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BLUECHIPPRACTICE MANAGEMENT | OperationsForged by fire: where futurestake flightGareth Collier, CFP®, one of the 2024 FinancialPlanner of the Year Award runners-up, recentlyopened his own financial planning practice,Firecrest Modern Capital. Blue Chip spoke toCollier about the intricacies of this inception.Congratulations, Gareth, on founding Firecrest ModernCapital. Please encapsulate the establishment intothree sentences.Firecrest was born from a desire to offer deeply personalisedfinancial planning for entrepreneurs and families navigating thecomplexities of substantial wealth. Recognising the need for atransformative approach, we envisioned a practice where expertguidance and tailored strategies empower clients to achievetheir unique aspirations. This vision has forged a dedication tosecuring long-term prosperity and peace of mind for discerningindividuals and their families.What was the most challenging aspect of starting yourown practice?It was initially balancing the demands of building a businessinfrastructure while focusing on delivering exceptional clientservice. Establishing the necessary operational frameworks,from technology to compliance, required significant time andeffort, all while ensuring the high standards of personalisedattention our clients expect. It has, and continues to be, adelicate act of creation on multiple fronts.What is key in the development of your business?The development hinges on two key cornerstones: nurturingstrong relationships with all stakeholders and actively engagingwith the broader financial planning profession community.Building genuine trust and fostering enduring connections withour clients remains paramount.Equally vital is cultivating collaborative relationshipswith complementary businesses, forming a network whereeach party, being the best in their field, brings their specificexpertise to benefit our respective clients. We believe that thisinterconnected approach will foster a high standard of serviceand contribute significantly to Firecrest’s growth.How will you develop your financial planning team?Team development will be deeply rooted in the principle thatevery individual within our ecosystem matters. Growth will beFIRECREST FOUNDERGareth Collier, CFP®, has been a practising financial plannersince 2012. He is a director and founder at Firecrest Groupand is driven to provide the highest level of advice andservice to his clients. Collier holds a BComm FinancialManagement degree (UNISA, 2009); postgraduate diplomain Financial Planning (UFS, 2016); CFP® designation (2018)and a postgraduate diploma in Investment Management(UFS, 2021) where he excelled as the top overall student. Hewas recognised as one of the top three financial plannersof 2024 by the FPI.intentionally organic, attracting individuals who resonate withour mission and purpose.Our aim is to cultivate a partnership-driven environmentwhere our team feels a profound sense of belonging andempowerment to contribute their unique talents. Each membershould thrive, knowing their perspectives and wellbeing areparamount, fostering a shared commitment to excellence in allaspects of our practice.56 www.bluechipdigital.co.za

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT | OperationsBLUECHIPWhat will set Firecrest apart?We plan to strategically leverage technology to streamlineprocesses that maximise the time available for meaningfulconversations with our stakeholders. Our exceptional valuewill be further amplified by our growing network of best-ofbreedcomplementary businesses. This collaborative ecosystemallows us to offer insightful guidance in both local and offshorefinancial planning strategies.The core of our client engagements is our “head, heart andhands” philosophy: applying sharp intellect and expertise,coupled with genuine empathy and a focus on actionablesolutions to empower our clients.What is Firecrest’s business strategy and philosophy?Our strategy is built on a long-term vision that extendsbeyond our individual involvement, creating a sustainableentity for all stakeholders. We are committed to fosteringtrusting relationships with everyone connected to Firecrest –our team, clients and network of supporting businesses. Werecognise that mutual respect and shared values are essentialfor enduring success. Our philosophy centres on continuousgrowth and adaptation, striving to build a practice that createsa legacy of excellence and integrity that will benefit thoseinvolved with Firecrest long into the future, ensuring its supportfor generations to come.Which services do you offer?Our services are centred on providing intuitively craftedfinancial solutions, encompassing the overarching aspectsof financial planning, investment management, retirementand estate planning and risk management. This includesguidance on the complexities of significant wealth, providingtailored advice on effective tax planning. Recognising theinterconnectedness of personal and business finances, weassist business owners with implementing comprehensiveemployee benefit solutions.We also offer expertise in global wealth management,philanthropic advisory and comprehensive family officeservices, including wealth structuring and multi-generationalplanning. As a meritocratic practice, our advice is alwaysobjective and driven by rigorous analysis, so that clientscan access opportunities based on their inherent value andsuitability. While our planning process is comprehensive, it is byno means prescriptive; we believe the most impactful planningarises when solutions and decisions are co-created with ourclients. Our overarching goal is to provide clarity and confidencein navigating the complexities of their financial lives.What advice do you have for those setting up a newfinancial business?While the foundational elements of business – compliance,licensing and operational processes – are essential, don’t letthem overshadow the core purpose: enjoying being of serviceto your clients. It’s easy to lose sight of the fulfilling work ofclient engagement. Launching a practice, while exciting, isalso isolating. Build a strong network to share the journeyand navigate the inevitable challenges. Self-doubt will likelysurface. Seek out mentors who offer guidance and help youregain your footing. Don’t hesitate to ask for help; it’s a signof strength.Cultivate a clear vision for the practice you want to create.Remember that creating something and sharing it with theworld is the most personal form of risk. It’s emotional, tied toidentity and calls for judgement. That risk may be essential tothe process of making something truly meaningful. Stay trueto your authentic self – that unique quality is why clients andstakeholders will connect with you in the first place. Embraceyour individuality; no-one can be a better “you” than you. FORTIFYING THE FOUNDATIONRudolph Geldenhuys, CFP®, winner of the 2024 FPI FinancialPlanner of the Year Award, has joined Firecrest Modern Capital asCollier’s business partner. The partnership of these two once rivalswho competed in the 2024 FPI Awards is a powerful step forward.“We are dedicated to building authentic and enduringrelationships based on trust and discretion, and I am excited to seehow our combined expertise will help our clients achieve longtermprosperity and peace of mind,” says Collier.Here’s to a bright future for Firecrest, Where Wealth Takes Flight.Rudolph Geldenhuys,CFP®, 2024 FPI FinancialPlanner of the Year.www.bluechipdigital.co.za57