The Bogich Briefing: The Impact of a Merger in 2024

Let’s be real: mergers are marriages. At first, there’s the honeymoon — everyone’s on their best behavior, courteous, accommodating, and compromising.  But honeymoons are called phases for a reason. At some point, after the confetti settles, someone forgets to put the toilet seat down and “what’s yours is mine and what’s mine is yours” becomes very real.  

I should know — I’ve been through more mergers than most (I lost count at 10). From publicly traded companies to mom-and-pop businesses, I’ve learned a thing or two about blending cultures, integrating operations, rethinking value propositions, and building a cohesive team.  But the number one thing I’ve learned is that not all mergers are created equal.  

Some feel more like shotgun weddings, while others — like the merger of White Glove and TouchFuse (AKA Acquire Direct & LeadJig) — feel like they were meant to be.  

Why do I feel this way?

There are lots of reasons this union just makes sense. Here’s just a handful:  

• Shared Focus: Both companies have been laser-focused on the Wealth Management space and helping financial professionals grow their business.  This allows for a level of empathy and understanding that others just can’t offer.

• Complementary Offerings: When it comes to seminar marketing, TouchFuse brought an unequaled expertise and pedigree in direct mail and omni-channel marketing, while White Glove was the leader in digital marketing.  Together, we’ve created a powerhouse that covers all the bases for financial advisors.

• Quantifiable Value: The ROI we deliver is demonstrable and undeniable.  We work with thousands of advisors, from large-scale RIAs to family-run single offices. The one thing they all have in common is profitable growth.  

• Customer-First Mindset: Both businesses believed in delivering brilliant customer service to our customers. It’s not lip service; it’s baked into our DNA. We work every day to remove friction from the process.  

• Exceptional Talent: TouchFuse and White Glove were both stacked with smart, passionate people who know their stuff. Bringing these teams together means we’ve got the most formidable squad in the industry.

While I’m more excited than I was a year ago, I’m not blind to the fact that there’s still work to do to live up to our massive potential. But we’re off to a great start.  If you’re a financial advisor and you’re looking to grow your business, here’s a snapshot of what sets us apart:  

• Better Prospect Targeting: We leverage more and better data than anyone else to pinpoint the best prospects for your business. No more “hoping” for a good turnout — we deliver the right people.

• Unmatched Transparency: Advisors get full visibility into the consumers attending their seminars, allowing for sharper, more focused conversations, and follow-ups.  

• World-Class Training: We don’t just fill your seminar seats; we help make sure you’re ready. Our training ensures you’re prepared to deliver a seminar that’s engaging, effective, and, most importantly, helps you close new business.    

• Pay-for-Performance: No one likes risk, especially when it comes to marketing budgets. That’s why we offer a pay-for-performance model that virtually eliminates the advisor’s financial risk. We’re not just in your corner — we’re right there in the ring with you.

As AcquireUp, we’re not just merging two companies. We’re building something new, something better. Whether you’re a seasoned financial advisor or just starting out, we’re here to help you grow at a pace that works for you.

Here’s to the future of AcquireUp — a future where we deliver more value, more success, and more ways to help financial advisors grow their businesses. To our customers, partners, and team members: buckle up. This ride is going to be fun, a little wild, but totally worth it.