When I started Perspective Financial in 2003, it was less than two years after the 9/11 attacks. The financial markets had had three consecutive years of losses, and our nation was headed into the uncertainty of the Iraq war. Investor confidence couldn’t have been much lower. And yet, somehow, the timing felt right to create an investment advisory firm that would help people plan for the future and achieve their financial dreams and goals.
The initial idea was to work as a sole practitioner in an executive suite at the Phoenix Esplanade. Within a year, I made the decision to open up the business to other advisors. This provided a greater depth of knowledge and resources, and the move was well received by clients. It was also within the first year that I established a preferred-provider relationship with the Maricopa County Medical Society.
Joe Clancy and Lupe Camargo joined the firm early in its second year. We outgrew the executive suite and moved to our current offices in the summer of 2005.
At about three years, after having provided life and disability insurance directly to clients, we transitioned to a fee-only firm. By giving up commissions on these products, we better positioned ourselves to serve our clients as a fiduciary. This strategic move greatly reduced conflict of interest and differentiated our firm from most competitors.
Patrick Eng and Jim Mailliard joined the team in 2006; Mike Larriva and John Sturtevant came on board the following year. In 2007, we were recognized by Financial Advisor Magazine as the fastest-growing advisory firm in Arizona and 5th in the nation among firms under $100 million in managed assets.
Then, in 2008, the country entered its second economic recession in the short history of our growing company. Our advisors kept a watchful eye on your portfolios. We encouraged you to keep a disciplined and long-term investment strategy based on proven investment models. We’ve worked hard to help you stay on track with your financial goals, despite the housing collapse, market volatility and economic uncertainty of the past several years.
Today, as I reflect back on 10 years with Perspective, I couldn’t be more proud of our team and the meaningful relationships we’ve formed with you, our treasured clients. We’ve rejoiced with you in marriages, births and graduations, grieved the loss of loved ones and cherished friends, and celebrated milestones of new careers, family homes, business ventures and retirement dreams come true. Thank you for placing your trust in us and for allowing us to be part of your lives. Here’s to another decade of optimism, prosperity and Perspective.
