Higgins & Schmidt Announces Molly Cooper’s New Role as Financial Advisor
Experience, Growth, & Integrity
By Steven Higgins
Allie and I could not be prouder to formally announce Molly Cooper’s transition to her new role as Financial Advisor, serving clients for Higgins & Schmidt Wealth Strategies. This promotion from within is evidence of Molly’s long standing commitment to our clients and a testament to the trust we have in her. Molly was first licensed as a financial advisor 12 years ago and has served our clients in her role as operations and compliance manager. Molly’s operational knowledge and in-depth understanding of industry function will continue to be a valuable resource for clients. For the last year, Molly has been in the process of transitioning to her new role as a client facing advisor part of that process has been taking participating in advanced training.
Molly will be joining Allie and me as part of our team approach. Allie and I are committed to the values that a team culture brings to the process of wealth management and financial advising. The diversity of ideas and experiences within a multi-advisor relationship leads to better understandings and delivery of the experience that our clients deserve and expect. We are so happy to welcome Molly to our advisor team.
With over a decade of commitment to our clients and firm, she is by no means new, but we want to take this opportunity to re-introduce you to Molly. I recently spent some time with Molly to talk about her experience in our industry and her outlook for her new role as Financial Advisor.
Q. What inspired you to transition from compliance and operations to becoming a financial advisor?
A. There was so much to enjoy about the compliance & operations role. I was able to develop and implement the processes that allow our firm to run smoothly, expand our team, and elevate our service to our existing clients while onboarding new ones. However, I was ready for a new challenge. The genuine enjoyment I have from working with our clients made me want to dive deeper into those relationships because I know I have more to offer. I’d also like to thank Allie & Steve for their friendship, mentorship, and faith in me over the last eleven years. Their steady guidance, encouragement, and the integrity that they lead our firm with empowers those around them to become the best versions of themselves. I believe this is a special place to work, and one where we can all reach new heights together.
Q. What excites you most about working directly with clients in your new role?
A. The question that so many folks ask is, “Am I going to be okay?” The psychological role that money plays in our lives often goes unmentioned. Money represents so much more than a line item on a balance sheet. It is your time, your security, your legacy, and your freedom. We get to dive deeply into our clients’ values, goals, and perspectives, and find ways to deploy this resource in a way that serves them and their families well. A solved problem is an underrated joy in life, and we get to solve problems both big and small every day.
Q. What do you think is the most important quality a financial advisor should have, and how do you embody that quality?
A. Integrity – to be uncompromising in your values and honest about yourself, both personally and professionally. I strive to show up to work, family, friends, and community as my authentic self – open, genuine, curious, and with a mindset of service.
Q. What’s one piece of advice you’ve found particularly meaningful in your career, and how has it shaped your approach to financial planning?
A. There’s nothing wrong with saying “What a great question – let me find out!” Curiosity and a willingness to learn are essential to growth. There’s always a better way to do something or a perspective you haven’t thought of. I really enjoy the collaboration of our team approach to financial planning.
And if I can add a second one: “The best way to build trust is to do what you say you’re going to do.”
Q. Outside of work, what are some of your hobbies or interests that help you stay balanced and energized?
A. My family cabin on a lake in northern Minnesota is my favorite place in the world to decompress and center myself. I love to read and put down at least a book a week. I also enjoy yoga, live music, long walks with my golden retriever, hosting big dinners for my daughter & friends, skiing, and cheering on my long-suffering Minnesota sports teams. I hope to see a Super Bowl or Stanley Cup in my lifetime and be able to say “I was here the whole time!”
Please join Allie and me as we congratulate Molly on this exciting opportunity for her, our firm, and most importantly, our clients. Allie and I are dedicated to providing an elevated experience for our clients and delivering on the promise of being stewards of our client’s goals, resources, and legacy. We always keep our clients at the type of our mind and this investment is another way we are working to build the best experience for those we serve.
