Over a year ago, Complex Manager Jeffrey Reiss decided he wanted to help women in his complex accomplish their goals and grow their business, so he teamed up with a group of individuals in the North Shore Complex to create a council for women. Today, the council is comprised of a strong cohort of women who meet weekly to network, foster teamwork and, in Reiss's words -- "have fun." Additionally, the group executed on monthly events which they develop themselves with complex support. Reiss, a Senior Vice President and Complex Manager, speaks to us about the ways in which the council has empowered women. Reiss was featured in On Wall Street's "Top 10" list for Branch Managers in 2008 and 2011, and was ranked in the publication's "Top 100" list from 2008 to 2011.

How did you get the idea to create a women's council?
My interest had developed over time, but from what I had seen in the community, I felt women were an underserved market, so I felt like there was an opportunity. Fortunately, we had a strong cohort of women in our branch who wanted to take on the challenge.

How did you get started?
I had the right group of people, and we got together and developed a marketing plan. As the Complex Manager, I gave them what they needed to support their strategy, and they molded it themselves with a clear vision. Since 2008, we've recruited at least five women with solid businesses who have really kept momentum going in the council. Today, the women's council is made up of predominantly Financial Advisors, but there are support staff and managers who get involved, as well.

What does the women's council do?
The council surveys clients about topics that they think are important and holds one client event about once a month on a related theme. We held events on self-defense and cancer prevention that were very well-received. The idea to is to empower women through education but to also make it fun. We are going to team with a large business to hold a speed networking event in December with their version of a Women’s Council.

What are the events like?
Very upbeat. It's great to watch the energy in the room. Even though it's an individual business, the women mesh well together, and I think the thing that has helped us is the local focus. It's helped us migrate it where the women want it to go.

Seems like there's a lot of team-building involved, too.
What's great about the women's council is that they mentor and learn from each other. Many of the women have outstanding networks, so a lot of connections are made.

What have female Financial Advisors said about the council?
When I tell established Financial Advisors about it, they're intrigued, regardless of where they're at in their career. For the new, less experienced women, I think the council makes them feel comfortable about coming to a firm and complex where there's infrastructure in place that may help them build their business in an environment they feel comfortable in.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the business?
You have to be creative and have perseverance. Getting people to move their money to you is the ultimate trust. The result of that trust is a strong determinant of success and longevity in the business.

How did you end up being a Branch Manager?
I thought it was the greatest responsibility you could have, but I didn’t see how you could do that job without being a Financial Advisor, so I joined Morgan Stanley's Financial Advisor training program. It was difficult at first. I didn’t come from a family of means and didn’t have a network to call on. I did cold calling, a lot of seminars and networking. Finally, after about five months, I closed three large accounts, and I never looked back. I ultimately became a sales manager in NYC and was promoted to Branch Manager two years later.

What do you like best about your job?
I really enjoy that we help people plan for life changing events. It’s meaningful, and we’re doing something important. Additionally, I enjoy the client interaction, coaching, leading and growth aspect of being a Complex Manager.

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