Stephen Bealer’s team had a busy 2019, expanding its size and client base. In 2020, he might just try his hand at farming. Seriously.
The young Merrill Lynch advisor is making another appearance on this year’s Top 40 Under 40 ranking, coming in at No. 6 with $4,749,569 in production. Last year, Bealer ranked No. 9.
Below, the Wyomissing, Pennsylvania-based advisor talks about his team’s focus, trends he’s watching in 2020, and why he has a hankering to put on his farmer’s hat.
To see who else made this year’s Top 40 ranking,
What type of clients do you serve — and how do you meet new ones?
We serve multi-generational families with varying backgrounds, education and occupations. We have been successful in growing our business by being exclusive. We only accept new clients if they are related or have a relationship with an existing client.
Have you ever turned away a client for being a bad fit for your practice?
We do our best to not turn anyone away. We always try to help and place our clients with the best personality fit on our team to help them reach their goals and dreams.
What was your biggest work accomplishment in 2019, and was there something that nearly kept you from achieving it?
Our team was fortunate enough to integrate a seasoned and very talented financial advisor, allowing us to expand our reach into more families. We were grateful for the opportunity and excited about the opportunities to continue to expand our business.
What was your biggest personal accomplishment in 2019?
After 13 seasons of playing intramural soccer in the Merck league, our team brought home the championship in 2019.
How do you keep abreast of changes in wealth management?
I am an avid reader and consumer of information. I listen to our internal morning call, watch CNBC, read the Wall Street Journal, and am constantly interested in information that could have an effect on the business and our clients.
What trends are you watching in 2020?
Market liquidity, geopolitical tension, politics creating noise and opportunity in the markets. We want to be investing with a sound, clear mind and looking for value when this noise creates opportunity.
These advisors oversaw $26 billion in combined client assets.
What qualities do you admire in your team members?
Their enthusiasm and diversity of voices with a singular focus on helping the families that put their trust in us.
What was the last good book you read?
“Catching Lightning in a Bottle,” by Win Smith
What TV show are you currently streaming?
“A Million Little Things” and the NBA. Go Sixers!
What goal, professional or personal, do you want to achieve in 2020?
A long-time dream of my wife and I has been to raise our kids on a farm-type property. That will come to fruition in 2020 as we move our family into a farmhouse on a plot of land suitable for farming. Will I be getting on a tractor at the end of a stressful market day? To be determined …
