In just four years, Rogers has grown the firm's client roster from six to more than 220. He plans to increase volume further by adding a paraplanner and moving Thompson, who will sit for the CFP exam next year, into a more senior planning role. "Our business will thrive as we increase our client load," Rogers maintains. "In addition to staffing, a key to our profitability is staying lean and efficient."
Don't take our word for it. Financial Decisions Institute is being used as working model for a new planning clinic at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, according to Gordon Hampton, director of professional alliances.
"What's important about this firm is that it provides a model that will work for lower- and middle-income clients at the same time it gives our students planning and business experience," says Hampton. "Com-panies we talk to in the community tell us that while we do a good job teaching planning, we needed to pay more attention to the business of running a firm. We think that this model is viable and at some point will be profitable."