Today we’d like to introduce you to Raj Chokshi.
Raj, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When I first started out as a financial planner, I interviewed with many local companies. It was an eye-opening process. Interview after interview revealed the same thing: large brokerages companies (and the way they do things) wasn’t what I wanted in terms of being an advisor.
Most companies were selling financial products and their clients’ best interests were secondary. That didn’t sit well with me, so I decided to start a company that puts clients’ needs first.
My partners and every person at Redwood have this same belief. It’s a value system – and approach to financial planning – that instills a deeper level of trust. That’s why this business has grown.
Has it been a smooth road?
When your philosophy is to put all of your best work into your clients, you have little time for sales and marketing. In some ways, that could be considered a challenge; however, because of our dedication and the quality of our work, we’ve gained many new clients from referrals.
Our second obstacle has been market-based. Since starting this business, we’ve endured two of the largest market corrections since the Great Depression. Not easy times, but they also reiterate the need for an advisor who knows your goals and finances at holistic level, and can help you see the finish line even when the current environment feels uncertain.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Redwood Wealth Management story. Tell us more about the business.
Redwood is a fee-only investment advisory firm. When it comes to finances, it’s essential to understand the big picture, so at Redwood, we’ve built a team that can manage your money holistically.
By doing so, we bridge the gap between all disciplines of wealth management, including investment strategy, proactive tax planning, wealth protection, and eventual transfer to future generations.
Most wealth management firms avoid talking to clients about taxes because they don’t have the expertise and in-house CPAs like we do. With this added knowledge, we’re able to seamlessly blend tax and wealth management advice together, helping you reduce your tax burden.
I’m most proud of the growth of the company. During our meetings, I look around and see a full table. And the individuals sitting there are more than employees. They, along with their spouses and children, are all part of the growing Redwood family.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The biggest shift has been the structure of retirement. With the ending of company pensions, retirement has become an individual responsibility. Planning for retirement requires a high level of skill, something that we can provide. In addition, we are in the beginning of a large transfer of wealth as baby boomers age and pass their money to the next generation and the rise of automated investment advice. Both will require a focus on the client/advisor relationship. The new client base is internet and research savvy and will require a personal and transparent relationship, which is already the foundation of our business philosophy.
Contact Info:
- Address: 11175 Cicero Drive, Suite 650
Alpharetta, GA 30022 - Website: www.redwoodwm.com
- Phone: 678-527-2800
- Email: info@redwoodwm.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedwoodWealthManagement/
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