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20 Business Profiles 2014 Worcester Business Journal www.wbjournal.com t wenty-two years ago, a passionate and enthusiastic 25-year old Christopher Provo launched a financial investment business from his home with a sole client. Fast for- ward two-plus decades and Provo Financial Services, Inc., located at the office building he owns in Shrewsbury, is now a thriving multi-million dollar firm with a dedicated, experienced wealth manage- ment team of financial specialists experienced in invest- ment research, a solid client base, and a well-deserved reputation for excellence. Chris cut his teeth by learning all he could about the financial industry and how to better help clients. Initially, he attempted to handle all areas of financial planning, but realized clients would end up with a financial plan filled with gaps. To serve high net worth clients, Chris decided to focus on specialized services, providing purposeful, sensible recommendations in managing a variety of investments. Realizing that clients hire their financial advisors based on faith, Chris built Provo Financial on a foundation of trust, using a disciplined, hands-on, transparent approach that create and fosters strong relationships with every cli- ent. Open communications is a hallmark of the firm; every phone call and email is answered when received or very soon after. The specialists at Provo Financial meet regularly with clients, conducting quarterly or semi- annual reviews, taking into account changes in their financial situation, age and other risk factors. Five employees and a team of financial representatives with in-depth understanding of the markets, cut through the overwhelming, and sometimes contradictory, infor- mation that bombards the public from various media sources. The advisors work hard to make the complex more clear, yet sophisticated, and help clients answer the question: "What's best for my family?" One hundred percent accountable, Provo Financial staff employ innovative, flexible, strategies that adapt to the changing economic landscape. The firm guides clients – regardless of stage of life -- through the maze of options and helps them make decisions that can help optimize their investments. Additionally, the firm offers compre- hensive financial advice and innovative investment strate- gies from a reputable, seasoned wealth management team skilled in investment research. . "We aim to create finan- cial stability and financial confidence for all of our cli- ents," Chris says. "Our goal is to lower risk and guard against steep losses." While the firm cannot guarantee returns, as investing involves risk, it can – and does – offer exceptional service, working closely with clients to help them make prudent decisions. The firm utilizes a wise investment strategy that can include managing money in private equity, private debt, hard assets, currencies, and foreign investments, along with stocks, bonds, real estate and other resources Provo Financial further builds and nurtures relation- ships with every client by taking the time to know and appreciate their unique personal goals, family dynamics, lifestyle, outlook, vision and objectives. "We attempt to understand what is important to them and remain highly responsive to clients' needs," Chris says. "We form part- nerships with our clients to help them pursue their dreams." For instance, the five years before and after retirement often spark an emotional roller coaster ride; Chris can guide the client through the uncertainty and shift in mindset that this critical time of life demands, offering solid advice for sensible spending versus saving. Additionally, many of Provo Financial's clients are widows who have never dealt with money matters. Not only does Chris provide help with finances, but he also forges a per- sonal bond, serving as an objective sounding board and counselor, offering assistance, direction and support. "We become involved in our clients' lives and try to help them manage changing lifestyles," Chris notes. Clients typically come to Provo Financial when they question their relationship with their current financial advisor or experience a life-changing event and need informed opinions and objective advice. Once clients engage Provo Financial, the firm works tirelessly for the client and strives to maintain an excellent track record of retaining clients. In 1992, as a one-man shop, Chris established Provo Financial based on this mission statement –fewer clients, better service – and has never wavered from that philoso- phy. Today, after a 22-year journey, Provo Financial adheres to the same principles it embraced in those early days – to make every client feel as if they are the only client. n Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. Provo Financial Services, Inc. s h r e w s b u r y , m a B E S T O F B U SI N E S S Awards B E S T O F B U S I N E S S 2014 W o r c e s t e r B u sin ess J o u r n a l Provo Financial services, Inc. Address: 385 South Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 Phone: 508-842-0539 Fax: 508-842-0571 Website: www.provofinancial.com Product or Service: Investment Advisor Number of Employees: 5 Number of Financial Reps: 4 Head of Company: Christopher P. Provo, RFC, CRPC, President/CEO Year Founded: 1992 Provo Financial Services, Inc. voted best Financial Planning / Investment Services Firm in Central Massachusetts based on e Worcester Business Journal online polling.