INTERVIEWER: Can you introduce yourself?
TOM: Hi, I'm Tom Bradley, Managing Director at Charles Schwab and Company.
I have two major responsibilities. One is I'm responsible for the service for all advisors that custody up to $2 billion with us. I'm also responsible for the integration of the Ameritrade Advisor Services custody business into Schwab.
INTERVIEWER: How long have you been working with independent advisors?
TOM: The majority of my career, close to 40 years, actually.
INTERVIEWER: What do you love best about your career?
TOM: Making a difference in people's lives.
INTERVIEWER: Your biggest motivator?
TOM: Family, motivate me every day to do better.
INTERVIEWER: Nicely stated. What three qualities do you most admire about your team?
TOM: They work hard, they work smart, and they're passionate about what they do.
INTERVIEWER: What word would your team use to describe you?
TOM: I work hard, I work smart, and I'm also passionate about what I do, and enthusiastic.
INTERVIEWER: What kinds of questions do you like getting from advisors?
TOM: I love talking to advisors about how we can continue to grow the independent investment advisory space. The advisors' part is to continue to focus and put the client first. Our part is to take care of the advisors and their clients.
INTERVIEWER: How do you see through clients' eyes?
TOM: I put myself in their shoes. How would I want to be treated? What would I be looking for?
INTERVIEWER: Tell us something you've learned from advisors.
TOM: If you put the client first, success will follow. I've learned that from advisors. Don't worry about anything else. Just focus on that. Success will follow.
INTERVIEWER: What are you excited about now?
TOM: Excited about the future, excited about growth, excited about continuing to help advisors grow their businesses. We have advisors that are large. We have advisors that are newer and smaller. This is the fastest-growing space in all the financial services. That's an exciting place to be.