As we close out what has been the most successful year of new client growth in the history of our business, I want to take a moment to reflect on what makes this possible and where we’re headed next.
One of the phrases we often repeat in our office is “healthy things grow.” Growth isn’t just about numbers; it’s about building a team and a culture that can serve clients exceptionally well today while also planning for the future. This year, we’ve taken an important step in that direction by welcoming Mitchell Harralson to our team. Adding a new team member is more than an investment in capacity, it’s a commitment to succession planning and ensuring that the business we’re building will outlive any one of us. Our goal is to create a practice that thrives for decades to come, serving generations of families with the same care and attention you’ve come to expect.
Why This Matters Personally
I want to share something on a personal level. The last 18 months have been incredibly successful, but that success has come at a cost. I’ve allowed work to consume more of my time than is ideal and work-life balance have suffered. Hiring an additional advisor isn’t just about growth, it’s about creating capacity so I can realign my priorities and be the best version of myself for my family, my team, and our clients.
Rest assured, adding Mitchell to the team won’t take away from my client relationships. Rather, he will add depth and capacity to strengthen these relationships. Our team now approaches things in a unified manner more than ever before, which allows me to stay connected to the business in a way that feels sustainable and intentional.
Slow Is Smooth, Smooth Is Fast
Another mantra we live by is “slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.” Over the past 18 months, we’ve focused on refining the systems that allow us to manage our business effectively. By taking the time to do things thoroughly from the start, we set ourselves - and future teammates - up for success. This approach ensures that as we grow, we maintain the high level of service that defines our culture.
Culture Drives Growth
We believe the record-breaking growth we’ve experienced this year is a direct reflection of the environment we’ve created: a culture centered on collaboration, transparency, and client service. Every Monday morning, our entire team spends two hours together reviewing the previous week’s meetings and preparing for the week ahead. This time is invaluable for staying aligned and laser-focused on what matters most: you, our clients. Additionally, we’ve implemented tools like daily email summaries of all client notes, so every team member is attuned to what’s happening in your life. Processes like this allow us to manage relationships as a team, not just as individuals.
Looking Ahead
Healthy things grow, and thanks to your trust and partnership, we’re growing in ways that position us for a strong future. By expanding our team, we have more room to serve new clients and deepen relationships with existing ones. If you know someone who could benefit from the kind of care and attention we provide, we’d love the chance to meet them.
Growth is exciting, but it’s also intentional. We’re building a business that will outlive any one of us, a business that will continue to serve families for generations. Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to continuing that growth together.
- Shawn M. Perry