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What Inspired Me to Become a Financial Advisor
In the beginning, I didn’t set out to be a financial advisor. In fact, I started as a producer for an insurance company, selling life insurance policies. That’s how most people entered the industry back then. It was all about selling insurance and financial products—not creating comprehensive financial plans or acting in a client’s best interest.
Despite the sales-driven environment, those early years were invaluable to me. Selling insurance taught me how to listen to clients, understand their needs, and think about solutions from the client’s perspective. It wasn’t glamorous, but it turned out to be a solid foundation for this soon-to-be financial advisor. Over time, I expanded my focus to include investments, primarily mutual funds. This was a time when mutual funds carried load charges, and fees were standard. The industry was evolving, but it still felt tied to a product-focused mindset.
Transitioning from Insurance Sales to Fiduciary Planning
While spending about 10 years in the traditional financial services world, I began to question whether the industry’s structure aligned with my values. The idea of being incentivized to sell certain products—often with perks like trips to Hawaii—regardless of whether it was best suited to the client felt like a conflict of interest. It quickly became clear to me that this was not the best way to serve my clients.
So, I started looking for a better way to do business. And keep in mind, this is a time when the concepts of fee-only and fiduciary are just starting to take root in the financial world. Then, I discovered the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA). NAPFA was a revelation. It was an organization focused entirely on supporting fiduciary financial advisors—professionals committed to putting their clients’ interests above their own. For me, it was a no-brainer. It was at that moment I realized I had to make a change.
Starting My Own Firm: Taking the Leap to Independence
Discovering NAPFA’s mission inspired me to start my own firm. In 2000, I co-founded Addis Hill, with Justin Hill, determined to provide financial planning services rooted in integrity and transparency. Making this leap wasn’t easy, though. I left behind all my trailing commissions and the conflicts of interest, walking away from a steady income to start fresh. At the time, I had two kids (the third would join our family a little later), and my career and financial future were uncertain. But I whole-heartedly believed in this model. I knew that if I couldn’t succeed by acting in my clients’ best interests, then this wasn’t the right career for me.
To ensure the success of Addis Hill, I partnered with Justin, who brought expertise in business operations and risk management. His skills perfectly complemented my client-focused approach, and together, we built a firm dedicated to helping clients achieve their financial goals.
The Importance of Fiduciary Financial Advice
Becoming a fiduciary financial advisor transformed my career and my perspective. In the fiduciary model, there are no commissions, no hidden fees, and no product-driven incentives. The sole focus is on the client’s needs and goals. This approach allowed me to build genuine trust with my clients and provide unbiased advice—something that had been missing in the traditional financial services model.
Overcoming Challenges in the Financial Industry
Starting Addis Hill was just the beginning. Over the years, we faced significant challenges that tested our resilience.
- The Dot-Com Bubble (2001): Just as we were gaining traction, the stock market dropped. For a young firm, this was a tough blow.
- The Financial Crisis (2008–2009): Eight years after launching Addis Hill, we faced the global financial crisis. Justin and I watched as our business headed for rough seas. Clients were panicking, and we had to find ways to stabilize and rebuild.
- The COVID-19 Pandemic (2020): Years later, the pandemic brought another wave of uncertainty. While we were more prepared than in previous crises, the challenges required us to adapt quickly to meet our clients’ needs.
Each of these challenges forced us to rethink and refine our approach. Through adversity, we became stronger and more focused on our mission. The old adage it true, that which doesn’t kill us, only makes us stronger.
The Rewards of My Journey
One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey has been helping clients through their own challenges. Whether it’s guiding a family through a market downturn or helping them plan for a secure retirement, the work we do has a real impact. These moments remind me why I chose this path in the first place.
Let Us Help You Plan for Your Future
If you’re searching for a financial advisor who will put your interests first, remember a fee-only fiduciary is the only way to go. At Addis Hill, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve your financial goals with integrity and care. Contact us today to learn more about our fiduciary financial planning services.
