NEXT Financial Group Continues Charitable Initiative With Marine Toys for Tots

By on October 11, 2011

NEXT Financial Group, Inc., the seven-time Independent Broker/Dealer of the Year,* is continuing its charitable initiatives by teaming up with Marine Toys for Tots charitable foundation in collecting new, unwrapped toys for children of all ages. Donations are being collected at NEXT’s home office, located at 2500 Wilcrest Dr., Houston, TX 77042. NEXT is also inviting the public to donate toys at its home office in efforts to supply the organization with a bountiful donation for the upcoming holidays.

“We continue in our support for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. NEXT is proud to help its community and we will embrace this opportunity for years to come,” said Barry Knight, President of NEXT Financial Group, Inc.

For the last 62 years, U. S. Marines have distributed more than 400 million toys to more than 188 million needy children. This charitable endeavor has made U. S. Marines the unchallenged leader in looking after less fortunate children at Christmas. Over its 18 year life span, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation has supplemented local toy collections with more than 81.3 million toys valued at more than $487 million; plus has provided promotion and support materials valued at over $6.3 million.

The toy drive will run from now until December 17th at 12pm. NEXT will collect items during regular business hours at 2500 Wilcrest Dr. 5th Floor, Houston, TX 77042. Any donation is appreciated. For more information, please contact Adrienne Zientek at 713-375-2592, or email azientek@4wardfm.comJLIB_HTML_CLOAKING .

*Based on a poll of registered representatives conducted by Investment Advisor magazine. Broker/Dealers rated highest by their representatives are awarded “Broker/Dealer (B/D) of the Year.” Member FINRA/SIPC.

NEXT Financial Group Empowers Clients to Define Service Excellence

By on October 10, 2011

NEXT Financial Group, a 7-time Broker/Dealer of the Year* winner, seeks to provide outstanding service based on client’s feedback. Advisor-provided comments will be used for employee recognition, disciplinary action and staff training.

NEXT has created company-wide training modules to address a variety of “what if” situations. “Good service is always user-perceived. Everyone has a slightly different definition of good service however; the underlying foundation is always client satisfaction. We have established a Service Credo, Motto, and a 5 Point Service Standard in order to anticipate the unexpressed wishes of our clients,” said Brad George, Corporate Trainer at NEXT Financial Group.

To facilitate prompt courteous service, NEXT encourages advisors to submit feedback when they receive stellar service or anything less than. “We want our advisors to enjoy a professional and interactive experience. We respect their time and are committed to answering their questions or locating the correct person to do so in an appropriate yet accelerated manner within 24 hours,” added Barry Knight, President of NEXT Financial Group.

NEXT advocates a family-like atmosphere and culture by sponsoring social events such as dinner parties, ball games and bowling, among other recreational events. They also recognize employees who consistently provide exceptional service through advisor submitted feedback and peer nominations. Their names are announced and published at company meetings and monthly e-newsletters.

NEXT is a truly independent broker/dealer. They are a unique firm founded, owned, and managed by their representatives. It is designed to serve the best interests of their representatives; people who share a passion for investing and the desire to be an owner of a company they believe in. NEXT Financial does not offer any proprietary products nor are representatives required to sell any particular products enabling representatives to provide truly unbiased financial advice in the best interest of their clients.

NEXT Financial Group Releases Summer Edition of NEXT NEWS

By on October 6, 2011

NEXT Financial Group, a seven-time independent broker/dealer of the year,* has recently published their semi-annual publication NEXT NEWS. This edition highlights many of the events held by NEXT throughout this year including the 2010 National Educational Conference in Las Vegas, and The NEXT Challenge: Session 2, in Chicago, hosted by 4WARD Financial Marketing. It also showcases numerous financial and marketing-based business-building articles such as The Importance of Having a Website, Increasing Your Revenue, Building Your Client Referral System and a Marketing Toolkit which features low-cost marketing ideas. In addition, there are advertisement opportunities for financial industry-based promotions.

