Welcome to episode #50 of the Fiduciary U™ Podcast. My guest today is Patrick Bushlack from The Standard. In this conversation, we discuss Pooled Employer Plans (PEPs) and their growing impact on the retirement industry. We explore the different flavors of PEPs and the importance of advisor centricity in designing and implementing these plans. We also touch on the challenges faced by HR and benefits teams, the concept of indirect fee compression for financial advisors, and the need for a flexible framework in PEPs. The conversation highlights the importance of good data, the role of a pooled plan provider, and the value of insulating plan sponsors from operational failures. We also discuss the benefits and challenges of Pooled Employer Plans (PEPs). We explore topics such as the service-first approach, intraplan subsidization, the role of advisors in PEPs, the potential for cost savings, and the timeline for setting up a PEP. Patrick emphasizes the importance of curiosity and education for advisors considering PEPs. He also shares lessons learned from their experience with PEPs, including the high level of interest from employers and the need for flexibility and collaboration. Listeners are encouraged to connect with Patrick on LinkedIn or via email to learn more.