New Advisor Feedback
Over the years we have received positive comments and feedback from the advsiors who have joined Focus Financial and here are just a few of them...
Mike Piel | Joined Focus Financial in 2011
Prior to joining Focus Financial I researched other broker dealers. What I liked about Focus was that I was connected to a local group and not a number at a large broker dealer. I like that I can use Charles Schwab Institutional for my fee based business in the Focus RIA. The structure of the Focus RIA allows me to keep more of my investment advisory fees than I would at most other broker dealers. Lastly, knowing that there is a large number of Focus Financial advisors in the Twin Cities is reassuring for me. I like knowing that I have options when I am ready to consider succession planning on that portion of my practice.
Maria Malooly | Joined Focus Financial in 2011
I affiliated with Focus Financial in April of 2011. I was looking for an organization that would facilitate my practice as a Financial Advisorand would support my efforts to build my book of business. Though I am not new to this business, I am building a practice and appreciate having marketing resources available. The counseling and assistance from Focus Financial shortened and simplified the transition for me and my clients. I never felt my questions and requests were considered a nuisance.
The planners and support staff here are friendly and willing to assist me. Being part of a group with strong recognition by the broker-dealer is very helpful. The Royal Alliance sales support staff have been a welcome resource. As a former OSJ, I am impressed with Focus Financial and their ongoing commitment to compliance.
I am very pleased with my affiliation and relationship with Focus Financial, I only wish I had made the change earlier.
Frank Griseta | Joined Focus Financial in 2010
Moving away from the big firms and becoming an independent advisor was the best move I ever made. Focus Financials staff helped me make that a reality. Their support along with the advisory platform available through Royal Alliance was a perfect fit for me and my clients. I can actually say that I am affiliated with a firm that truly cares and supports their advisors.
Rhonda Kerkhoff | Joined Focus Financial in 2009
The whole recruitment and transition process with Focus Financial seemed extremely genuine to me. I wasn't being told what I wanted to hear, but rather how things actually are, which I valued and sensed from the beginning. The communication and follow-up to learn new systems and processes has been excellent along the way. I left a corporate bank environment to pursue being an independent financial advisor. Even though it's taken many hours of hard work and attention to detail, the great feeling of having ownership and control of where my practice is going, can't be measured!
Being in a smaller city in outstate MN means that I don't have fellow advisors sitting down the hall. However, I know that if I have a question whether it's compliance or case related, there's always a real voice that understands just a phone call away. I appreciate the fact that the owners and management team at Focus Financial are financial advisors themselves. They have walked in my shoes and understand the business from a real perspective. I also appreciate that they can share their own best practices with me to learn and grow from.
John O'Keefe| Joined Focus Financial in 2009
The transition support, and training -- Having worked for a large firm I was concerned about the effort I would have to make to make the transition. I was very pleased to discover the care Focus Financial put into assisting me make the transition. Sure, the tools, processes and resources are different than what I had used before. Focus Financial has seen to it that all I need is available and easy to use in support of my practice.
Ongoing coaching, or case support -- Finally I work in a truly collaborative working environment. Everyone I have met here has offered to help at any time. One of the firm’s partners has been assigned to mentor me and he has reviewed my most important cases. In a short time since I joined Focus Financial, his help has enabled me to identify and bring in significant new business opportunities. I believe his 25+ years in the business and CFP®expertise add value to my practice.
The owners shape the direction and are in touch with life for the advisor -- It is refreshing to work with owners who are practitioners too. They know what it takes to be successful in today’s economic environment. I clearly see the thought that the owners have put into building a client and advisor friendly business. I am free to offer a range of desirable options to my clients. I would challenge you to find a better overall set of solutions. The owners have their hearts in the right place so we can do the same in working with our clients.
Overall size and culture of Focus Financial -- My experience with Focus Financial has convinced me that it isn’t the size of the firm that matters, but the quality. At every step of the way I have found this firm to be thoughtful and prepared to help make any professional advisor successful. The work isn’t any different. The tools, support and attitude with which we approach the business of serving our clients might be different. It is the corporate culture that makes the critical difference. I work with a team of like minded, caring financial professionals who are committed to help me serve my clients. It doesn’t get any better than this.
Don Wilson | Joined Focus Financial in 2008
I was very impressed with the response from the Focus Financial management team when I decided to become an independent advisor. Everyone delivered what they promised – and did so on a timely basis. Their support was crucial in helping me make a successful transition.
Matt Nelson | Joined Focus Financial in 2006
Looking back, even though there was a lot of hard work to transition to independence, I now have a business with a real value that is building my own retirement goals and could provide for my family if I am gone.
Barb Kirby | Joined Focus Financial in 2006
I reached a point in my career when I asked myself, “if I’m going to be in this business for the next 20 years, what sort of environment do I want to be in?”
Focus definitely has an advisory atmosphere, compared to some of the sales environments I had experienced earlier in my career. I really appreciate being surrounded by colleagues with similar experience levels, and in many cases, similar outlooks on financial planning. I know I can drop by any advisor’s office and ask their input or advice on virtually any aspect of our business. We all seem to know that there’s more to be gained for everyone by being open and sharing ideas and information
Clients always wonder how long I’ll be in the business … or more importantly, what will happen to them if something happens to me suddenly. A number of clients have told me they appreciate that I’m part of an independent group of advisors, and they can see I have a succession plan in place that protects them.
Dave Hoelke | Joined Focus Financial in 2003
My move to Focus Financial in 2003 has been mutually beneficial because their structure allows me to focus on the one thing that clients want me to focus on -- them. Without the administrative worries that distract advisors in smaller offices from what is important, I am able to devote my energy to my clients and my family, which is how it should be.
Contact us to learn how you too can join Focus Financial as an Independent Financial Advisor. |
