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HOLBROOK, N.Y. (June 7, 2022) — American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc. (AP) —a privately-held, independent broker/dealer that services financial advisors nationwide—recently hosted Connections 2022, the firm’s annual national conference geared to its network of affiliated investment professionals in private practice, valued business partners and members of home office staff. From May 17-20, attendees gathered in person for the first time since its 2019 national event to learn, network and exchange ideas.
“We could not have been more thrilled to host Connections 2022 in person,” states Vice President of New Business Development and Advisor Relations David Molter, who heads up the firm’s sales and new business development area. “As a business solutions provider, we serve more than 850 affiliated registered investment professionals and their support teams located in over 400 branch offices across the nation. While we were proactive and hosted virtual national conferences the prior two years, there’s nothing that can replace connecting in person. Connections 2022 really signified the importance of coming together and enjoying the relationships that not only make financial services professionals successful, but reinforces the customer-centric firm that AP aspires to be.”
While continuing its tradition of providing educational, business and networking sessions over three days, a fundraising golf tournament was added one day prior to the commencement of Connections 2022 to honor and remember former AP President Tim O’Grady. The Tim O’Grady Memorial Golf Tournament saw 124 golfers, home office staff and sponsoring vendor partners come together to remember the legacy that O’Grady forged at AP and beyond. Funds will benefit the Timothy O’Grady Charitable Foundation, which works with local communities and organizations to promote the health and well-being of young individuals—through organized sports, camps and other positive physical activities—that strive to give every young person a chance to succeed. In addition to the golf outing, raffles were held for 50/50 and a number of prizes, from a beach cruiser bicycle, summer kick-off kit, golfers gift basket and other high-value items, to various gift cards and two opportunities for a year of waived affiliation fees.
While at Connections 2022, attendees enjoyed presentations from three esteemed keynote speakers: advisor, investor and Athletic Greens COO and President Kat Cole, who led a compelling discussion on “Hustle and Heart: Lessons from Unexpected Places”; Global Marketing Strategist Brian Levitt provided a “2022 Market Outlook” in a presentation sponsored by Invesco; and David Heath, co-founder and CEO of Bombas, spoke to “Make Your Idea Become Reality: The Story and Insights of Bombas” in an interview-style presentation. Additionally, AP CEO and President Lon T. Dolber gave his annual State of the Firm address, joined by his executive team: Chief Administrative Officer Dalchand Laljit; Chief Financial Officer Damon Joyner; Vice President of Business Development and Advisor Relations David Molter; and Vice President of Business Services Maria Zarb. During the address, the panel answered questions submitted by advisors to AP Advisor Council members throughout the conference on a range of topics, getting to the heart of what AP’s investment professionals are most concerned with, including how the firm has measured up, 20 years later, against the vision with which it was founded; new technology initiatives on digital transformation and the significance for advisor practices; customer service and the use of segmentation; regulatory concerns; succession planning; and recruiting efforts.
Through AP’s continued commitment to platform and technology independence and increased focus on scalability, the firm has been able to make meaningful inroads in its goal to provide its affiliated investment professionals with the services and support they need to run a thriving, efficient, secure and sustainable practice. Connections 2022 featured: 1) an enhanced look at information security and the role it should, and must, play in the business of each investment professional; 2) one-on-one time with Nine Points Investment Management managers; 3) dedicated help to marketing and social media; 4) the firm’s robust AP Advisory Platform; 5) demonstrations surrounding the firm’s client portal, American Portfolios Client Access, through which investors have self-service capability and can register themselves for online account access; 6) valuable breakout sessions covering a wide range of topics pertinent to day-to-day operations, including practice management, retirement planning, and markets and investments; and 7) networking opportunities and panel discussions facilitated by the AP Advisor Council (APAC), the firm’s advisor advocacy group.
Taking part in Connections 2022, a record number of AP home office staff—from Virtual Administrative Services to technology and Advisor Support Center specialists, as well as staff from all area of the firm—were on hand to manage on-site operations, conference coordination and implementation particulars, and meet face-to-face with affiliated colleagues. The culmination of advisors, team members and partners sharing and engaging in keynote presentations, educational breakout sessions and live demonstrations embodied the spirit of the firm and its 20-year journey of business operations through this monumental and well-received event.
Click below to view a recap video of all Connections 2022 had to offer.
About American Portfolios
Headquartered in Holbrook, New York, American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc. (APFS) is a full-service, independent broker/dealer and member firm of FINRA and SIPC, offering a complete range of financial services, including personal financial and retirement planning, securities trading, mutual funds, access to investment research, long-term care planning, insurance products and tax-free investing. Fee-based asset management is offered through its sister subsidiary, American Portfolios Advisors, Inc., (APA), an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Both entities, along with technology entity American Portfolios Advisory Solutions, LLC, collectively reside under the legal entity American Portfolios Holdings, Inc. (APH). Full-service securities brokerage is available through a clearing firm relationship with Pershing, LLC, a BNY Mellon firm, the securities of which are held on a fully disclosed basis. The company supports independent investment professionals—inclusive of registered assistants and non-registered associates—throughout the nation.
American Portfolios has numerous recognitions by a number of industry publications and organizations. Such acknowledgment includes: multiple Broker-Dealer of the Year* (Division III) wins by Investment Advisor magazine; multiple finalist and award wins by WealthManagement.com Industry Award in multiple categories**; Corporate Citizen of the Year by Long Island Business News; multiple top placements as one of the Best Companies to Work for in the state of New York by the New York State Society for Human Resources Management (NYS-SHRM) and the Best Companies Group (BCG); and one of the Top Long Island Workplaces .
* Based on a poll of registered representatives conducted by Investment Advisor magazine. Broker/dealers rated highest by their representatives are awarded “Broker/Dealer (B/D) of the Year.”
** Wealthmanagement.com Industry Award finalists are selected by a panel of independent judges made up of subject matter experts in the industry. Award is based on support provided to AP’s affiliated people and does not reflect public customers nor their account performance.
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