NEXT NEWS was created to help professionals streamline and improve their business by featuring unique strategies, creative ideas, and valuable insights that affect the financial services industry. NEXT NEWS is produced and published by 4WARD Financial Marketing.

“NEXT NEWS is created with the commitment to assist NEXT Reps in increasing revenue and becoming more efficient by providing numerous resources. We share the philosophy of NEXT Financial Group: Your Voice is Our Vision,” said Kimberly Branch, CFP®, CLTC, Editor At Large of NEXT NEWS and President of 4WARD Financial Marketing.

NEXT NEWS has a readership of about 40,000 and is distributed nationwide. NEXT NEWS provides its reader base with sophisticated planning and investment techniques. It also challenges traditional approaches by introducing readers to new and innovative concepts. The digital version can be viewed here.

“I am blown away by the recent edition of NEXT NEWS. It is easily the best publication I have ever seen from a B/D and is more valuable than expensive content I have seen from various industry coaches. Thank you for taking the time and expense to create and send this to all of us in the field!” said Darren T. Munn, CFA and President of Munn Wealth Management and an Investment Advisor Representative with NEXT Financial Group, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

NEXT Financial Group Moves Up in Broker/Dealer Rankings

By on October 5, 2011

NEXT Financial Group, a historical 7-time Broker/Dealer of the Year* winner, was recognized for the 10th consecutive time by Investment Advisor magazine earning a favorable third-place finish in the largest and highly competitive Division IV bracket of Investment Advisor magazine’s 2010 Broker/Dealer of the Year awards.

NEXT Financial has received recognition in all four division categories placing 1st 7 times, 2nd once and 3rd twice. “This most recent placement marks our firm’s commitment to focus on providing the same service that made us outstanding in the first place. We want to build on those fundamentals and continually improve our client relations,” said Brian Grise, Vice President of Business Development at NEXT Financial Group.

NEXT Financial’s rapid ascent to success is partly attributed to its ability to adjust to the ever-changing regulatory and economic environment. “At times, we were faced with different challenges and each time we found solutions. We’ve made a commitment to excellence when serving our advisors to resolve even the smallest problems. That commitment maintains the integrity of our relationship as we put our clients, the advisors, first and foremost,” added Barry Knight, President of NEXT Financial Group. “More importantly, at the end of the day, the recognition belongs to our advisors. Their extraordinary spirit and care towards their clients and each other are what makes this company great.”

According to Investment Advisor magazine, only producing representatives of the broker/dealers that appeared in its June 2010 directory were eligible to vote in online balloting between June 1 and July 1, 2010. This year, there were a total of 4,343 valid votes from representatives of 44 different broker/dealers. Those B/Ds that received the highest votes from their own reps were deemed Broker/Dealers of the Year in four different divisions based on the number of reps, ensuring that the B/Ds in each division competed against similar-sized rivals.

NEXT Financial is a truly independent broker/dealer. They are a unique firm founded, owned, and managed by their representatives. It is designed to serve the best interests of their representatives; people who share a passion for investing and the desire to be an owner of a company they believe in. NEXT Financial does not offer any proprietary products nor are representatives required to sell any particular products enabling representatives to provide truly unbiased financial advice in the best interest of their clients.

NEXT Financial Group Hosting Clothing Drive to Benefit The Star of Hope Mission

By on October 4, 2011

NEXT Financial Group, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC is hosting a clothing drive to collect new or gently used warm clothing for all ages at its home office, located at 2500 Wilcrest Dr., Houston, TX 77042. NEXT is also inviting the public to donate clothing at its home office in efforts to supply the mission with as many garments as possible. Accepted items are coats, sweaters, jackets and cold-weather headwear.

“The culture at NEXT is to serve our community in any way we can. The Star of Hope has been such an inspiration to our community by serving individuals who need a helping hand. We share that same philosophy and are honored to help them in their endeavors,” said Barry Knight, President of NEXT Financial Group, a seven-time broker/dealer of the year* award winner.

