Wall Street can often seem like a carnival midway, with shifty-eyed barkers hawking get-rich-quick investment schemes, hot stocks and gimmicks for timing the market. But 20 years ago, a couple of certified public accountants who didn’t believe in hocus-pocus got tired of the hype. So Bert Schweizer III, Stuart Zimmerman and their partners started a new kind of financial planning and wealth management services firm: Buckingham Asset Management.
“We pledged always to put our clients first,” Schweizer recalls. “Too many financial advisers are in the business of pushing products, not serving their clients’ best interests. At Buckingham, every decision we make is measured against how well it helps our clients accomplish their goals. We give them a customized, multi-faceted, long-term plan that fits their needs and the needs of those they care about most. We keep them on track and help them protect and build their wealth.”
Buckingham advisers don’t rely on hot tips or the next big thing, Schweizer says. “We base our recommendations on legitimate, peer-reviewed financial research by leading economists.” Wall Street makes money by encouraging constant buying and selling, he notes. “But the record shows that owning a diversified portfolio and using a buy-and-hold strategy outperform the majority of active stock pickers, year after year. Slow, steady, evidence-based investing wins the race, enabling clients to safeguard their financial future at a low cost and increased tax efficiency.”
The approach has been successful. Buckingham now has offices in California, Texas and Iowa, and has expanded to include BAM Advisor Services, a strategic resource partner for more than 140 wealth advisory firms nationwide. “We currently have $23 billion of collective assets under management and administration, and reach more than 17,000 families,” says CEO Adam Birenbaum. “But by far our greatest reward comes from doing the right thing for our clients, helping them make the most of their money so they can achieve their dreams.” The company recently rebuilt its website to include interactive, customized content, and also expanded its social media presence. “Our growth deepens our ability to serve and advise clients on every aspect of their financial lives, from investments, risk assessment and effective tax strategies to insurance, charitable giving and estate planning.”
Birenbaum still quotes the career advice he received 11 years ago, when he started at Buckingham as an intern. “Bert Schweizer told me, ‘Add value to your clients’ lives, and you’ll never have to worry about making a profit.’ He was right. That’s why our philosophy has never changed, our mission has never wavered, through good markets or bad. We put clients first. We give them peace of mind and make a positive difference in their lives—how terrific is that? Yes, we’ve experienced exceptional growth, and we hope to keep serving and educating individuals, families and organizations for many years to come. But the best is still ahead. And I think it’s pretty neat it all started here in St. Louis.”
By Tony Di Martino
Photo by Tim Parker Photography
Pictured: Adam Birenbaum and Bert Schweizer III
Buckingham Asset Management, located at 8182 Maryland Ave., Ste. 500, is celebrating 20 years of helping clients safeguard their financial future and achieve their most important goals. For more information, call 314.725.0455 or visit buckinghamadvisor.com.