South Carolina Financial Adviser Heeding His Own Advice

By Catherine Muccigrosso, Lake Wylie Pilot, S.C.

McClatchy-Tribune Information Services

Dec. 20--LAKE WYLIE -- Some people don't view the economic downturn as doom and gloom, but rather as an opportunity.

"People need to make sure they're not making long-term investment decisions based on short-term economic issues," said Lake Wylie financial adviser Allan Gregory.

Gregory is following his own advice. On Nov. 28, he officially opened his own financial office -- KA Gregory Wealth Management -- in Lake Wylie.

"I want the ability to grow my own business," he said. "I wanted to be a business owner."

Gregory moved into his 825-square-foot office at Suite 105, formerly International Agency, on Latitude Lane. He has more than five years' experience as an adviser with Edward Jones, an office he helped establish in Lake Wylie.

"I have more investment options to provide my clients that are better tailored to fit their needs," said Gregory, who explained that he works through LPL Financial. "Now, I have access to alternative investments for affluent investors."

Gregory, like other local financial advisers, offers assistance with retirement planning, 401k rollovers, individual investments and retirement accounts. What he hopes sets him apart is personal.

"It's about the relationships I build with my clients to properly invest to meet their needs and goals," he said. "I just want to grow my practice at a pace I can sustain needed client contact and serve my clients well and not lose that relationship."

In fact, Gregory, 43, who holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and a master's degree in business from Xavier University, was led into the financial world for personal reasons.

"Because my son was born, and I was traveling five days a week, I wanted to be able to be home at night," he said. "I always liked investments and it seemed like a good progression."

Gregory has been in the Lake Wylie area for eight years. He is a Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce board member, vice president of the Lake Wylie Rotary Club and a member of the River Hills Lions Club.

He says many people think they have to go to Charlotte for financial advice, but "there are plenty of opportunities here, and there are a lot of smart financial advisers in the area."

Susan Bromfield, president of the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce, agrees.

"Our community is growing," she said. "Allan came to our community and worked very hard to establish his own name. Several younger men have chosen this area to have their own wealth management business. We always think it's great when one of our members or business people in community can grow or start their own business."

David McClure, a financial adviser for Ameriprise Financial and a fellow Rotarian, knows the challenges of going independent, which he did in 2007. McClure said he focuses on advice driven personal relationships through financial planning, and his draw has included clients from outlying areas.

"It's a big undertaking," he said of opening his own financial firm, located nearby in suite 102 in the Lake Wylie Business Centre. "While I am independent and own my business, I like having the support and knowledge I gain with the largest financial planning company and strength of a company over 115 years in business."

Gregory's long-term goals are simple.

"I want to keep it personal, and potentially have an assistant down the road," he said.

After Gregory's departure, Jon Kingston was named the new financial adviser for the Edward Jones Lake Wylie branch office at 4937 Charlotte Hwy., suite 116.

Want to know more?

KA Gregory Wealth Management is located at 244 Latitude Lane, suite 105, Lake Wylie. Owner Allan Gregory of Lake Wylie is available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the office by appointment. He can be reached by calling 803-462-4400 or emailing [email protected].

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(c)2011 the Lake Wylie Pilot (Lake Wylie, S.C.)

Visit the Lake Wylie Pilot (Lake Wylie, S.C.) at www.lakewyliepilot.com

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