Media Mentions

2009

Investments & Wealth Monitor – November/December 2009
In this article written by Donald W. Patrick, MBA he talks about buying a financial advisory practice and creating a continuity plan to protect the clients and the advisor's heirs. Click to read more.

Cobb Chamber of Commerce Newsletter – November 19, 2009
Al Searcy, a principal partner of Searcy, Weems-Scott & Cleare, speaks about why it is important to stick to the plan one has established with his/her financial advisor.  Click to read more.

Financial-planning.com – October, 2009
Consortium advisor, Richard J. Lombardi, founder of Integrated Wealth Strategies in Atlanta, GA, quoted in recent article from "Financial-planning.com". Click to read more.

Research Magazine – October 2009
Don Patrick is quoted advising his peers in the second of a series of articles about buying and selling an advisory practice. “In such a seller’s market, you have to move quickly to determine the value of the practice you’re interested in,” advises Patrick.  Read Time for a Transition (Part II).

Blogtalkradio.com – September 10, 2009
Integrated Financial Group Managing Director, Don Patrick talked about how buying or selling a practice presents challenges on many levels. Click to listen.

The Wealth Channel – September 2009
Karen J. Lee of Karen Lee & Associates, LLC completed a three segment interview with The Wealth Channel provided by the American College. In these segments Karen discusses issues regarding her clients, such as their relationship with money, generational perspectives and the importance of asking probing questions. Click to watch Segment One, Segment Two & Segment Three.

Financial-planning.com – August 1, 2009
Karen Lee talks about walking a fine line between a financial advisor and a financial therapist. Karen covers six different areas she discusses with her clients to setup a plan to be successful: Getting Into It, More Questions, Putting It Out There, Extended Family, Financial Independence and Beyond the Numbers. Click to read more.

AdvisorPod.com – June 6, 2009
Before a live audience of 1000 attendees, Don Patrick participated in a live demonstration of the ground-breaking AdvisorPod online practice management series with Securities America’s Senior Vice President of Strategy Kirk Hulett and Vice President of Wealth Management Paul Lofties. Patrick shared strategies for getting the most value out of attending professional conferences. View Patrick’s interview.

On Wall Street – May 11, 2009
Don Patrick, Managing Director of Atlanta-based Integrated Financial Group, has been named to On Wall Street magazine's annual list of Top 10 Branch Managers in 2008. “These are ten leaders whose planning, focus and execution have brought them recognition in a very challenging year.” said Francis McMorris, editor-in-chief for On Wall Street magazine. Click to read more.

Research Magazine – January 2009
It’s always a good idea to think about business strategy at the first of a new year. But after a year like 2008, market conditions almost demand it this year. Industry journalist, Marie Swift, interviewed Don Patrick about what he is doing to help keep clients, staff and affiliated professionals calm, confident, motivated and informed. Read Happy New Year?

Atlanta Business Chronicle | Forbes | msn Money | L.A. Times – January 2009
Stock market volatility looks set to continue. But this doesn't mean you should sit back and do nothing. Now is the time to review your portfolio and, if necessary, tweak your investments so that you're in a better position to benefit from the recovery when it does happen. Read about getting an investment portfolio back in sync.


2008

Morningstar Advisor – November 2008
Don Patrick was featured in an article for fellow financial professionals discussing the importance of increased communication with clients during market volatility. To facilitate communication with his clients, Patrick recently produced a market-commentary webcast and is incorporating short podcasts into his Web site. Read “Reaching Out to Clients in Times of Turmoil” or listen to Patrick’s interview here.

Forbes | SmartMoney | FOX Business | MarketWatch | Yahoo! Finance – September 2008
Rather than getting back in the swim this summer, the markets took a nose dive plunging us right into an official Bear Market. So what is an investor to do? Don Patrick was among a select group of financial professionals from Securities America to come together and provide consumers with a list of the Top Ten Smart Moves in a Bear Market.

Research magazine – August 2008
While it is essential to have a practice continuation plan in place in case the unexpected happens, most small-business owners don’t have an exit strategy. Don Patrick was quoted by journalist Marie Swift in her article titled “Passing the Baton” which appeared in Research magazine.

The Market Cap on Investorsalley.com – May 5, 2008
Increased attention to the effects of global warming has caused many investors to consider “green” investments as their way of helping the environment. In his article, "Going for the Green", Don Patrick provides points to ponder before taking a green leap of faith.

Research magazine – April 2008
“We all need reassurance at times and, these days, it is more important than ever,” said Don Patrick discussing the importance of proactive client communication when there is market volatility. Read Talking Turbulence.

