Mark Copeland Nominated for National Practice of the Year Competition

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Contact: Susan Chanley
Phone: (781) 587-0115
E-mail:  sbumsteadchanley@comcast.net

Signature Estate & Investment Advisers of Irvine Named as Finalist in Signator Investors, Inc.’s “Practice of the Year”

Firm Recognized for Excellence in Several Key Areas of Practice Management and Client Service As Reviewed by Independent International Management Consulting Firm

BOSTON, MA, (December 20, 2013) — Mark Copeland, part of Signature Estate & Investment Advisers (SEIA) of Irvine, was named a finalist in Signator Investors, Inc.’s “Practice of the Year” competition, sponsored by National Financial, for the firm’s excellence in several key areas of practice management and client service.

As part of the competition, Signature Estate & Investment Advisers underwent a rigorous assessment conducted by the international management consulting firm Business Health, which reviewed client management, internal planning and structure, external relations, staffing and technology capabilities, and overall practice performance.

“We congratulate Mark and all of our finalists for their outstanding work serving their clients and managing their firms,” said Brian Heapps, CLU, ChFC, president of John Hancock Financial Network (JHFN). “Signator Investors, Inc., powered by John Hancock Financial Network, launched Practice of the Year in 2011 to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of the most well managed practices across our national network.  As an added benefit to our entire network, the finalists and winner also share the best practices that helped them achieve such high standards for their clients.”

“It’s been an honor working and collaborating with Mark over the past 25 years,” said Brian D. Holmes, MS, CFP®, CMFC, AIF®, president and CEO of SEIA. “He has always maintained the highest standards of integrity, expertise and service for clients. Mark’s resilient work ethic and strength of character have inspired every advisor at SEIA.” 

“While a lot of practices profess to be “client centric,” Mark truly has built his business around what is best for his clients,” said Rod Bertino, principal, Business Health. “Mark and his team pride themselves on the relationships and high level of interaction they have with their clients.”

In addition to Signature Estate & Investment Advisers,  finalists rounding out the top five included Daniel Boychuk of Benefit Concepts in Haddonfield, NJ; W. Thomas Spencer, Jr., Spencer Financial in Sudbury, MA; Michael Smith of Lifetime Strategies Group in Dallas, TX and Cory Hoffer of Hermitage Wealth Management  in Henrico, VA.

In order to be considered, Signator’s financial professionals and advisors registered and completed Business Health’s HealthCheck, a web-based business assessment tool that benchmarks a practice in several areas. Among all HealthChecks received, 10 semi-finalists were selected to receive a site visit from Business Health in the fall. Business Health and a panel of Signator and outside experts then narrow the field to one five finalists. The winner will be announced in January 2014.

About Business Health

Business Health is an international consulting firm specializing in the financial services industry. Business Health has developed and marketed a suite of unique and exclusive business diagnostic tools which are supported by a range of specialized consultancy services.

About National Financial

National Financial, a Fidelity Investments company, offers broker-dealer firms a comprehensive clearing platform that includes a dedicated service model, a powerful global trading platform, and a source of leading investment solutions, all designed to help them grow confidently. A leading clearing provider in the U.S. for over 30 years, National Financial leverages the strength, resources, and experience of the Fidelity organization, one of the world’s largest providers of financial services. As of June 30, 2012, National Financial serves nearly 270 broker-dealers representing nearly $410 billion in assets under administration. For more information about National Financial, please visit www.nationalfinancial.com.

About Signator Investors, Inc., powered by John Hancock Financial Network

Founded in 1968, Signator Investors, Inc., powered by John Hancock Financial Network, is an independent broker/dealer-Registered Investment Adviser based in Boston, Mass., that supports a national network of independent firms with more than 1,850 advisors and representatives across the U.S.

Signator partners with financial professionals who have proven experience and share its commitment to putting clients first. The firm’s open product platform includes a comprehensive range of investment, advisory and protection products from leading carriers.  And its first-class support, wealth of local and national resources and flexible business models help entrepreneurially minded financial professionals ensure that their clients are well taken care of.

For more information, please visit www.signatorinvestors.com.

Securities and investment advisory services offered through Signator Investors, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, a registered investment adviser. 197 Clarendon St., Boston, MA 02116.

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