Why Baird | Dwayne Powell
────── In His Own Words ──────
Why did you joint the financial services industry?
I’ve always enjoyed working with people. While in college, I took a finance class and fell in love with the industry. I realized I could use my skills in finance to help people, and that lead me to advising.
Why were you looking to leave your old firm?
The firm culture had become one that focused on the firm rather than the client. It came to a point where I felt I did not have the control or ability to fully serve the needs of my clients anymore.
What about Baird was appealing to you?
Baird is an employee-owned firm that is large enough to have all the resources necessary to best serve my clients, but small enough to know my name and support my needs as well.
What was the deciding factor(s) that made your join Baird?
The unique Baird culture. It’s truly a differentiator and is as true as today as it was when I joined.
What were some of the things that made your transition to Baird so smooth?
Baird’s Transition Team made the process of moving to Baird very easy. That team was our primary contact throughout our transition, and if they did not know the answer, they pointed us to the right department. The paperwork was minimal, which made for a better client onboarding experience. Their support allowed me to keep my focus on my clients and their needs.
What make Baird truly different in the industry?
All the major firms have talent and resources, but Baird is one of the few that allows me direct access to a vast number of in-house resources and expertise who are true partners in serving me and my clients.
After being at Baird for a little while, have your expectations been met? Why or why not?
Baird has exceeded my expectations. Baird continually makes investments in our people and technology, which only helps us to serve our clients more easily. And because Baird invests in its people, it produces greater job satisfaction and tenured associates as well.
What is your career like at Baird today?
Baird is continually on the Forbes list of best companies to work for because they care about people. I work with a great team and great clients. This translates into an incredible work environment where everyone wants to be here, truly making my career here great as well.
What would you want other Financial Advisors contemplating a move to know about Baird?
Baird’s leadership is both competent and trustworthy. Baird is unique because the leadership truly has its employees’ best interest in mind. The executive team leads with servant leadership, which is seen throughout the entire firm. This style of leadership cultivates a win-win environment and encourages ownership of the business no matter the position in the firm. Our firm has one of the best business models that I have ever seen.