PLANADVISER: How did you end up in the retirement advisory industry?
Salmon: I started my career more than 40 years ago at a national brokerage firm called Shearson Lehman Brothers. Over several years, I had the opportunity to learn a number of administrative roles within the organization and eventually achieved the position of branch operations manager. In 1987, after the merger of Shearson Lehman Brothers and EF Hutton, I was given the opportunity to start working with an adviser named Michael J. Francis. Mike was a private wealth adviser, but shortly after starting to work with him, a client asked him to set up a 401(k) plan for his employees. Mike agreed and, in the process, discovered his true passion was helping employers support their employees through well-managed retirement benefits. From that point forward, I provided administrative and operational support for what became one of the largest 401(k) consulting teams within the firm. In 2004, Mike Francis left the large national brokerage firm, started Francis LLC and named me its director of operations.
PLANADVISER: What leadership skills are most important in operations today?
Salmon: As director of operations, I oversee many areas, which include human resources, employee benefits, payroll, office operations, building operations and coordination with our other offices around the country.
The skills and attributes I believe are necessary for success in my position are kindness, confidentiality, attention to detail, good listening skills, willingness to try new ideas and technologies, and being able understand where all team members are coming from.
PLANADVISER: What motivates you and keeps you engaged in the retirement plan advisory industry?
Salmon: It is motivating to work with a group of talented and energetic professionals who are passionate about the firm’s mission: to provide conflict-free retirement plan services to all the plan sponsors and participants we are fortunate to have the opportunity to serve.