Today we’d like to introduce you to James A. Hicks.
James, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I received my MBA from Webster University back in 2015. I was totally fascinated with how companies balanced there budget and handled their corporate finances. At the end of my MBA program, I had to do a Capstone project and create a business from scratch. I decided to do a financial planning firm called Hicks Financial. But it was just for the grade (which I did get an A); I never took it seriously. After grad school, I had so many friends who had issues managing their money and creating a budget that would allow them to save money but enjoy life at the same time. I also realized that in the African American and minority communities, financial literacy is not readily taught.
We are at a huge disadvantage in that area. So after helping close friends with financial management, working within different community and non-profit organizations on their finance committee, and working to maintain territorial and regional budgets in corporate America, I decided to start Hicks Financial, Asset and Wealth Management. The goal of the company is to work with individuals, couples, families or small businesses and assist them in becoming financially free by helping with budget creation, debt consultation, financial assessment, net worth analysis and small business consultation. Money is one of those things that we need the most, yet hate to talk about. I want to change that narrative and start the discussion.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
With any new venture, you will always run into bumps in the road. I have started businesses before but definitely not on this scale. One of the biggest things that I am constantly learning is how to use Social Media to my advantage. Prior to this, I was not that active on social media. But given the fact that everyone gets all of there information from online nowadays, you are missing the boat if you don’t have an active social media presence. Another rather small struggle I had to deal with early on is familiarizing myself with different payment options. I was not familiar with Apple Pay, Google Pay, Paypal, Zelle, Cash App, Venmo, etc. I usually paid for everything with cash or credit card. But the world is changing. And having multiple ways for clients to pay makes business smoother and more streamlined. And I am sure I will have more struggles to come as I quickly progress in the growth of my company.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Hicks Financial, Asset and Wealth Management – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My business is Hicks Financial, Asset and Wealth Management. What we do is we help people become financially free. We do this by teaching them financial strategies in discipline and management that will help them stay on a budget and live a better life. We start with a free 30-minute consultation either by phone or in person. This allows me to assess your situation. How much debt are you in? How much do you have saved? Are you investing? What are your assets? What are your liabilities? Once I get some basic information, I can suggest which of my services is best for you, then take it from there. What I think sets Hicks Financial; Asset and Wealth Management apart from other financial institutions is that one of our primary focus is assisting the minority community. I feel most people within the minority community was not taught to save and invest; they were taught to earn and spend. That mindset needs to be adjusted. An additional service that we added recently is Corporate Career development. This is for individuals looking to move up into management or executive positions, but are not familiar with how to get the promotion/raise or negotiate salaries. These skills and knowledge is also lacking in various communities. Once you become a client of Hicks Financial; Asset and Wealth Management, you become family. You will get regular check-ins and you will have me holding you accountable for what you purposed to do.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Our future endeavors include expanding from just a firm that provides financial planning and strategies to a firm that also does financial management and investments. This will include Stocks, mutual funds, bonds, annuities and other financial vehicles. We plan to launch this part of the business in 2021. We also want to become more of a staple in the communities that we service. That means partnering up with non-profit businesses and community centers, holding financial seminars and meetings at churches and local groups. And consistently teaching not only adults but kids about financial management. Our firm also wants to branch out into more states around the nation. Currently, we have clients in Florida and Texas. But we are quickly expanding our clientele into other areas, states and cities. So future goals also include not just working with small businesses, but providing consultation services to larger businesses and institutions as well. Offering training to key staff and executives, along with a review of their financial operations. I am so excited for what the future holds for Hicks Financial.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hicksfinancialawm.com
- Phone: (407) 205-8227
- Email: james@hicksfinancialawm.com
- Instagram: hicksfinancialawm
- Facebook: @hicksfinancialaawm
Image Credit:
Personal Images done by www.winterphresh.com
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