PLANADVISER: In what ways has your practice evolved in recent years in response to client needs, market conditions, or industry developments?
Golen: While many firms have expanded broadly, we’ve intentionally stayed grounded in our core values. That focus has sharpened how we define the “right” client. Today, it’s not just about plan size; it’s about alignment in philosophy. We prioritize working with employers who genuinely care about their employees’ financial well-being and are committed to creating meaningful benefit programs. This alignment leads to stronger partnerships and better outcomes for participants.
PLANADVISER: How do you maintain a consistent client experience while managing firm growth or team expansion?
Golen: Consistency starts with people. We focus heavily on hiring the right individuals and ensuring they are placed in roles that match their strengths. From there, we’ve built a structured training and development process with clear education requirements before anyone is assigned client-facing responsibilities.
Equally important, we are disciplined about growth. Our existing clients come first—always. If we feel that adding new business would compromise service quality, we pause growth until we have the infrastructure and talent in place to maintain our standards. That commitment ensures every client receives a consistent, high-quality experience.
PLANADVISER: For plan sponsors evaluating advisers, what characteristics or capabilities distinguish you from your peers?
Golen: Our team-based approach and specialization set us apart. Rather than being generalists, we’ve built a group of subject matter experts focused specifically on this market. This allows us to deliver a more thoughtful, high-touch and “best-in-class” experience.
Clients benefit from multiple perspectives and areas of expertise, rather than relying on a single adviser trying to cover all aspects of the plan. That depth translates into better plan design, stronger governance and more impactful employee engagement.
PLANADVISER: What do you expect from plan sponsor clients in terms of commitment to plan design, communication, or governance?
Golen: We believe outcomes are a shared responsibility—we are only as effective as the partnership we have with the plan sponsor. Our primary ask is simple but critical: time and engagement.
We understand that retirement plans are often just one of many responsibilities for our clients. With that in mind, we set clear expectations upfront and work collaboratively to carve out the time needed to make informed decisions, maintain proper governance and support employees effectively. When sponsors are engaged, the results for participants are significantly stronger.
PLANADVISER: In what ways has your practice evolved in recent years in response to client needs, market conditions, or industry developments?
Golen: A major area of evolution has been our increased focus on holistic financial wellness. We recognize that retirement savings doesn’t exist in a vacuum—it’s directly connected to an employee’s broader financial life.
As a result, we’ve expanded our approach to address the full financial picture, helping employees navigate everything from budgeting and debt to long-term planning. Without this broader perspective, individuals often end up making trade-offs that can undermine their long-term goals—essentially “robbing Peter to pay Paul.” By integrating financial wellness into our services, we aim to create more sustainable and meaningful outcomes.
Zachary Golen, AIF®, C(k)P is a registered representative of and offers securities and investment advisory services through MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC. OSJ: 201 King of Prussia Road, Ste 501, Radnor, PA, 19087. Tel: 610.766.3000. CA insurance license #0F15545. Domiciled in Pennsylvania. Broad Street Financial is not a subsidiary or affiliate of MML Investors Services, LLC or its affiliated companies. CRN202903-10832147