This Week’s Blog Is Written By Lori A. Watt, CFP®, IAG Founder, President, and CEO
January 21, 2026

Serving Behind the Scenes with Our Investment Team

After 40 years of building this firm, I’ve had the privilege of watching it evolve from a one-person practice into a multi-disciplinary organization serving approximately 2,400 families across the country. I’ve always known the importance of strong investment discipline—but recently, I gained a deeper appreciation for just how much thoughtful work happens long before a client ever sits down for a review.

I spent several hours shadowing members of our Investment Team—Mike, Mark, and Canyen—observing the preparation, analysis, and follow-through that supports every client relationship we serve. What I witnessed was not just technical expertise, but an extraordinary level of care, coordination, and accountability.

Preparation Is Where Trust Is Earned

Client review meetings may last an hour or more, but the preparation behind them is extensive. For every review, this team analyzes each client’s situation from multiple angles: cash-flow needs, risk tolerance, tax implications, and special circumstances unique to that family. They evaluate asset allocation, determine where distributions should be taken for upcoming cash needs, and ensure portfolios remain aligned with long-term goals.

What struck me most was the depth of perspective they bring. They don’t look at accounts in isolation. They take into consideration multiple factors beyond just their investment portfolio, integrating everything into a broader financial picture. That level of awareness is essential to providing advice that is truly customized—not generic or transactional.

Discipline Behind the Scenes

Beyond review preparation, I observed the follow-up work that continues long after meetings conclude: executing trades, coordinating cash distributions, and ensuring every detail is handled accurately and on time. This team also continually evaluates the investment managers used in our portfolios, holding them to high standards and making adjustments when necessary.

Their work directly supports our 14 financial advisors, enabling them to focus on what they do best—guiding clients through decisions that shape their financial lives. The Investment Team’s discipline and consistency are what make that possible.

Collaboration Makes It All Work

What I also witnessed was seamless collaboration with our Operations Team. Communication flows naturally between teams, ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks. It’s a reminder that great client outcomes are never the result of one department working in isolation—they’re the result of people working together toward a shared purpose.

Looking Ahead

When I started this firm, I handled every investment decision and transaction myself. Watching our Investment Team today, I was reminded how far we’ve come—and how much stronger we are because of specialization, teamwork, and shared standards.

Their work may not always be visible to clients, but its impact is felt in the confidence clients have in our advice and the trust they place in our firm.

As I left that experience, I felt the same optimism I did when I first started this firm—now grounded in the strength of a team far more capable than I ever could have been alone. The work our Investment Team does every day reflects the discipline, collaboration, and heart of how we serve our clients—today and for generations to come.

Quote of the week: Robin S. Sharma: “Leadership is not about a title or a designation. It’s about impact, influence, and inspiration.”

Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through IAG Wealth Partners, LLC, (IAG) a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.

Any opinions are those of IAG and not necessarily those of LPL Financial. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. Investing involves risk including loss of principal.

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