It’s been almost 4 months since we moved into the new office in Burlington – the buzz and energy we feel around us is truly palpable. I am grateful and humbled by the love and support we have received from our clients, family and friends. But there has been a lot of change, so I thought it would be helpful to pull back the curtain and share what’s happening behind the scenes for you.
All this change started in 2020 with the onset of COVID. Life was disruptive and so much was in question. To boot, I found myself in a bit of a career slump. My husband asked, “But WHY? You love your job!” The long and short of it is that I realized I had been in the same role for 16 years and needed a change. A new challenge to rise up to. You see, being a Financial Advisor is the only job I’ve ever had. I graduated from Boston University in May of 2005 and spent the summer studying for my licensing exams. In the fall of 2005, I started working as a Financial Advisor at Ameriprise Financial.
How did I get out of my slump? Lots of introspection, which led me to my “AHA!” moment: I needed to promote myself! When you are self-employed, no one gives you a promotion or a new role other than you and I hadn’t promoted myself in 16 years!
So, what’s next?
My goal is to transition from an individual advisor to a team-based firm where each team member has a specialty. I moved to the new, larger office in Burlington to have space for additional team members and to create a work environment that we are all excited to show up to every day!
Last year, I hired Lumina (who many of you have had the pleasure of meeting). She was originally brought on for an administrative role, but I quickly realized her strong suit was marketing and business development, so we pivoted. She has been instrumental in hosting our quarterly webinars and significantly increased our social media presence. In addition, Lumina is currently studying for her licensing exams so that she can be a Financial Advisor.
I am also excited to announce that we will be onboarding a new Client Service Associate this week! This individual will be helping us manage the office and provide administrative support. We will share an official announcement and introduction soon!
To help provide some insights into the “SMB Dream Team,” I would like to share two additional team member roles that we have identified:
- Director of Financial Planning: this individual would assist in the preparation of financial plans and be a sounding board to share ideas and planning strategies. In addition, they would conduct due diligence on new tools and technologies that we could incorporate into the financial planning process to add additional value to our clients.
- Certified Public Accountant: in conversations with clients and in our annual survey, I have received consistent feedback that is a need for additional tax advice and tax preparation services. Unfortunately, I am not an accountant and therefore the scope of advice I can provide is limited. Having an accountant on the team would help us elevate our tax planning advice and strategies.
What is in it for you?
Moving forward you will have a team of professionals available to help you. I have chosen to delegate tasks that I do not enjoy doing or am not very good to other competent individuals so that I can have time for personal and professional development. All of this, is in an effort to show up as the best version of me, be the best advisor I can be for you, and to provide the best possible client experience.
The past two years have stretched and grown me in so many different ways. There have been incredible moments of exhilaration and success - and more sleepless nights obsessing over decisions and plans than I care to admit! All of it tied to one purpose: the impact we’re making and the responsibility I have to the individuals I work with and for.
I am truly excited for what the future holds! Thank you for being part of the journey and your continued support. It means the world.