There are many different ways people can help others, which is something Bridget Shoemaker strives to do through her position as Wealth Advisor and Partner at Oak Partners, Inc. She discovered she had a knack for all things customer service through jobs at places like Gloria Jeans and Aflac, and knew that financial services was her niche.
“I always knew I really just wanted to be out there helping people and doing good in the community and good in the world. I wasn't going to go be a medical doctor or nurse or anything, so I really just kind of knew the financial services industry was my way to do that,” Shoemaker said.
Shoemaker initially joined Oak Partners as an intern back in 2001 and came back as an advisor in May 2003 because of how much she enjoyed her internship experience. She had already decided that the financial services industry was the right route for her, and her internship revealed that Oak Partners was exactly the place she wanted to continue her journey on that route.
“I really liked the office environment. I liked the culture of the client experience and customer service,” Shoemaker said. “I interviewed with a few other firms before graduating and decided to come back to Oak Partners. It's been an amazing journey.”
Over the years, Shoemaker has enjoyed watching Oak Partners grow in its success while sticking to its values. Over time, she has also gotten to really know her clients on a personal level. Developing those relationships is a key part of her job and the financial services industry.
“Everyone thinks I’m in sales. But actually, I'm in the business of relationships.” Oak Partners is about so much more than portfolio strategy,” Shoemaker said. “We really get involved in our clients’ lives and they'll call us for advice for just about all of their planning and financial decisions. It's really gratifying to be their trusted advisor.”
The relationships Shoemaker has created with both her clients and the hardworking and fun-loving people she works with on a daily basis are what make Oak Partners great. She describes her co-workers as her work family. “It's really a joy to work here because there are so many positive interactions. The culture here is fantastic; it's very much a service culture,” she said.
When she is not at work, Shoemaker spends her time with family. She has two boys ages nine and 11 who are involved in all the sports they can find. Outside of supporting her sons as they compete, she likes to mountain bike; an activity that some of Shoemaker’s co-workers have taken up as well.
To learn more about the family atmosphere and career opportunities at Oak Partners, visit https://www.oakpartners.com/.
Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC.
