The Future is Bright for Partnerships For Doug Seelicke at Stephens Inc., trust and stellar service strengthen advisor-client relationships.
When it comes to philanthropy, professional advisors play a vital role in connecting clients’ financial goals with their desire to make a difference. For Doug Seelicke, an investment advisor at Stephens Inc. and a former attorney, that balance is at the heart of his work.
“My role is to help clients preserve and grow assets for their families and future generations and satisfy their desire to give back,” he said. “Philanthropy isn’t an either-or. It can do both.”
Seelicke regularly refers clients to the Community Foundation, where donor advised funds and other giving vehicles provide a seamless way to integrate charitable giving into financial planning. What gives him confidence in making those referrals is simple: trust.
“I can’t introduce my clients to a service provider unless I can rely on their level of service,” Seelicke said. “With Arkansas Community Foundation, that trust is always there. They provide stellar service, both to me as the advisor and directly to my clients. Their professionalism and responsiveness go a long way.”
It isn’t just about managing paperwork. It’s about a meaningful partnership and building relationships. “The Foundation simplifies the administrative and compliance aspects of philanthropy,” he said. “That allows me to focus on growing my clients’ wealth while still helping them realize their charitable goals. They are a great partner for advisors.”
One client experience stands out. Late in the calendar year, a family experienced a significant liquidity event and needed to establish a donor advised fund quickly to benefit from tax planning.
“Time was of the essence,” Seelicke recalled. “The staff at the Foundation took an all-hands-on-deck approach. Everything was completed in just a matter of days. My client and I were deeply appreciative, not only of the speed and efficiency, but also of the local knowledge the Foundation staff provided. And they were able to connect that family with other like-minded philanthropists and causes in their community, which really made an impression.”
For Seelicke, experiences like this confirm that working through the Community Foundation is a value-add. I view it as managing the money on behalf of my clients through Arkansas Community Foundation, for the benefit of my clients and their communities. It’s not a loss at all. In fact, I’d say it helps me build stronger relationships with my clients.”
That belief ties directly to Stephens Inc.’s broader commitment to Arkansas. As a family-owned firm with deep roots in the state, Stephens has long viewed giving back as part of its responsibility.
“Even though I wasn’t born here, I’ve lived here more than 16 years and raised my family here,” Seelicke said. “There’s a real sense of obligation to help those who need it and make our communities stronger. That mentality flows through the firm, from the top down.” For Seelicke personally, the most rewarding aspect of this work is watching clients experience the deeper meaning of their generosity.
“It’s fulfilling to see them realize that their wealth management is about more than just growing dollars,” he said. “They learn that they can do more and actually touch lives within their own communities. That, to me, is what makes the most impact.”