Brian Baird

 Brian Baird works as a Financial Advisor for Raymond James, a financial service company that has been around since 1962.  The firm primarily focuses on wealth management. The company makes sure business owners and families grow their wealth and helps them stay on the right financial path.  He is the direct point on contact with his clients.  Often, he likens himself more as an investment and financial therapist for his clients. 

Brian was taught how the stock market worked at a young age by his grandfather.  As a teen he was taught how he could build his wealth without working through investing.  He started buying stocks as a teenager and learned the ins and outs of the trade.  Throughout the years he has been able to create long lasting relationship with his clients and helping them become educated on their finances.  He enjoys watching them go from confusion to clarity and watching their net worth grow.  However, there are some downsides with his career - such as not being able to control the market.  There are times when you will lose some of your client’s money unexpectedly.  One day the market could go up and the next day it can go down unexpectedly.  There are times when you need to play the market safely instead of aggressively. 

A big obstacle Brian has had to overcome has been his age.  He started his finance career early quickly building a lot of knowledge.  But because of this he would find he would have to prove himself to his clients and his coworkers.  He has very much succeeded and has won over the trust of all his clients.  Besides his grandfather being one of his mentors Brian mentioned his mentor Leslie having a great influence.  Leslie has been in the business for 15 years and has shown him how to handle the market and clients’ emotions when the market is down.  Leslie has guided him to better help his clients through hard times. 

While in high school and college Brian volunteered with an organization called “People Needs Friends”.  He worked with a man named Alexis who is mentally disabled.  During his time volunteering Brian would take him to the movies or out to lunch/dinner.  Being his friend and having someone to talk to.  Spending time with and being a friend is what the organization was all about it.  As much of their days is spent the same way.

He would like to offer some advice for those who would like to pursue a career in wealth management.  And that is to position yourself by taking a long-term approach.  Carve out a role where you can get your feet wet without selling right away and learn the ins and outs.  You will eventually find the right fit for you.

Patience and building relationships have helped Brian succeed and grow in his career.  He has learned that trying to move up the ladder to quickly can bite you.  Work at your own pace and learn as much as you can so you grow at a steady pace.  Making small everyday goals to help you move up has worked for him.  When dealing and consulting with his clients he always has their best interest in mind. 

Taking time out of your schedule everyday for yourself, family, and friends is always a good idea.  Keep a weekly planner and write down all the events that you have coming up.  That way you don’t forgot about special events/plans, and you are able to build your time around those events.  Taking care of your self and family first is always.  If you don’t keep your house in order, the stress will be carried over to your work.