Entrepreneurs don’t choose the path of independence because it’s comfortable or predictable. The journey can be rewarding beyond measure — but it’s not an easy one. Both established business owners and those just starting to venture out on their own agree: Having passion for what you do is what ultimately keeps you going when the day-to-day minutia feels not only distracting, but overwhelming.
Principals Jennifer Belshe and Chris Connelly of Novus Advisors understand this mindset — and challenge — because they’ve been there, too.
Since leaving corporate careers to launch their own successful firm, they’ve experienced incredible growth over the past 10 years and gained hard-earned experience and resources along the way. Now, they’re excited to share that deep well of expertise and insight with financial advisors looking to fast-track their own success as business owners. The solution? A full-service financial advisor program that allows current or potential business owners to “plug into” Novus Advisors’ wealth of proven, vetted services and vendors — freeing up time and energy for them to focus on what they love: owning and growing their own book of business, and taking care of the clients who count on them.
A SMARTER PATH TO INDEPENDENCE
Unlike big national firms, Upstate-based Novus Advisors has both the ability and desire to listen to what advisors need and want in growth solutions — not unlike the personalized approach that has earned them the trust of countless traditional clients. “The more we worked with seasoned advisors, the more we heard what they were looking for: owning their book of business, growing their business, spending more time with their clients and with their families, and developing a succession plan,” says Belshe. “And right now, they’re spending at least a third of their time, if not more, on just running their business in the background.”
In a nutshell, Novus Advisors’ new program acts as a kind of incubator or pathway to entrepreneurship for financial advisors by handling time-consuming —yet essential — elements of their business, such as compliance management, marketing, back office support, transition services and more. And by tapping into a larger firm, independent advisors gain access to benefits like a sophisticated technology suite, next-level service on their custodial platform, administrative support, included fiduciary and E&O insurance, and much more — eliminating a potential cost barrier for many.
INVESTED IN BETTER — ACROSS THE BOARD
“Honestly, if something like this had been available 10 years ago [when we started Novus Advisors], we would’ve jumped at the chance,” says Connelly. “We’ve been doing this for a decade, and we’ve made some mistakes along the way, but we’ve also made a lot of good calls. And we feel like we’ve created a structure that answers a real need in our industry, whether as our employee or as an independent contractor. There are too many advisors out there that feel stuck — like they have to be part of a large firm in order to succeed, and that’s not the case.”
With roots in the Upstate community, and existing relationships with entrepreneurs all over the region, Novus Advisors embraces a rising tide lifts all boats mentality. “We want people to be successful, and have the balance they’re looking for,” adds Connelly. “We still offer traditional employment for advisors as well. This new program is how we’re helping support those advisors that are more entrepreneurial in spirit. By partnering with Novus Advisors, financial advisors can take advantage of all the experience we’ve gained over the years, while focusing on what’s important: building their business, serving their clients, and owning their revenue stream.”
Ready to venture out on your own, or fast-track your own success as an independent financial advisor? Contact Principals Chris Connelly or Jennifer Belshe personally at cconnelly@novusadvisors.com, jbelshe@novusadvisors.com or 864-272-3579.
