It’s hard to believe it’s 25 years since I backed out of the driveway in my white Camry with a laptop and some business cards. That was the humble beginning of Capital Partners back in July 1999.
Robyn and I had three young boys at the time, so leaving a well-paid job to follow a dream was a significant decision. It’s one I’ve never regretted, though there were moments of doubt in those early days.
To see how much things change in 25-years is best illustrated by the photos below.
The evolution of financial advice
When I started Capital Partners, I had already spent a decade in financial services and had seen the best and worst of financial advice. Back then, financial advice was about product sales, driven by commissions, that created awful conflicts for clients.
I was convinced that there was a better way to serve clients, focusing on their goals and priorities rather than product sales. This led to the establishment of one of the first fee-only financial planning firms in Australia. It was a bold move I guess, but I soon found out that demand for client-centric advice was real.
Over the years, the financial advice industry has evolved, with a shift towards more transparent and client-focused practices. This evolution has been driven by regulatory change which has turned the advice profession upside down. For us, these changes were much easier to navigate because of our fiduciary approach.
Embracing teamwork
One of my favourite sayings is, ‘no one succeeds alone.’ This belief is at the heart of Capital Partners’ success. Our journey has been marked by the contributions of many talented people who have brought their unique skills and wisdom to the team.
The first significant teamwork moment came in 2003 when Michael Matthews and Chris King joined. One, plus one, plus one, quickly added up to more than three.
Mike’s insight and technical capability teamed with Chris’ relationship skills saw us push each other towards a shared vision of what great financial advice could be.
Teamwork is not just about working together; it’s about leveraging the unique strengths and perspectives of each team member. We believe that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. This philosophy has enabled us to build a team that is not only highly skilled but also deeply committed to your success.
A focus on belonging
A successful business is built on happy, healthy clients and this is only possible if we have a happy, healthy team. We have been fortunate to have both.
Many of you have been with us for over 20 years, and your loyalty is humbling. The same goes for our team, whose dedication and commitment have been a great source of pride for me as the founder.
One thing I never banked on was how deeply rewarding this enterprise would be at a personal level. This satisfaction comes in two ways which I’ll explain.
First has been the experience with clients. Many new clients have arrived in our office unsure of whether they are on track or how things would pan out for them. Even affluent families find themselves in this position.
Making the commitment to engage an adviser can be a leap of faith, but as we work together, we create a vision for the future, identify obstacles and transform them. A few years later the same people are confident and calm about the future.
- Families who have been clients over 20 years = 85
- Families who have been clients over 15 years = 135
- Families who have been clients over 10 years = 215
Creating a sense of belonging is not just about building relationships; it’s about fostering trust, respect, and mutual support.
We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued and appreciated. We see our clients as part of our family, and we are committed to supporting you through every stage of your life journey.
Pursuing business excellence
A professional highlight has been the recognition of being awarded Australian Professional Practice of the Year in 2017 and 2019 and we are finalists again in 2024.
Further, our people have twice been recognised as CFP® Professional of the Year – Michael Hayward in 2017 and Kathryn Creasy in 2020.
Becoming the first firm in Australia to be CEFEX certified remains a commitment to a fiduciary standard of care.
We are at our happiest when everyone, and everything is growing, but we remain disciplined about our most important priorities. Business excellence is not just about achieving financial success; it’s about continuously striving to improve and innovate.
Building a culture
The word culture is derived from the Latin word for colere, which means to tend the land.
I always hope you can feel our culture when you come into our office. We are all about developing our team members and encouraging their growth. In 2018, we expanded our ownership group to include seven new owners, and recently, five new owners joined us. This growth reflects our commitment to nurturing talent and ensuring the longevity of our vision.
Building a strong culture is not just about attracting and retaining talented individuals; it’s about creating an environment where everyone can thrive. We invest more in our people than any other financial advisory business I have seen anywhere in the world.
This commitment to our team members is reflected in our comprehensive training and development programmes, our focus on balance, and our commitment to creating a positive and inclusive workplace.
Looking ahead
As we celebrate this milestone, I feel deep gratitude for the journey we have shared with you. Your loyalty and trust, the dedication of our team, and the support of our community have been instrumental in our success.
I look forward to our next chapter of Capital Partners, confident that our commitment to excellence, teamwork, and client-centric advice will continue to guide us.
We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and look forward to continuing to serve you with the same dedication and passion that has defined our journey over the past 25 years.
Thank you for being a part of our journey.
Warm regards,
David Andrew
