Raymond James, Richmond visits the US!
For those who don’t know, my wife is American and each summer we and the kids spend time in North Carolina in the US, visiting family. Also, for those who don’t know, Raymond James is predominantly a US company, founded in 1962 and a public company listed in the US since 1983. UK operations only commenced in 2001.
Having set up Raymond James, Richmond less than a year ago, it seemed a great opportunity whilst on holiday to meet with Raymond James colleagues in the US, to discuss best business practices, the customer experience and practical advice on building a business. The US is a very competitive marketplace and as a result service standards are widely known throughout the world to be consistently high – so the opportunity to learn was too good to miss out on!
Rodney Lineberry – Complex & Branch Manager, Charlotte NC area
First up, I met Rodney Lineberry, who is responsible for overseeing and expanding Raymond James branches for the Charlotte, North Carolina area. Rodney has a long experience of recruiting experienced financial advisers and associates, including training and expansion into new markets.
Rodney’s top three tips for a consistently high customer experience?
1. It is the little things that matter for clients, not the grandiose gestures. Remembering client birthdays and making contact on special occasions is a very good example of this.
2. A social media presence is almost mandatory these days, but it is not the miracle cure to growing a relationship-led business. Your presence on social media should always be genuine and sincere, and if you write articles, think of something that no one else is writing about!
3. Wherever you can, personalise messages rather than replying on standard, corporate communications.
Dean Williamson, CFP, CPFA, Williamson Wealth Group
Dean is founder and owner of Williamson Wealth Group, and has successfully grown his business from initially working in his home, to now employing over 30 people and managing over $1.3bn in assets. Dean’s business is in the top twenty of all Raymond James offices in North America – an incredible success story!
On meeting Dean, it did not take long at all to work out that Dean is extremely affable and has a particularly friendly manner – which would put clients at ease immediately. He clearly enjoys the relationship and people-based side of running a wealth management business and this evidently contributes to Dean being one of the USA’s leading advisers. Dean enjoys not being at his desk – he prefers to do all his ‘busy stuff’ (administration, account maintenance, report writing etc) out of hours and make the most of the working day by being out and about engaging with existing and potential new clients. His prolific networking also allows him to be helpful to his clients in all sorts of areas – not just in financial planning and investments.
The short time I spent with Dean was invaluable and I have reflected on Dean’s advice and how that can help Raymond James, Richmond grow. Dean’s parting advice was – have fun! Do what you enjoy most, play to your strengths – it’s time to quit if you stop having fun! Luckily, since launching Raymond James, Richmond in October 2023, whilst being a big challenge it is has been immensely enjoyable. I will make sure to check in with Dean next year when I am back in the US!
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