How Financial Advisors Use Office Decor to Break the Ice

Can financial advisors’ office décor have an impact on their business success? Many advisors believe that displaying sports memorabilia, family photos, awards, and artwork can help get clients and prospects chatting. And that can build rapport and help build personal bonds. So for this week’s Barron’s Advisor Big Q, we thought we’d ask advisors to describe the things in their offices that help break the ice. Our question: What items in your office are the best conversation starters?

Conor Kelly, financial advisor, Prime Capital: My family are third-generation owners of a bar in town [in Kansas City, Mo.] called Kelly’s Westport Inn. My grandfather was an Irish immigrant, came over before World War II, served in the war, and then started working there as a bartender. He became the owner of that bar in 1947, and later Dad and Uncle ran it, and now my brother and sister run it. The bar also happens to be in the oldest building in Kansas City. It’s a spot that everybody knows, and everybody has been there and has a fun story from their 20s or 30s. So I have a couple of paintings of Kelly’s up in the office. I’m very fortunate to be part of this family and local institution that everybody knows. It’s honestly shocking how many people met their spouse there. I swear I meet these couples a couple of times every year.

Want to read the full article? Check it out here. Please note, an account may be needed to view the article.

Are you doing everything you can to reach the financial future you dream of?

Get advice today. Meet Don Williams, financial planner.