Dear Clients,
Santa Claus arrived earlier than usual in 2023 with lots of presents for investors, as the stock and bond markets began a welcomed year-end rally on October 27th. This rally was sparked by a resilient U.S. economy, solid earnings reports, and forecasts from the Federal Reserve for three interest rate cuts this year, indicating an end to the Fed’s rate hikes to combat inflation.
Who would have thought we would see stocks and bonds up 20% and 5%, respectively, during a year when interest rates hit their highest level in decades, a regional banking crisis erupted, the U.S. government shut down and had its debt rating downgraded, and another war began?
It is a great example of the value we provide as your wealth advisor. While we cannot predict the future, our depth of professional experience in understanding markets and human behavior helps us make sound financial decisions for our clients. After all, 2022 was the most challenging year for U.S. stocks and bonds since 1932 and the vibe this time a year ago was overly pessimistic. It was psychologically easy to want to reduce risk with all the noise, but our outlook was favorable and to stay invested. And the little things matter too, such as moving your cash into Treasuries during the regional banking crisis last March and then out of Treasury money market funds before the pending U.S. debt ceiling default last June.
I am pleased to share some important achievements in 2023 as we continue to grow and invest in our business to provide better value to you. Edge’s assets under advisement grew to a record $8 billion. Forbes ranked Edge as one of the Top 100 RIAs in 2023 (an elevated ranking of #33 overall) and five of Edge’s wealth advisors were recognized as a Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Texas. These prestigious rankings include metrics beyond size, such as quality, sustainability, depth of services, and experience.
Your Mission is Our Mission.
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As a fiduciary and a fee-only wealth management firm, we are only compensated by you and not by products or transactions. It is refreshing to work in such an environment where our only incentive is to serve your best interests and not be conflicted to do some of the small things, such as changing money market funds three times within four months to protect you.
Edge is invested in what matters to you most. At Edge, you’ll work with people whose sole focus is to align your higher purpose with your mission for your family, legacy, institution, and philanthropy. We broadened our team to over 40 team members, attracting new talent and promoting high performing team members across the firm.
- Zaki Colabawala joined the Edge Atlanta office as a Vice President and Blue Current Research Analyst focusing on fundamental stock research within the global dividend growth universe. Prior to joining Edge, Zaki worked in sell-side research and developed a skillset and passion for security selection through detailed analysis of business fundamentals and various capital markets engagements.
- Amanda Henry joined the Dallas office as a Client Service Associate. In this role, Amanda plays a vital part in enhancing our operations and client service support. Amanda is passionate about building relationships with people and believes financial planning services is a meaningful opportunity to have an impact. Amanda earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics and minored in Business and Financial Planning from Texas A&M.
- Victoria Kolbe joined the Atlanta office as a Client Service Associate, playing a vital role in bolstering our support and operations in client service. In her role, she is passionate about helping our clients and provides valuable support to the Client Service and Operations teams. Victoria received her undergraduate degree from the Business Administration Academy in Frankfurt, Germany and brings over 15 years of financial industry experience.
- Eunice Sams joined the Edge Atlanta office as Director of Marketing and Communications. With over 20 years of financial industry experience, Eunice brings a unique depth of expertise to our firm. Eunice guides the creative direction of our brand, marketing initiatives, advertising, public relations, and outreach strategies.
- Frances Suarez joined the Edge Dallas office as Vice President and Client Specialist. Frances brings a wealth of expertise in providing comprehensive support throughout the entire client engagement process. Frances recently completed a master’s degree in Wealth Management at the Columbia University School of Professional Studies.
- Bradley Williams, CFA is a Director and Portfolio Manager. Prior to joining Edge, Bradley worked as a Vice President and senior portfolio manager at Bank of America Private Bank, where he helped high-net-worth clients meet their goals through investment management and comprehensive financial planning.
- Pam Witt joined the Edge Charlotte office as Vice President and Client Specialist. Prior to joining Edge, Pam was a Wealth Management Senior Associate and Portfolio Administrator for other wealth advisory firms located in the Charlotte area and brings over 15 years of diversified financial services and private wealth management experience.
- Jake Baker, CFA was promoted to Associate – Portfolio Manager. Jake works closely with our Senior Wealth Advisors to build customized investment portfolios to meet the specific needs and objectives of our clients.
- Kevin Vogel, CFP®, was promoted to Director – Wealth Strategy, an area in which we continue to invest in getting to know our clients beyond their investments. Kevin plays a pivotal role in shaping our client engagement approach, ensuring that we provide comprehensive and personalized solutions that align with the unique goals and aspirations of each client.
Our Mission is to Inform and Inspire.
Edge stayed committed to our communities and finished the year volunteering for Helping Mamas in Atlanta, gathering and building Christmas gift packages for Samaritan’s Purse, and collecting goods for the Atlanta Community Food Bank and Second Harvest in Charlotte.
We are honored by the trust placed in us and appreciate your business. Without all of you, there would not be an Edge Capital Group. Thank you for your continued support and please keep Edge in mind when you believe our service would benefit others. Our greatest referral sources come from you!
Respectfully,
Harry Jones
Managing Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor
The Forbes Top RIA Firms 2023 list was published on October 10, 2023 by Forbes/SHOOK RESEARCH, and covers the period Jan. 1 – Dec. 31, 2022. Please visit www.shookresearch.com/a-methodology for more information on Shook’s methodology. SHOOK is completely independent, objective and does not receive compensation in exchange for placement on its rankings. As the world’s only advisor research firm in the world with a specialty in quality. SHOOK performs deep due diligence as the basis for its rankings. Edge Capital Group did not pay a fee for obtaining or marketing the awards listed above. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receive compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking.
