The base of the Rocky Mountains set the stage for Cambridge Investment Research's Premier Club Conference on Monday, a gathering of the broker-dealer's top producing reps. Despite the scenic Colorado view, the meeting began on a somber note, as chairman and CEO Eric Schwartz eulogized marketing and recruiting head Jim Guy, who died April 5 after a brief illness.
"Jim's death was a shock to us all," Schwartz said in halting tones. "He was a great friend, a great partner and a great advisor."
Schwartz noted that even though Guy served at the senior executive level, he continued to operate his independent advisor practice.
"When he moved his practice to us, it was not only the largest we had at the time, it represented 10% of our GDC," Schwartz recounted of the firm's early years. "He started with two people in the marketing department, and we have 75 people in marketing today."
"He was building Cambridge to be even better after he was gone, which is my vision as well."
Schwartz then moved into a discussion of what he called "the good stuff" happening at the firm. Among the points he cited:
- Fees and commissions—It's almost a 50-50 split as to incoming revenue from each, although he noted it was "a little more fee." He added that it positions the advisors well, and far from shying away from commissions, he believes they are just as effective as fees "as long as the advisor is acting in an ethical manner."
- Senior management—He noted that he and Guy had begun working on a succession plan three years before Guy's death. "We wanted to have a team in place when Jim decided to step down, and not have to scramble to bring someone in from the outside." Schwartz also revealed that he has begun transferring his stock to other managers in the form of ESOP plans to retain staff and ensure the firm's continuity and philosophy. This will mean that "in 15 years or so," his ownership in the firm will be reduced from its current 89% to 51%.
- Financials—More and more reps want to see that the firm is financially stable, especially since so many smaller firms are in trouble.
- Diversification of advisors—This extends to the type of business model they employ, as well as the products they sell.
- Succession planning—"We want to be a leader in the industry when it comes to succession planning funding and expertise," Schwartz said. "Succession planning allows you to be better today."
- Customization and flexibility—The top six or seven firms will have 80% of the market in 10 or 15 years, he predicted. "I talk to smaller firms all the time that are worried if they can survive. Our customization capabilities and our flexibility are a differentiating factor for us."
- Technology—"Our technology is highly rated, but that's not why advisors come to us. Technology is a 'must-have.' They come to us because of our culture."
- Private ownership—Referencing the firm's rival, Commonwealth Financial Network, he said only they have an ownership structure similar to Cambridge, and that he looks forward to the day "they sell to AIG or some such company." But he added it's unlikely that will happen any time soon, which is okay, because the "friendly rivalry makes us both better."
Schwartz then moved to a discussion of the industry's big trends.
"The trend toward fees is increasing and will continue to increase. Again, we are not opposed to fees or commission. The advisor can use either as long as they are acting in an ethical manner."
