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November 28, 2012 at 06:42 AM
[Editor’s Note: This article is part of a series to run over the 2012 holiday season. To suggest an advisor for inclusion in the “Giving Back” coverage, send email to [email protected].]
A good number of financial advisors give back to their communities with time, services and financial support. Commonwealth Financial Network-affiliated advisor Nelson Ball (left) really, really gives back. Hence, the independent broker-dealer presented him with its Special Service Award recently at its annual conference in San Antonio.
“My favorite story about Nelson’s charitable endeavors revolves around his church, which was long overdue for a fresh coat of paint but was lacking funds and volunteers to make it happen,” shared Commonwealth Financial CEO Wayne Bloom when presenting Ball with the award in early November.
“One Sunday morning, Nelson arrived at services dressed in overalls and a painter’s cap–carrying a roller. He then proceeded to walk down the center aisle and let everyone know what had to be done–and it got done,” Bloom said.
Ball served in the U.S. Army’s counter-intelligence operations during the Korean War. He went into the financial-services business in 1965 and won the Agent of the Year Award from Monarch Life Insurance Co. in 1970.
In 1982, Ball was among the first graduates of a Chartered Financial Consultant diploma and certificate of completion from the American College.
“I’m still having fun with clients I’ve known for 40- or 45-plus years,” said Ball, 81, in an interview with AdvisorOne. “I started my practice in the basement with five kids!”
