Matthew Patillo ’10 is one of the top wealth advisors in the nation. Courtesy | Edward Jones
Hillsdale graduate Matthew Patillo ’10 is one of the top wealth advisors in the nation under the age of 40 with at least four years of experience, according to a Forbes list released in August.
Forbes worked with SHOOK Research to analyze the work of certified financial planners around the country, compiling data such as scope of service, effectiveness, and client satisfaction reports. Extracurricular factors like community involvement were also considered.
SHOOK Research reached out to Patillo’s office indicating it had identified him as a nominee for the top next-generation wealth advisor list based on his demographic data and public information. After interviewing Patillo, SHOOK Research and Forbes announced he was on the best-in-state list for Michigan as a top wealth advisor.
“I was surprised, honestly, and excited,” Patillo said. “I’m just grateful for the opportunity to serve my clients, grateful for the recognition, and certainly grateful for my alma mater for giving me the tools to succeed.”
Patillo studied financial management at Hillsdale College, where he also played football and was a member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. He said the rigor of Hillsdale and of being a student-athlete helped prepare him for his career.
“I’m just postulating that had it not been for Hillsdale College, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to be in the career path that I’m on,” Patillo said. “When you go to Hillsdale, you get used to performing and executing at such a high level, not only on the field but in the classroom. That becomes who you are, right? Those habits are formed because of the high bar that is set at Hillsdale College.”
When Forbes announced that Patillo’s branch of Edward Jones Investments in Hillsdale was listed as one of the best certified financial planning offices in the state, there were positive reactions throughout the office.
“I knew he was in the running for it, and it just seems like something he would get,” said Ronni Scrivens, the branch office administrator at Patillo’s practice. “I wasn’t surprised. He’s just that hard of a worker.”
Forbes said it believes that recognizing high-quality, impactful advisors in the industry will both reward and inspire excellence.
“Our rankings represent the true role models of the industry,” wrote R.J. Shook, senior contributor to Forbes and President of SHOOK Research. “They set the standards, and because these advisors are dedicated to always keeping their edge, they help raise the bar.”
Patillo said he believes the recognition from Forbes affirms the successful efforts of his team and that it will improve his practice.
“We’ve gotten quite a bit of congratulatory regards from our clients, certainly, and from members of the community,” Patillo said. “This recognition is affirmation of the service we’re providing for our clients, and that we are unique in this area.”
Patillo became associated with Edward Jones as an intern during his third year at Hillsdale. He said he believes Hillsdale opened up the opportunity that led him not only to his current job with Edward Jones, but also gave him job skills he needed for the business world.
“It’s important, you know, the emphasis that Hillsdale College places on self-governance and knowing yourself,” Patillo said. “In the business world, those things are very important. If you don’t have those characteristics, you won’t succeed at Hillsdale. Those lessons I learned from there certainly translated into my professional life, and I think is a big part of this recognition too.”
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