Taylor Wedmore

PLANADVISER: What motivates you to stay in the retirement/advisory industry?

Wedmore: Every day, I am motivated by the real complexity of the retirement industry. There is always something new to learn and a challenge waiting to be solved. Whether that is developing and managing complex internal processes, learning new regulatory requirements or supporting our ever-growing team, no two days are the same. The technical side of the industry keeps me engaged, as there will always be more to master, and expanding my knowledge means I can continue to support my team and our clients more effectively. What keeps me invested long-term is knowing that the work I am doing behind the scenes has a real impact. Every process I help build, every detail I catch and every client I help onboard contributes to someone’s ability to retire with confidence. The combination of constant learning, ownership and sense of purpose makes my work so rewarding and motivates me to stay in the retirement industry.

PLANADVISER: Where do you see the greatest opportunity to improve advisory services and business practices, and how are you acting on it?

Wedmore: I believe there is always an opportunity for improvement in communication, both internally as a business practice and externally with our clients. Communication is the foundation of every relationship we build and maintain, and if we are not communicating effectively, whether passing along details among team members or keeping clients informed, then we are not delivering the highest level of service possible. In my role, I rely on accurate, complete information to prepare materials for prospective clients, move onboardings forward and document changes to the plans we service. Any breakdown in that communication not only slows down our internal work, but it can also directly impact the client’s experience. To act on this, I have pushed for more standardized ways of capturing and sharing information, including templates and tools that reduce the risk of details getting lost along the way. Like any process improvement, full adoption takes time, but when these tools are used, the difference is clear. Internal handoffs run smoothly, nothing gets missed and clients experience the seamless, well-informed service they deserve.

PLANADVISER: What outside interests or experiences have influenced how you approach your career?

Wedmore: I never expected to find myself in the retirement industry, as my background is in elementary and special education. I spent a few years as a special education teacher prior to making the transition into the financial industry, and the experience I gathered in those years has shaped how I approach my career in the retirement industry. Just as every student I taught had an individualized plan built around their specific needs, every client and every retirement plan come with their own nuances. I have learned to look for what a situation specifically requires, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all solution. Teaching also taught me patience with complex systems, ever-changing laws and regulations, and a habit of paying attention to the smallest details. My path into this career field was not traditional, but the instincts I built as a teacher, such as individualized problem-solving, attention to detail and genuine care for the outcomes, are exactly what I rely on every day.