Frequently Asked Questions
About FIMC and Distribution Advisory
What is FIMC's core offering?
FIMC provides senior intermediary distribution counsel to asset managers and RIAs seeking disciplined, scalable AUM growth. This includes ongoing strategic advisory, distribution workshops, CE-approved courses, and speaking and events. It is not outsourced sales. It is senior distribution judgment applied to intermediary growth strategy.
Who is Brian Freeman?
Brian Freeman, CIMA, is the founder of FIMC. He is a former President and CEO of Carillon Fund Distributors and former Head of Affiliate Sales at Raymond James Investment Management. He helped scale AUM from $11B to $70B across intermediary and institutional channels over more than two decades of distribution leadership.
When should an asset manager reassess its distribution strategy?
Common inflection points include transitioning from founder-led distribution to team-based execution, expanding into wirehouse, RIA, or broker-dealer channels, hiring a first Head of Distribution, or experiencing uneven AUM growth despite strong performance. These signals often indicate that distribution architecture has not caught up with firm growth.
How is FIMC different from hiring a Head of Distribution?
Hiring a full-time Head of Distribution is a major structural commitment. FIMC provides access to a former senior asset management executive, allowing leadership to clarify strategy, define structure, sequence hiring carefully, and avoid premature infrastructure expansion. Many firms engage advisory first to ensure they are institutionalizing the right model.
About Workshops
What is a distribution workshop?
A FIMC workshop is a facilitated working session — not a seminar or training — designed to produce decisions, alignment, and disciplined next steps. Workshops are structured for leadership teams at investment firms and are conducted virtually or in person.
How long do workshops take?
Typically half-day or full-day sessions, depending on firm size and the depth of decision-making needed. Structure is confirmed in the preliminary conversation.
About CE Courses
Which designations are the courses approved for?
Courses are approved by the Investments and Wealth Institute (IWI) for CIMA, CPWA, and RMA designations. Each course listing specifies which designations it satisfies.
Can my firm purchase courses for a team?
Yes. Contact StrategicGrowth@FreemanIMC.com to discuss group enrollment and pricing.
Getting Started
What does an initial conversation involve?
Initial discussions focus on current intermediary distribution structure, areas of friction or uncertainty, hiring and platform expansion considerations, and near-term AUM growth priorities. The objective is to determine whether structured advisory would materially strengthen the firm’s distribution trajectory, not to pitch an engagement.
How do I schedule a conversation?
Use the Schedule a Conversation button in the navigation or at the bottom of any page. You can also email StrategicGrowth@FreemanIMC.com directly.