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Alex McKenzie, Stockbroker
Job: Stockbroker, Atlanta
What I do: Competition and performance are what Alex McKenzie, 32, looks for in himself and for his clients. The registered representative owns International Financial Solutions, a brokerage dealer firm that clears its trades through Delta Equity Services Corp.
"It's a performance-based business," McKenzie said of his company, which manages money for small business owners and wealthy individuals.
A flat-panel television tuned to CNBC sits across from his desk, which has two computers on it. He constantly monitors the stock and bond markets, currency
prices, commodities and the news to find the best products for his clients. And that's just in the office. He says he does the same thing at home. After all, his clients and the markets are in time zones around the world.
He recommends investments based on his clients' situations and goals -- individual stocks, mutual funds, bonds or just about anything else that's traded. He also sets up 401(k) plans for individuals or businesses.
For his individual clients, typically worth more than $1 million, McKenzie often recommends growth-oriented companies. "They like more individual stocks and have a taste for high-growth mutual funds." For small businesses, he helps the owners clarify their long- and short-term goals and the companies' needs. A small business owner often is looking for a place to keep the company's cash with a competitive return consistent with risk.
McKenzie says the level of service he offers his clients and independent product research -- "not just what's on our shelves" -- distinguishes him from the big brokerage houses.
"It's different for every individual and time horizon," he said.
What got me interested in this: "I was excited about this as a kid -- the numbers, the energy," he said. "I was always interested in the energy the business gave off."
He also acknowledged that he is competitive -- "in everything." He started working at age 14 and always had a job through high school.
Best part of my job: "Seeing hard work pay off," he said. And it's not just a monetary payoff. "I love opening accounts, explaining products to people, teaching people and seeing them perform." That includes the four other people in his office.
Most challenging part: "Taking the emotions out of business," McKenzie said. "The market can be very erratic at times. I have to keep people focused on their long-term goals."
What people don't know about my job: "You have to be a businessman, not just a stockbroker," he said. Before he can sell products -- he is paid on fees and commissions from sales -- McKenzie has to manage his business, deal with marketing and get clients. That involves networking and contacting people by phone.
What keeps me going: "Enjoyment of the business," he said. "I have a commitment to my clients. I'm always working, even if I'm not in the office -- conference calls, reading, staying on top of the economy."
Preparation needed for this job: "You really have to be focused, very positive-minded," he said, because you have to deal with negativity from the news, the markets and the clients.
McKenzie explained that stockbrokers must pass exams given by the National Association of Securities Dealers in order to get the various licenses they need to sell securities. The licenses are held by brokerage firms.
In addition, he must register as a representative in each state where he does business. For him, that's six states.
College degrees in marketing or finance are helpful but not necessary, he said. He attended Manhattan Community College in New York City and moved to Atlanta in October -- "chasing the sun," he said.
- By Karl Ritzler, for ajcjobs. Got an interesting job that you love? E-mail your story to jobseditor@ajc.com.
