Ben Bailey, Morgan Keegan & Company
College: University of Arkansas ›› Years in the Industry: 5
100 Morgan Keegan Drive, Suite 200 ›› 501.671.1163
ben.bailey@morgankeegan.com
››Why did you choose to get into financial advising?
I have always been intrigued with the financial markets and the thought of putting your money to work for you. I was taught from an early age the importance of saving and the effects of compounding interest over time. I decided I wanted to work as a financial advisor as I enjoy meeting and working with people and families from different walks of life.
››What sets yours apart from other firms?
Morgan Keegan is large enough to provide all the services and products that you can find in a large Wall Street firm, but small enough to give you the personal attention you deserve. Though we have offices all over the country, Morgan Keegan’s footprint is predominantly in the Southern region. Over the past three years, consolidation among investment firms has altered the industry, but we have not changed a bit. With respect to my clients, there is no better place for me and my business.
››What do you like best about your job?
The relationships I have developed with my clients over the years. Through all the turmoil of the markets, we have grown together and it is a very satisfying feeling. I have been able to grow my business in the business fields, professions, and hobbies that I care about. You don’t find that kind of freedom in many other jobs.
››Do you have a niche clientele?
My partner and I have focused our business on advising physicians and dentists. My partner is married to a dentist and has been through the whole process of taxes, structuring a business, valuing a practice, and starting a practice from scratch. We take a comprehensive approach to financial planning that includes investments, insurance, retirement and much more.
››What makes your customer service outstanding?
It is our network of professionals inside and outside of Morgan Keegan. Some people view this job as purely sales, but I was trained to develop comprehensive wealth management plans. We enlist many different professionals in many areas to serve our clients, including private bankers, commercial bankers, point-of-sale insurance contacts, certified financial planners, retirement plan specialists, and many others.
››What’s your investment philosophy?
We firmly believe in diversification and the process of asset allocation for our clients. I also have a stock selection process that is based on historical spreads and trading ranges of like securities that attempts to take advantage of relative value between securities over time. Our goal seeks to outperform the market across multiple periods of time.
Best financial advice you’ve ever been given?
Spend a little but save a lot. That comes from my father. Enjoy the fruits of your labor but know that saving is the only true way to
financial freedom.