What You Need to Know
- Those with a military background will find a career in wealth management allows them to serve in a way that aligns with their military values.
- The strong work ethic learned during one's years of service allows veterans to have substantial control over their life path.
- Honesty, integrity and ethical behavior are cornerstones of successful advisor relationships.
To serve one’s country is truly a privilege. When I raised my hand on a hot, humid summer day to take the Midshipman Oath of Office at the U.S. Naval Academy, I had no appreciation for the impact my military service would have on my future.
Through the lens of time and reflection, I feel immense gratitude for the lessons of those years. While the lessons were many, three areas of focus guide me daily in my corporate endeavors: integrity, work ethic and teamwork.
Integrity
From the first days of training, we were taught the importance of integrity in our decisions and actions. As officers, we were expected to embody the highest standard of ethical behavior, regardless of the potential consequences. Doing the right thing was tested under pressure, so it became the natural response.
The wealth management profession exists because of clients and is built on relationships of trust. Acting with honesty and integrity in every interaction is the standard. Organizations that place integrity at the core of their operating model attract talented professionals, many of whom learn the profession from the ground up.
Work Ethic
Focusing on the most important tasks, optimizing resources, and doing the work required to be successful are enduring objectives from my days as a supply corps officer. Those days were long: early mornings, late nights, 24-hour duty rotations, weekends. Achieving success did not fit into a neat, 8-hour day or 5-day workweek. Aggressive execution deadlines were the norm.