For financial professionals looking to take their business to the next level, the right partnership can make all the difference. Lisa Davis, Managing Principal at 1847Financial - Conshohocken/Philadelphia, PA & Boca Raton/Coral Gables, FL Headquarters, knows this firsthand. With a background that blends hospitality, entrepreneurship, and financial services, Lisa has spent years helping advisors not just survive in the industry but thrive. In this conversation, Lisa shares how 1847Financial supports financial professionals, why culture and vision matter, and how her firm helps advisors build businesses with real, lasting value.

What brought you into financial services?
My career started in hospitality—I went to Cornell’s hotel school and helped open restaurants. But after my second daughter was born, I took a break from working. My husband, who’s a financial advisor, asked me to help organize his practice, and I quickly realized I had no idea what he actually did! I sat in on new advisor training, and everything just clicked. I saw the potential in the industry but also recognized that the way many advisors were operating felt outdated. I knew there had to be a better way, and that’s what drew me in.

What makes your firm different? 
The biggest differentiator is our focus on helping financial professionals build and scale real businesses. Many firms offer great products, access to a broker-dealer, and back-office support, but those are table stakes. What we do differently is guide financial professionals through the process of growing a business that has equity and long-term value. We help them put the right systems in place, whether it’s marketing, operations, or succession planning, so they aren’t just building a book of business—they’re creating something sustainable.

I often use an orthodontist as an example. An orthodontist goes to school to learn how to put braces on teeth—not necessarily how to run a business. Financial professionals are the same way. Many advisors are great at working with clients, but they don’t always know how to build, scale, and create something that will last beyond them. That’s where we come in.

 
How do you partner with financial professionals to help them grow?
It all starts with understanding their vision. One of the first questions I ask is, “What does a great life look like for you in three years?” From there, we create a customized business plan and help them execute it. Whether they need to develop a team, improve efficiency, or expand their services, we provide the resources and coaching to get them there.

Can you share an example of how you've helped an advisor grow?
One of my favorite success stories is Craig Schaefer. When Craig and his partner joined us in 2013, he was a successful financial professional but hesitant about teaming and scaling. I told him that if he followed our process, he could triple his business in three to five years while having more personal time. Within three years, he had already doubled his business, and today, he’s thriving—he makes more money, has more time for his family, and even takes a month off each year to go hunting. Seeing that transformation is what makes this work so rewarding.

What mistakes do financial professionals make when transitioning to a new firm?
The biggest mistake is not being organized. Transitioning can be complex, especially if you have a large book of business. Advisors often rush into it without a clear communication strategy for their clients or a plan for cross-selling. At 1847Financial, we take a hands-on approach to transitions to ensure they go smoothly and set advisors up for long-term success.

What qualities do you look for in new financial professionals joining your firm?
We are very selective about who we partner with. The ideal financial professional for us has a growth mindset, is willing to be coached, and is looking to build something bigger than just themselves. We love working with experienced advisors who are successful but aren’t sure how to scale, as well as those who are nearing retirement and need help creating a succession plan.

 
Have you seen firsthand how financial products have helped clients?
Absolutely. One story that stands out is a couple going through a divorce. They owned a restaurant and, struggling financially, wanted to cancel their life insurance. Their advisor, convinced them to reduce, but not drop, the policy.

A month later, the husband tragically died in a skiing accident. When the wife called, panicked, asking if the policy was still in place, she was relieved to learn it was. While the coverage had been reduced, it still provided critical financial stability for her and their two young children.

This is why we do what we do—financial products provide real protection when people need it most.

What’s a quote that guides your leadership?
One of my favorites is from Thomas Edison: “Vision without execution is hallucination.” Ideas are great, but if you don’t know how to execute them, nothing happens.

Another guiding principle for me is: “Simple, practical, sustainable.” Oftentimes, great ideas are too complex to implement effectively. We believe in breaking things down into simple, actionable steps that can be sustained over time. That’s how real, lasting growth happens—not through big, complicated plans, but through consistent execution of the right strategies.

What advice would you give to financial professionals considering a move?
Make sure the firm you choose aligns with your values and long-term vision. Products and broker-dealer access are important, but what really matters is whether the leadership team and culture support your growth. Ask yourself: Do these people share my values? Can they help me get to where I want to be? Do I actually want to work with them every day? Those are the real differentiators.

What do you do for fun in your free time?
I’ve become a bit of a golf junkie—not that I’m great at it, but I love playing. I also love to read. A few years ago, after finishing my master’s in leadership and spending so much time on business books, I made a rule: no more work-related reading. Now, I only read fiction, and it’s been the perfect way to relax and escape.

My husband and I are also getting close to becoming empty nesters. We have two daughters—one in college and one finishing high school—so we’re enjoying this phase of life while planning for what’s next.

Lisa Davis has built a career helping financial professionals not just grow, but build businesses with long-term value. If you're looking for a firm that invests in your success, 1847Financial offers the support, coaching, and resources to help you scale. Connect with Lisa Davis on LinkedIn to learn more about how 1847Financial can help take your practice to the next level.

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