Founded in 1907, The Star of Hope is a Christ-centered community dedicated to meeting the needs of homeless men, women and children. Positive life changes are encouraged through structured programs, which focus on spiritual growth, education, career development, life management and recovery from substance abuse.

NEXT Financial Group, Inc. Welcomes Ami Shah as NEXT General Counsel

By on October 3, 2011

Barry Knight, President of NEXT Financial Group, Inc., is pleased to announce that Ami Shah, former Senior Associate in the law offices of Wilson, Elser, Moskowitz, Edelman & Dicker, LLP, has joined NEXT Financial as General Counsel.

“All of us at NEXT are excited to have Ami as part of our team,” said Knight. Shah has worked extensively with NEXT Financial throughout the last five years serving as outside counsel on a variety of issues. “Her knowledge, intelligence and work ethic are all extraordinary and she has proven to work extremely effectively with both the members of our leadership team and with the industry regulatory agencies with whom we interact.”

Shah’s experience includes the counseling of financial institutions, namely broker-dealers and investment advisory firms, in regulatory, compliance, litigation and corporate matters, representing the client in internal investigations, enforcement examinations, proceedings and contested matters, and state registration issues.

“I am truly honored to receive this wonderful opportunity with NEXT,” said Shah. “I have come to admire the firm’s deep-rooted integrity and commitment to excellence throughout my venture with them.”

Her litigation experience includes participating in and handling all phases of securities litigation in federal and state courts and FINRA arbitration proceedings. In addition, Shah has handled claims involving federal and state securities laws, state tax laws, audit, review and compilation engagements, partnership disputes, pension plan disputes, and federal and state antitrust laws.

Within the last two years NEXT Financial’s compliance department has nearly tripled, exhibiting their commitment to FINRA policies. “The quality of Ami Shah supports our commitment to world class supervisory support,” reported Gordon D’Angelo, NEXT Financial Holdings, CEO and Chairman.

Houston based NEXT Financial Group, Inc. is a seven time broker dealer of the year recipient, dedicated to serving the best interest of its leaders — the representatives. Founded, owned and operated by its 1100 advisors and affiliates around the country, NEXT was built on the ideology that its advisors should have a voice in their career destiny.

4WARD Marketing, Inc. Hosts The NEXT Challenge Session 3

By on September 30, 2011

4WARD Marketing, Inc. hosted The NEXT Challenge Session 3 at the Hilton Oceanfront hotel on October 12 – 13, 2010. Over 52 financial advisors affiliated with 7 time broker/dealer of the year* award-winning NEXT Financial Group, Inc. attended the coaching and mentoring program. Empowering the audience were six guest speakers including Gordon D’Angelo, Chairman and CEO of NEXT Financial Holdings, Inc., Ford Saeks, founder of Prime Concepts Group, Inc. and Bill Cates, President of Referral Coach International.

The NEXT Challenge, 4WARD’s respected coaching program focused towards financial advisors, is a comprehensive training, coaching and mentoring program designed to take the practice of financial advising to a new level. This year-long program provides unique insights through keynote speakers and achieving goals by incorporating various marketing opportunities. With the holistic approach, The NEXT Challenge is designed to enable an optimal balance for business and personal life.

“Whether you’re brand new or have been in the business for years, there are many ideas to be picked up. Attending the sessions is how it all happens. I think anybody could benefit from it,” said Thomas Schmidt, a NEXT Rep and winner of The NEXT Challenge Award of Excellence.

To-date, over 375 financial advisors have attended the firm’s financial marketing strategy and consulting program since its launch in 2007. This program has proven to increase GDC by 42% for those members engaged in this continuing program.

NEXT Reps say The NEXT Challenge and its training, education and networking opportunities has a significant correlation to their increased gross dealer concession. This program is open to all financial advisors, not just those affiliated with NEXT.

