5 minute read
Mike Brady of LPL Financial: Our Home-Grown Financial Planning Expert
Business Profile by Liz Burnett
When you first meet Mike Brady, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how easy he is to talk with. He’s a down-to-earth guy who has lived in Delaware County since his family moved from Philly to Ridley Park in 1978, when he was 3. The more you talk with Mike, you’ll understand why his clients find it easy to talk with him about their financial goals and how to achieve them.
Mike’s interest in money management and growth goes way back: On Sunday afternoons, when he and his parents would visit Mike’s grandparents in South Philly, Mike loved sitting with his grandfather, separating and counting the coins his grandfather had saved in a big jar since their last visit. As Mike rolled the coins into paper wrappers, he practiced his math skills by proudly totaling what would be taken to the bank, and excitedly showed his grandfather the financial progress he had made by being a dedicated coin saver.
When Mike attended St. James High School in Chester, his participation in the TV Club helped develop his communication skills and comfort level being in front of people. In his last two years there, he took some Accounting courses at nearby Widener University. He chose to attend Widener because he was already familiar with the campus and some of the Accounting teachers there, and he planned to pursue an Accounting degree because he loved and was good at math and designing budgets.
During college, Mike’s experience as President of his fraternity further developed his communication, interpersonal and leadership skills. In the Spring semester of his senior year, as he interviewed with several large accounting firms, he realized his personality wasn’t suited for being an Accountant, and that his “hybrid” personality and strengths had prepared him for a different financial career.
After graduation, Mike stayed at Widener, working in their Development Department while also enrolled in Widener’s MBA program. When he took an “Intro to Financial Planning” course as an elective, he immediately knew that was EXACTLY the type of work he wanted to do with his life. So he enrolled in Widener’s Certificate in Financial Planning program. While completing an assignment to study how to enter that industry, he discovered LPL, a brokerage firm he felt offered his perfect professional solution. As an LPL financial advisor, he could run his business as an entrepreneur and “more on the advice side,” as Mike knew he would prefer. And the investment strategies, products and services he would recommend to his clients would be solely his decision and not anything “passed down from above.” One month after completing his MBA in 2001, Mike started his career with LPL.
LPL Financial Team (left to right): Adam Marone, Mike Brady, Rachael Kemmy and Al Danish
Photo courtesy of Mike Brady
Over the past 18 years, Mike has built his practice backed by the support LPL provides its more than 18,000 financial advisors and their clients. He owns and manages his business, operates independently, and is not tied to or required to offer any specific products or services. But Mike’s relationship with LPL provides him with exceptional resources, such as LPL’s state-of-the-art research and compliance departments and the trading platform that helps him deliver the tools he needs to ensure his clients’ success.
Mike’s practice manages about $160 million in assets for about 250 families and individuals and about a dozen businesses who use his services for any and all financial matters at every life stage. Examples include budgeting, debt reduction and elimination, vehicle purchase or lease, paying down/off their mortgage, insurance needs, buying a vacation property, retirement planning, estate planning, and their kids’ college education planning; and for businesses, retirement planning and other associated group benefits.
Mike says his professional satisfaction and his clients’ results wouldn’t be possible without his terrific staff who interact and communicate directly with clients for scheduling or service issues. Adam Marone, who has been with Mike for 10 years, functions as Mike’s Chief Operating Officer and also often serves as a “second set of eyes” when Mike is reviewing pros and cons of modifying a client’s plan. Rachael Kemmey serves as Office Manager, and Al Danish works part-time and focuses on group benefits. With Mike and his staff, clients get very complicated issues simplified, an empathetic ear that understands their financial needs, and a financial planning and review experience that’s fun. This deliberate approach helps clients make smart financial decisions.
Creative problem-solving is a skill that Mike frequently uses with his clients. He helped an elderly couple pay for an expensive home repair project without making a significant withdrawal from their retirement fund. Instead, Mike connected them with several of his trusted business colleagues, who assisted with the mortgage, insurance and legal services needed to refinance their home at a lower interest rate, and use some of their home equity to pay for two expensive home projects and also take a much-needed vacation! They were delighted that their lower homeowner’s insurance reduced their monthly expenses and their home value increased.
Mike is proud that some of his clients are families that span three generations. Many of his clients are his family, friends and neighbors. He specializes in serving those who are financially stable and who understand the need to save and grow their savings but don’t know the best path for that journey. He especially enjoys helping folks who are 5-10 years away from retirement and have a solid retirement fund but are “5 or 6 mistakes away from not remaining comfortably retired the rest of their lives.”
Mike and his wife Annette have lived in Broomall for five years. Their home is five blocks from his office, making it convenient and quick for him to help during the work week with activities, transportation and care for their three children under age 6.
Mike gives back to the local community by serving on the Boards of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and the YMCA. He’s also President of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, a global nonprofit organization with over 14,000 members worldwide. These activities help Mike expand his understanding of business trends and best practices.
Financial planning advice and strategies are available from many sources, almost too many these days. To ensure your choose a knowledgeable financial advisor who’s on your side, be sure to look in your own backyard!
Have you ever wondered who your financial advisor really works for? I work strictly for you. I work hard to build a relationship of trust by providing thoughtful, unbiased guidance and placing your interests first. Invest with a knowledgeable financial advisor who’s on your side; someone who truly cares whether your investments are right for you. Call today for more information or to schedule a consultation.
Michael Brady, MBA
LPL Financial
484-472-7704
www.MikeBradyLPL.com
Michael.Brady@LPL.com
