4WARD Financial Marketing Plans For Success

By on October 11, 2011

4WARD Financial Marketing, Inc. welcomes Victoria De La Garza to the team. She joins the firm as the new corporate event planner and will help to ensure all events operate efficiently and successfully.

“Proper event planning is one of the most overlooked variables in successful events. The great ones generate lots of positive feedback and repeat attendees. We want to utilize Victoria’s expertise and apply it to all our clients’ events as well,” said Kimberly A. Branch, CFP®, CLTC, and President of 4WARD Financial Marketing.

Victoria will be in charge of negotiating and reviewing contracts for 11 conferences per year ranging from 40-600 attendees. She will be responsible for budgets, registrations and logistics of all meetings and community service initiatives.

She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from the University of Texas at San Antonio. While attending, she served as VP of Communication and Correspondence for Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Co-ed Business Fraternity. She also participated in the San Antonio Food Bank, Junior Achievement and San Antonio Boys and Girls Club Teen Center. Victoria plans to continue her community relation efforts in Houston.

4WARD Financial Marketing is a full-service marketing company dedicated to helping financial advisors build their business through innovative and inspirational initiatives. For a full list of 4WARD’s services, please visit www.4wardfinancialmarketing.com.

NEXT Financial Group, Inc. Presents Jack Dardis with Integrity Award

By on October 10, 2011

NEXT Financial Group, Inc., the seven-time Independent Broker/Dealer of the Year* award winner, recently hosted its annual National Educational Conference in Houston, Texas, where in addition to best practices and business-building sessions, the firm recognized outstanding representatives.

John “Jack” Dardis, a registered representative of NEXT and Chairman of Dardis Couvillon & Associates, was nominated by NEXT staff and fellow representatives, and selected by the President and Sr. Management of the firm, as the recipient of NEXT’s prestigious Integrity Award. This award is presented each year to one NEXT representative who embodies the spirit of dedication and service to his clients, peers, profession, and community.

“This accomplishment symbolizes Jack’s unsurpassed devotion to his clients and community. He exemplifies a heart of service and integrity that we should all strive for,” said Barry Knight, President of NEXT Financial Group.

Jack’s accomplishments speak for themselves. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Loyola University of New Orleans in 1963. He served in the United States Army from 1963 to 1967 where he earned the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his services, and was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain. He earned an MBA at Harvard University in 1969.

Among his many achievements he has served the Archdiocese of New Orleans as President of the Catholic Foundation, as a member of the Investment Committee and the School Board, and as a Board member of Christopher Homes. He has served for many years on Boards of Jesuit High School, Dominican High School, and Manresa Retreat House. Jack is a member and past President of Legatus, a founding member of Big Brothers of Greater New Orleans, and Chairman of the Sugar Bowl Investment Committee. Jack has received numerous awards, including Alumnus of the Year of Jesuit High School and Loyola University College of Business, the Homines Pro Aliis Award, the Pro Ecclesiae et Pontificae Award, and the St. Louis Medallion.

Jack was selected as National Chairman of the NASD Advisory Council, and was voted one of America’s Top 100 Independent Advisors by Registered Rep Magazine in 2007 and 2009.

In receiving the award, Jack expressed, “Thanks to Almighty God for the gifts he has given me, allowing me to share with my fellow man. The greatest gift is my wife, Anne, who supported me all these years. I am also grateful to my children, who are a great example to me in what they do. Thanks to NEXT and those who had any part in my receiving this award. There are many NEXT reps that deserve this recognition and I appreciate that NEXT allows Dardis Couvillon to be an independent small business in this industry. I am extremely honored, and appreciate all who serve with integrity, their communities and clients.”

The National Educational Conference is just one of 28 events coordinated and produced by 4WARD Marketing, Inc. the financial services marketing affiliate of NEXT, with each of these events designed to assist representatives in growing their business.

To learn more about NEXT Financial Group, Inc., please visit www.nextfinancial.com or contact VP of Business Development, Brian Grise at 877.876.6398 ext. 4060. To learn more about Dardis Couvillon & Associates, please contact Mason Couvillon at (504) 828-3052 or mason@dcanola.com. Securities and investment advisory services offered through NEXT Financial Group, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Dardis Couvillon & Associates, 701 Metairie Road Suite 305, Metairie, LA 70005, is not an affiliate of NEXT Financial Group, Inc.

*Based on a poll of registered representatives conducted by Investment Advisor magazine. Broker/Dealers rated highest by their representatives are awarded “Broker/Dealer (B/D) of the Year.”

4WARD Financial Marketing Expands Website Division

By on October 6, 2011

4WARD Financial Marketing has recently hired Kimberley Johnson as Web/Graphic Designer. She will be working with clients to develop and design innovative websites for their business. Kimberley’s addition to the team reflects 4WARD’s growth as a full-service marketing firm and the expansion of its services in the competitive financial industry.

In only three years, Kimberley graduated from The Art Institute of Houston with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interactive Media Design. She won best-in-show for her senior portfolio and has always had a passion for combining art and technology. She has interned at Idesign, a printing and graphics shop, and has performed contractual work for Advarion, an applications software firm used by tens of millions of users worldwide. From those work experiences, Kimberley has gained the knowledge and understanding to outperform competitors in the creative and business field.

Kimberley’s new position will give her flexibility to express her creative abilities to the fullest, making her an impeccable asset to 4WARD’s client services. “Her out-of-the-box approach to design and collaboration makes her a very valuable addition to our team. She will create compelling websites and design jaw-dropping graphics for our clients to help them stand out in this competitive industry,” said Kimberly A. Branch, CFP®, CLTC and President of 4WARD Financial Marketing.

