Meet Cory Davis | Financial Advisor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cory Davis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cory, what is the most important factor behind your success?

The turning point in my career is when I realized that success is not driven by being wanted, rather success is driven by being needed.

My partner and I have grown a full service financial advisory firm with the foundation being tax strategies. This means that our reputation was built on establishing plans that provide tax deductions, which appealed to CPA’s and attorneys to refer us, which is the example of the “need” we created. From there, providing a full service experience took priority. We found that in our industry it was common for an advisor to seek business, then bring in outside experts to assist with whatever the client’s need is. The “asset gatherer” approach wasn’t something that appealed to us, as it commoditizes our role and reduces the experience we can provide. The inside out growth method is what nurtured our company, hiring those experts internally so our clients can have the full experience in one place.

Our success story is based on fulfilling needs, and our brand success is due to the personal full service experience we provide.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

Growing a business from the ground up is never easy. When I first started in the financial services industry I was put into a position where I had to cold call and try to sell as much life insurance as possible. I absolutely hated it.

While interning, I was exposed to the planning side of the business. The time spent was mentally stimulating, creative (as creative finance can be), and rewarding to see goals achieved that were set out by clients. So, when I went on my own and was thrown into the cold calling world, I felt a bit deceived. I was under the impression that this industry was all strategy and interactive goal setting with clients, not that there was an incentive to push a particular product. This, however, lead to where we are today.

Starting on my own with the vision of never cold calling a client was incredibly difficult. I decided to call on CPA’s and attorneys for an entire year to introduce myself and learn about their business journeys. Over that year I slowly built relationships that were pivotal referral sources for my growth. Little by little the business grew, and after some time I joined forces with my mentor and we evolved tremendously.

The practice has been shaped to keep the integrity of planning and quality service without a client facing a push of any product. We formed a fee based practiced, hired quality office management, an in house portfolio manager, and my partner and I handle all planning for the clients. Our employees don’t receive any commissions, and between no commission incentives or having to cold call, we are able to provide a genuine experience.

Personally, most importantly, this takes relief off our shoulders. When starting out and cold calling, there was always a pressure in the back of my mind when meeting people that I had to find a way to make them a client. After building a referral based practice, I am able to have genuine relationships without the pressure of making them a client. I highly encourage any entrepreneur in a service industry to design their business in such a way that their personal relationships aren’t compromised.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Whenever a friend comes to down we always spend time at the beach. I enjoy hanging out in Fort Lauderdale beach, and then in the evening grabbing dinner and drinks downtown on Las Olas. Pending the time of year, I also spend time either going to a Miami Dolphins or Miami Heat game.

Being that I am a father of 3 young children, my life is limited. The experiences at this point are more low key, and any time spent at or around the beach is well worth it.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

My story is due to multiple experiences and people. To start, I grew up playing football and played through the collegiate D1 level. Additionally, I am an avid martial artist, actively practicing jiu jitsu. Both of these have given me structure and the discipline to commit 100% to everything I do. Another major experience in my life was the passing of my mother when I was 26 years old. Lastly, the birth of my 3 children. Between my children and the passing of my mother, a gear shifted that created a drive that I commit to daily.

The people in my life is lead by my wife, Paige Davis. She inspires me daily. I watch her lead as a mother, support as a wife, and continue to flourish as an individual. I strive every day to make her proud and support her as she supports me.

My father, Scott Davis is someone I looked up to growing up. He worked everyday long hours, never complained, and taught me to never have an excuse. No matter what, just figure it out.

I would also like to shout out my mentor and business partner, Irwin Zagoria. He has served much more than a standard mentor or business partner, and has been pivotal in my personal growth. I have been challenged, taught, and most importantly given the freedom to grow within our business. I appreciate his leadership and support tremendously.

Website: www.imzfinancial.com

Instagram: @corydavis14

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coryimz/