Today we’d like to introduce you to Thu Saunders.
Hi Thu, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Coming from an immigrant family that defected from communism in Vietnam, hard work was always ingrained in our DNA. Growing up poor motivated my family to get educated and to help others when we had the opportunity. I originally went to college for medicine but after working a year in the hospital in college, I realized I wanted to help people in a different way. I prayed and found myself becoming a financial planner where I can be a “financial doctor” instead and really make a difference in people’s lives. After 23 years, that still remains my focus- to help people and their families for generations to come. I married another successful financial advisor, Rick Saunders, in 2009 and we merged our practices in 2012. Thirteen years later the love of my life and I have built this amazing practice, Iron Oaks Financial Advisors, with our business partner, Andrew Hanna, and about 40 employees (and growing!), all of whom we feel so blessed to have. Our team is second to none, all hired because they embody our core values 1) Help first 2) Be professional 3) Be reliable 4) Be gritty and 5) Cause Joy! We are also so blessed to have a son who lights up our lives and brings even more meaning to all we do.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No road in life is always smooth and mine was no exception. Becoming a financial advisor in 2003 was a struggle as a minority female. I first had to learn about finances and how to be an advisor because of my change in career. Then I had to compete with the stereotype of who was actually successful in the financial industry. I just made myself work harder and smarter, making sure I was always the first one in and the last one to leave the office and working 7 days a week in my early years. Tenacity and hard work pays off in our line of work. I also had to learn to be thick skinned and keep moving onto the next day towards the next “yes” from a prospect/client. I don’t regret a moment of the journey because it has made me the person I am today, someone who is blessed beyond measure!
As you know, we’re big fans of Iron Oaks Wealth Advisors. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We specialize in a world class client experience and making sure the client ALWAYS comes first. In an industry bombarded with financial advisors, we excel at not only the investments we do, but also the relationship we build with our clients. We treat our clients like family. My goal in working with any client is to have my photo framed with them somewhere in their home at some point in our relationship. That’s when I know I have created my ideal relationship with my clients- when it feels like I am part of their family.
My team of extraordinary A-players gives our clients the support they need day in and day out to build the financial success they deserve. We work closely with our High net worth and Ultra-high net worth clients to do first in class financial planning to ensure a confident financial life.
We are very proud of our growing team and the fact that advisors and operations specialists are flocking to join our team- it says a lot about our reputation in our industry. Being recognized consistently across metro Atlanta, the state and region gives our clients the confidence to know they are in exceptional hands which also makes it easy for them to refer their loved ones to us. We work generationally with our clients and work with their beneficiaries as well.
We offer a compelling digital experience to support our holistic services including financial planning, private wealth advice, tax planning strategies, education planning, protection planning, business planning, empolyer sponsored retirement plans including cash balance plans and estate planning strategies. I personally love working with and empowering successful women in the corporate and business owner worlds.
We are on a huge growth projectory to help as many people as we can. We are looking to add experienced advisors and for opportunities to acquire practices so we can build a legacy for generations to come.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
4 Disciplines of Execution by by Chris McChesney, Jim Huling, and Sean Covey
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Let Them Lead by John Bacon
Powerful Listening: How to Harness Your Most Essential Skill by Kwame Christian and the The Great Courses
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/thu.saunders/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ironoakswealthadvisors
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IronOaksWealthAdvisors
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iron-oaks-wealth-advisors
