2016 Trusted Advisers Wealth Manager: Paul Carroll

Paul Carroll is guided by three words when advising clients: purpose, stewardship and freedom. He helps his clients answer one fundamental question: What is the money for?

“Helping clients clearly understand and answer this fundamental question gives us a guiding principle in everything we do,” says Carroll, chief investment officer at Pinnacle Family Advisors LLC. “Stewardship is simply identifying the most advantageous ways to fulfill the answer to the first question. Trusts, investment policies and estate strategies should only be implemented in the fulfillment of stewardship and purpose.

“Once purpose and stewardship are a reality for a client, then the result is freedom.”

The Ozarks native spent seven years as a missionary serving in the Philippines and Dallas before beginning his career in the financial services industry in Ohio. Carroll moved back to Springfield in 2005, bringing with him several Ohio-based clients with whom he still works. He spent three years with Raymond James Financial Services before moving to Pinnacle Family Advisors.

At Pinnacle, Carroll manages the investment portfolios for the clients of the firm’s investment adviser representatives, and he handles the investment strategies and trading for two Pinnacle mutual funds.

“Understanding the best way to achieve the client’s purpose is invaluable,” Carroll says. “Peace of mind for a client comes from knowing what they want or need to accomplish and knowing they have the pieces in place.”

That’s where his three key words come into play.

“I believe the greatest impact I have for my clients is making this three-step process a reality,” Carroll says. “Certain client situations will always be more complex than others, but they each deserve purpose, stewardship and freedom.”

He advises individuals whose main concern is retirement planning, businesses seeking to establish retirement plans and small-business owners searching for the best structure and funding for a generational succession plan. Carroll is a professional plan consultant, a designation given by Fi360, an independent company in the retirement plan arena.

Joe Reynolds is one of Carroll’s clients.

“For the past 10 years, I’ve hired Paul to oversee my personal finances and advise financially for two companies,” says Reynolds, president of Springfield-based Central States Industrial. “His technical abilities are proven. With his solid, well-thought-out investment strategies, I’ve referred his service to many.”

Reynolds has also known Carroll for more than 30 years, dating back to high school.

“Over the years I have watched Paul grow not only personally but also professionally. From serving people in the Philippines years ago to financially advising clients today, he brings an innovative yet practical approach to helping people reach their goals.

“Paul is someone who is honest in his intent and has acted with the highest degree of integrity during his professional career.”

In the community, Carroll is a board trustee for the Springfield Police Officers’ and Firefighters’ Retirement System and serves as chairman of the audit committee.