Shawn Force
Financial Advisor
After graduating from Indiana University, I went to the trading pits in Chicago. I traded mainly technology stocks at the Chicago Board of Options Exchange. I was an independent trader which means I traded with my own money – that’s a really great way of learning the ins/outs of the stock market because when you have your own money on the line, you pay attention to everything. Being on the trading floor allowed me to trade through some very volatile markets and historical times –the dotcom bust and 9/11 as some examples. After over 10 years of a successful career, I decided that once I had children I would rather trade from off the floor. I did not want to raise 2 children in downtown Chicago and now I was able to trade from anywhere I wanted because of the advancements in technology. I moved to Bloomington, IN because it offered everything I was looking for in raising kids. After 5 years of trading from home and raising kids, I was asked by various people if I would invest their money for them, and now that the kids were in school full-time, I thought this was a great choice because I really enjoy investing in the stock market. I passed the necessary tests and in 2012 I joined Wellington Investment Advisors
Where are you located right now?
Bloomington, IN
How do you think you help people?
This job has given me an opportunity to not only invest for my clients, but to reach out to the general population and try to encourage people to understand the stock market. I’ve lectured at the Kelley School of Business on the fact that more women should be in the financial world, and I have spoken at various high schools and other events trying to encourage women to consider this career path because they are highly underrepresented in the business world. Trying to encourage young people to invest is something that I feel is extremely important. As an investment advisor I try to invest in people – not just by investing their money, but in trying to get them to understand the stock market and feel comfortable in their investments and strategies. I am always available for any questions a client may have
What makes your strategies different from other advisors?
I always prefer to invest in individual stocks as opposed to mutual funds. Having a diverse portfolio is so important to a person’s financial success, so I believe that choosing an individual portfolio with different stocks representing all sectors of the stock market is most advantageous to a client. With a strategy like this, I can actually trade large moves and diversify their portfolio during various market conditions. I believe that the best strategy comes down to choosing individual stocks instead of mutual funds where fees can run very high. The client benefits from saving money and having a more individualized strategy.
How do you approach client relationships?
I try to always be there for my clients. Watching them grow in their investment experience only benefits our relationship and it allows me to fine tune their portfolio for various moments in their life, whether it’s retirement, a child’s education or maybe buying that second home
How does it feel to work here?
WIA is an awesome place for any advisor. The tools that are available to the clients are wonderful and clearing through Charles Schwab is fantastic. I believe the client benefits from everything WIA has to offer
What is your number 1 goal for clients?
First and foremost that the client is comfortable with their investment strategy. They have worked very hard for their money and I want them to be content with the strategy we have chosen. Then of course my goal is trying to make as much money as possible for the client within the parameters we have set up.
What is your number 1 goal in your work?
My number one goal if for my client to be pleased and comfortable with all aspects of our investment strategies and their returns.