Let's Talk Podcast
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Episode 128: Planning, Scaling, and Legacy – A Succession Expert’s Insight

Jeff Wick, First Vice President of Client Solutions
Val Vest, Executive Vice President and Chief Experience Officer
Kris Emick, First Vice President, Succession and Acquisition Solutions

"Sellers often care just as much about their legacy and relationships as they do about the financial terms." – Kris Emick

Tune into episode 128 of Let’s Talk as co-hosts Val Vest and Jeff Wick are joined by Kris Emick, First Vice President of Succession and Acquisition Solutions at Cambridge.

Kris shares his unique journey into financial services, starting with a degree in computer science and evolving into a 20-year career that includes banking, advising, and nearly a decade leading Cambridge’s succession and acquisition efforts. He helped launch the firm’s offering to support financial professionals through buying, selling, and planning for the future of their practices.

In this episode, Kris discusses the importance of building scalable businesses, hiring strategically, and leveraging technology to create long-term value. He also explores the emotional side of transitions – how sellers often prioritize legacy, staff, and client relationships just as much as financial terms.

Join Val, Jeff, and Kris to learn more about:

  • Kris’s career journey and leadership role at Cambridge
  • Strategies to build value and prepare for succession
  • The emotional and practical sides of acquisition and transition

Tune in to hear more about how thoughtful preparation leads to successful transitions.

About Kris Emick

First Vice President, Succession and Acquisition Solutions

Kris Emick joined Cambridge in 2014 and has more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. In his role, Emick leads the Succession and Acquisition Solutions department while working with leadership to develop proactive guidance and service to financial professionals looking to execute a merge, acquisition, or consolidating move. He is also involved in all aspects of merger and acquisition activity at Cambridge, including valuation, negotiating, underwriting, lending, and loan administration. Emick previously worked as a financial advisor, successfully starting the investment program for a privately held bank. Additionally, he worked in commercial and retail banking with Wells Fargo Financial and US Bank in the areas of relationship management, product development, and management. Emick earned a Bachelor of Science degree in information systems with an emphasis in accounting from Drake University. He holds the FINRA Series 6, 7, and 66 licenses.