Mandatory Questions –
• Kindly give our readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities.
◦ Security First Asset Management is your hometown financial advisor, working hand-in-hand to educate and support your financial goals. We provide you with all the industry-leading tools and advice but with the hard-working and humble spirit of small-town USA. We are based in Central Georgia with offices in Macon, GA and Dublin, GA.
• Kindly give us a brief description about yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
◦ Daniel NeSmith began his career at Security First Asset Management under the leadership of William Danner. Daniel took on the role of President of the business after Danner sought retirement himself. Daniel now supports the clients of Security First Asset Management and supports the industry as a whole with national speaking engagements.
• What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (to make significant changes in an existing business)? How did the idea for your business come about?
◦ Large financial institutions don’t always understand what is important to the financial needs of small-town USA. They often focus on only the largest of clients and offer solutions that seem to benefit themselves more than the client. As an independent financial advisor, we can tailor our services to the needs of each individual, no matter what their financial situation.
• What three pieces of advice would you give to budding clients?
◦ Our advice for setting retirement goals is to set a target, plan for expenses, account for market fluctuations, and seek help from experienced financial advisors.
• What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
◦ Adaptability and Innovation: As a successful entrepreneur, we emphasize the importance of constantly adapting to changing market dynamics and embracing innovative solutions. Flexibility and the ability to identify new opportunities are crucial traits.
◦ Effective Communication: Clear communication is the cornerstone of building strong relationships with clients, team members, and partners. We prioritize open and transparent dialogue to help all our clients be aligned toward achieving financial success.
◦ Strategic Planning and Risk Management: A skillful entrepreneur must possess the ability to formulate well-defined strategies while carefully managing risks. Strategic planning allows us to navigate uncertainties and guide our clients toward their long-term financial goals.
• How many hours do you work a day on average?
◦ We dedicate the necessary time and effort to help our clients prepare for the future, as our commitment goes beyond conventional hours. We believe in being accessible whenever our clients need guidance because our clients are friends. This is why we host monthly social events to bring the community together, fostering connections and the sharing of advice and life experiences that we truly cherish.
• To what do you most attribute your success?
◦ Our success can be attributed to our unwavering dedication to client-centered service, personalized financial solutions, and a deep-rooted understanding of the unique needs of the communities we serve.
• How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
◦ We focus on building genuine connections within our local community through educational seminars, workshops, and community engagement initiatives. Our most successful marketing approach has been word-of-mouth referrals, reflecting the trust and satisfaction our clients feel in the services we provide.
• Where did your organization’s funding/capital come from, and how did you go about getting it? How did you obtain investors for your venture?
◦ Security First Asset Management was established through a combination of personal investment and strategic partnerships with local business leaders who shared our vision. These partnerships were forged through mutual understanding and alignment of values.
• What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
◦ Long-term success is best achieved by fostering enduring relationships with clients, staying attuned to their evolving needs, and adapting our strategies to provide consistent value and financial planning.
• Where do you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
◦ In the coming years, we envision Security First Asset Management expanding its reach to serve a broader audience across Georgia and potentially beyond. Our goal is to become a trusted resource for financial guidance, empowering individuals and families to achieve their dreams with confidence.
• Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
◦ We deeply respect organizations that embody an unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction, innovative problem-solving, and contributing positively to the community. Their commitment to achieving excellence aligns closely with our own values and aspirations.
Recommended Questions –
• How important have good employees been to your success?
◦ Each team member at Security First is vital to the success of our clients. As a small-town financial advisor, when you call we pick up the phone. When our employees are not at work they are shopping next to you in the grocery store, at the ball fields with the kids, or serving the community. Financial success for everyone is vital for our community and everyone at Security First supports our clients’ goals.
• How long do you stick with an idea before giving up?
• What motivates you?
◦ Security First Asset Management seeks to help educate clients and help them make informed decisions that leads to financial success. We are motivated by the fact that your financial goals don’t have to feel impossible or out of reach. With the right planning you can feel confident in your future.
• What are your ideals?
