In Their Own Words:
The Parker Group

Click on the questions to read the responses in their own words.

• Why were you looking to leave your old firm?

  “We left one of the big wirehouses after years of battling a management team that was focused solely on the lowest common denominator. We didn't have the administrative support we needed, but more importantly, we didn't feel they shared our concern and care for our clients. The profit margins were great, but to us, that approach to business is like an engine running without oil – it’s just a matter of time.”

• What about Baird was appealing to you?

  “Our last firm had layers upon layers upon layers of bureaucracy. If there was an event or initiative we needed approval for, no one wanted to make a decision, and by the time you get an answer, even if it was yes, it was too late to do anything about it.
  
  "We decided to leave before we knew where we were going. We knew we wanted a relationship with the decision-makers, a place where managers have the autonomy to make decisions. We were done with the CYA mindset – we were looking for a company where if you had an idea, managers would help you make it succeed. That’s what we found at Baird.” 

• What were the deciding factors that made you join Baird?

  “What’s funny is that we were 90% sure we were going independent, and we went into the Milwaukee visit not expecting to change our mind. But then we sat for dinner with Baird managers, and it was a real eye-opener. Even though they were from all over the country – North Carolina, New Mexico, Colorado, you name it – they were all friends! They asked about each other’s families and sincerely liked each other. It’s a far cry from the Game of Thrones environment we were used to.
  
  “The firm’s business structure is a real difference-maker for us too. We learned the hard way that a firm’s culture doesn’t count for much if the firm gets sold. Baird’s ownership structure is set up in such a way that we don’t have to worry about being sold – the next generation of Parker team advisors will enjoy the same culture we have now.”

• What were some of the things that made your transition to Baird go smoothly?

  “The entire Baird transition team is simply phenomenal. Tony is the Michael Jordan of what he does, and Moira was in the foxhole with us, steering us through a difficult non-protocol environment without a hitch. As a team, they know exactly what they're doing – they’re experts with no drama.”

• After being at Baird for a little while, have your expectations been met?

  “More than met. When you’ve been at a firm for a while that doesn’t value culture or the advisor/client relationship, you get beaten down a bit, and you don't believe anyone can still have a positive culture. It’s amazing to us that a company like this still exists. We can think of no better place to build a career.”