This month we celebrate 20 Years of Wakefield Partners, so we thought it was a great opportunity for each of us to reflect on our time here.
Scott Keeley
By the end of my first week, an accountant had been sacked pretty much right in front of me, and by the end of my second year, I had disgraced myself at a client charter fishing trip (rough seas and I don’t mix). I was beginning to think Wakefield Partners wasn’t for me!
It was amazing to have Rick as my mentor. I shadowed him for 5 years, and took in all he had to teach. Two things stick out – his client-first focus at all times, and his conservative approach to investing. I’m so proud that Wakefield Partners retain these philosophies to this day!
Petra keeps our back office functioning. With WP since day 1, her reliability and attention to detail has been just what we needed. Her excellent work with our ongoing compliance and annual client reviews has certainly helped us with capacity. Lynette joined WP at a similar time to me, one year in, and her transition from admin to business owner and senior financial adviser has been inspiring. Rick’s departure was largely seamless due to Lynette’s rapid development as a financial adviser.
I feel like Petra, Lynette and I have grown up together and raised families together.
Summer joined us a couple of years ago, and has quickly become an integral part of our team. With excellent all-round skills (developed in such a short time), enthusiasm to burn and the ability to always make us laugh – she’s going to be a star!
Our clients come from all walks of life. From the excitement of investing for the first time, to the nervousness around retirement, and the trauma of a loved one entering aged care – no two people or meetings are the same. I’ve always loved the variety, and it has made the 19 years I’ve been at WP go very quickly. Without the loyalty of our clients, and their continued advocacy for us, we wouldn’t have lasted this long. My monthly trips to the South-East are a highlight, with so many long term clients there, providing me with a regular opportunity to catch up with my family. I’m fortunate to have clients in most states of Australia, and an increasing number of international ones.
Joining WP 19 years ago has opened doors and given me opportunities well beyond what I expected. I’ve met so many amazing people. Here’s to 20 years, and hopefully at least 20 more!
Petra Agorastidis
I have been with Wakefield Partners since its inception in 2003 in a client services and administration role. A lot has changed in 20 years, but the ethics and morals that Rick instilled in the business remains an important part of Wakefield Partners to this day.
Coming in to work each day is a pleasure. Speaking to clients who have been with us long term and working with Lynette and Scott for so long, feels like family. Summer has been a breathe of fresh air and fits perfectly into our work family.
Wakefield Partners has allowed me to have a work life balance and are always supportive, personally and professionally. I have been extremely lucky to continue working for a company that shows integrity and colleagues that I consider as friends.
Happy 20th Birthday Wakefield Partners!
Lynette Anderson
In 2004 I was given the opportunity to work for Wakefield Partners in an office/service manager role. I am thankful for the opportunity that Rick gave me, encouraging me to pursue a career as an adviser and the mentoring Scott provided for me to achieve this goal. This has been a great privilege, and has brought a sense of purpose and fulfillment into my life.
One of the things I most like about Wakefield Partner is the strong working relationship I have with my colleagues; they have become like family.
We provide each other with support and mutual respect and always manage to have a laugh. I enjoy the social aspect of Wakefield Partners such as celebrating our Birthday’s each year.
I value our long-standing and new clients; they are a significant part of Wakefield Partners. We appreciate their loyalty, referrals and enjoy helping them to achieve their goals.
Congratulation to Wakefield Partners on reaching a milestone of 20 years in business!
Summer Stapledon
I started at Wakefield Partners nearly two years ago in an administration position as an assistant to Lynette and Scott. Since then, I have had the opportunity to expand my work to paraplanning and client services.
Wakefield Partners have not only provided me with the support and flexibility I needed to complete my university degree and begin my further study, but they also welcomed me into a team of incredibly talented individuals who quickly became close friends.
From day one, the company culture was focused on collaboration, open communication, and enjoying what we do. What I appreciate most about Wakefield Partners is the level of support, encouragement, and mentorship I’ve received since starting here. My colleagues have been instrumental in helping me develop my skills and preparing me to one day become an adviser myself.
Overall, I feel incredibly grateful to be part of such a supportive and fun-loving team. I’m excited to see the future of Wakefield Partners after 20 years of incredible business and support from so many wonderful clients.
Rick Flint
You can read Rick’s Wakefield Partners story in this ‘Wakefield Partners 20 Years On’ article.
