Partner and Vice President of Wealth Management at Goldstone Financial Group, Brian Korienek is a fiduciary advisor with a Series 7 and 66 license as well as an Illinois life and health insurance license. Korienek has appeared on Fox 32 Chicago and been featured on the Securing Your Financial Future radio show on WLS 890AM. Korienek spent nearly nine years as a Senior Associate Advisor at Goldstone Financial Group before taking on his present position as Vice President of Wealth Management. He previously served as a Financial Advisor for McAdam Financial Group and as an analyst for an agricultural commodities company at the Chicago Board of Trade before joining Goldstone Financial Group.
Brian Korienek started out in a position that involved numerical analysis in relation to commodities prices after receiving his Bachelor of Business Management from Depaul University. Although Korienek liked his job, he was aware that he would be more effective in a position that allowed him to interact with clients directly. In order to give his clients the greatest service possible, he needed to work for a company that would give him the freedom and resources to do so. He eventually joined Goldstone Financial Group as a result. Goldstone Financial advisors are held to a higher ethical standard than non-fiduciary advisors because they work as Registered Investment Advisors (RIA). They are not required to adhere to a predetermined list of firm products, instead they are obligated by law to prioritize the needs of their clients. They are supposed to use whatever financial resources are available to assist their clients in achieving their objectives. Through risk management and wealth preservation, Korienek assists his customers in securing their financial independence and making plans for a fulfilling retirement.
Brian Korienek supports a number of social projects that are very important to him and his family. He participates extensively with organizations including the Alzheimer’s Association, I Understand Love Heals, and the American Cancer Society. Korienek is able to assist countless local and national non-profit organizations in addition to these due to the alliances that Goldstone Financial Group has formed with a number of philanthropic organizations. Korienek is an enthusiastic traveler who enjoys taking vacations with his wife. Whether it is with friends or clients, he enjoys a good round of golf, and he also likes to check out the local Chicago dining scene.
What motivated you to become a financial advisor?
I was always interested in helping people make sound financial decisions, so once I discovered that working as a financial advisor would allow me to do this, I knew it was the right career for me. I wanted to be able to help people make plans that would secure their financial independence and ensure a comfortable retirement. As a fiduciary advisor at Goldstone Financial Group, I am able to do just that – prioritize my clients’ needs over anything else. That’s what motivates me the most.
What do you think sets Goldstone Financial Group apart from other firms?
Goldstone Financial Group is a fiduciary firm, which means that our advisors are held to the highest ethical standards when it comes to advising clients. We don’t have a predetermined list of products to push onto our customers, instead we are committed to using whatever financial resources are available in order to help them reach their goals. In addition, Goldstone has formed alliances with several philanthropic organizations that allow us to give back and support important causes both locally and nationally. Finally, our advisors are all experts in risk management and wealth preservation, so our clients can trust that their investments are secure. I’m proud to be a part of such an organization and to help people plan for a secure future.
What has been your most rewarding experience since joining Goldstone Financial Group?
My most rewarding experience has been watching my clients reach their financial goals. To me, there is nothing more satisfying than knowing that I have helped someone get to a place where they are financially secure and can enjoy the fruits of their labor. It’s also very rewarding to be able to participate in philanthropic efforts through the alliances that Goldstone Financial Group has formed. It’s gratifying to know that I am helping make a difference.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy traveling with my wife and playing golf with friends or clients. I also like to explore Chicago’s culinary scene and try out different restaurants. Additionally, I take part in a number of social projects that are important to me and my family, such as the Alzheimer’s Association, I Understand Love Heals, and the American Cancer Society. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be able to contribute to these causes.
What advice would you give someone considering a career in financial advising?
First and foremost, I would advise them to take the necessary classes and obtain the required certifications. It’s important to gain a thorough understanding of the industry so you can best serve your clients. Additionally, I would suggest that they work for a firm that holds its advisors to a high ethical standard, such as Goldstone Financial Group. Finally, I would remind them to put their clients’ needs first and always prioritize their well-being. Working as a financial advisor is more than just crunching numbers; it’s about building relationships and helping people reach their goals. If you can do that with integrity, you will be successful.
What have been some of the most significant challenges you’ve faced as an advisor?
One of the most significant challenges I’ve faced is staying current with the ever-changing regulations and policies within the financial industry. As new laws are passed, and new products enter the market, it’s my responsibility to stay informed so that I can provide accurate and reliable advice to my clients. Additionally, I must continually evaluate the best strategies for each client’s individual needs, as no two people have the same financial goals or circumstances. Keeping up with these changing dynamics is both challenging and rewarding.
What words of encouragement would you give someone who is feeling overwhelmed with their finances?
My advice would be to take one step at a time. Try not to get overwhelmed by the big picture and instead focus on small, achievable goals that can help you reach your financial objectives in the long run. Additionally, there are many resources available now – from online tools to workshops to personal advisors – that can provide guidance and support. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help – you don’t necessarily have to go it alone. With a little bit of effort, you can get back on track and take control of your financial future.
What do you think has been the key to your success?
I believe the key to my success has been my commitment to providing excellent service and understanding each of my clients’ unique needs. From the very beginning, I have strived to be a trusted advisor who is not just focused on selling products, but on building relationships and helping people reach their financial goals. Additionally, I have worked hard to stay up-to-date with the latest market trends and industry news so that I am equipped to provide the best advice possible. Finally, I have been fortunate to have a strong support system of peers who have consistently encouraged me and provided guidance along the way.
What are some of your upcoming plans for the future?
In the near future, I plan to continue focusing on building relationships with clients and helping them achieve their financial goals. Additionally, I’m looking at ways to expand my reach and become more involved in community projects to better serve those in need. Finally, I’m actively exploring ways to expand my knowledge of the financial industry so that I can provide even more value to my clients. All in all, there are exciting times ahead as I continue to strive for excellence in my work. In the long term, I want to ensure that I am setting up future generations for success and leaving a lasting legacy that will benefit those around me.