In the competitive world of financial advising, choosing the right broker/dealer is crucial—not only for professional success but also for personal well-being. John Wilkes, a seasoned financial advisor with 26 years of experience, shared his journey of transitioning to Nations Financial Group after working with larger firms. His story highlights why more advisors are making the switch and thriving both professionally and personally.

A Personalized Support System

One of the main reasons John chose Nations was the personalized support system they offer. Unlike larger firms that often route advisors through impersonal 800-number call centers, Nations connects advisors directly with dedicated professionals. For John, this was a game-changer:

“It became readily apparent with Nations that you’re going to speak to a specific person about any issue you have or help you need,” he said.

This direct line of communication not only saves time but also builds trust. Advisors like John can confidently rely on accurate answers and swift assistance, freeing up their day to focus on what matters most: their clients.

Reduced Stress, Improved Family Life

The impact of Nations’ approach extends beyond the office. John shared that his stress levels have significantly decreased since joining Nations, positively affecting his personal life.

“My stress level has gone down tremendously just because of the help that they provide. You have a limited time during the day, and they have eliminated a lot of that chasing-down-answers time, which is so much healthier for my family.”

For John, the balance between professional success and personal well-being has never been better.

A Smooth Transition Process

Transitioning broker/dealers can be daunting, but Nations has a system in place to make it seamless. John recalled how Nations provided on-site support, prepared all account forms in advance, and ensured a smooth transition for every client he wanted to bring over.

“It’s an emotional, difficult time mentally, but Nations had people ready to transition your business. They made sure everything was ready prior to the change. Within that first week, it just alleviated the stress. It was great—a good transition.”

This level of preparation and support reassures advisors that they’re not alone during one of the most critical phases of their careers.

A Partner for Long-Term Success

John’s experience underscores what sets Nations Financial Group apart: a commitment to helping advisors succeed by providing personalized support, reducing stress, and ensuring smooth transitions.

If you’re a financial advisor tired of navigating the bureaucracy of larger firms or looking for a broker/dealer that truly values your time and well-being, Nations Financial Group might just be the partner you’ve been searching for.

For John Wilkes, the decision to join Nations was about more than just business—it was about finding a partner that supports his success and allows him to thrive both professionally and personally.
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This blog post highlights how Nations Financial Group creates an environment where advisors can focus on building their business while enjoying a better quality of life. If you’re ready to make the switch, consider how Nations could transform your practice—and your life.

In the competitive world of wealth management, finding the right partner can make all the difference. For Todd Hankins of Corinthian Wealth Partners in Silverdale, Washington, the decision to join Nations Financial Group four years ago was pivotal. With 18 years of experience in the industry, Hankins understands what it takes to serve clients effectively—and how crucial a strong broker/dealer relationship is for long-term success.

A Record-Setting Transition

When Corinthian Wealth transitioned to Nations, the scale and speed of the move were extraordinary. “We opened over 700 accounts within about 10 days,” Hankins recalls. “We moved over $180 million within a two-week period.” Such a significant transition could have been daunting, but Nations’ dedication to detail and efficiency ensured a smooth process.

“They made it as easy as possible,” Hankins says. “We were able to map out accounts and all the data from an Excel sheet to prepopulate everything. It wasn’t seamless, but it was as close to seamless as possible given the complexity.”

A Technology-Forward Approach

In an industry often slow to adopt modern technology, Nations sets itself apart with a commitment to innovation. This was a key factor in Corinthian Wealth’s decision to join. “We interviewed multiple firms, and what stood out most was their dedication to technology and improving workflows,” Hankins says.

He points to simple but impactful advancements like e-signatures for client documents. “We no longer have to mail something, wait a week, get it back, scan it, and send it in. It’s done in 30 seconds.” For Hankins and his team, this level of efficiency means more time spent focusing on clients and growing the business.

A Culture That Cares

After working at major firms like Merrill Lynch, Chase Investments, and Wells Fargo Advisors, Hankins found something different at Nations: a genuine commitment to the success of financial advisors. “They care about you and your business,” he emphasizes. “Your clients are your clients, and you are their client. It’s completely different from the big firms where the financial advisor often feels like just another number.”

This culture of care is what Hankins believes sets Nations apart and makes it an ideal partner for those considering independence. “If you have the courage to leave what’s comfortable and go independent, you couldn’t find a better home than Nations,” he says.

Always Improving

As Nations Financial Group continues to evolve, its focus on staying ahead of the curve remains evident. Hankins notes that the ongoing enhancements to their technology stack, highlighted at recent conferences, are a testament to their dedication. “They’re not just happy with the way things are; they’re always trying to improve.”