4WARD Financial Marketing is a full-service marketing company dedicated to helping financial advisors build their business through innovative and inspirational initiatives. For a full list of 4WARD’s services, please visit www.4wardfinancialmarketing.com.

Tom Cymer of Opulen Financial Group, LLC Continues Education as Certified Financial Planner™

By on October 5, 2011

NEXT Financial Group, Inc., the seven-time Independent Broker/Dealer of the Year,* congratulates Tom Cymer CFP®, CRPC®, President of Opulen Financial Group, LLC in Reston, Va. for receiving his designation.

The CFP® designation is awarded to those individual professionals who have taken an extensive exam in the areas of financial planning, taxes, insurance, estate planning, and retirement among others. Attaining the CFP® designation requires experience and an unwavering commitment to excellence. CFP® professionals must also complete continuing education programs each year to maintain their certification status.

“In taking this very important step in my career my clientele is better served. Financial professionals should always be learning and searching for ways to help clients attain their goals,” said Tom.

Opulen Financial Group, LLC is quickly becoming an important fixture in the Reston and Arlington communities. Tom is an active member in Reston and Arlington Chambers of Commerce and serves on both of their membership committees. He also serves as the President of the Arlington Jaycees, a young professional’s community service and leadership development group. In his spare time he coaches flag football and softball for the University of Massachusetts alumni team in the CAN league.

Barry Knight

By on October 4, 2011

Barry Knight, President of NEXT Financial Group, Inc. is a 25-year veteran of the financial services industry, who has served in a variety of leadership roles prior to joining NEXT in 2006. Most recently Barry served as Senior Vice President, Director of Sales Development for Pioneer Investments, the culmination of 12 years of service at Pioneer. Prior to joining Pioneer, Barry served in leadership roles with Barnett Securities and Great Western Financial Securities. He began his career as a Registered Representative with Empire National Securities where he later became the Supervising Principal for the State of Florida. Barry is a graduate of Stetson University.

NEXT Financial Group, Inc. Welcomes Ami Shah as NEXT General Counsel

By on October 3, 2011

Barry Knight, President of NEXT Financial Group, Inc., is pleased to announce that Ami Shah, former Senior Associate in the law offices of Wilson, Elser, Moskowitz, Edelman & Dicker, LLP, has joined NEXT Financial as General Counsel.

“All of us at NEXT are excited to have Ami as part of our team,” said Knight. Shah has worked extensively with NEXT Financial throughout the last five years serving as outside counsel on a variety of issues. “Her knowledge, intelligence and work ethic are all extraordinary and she has proven to work extremely effectively with both the members of our leadership team and with the industry regulatory agencies with whom we interact.”

Shah’s experience includes the counseling of financial institutions, namely broker-dealers and investment advisory firms, in regulatory, compliance, litigation and corporate matters, representing the client in internal investigations, enforcement examinations, proceedings and contested matters, and state registration issues.

“I am truly honored to receive this wonderful opportunity with NEXT,” said Shah. “I have come to admire the firm’s deep-rooted integrity and commitment to excellence throughout my venture with them.”

Her litigation experience includes participating in and handling all phases of securities litigation in federal and state courts and FINRA arbitration proceedings. In addition, Shah has handled claims involving federal and state securities laws, state tax laws, audit, review and compilation engagements, partnership disputes, pension plan disputes, and federal and state antitrust laws.

Within the last two years NEXT Financial’s compliance department has nearly tripled, exhibiting their commitment to FINRA policies. “The quality of Ami Shah supports our commitment to world class supervisory support,” reported Gordon D’Angelo, NEXT Financial Holdings, CEO and Chairman.

Houston based NEXT Financial Group, Inc. is a seven time broker dealer of the year recipient, dedicated to serving the best interest of its leaders — the representatives. Founded, owned and operated by its 1100 advisors and affiliates around the country, NEXT was built on the ideology that its advisors should have a voice in their career destiny.

Cary Cowan, director of NEXT

By on September 30, 2011

Cary has over 40 years in the financial services field as a personal producer and as an OSJ Branch Manager. He has 43 Registered Representatives in his division. Cary holds the CLU, CHFC, CFP® and CWS® designations. He serves on the Acquisitions & Development committee, the WE2 RIA Committee, the Insurance committee and the Acquisition Due Diligence committee. Cary joined NEXT in June 2003 and has been a member of the board since March 2006.

Norm Grant

By on September 29, 2011

Norm has 34 years in the investment business as a personal producer and OSJ Branch Manager. Norm has 17 Registered Representatives in his division. He earned his CFP™ degree in 1990. Norm serves on NEXT’s Acquisitions & Development committee, the WE2 RIA committee, the Budget committee, the Risk Assessment committee and co-chairs the Compliance Advisory Board. He is an original founder of NEXT and has served on the Board since inception.

Dave Holtz

By on September 28, 2011

Dave has 34 years in financial services with 25 of those years as a Division Manager. A 1971 Penn State graduate with a B.S. in Marketing, he acquired the Certified Financial PlannerTM designation in 1986 from the College for Financial Planning and maintains a largely fee-based practice. Dave serves on NEXT’s Compliance Advisory Board, IT Advisory Board, Acquisitions & Development committee, Information Technology committee and Compliance committee. He is an original founder of NEXT and has served on the Board since inception.

Arthur Farr

By on September 27, 2011

Arthur has over 30 years in the financial services business; 20 of those years have been as a personal producer and OSJ Branch Manager. He has 15 Registered Representatives in his division. Arthur is a Registered Financial Consultant, Retirement Plan Specialist, and a Certified Wealth Strategist®. He serves on NEXT’s Acquisitions & Development committee, the Compliance Advisory committee, IT Advisory committee, Operations committee and the Risk Assessment committee. Arthur joined NEXT in August 2002 and has been a member of the Board since February 2006.