Securities America Launches Innovative New Coaching Program

Increased business challenges driving advisors to seek extra assistance

To meet a growing demand from financial advisors for personalized consultation, Securities America, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. (NYSE MKT: LTS), recently launched its First Friday Coaching program.

The program gives advisors the opportunity to schedule free 30-minute coaching sessions with experienced business consultants on the first Friday of each month. Participants can receive assistance with any business-related challenge they’re facing.

First Friday Coaching is an extension of the regular practice management coaching offered by Securities America and the one-on-one consultations available at its Connect national conference and Assistant University conference. Over the three months since the program was introduced, participation has been higher than anticipated, said Securities America Senior Business Consultant Jeff Sietstra.

“Of the new conversations we’ve had during First Friday Coaching, 60 percent had not engaged with us before,” Sietstra said.

The bulk of the coaching sessions have addressed growing a business, finding prospective clients and using the tools and resources Securities America provides it advisors.

Lisa Dickholtz, a wealth advisor at Dickholtz Wealth Management in Northbrook, Ill., said she addressed several issues during her consultation and came away with many helpful solutions.

“It offered me an opportunity to share with a practice management professional some specific challenges unique to me and my practice,” Dickholtz said. “He was able to offer ideas, strategies and resources I haven't thought of or didn't even know existed. I received a ton of value with a short time commitment.”

Securities America business consultants are receiving additional training to prepare for coaching requests from advisors looking for advice about operating under the Department of Labor’s new fiduciary rule.

About Securities America

Securities America is one of the nation’s largest independent broker-dealers with more than 2,000 independent advisors and $58 billion in client assets

Securities offered through Securities America, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Securities America Advisors, Inc., an SEC Registered Investment Advisory Firm.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160517005304/en/

Securities AmericaNatalie Hadley402-399-9111 ext. 4606800-747-6111 ext. [e-mail]