500 @ 50

As we embark on our 40th year, Duncan-Williams’ eyes are focused on the future. Two years ago, we launched our 500 @ 50 Initiative with a goal of transforming the firm into a national leader in the financial services industry with $500 million in revenue. With the current state of the industry, we believe there are three major factors working in our favor.

First, the current regulatory environment is making it more difficult for small to midsize firms to be profitable. With shrinking margins and more transparency, it is becoming more difficult for these firms to maintain the required capital and profitability. With that in mind, over the next ten years, we will target some 75 firms that need a relationship that allows them to keep control but manage their risk exposure. Those relationships will help us expand our national footprint.

Second, recent industry trends toward mergers and acquisitions have led to a less-than-secure work environment for workers. As a private, family- and employee-owned firm, we strongly believe we have the opportunity and obligation to help our employees at every level grow and excel. With that in mind, we are searching out and recruiting top-level talent and firms that have a mutual belief that a family atmosphere can and will work for a firm operating on the national stage.

And finally, we believe that placing the priority on customers’ needs is vital. Recently, many of the major financial services firms have not only missed profitability, but they have reported record losses stemming from bad strategies, costing their investors millions. As a private company, we are not under the same short-term pressures as our publicly traded competitors, allowing us to make smarter decisions that will benefit the firm and our clients both now and in the future.

Duncan-Williams, Inc.’s benchmarks for success remain unchanged: Creation of market value, financial stability, improved strategic position, organizational strength, adherence to the letter and spirit of ethical norms and laws, as well as an enhanced national brand.