What FPA of Northeast Florida Means to Me

Attending the FPA-BE Conference allowed me the opportunity to meet financial planning professionals and connect to an awesome network. I learned more about the industry which I only knew from a high level. I learned about what financial planning professionals actually do to maintain and grow their business. I also had the opportunity to talk to these professionals and engage in the individual sessions with Q&A. It was the best experience for me because it showed me that this is indeed the career path for me.(View video featuring LaQuana)

More about sending our Student Chapter Members to FPA BE.

Thank you Northeast Florida FPA
--LaQuana Dawkins, UNF FPA Student Chapter President, 2015-2016
 

As the most recent Board Member addition to the Northeast Florida chapter, serving as our Resource Partner Chairperson, it is an honor to join my fellow FPA members and professional peers in the collective efforts to continue the success of this thriving chapter.
My experience with FPA has grown and changed over the years, much in the same way of my career as a financial advisor. I was first introduced to FPA approximately 12 years ago, during my time as a registered representative who was also studying to become a CFP® practitioner. Over the years my involvement with FPA has ebbed and flowed, but about two years ago, then President, Jenn King, asked me if I would get involved with volunteering on one of our committees. It occurred to me then that the chapter only functions when members are willing to pitch in and help out. All of us are busy professionals, but in order for FPA to function, every member needs to contribute.

For a couple of years I helped out on our Communications Committee, focusing on internal chapter communications and social media. More recently I began helping with the Resource Partner committee (aka Sponsorship). I had been content with my role as just a committee member until a recent chapter event, which caused me to realize I was ready to take on a bigger role.

You see, while attending a recent Practice Management Roundtable, I realized how lucky I felt to be sitting around a table with a group of friendly peers, each interested in sharing and gaining wisdom and experience with one another, along with camaraderie and friendship. For years I’ve chosen to isolate myself within my own business, focusing almost singularly on building our practice. Ultimately my decision to step up and accept a board position revolved around the realization that I want more in my life than just the experience of my own practice. Getting more deeply involved with FPA is allowing me to form deeper relationships with peers, grow my advisor and leadership skills, and champion the field of financial planning to the next generation of planners. I’m eager to help the chapter partner with industry professionals who will bring our chapter educational resources and technological updates we all can take back into our individual practices and professional enrichment. I’m grateful for the win/win opportunity that volunteering with FPA provides.

Thank you, Northeast Florida FPA!
--Michelle Ash, CFP®

I became involved with FPA while studying for the CFP® exam over 10 years ago. Our members welcomed me into the community of financial planning professionals. Fast-forward a few years, my practice grew and FPA was my resource on staffing and technology. Many of our chapter members shared how their firms were automating their back office and focusing their practice on specific market segments.

Last year I left my job at that large insurance company and opened my own RIA firm. I can tell you that I know first-hand the power of FPA.

Thank you, Northeast Florida FPA!
--Jud Mallini, CFP®

Since the beginning of my career I’ve been passionate about comprehensive financial planning and it has been a pleasure meeting like-minded people in the industry. Especially having been involved on the Board for the last few years, I’ve been able to get to know these people and have a tremendous respect for them. They are a resource for client introductions that do not fit my practice and have sometimes been great advocates for me when it comes to looking at other career opportunities in the industry. It is very refreshing to be a member of a professional organization where respect for each other’s talents outweigh what can be a very competitive atmosphere.
Thank you, Northeast Florida FPA!
--Jenn King, CFP®

FPA has provided me opportunities to become comfortable speaking both in scripted and un-scripted environments. I have learned how to present myself in front of colleagues as well as nationally known speakers that we’ve hosted. Thanks to those opportunities, I am more comfortable presenting to my clients and fielding questions that arise during meetings. Becoming involved in FPA sculpted my career path. Not only did I learn specifically the area of financial services that I wanted to practice in, but I also met my employer through FPA networking. Attending FPA CE events – locally, nationally, and via webinars – I have learned concepts and skills that are critical to helping my clients make smart choices with their money. I have consulted with colleagues on best practices and tools that facilitate implementing these new concepts and skills. The FPA community is a wealth of knowledge that can be leaned on!
-- Tiffany Beard, CFP®

Being a member of FPA allows me to socialize with other link-minded individuals who are committed to providing financial planning advice in a professional manner. Being a member allows me to have a voice with regulators and influencers concerning the well-being of our professional. And most importantly, being a member of FPA allows me to continually develop as a practitioner which translates into better advice for my clients.
-- Chris Draughon, CFP®