Young Professional Q&A: David Dick

Meet David Dick, a financial advisor with David Dick Financial whose journey led him from the heart of Tahlequah to the thriving streets of Edmond. A UCO alumnus, David’s decision to establish his financial business in Edmond has been pivotal. In this interview, discover his origins, his affinity for Edmond, and his unwavering dedication to nurturing both clients and friendships.

Q: Do you live in Edmond, work in Edmond, or both? For how long?

A: I currently live outside of Edmond and commute to my office, which is located in downtown Edmond. I would personally love to move back into Edmond someday. 

The other financial advisor who works with me and myself love our location in downtown Edmond, right behind the post office. We have been at our current office since March of 2021, and it has been great!

Q: Where did you grow up and go to school?

A: I grew up in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and after graduation, I attended the University of Central Oklahoma. I moved to Edmond in 2014 to play on the football team, which was one of the greatest decisions I ever made. I gained the absolute best lifelong friends from the football team and a few others from Finance School at UCO. I graduated in spring of 2018 and immediately started studying for my Securities license. 

Q: What did you do prior to starting your company?

A: I actually graduated college in May of 2018, and by August of that same year, I had completed both the series 7 and 66 securities licensing’s. So, this is and will most likely be the only career path that I take.

I did not have anything super impressive before beginning a career. But a few jobs I had throughout my college experience were dock hand, Bank teller, and Ranch hand. Just your typical get-through-college jobs that helped pay the bills

Q: How did you start your business?

A: I started in September 2020, when I broke off to change to a new broker dealer and to operate as David Dick Financial.

But before that, my mother, who still lives in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, is also a financial advisor. She never pushed me into this career. I actually called her my second year of college, a few months after I hung up the football cleats, and told her I wanted to become a financial advisor, but I wanted to start my own career and make a name for myself.

I love my parents and all they have accomplished, but there was something about me moving back home that I felt God was telling me to make this area my home. 

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I think the textbook answer to this would be flexibility, connections, and dealing with the stock market. But my heart has always felt full after making a new friend. That comes with a ton of responsibility because clients end up being great friends or really good connections.

In a way, I feel like it actually adds a little more pressure on myself to make sure whatever it is that I am handling for them is well taken care of, which goes back to the idea that I don’t want anyone to feel as though they are just a number to our book. I want them to leave every conversation feeling like they are our only client/ friend.

The best part is definitely the friendships that are built through David Dick Financial. 

Q: What’s something you’re passionate about in your personal life?

A: If you walked into my office, you would instantly know there are 3 (now 4) things I am passionate (obsessed) with.

First is my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I have a Bible sitting on my desk that is written in Cherokee. My wife (Jacey) and our 3-month-old daughter. Finally, being outdoors, either hunting or fishing, which my wife and I both do together.

It’s a pretty simple life. 

Q: What’s an accomplishment you’re the proudest of?

A: I wish I had a good answer to this question. I feel as though I am still chasing this concept. My instinct is to be the best husband and father I can be to my family. If I am able to raise and guide my family through life to know Jesus Christ, I think that would be my greatest accomplishment.   

Q: What is one of your big goals you’d like to accomplish in the next decade?

A: I loved this question because this is something I wrote down in January this year. Over the next ten years, I personally would like to have a total of five financial advisors and 2-3 account managers for support.

There is a laundry list of reasons as to why, but the main reason I have this goal is for the purpose of helping other young advisors get into this industry where the turnover rate, last I saw, is 82% within two years. I haven’t checked this statistic in a while.

I want to give the same opportunity I had to others who really are passionate about being the best financial advisor they can be while acting in the best interest of their clients. 

Q: What do you like about Edmond?

A: The people! I have met the greatest people here. I call Edmond a big little town. Everyone I meet, I can almost bet we know someone in common.

When I began working here, I had a little fear of if I would fit in. But the community as a whole is very welcoming to me and my wife, and for that, I am forever grateful.   

Q: What is your number one tip for other young professionals, either for work or life in general

A: Whatever you do, do it with a passion. Be true to yourself and don’t sweat the small stuff. Only focus on what you can control, and be happy. Finally, don’t be afraid to take risks. We are young professionals; we actually do have time!