Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1474490
53 B U S I N E S S P RO F I L E S business succession options; insuring against the risk of death, disability and long-term care events; evaluating annuity solutions; implementing executive benefits such as Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation programs; and arranging life settlement structures for those with insurance they no longer need. Our retirement plan services have never been more robust. In addition to acting as fiduciary advisors to nearly 200 401(k) and 403(b) plans with $4 billion in assets, we provide each client a dedicated relationship manager to support human resources, student loan debt assistance programs to aid recruiting/retention goals, a monthly Financial Wellness webinar on topics beyond retirement, integrated ESOP education, personal investment advice to participants and a proprietary ESG investment survey and screening process. Our four decades of insurance expertise means we're also ready and excited to vet the wave of "in-plan" guaranteed income solutions that are coming to the marketplace. And for those with assets outside a 401(k) or 403(b), our advisory team has a suite of investment management solutions, including risk managed options like buffered ETFs and services such as coordinating with client's tax advisor(s) at year end and partnering with their legal counsel in estate planning conversations. e firm's first round of succession planning is nearly com- plete. Laurie was named a partner in 2009 and Jennifer became a majority owner in 2019. In 2021, Matt Arey, J.D. was named partner. Mike still has an equity stake and there is a plan in place to transition those remaining shares internally within the next year. He anticipates moving away from the "day to day" at the end of 2022. Phil is no longer a shareholder, however, he is still actively advising clients and enjoying the more relaxing role as a founder, employee and mentor. It's incredibly gratifying to keep ownership local and pass the baton to seasoned employees who understand and value our culture. As part of the succession plan, a number of organizational enhancements were made in recent years. ese include a rebrand from "Lebel & Harriman" to "Lebel & Harriman Retirement Advisors;" hiring a marketing specialist; refreshing our website and logo; and the appointment of Emily Day, RICP, as Director of Operations, Matt Arey, J.D., as Director of Fiduciary Services and Nate Moody, CPFA, as Director of Business Development and Marketing. We've also opted to move away from the traditional compensation model which incentivizes advisors to compete rather than collaborate. In addition to competitive salaries, employ- ees are eligible for quarterly bonuses based on both individual accomplishments and firm-wide goals. ese innovations were approached with the same thoughtfulness you would apply to renovating a beautiful historic house in the best neighborhood to include the latest amenities. Tremendous teamwork We're now a team of 20 and the energy in our office is palpable. We have all the right people in the right seats. Everyone is hard- working, reliable, brilliant, friendly and fun. We win as a team, and we occasionally lose as a team. But every one of us shares the same values and a commitment to making it easy to do business with us. We're fortunate to represent the brand Phil and Mike built and fully intend to scale it. e firm is certainly off on the right foot. is year, Lebel & Harriman's Retirement Plans Team swept the awards given annually by the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA). Collectively, they were nationally recognized as a Top Defined Contribution Advisory Team and individually, Jennifer Breton was recognized as a Top Woman Advisor and Nate Moody as a Top Advisor under 40. Even more, their work in student loan debt and assistance, led by Matt Arey, was featured by the American Retirement Association and a featured panel discussion at the NAPA 401(k) Summit. Rather than reacting to industry changes, we're actively involved in improving it. We participate in the Maine Estate Planning Council, the Maine Employee Benefits Council and the Retirement Advisor Council. Phil, Matt and Jennifer helped draft LD-193 legislation to increase creditor protection of IRA assets. We're staunch supporters of our human resources partners and ESOP clients. We give back to our community through volunteering, board service and charitable donations (such as the "40 Forward" campaign which donated $40,000 to local charities). So, how will Lebel & Harriman Retirement Advisors mea- sure success in the future? e same way our founders did: by the number of lives we positively impact and the lasting relationships we build – both in and outside the walls of this firm. l Lebel & Harriman Retirement Advisors 366 U.S. Route 1 Suite 1, Falmouth, ME 04105 Sector: Finance Jennifer Breton, AIF®, CPFA®: Retirement Advisor, CEO Founded: 1978 Number of Maine employees: 20 www.lebelharriman.com S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T B U S I N E S S P R O F I L E P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F L E B E L & H A R R I M A N P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F L E B E L & H A R R I M A N Below from left to right, the women of Lebel & Harriman Retirement Advisors: Front row – Rebecca Burchill, Laurie Reed, Jennifer Breton, Michelle Romano. Back row – Amara Young, Linda MacMillan, Vickie Bell, Grace Bennett, Emily Helliesen Day, Bernadette Pesce. Left: Retirement Advisors Matthew Arey, JD (left) and Nate Moody, CPRA® (right). S E C U R I T I E S O F F E R E D T H R O U G H VA L M A R K S E C U R I T I E S , I N C . M E M B E R F I N R A , S I P C . I N V E S T M E N T A D V I S O R Y S E R V I C E S O F F E R E D T H R O U G H VA L M A R K A D V I S E R S , I N C . A S E C R E G I S T E R E D I N V E S T M E N T A D V I S O R . L E B E L & H A R R I M A N , L L P A N D L E B E L & H A R R I M A N R E T I R E M E N T A D V I S O R S A R E S E PA R AT E E N T I T I E S F R O M VA L M A R K S E C U R I T I E S , I N C . A N D VA L M A R K A D V I S E R S , I N C .