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PLANADVISER: How did you end up in the retirement advisory industry?
Heger: I was introduced to the retirement advisory industry through my father, Steve Heger. In 1999, Steve and his partner started a financial services company, and around 2014, they opened a retirement services division which operated as retirement plan specialists. My father hired Ed Gimenez, who grew the practice significantly. Around 2019, Ed and his colleagues approached me about joining the team.
During this time, I had witnessed the sad consequences of someone not saving for retirement, and I felt that this opportunity was a sign. It became clear to me that I could truly make a difference in people’s lives. As a second-generation adviser, my goal is to carry on traditional retirement saving strategies while utilizing modernized tools and resources. I aim to provide my clients with multiple resources to help educate and inspire them to save. Having seen the importance of proper retirement planning, I am dedicated to helping people achieve a secure and comfortable future.
PLANADVISER: What steps do you think will help improve the retirement industry and participant outcomes in the future (particularly ways in which your firm can help with that progress)?
Heger: I believe tremendous steps can be taken to effectively communicate with younger workforces. The younger generations show resistance to contributing to retirement plans, and traditional methods of engagement may not appeal to them.
Engaging the younger generations with young advisers has led to impactful retirement plan choices. In the environment we create, participants feel like they are discussing finances with a peer. The peer-to-peer relatability encourages participants to communicate freely. Ultimately, this lead to stronger relationships, meaningful conversations and impactful change.
Additionally, it’s important to raise a new generation of advisers. An article Published by NAPA in 2022, titled, “Nearly 4 in 10 Advisors to Retire in 10 Years, Yet Many Lack Succession Plan” highlighted the increasing need for new talent in the industry. Without the talent, it will be difficult to foster relationships with the younger workforces. I am dedicated to promoting this career path and encouraging others to join the profession. My team and I actively network with young professionals in our industry, offering guidance and support whenever possible.
PLANADVISER: What are you most passionate about outside of the office?
Hegar: Outside of the office, I am most passionate about wakeboarding. Wakeboarding, a watersport done behind a boat, is something most people are unfamiliar with. It involves being pulled behind a boat on a “wakeboard” at around 20 miles per hour. The rider uses the boat’s wake to perform tricks like flips and spins.
Wakeboarding has taught me invaluable life lessons growing up. Attempting new tricks is not only physically demanding when you fall, but also mentally challenging as you commit to throwing yourself into unknown movements or positions. Over the years, this sport has shown me firsthand that dedication and hard work will help me achieve success. It’s very unlikely to land a new trick on the first try (at least for me); some tricks have taken me 100 attempts.
My most memorable wakeboarding experiences include learning a new trick that I have dreamt about my whole childhood. Other experiences are showing people the sport for the first time and witnessing their raw reactions. It feels amazing to represent such a small sport in a way that impresses others who have never seen wakeboarding. If you ever visit Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, please reach out, and I can teach you how to focus on your future or how to wakeboard.