Today we’d like to introduce you to Annette Findling.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Annette. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started my practice in 1992. It was a time where there were very few female financial advisors, but I knew it was a great opportunity. Getting started was tough… a lot of nights and weekends full of networking trying to meet people and build a business.
About four years into my career, an older advisor named Joe, who was old enough to be my dad at the time, approached me to be his successor and buy his book of business. His wife was sick and he wanted to take the time to “smell the roses.” Seven years later, I bought the business and retained 97% of those clients today while continuing to build my clientele.
Today, my business is thriving and our clientele is made up of families, retirees, corporate executives and business owners. Although, the fastest growing part of my business is women. In addition to my wealth management firm, I launched a blog called Rich Women Rock, a financial lifestyle blog educating sophisticated women about their financial life and future, while sprinkling in a little bit of fashion fun too!
Has it been a smooth road?
I’d be joking if I had told you it was a smooth road, but every business has growing pains. One of the best things I learned from other successful business owners early on is to delegate. Many years ago, I did a self-assessment of myself of what I believe my unique ability is and what I was not so good at. This is how I was able to build a successful team: hire and delegate the tasks that are not your strengths, but are someone else’s. It takes time and patience to find the right team.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Stonebridge Wealth Advisors story. Tell us more about the business.
StoneBridge Wealth Advisors offers a disciplined process, an independent perspective and always putting clients first when developing an action-oriented financial plan. We create a personalized, unique strategy for each client that is flexible to meet their future goals.
We educate our clients so they understand their customized strategy that will help sustain their lifestyle for decades to come. All of this while navigating unknown variables such as; a spouses death, divorce, market volatility, illness and the greatest moments in one’s life such as weddings, births, retirement and other wonderful life events. Our holistic approach is unique in our industry.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Our industry has gone through a lot of change. I see change as an opportunity. With the aging of our population, people are looking for advice to help them navigate through many life stages. Longevity risk is one of the biggest risks people face. Our industry is responding with innovative products and services to address these risks. Technology has really helped us in offering our clients more services as well.
Contact Info:
- Address: 980 N. Michigan Avenue #1245
Chicago, IL 60611 - Website: www.stonebridgewealthadvisors.com and www.richwomenrock.com
- Phone: 312-945-5951
- Email: annette.findling@stonebridgewealthadvisors.com
- Facebook: richwomenrock
- Twitter: richwomenrock
Image Credit:
Brian McConkey Photography
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