Interview

In our in-depth conversation, we delve into the world of Taylor Financial, exploring the firm’s unique approach to client service and the comprehensive financial solutions it offers. We also touch upon the delicate balance of work and life, a topic that resonates with professionals across industries. Adam shares his insights on the challenges and competitive threats his business faces, offering a glimpse into the strategic mindset that has propelled Taylor Financial to its success.

“We stay at the forefront of industry trends and continuously invest in our professional development through ongoing education and training.”

Join us as we explore the inspiring journey of Adam Taylor, a leader who embodies the spirit of innovation, community involvement, and unwavering commitment to his clients and family. It’s a narrative of ambition, growth, and the power of a visionary mind in the complex world of finance.

Q: Could you share more about your firm? 

Adam Taylor: At Taylor Financial, we’re rewriting the rules of financial services. Founded in 2018 by Adam Taylor, a former Managing Partner of The Capital Grille, we bring a fresh perspective to the industry. With a team of six dedicated advisors, we have a wealth of experience which separates us from the pack, serving clients for over 60 years of cumulative experience. Although, what we believe truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to service.

We believe in putting the “Service” back into the “Financial Services” world. Our mission is to go above and beyond for our clients, exceeding expectations at every turn. It’s not about financial products and investments, it’s about the problems we solve and the change that brings to our clients’ lives.

Our team is comprised of highly skilled advisors who are experts in their field. We stay at the forefront of industry trends and continuously invest in our professional development through ongoing education and training. This ensures that we provide clients with the most up-to-date knowledge and strategies to navigate the ever-changing financial landscape.

With our servant-hearted approach, we tailor comprehensive solutions to meet our client’s unique needs. Whether they’re planning for retirement, investing for the future, or seeking advice on tax strategies, we have the expertise to guide them every step of the way. We take the time to understand their goals, aspirations, and concerns, so we can develop a personalized roadmap that aligns with their financial objectives.

BA Pro Tip from Adam

Q: What does Taylor Financial actually do for clients?

Adam Taylor: At Taylor Financial, we’re a boutique comprehensive firm that redefines financial planning and delivers a distinctive client experience. With in-house resources, we offer a one-stop shop for insurance, investments, retirement, tax, estate planning, and more. Our carefully selected advisors bring specialized expertise to maximize outcomes and provide peace of mind. But we go beyond products and services. We build strong relationships, empower clients through education, and prioritize their financial goals and peace of mind. Experience the difference at Taylor Financial, where exceptional service and comprehensive support are our top priorities.

BA Pro Tip from Adam

Q: How do you help your employees balance work/life issues?

Adam Taylor: At our company, we support our employees in achieving a work-life balance. We prioritize results over clock-watching, understanding that tasks need to be completed regardless of the time. Each individual has accountability for their responsibilities, whether it’s early in the morning or late in the evening. Everyone generally works during business hours but there is no set schedule and outputs are prioritized at a far greater level than inputs.

Q: What is the biggest obstacle, challenge or competitive threat to your business, and how do you plan to address or overcome this?

Adam Taylor: As the team continues to grow, keeping the intensity level consistent, as well as focusing the appropriate time on revenue generating work is a challenge. The founder, Adam, is extremely driven and focuses a lot of time, effort, and energy into the future vision for Taylor Financial.

However, with a bigger business comes more items and issues that are not directly related to revenue-generating activity. It is critical that we continue to build efficient procedures to systematize, download and offload these non-revenue generating items to the operations team so that the founder can continue to serve as a visionary and rainmaker, and other key revenue-generating personnel can continue to focus on new client acquisition and serving our current clients every day.

We’re positioned to scale our business more and more, and what we’ve found is that we need to have systems and processes that grow in concert with a bigger organization and bigger client base. The old saying “If you don’t have a process, you have a problem” stands the test of time. For these reasons specifically, each advisor is relied upon to contribute and implement new tools, new systems, and new capabilities that have increase our efficiency and improve results.

Q: What makes your business unique?

Adam Taylor: What sets us apart is the unique family environment we’ve fostered in our office. At our workplace, our employees feel valued and heard. We prioritize celebrating life events such as birthdays, milestones, and anniversaries, going above and beyond to make these occasions special. For instance, on each person’s birthday, we decorate their office with things that bring them joy.

We even have a special tradition called “The Lunch Special,” where we create memorable experiences like tastings, backyard Olympics, or even archery. It’s a moment for everyone in the office to reflect and celebrate with the individual. Our employees appreciate these gestures and the sense of appreciation they experience at our workplace.

Q: When it comes to saving for retirement, why is it important to work with a financial advisor?

Adam Taylor: We believe everybody would benefit from working with an advisor, regardless of age or income. It’s a common misconception that you need a certain dollar amount on hand before sitting down with an advisor. It’s important to make sure you’re guiding yourself and your family appropriately through every stage of life.

Financial planning is dynamic and all encompassing, so aligning with a team that understands life’s curveballs and always has the client’s best interest in mind to achieve long-term goals is immeasurable. Emotions can play a significant role in investment decisions. A financial advisor can provide emotional discipline and help prevent you from making impulsive choices during market fluctuations, which can negatively impact your long-term retirement savings.

Q: We often hear $1 million mentioned as the benchmark for retirement savings. Is that the magic number?

Adam Taylor: We wish there was a quick and easy magic number, but the reality is every family and every situation is different. For some people, $1 million may be more than enough to maintain their desired lifestyle during retirement, especially if they have other sources of income, like Social Security or a pension.

BA Pro Tip from Adam

However, for others, particularly those living in high-cost areas or with expensive medical needs, $1 million might not be sufficient. Figuring out what you want to pay yourself in retirement to truly enjoy your time is how we help determine that nest egg number. It’s essential to engage in comprehensive retirement planning that considers your individual circumstances and goals. Factors such as your age, current savings, expected retirement age, and risk tolerance all play a role in determining how much you need to save.

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