Installing Adviser Software with a CD?? Remembering the roots of Adviser Technology | S4 E5

In this episode of The AdviserTech Show, Tessa Lee, Managing Director of moneyinfo, sits down with Gary Shepherd, Business Development Director at Sprint, to take a fascinating deep dive into over 50 years of experience they have both amassed in financial services and adviser technology.

Gary reminisces the highlights of his career journey, from driving around with a full tower PC, to falling off a chair at a trade show and the opportunity that happened soon after it.

Gary’s career has spanned from being an appointed rep at Norwich Union, to becoming an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA), all the way to his current role at Sprint.

“Surely somebody else is already doing that, right?” This was Gary Shepherd’s initial reaction to hearing the concept of Fastrak by Sprint Enterprise, for the very first time.

Gary then explains the initial first steps of how Sprint was conceived as a business, and briefly describes how the software works. Sprint’s motive was to address the growing need for better data management and reporting solutions in the financial advisory industry.

Gary highlights how advisers are looking for more control over their client experience. Platforms like Sprint are enabling advisers to make better use of their data, whether that's through improved reporting, better client communications, or seamless integrations. 

Between the two of them, Tessa and Gary have seen it all. They even remark on the earlier days of the industry before web-based applications, where they would often travel around the country using a CD-ROM to install desk-based software for advisers!

There’s also plenty of industry insight about the future of adviser technology, and Gary offers some great advice for advisers looking to streamline their tech stacks.
Tune in to this episode to hear Gary’s journey and learn how Sprint is helping advisers move towards a data-driven future.