For newcomers to wealth management, advisor Stephen Bealer has some advice: Look beyond financial advisors and learn from the experiences of leaders in other industries.
“There are many ways to be successful,” says Bealer, who ranked No. 9 on this year’s Top 40 Under 40 list.
On Wall Street interviewed Bealer and others who led the Top 40 Advisors Under 40 about their work habits and the trends they’re watching this year. Read on to learn more about Bealer’s practice and look for interviews with other advisors listed on the
Finalists for the list were to be no older than 39 as of Dec. 31, 2018. They also had to be registered with a firm in the employee channel. Nominees’ information was confirmed with their employers. Production totals were used to determine the rankings. Production and AUM figures are as of Sept. 30, 2018.
How would you describe your practice?
Our team is multigenerational. We look to help our families deal with the challenges of planning and generate retirement income with the ever-increasing income needs of the baby boomer generation.
What was your biggest work accomplishment in 2018, and was there something that nearly kept you from achieving it?
The growth and personal development of my teammates. We want to be invested and cheer the success of others.
What was your biggest personal accomplishment in 2018? A
Actively engaging in my three kids’ lives. They are the reason I come to work every day striving to do my best.
Describe the best 15 minutes of your work week.
Our Wednesday morning team meeting; we get to huddle on all of the client updates before the market opens.
What’s the toughest part of your job?
Coaching our clients through market volatility.
What makes you stand out as an advisor?
We care about our clients. It’s not just how much you know, it’s how much your families know how much you care.
The advisors at the top of the ranking generated more than $59 million in combined annual revenue.
What do you think people often misunderstand about the work advisors do?
We invest, we counsel, we listen. We help fit the pieces together for our families.
If you could get Americans to change one financial habit this year, what would it be?
I think Americans need to spend time focusing on others. We are blessed in this country.
What advice do you give to new FAs?
Listen to people who have experience in all industries. There are many ways to be successful.
What trends are you watching in 2019?
The generational retirement of the baby boomers and the rise of the millennial consumer.
What technology can you not live without?
iPhone.
Who is your personal hero?
Maybe not a personal hero, but I’m a huge 76ers fan. I look forward to taking my son to a few games a year.
What is your morning beverage of choice?
Coffee and orange juice.
What goal, professional or personal, do you most want to achieve in 2019?
My ongoing goal is to strike a balance between the important work here at Merrill Lynch and being the best dad I can to my three kids.
