CEO Monthly August 2017

26 CEO MONTHLY / AUGUST 2017 , Standing out in the financial industry is important. Many firms are similar and to attract new and prospective clients, companies must offer something different. Money Concept takes on clients who are always looking to grow regardless of their status. On both sides, the advisors and other team members are looking to learn and this is the prime difference between Money Concept and other financial competitors. “When we are speaking with advisors who are looking to align with a new broker-dealer, we look at many factors that may differ from many firms. Of course, you look at the standard items to discuss, but it goes beyond the numbers. Often it is the intangibles that make the difference. Our success has been in attracting and retaining advisors who are looking to grow, regardless of where they are now. Advisors who are eager to learn more, sharpen their skills, and willing to share with others After winning Best WealthManagement CEO 2017 – South East USA & Excellence Award for Financial Planning Services – USA, we spoke to CEODenisWalsh to find out a bit more about the company and what makes him so successful. Financial Planning Is for YOU. It Is about You... Now and in the Future Money Concept was founded by Denis’ father, Jack Walsh, in 1979. After a highly successful career leading two major insurance companies, Jack Walsh felt that the industry was at a cross road. As a young college student, Denis was fortunate enough to begin to understand the courage, creativity, passion and leadership it took to take on the challenge to change. The new firm accepted this challenge to create a new approach in providing insurance and financial services. It was a new paradigm. Denis tells us how it feels to win this award. “It is truly an honor to receive the Global CEO Excellence Award. As a leader, we often can get caught up in the trend of the moment, the short-term task at hand, and always be moving toward the next goal. This award reflects the efforts of so many people over a long time. That makes this recognition special. I have been fortunate to have had not only talented people around me but people who shared in my passion to grow and help others achieve more. This shared vision has allowed me to be at my best and has been at the heart of everything we do at Money Concepts. As we look ahead, our organization will maintain this approach and use the success of our past as the foundation for our future.” Denis then discusses the need for change within the finance industry. He outlines the services and products that the firm offers before going on to explain how staff approach working with the firm’s advisors. Everything the team does and creates is with the client in mind, with every project available for the client to adapt as they choose. “Recognizing the need for change, Money Concepts was formed to address the weaknesses in the distribution systems of the financial services industry. Our entrepreneurial mindset created the perfect solution for financial professionals to have “turnkey” solutions without any proprietary influences, diverse business models and true independence in an open culture of sharing. In 1979, this was a major change in how things were done in our industry. That founding principle is still true today. “Money Concepts offers a full array of products and services to support our independent advisors. We serve a very diverse network of professionals. We are always looking at things through the eyes of our advisors, creating with them in mind and adapting with their input. Today’s consumer wants more than a financial product or plan. They want a relationship with a wealth mentor. We understand this need and apply it to our relationship with our advisors who we view as our client. This understanding and shared mindset is just one of many reasons 40% of our advisors have placed their trust in us for over 20 years.” GCE17048