Former Vest Rep Builds Advisory Biz for Peers

Rockville, Md. (Oct. 17, 2003) -- After a decade working as a registered rep for a large broker/dealer catering to tax and accounting professionals, Joe Campisi decided to strike out on his own.

The former H.D. Vest rep formed Campisi Financial Network as a way to forge a stronger relationship with tax and accounting professionals and give them more personalized attention than might have been possible with a large broker/dealer.

In 2002, the company teamed up with H. Beck/CFG as its broker/dealer and currently has 15 tax and financial professionals on board.

"As a registered securities principal with 25-plus years of tax and accounting experience and 10-plus years working with a large broker/dealer, I was in a unique position to identify shortcomings and recognize the need to build an organization focused on the bottom line of the financial representative versus the broker/dealers," Campisi said. "We're able to provide a greater degree of personalized marketing and sales support because our relationship with our current broker/dealer affords us that flexibility," he added.

CFN has trademarked its own turnkey program called "Tax and Financial Professionals Breakthrough System," which guides accountants on whether to take an active or passive role in the integration of financial services into their practices.

The unsteadiness of current stock market conditions makes it even more important for financial advisors to forge better relationships with clients, Campisi said. "They're questioned daily by their clients about their finances. Investors have lost confidence in the traditional broker relationships and are looking for a trusted professional to help guide their financial future."

-- Tracey Miller-Segarra

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