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Celebrating 25 Years of Success: The Journey of Fulton Financial Advisors

The Founding of a Legacy

John Forney and his wife, Sherry, are not surprised by the significant growth of the company they established in Altoona back in 2001. Initially named Forney Financial Solutions, their venture has evolved into what is currently known as Fulton Financial Advisors, which is set to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2026. This milestone is a testament to their dedication and vision in the financial landscape.

From Humble Beginnings to Expansion

Before embarking on this journey, John had a robust career at the Hancock Group. Driven by the desire for autonomy in business decisions, he and Sherry understood that starting their own firm was the best path. "We wanted to control our business decisions, and the best way to do that was to be in our own business. With Raymond James, we received a high-quality product mix and exceptional training, which provided us the flexibility needed to prioritize our clients’ best interests," Forney expressed.

Since inception, the company has partnered with Raymond James as its broker/dealer, solidifying a strong foundation for future growth. Starting operations from their initial location at the Station Medical Center, they moved to 3018 Pleasant Valley Blvd. in 2002. Sherry retired in the spring of 2019, followed by John’s retirement in September 2021.

Transitioning Leadership

In preparation for retirement, the Forneys decided to sell their business to Fulton Bank, a move that allowed them to ensure a stable future for their clients. "Fulton Bank already had an established Raymond James practice, and their goal was to penetrate the Altoona market. Our clients experienced minimal changes—only Fulton’s name appeared on their statements alongside Raymond James," John noted. He also highlighted that the staff and their existing pay scales would remain intact, assuring both employees and clients of continuity.

Bud Fulton, who joined the firm in 2016 after selling his own business, IS2 Technology, noted, "Fulton Bank seemed like the best offer for our future."

The Current Team at Fulton Financial Advisors

Currently, Fulton Financial Advisors comprises three financial advisors/vice presidents: Bud Fulton, Jim Isola, and Paige McCreary, along with sales assistant Alicia Smith. The firm has also established a presence in State College. Their primary focus lies in financial and retirement planning, a critical aspect of their expansive portfolio.

Today, Fulton Financial Advisors manages around 30 retirement plans and serves approximately 1,800 clients, which includes nearly 1,200 families. Although clients spread across 20 states, around 90% reside in Blair and Centre counties, demonstrating a strong local base.

Testimonials from Satisfied Clients

One of their long-term clients, Jim Carrieri from Altoona, recounted his experience: "For over 20 years, I have trusted Fulton Financial Advisors. I first met John when I was retiring from McLanahan Corporation. After exploring other firms, I found John’s approach far more beneficial in terms of returns and communication. They are always eager to listen and understand my goals without any pressure."

In light of the transition to Fulton Bank, Jim emphasized the seamless experience, attributing it to Bud’s similar personality traits to John Forney. The dedicated staff has consistently worked with him to clarify goals and evolve his investment portfolio, reinforcing the firm’s client-first philosophy.

Managing Substantial Assets

Fulton Financial Advisors has dramatically expanded its assets, amassing over $300 million. Reflecting on this success, Forney stated, "We anticipated considerable growth based on our previous experiences. Fulton has aligned with our forecasts, and the office has exceedingly surpassed our expectations."

Embracing Technology for Enhanced Client Experience

The integration of modern technology has played a pivotal role in the firm’s accomplishments. Bud Fulton remarked, "Technology has become a crucial aspect, with AI enhancing our capabilities. The evolving tools are incredible and crucial for improving the client experience. Clients expect returns, but how they are treated plays a more crucial role."

He concluded, "Our approach is built on treating clients as we wish to be treated. Success isn’t solely about revenue; it’s about prioritizing our clients’ interests and functioning as fiduciary advisors."

Planning for the Future

With Bud currently aged 62 and Jim in his late 50s, Fulton has established a succession plan, aiming for continuity and stability for clients. "The upcoming decade poses a monumental transition for baby boomers as approximately 10,000 retire daily. This significant wealth transfer over the next 10 to 20 years will be transformative. We are committed to staying at the forefront of technology and utilizing all available resources to ensure our clients’ success," Fulton explained.

How AI legalese decoder Can Assist

Navigating the complexities of financial agreements can be challenging. This is where AI legalese decoder can become an invaluable resource. By breaking down intricate financial documents and legal jargon into plain language, it ensures that clients fully understand their agreements with Fulton Financial Advisors. This tool reduces the risk of misinterpretations and empowers clients with clarity, enhancing the overall client experience with more informed decision-making.

Conclusion

Fulton Financial Advisors stands as a robust institution in the financial world, navigating challenges and embracing opportunities with a commitment to client satisfaction. As they look toward the future, their dedication to innovation, client-centric service, and ethical practice positions them for ongoing success in an evolving financial landscape.

For further inquiries or more information, contact Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank at 814-946-7467.

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