Client Spotlight: Raymond James
Curtis Smith operates a Raymond James office out of Lincoln. Raymond James is an independent Wealth Management firm specializing in helping professionals, business owners, and corporate clients develop strategies to preserve, accumulate, and enjoy their hard-earned wealth. The local owners are Curtis Smith and Robert Wong. Curtis has been in Lincoln for the past five years. He is originally from Nebraska and grew up in York.
What do you think makes you different from other companies similar to yours? Raymond James has b een in business since 1962 and has been recognized as a leader in the financial services industry numerous times. Our process encompasses three key areas: Helping clients preserve their current hard-earned wealth; Growing wealth through our Apex Investment Model; Develing an investment strategy that focuses on consistent back-testing the portfolio against both common and unforeseen economic events with the goal of minimizing downside risk and allowing clients to enjoy their wealth by offering Concierge Service.
We start with getting to know our clients on a fairly deep level which allows us to take a pro-active approach in addressing planning issues they have not yet thought about yet.
We strive to offer a unique experience to our clients and advise them on matters not limited to only financial affairs.
What do you like about doing business in Lincoln? I like that Lincoln has all the resources of a large city but you still feel the community connection of a small town.
What kind of community organizations/groups are you involved with? Raymond James is associated with numerous civic and charitable organizations. Our office if affiliated with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and Make a Wish Foundation.
Do you have a business philosophy or mission statement? Our Mission Statement: To offer world class service that is connected to life’s core values, and to offer independent advice based on the courage and discipline to successfully adapt to changing conditions.
What changes have you seen in the industry and your company in the past few years? We have seen a lot of changes in our industry over the past couple years. Wall Street and big banks have gotten bigger and more complex; which has resulted in tighter regulation to protect the consumer which we agree with. With all the concern and complexities of the financial markets; now more than ever people want to work with someone they can trust and have confidence in. With unlimited access to financial products and strategies, there has been shift of importance from products to relationships. We have also seen an increase in demand for more technology resources in our industry. We are consistently working on ways to make our communication and our planning process extremely efficient for our clients from a technology perspective.
What do you see happening with the business in the next five years? I foresee that the financial markets will continue to be more complex to navigate and there will be issues to plan for such as increase in taxes, inflationary possibilities, health care costs, estate tax law changes and issues. I also think there will be an increase in demand for independent advisory firms. All these changes and issues will require advisors and their clients to develop plans to be more pro-active and innovative to adapt to changing conditions.
What is one of the biggest challenges that your company has faced? I would have to say navigating the challenging economic environment of 2008-2009. Although challenging it was one of the best learning experiences we have had as well.
What has been your most important achievement as a business? We also have an office in Scottsdale Arizona and we were recently nominated as one of the top independent wealth management offices in Arizona and featured in Forbes magazine as a result.
What was the biggest turning point in your business? The biggest turning point was when I decided to transition from working at a corporate investment bank to running my own independent practice. I was challenging but one of the most rewarding parts of my business.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about your business that most people don’t know? Many people have busy schedules and demanding work and personal schedules, so we have incorporated a concierge service as an added part of our service model for our clients. This allows convenience and flexibility for our clients who need things such as tickets to an event, travel, or a recommendation on a bottle of wine.
What is one goal for your business that you have yet to accomplish? Our goal is to continue to increase our visibility and support in our communities and local charities and also to be the most trusted by our community for our professional knowledge, integrity, and personalized service.
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