Laura Kuntz, CPA/PFS, MBT, Wealth Manager, in 1999.
There are many reasons to start your own business, which I did 20 years ago. After 15 years of experience in the financial planning and investment advice industry, I had seen some things that just did not work well for me and did not seem to work consistently well for clients – mainly the commission structure on proprietary products which I felt, at times, incented the industry to go against the best interests of the clients who trusted us. Starting a fee-based firm in 1999 was a real risk. The big investment firms were offering “free” financial planning to clients and I wanted to charge for this service so that I was beholden to nothing but my clients’ best interests.
I am glad it worked. Enough people valued my straightforward approach – honest conversations about their wealth and goals. Laurel Wealth Planning was on its way.
I always wanted to keep the firm small. From my first dreams I thought to grow LWP to maybe six or eight people, all with the same values I have. I wanted to make sure that my initial motivation of keeping the clients at the center of every decision would be maintained.
I am so grateful.
I am grateful to the people who choose to work at Laurel Wealth Planning, a small team of truly dedicated professionals who learn everything I have to teach them and then honor me and our clients with their ideas, care, and hard work.
The Laurel Wealth Planning Team, 2019 From left: Mallory Kretman, CFP®, Wealth Manager/Shareholder; Susan Barron, Paraplanner; Linda Beduhn, Client Service Specialist/Office Administrator; Laura Kuntz, CPA/PFS, MBT, Senior Wealth Manager/Shareholder; Michael Tryon, Portfolio Analyst; Tom Kuntz, Finance Manager; Jesse Kuusisto, Associate Wealth Manager; Saul Baumann, CFP®, Wealth Manager.
I am grateful to the attorneys, accountants and other professionals who honor us by referring their clients to us and by attending our seminars and programs where we share what we know.
I am grateful to our financial planner colleagues who have generously shared their wisdom and support.
I am most grateful to all the clients of Laurel Wealth Planning. It is an honor to work on your behalf and be trusted with some of your most vital and personal decisions.
At age 59, I continue to love my work. My role of helping our clients, enhancing our team members’ professional growth, making connections in the community, and building this firm is a fulfilling and rare opportunity. While I have a team and plan in place to continue Laurel Wealth Planning, I hope to have the honor and joy of continuing to serve our clients for many years to come.
Interview with Laura and our Wealth Managers: founding and building Laurel Wealth Planning
Laura, the founder of LWP, is a Senior Wealth Manager, Chief Investment Officer and Shareholder. She has a master’s degree in tax and is an excellent listener. While she is a sophisticated financial planner with experience in complex issues, her priority is ensuring a financial plan works for people.
