Significant Career Lesson From a Founder at Buena Vista Financial Planning
AK, a founder and wealth advisor, learned that strong client relationships are invaluable, stating that the connection "is real, it's...so strong" that a significant career shift—from a large firm to independent practice—caused minimal client disruption. This experience underscored the importance of investing in genuine connections, exceeding AK's expectations and demonstrating the power of relationship-building in the financial services industry.
Financial Planning, Entrepreneurship, Client Relationships, Independent Advising, Overcoming Challenges
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
AK Mashhoon
Founder / Wealth Advisor
Buena Vista Financial Planning
Cuesta College and Cal Poly, SLO
N/A
Business Management & Admin
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Finance
Worked 20+ Hours in School, Transfer Student, Student Athlete, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Building strong client relationships is crucial for success and can withstand significant career transitions.
2. Being an independent advisor requires a leap of faith and strong business acumen.
3. Don't underestimate the value of your existing relationships; clients often prioritize personal connections over company affiliations.
Transcript
What is one lesson that you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
That's a good question. I'm not sure if this answers it exactly, but I think we talked about how I'm currently an independent advisor.
To get here, I had to make a couple of changes. First, I left the team I was working with. A couple years later, I changed my business model from being an employee of a large financial services firm to starting my own business.
This came with a lot of paperwork and a leap of faith. My clients had to sign up with me to move over. They were no longer relying on a big name backing me; it was now my business, a name they had never heard of.
One lesson I've learned is that we shouldn't shortchange ourselves. I was really worried some clients wouldn't come with me. What ended up happening is that almost everybody came over quickly.
I don't think I expected that. The lesson there is the connection we've already built. It's real and strong enough that a change I feared might make clients question our relationship didn't even cross their minds.