For our firm, the basis for a good client-advisor relationship is the value added through consulting or advisory services rather than investment performance and returns. We believe a relationship built on mutual trust is one that is most rewarding for our clients, and for us. Most of our new clients come from referrals from existing client relationships, CPAs, and attorneys. Our first session together is like a “blind date”. We get together, spend time talking and decide whether to date again. If not, we blame the person who set us up. ☺ We pick up the tab for the first date or two…The following tend to characterize a “good fit” for us:

• When it comes to making big decisions, our clients want help and tend to discuss things with key people in their lives prior to making those decisions.
• They generally implement advice and suggestions given to them.
• They prefer to delegate or outsource important aspects of their lives as opposed to being “do-it-yourselfers”.
• Primary priorities like family, friends and community transcend money concerns.
• They want to get organized so as not to “die in a mess”.

We generally work most effectively with clients who have investable assets of $500,000 to $1.5 million or businesses/individuals whose earnings allow for a yearly retainer fee of $8,000-$10,000.  We have accounts smaller and accounts larger. We have no set minimums or maximums.

Once we’ve determined there’s a good fit and have ironed out the logistics, the following outlines our “typical” process:

Discovery – This is an interactive exercise that encourages you to think about your immediate and future goals.  What does life look like to you now?  What should, in your opinion, life look like going forward?

The Circus Tent – Discovery leads us to a vision for the future. What is the overarching plan – what shape should it take? So, here is the tent: Lots of people have tent poles lying around: IRAs, life insurance policies, 401(k)s, investment accounts, CDs, bank accounts, annuities, wills and trusts, etc – lots of poles but what are they supporting? The poles need to support the tent! The tent is your tent – specific to your life!

Personal Trainer – We want your experience with us to be unique. We value long-term relationships and we work hard to exceed the expectations you have of us. One of the best ways to accomplish this goal is through regular, face-to-face conversation. Even when clients do not see a need to get together we encourage face-to-face meetings. Inevitably, we discover something that needs to be addressed that wouldn’t have been discussed had we not met together.  The work we do, most people CAN do on their own… but, will they? We all know that a personal trainer brings accountability to an exercise program, increasing the likelihood of a desired outcome. We help bring that accountability, keep the list of required “exercises”, and monitor progress toward agreed-upon goals.