Business owners often dream of their children following in their footsteps, and financial advisors are no exception. Successful transitions, however, require more than just a dream, as I realized watching a re-run of the 1995 movie "Tommy Boy."
If you don't recall the movie, IMDB.com sums the plot up as follows: "An incompetent, immature and dimwitted heir to an auto parts factory must save the business to keep it out of the hands of his new, con-artist relatives and big business." The son, Tommy (played by Chris Farley), is aided in his quest by Richard Hayden (played by David Spade), a long-time employee who idolized Tommy's father and resents Tommy's entry into the company.
So if you're considering bringing family members into your financial practice, take some tips from Tommy Boy – and advisors who have done the same – on preparations to help them succeed.
Lesson 1: They Need Appropriate Education and to Understand the Business
Tommy (Chris Farley): R.T., I think I figured out the problem. This order is going to Columbus. That's a one-day delivery, but you've got it marked down for two.
R.T., Shipping Foreman: That's because it's going to Columbus, Georgia. Not Columbus, Ohio. You see these letters by the city? That's called a state. What else you got, Wonder Boy?
Tommy: Uh… that's pretty much it for now.
R.T.: Hey, Tommy, maybe you should go back to college for another seven years and study a globe.
Advisors Kim Kropp and John Moylan formed their independent financial practice in 1996. John had three sons, and the partners discussed whether to bring them into the business and how that would work. They agreed that each son would need to specialize in a different aspect of wealth management. In 2002, John was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Son Patrick, who earned degrees in finance and marketing, joined the firm in 2003; Sean became an estate planning attorney and joined the firm in 2004; and Devin earned his CPA designation and joined the firm in 2010. All three have earned the CFP designation and started to build their own books of business.
Kropp said her education as a teacher for special needs children developed her ability to explain concepts in multiple ways, something she uses every day with clients and in mentoring her future partners. Each of John's sons had a different preferred learning method, something that advisors don't always recognize in their successors. Don't get trapped by thinking Junior needs to learn the business the same way you did, like by cold calling. Be open to different approaches.
Lesson 2: Match Their Abilities With Their Roles in the Business
Richard Hayden (David Spade): You're right! You're not your dad! He could sell a ketchup Popsicle to a woman in white gloves!
Tommy: Ketchup Popsicle?
