AGE to MLor SSB. Good Move?

[quote=Billy33]

I am 4 years in. Started with AGE right out of college. Moved Cities in middle b/c of family emergency, so had to rebuild some. Been with AGE the whole time.  MY Aum are only 16 million and trailing 12 is 200k.  I am being heavily courted by Merrill (recruiter) and SSB (I called for comparisons sake)  I love AGE.  The only reason I would move is b/c my production should go up which is what Merrill and SSB both say not to mention the nice chunk of change they are both offering.  Merrill offered 140k 100k cash the other 40k in  Merrill stock with a generous back end bonus based on revenue not production.  SSB has not been as specific, but keep calling me for another meeting.  I am a go getter, but I know I would benefit from a cattle prod.  My current manager is great guy, but should have retired 15 years ago. No guidance what so ever.  I'm doing ok on my own, but I want to be a superstar.

Will my production go up ?

Has anyone gone from AGE to Merrill or SSB ?  Good Move ?

Will there be culture shock?

We have a sick 401k plan.  over 5k in company contributions last year.

I know the payout is lower at Merrill and SSB. Will it be worth the move ???

[/quote]

Simply put, NO, AGE is one of the best!

 Go to ML if you want to challenge yourself. Are you inspired by change? For me personally, I thrive being around highly motivated people and tend to get bored and negative around "status quo" types....this sounds like the office atmosphere of your current AGE office.

Also, at ML you will have both sides of the balance sheet to work, (lending capabilities) this could open up a whole new avenue of business with existing clients and prospects.

Me personally, not that enthusiastic about SSB, not enough of a difference to change.

Also consider your family life, if you have one. At AGE you can make a nice living and coach your kids sports teams 2 or 3 times a week. Fewer people at ML take that kind of time.

I am sure my very opinionated perspective should spur some good debate.

Good Luck to you,.....remember you determine how successful you will be, not the firm. When you are 90 years old, what will be important to you? I find answering this question helps me make decisions.

P.S. I don’t like smith barney, more of a personaly bias. Just don’t like the people there. Yuk!

Billy, what did you decide on?

Those are three of the stongest firms right now. I am at (ML). I almost went with SB when I moved from EDJ. The problem for me with SB, They are always changing there name and identity, and not in a progressive or evolutionary manner.

Another thing that makes a huge difference, and is often overlooked is, Different office locations can offer a vastly different work atmosphere and experience. My Merrill office is an outstanding place to be . We have 60 advisors, alot of 20 year plus people, Really a good group, It's a beautiful facility, a Fair and motivated director,great market share, You really feel proud to be part of Merrill where I am. Now, I don't doubt that 500 miles from here there is a Merrill office that may be a miserable place to be. Bad local reputation, lesser quality group...whatever. In fact, there is a city 2 hours from here where Smith Barney is THE Firm to work for, and The Merrill office is just ok, so if you live there, SB would be a better choice.  I would base my choice on which firm LOCALLY has the better image, and reputation for quality, and try and get some info on the culture and bios of the Office specifically in your town.

thanks for the insight. I am still with AGE. I am still on the fence, but I am

going to stay where I am for now. You are absolutely right about each

branch being different. I love AGE the company and the way we are treated.

My branch is just full of guys happy to make 80k a year. I am already

number 4 in the office. I want to be pushed. So anyway not an easy

decision.

If I went anywhere it would be ML. What is up with the 90% 10% payout. The

10% goes to a seperate pool ? Handcuff ? How long ? Why ?