Horsesmouth.com – April 2008
In an article for Horsesmouth.com, an online support services for financial advisors and other professionals, Don Patrick shared his methods for improving dialogue among couples during the financial planning process.

Financial Advisor magazine – April 2008
Industry journalist Joel Bruckenstein, explained in his article that, Don Patrick, a managing director at Integrated Financial Group, uses mind maps to illustrate estate plans and estate planning concepts to clients. A mind map is a diagram that usually shows a key word or idea in the center of a page and then expands on it by linking other words, ideas or tasks to it. A mind map can help generate, visualize, structure and classify ideas.

The Market Cap on Investorsalley.com – March 31, 2008
Don Patrick’s article, Why Smart People Do Stupid Things with Their Money, appeared on Investorsalley.com a weekly online newsletter for individual investors. Patrick describes a science that explores the biological bedrock of financial decision-making and may help us all discover how to keep emotions out of the process.

On Wall Street – March 2008
Don Patrick was selected as one of the 2008 On Wall Street Branch Manager Awards Finalists. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding achievements and excellence in Branch management. Finalists are selected based on their commitment to excellence in creating an effective and competitive branch-wide marketing strategy; their ability to identify, recruit, develop, retain, and reward talented advisors; and their dedication to the goal of providing superior client service.

InvestmentNews.com – January 21, 2008
Fidelity recently announced plans to re-open the Magellan Fund, funds that have been closed since 1997. Don Patrick, shared his concerns about recommending the fund to clients in the early months of reopening. "It is like trying to turn the Titanic around in the cul-de-sac in front of my home," says Patrick. “I don't care how brilliant you are as a money manager; there's only so much you can do, because of the size." Read the full article.


2007

National Underwriter Life & Health magazine – October 2007
Don Patrick provides advice on making a smooth transition from saving for retirement to the distribution of those savings while still ensuring the money is available throughout retirement. Read "The Leap To Taking Income Need Not Be A Free Fall", by industry journalist Jim Connolly for Patrick’s recommendations.

Financial Advisor magazine – September 2007
In the article titled “When Planners Plan to Retire”, industry journalist, David Drucker, interviewed Don Patrick about his next stage of life. “I view it as financial independence rather than the classic ‘sit in a rocking chair on the front porch’ kind of retirement.” In other words, Patrick loves what he is doing and doesn’t have plans to stop any time soon. Click here to read more.

Virtual Office News – September 2007
Publisher of Virtual Office News and co-author of “Tools and Techniques of Practice Management”, Joel P. Bruckenstein, recently quoted Don Patrick in his article clarifying the salient aspects of various technology solutions for financial planners. As an ardent new use of Mind Mapping software, Patrick was able to share with fellow professionals the benefits of this system to gather, store and process the tremendous amount of information required to be an effective financial advisor.

Kiplinger’s Retirement Report – August, 2007
Don Patrick contributed to an article in Kiplinger’s Retirement Report discussing bonds.

Investment News – August 27, 2007
Don Patrick was quoted in an article published by Investment News. Patrick shared his strong opinions with the Washington Bureau Chief, Sara Hansard, regarding the Deferred-Compensation legislation that may be introduced in September.

Asset Magazine – July 2007
Don Patrick was featured in this Australian publication for financial advisors. In “Marketing US Style” Bill spoke about how he has differentiated his firm’s presence in the Atlanta community.

Bankrate.com – April 3, 2007
In her article “Should newlyweds buy a house?” Teri Cittina of Bizrate.com interviewed Don Patrick. Though he is an advocate of couples becoming homeowners he cautions about recommending such a big investment for couples just starting their married lives together. Read the 7 Key Points to making your home buying experience a pleasant one. Click here to read the full article.

New York Daily News – February 2007
In a New York Daily News article that equated investing to preparing dinner—you can get takeout (target funds) or prepare a seven-course meal from scratch (individual stocks), Don Patrick added some salt to the soup. According to Patrick, exposing a portfolio to a small percentage of emerging markets is like adding Cayenne pepper to a dish. “By itself, it will kill you, but in the right amount, it makes the dish.”

e-Media Wire – January 11, 2007
Long-time advisor, Don Patrick, shares his predictions regarding changes in monetary policy and other new legislation once a new Democratic-controlled senate took office. His news release was distributed via e-Media Wire to journalists and bloggers across the country, including Yahoo! News. Don was also interviewed by PR Web – listen to the interview here (pod cast).


2006, 2005, 2004

Horsesmouth.com – December 15, 2006
Don Patrick was quoted in an article discussing business development strategies for financial advisors. He shares his thoughts and insights about building a firm through practice acquisition strategies on
www.Horsesmouth.com, a subscription-based knowledge portal.

