Membership Director Spotlight
Meet J. Christopher Boyd. Chris is as the head of Membership committee for the Massachusetts chapter of the FPA.
Like many FPA chapters, Massachusetts has been rebuilding their chapter since the great recession of 2008. Thanks in large part to programs instrumented by Chris Boyd, membership numbers for Massachusetts have been on an increase.
Like many advisors, family and career are integral parts of Chris’ identity. His wife, Kristen, has her credentials and also works within the same firm. Chris’ firm, Asset Management Resources, LLC, is an RIA firm that Chris started in 2008. Chris and Kristen, have 3 wonderful children, James (17), Ryan (15), and Caitlin (12). While life can be hectic for the Boyd’s at time, the family dinner is sacred. “Nothing better than unwinding over a great meal, discussing the days events with my kids, and enjoying my favorite meal, my wife's secret family recipe for chicken cutlets and pasta sauce.”
In addition to family and running a practice, Chris has another interesting hobby, a 2-hour radio show that airs every Saturday afternoon 3-5 PM. Although the program centers on financial matters, it’s called "Something More". The show allows Chris to delve into other topics of interest like community affairs, charities, and politics. Chris confessed, “in addition to attracting prospective business, I love doing the show because it allows me to extend my influence and perhaps form or impact perceptions on various topics in the public policy debate”.
What is the Massachusetts chapter doing that is helping to retain and grow their membership base? According to Boyd, it a number of things. “First thing, we make sure local CFP students are aware of the FPA. The FPA is a solid starter.” Under the leadership of Boyd, the Massachusetts chapter has been strengthening its NexGen initiative. “It’s an important resource for younger advisors. Facilitating the development and retention of talent in the industry, ultimately helps experienced advisors as well.”
There’s more… Massachusetts has forged a strong bond with their sponsors, or as the MA chapter calls them, “partners”. Their partners, especially fund companies, know the advisors in the area. The FPA can be a door opening /rapport building conversation. Partners win when the FPA of Massachusetts grows; therefore, partners have a vested interest in the success of the Chapter. To nurture that growth, the Massachusetts Chapter created a postcard handout detailing numerous benefits of membership. The card calls for a challenge join.
Growing is great, but retention is vital. Chris has been actively developing regional practice groups across the state. Before joining the board of the FPA of Massachusetts, Chris started the FPA of Cape Cod. As the current membership chair, Chris is attempting to rollout several additional practice groups across the state. What are regional practice groups? Simply put, a practice group is a cultivation of the local financial advisory community. Living on Cape Cod, Chris felt many of the chapter’s events like the ½ day symposiums, were, at times, out of reach to many advisors. A regional practice group can allow an advisor to stay connected. The ultimate purpose is to educate, advocate, and facilitate. According to Boyd, “the focus is on the needs of our members”. These groups can be for education networking, discussion, best practices, questions, or whatever is most helpful to the group members attending. It is a membership resource. And, it's up to attendees to make the most of it. Speakers typically lead Practice group meetings. Topics range from "What do you look for in a broker/dealer", or "When should you go RIA?” or "What software do you use for a CRM?” "Do you outsource?” or, “When is it better to hire?" Ultimately, it’s an opportunity to connect, share and learn with other local advisors. Members and guests (a.k.a. prospective members) are welcome to attend.
Chris is often heard quoting lines from movies. One of his favorites is from Ferris Bueller's Day Off, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Obviously, life is moving fast for Chris Boyd, however, he’s not missing a beat. He’s taking it all in and having fun in the process. Keep up the good work Mr. Boyd!