In 1999, with so many people frustrated with the typical investment options of commission-based stock brokers and do-it-yourself online accounts, there was a strong desire for something different.  Something new.  Something better.

After 15 years as a Certified Public Accountant, Brian Evans decided to create a solution for the discouraged investor.  He gathered client feedback from his hundreds of CPA clients about what they liked and didn’t like about using Financial Planners, Stock Brokers and Investment Advisors, and created a firm designed to answer their needs and give them more.  Here is what he found:

First, they didn’t like how most places wouldn’t talk to them unless they had a certain amount of money.  Second, they didn’t like the high costs and hidden fees.  Third, they got nervous that their brokers seemed to be spending more time prospecting for new clients than managing their money.  Fourth, they either had a broker that called them all the time to make trades (and commissions) or a broker that ignored them in favor of richer clients.  And fifth, but most importantly, they wanted an advisor who understood and considered income and estate tax circumstances before formulating investment strategies; an expert who would make the tough decisions for them so they could concentrate on the fun things in life.

BondStreet Wealth Management was born, addressing all of these needs and more.  Brian found that running both a CPA firm and investment firm gave his clients a more complete financial and accounting solution.  He also realized that his talents as a Wealth Manager allowed him to step out of the typical “CPA as financial advisor” role of soliciting client assets and outsourcing the actual investment decisions to a commissioned broker/dealer.  He decided to do away with commissions and hidden fees, while accepting all types of clients that wanted solid investment advice with no ulterior motives.  He created a truly client-centric firm, and the news traveled fast.  Through word-of-mouth BondStreet grew steadily into a respected regional presence.  Then, in 2005, Brian was asked to contribute to a well known series called The Black Book™.

Brian was honored and excited to write a chapter in Larsten’s The Black Book™ on Personal Finance because of the 10 top-notch investment professionals he would join, but he had no idea how much it would raise his profile and gain the firm national attention.  New and existing clients began bringing him more assets almost daily, and in July of 2006 Financial Advisor Magazine recognized BondStreet’s amazing 59% yearly growth with a #24 ranking on their list of “Leading Registered Investment Advisor Firms.”

BondStreet’s visibility and recognition has certainly changed, but some things haven’t.  Still to this day, Brian makes all of the investment decisions.  He now has 5 employees sharing the workload of making trades, new account set up, customer service, referral networking and client events, but he is still totally accessible to every client.  He now manages close to $90 million dollars, but still has no minimum account size.  Sometimes being progressive means not changing. 

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