Javier Solis, CFP®

The type of clients that are the best fit for my practice are clients that have determined they want and need comprehensive advice and are willing to engage at that level. Surprisingly, not all clients want comprehensive advice and some are looking for a solution to a single issue. However, being a Certified Financial Planner and being subject to a fiduciary standard requires a higher level of fact-finding to which a client should be willing to commit.

Cerity Partners recognizes that clients come to us with different situations, goals, and preferences and thus a cookie-cutter model is not appropriate for most. The firm has invested in infrastructure that allows its advisors to create a plan custom to each client. This, on top of the breadth of services offered and the expertise of individuals, makes Cerity Partners truly unique.

A mentor (and very successful advisor) early on in my career encouraged me to pursue a client-facing role at a time when I questioned my fit for that type of role, based on the stereotype of needing to be extroverted and aggressive. This individual pointed out that people work well with different personality types and saw strength in my ability to listen, respond thoughtfully, and provide detail. He brought me in to present in many of his client meetings and the experience provided me with the confidence I needed to know I could be successful in the role.

Any day that a client communicates that they feel more confident about their financial future and decision-making is a great day.