Why I Became A Financial Advisor

Published by Ryan Cooley, Wealth Advisor

Financial security is a common goal many people strive to achieve. It’s easy to see why as it provides financial confidence and allows those who have it to focus on their true passions in life. I was lucky enough to witness firsthand how financial security helped my parents lead a fulfilling life, and this is what inspired me to pursue a career in the financial industry. I saw how my parents left their meetings with their financial advisor feeling empowered and equipped to make wise financial decisions and invest in their future. I wanted to take on that role for others and walk people through the process to attain their own version of financial freedom and success.

Starting Out

Before taking the steps to become a financial advisor, I entered the U.S. Army as an Infantryman. My years in the military instilled the values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage, and I continue to live and use these values in everything I do today, including financial advising.

After leaving the military, I jumped into obtaining the education and experience necessary to become a financial advisor. In 2006, I graduated from the University of Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in economics, then immediately started an MBA program, graduating in 2009. I spent some time working as a sales associate for Liberty Mutual Insurance, then started my financial advising career at Mutual of Omaha. In 2016, I joined the incredible team at Jacob William Advisory as an associate Wealth Advisor.

My Role Today

In my current position, I strive to equip my clients with all the tools and resources necessary to make the most beneficial decisions for the present as well as the future. At Jacob William Advisory, we place a high importance on objectivity and serving our clients’ needs beyond their expectations, and more than anything, I want to help my clients find clarity and confidence when it comes to their wealth.

I believe my clients choose to work with me because of the relationship we form. It’s not because of what I tell them in their first meeting or what I show them in a graph or prospectus; it’s because I understand them personally and make the effort to learn what they want out of life and what makes them tick. While my clients come from a diverse range of vocations and backgrounds, what makes them special is that they have all reached a point in their lives where they are ready to take control of their financial future. They know what they want out of life and want to partner with someone they trust to make it happen.

Highs And Lows

In whatever job you choose, you will experience challenges and victories. As an advisor, I take a vested interest in my clients and genuinely want to see them succeed. It can be difficult when I want something more for them than they want for themselves, so I try to inspire and encourage them to dream bigger. On the other hand, the most fulfilling part of my job is when I visibly see that anxiety lift from my clients because of the strategies and plan we have created for them. They start to realize that if they stay committed to the road map we’ve built, they can live the life they desire.

I am driven to work hard because I know that my clients trust me to help them with some of their most important decisions. This heavy responsibility pushes me to learn and grow so I can offer the highest level of service to my clients.

My Goal For You

My primary goal is to help clients identify and pursue their personal, financial, and business goals so they can live the life they choose. If you are interested in learning how Jacob William Advisory works and the ways we can help you, please reach out to us for a complimentary introductory meeting by calling 410-821-6724 or emailing [email protected].

About Ryan

Ryan Cooley is an associate Wealth Advisor at Jacob William Advisory, a wealth management firm whose sole mission is to serve their clients’ needs beyond their expectations. Ryan has a military background as a U.S. Army Infantryman, and he applies the values and character traits he learned through his experience to his role as a financial advisor. To this day, Ryan is passionate about veterans’ issues and holds a seat on the Advisory Board for Operation Second Chance and is a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans organization. Ryan obtained his bachelor’s degree in economics and his MBA from the University of Maryland. Outside of the office, Ryan enjoys spending time with his wife, Germaine, and their two wonderful children. He currently resides in Urbana, Maryland, and loves to fish, hunt, cook, watch Maryland Terrapin sports, and cheer his son and daughter on in all of their activities. To learn more about Ryan, connect with him on LinkedIn.

Get in Touch

In just minutes we can get to know your situation, then connect you with an advisor committed to helping you pursue true wealth.

Contact Us

Stay Connected

Business professional using his tablet to check his financial numbers

401(k) Calculator

Determine how your retirement account compares to what you may need in retirement.

Get Started