• Surprisingly, better than half of Advisor Perspectives’ readers reported they “Always” used tactical allocation, the most popular option selected (Page 2).
• However, “Implementation” remains the challenge with a change in strategy (also known as a use of alternatives).  As portfolio construction techniques grow more complex, advisors need assistance and education in how to apply the techniques to their client base.  In fact, Advisor Perspectives readers named “Access to Research Specialists” and “Additional Training” as the factors that would help make portfolio construction easier (Page 4).
• Investors and advisors are clearly demanding new methods for reducing risk in portfolios. However, implementing those methods comes with added complexity and risk if done incorrectly. Education will continue to play a major role in the adoption of these strategies. Advisors are open to training on the topics, but that must be geared to client solutions and ultimately improving the client experience (Page 6).
• The survey also indicates what advisors are and are not looking for in specialists.  Advisors want established records and good performance, but recognized brand and wholesaler support are not overly important. (Page 6)

Click here to read the full report on the Advisor Perspectives website.

Michael F. Nolan from Braver Business Strategies, LLC will lead a group of presenters focusing on how entrepreneurs develop important business partners early in the business cycle that will serve them as they grow.  This learning event is sponsored by Cambridge Savings Bank.

Founded in 1949, Braver has grown from a few dedicated accountants into a full-service financial services firm, employing 200 professionals. Today, Braver professionals provide an extensive array of services from accounting, wealth management, business strategies, technology solutions and valuation services.

The Team at Braver Business Strategies consists of former owner-operators and CEO’s.  They work with small- and medium-sized businesses throughout New England to organize their corporate structure effectively, improve financial performance, and develop a system for sustainable growth.

Mike Nolan joined Braver in 2004 and serves as a managing director of the management consulting enterprise. Mike’s function is to aid clients in increasing market share, net profit improvement as well as family/partnership issues, and has significant experience in difficult turnaround scenarios.

About Braver PC

Braver is a financial services company employing 200 professionals providing services in accounting, wealth management, business strategies and technology solutions — but it’s the way we do business that makes the difference. Braver’s accounting, auditing and tax services group was recently ranked the 8th largest CPA firm in Massachusetts. The wealth management division manages $400 million in assets and offers fee-only financial planning.

Brown brings a unique perspective to his role as COO. For more than 20 years, he has had a connection to Braver. First as a client of Braver, he steered his office products business through succession issues, growth, recession, recovery and ultimately its sale to a FORTUNE 100 company. Next he and his co-owner in Nolan Brown Partners, a local business consulting firm, merged with Braver to become Braver Business Strategies LLC, where for the last five years Brown has been providing strategic and tactical business advice to a wide range of companies. Most recently, over the last two years, Brown has worked closely with Braver’s executive committee, CEO and management team to help steer the firm through a period of significant growth.

Brown has extensive experience working with client ownership and senior management, building value that is sustainable and transferable. His expertise in organizational development and ability to work effectively across disciplines is an important addition for the Braver leadership team. Brown will also continue to work with clients of Braver Business Strategies.

“It is an honor to be appointed to the role of Chief Operating Officer of Braver. First as a client, then a partner in Braver Business Strategies, and advisor to the leadership team at Braver, I have experienced first-hand how success can be achieved through a strong commitment to superior client service. As COO, I welcome this opportunity to work with Patrick Riley, CEO of Braver PC to help lead our firm to continue its success,” said Brown.

“Steve is the perfect choice for this position because he has seen Braver from all sides. As we work through challenging economic times, Braver remains committed to delivering the best service to our clients, which will create and sustain rewarding career opportunities for our employees, and allow us to continue making meaningful commitments to our communities,” comments Patrick Riley, CEO of Braver.
Brown is a Boston native, a graduate of The Boston Latin School and Bates College and holds an MBA from The Sawyer Business School at Suffolk University.

About Braver PC

Braver is a financial services company employing 180 professionals providing services in accounting, wealth management, business strategies and technology solutions — but it’s the way we do business that makes the difference. Braver’s accounting, auditing and tax services group was recently ranked the 9th largest CPA firm in Massachusetts. The wealth management division manages $400 million in assets and offers fee-only financial planning.

Newton, MA, January 29, 2010 — Braver PC today announced that its Providence office has moved to a new downtown location. Located in the Packet Building at 155 South Main Street, the 7,400 square-foot office will accommodate the company’s recent growth and allow for further expansion.

Braver PC is a financial services company employing 200 professionals providing services in accounting, wealth management, business strategies, technology solutions and business valuations.

“Braver’s need to move into a bigger space downtown is a reflection of the staff’s hard work and the new business the Providence office has generated,” said Patrick Riley, chief executive officer, Braver PC. “The office will appropriately house our increase in staff, support future expansion, and allow Braver to continue to provide exceptional services to businesses in Rhode Island and the surrounding areas.”

Braver PC’s new office, managed by Atlantic Enterprises, is conveniently situated near the historic east-side of Providence, and is close to Brown University, Rhode Island School of Design, Veterans’ Memorial Park, Roger Williams National Memorial and several government buildings.

Braver PC’s Rhode Island office was formerly located at 2 Charles Street in Providence. The company is headquartered in Newton, Massachusetts with additional offices in Boston, Concord and Taunton, Massachusetts.

About Braver PC

Braver is a financial services company employing 200 professionals providing services in accounting, wealth management, business strategies and technology solutions — but it’s the way we do business that makes the difference. Braver’s accounting, auditing and tax services group was recently ranked the 8th largest CPA firm in Massachusetts. The wealth management division manages $400 million in assets and offers fee-only financial planning.

Newton, MA, January 07, 2010 –Braver PC today announced that Kevin M. Coveney has been named a shareholder at the firm. Coveney joined Braver in 2007, and has over 18 years of experience in both public accounting and private industry.

Braver PC is a financial services company employing 200 professionals providing services in accounting, wealth management, business strategies, technology solutions and business valuations.

“Kevin has proven to be a key contributor in our audit practice, and will undoubtedly be an asset to our management team,” said Patrick Riley, chief executive officer, Braver PC. “In the past two years, he has demonstrated strong technical knowledge, exemplary client service, an aptitude for business development, a commitment to learning and development, and the drive to make the firm succeed.”

Coveney has a comprehensive background in audit and business consulting for development stage and venture capital backed entities, real estate, manufacturing, computer software companies, as well as a variety of small and mid-sized entrepreneurial businesses.

He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants. He holds a Bachelor of Management with a concentration in accounting and economics from the University of Massachusetts at Boston.

About Braver PC

Braver is a financial services company employing 200 professionals providing services in accounting, wealth management, business strategies and technology solutions — but it’s the way we do business that makes the difference. Braver’s accounting, auditing and tax services group was recently ranked the 8th largest CPA firm in Massachusetts. The wealth management division manages $400 million in assets and offers fee-only financial planning.