For financial advisors like Ray Fracchia, a 35-year industry veteran with Atkins Capital Management in Memphis, Tennessee, the decision to join a new broker/dealer is about more than numbers—it’s about finding a partner who shares your values and can cut through the red tape when it matters most.

Two years ago, when Fracchia and his team were evaluating potential broker/dealers, they had a clear priority: personal service. After interviewing multiple firms, they chose Nations Financial Group, headquartered in Iowa, because it offered the right balance of personalized attention, practical solutions, and access to world-class resources.

“We really came to feel that smaller was better,” Fracchia explains. “Smaller in size, maybe smaller in the market. Coming out of Iowa, as opposed to New York or Los Angeles, we felt like they were us—and it turned out we were right.”

Common-Sense Solutions, Direct Access

One of the key benefits Fracchia has found with Nations is the ability to resolve issues quickly, without the layers of management that often slow things down at larger firms.

“When we have a problem, we go right to the source,” he says. “Several times, we’ve had conference calls or Zoom calls with the top at Nations, and they’ve said, ‘That’s not common sense—here’s a solution that works.’ And it does. We’re very happy with that.”

In one instance, Fracchia had a wealthy client who needed to sign off on a private equity deal that came with 10 pages of disclosures, each requiring multiple initials. Knowing how impractical that was, he reached out to Nations for help.

“We went straight up to the top, to Brenda, and said, ‘This is unreasonable.’ She agreed and had it fixed within an hour,” Fracchia recalls. “We ended up with one form that covered everything we needed. The client was happy, and so were we.”

Small-Firm Service, Big-Firm Resources

Switching from a large firm to a smaller one can sometimes raise concerns about client safety and access to top-tier resources, but Fracchia says they haven’t skipped a beat.

“The money is still held at some of the largest firms in the world, like Schwab and Wells Fargo,” he explains. “We’re still able to work with the largest private equity firms and investment firms, so we didn’t feel like we were giving up anything by going with Nations. What we got was small, personal service—and we still have access to the advantages of the big firms.”

A Decision Confirmed by Results

While some firms might try to lure advisors with lucrative offers, Fracchia and his team focused on finding a firm that truly understood their needs.

“Nations wasn’t the most lucrative in terms of what they were throwing out there, but we felt like these were folks in the middle of America, where I wasn’t going to get a call center every time I had a problem,” Fracchia says. “I was going to get people who know me—and that helped us make our decision. It’s been confirmed with the results.”

For Fracchia and Atkins Capital Management, the move to Nations Financial Group has been a win—a partnership built on common sense, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to client success.

In the competitive world of wealth management, finding the right partner can make all the difference. For Todd Hankins of Corinthian Wealth Partners in Silverdale, Washington, the decision to join Nations Financial Group four years ago was pivotal. With 18 years of experience in the industry, Hankins understands what it takes to serve clients effectively—and how crucial a strong broker/dealer relationship is for long-term success.

A Record-Setting Transition

When Corinthian Wealth transitioned to Nations, the scale and speed of the move were extraordinary. “We opened over 700 accounts within about 10 days,” Hankins recalls. “We moved over $180 million within a two-week period.” Such a significant transition could have been daunting, but Nations’ dedication to detail and efficiency ensured a smooth process.

“They made it as easy as possible,” Hankins says. “We were able to map out accounts and all the data from an Excel sheet to prepopulate everything. It wasn’t seamless, but it was as close to seamless as possible given the complexity.”

A Technology-Forward Approach

In an industry often slow to adopt modern technology, Nations sets itself apart with a commitment to innovation. This was a key factor in Corinthian Wealth’s decision to join. “We interviewed multiple firms, and what stood out most was their dedication to technology and improving workflows,” Hankins says.

He points to simple but impactful advancements like e-signatures for client documents. “We no longer have to mail something, wait a week, get it back, scan it, and send it in. It’s done in 30 seconds.” For Hankins and his team, this level of efficiency means more time spent focusing on clients and growing the business.

A Culture That Cares

After working at major firms like Merrill Lynch, Chase Investments, and Wells Fargo Advisors, Hankins found something different at Nations: a genuine commitment to the success of financial advisors. “They care about you and your business,” he emphasizes. “Your clients are your clients, and you are their client. It’s completely different from the big firms where the financial advisor often feels like just another number.”

This culture of care is what Hankins believes sets Nations apart and makes it an ideal partner for those considering independence. “If you have the courage to leave what’s comfortable and go independent, you couldn’t find a better home than Nations,” he says.

Always Improving

As Nations Financial Group continues to evolve, its focus on staying ahead of the curve remains evident. Hankins notes that the ongoing enhancements to their technology stack, highlighted at recent conferences, are a testament to their dedication. “They’re not just happy with the way things are; they’re always trying to improve.”

A Partnership Built for Success

Todd Hankins’ experience with Nations Financial Group underscores the importance of choosing a broker/dealer that values relationships, embraces innovation, and prioritizes the success of its advisors. From a record-breaking transition to ongoing support and cutting-edge technology, Nations has provided Corinthian Wealth Partners with the tools and trust needed to thrive.

For those seeking a partner that combines personal care with professional excellence, Hankins offers this advice: “Nations is the place where you can take your business to the next level—and do it with people who truly care about you and your success.”