Accomplishments and Recognition
Carole Ford’s successful financial management has consistently earned her a place on Barron’s Magazine’s list of the Top 100 Women Financial Advisors in America (Barron’s Magazine, June 2009, June 2008, April 2007, and June 2006). As part of The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s is the premier financial weekly magazine. Not only was Carole selected by Barron’s as one of the top female advisors, but she was also selected as one of the Top 1000 Financial Advisors in the 50 States, ranking #87 in California*. Barron’s establishes these rankings based on a variety of factors: advisors’ assets under management, revenues, quality of service, and regulatory records. Being selected as one of the top advisors in the nation is an incredible honor – it demonstrates a tremendous ability to connect with clients and provide unparalleled service. Furthermore, in the wake of last year’s economy, achieving such rankings shows resilience and skill in helping clients move forward, even in the face of bleak financial prospects. As the go-to sophisticated market and business magazine, Barron’s has been promoting such skill in financial advisors across the nation since it emerged during the World War I recession. Barron’s Magazine’s financial advisor awards celebrate the most talented advisors in the country, and ranking on this prestigious list is a reflection of the skill, commitment, and quality that Barron’s champions.
Carole was also named one of the Top 100 Advisors by Registered Rep magazine (August 2009, August 2008 and August 2007, rankings based on assets under management).
“Ford”ing the Financial Environment
Carole Ford is the founder of the successful Fresno based investment advising firm, Ford Financial Group. Since Carole opened her financial planning business in 1992, Ford Financial has expanded dramatically to include a team of financial consultants, who manage over 1,000 clients. As the only Fresno area advisor ranked by Barron’s as a Top Advisor, Carole has instilled in her team the importance of providing clients a unique brand of client service and a hands-on personal financial planning experience, while also giving clients the expertise of a nationally recognized advisor.
The advisors at Ford Financial assist individuals with various aspects of financial planning and portfolio management, such as: unbiased and impartial investment research, comprehensive wealth management, asset allocation and other client-centered services. The firm was recognized as one of the top 20 Family Advisor Teams in the Country (Research Magazine, 2006, rankings based on assets under management).
Ford Financial Group is affiliated with LPL Financial – the #1 ranked independent brokerage firm for 12 consecutive years.** LPL Financial strives to help independent financial advisors build and sustain successful client relationships and strong business models. LPL Financial provides non-proprietary products and independence, which allows Ford Financial Group to devote their time and energies not to product quotas or sales, but to understanding the client’s individual financial objectives.
As a LPL Registered Principal and a member of LPL Financial’s select Executive Council, Carole has attained the highest rank for a broker with LPL Financial (based on total revenue) and is recognized by the organization for her outstanding service. To achieve this rank among tens of thousands of advisors is indicative of Carole’s level of commitment to her clients and the success of Ford Financial’s team approach to client management.
Biography
Carole Ford started in the banking and securities industry 30 years ago with the goal of providing unmatched client service. Carole resides in Fresno, California, where she shares a common goal with her team – having a trusted advisory relationship with clients.
Carole holds a B.A. in Sociology from Fairfield University in Connecticut; additionally, Carole acquired a Masters of Wealth Management from the College of Financial Planning in Denver, Colorado. Carole received her Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation in 1987, and she currently holds securities registrations Series 7, 63 and 24 (through LPL Financial). Carole’s commitment to innovative financial solutions is reflected in her dedication to clients. She advocates the idea of “smart” finance, and understands the importance of personalizing the client-advisor relationship. With the support of LPL Financial, the Ford Financial Group provides clients with financial expertise encompassing a wide range of financial areas.
*Barron’s February 2009
**Based on total revenues, as reported in Financial Planning Magazine, 1996 – 2008.