I hope the new year finds you in good health and good spirits. We enter 2016 as we do every year, with an appreciation for those things in life we hold dear and with optimism about the future. I am certainly grateful for our relationship and for the confidence you place in Bridgeworth. While 2015 presented unique economic conditions, Bridgeworth remained focused on living up to our mission statement: To partner with our clients in achieving their lifetime goals by drawing on our wealth of knowledge.
A Wealth of Knowledge
Bridgeworth experienced tremendous growth in 2015, not only in the number of clients we serve but with an expanded management team and improved infrastructure to help us better serve you. We experienced a significant increase in the number of clients requesting comprehensive financial planning. In addition, the total amount of client assets under our management grew to over $720 million. Along with our affiliated firm, Bridgeworth Financial, we advise and make recommendations on over $1.2 billion in client assets.
The highlight of 2015 was our expansion into North Alabama with the opening of a Bridgeworth Huntsville office. In May, we welcomed Brian Hinson, Bob Johnson, and Jonathan Hornsby to the Bridgeworth family further expanding the Bridgeworth footprint to provide additional support and service to clients in north Alabama.
In January, Donna Byrne joined Bridgeworth as Chief Compliance Officer, and Amy Brunson joined in June as Director of Operations. Donna is responsible for managing the firm’s compliance area and continues the firm’s proactive compliance measures to identify and control risks in a manner that serves the best interest of the client while meeting the firm’s regulatory requirements. Amy oversees all firm operations to ensure consistent, top-quality client service and a positive work environment
Laura Rhoades, CFP® and Crystal Bowles, CFP® were promoted to associate advisors
With 23 financial advisors, 23 CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS ™, a staff of 25, and a dedicated management team of six professionals who oversee investments, accounting, compliance, planning, operations, and marketing, clients can rest assured that there is a wealth of knowledge available to help them reach their financial goals.
Recognition
Bridgeworth and its advisors have been recognized by the business community:
- Birmingham Business Alliance Small Business of the Year
- Top Tiger by Business Alabama and the Raymond J. Harbert College of Business
- Birmingham Business Journal’s Best Places to Work
- Birmingham Business Journal’s Top Financial Planners
- Birmingham Business Journal’s Top Investment Brokers
- Zach Ivey, CFP® named to Birmingham Business Journal Top 40 Under 40
Community
For the second year, the Bridgeworth Holiday Giving Campaign gave clients the opportunity to choose a nonprofit to which Bridgeworth makes a donation in the client’s name. For 2015, Bridgeworth highlighted the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama, the ALS Alabama Chapter, and the Higher Academics Summer School. In addition to the holiday campaign, Bridgeworth advisors and staff serve in leadership positions on Boards and Advisory Boards to more than 25 area nonprofits and professional organizations.
Client Education
Based on feedback from a recent client survey, we are bringing back some favorites and adding a few new client education opportunities, including:
- TechEase – iPhone, iCloud, photo storage and retrieval, internet security
- Social Security with Elaine Simmons
- Shred-A-Thon
- Senior Living Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Nursing Home
- Elder Care
- Financial Planning 101
- Estate Planning
- Medicare with Karen Haiflich
More specifics will be posted on our website and invitations will be sent by email from your advisor.
2016
As we look ahead to 2016, please know that your best interests will always be our top priority. We thank you for your business and continued trust.
DeLynn Zell
Managing Partner
BTN # is 1-4634560216