INTERVIEWER: Can you tell me your name, and what do you do at Schwab?
JEFF: My name is Jeff Ragan. I lead the Service experience, which is basically day-to-day support for independent financial advisors that custody with Charles Schwab.
INTERVIEWER: How long have you been working with independent advisors?
JEFF: It's been about 15 years, all in. But, you know, I'd say seven or eight of those years was me actually working as an independent advisor. So I've been on both sides of the business.
INTERVIEWER: What do you like most about it?
JEFF: Everybody is committed to the same thing, and that's our clients, the advisors.
INTERVIEWER: Tell us something you have learned from advisors.
JEFF: People get in this business to support people and to help with their financial futures. One great thing I've learned about both being an advisor and from advisors is it's all about relationships.
INTERVIEWER: What would you say to advisors who are new to working with Schwab?
JEFF: I would say engage early, and what I mean by that is, you know, learn everything that we have to offer overall. Not only are we here to support your day-to-day needs, but, you know, every day we're broadening our capabilities and we're evolving our platforms just so that we're able to serve and support you better.
INTERVIEWER: What three qualities do you most admire about your team?
JEFF: I would say dedication and grit, but also relationships.
INTERVIEWER: How do you define grit?
JEFF: Grit is, you know, doing whatever you can to get the job done.
INTERVIEWER: Is there anything you'd like to say to advisors who are joining Schwab?
JEFF: I'd say, first off, welcome. Welcome to a business that's full of extremely dedicated and capable people that are going to be here to serve and support you and your businesses, and your clients overall.
INTERVIEWER: Your go-to small talk topic?
JEFF: Not a fan of small talk, but, you know, weather's always easy.