blog

  • Tuesday, 16 July 2024

Substantial Support with a Boutique Feel: A Conversation with Carisa Calnon, Recruiting Specialist


We had the pleasure of having a discussion with Carisa Calnon, Recruiting Specialist who supports our 1847Financial firms headquartered in Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Oklahoma/Kansas in sourcing holistic wealth management advisors. Her financial professional-first aura is truly contagious. Let’s dive into Carisa’s journey and insights:

What made you want to join financial services industry?
I had a family member who was a financial advisor who was looking to grow a call center and wanted me to help. So I took the leap, did a career change, and joined to a large insurance-based financial services organization. I've been in financial services for over 12 years now.

What did you like about the call center role and opportunity to grow?
What I enjoyed most was making phone calls and helping individuals reevaluate their existing policies to find better solutions as their life circumstances changed.

Can you share your experience transitioning from assisting clients in a call center to serving financial professionals?
I excelled at scheduling appointments for clients and the leadership team recognized my efficiency. They asked if I’d be interested in helping with recruiting calls, so I embraced the challenge and performed well in sourcing and recruiting candidates. My efforts were so successful that the company created a new position for me, and the rest is history!

With your current role in recruiting, how do you partner with financial professionals?
I partner with financial professionals primarily as a referral source. Since there is always someone exiting the industry, I facilitate connections between junior financial professionals and senior partners to help manage the workload from an existing book of business. Additionally, I assist mid-career advisors in connecting with older advisors who are seeking a trusted partner for succession planning. I also enjoy building relationships through events hosted by NAIFA and FPA, and then maintaining those long-term relationships for potential future partnerships.

Why would someone join 1847Financial?
In my experience, I’ve noticed the top five reasons financial professionals join our organization:

1. Our strong and impressive leadership team.

2. Dedicated practice development and marketing teams who provide consultations with our financial professionals.

3. Robust local and home office support.

4. Substantial compensation payouts.

5. Advanced technology and excellent office space that enhance the overall experience.

What mistakes do financial professionals make when joining a new firm?
Often they don't do their due diligence. They might accept upfront or transition money, only to realize months later that the promised resources are not actually provided. I recommend financial professionals ensure any lofty benefits discussed during the interview process are written into the contract.

Describe your ideal recruit.
My ideal candidate is a mid-career, holistic advisor professional who is not getting the support or resources they need to get to the next level. They might feel restricted or held back from having a thriving practice and are seeking differentiators needed to grow.

What advice would you give a financial professional who's looking to change firms?
I would advise reaching out to your peers within the industry aligned with other companies to gain insight into their culture and resources. Shop around and aim to find a firm that aligns with your values and will truly support your growth and help your practice flourish.

Is there a certain quote that guides you?
One of my favorite quotes is “Coming together is the beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” – Henry Ford

This quote reflects the experience at 1847Financial. We offer substantial support for financial professionals, while maintaining a boutique feel. Whether interacting with the firm or home office, you receive quick responses without waiting weeks for a meeting. Being a mutual company is a differentiator, too.

What do you do for fun in your free time?
I love to travel, cook, and spend time with my family and my Pomeranian, Versace.

If you're looking to take your practice to the next level with a firm that provides unmatched support, consider connecting with Carisa on LinkedIn or schedule a meeting with her via Calendly here.

6791843RG_Jul26

 

1847Financial Logo