Each year, Carson Coaching recognizes outstanding firms that are committed to making a difference in the lives of their clients, stakeholders, communities, and the financial advice industry.  We are pleased to announce the finalists for our 2019 Elite Firm of the Year award! The Elite Firm of the Year award recognizes firms that have demonstrated exceptional dedication and achievement in the following areas:

  • Growth, measured in advisory assets and gross revenue
  • Fostering a client-first culture
  • Providing exceptional value to clients
  • Building a foundation to support future growth
  • Developing leadership skills and mindsets

The three finalists in this category are:

Covenant Wealth Strategies, LLC

coaching awards Member name: G. Ward Keever, IV, CLU, ChFC, RHU, AEP, CFS, AIF, CKA

Firm name: Covenant Wealth Strategies, LLC

Location: Wilmington, Delaware

Team size: 10

Total AUM: $197,984,523

Covenant Wealth Strategies believes in maintaining a “client-first” mindset and culture. A culture which has led them to be named a finalist for the Elite Firm of the Year Award from Carson Coaching. President, CEO and Founder, G. Ward Keever, established Covenant Wealth Strategies to help clients pursue their goals and their objectives first. The team at Covenant Wealth Strategies want to be one of the first five phone calls a client makes during a major life event because they care and are invested in the lives of their clients. The advisors with Covenant are fiduciaries who work in the best interests of their clients at all times. The entire team works together to provide proactive concierge service and comprehensive financial planning strategies to help clients see their bigger picture and how all the pieces of their financial plan fit together. 2018 was a huge year for Keever and his team. The firm had several notable achievements, including:

  •     Highest revenue for a one-month period (October)
  •     Highest AUM in a one-month period (November)
  •     Revenue increased by 17 percent from 2017 to 2018
  •     Increase in new client development by 116 percent from 2017 to 2018
  •     Peter Bawuah, Investment Research Analyst, achieved his CFA designation
  •     Randy Eveland, AWA, achieved the RICP designation
  •     Hired a Director of Marketing and Communications

Steward Partners – Washington Wealth Group

coaching awards Member name: Aaron Brachman

Firm name: Steward Partners – Washington Wealth Group

Location: Washington, D.C.

Team size: 4

Total AUM: $325 million

At Steward Partners – Washington Wealth Group, they see the importance of having happy clients. That’s why their business model helps to ensure that they can deliver the best experience to their clients. It’s also why the firm was deserving of being named a finalist for the 2019 Elite Firm of the Year by Carson Coaching. Aaron Brachman says that the firm’s hybrid model gives it the benefit of having a large broker dealer, but the independence to run the practice as they see fit. To make sure that they can provide their clients with the best service, the firm is careful to not take on every single client that comes their way. Their vetting process helps to make sure this remains the case.   Washington Wealth Group focuses on the client experience and is dedicated to being a high-value advisor.  They leverage unique offerings, such as Medicare consulting, a family office division and firm-specific private equity, all to help make sure that the needs of their clients are met. Not only is the firm passionate about the happiness of its clients, but also the happiness of its team members. SP-WWG offers a very flexible leave policy, as well as plenty of opportunities to volunteer during company hours.  The firm also focuses on making sure stakeholders are all paid competitively, and each team member is given at least $50,000 in company stock, which is continuing to double in value each year.

Compass Capital Management, LLC

coaching awards Member name: Jimmy J. Williams

Firm name: Compass Capital Management, LLC

Location: McAlester, Oklahoma

Team size: 5

Total AUM: $184.5 million

When it comes to the satisfaction of their clients, Compass Capital Management does not mess around. It’s also why the firm has been named a finalist for the Elite Firm of the Year Award from Carson Coaching. Williams and his team understand that the market can be unpredictable, which is why they’ve re-launched an improved client event strategy and provided more communication and education on the Family Index Number. The needs of their clients are diverse and challenging. The confidence that Compass exhibits and communicates to its clients creates a culture of community that continues to foster a greater number of introductions. 2018 was a big year for Compass Capital Management. It completed the establishment of a new website, podcast, blog and even a book that is currently being published. Williams notes that these are wins because they enhance the firm’s credibility. The firm’s specialty, retirement planning, is recognized by its target communities as a needed growth area. The firm has used this last year to continue enhancing its technology.  Currently, it is improving its dashboard for “client-facing” presentations.

Firm of the Year award winners will be announced live at Excell, May 8-10, 2019.

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