Securities America Reports Banner Recruiting Year

OMAHA, Neb., Feb. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Securities America ended 2009 with the second best recruiting results in its history, adding 329 advisors representing over $45.5 million in revenue. This was a 14 percent increase in recruited revenue over 2008. 

The independent broker/dealer ended the year with 1,933 total advisors, an increase of 18 percent over the year-end 2008 total and 10 percent ahead of its goal for the year.

"We owe a large part of that success to our advisors, who have shared with their colleagues how Securities America has helped them grow their practice," said Gregg Johnson, senior vice president and director of branch office development. "And while we are extremely pleased with the results of our recruiting efforts, we are even more pleased by the reasons advisors cite for choosing to affiliate with us."

Securities America's culture, extensive practice management support and forward-thinking technology are among the Omaha-based company's biggest draws. Advisor Denise Fries, founder of Fries Financial Services in Bryan, Texas, chose Securities America after a comprehensive, eight-month search for a broker/dealer partner that would share her dedication to building her business.

"I had become extremely frustrated with feeling like I was alone and unsupported, and had even considered leaving the business," said Fries, a 24-year industry veteran. "Securities America is truly my 'business growth partner,' and the services and support they provide are daily evidence that they have as much stake in my business as I do."

Angela Augustine, branch manager and advisor at Augustine Financial Group, Inc. in Bensalem, Penn., said she made the decision to join Securities America because she, too, wanted more support to help expand her business.

"My former broker/dealer was rapidly changing, and I felt like I was working for them, instead of the broker/dealer working for me," she said. "I needed to partner with a broker/dealer that had my best interests in mind and that provided the tools and products I need to succeed. Unquestionably, Securities America is that broker/dealer – they're behind me every step of the way."

John M. Egan, CFP®, of J.M. Egan Wealth Advisors, LLC, in Madison, N.J., echoed Augustine's comments.

"Securities America is truly a strategic partner of mine," Egan said. "They have helped me with performance reporting, setting up my own RIA, human resource issues, office policy issues, and all the back office details so that I can worry about being of service to my existing clients and attracting new clients and assets to our firm."

Securities America has invested heavily in ease-of-business technology enhancements, spending $9.1 million in 2009, and recruits have taken notice.

"I was looking for a broker/dealer that was top notch in technology to add value to my firm and help me grow my fee-based financial planning and wealth advisory firm," Egan said. "My previous broker/dealer was not suited in the area of technology and being of value for my particular business model."

Securities America's support for fee-based advisory business also got high marks from Egan.

"I think one of the top benefits to me is the phenomenal investing platform called Managed Opportunities," he said. "It is a turnkey, cutting edge, fee-based money management system that provides reporting, due diligence for portfolios, introductions to some of the best money managers in the business, and Next Phase – a complete program for creating and managing retirement income distribution for my clients."

Earl D. McMahan, CFP®, of United Advisors in Novi, Mich., was impressed with the way the transition team worked with his group.

"Although transitions are always challenging, the Securities America team was incredibly helpful in walking us through the process and ensuring a smooth conversion," McMahan said.

Even compliance got positive marks from Securities America's newest advisors.

"Compliance is the area where we have the most interaction with the broker/dealer," said Mark Smith, CFP®, of Integrated Financial Services, Ltd., in Farmington Hills, Mich. "Securities America makes it extremely easy with one point of contact and an efficient, streamlined approval process."

Fries acknowledged that changing broker/dealers is a major initiative, and one she wanted to ensure she would never have to repeat.

"Since joining Securities America, I am again enthusiastic and excited to come to work," said Fries. "An advisor's relationship with the broker/dealer should be a 50/50 partnership, and that's what I have with Securities America."

About Securities America

Headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, Securities America, Inc. has more than 1,900 financial professionals nationwide with more than $42 billion in client assets under their supervision. Securities America Advisors, Inc. is an SEC-Registered Investment Advisory firm with more than $13 billion in assets under management and administration that offers investment management, financial advice and financial planning through financial advisors. As "your business growth expert," Securities America's mission is to foster the success of financial professionals so they can provide quality, objective counsel and services to their clients.

Additional information is available at www.securitiesamerica.com.

SOURCE Securities America