Early bird catches worm
Managing almost 30 client groups and having 12 years of financial services experience and education under his belt by the age of 30 are just a few reasons why Michael Stucken won the Money Management Young Achiever of the Year award for 2015.
Six months into his university degree, majoring in accounting and financial planning, Michael decided he wanted to get a foot into the industry and took a full-time chartered accounting position while studying.
"I've been in a professional office environment since I was 18. It really helps you pull your socks up from an early age," Michael said.
By 21 Michael transitioned into the financial advice world at his current employer Shadforth Financial Group (formerly Arnheim Gillard) as a client facing adviser assistant.
Since then he has climbed the ranks, and was appointed as private client adviser in 2013 and also assists a senior principal with more complex clients that have an ultra-high net worth.
Michael says his success stems from the desire to help clients through life and financial decisions along with avoiding unnecessary risks, and working on how he can be the best adviser to those clients.
Predominantly looking after post retirees and their children means he is in the same stage of life as many of his client's children, and so he knows the issues and how to navigate them.
"In an environment where it has been more difficult to attract and retain clients, I have seen clients attracted to Michael's genuine and honest communication," Shadforth head of advice, NSW and ACT, Timothy Rossell, said.
"His genuine nature and calm, confident demeanour endear him and I am delighted to see clients in such capable hands."
Commenting on Michael's experience and education at a young age Rossell said "he is emotionally sensitive and respectful to the needs of those he works with - he's a bright light for the future of our profession".
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