A Partnership Built for Success

Todd Hankins’ experience with Nations Financial Group underscores the importance of choosing a broker/dealer that values relationships, embraces innovation, and prioritizes the success of its advisors. From a record-breaking transition to ongoing support and cutting-edge technology, Nations has provided Corinthian Wealth Partners with the tools and trust needed to thrive.

For those seeking a partner that combines personal care with professional excellence, Hankins offers this advice: “Nations is the place where you can take your business to the next level—and do it with people who truly care about you and your success.”

In the ever-evolving world of financial services, relationships are key. For Maureen Kozak, a veteran of 38 years in the industry with the McCloskey Financial Group, a solid partnership with a broker/dealer is crucial. Five years ago, Kozak found that connection with Nations Financial Group, a decision that transformed not only how her firm operates but also how they serve clients at an elevated level.

Finding the Right Fit

Like many in the industry, Kozak once considered the idea of transitioning her firm to their own  Registered Investment Advisor (RIA). After exploring different options, she was introduced to Nations by chance. During their initial meeting, Kozak felt an immediate sense of alignment. She describes the experience as “a light bulb moment,” explaining, “It just felt right. My clients are my family, my employees are my family—Nations felt like my family.” This sense of partnership has kept McCloskey Financial Group with Nations for five years and counting.

Reaching the Next Level

As a second-generation leader in the firm, Kozak is looking to lay the foundation for the third and fourth generations, ensuring that McCloskey Financial Group remains a trusted partner for clients and a thriving workplace for employees. Nations’ approach aligns well with this vision of growth and continuity. “They see that we want to grow,” Kozak says. “We want to put something in place for the future—for our clients, their children, our employees, and the employees yet to come.”

Turning Challenges into Solutions

When it comes to navigating complex client needs, Kozak recalls a standout moment when Nations went above and beyond. One of her clients, a former corporate insider and high-level executive, needed to build liquidity within strict regulatory constraints. Kozak explains, “It was complicated. But Nations just got involved. They figured it out very quickly… The client was thrilled that we were able to just accommodate him so well.”

This story illustrates how Nations provides proactive, knowledgeable support when facing sophisticated regulatory challenges, enabling McCloskey Financial Group to deliver seamless solutions for their clients.

Personalized Support in a Complex Industry

In today’s financial landscape, service has become increasingly impersonal. Kozak remembers a time when she could call someone directly for immediate assistance, a quality that she feared was lost in the industry. Nations, however, has rekindled this level of personalized service. “I have somebody on speed dial… I know their name, and I know their children’s ages,” Kozak shares, emphasizing the personal connection she has with her contact at Nations. This direct line of communication streamlines problem-solving, ensuring Kozak can focus on her clients instead of wading through complex systems.

A Future-Ready Partnership

For Kozak, her relationship with Nations is more than a business arrangement; it’s a partnership built on trust, mutual respect, and shared goals. As she looks toward the future, Kozak is confident that Nations will be a steadfast partner, helping McCloskey Financial Group scale new heights while preserving its legacy of client-focused service.

In an industry that can often feel impersonal and overwhelming, Kozak’s experience with Nations Financial Group exemplifies how the right broker/dealer – RIA relationship can empower financial professionals to deliver superior service while planning for sustainable growth.

At Nations Financial Group, we take pride in empowering financial advisors to deliver top-tier service with a personal touch. Our partnership with Core Investments Group is a perfect example of how we help advisors like Jamie McDonald provide a unique client experience, balancing personal relationships with access to extensive resources and support.

Jamie McDonald, a trusted advisor with over 20 years in the industry, has been part of the Nations Financial Group family for over eight years. He describes his work at Core Investments Group as “small enough to care about the client but big enough to follow through on promises.” This approach aligns perfectly with our vision. We believe that great client service stems from empowering advisors with the tools they need to deliver on their promises, without compromising the personal attention clients deserve.

As a broker-dealer and RIA, we are committed to providing Core Investments Group with access to cutting-edge technology, industry-leading resources, and robust, yet common sense, compliance systems. Yet, our firm remains agile enough to recognize and value each advisor as an individual. Jamie notes that when he calls our home office, he doesn’t have to go through an impersonal process or dial a 1-800 number. A simple introduction by first name is enough because we prioritize relationships, both with advisors, their team members, and their clients.

This personalized approach extends to how advisors at Core Investments Group interact with their own clients, creating a seamless experience that instills trust and builds lasting relationships. At Nations, we understand that financial services are more than transactions -they’re personal commitments. We empower our advisors to provide both the expertise clients expect and the personal care they deserve.

The relationship between Nations Financial Group and Core Investments Group exemplifies our commitment to combining the power of resources with the warmth of personalized service. We’re dedicated to being the partner that makes it possible for advisors like Jamie to deliver exceptional service, fulfilling our mission of helping clients pursue their financial goals through trusted and caring relationships.