NEXT Financial Group, Inc. Sponsors FPA Golf Tournament

By on September 29, 2011

NEXT Financial Group, Inc. (NEXT), a historical 7-time Broker/Dealer of the Year* winner, helped sponsor the 4th annual Financial Planning Association of Houston’s Golf Classic benefiting Skills for Living. The June 2nd event brought over 75 golfers and sponsors to Wildcat Golf Club to help raise money for the non-profit organization through tournament proceeds, silent and online auctions.

“FPA and Skills for Living organized a great golf tournament and NEXT is proud to assist such worthy organizations that teach our industry to the younger generation. Their commitment and dedication reflects our own values and we look forward to participating again next year,” said Barry Knight, President of NEXT.

According to www.skills4living.org, Skills For Living provides award-winning financial, career, and college-planning workshops to at-risk students and low- and moderate-income families in the Greater Houston metropolitan area. Their coaching enables participants to build wealth, find fulfilling work and educational opportunities, and ultimately break the cycle of poverty.

NEXT is a truly independent broker/dealer. They are a unique firm founded, owned, and managed by their representatives. It is designed to serve the best interests of their representatives; people who share a passion for investing and the desire to be an owner of a company they believe in. NEXT offers far more than just products and services; we offer a culture that puts advisors first. This is your firm and you have a say. You have the freedom to achieve your vision.

NEXT Financial Holdings Launches Job Creation Subsidiary

By on September 28, 2011

JC+1 launched January 4, 2010, with a mission to help the U.S. economy in the task of stabilizing the country’s workforce.

Synonymous with Job Creation Plus One, JC+1 is a company dedicated to helping business owners, big and small, showcase the numerous jobs they have saved and created. Furthermore, the company will also provide assistance through educational and resourceful initiatives to those who want to maintain their staff and grow their business.

A subsidiary of NEXT Financial Holdings, Inc., JC+1 began as a defined vision of Gordon D’Angelo, Chairman and CEO, NEXT Financial Holdings, Inc., and Barry Knight, President, NEXT Financial Group, Inc. By year end 2014, JC+1 anticipates 1.8 million jobs created and 3.2 million jobs saved.

“We want to give back and move the U.S. economic recovery forward. Our intention is to keep jobs planted then expand the stability nationally, while creating new jobs, and then accelerating job creation. Everyone matters!” said D’Angelo.

In late 2009, the national unemployment rate dropped to 10 percent, showing promise of recovery. Even with 15.4 million American workers unemployed, JC+1 sees the light at the end of the tunnel. This is an opportunity for every business owner to stand out and take charge. More jobs equal more profit and America is ready to work! Visit JCPlus1.com or call 888-JCPlus1 to become a member and be a part of a national effort to boost jobs in America.

NEXT Financial Group Hosts Industry Leading Educational Conference

By on September 27, 2011

NEXT Financial Group, Inc., recently held its annual National Educational Conference where over 420 registered representatives, premier partners in business, and a strong line-up of prominent industry speakers gathered from across the nation at the pristine Loews Lake Las Vegas resort.

The theme of the seven-time broker dealer of the year’s* educational forum was “Building Business Together – A Renewed Investment in You.” Attendees were educated on current regulatory trends, and had the opportunity to engage in over 70 intimate, educational and business building sessions, a variety of which counted toward their continuing education requirements.

Featured keynote speakers included nationally renowned presenter and ESPN analyst, Dr. Kevin Elko, retirement and investing expert, Dr. Greg Salsbury, and economic and financial commentator, Dr. Jeffrey Rosensweig. Following each presentation, representatives had the opportunity to participate in a collective question and answer session.

“We are honored to have been able to share the spirit of NEXT with so many of our wonderful partners, exhibitors, vendors, and representatives, and admire their commitment to growth and education,” said Barry Knight, President of NEXT Financial Group.

4WARD choreographs over 28 events a year for all NEXT registered representatives to assist them grow their business, including the National Educational Conference, Business Building Expos, Leadership Meetings and Coaching Programs. 4WARD Financial Marketing orchestrated the entire conference as the subsidiary company of NEXT Financial Holdings, Inc.