So in 2003 he replaced his personal assistant with a recent graduate from the University of North Texas with a degree in financial planning at a starting salary of $32,000, and had him sign a three-year noncompete agreement. "It added immediate impact by taking the financial planning off my plate," says Grunden.
There are many factors involved in going out on your own. It involves time, planning, dedication-and money. Would they do it over again?
"I'd do it again in a heartbeat," says Fernandez.
"I'd do it without a second thought. It's like raising a child-hard work but very rewarding," agrees Stevenson.
Bruce W. Fraser, principal of Bruce W. Fraser Communications, an
editorial services firm in New York, has written for many publications.
He can be reached at [email protected]. Visit him at www.bwfraser.com.