Refreshed And Refocused
Welcome to the refreshed and refocused website for RLS Wealth. After five years and two iterations of a WordPress website that my brother-in-law so kindly helped me with, I felt it was time to work with designers to create a website that reflects who RLS Wealth has grown to be and the individuals/families we are best suited to help with their financial planning.
The evolution of RLS Wealth has not been all that much different than the evolution of a financial plan. It started with very little and a vision, began to build, had a few changes in vision, and ultimately found its purpose.
When I launched the firm in July 2015, it was just myself. I had escaped the side of financial services that did not fit my beliefs in how advisors should be helping their clients. It was a quick escape and I bootstrapped the company working from home, driving to see clients, and processing everything on my own. The early days consisted of a lot of late nights, but I enjoyed every moment of the process. I shared some of my favorite memories and lessons learned on All About Your Benjamins to celebrate RLS Wealth’s fifth birthday—you can read that post here.
Eventually, I moved out of the basement bedroom, rented a small office space with no windows, and continued to build. With more growth, I was able to upgrade to an office with a window and eventually bring on my first addition to the team, Darlene. Like everything up to that point, we eased into her joining me with part time hours, but that quickly turned into full time hours as I realized there are very few people who could fill the role of Director of Operations as well as her—upon becoming a client you will quickly see how amazing Darlene is!
Thankfully, growth continued and I met Thomas in the fall of 2019. I believe God (or the universe if that’s more your style) introduces people, ideas, and “things” into your life when the timing is right. Sometimes we see them. Sometimes we don’t. Sometimes we act on them. Sometimes we don’t. I almost did not act on the introduction to Thomas—not because I didn’t think he would be a good addition to the team, but because I wasn’t sure if I would be the leader and mentor he would need. I also wasn’t sure if I wanted to take RLS Wealth to the next level. Ultimately (and obviously), I decided I’d be foolish to pass up the opportunity to add a like-minded advisor to the team and after just a month, I already know I made the right decision.
Refresh
With Thomas joining Darlene and I, it was time to give RLS Wealth a refreshed look. The firm is no longer just an individual advisor but a team—and when I say team, I mean it. At most financial advisory firms, each advisor has his or her own clients, but I decided if RLS Wealth was going to grow, we would do so collectively and working as a team to serve our clients. Clients may view me or Thomas their advisor, but we will both be working on their financial plans, making sure their experience is enjoyable, and there for whatever they might need.
I’m a visual person. And I felt that the image of RLS Wealth, the logo and website, needed to reflect the change in the dynamics of the firm. So I set out to work with some great designers to create the new logo and website, which I absolutely love and feel convey a strong, savvy, and modern firm.
Not only did the logo and website get refreshed, but so did I.
RLS Wealth may only be five years old, but I’m approaching sixteen years in the profession; not quite a "mid-career crisis” since I plan on working forever, but I’m far enough into my career to need a jolt of excitement. Having the opportunity to help a younger advisor reach his potential and become the advisor he wants to be is a fun challenge and just the excitement I needed to prevent me from falling into a financial advisor rut.
Retargeting who we are looking to help with their financial planning needs is another exciting challenge. For most of my career, I have been a “generalist”. I’ve worked with clients of all different ages, careers, income levels, and interests—that’s how I wanted to work and it was one of the driving forces behind starting RLS Wealth. But over the last few years, I’ve matured as a financial advisor and business owner, finally understanding my purpose as a professional. The process that led me to my purpose is a topic for another post, but ultimately I have realized there are individuals who think like me—they want to take control of their destiny, they are willing to take risks to reach goals, they are looking to leave an impact, they are looking to live out their purpose—and I want RLS Wealth to be the firm who helps those individuals plan to live the life they want for themselves and their family.
Refocus
I’m excited about the dialed-in focus for RLS Wealth; we are still a firm who will work with clients regardless of where they are in life. We have WealthGenesis™ for those getting started, WealthFusion™ for the young professional and families, and WealthManagement™ for high net worth families and those nearing retirement. We still have no minimum assets under management or net worth requirements.
But, we are focused on helping individuals and families looking to push the boundaries on getting the most out of life.
This new focus means we may not be the right firm for everyone and I’ve come to realize that is ok. Luckily, I have a tremendous network of financial advisors and will happily make introductions to firms that will be the right fit for the needs of those who RLS Wealth is not the right fit.
Despite the craziness that has been 2020, it’s an exciting time for RLS Wealth! I’m excited about the future and what it holds for the team, our clients, and our future clients.
And thankfully, I’m feeling refreshed and refocused to lead the way!
— Justin
Disclaimer: Nothing on this blog should be considered advice, or recommendations. If you have questions pertaining to your individual situation you should consult your financial advisor. For all of the disclaimers, please see the disclaimers page.