads, and continuously enhancing his website and client resources. “I’m a tinkerer,” he said. “I want every part of the business to get better every year.”

The Reality of the “DIY” Ecosystem

Andrew acknowledges that his Schwab comes with a more “hands-on” or modular setup than his old turnkey environment. Some processes require more advisor involvement, and the client must initiate some tasks. But the upside is clear - more freedom, more control, and significantly more choice. He emphasized how helpful the transition support team was during the move, especially when navigating dozens of forms and workflow - “The support was incredible. They helped me get everything right the first time.”

Supported, Not Limited

One of the standouts for Andrew has been Victory Financial’s willingness to support his growth initiatives, including accessing specialized investment solutions that the firm had not previously used. To Andrew, that level of responsiveness signaled genuine alignment. Another major win - compensation simplicity. After years of working within systems where payout formulas were unclear or constantly shifting, he said independence brought clarity, transparency, and fairness.

Advice for Advisors Considering Independence

When asked what he would tell someone exploring independence, Andrew didn’t hesitate: “Focus on the activities that actually grow the practice and serve clients. Everything else is noise.”

He also advises advisors to dig deeply into their purpose, five or six layers down, not just the surface answer. Knowing the true “why” behind the decision is what carries you through the inevitable hard days and market cycles. On AI, Andrew offers a balanced view: use it to eliminate tasks and improve efficiency, but don’t expect it to replace the human element. “This business is still humans serving humans,” he said. “AI helps, but it doesn’t replace thought.”

Looking Ahead: Elevating Every Touch Point

A year into independence, Andrew is energized. His goal for the coming year is to systematically elevate every client touch point, communication, onboarding, reviews, and resources until his practice delivers what he calls an “unforgettable experience.”

Founder Jeff Davidson summed it up: “Andrew is building something special — a practice rooted in service, depth, and ownership. We’re proud to support him every step of the way.”

Interested in building your practice with more flexibility and ownership? Learn more about Victory Financial’s advisor platform.