The Values Volumes: Client Big
Earlier this year, we introduced you to The BIGs – the six core values that were co-created by our team over a series of retreats beginning in 2014 and that continue to shape every decision we make and every interaction we have with you. If you haven’t read that first installment, we invite you to start there.
Today, we begin exploring each of The BIGs one at a time. And we’re starting where it only makes sense to start.
With YOU.
So what does Client Big actually mean?
Client Big is the first of our six core values for a reason. Every other BIG flows from it. It is the lens through which we make recommendations, hold meetings, walk alongside you through every season of life, and challenge ourselves to grow. Because financial planning done well isn’t about the plan – it’s about the life the plan is meant to support. Yours. And everything about your life matters to us.
Our commitment to Client Big is the reason we ask, “What’s top of mind for you right now?” and genuinely want to know how you’re doing and feeling. We recognize that no two Clients have the same hopes, goals, or financial needs, and we seek to meet you where you are, prepare evidence-based strategies, and make sure to tailor your plan to your specific needs. When all of this comes together, we formulate a financial plan as unique as your fingerprint.
When we say “Client Big,” what we mean is that…
We believe to best serve others you must feel the world through their heart.
Note that, as we talked about in the first edition focusing on our values, this belief statement was refined in 2016 from, “see the world through their eyes” to “feel the world through their heart,” because true service requires empathy as much as expertise. It also reflects the trust you place in our team, trust that Dave and Elissa worked to build from the very beginning and that our entire team remains dedicated to honoring through an exceptional standard of care.
How Our Team Lives Client Big
Client Big isn’t an abstract principle – it’s personal. We asked our team members to describe, in their own words and through their own metaphors, how they see themselves in service to you. Their answers reflect the range of ways this value shows up across every role on our team.
Sydney sees her work with Clients as a garden, growing relationships with intentional planning and helping them remain resilient no matter the weather.
Gavin sees himself as a tree that serves intentionally and, with time, care, and forethought, can withstand most anything.
Rustin sees himself as a translator helping turn detailed financial information into something clear and actionable.
Tricia sees herself as scaffolding, supporting Clients and the Team to build meaningful, powerful relationships.
Ryan sees himself as a dictionary, translating complicated financial questions into answers that are simple and easy to understand.
Cristin sees herself as a handrail, guiding Clients in a way that makes the uncertain paths feel steady and navigable, offering quiet, reliable support so they can move forward with confidence.
Lauren S. strives to empower Clients to pursue their Live Big lives, to be their “deep breath” in times of need, and to facilitate and participate in the meaningful relationships built.
Lauren M. sees herself as an orchestra conductor, helping to ensure the Team and different aspects of the business work harmoniously to give our Clients the best performance.
Yusuf sees himself as an anchor; he feels that his role is to design a financial plan that serves as the foundation through which Clients can realize the limitless vision for their life.
The Big (and Small) of It
Client Big shows up in the small moments as much as the large ones because, and we repeat this with full intention, everything in your life matters to us. The celebration of a wedding, a retirement, a new grandchild – and the Grow Big towel that shows up to welcome them into the world. The financial literacy resources sent for the children in your life. The card that arrives when you’re under the weather, or the note wishing you smooth travels before a big trip. The sports tickets that arrive because we want you to Live Big beyond the financial plan. The team member who remembers something you mentioned in passing months ago. And yes, the follow-up after a meeting and the email sent to help you feel grounded when world or market climates feel like blustering winds.
It also shows up in the work itself. Reviewing your beneficiaries, insurance policies, and estate plan to make sure your wishes are accurately reflected and that you’re adequately protected. Combing through your tax return for opportunities to maximize your resources. Helping facilitate charitable contributions that feel meaningful to you. None of it is incidental. For us, this is simply what it looks like to put you first.
Client Big is also the reason we continue to ask ourselves:
- Are we doing enough?
- And are we doing it well?
- How do we show up better for you and for each other?
We ask these questions at our annual retreats, before Client events, and in the office every day to continually keep an eye out for blind spots, practice vulnerability, and hold ourselves accountable to the standard of excellence that Client Big demands. The team we are with each other is the team you experience in every meeting, every phone call, and every moment we are in your corner.
Always You
While this story starts with you, it also ends with you, and you are the throughline. As we continue this series exploring each of The BIGs, we hope you will see yourself in them, because the values that guide us were shaped, at every turn, by the people we have the privilege of serving.
That means you.
If you’re interested in reading more from this series:
- The Values Behind Your Experience
- More installments coming in the months ahead!