Solutions magazine – December 2006
Many Financial Planners turn to client surveys to gain a better understanding of their clients’ needs and to identify areas where they can improve services. In her article “13 Tips to Improve Your Client Survey”, Nancy Opiela asked planners experienced in conducting client surveys to offer tips for making surveys worthwhile. Donald Patrick says he uses his surveys to measure client satisfaction and generate good will. “Our goal is to deliver Ritz Carlton service and FedEx efficiency. Identifying potential problems early helps everyone.” 

Bank Investment Consultant magazine – November 2006
Reporter Howard Stock interviewed Don Patrick in Helping Clients Get Off the Fence. Patrick rose to the challenge and provided advice to a hypothetical small-business owner thinking about retirement. Patrick mentions a possible succession plan, estate plan and other relevant planning issues in an effort to create comfortable and financially secure retirement scenarios for this individual. Read the article.

Investment News – October 16, 2006
Don Patrick was quoted about a new public relations strategy he is using to reach more people and help them understand retirement planning needs and investment fundamentals. The program will help him increase the firm’s local educational outreach.  

Financial Advisor magazine – October 2006
Don Patrick was quoted in an article that discussed creative ways to reward employees. In The Equity Fallacy, Patrick explains a simple test he devised to ferret out what he calls the “entrepreneurs” vs. the “dedicated employees.” “We offer new employees either a fair-market salary or a small salary with the balance of the compensation based upon [client acquisition] incentives. The few that choose the second option are the entrepreneurs.”

Bank Investment Consultant magazine – September 2006
Don Patrick was quoted about his approach to building relationships with clients. Patrick strives to understand people’s goals and help to uncover their dreams before developing long-term financial plans. By asking the right questions, Patrick says “I'm teaching them to connect money with what's important to them. If I say I can save them $10,000 on their taxes, that doesn't mean much, but if I connect that to their dream cruise, it means a lot more."

Entrepreneur.com – March 2006
Don Patrick was quoted in an article that discussed the pros and cons of raiding your IRA to fund a business venture. Patrick a lists number of factors to consider before tapping your retirement account. Click here to read the article.

Registered Rep magazine – May 2006
Teresa Wietzikoski, President of Diversified Wealth Management, is shares how she deals with disgruntled clients. Although rare in her practice, she stresses he commitment to superior service and advice. She takes the approach that the client is always right. And to truly listen to her clients.

The CMTA Report – January/February 2006
Josh Donley is interviewed about how he deals with this hereditary disease. He is a testament to positive thinking, hard work and focus. Click here to read the article.

Smart Business Magazine – March 2005
“Tapping Into The ‘brain trust’ – Integrated Financial Group uses the power of the consortium to serve clients.” An in depth interview exploring the unique aspects of the Consortium and how its unique structure helps the proud member advisors provide superior advice and service to their clients. Click here to read the article.

Wealth and Retirement Planner – September/October 2005
“Taking Clients From Accumulation To Preservation” – In this interview Don Patrick state, “It’s a totally different mindset, going from accumulation to distribution. Many advisors may not understand the implications of distribution”. Click here to read the article.

Research Magazine – December 2005
Stephan Oster, of Oster and Fisher, Inc., recounts his efforts and motivation to fly to Louisiana and assist clients who have organized a Katrina relief effort in Mansfieldl, LA.. he coordinated more than 4,000 pounds of supplies and helped build shelter for 1,500 evacuees. Click here to read the article.

Morningstar Magazine – October 2005
"Small Firms With A Big Presence." David Drucker interviews Don Patrick about Integrated Financial Group, one of the largest consortiums of independent financial advisors in the country. David states the consortium is a “concept rarely seen on the scale of Integrated Financial Group”. Patrick states “The collective strength really becomes apparent in the form of the Consortium’s ‘brain trust’ wherein its members share ideas and knowledge”. Click here to read the article.

Smart Business Magazine Profiles Integrated Financial group – March 2005
"Tapping Into The Brain Trust" chronicles in great detail how the independent advisors use the power of the Consortium to better serve their clients.  Click here to read the article.

Fulton County Daily reporter – October 2004
Don Patrick calls upon over 25 years of experience to provide many important tips for attorneys considering starting their own practice. “Typically, attorney’s have little experience in starting and running a business”, states Patrick. Click here to read the article.

Atlanta Business Chronicle– April 2004
Melissa MacLeod, CFP®, CDFA™, a Certified Divorce Planner, provides tips to ensure important assets do not “disappear” during a contentious divorce. Click here to read the article.