Guided Financial Strategies Transitioning to Cetera
Veteran advisors Rick Dickinson and founder Alan Hughes express excitement about joining Cetera, focusing on client-first culture and enhanced growth opportunities.
Cetera proudly welcomes Guided Financial Strategies, LLC, headed by advisors Rick Dickinson and firm founder Alan Hughes. Together, they manage approximately $250 million in assets under administration, enhancing Cetera's Summit Financial Networks community aimed at accelerating both organic and inorganic growth.
For over two decades, Guided Financial Strategies thrived under the LPL framework. Hughes, a visionary in the financial advisory industry, established the practice rooted in strong fiduciary principles, prioritizing client welfare above all.
A Commitment to Client-Centric Values
"Our philosophy centers around ethics, integrity, and treating clients like family," commented Hughes. He noted that many of their long-standing clients have been with them since they invested only modest amounts, some for over 40 years. "This commitment to our clients is profound. Finding a partner in Cetera, with shared values of transparency and relationship-focused service, was vital to our decision."
Dickinson, who rejoined Guided Financial Strategies after years in corporate roles including business development at LPL, spoke on the rigorous evaluation process they undertook. He emphasized the need for a partner that could enhance service quality while focusing on long-term strategic developments.
He shared, "After considerable research on best practices throughout the industry, we recognized that its blend of technology, operational support, and growth resources would be instrumental. Cetera impressed us with its advisor-first culture, transparency, and the ability to foster growth."
Investing in Growth and Client Relationships
The belief in advisory-centered financial planning is foundational for Dickinson and Hughes. They hold that every individual merits high-quality advice, regardless of their investment size, a principle fundamentally guiding their practice.
Notably, Guided Financial Strategies continues to invest in operational capabilities, staff, and recruiting new advisors to fortify their expansion plans. Dickinson remarked that partnering with Cetera provides essential scalable efficiencies and a robust community environment, critical for the next growth phase of their firm.
The team expressed appreciation for Summit's collaborative model and its accessible framework during their assessment process, distinguishing it as a major factor in their decision to affiliate with Cetera.
"From our initial dialogues, there was a clear sense of transparency and a client-centric relationship approach present," noted Dickinson. "This alignment solidified our choice to join the Cetera family. Summit and Cetera offer precisely the partnership and community we sought for our future endeavors."
Cetera Welcomes a New Member
Marshall Leeds, the Summit Community Leader, expressed enthusiasm about the addition of Guided Financial Strategies. "We are thrilled to have Rick, Alan, and their team join us at Cetera. Their values and dedication to quality financial advice align perfectly with our community. With Cetera's extensive resources and diverse service options, coupled with Summit's tailored service approach, they have a promising groundwork for continued growth—both organically and inorganically."
About Cetera Financial Group
Cetera Financial Group, known as the premier financial advisor Wealth Hub, empowers independent advisors with support tailored to their unique needs. This includes flexible affiliation models and comprehensive growth solutions. With around 12,000 independent professionals, Cetera's diverse ecosystem supports financial advisors in growing or transitioning their businesses on their terms.
Unlike traditional independent broker-dealers, Cetera offers real choices by combining modern technology with integrated wealth solutions, all within a community-focused culture. The firm’s unique infrastructure supports long-term value for advisors and allows for consistent, repeatable growth.
Cetera firms collectively manage approximately $625 billion in assets under administration, and $284 billion in assets under management. The firm's outstanding customer feedback program boasts over 40,000 found advisor reviews, with a remarkable 4.8 out of 5 satisfaction rating from advisors.
Cetera’s principal office is situated at 655 W. Broadway, 11th Floor, San Diego, California. The network comprises independent retail firms, including Cetera Advisors LLC and Cetera Investment Services LLC, all under the same ownership umbrella. Each firm must comply with their distinct partnership agreements and legal advice protocols.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did Guided Financial Strategies switch to Cetera?
They pursued a partnership that values client service and offers robust technology and operational support for strategic growth.
2. What are the primary values of Guided Financial Strategies?
The firm is built on ethics, honesty, and treating clients with familial care, ensuring high-quality service.
3. How does Cetera support its affiliates?
Cetera empowers firms with technological solutions, operational support, and a culture fostering collaborative growth.
4. What is Summit Financial Networks?
Summit is a community within Cetera aimed at enhancing the growth and support of affiliates through collaboration and shared resources.
5. How is Cetera different from traditional IBDs?
Cetera offers a community-driven approach, providing advisory firms with modern solutions that are not typically offered by conventional independent broker-dealers.
