Company History
Welcome to FS Advisors Wealth Management
Since the Firm’s humble beginning in 1992, FS Advisors Wealth Management (formerly Fox-Smith Wealth Management) has grown to become one of the largest privately held Wealth Management firms in Colorado. Standing now as one of Denver’s premier financial firms, we are often asked to provide Business Strategy services to other Advisors in our industry who want to learn the unique way that we manage client assets and run our financial practice.
Gus Fox-Smith, the firm's founder and President, started his career in the securities industry in the early 1990’s. Starting in the Brokerage side of the business, he was primarily involved with Options and Commodities trading for a large limited partnership trading pool. While doing that type of investment work was fast paced and challenging, he wanted to have more long term and meaningful relationships with his clients. It was clear that short-term oriented investing was not what he wanted for the rest of his career. However, the analytical experience he gained in that position gave Mr. Fox-Smith the skills to help recognize opportunities and risks in the market that many others may often miss. When combined with a long-term investment strategy, the ability to capitalize on opportunities has benefits for all of his clientele.
When Mr. Fox-Smith opened the firm and began building his practice, he designed his own custom managed Tactical Portfolios. His philosophy is that neither the pure “buy-and-hold” approach. nor a purely Tactical approach will produce the best results over time. Unfortunately, most advisors still subscribe solely to one or the other model. He firmly believes that the marriage of the two concepts provides the best results in the long term, as well as the best protection of a client’s hard-earned assets from the volatility of the market.
As Mr. Fox-Smith has watched the Wealth Management industry evolve, things have changed drastically. The industry has recently come to a place where the majority of Advisors do not manage their client’s money or make any investment decisions. In most cases, Advisors hire that work out to a Third-Party Money Manager. It is still Gus’ belief that clients want to sit down face-to-face with the person making the decisions on their behalf. Those decisions involve their livelihood and their dreams; clients do not want to “farm it out” to an unknown firm across the country. In addition, managing his strategies in-house eliminates a second-tier of fees for his clients, since they are not paying an Advisor and a Money Manager separately. Thus, they are getting tactical services usually reserved for ultra-high net-worth individuals while paying a discounted fee.
The trend of Advisors primarily acting as only Financial Planners and Counselors lends to FS Advisors Wealth Management standing out as one of the few firms of scale to continue to do all their own research and make all investment decisions on behalf of their clientele; while still providing all the financial advice they need from the beginning to the end of their lives. Gus views the trust placed in him and his firm as a sacred bond and a personal commitment to his clients. Being given this level of trust is a true honor that he and his staff never take lightly
Our Commitment
We know that each client is different and requires customized services. Our staff consists of experienced professionals with a "hands on" approach to financial guidance. Not only will you find our team members knowledgeable, but you will also discover that our staff truly cares about making your dreams a reality. We will never use outsourced, cookie cutter financial management programs and promise to deliver unique strategies to help you reach your goals. We will never lose sight of what is most important…you!
Our Principle
We do not believe in the “set it and forget it” style of financial management that places you into a set portfolio that does not change with market conditions. Traditional financial education teaches that success is attained by allocating assets properly, rebalancing to maintain that allocation, and other than reducing risk as a client ages, never changing that allocation - regardless of market conditions. Our view of that concept is like seeing our clients standing on a railroad track while a speeding train is coming straight for them. The traditional view is that the advisor should come alongside their client, wrap an arm around their shoulders in support and say, “It’s okay, the best thing is to just stand here. Don’t worry, it will only hurt for a little while and you’ll be out of the hospital and fully recovered in 4 to 5 years.” In contrast, we think we should help our clients step off the track and let the train pass by. We believe dynamic, active management is likely to deliver results that are far superior to pure “buy and hold” strategies.
Our Mission
We provide truly unique solutions that are locally managed and help to deliver lower risk in down markets, while still allowing participation in the growth of strong markets. The idea that customized, active management provides the best results has driven our strategies from the beginning and continues to be our focus.
For our firm, Service—Integrity— Wisdom is not just a slogan, but a way of life.
If you have any questions about your current financial situation or wish to schedule an appointment, send us anemail or give us a call at (303) 650-2727.
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful. Investment Advisor Representatives of and securities and investment advisory services offered through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, Member FNRA/SIPC, a Broker/Dealer and a Registered Investment Advisor. FS Advisors Wealth Management and Cetera are not affiliated companies. FS Advisors Wealth Management 8471 Turnpike Drive, Westminster, CO 80031. (303)650-2727