Aspiriant CEO Featured on Podcast

Rob Francais discusses the pandemic business paradigm

Serving clients remotely. Transitioning hundreds of employees to working from home. Calming anxious investors during turbulent markets. Aspiriant CEO Rob Francais talked about these topics and more with Barron’s Sterling Shea on the The Way Forward podcast.

In the 30-minute program, titled “Living at Work,” Rob covered several challenges with managing a financial advisory firm through the coronavirus pandemic. But he also noted it has created opportunities to build for the future.

He said the immediate focus once states began sheltering in place was how to continue providing superior customer service remotely. Approximately 30% of our firm, serving from 11 locations nationwide, had never worked from home. Aspiriant spent about four months setting up employees with the necessary technology to work and meet online. The firm also increased investment webinars and other communications to address client concerns.

At the same time, the pandemic has opened opportunities to grow. More people are realizing they need help with wealth planning and investing. Through digital marketing campaigns, webinars and other online events, Aspiriant has been reaching out to more prospective clients. The firm is also finding ways to keep employees motivated and connected to client stories.

Rob also discussed how our value-based investment approach preserved client wealth during the March melt-down. Now, we’re preparing investors for a “melt-up environment” by finding buying opportunities and leaning on defensive allocations. When it comes to calming client nerves through volatile markets, Rob said, “With intellect, we can work through the emotional battle.”

Listen to the “Living at Work” podcast to hear what Rob has to say about helping clients manage their wealth in this new business paradigm.