Joanne Jordan is no stranger to the LGBT community or to this paper. She’s a monthly contributor for us, an active philanthropist within San Francisco, and a co-owner of one of the largest independent Private Wealth firms within Ameriprise Financial Services. We asked Joanne to reflect upon her impressive career and success in the business world.
San Francisco Bay Times: I understand that you had a career transition to become a financial advisor. Please tell us about that.
Joanne Jordan: I was an ICU nurse for many years and decided to leave health care and pursue another career. I knew I wanted to do something that would challenge me and I still work closely with people. It’s always been important to me to do something that helps others and, after much thought and soul searching, a career as a financial advisor was the perfect fit. I have never looked back or regretted my decision. I feel so fortunate that I have had a wonderful career that I have loved. I am forever grateful for the trust and confidence of my friends and colleagues who believed in me and initially helped me grow my practice.
San Francisco Bay Times: We know that you service a large LGBT clientele within the Bay Area and are very active within our local community. How are LGBT financial planning needs unique?
Joanne Jordan: LGBT planning is ever changing. Now that marriage is legal in California, the landscape has changed, but there are still unique needs. I seem to spend more time discussing cash flow and how to merge couples’ finances, community property and the titling of investments, legacy planning and tax planning with my LGBT clients, but these differences really apply to any non-traditional family.
San Francisco Bay Times: Do you believe LGBT individuals seek LGBT advisors?
Joanne Jordan: I think the LGBT community seeks advisors that are experienced and knowledgeable about the issues that are specific to our unique needs. There are instances where this is an LGBT advisor, but that’s not always the case. Our firm has always focused on the unique needs of non-traditional families, and our entire team is very knowledgeable in this area, regardless of sexual orientation.
For me, personally, I became a planner largely to work with women and to help them feel empowered about their finances. I feel the financial planning field is a wonderful career for women as it plays well to strengths that come naturally to many of us, like making connections with people and approaching decisions holistically.
San Francisco Bay Times: What three things, people or roles have contributed the most to your success?
Joanne Jordan: My spouse Jan, my business partner Brandon, and my former career as an ICU nurse.
San Francisco Bay Times: What top three tips do you have for someone who is hoping to start their own business?
Joanne Jordan: First, create a business plan so you know where you want to go and how you plan to get there. Small businesses are challenging and there are a lot of roles you must fill. Many small business owners are not always as good at running the business and this is where they may face some challenges. The second tip is therefore to take stock and self-assess. If you have a weakness, find a way to educate yourself, or find a person to join your team and fill the gap. Thirdly, have a cash reserve to get you through times when business may not be a lucrative.
San Francisco Bay Times: If you knew then what you know now, what would you tell your 18-year-old self?
Joanne Jordan: Be brave and follow your heart. Don’t worry so much about what other people think, and don’t believe them when they say, “You can’t do that.”
San Francisco Bay Times: What three things could you not live without?
Joanne Jordan: My spouse Jan, my friends and family, my dogs.
Joanne Jordan is a financial columnist for the “San Francsico Bay Times” and is a financial consultant at Brio Financial Group, www.ameripriseadvisors.com/team/brio-financial-group/
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