TOP 100 MAGAZINE

Matt Faubion, CFP®

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In the fast-paced world of finance, where fortunes rise and fall in the blink of an eye, Matt Faubion CFP® stands as a symbol of stability. As the founder and wealth manager of Faubion Wealth Management (FWM), he's not just in the business of managing wealth; he's in the business of securing futures.

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Established in 2020, FWM quickly made its mark as a trusted partner for tech founders, executives, and entrepreneurs seeking to navigate the intricate web of financial complexities that accompany success. From tax planning to retirement strategies, Matt and his team offer a comprehensive suite of services aimed at empowering their clients to focus on what truly matters in life, knowing their financial foundations are solid.

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Matt's expertise in wealth management spans over a decade, marked by a relentless dedication to his craft. Armed with a B.S. in economics and the prestigious Certified Financial Planner™ designation, he possesses the perfect blend of academic acumen and real-world experience to steer his clients towards financial prosperity. However, what sets Matt apart from others in this highly competitive arena is not just his expertise in equity compensation planning or business strategies; it's his innate ability to connect with his clients on a personal level. He understands that wealth management isn't just about numbers; it's about dreams, aspirations, and the pursuit of a meaningful life beyond monetary gains.

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"I help bridge the gap between where clients are and where they want to be," Matt explains, his passion for his work evident in every word. "Whether it's crafting a business plan for a budding entrepreneur or devising a retirement strategy for a seasoned executive, my goal is always the same: to empower my clients to live life on their own terms."

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Throughout his career, Matt has been at the forefront of managing over $500 million in client assets, a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence. But beyond the numbers, it's the relationships he builds and the lives he impacts that truly define his success.

 

We sat down with Matt to delve into the reasons behind the inception of Faubion Wealth Management, their distinctive approach to wealth management, and the special manner in which they cultivate connections.

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Matt, what inspired you to start Faubion Wealth Management?

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Entrepreneurship has always been in my blood, driving me to aspire toward owning my own business. As I ventured into the wealth management field, I carried this entrepreneurial spirit with me, acquiring invaluable experience across various scales of wealth management firms. Throughout this journey, I meticulously honed my own process, philosophy, and approach to client interactions, firmly believing in doing things the right way—no shortcuts, just giving it my all, 110%. This dedication to excellence, though not always the industry norm, resonated deeply with me. I realized it was time to forge my own path, where I could deliver exceptional service to clients without compromise.

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What makes your approach unique?

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Our approach is grounded in intentional collaboration with clients to map out their futures three, five, or even ten years ahead. Through this forward-thinking mindset, clients climb into the driver seat in proactively shaping their financial destinies, rather than simply reacting to circumstances. Central to our philosophy is the belief that each client's money-mindset is unique, and therefore, requires a personalized approach. We eschew the notion of prescribing one-size-fits-all solutions, opting instead to co-create tailored strategies that resonate with each client's vision, values, and aspirations.

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From a client experience perspective, there are several key elements that set us apart. Firstly, we pride ourselves on being a remote firm, catering specifically to the needs of professionals in their 30s to 40s. In an era where digital convenience reigns supreme, we've embraced technology wholeheartedly—a stark departure from the outdated practices still prevalent in many wealth management firms. By eliminating the need for paper documents and physical signatures, we streamline processes and enhance the overall client experience. Moreover, our utilization of platforms like Zoom has revolutionized our client interactions. By fostering a collaborative environment, we ensure that meetings are not just productive but also engaging. Gone are the days of stiff, formal meetings conducted across a table; instead, we embrace the freedom and efficiency that virtual collaboration offers. This commitment to digitization, paperless operations, and dynamic client engagement forms the cornerstone of our business ethos, enabling us to deliver exceptional service with every interaction.

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Another dimension of our approach involves delving into client lifestyle design and comprehensive life planning. We transcend the typical surface-level inquiries and go beyond pre-scripted checkbox goal-setting inquiries such as buying a house or retiring at a certain age. Instead, we engage in deeper conversations, probing into the underlying motivations and priorities of our clients. By asking probing questions like "Why is that important to you?" and "What truly matters most?" we uncover the authentic aspirations that drive their financial goals. Through these meaningful dialogues, we help our clients craft a vision for their lives and align their financial strategies accordingly.

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In essence, our approach represents a departure from the traditional paradigm of wealth management, which often prioritizes retirees. Instead, we find purpose and fulfillment in guiding the next generation of wealth generators toward financial success, knowing that the magnitude of future financial accomplishment will be far greater.

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Another area where you excel is equity compensation planning. Can you elaborate on your approach to working with clients in this domain?

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Absolutely. Many of my clients are early-stage tech employees and executives who receive equity compensation, often in the form of stock options with a typical vesting period of four years. This presents a unique set of challenges, particularly in terms of tax planning and investment strategy. We focus on optimizing the timing of stock option exercises to minimize tax liabilities, especially considering potential events like IPOs or acquisitions.

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The crux of our approach lies in managing concentrated equity positions. While holding company stock can lead to substantial gains, it also poses significant risks. Our goal is to help clients diversify their portfolios gradually, transitioning from concentrated stock holdings to a more resilient and reliable investment strategy. By doing so, we mitigate the risk of destroying wealth and ensure alignment with their broader wealth objectives.

 

 

Matt Faubion, CFP®

Wealth Manager and Founder

Faubion Wealth Management
Website: https://faubionwm.com  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewfaubion  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FaubWealth  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faubwealth