Title: Financial Advisor
Company: Morgan Stanley
Location: Montgomery, Alabama, United States
Thomas M. Andersen, financial advisor at Morgan Stanley, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements, and leadership in finance.
With over four decades in the finance industry, Mr. Andersen currently excels as a financial advisor with Morgan Stanley, a global financial services firm that provides investment banking, securities, wealth management, and investment management services, a role he has held since 2004. He works with small business owners to manage their business and personal finances and ensures companies have adequate retirement plans and succession plans in place for their owners. Laying a solid foundation for his future success, he pursued a Bachelor of Arts in economics at the University of Arizona, graduating in 1975. He continued his academic efforts at the Thunderbird School of Global Management, earning a master’s degree in international management in 1976.
Following these accomplishments, Mr. Andersen obtained his California Insurance License and Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System number and holds insurance licenses in both California and Alabama. He is also active in his community, serving as the director of referee instruction for youth soccer and as a member of the planning commission for the City Government of Claremont, which advises the city council on all matters dealing with present and future development, and the Montgomery chapter of Kiwanis International, a global community service organization dedicated to improving the lives of children around the world.
Reflecting on his career path, Mr. Andersen’s former employer faced closure, prompting him to seek alternative employment. Having experience in amateur investing with a broker at Dean Witter, he received encouragement from the broker to consider finance professionally. Acting on this advice, he reached out to a branch manager in Pasadena and secured a position in finance.
Mr. Andersen attributes his success to his ability to listen to people, break down complex information to make it understandable, and build trust with his clients. He prioritizes a deep understanding of his clients’ needs and goals, and his client-centric approach begins with active listening and meticulously gathering information about their financial situation, aspirations, and risk tolerance. By crafting personalized financial strategies tailored to each client’s unique circumstances, he can foster trust and empower his clients to make informed decisions that align with their long-term economic well-being.
Mr. Andersen says managing client expectations is one of the most challenging aspects of his work. Many clients mistakenly believe he has the ability to pinpoint investments that guarantee immediate wealth. However, he explains that investing requires discipline and is subject to market fluctuations. Therefore, educating clients about realistic expectations, including the inevitability of market downturns, is crucial, and helps to cultivate a long-term perspective that promotes informed decision-making.
In advising aspiring professionals, Mr. Andersen has found that the most valuable lesson for his professional growth has been the importance of active listening before offering advice. As he nears retirement, he intends to remain involved with local government and address regional issues, particularly homelessness. He plans to partner with non-profits to help individuals reintegrate into society, focusing on practical interventions and comprehensive solutions. Outside of personal and civic endeavors, he aims to stay involved in hiking and gardening.
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