Hi, I’m Ami Howes and I am a lifelong learner. Why? Because I want to keep growing as a person and strive to be the best version of myself for as long as I live. And, I like to take part in helping others be the best version of themselves. I’m fascinated by the differences we all have and truly believe each of us has a gift that we should share with the world to make it a better place.
What is it I do?
I am a Practice Management Solutions Expert for the Entrepreneurial Advisor. In other words, I know what it takes to get a practice to run like a business. Sure, it takes hard work, drive and determination to build a successful business but it also requires building the operations for your business so it runs like a well-oiled machine.
I know you want to deliver a fantastic experience the same way to all your clients. I’m sure you want to take a vacation with your loved ones without having to worry about what’s happening back in the office. And wouldn’t it be nice to not have the financial roller coaster that’s so typical of this business?
Why it’s so important to me?
Here’s some background on me. I grew up mostly poor with a tremendous amount of financial insecurity. I say ‘mostly’ because there were times, while growing up, that it felt like we had a lot of money. My father was a business owner who had a unique ability in his field. Creating a predictable stream of income however was not something he ever mastered. It was a financial roller coaster ride best described as lobsters in the summer and spaghetti in the winter!
I was determined to be financially secure as an adult. That desire steered me to take up finance in college. In 2000, I pursued financial planning as a career with a desire to educate others with their finances. Shortly after starting my career, I felt overwhelmed and anxious from all the balls that needed to be juggled to run a financial advising practice. Firms do not typically teach Advisors how to be smart business owners, so I set off to figure out how to run my practice as a true business. In no time, I became the go-to practice management guru amongst my industry peers. In looking back, I believe it was my ADHD (self-diagnosed) that had me craving structure, routine, systems, and so on that would reduce the overwhelm and anxiousness. By having and implementing systems, I was able to calm the chaos in my brain so I could rest assured I wouldn’t drop any balls.
I have so much admiration for this industry. Whether it’s advising my small base of my favorite clients or showing Advisors how to implement practice management strategies to run an effective financial advising business or to develop the industries support staff, I am personally and professionally fulfilled because, in all three scenarios, I get to influence people to be the best versions of themselves.
What others say about me:
Working with Ami is liberating and exhilarating. She basically put my practice on steroids! I have experienced exponential growth in my practice, and also my personal life since working with Ami. She is now my most trusted advisor and I will be forever indebted to her for enabling me to be not only a successful financial advisor and, more importantly, a successful business owner. I am a raving fan.
Ian Rice, Rice Wealth ManagementFebruary 13, 2016
I wholeheartedly recommend Ami to anyone who wants to develop their business through practice management. She has taken my practice to another level, giving me a process that is streamlined and provides me with maximum efficiency. Not only does she implement a strong process, but also follows through and makes sure that the process is working. She is, without question, an asset to any business and/or business owner.
Ivan Watanabe, New England FinancialFebruary 13, 2016
Ami's skills in coaching a seasoned producer's business are effective and creative. Her practice management and business acumen, as well as her experience in several different aspects of the business and her perspective as a woman, make her an invaluable resource on my team. I owe a lot of my business' expansion and success to her guidance over the last three years.
Bill Almond, New England FinancialFebruary 13, 2016
Ami is nothing short of amazing. Working with Ami has greatly improved our financial planning practice. Her experience and knowledge in practice management is so apparent in our interactions, and her cheerful demeanor and professionalism make her a joy to work with.
Although we had what we thought was a successful practice before beginning working with Ami, she has really helped us take our practice to the next level. Adopting her methods for business processes, prospecting, client retention and referrals has allowed us to double our revenue over the previous year (a year in which we were not working with Ami). Not only has our practice become more streamlined and less stressful, it’s become more effective in meeting our clients’ needs. You will be exceptionally pleased should you have the opportunity to work with Ami.
Jason Daily, MassMutual Oregon
March 14, 2017
If I had to name the one person who has had the greatest impact on my career and professional development, it would be Ami Howes: hands down. I've had the pleasure of knowing and working with Ami in several capacities, and companies, since 2003. During which, we have developed a strong relationship based on friendship, trust, and mutual respect. Ami has helped me advance and excel professionally in many ways; from helping me update my resume, to introducing me to SFP.
Ami is a natural coach and mentor, and she demonstrates her passion for helping others reach their maximum potential everyday in her work. She recognizes and appreciates each person's individual talents, then inspires and challenges them to capitalize on their talents, exceed their own expectations, and grow.
Rory Connell, New England FinancialFebruary 13, 2016
Ami Howes is an exceptional professional who is driven, focused, and results-oriented. Ami demonstrates outstanding leadership with her dedication to mentoring Advisors. Through Ami’s visionary leadership and direction, the “Leading Women of SFP” was recognized by Leading Women Mass as a women’s internal network that effectively contributes to business goals in the 2009 Leading Women to the Top Awards.
Victoria Waterman, Leading WomenFebruary 13, 2016
Please do not consider this an exaggeration when I say that Ami has to be among the top 3 people in this industry that I have ever met, and I have been involved in financial services for over 16 years. Her teaching and management style is exemplary, and every advisor that I know that has worked with her has had nothing but exceptional praise for her abilities. I learned a ton from Ami while she was my manager at DCU Financial, and would expect that anyone who works with her in the future would be a better advisor as a result.