◦ Our ideals center around providing comprehensive education and ongoing support to clients, helping ensure they have the knowledge and tools to make confident financial choices.
• How do you generate new ideas?
◦ Innovation is fueled by our commitment to staying abreast of industry trends and seeking fresh perspectives through continuous learning and collaboration within our team.
• How do you define success?
◦ Success, to us, means seeing our clients achieve their financial goals, confident in the knowledge that their future is well-prepared for.
• How do you build a successful customer base?
◦ Education is the key to success for our customers. If our clients feel confident in their financial plans, they are free to enjoy all other aspects of their lives without the stress of financial security.
◦ Building a thriving customer base is rooted in education. By empowering clients with financial knowledge and solutions tailored to their unique circumstances, we foster strong, lasting relationships.
• What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
◦ The most rewarding aspect of entrepreneurship is witnessing the positive impact of our guidance on clients’ lives as we help them achieve their financial goals.
• What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
◦ Our proudest moments arise when clients experience financial clarity, allowing them to enjoy life without the burden of financial stress.
• What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?
◦ Entrepreneurs possess the freedom to shape their vision and strategies, guiding their business toward their ideals and fostering innovation.
• What kind of culture exists in your organization? How did you establish this tone and why did you institute this particular type of culture?
◦ At Security First Asset Management, we cultivate a culture of personalized care and collaboration. We established this tone to ensure that each client receives tailored solutions and exceptional service.
• In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur.
◦ Transformative
Optional Questions –
• If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
◦ I would prioritize early networking and seek mentorship to accelerate my learning curve and gain insights from seasoned professionals. Building a robust professional network from the outset can provide invaluable guidance and opportunities.
• How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
◦ Being an entrepreneur requires a delicate balance between professional and personal responsibilities. While the demands can be substantial, I make a conscious effort to allocate quality time for my family, fostering open communication and shared experiences to maintain a strong bond.
• What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?
◦ My greatest fear is not being able to meet the expectations of our clients and community. To manage fear, I focus on continuous self-improvement, staying updated on industry trends, and surrounding myself with a supportive team that shares the same commitment to excellence.
• How did you decide on the location for your business?
◦ The location was chosen strategically to serve the specific needs of our community. Central Georgia offered a dynamic blend of a close-knit community and potential for growth, enabling us to provide personalized financial solutions to a diverse clientele.
• Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur?
◦ While there is no one-size-fits-all formula, successful entrepreneurship often involves a combination of resilience, adaptability, continuous learning, networking, and a deep understanding of market dynamics. Embracing these factors can greatly enhance the chances of success.
• If you could talk to one person from history, who would it be and why?
◦ Engaging with individuals like Warren Buffett, Benjamin Graham, and John Bogle could offer valuable insights into overcoming challenges and leaving a lasting legacy, given their innovative thinking and transformative impact on the world of finance. These interactions would shape my approach to financial advisory, empowering me to help guide clients toward prepared and intentional futures.
• Who has been your greatest inspiration?
◦ My greatest inspiration has been the collective dedication and determination of the community members we serve. Witnessing their drive to achieve financial security and prosperity motivates me to continuously strive for excellence in guiding them toward their goals.
• What book has inspired you the most? (OR what is your favorite book?)
◦ Various insightful books have deeply inspired me, imparting invaluable lessons on leadership, strategic thinking, and personal growth. These readings have significantly influenced both my business approach and life perspective, shaping my choices and fueling my ambitions.
• What are some of the biggest mistakes you’ve made?
• How can you prevent mistakes or do damage control?
◦ Maintaining open lines of communication, staying informed about industry developments, and conducting thorough risk assessments are effective measures to prevent mistakes. In the event of a misstep, swift and transparent damage control, coupled with a commitment to learn and improve, can help mitigate negative impacts.
• What are your hobbies? What do you do in your non-work time?
◦ I find solace and rejuvenation in creative pursuits during my leisure time. Equally significant is my commitment to treasuring family moments, embracing new experiences to nurture exploration and personal growth, and actively engaging in community initiatives. Together, these endeavors create a harmonious and fulfilling balance beyond the scope of work.
