What Most People Get Wrong About Financial Advisors

Josh Rosenberg joined Nabell Winslow Investments & Wealth Management in 2015, just a year and a half after the firm was founded. He didn’t inherit a book of business. Instead, he built one from the ground up.

Over the past decade, Josh has worked his way up to partner, helping business owners and individuals build financial plans they can actually understand. His approach is simple: clear advice, smart strategy, and dependable follow-through.

We sat down to talk about what outsiders get wrong about the industry, the future of the business, and what really keeps clients around.

1. Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Josh Rosenberg, partner at Nabell Winslow Investments & Wealth Management in Wilmington, NC. We’re an independent investment and financial advisory firm serving individuals, families, and business owners.

2. How did you get into this industry?

I majored in economics and minored in math and philosophy at UNCW. I loved the subject matter, but didn’t want to stay in the theory world. I wanted to apply it in a way that helped people.

That’s what drew me to wealth management. It’s technical, but also personal. You're using real knowledge to solve real problems for people. And when you're independent, you're also running a business, which sharpens your skills even more.

3. How did you get your first client?

Your network is everything in the beginning. My first client was a buddy I played volleyball with. He had an old retirement plan, and I helped him roll it over. He's still with me today.

4. What’s worked best for attracting and retaining clients?

It starts with credibility. We aim to be the most credentialed firm in town. Everyone here believes in continuing education.

But the real engine is our relationships with clients and other professionals. We get a lot of referrals from CPAs and attorneys. They see us as partners, not competitors, because we always consider the tax impact of investment decisions. That makes their jobs easier, not harder.

For retention, it comes down to building a bridge between where someone is and where they want to go. That bridge has to be easy to understand and tax-efficient. People don’t want jargon. They want clarity.

5. How’s the business doing today?

We’re growing steadily through referrals and organic relationships. But we’re also looking ahead.

A lot of advisors are nearing retirement and don’t have a succession plan. We’re building relationships with mid-to-late career advisors who want to transition out without leaving their clients in the dark. It’s a win for them, for their clients, and for us.

6. What do most people misunderstand about financial advisors?

Two things.

First, people entering the industry think it’s all about trading stocks and calling shots. In reality, it’s a relationship business. You’re not just an analyst. You're a counselor, strategist, and educator.

Second, clients often don’t know what to expect. They think they need all the right questions or feel embarrassed for not having everything figured out. But that’s our job. We guide them, calm the emotions, and give them a plan they can actually follow.

7. Favorite resources?

How to Win Friends and Influence People is a classic that still applies. Most of my reading and listening these days is niche. Financial research, retirement planning, and industry news.

8. If you had to start a new business today?

Something with recurring revenue and strong client relationships. Maybe a robo-advisor platform that blends tech with human guidance. Or something fun like a sports agency, though I know managing talent comes with its own headaches.

9. Best advice for people who want to win in business?

Do what you say you're going to do, when you say you're going to do it. Being reliable and following through goes further than any sales pitch.

Final Takeaways

1. Building trust beats chasing transactions. Whether you're a financial advisor or any other service provider.

2. Technical skills matter (a lot), but clarity and emotional intelligence are what keep clients long-term.

3. Succession planning isn’t just for clients. It’s a growth lever for your firm too.

4. People don’t want complexity. They want a clear path forward. That’s the advisor’s real value.
   

Registered Representative offering Securities and Advisory Services through Cetera Advisors LLC, member FINRA, SIPC, a broker/dealer and a Registered Investment Adviser.  Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. 219 Racine Dr, Suite A-1, Wilmington, NC 28403.