In addition to rating their BD's back-office support, product lists and timely payout of commissions on their Broker-Dealer of the Year ballots, we asked reps an optional question: If you were to affiliate with another broker-dealer, which one would it be, and why?
There was a smattering of suggestions for other firms: Commonwealth Financial was frequently mentioned by Cambridge reps for its similarity to Cambridge. LPL's name came up once or twice, and one respondent said if he switched BDs, it'd be for someone local.
We weren't surprised that most reps who were compelled to nominate their firm for Broker-Dealer of the Year responded to that question with some version of "none," "N/A," or "No way!" Some were more eloquent. Below is a sampling of the responses from reps of this year's winning firms who answered that question.
Prospera Financial:
"None. This is my last stop."
"I wouldn't … very happy with Prospera."
"Couldn't see myself with anyone else."
The Investment Center:
"I would rather retire than move to a different BD."
"Sorry, this question has only one possible answer. I'm staying with The Investment Center. These guys are fabulous. I'm considering having 'lifer' tattooed on my forehead."
